The “Budget Watchdogs Newsletter” slate mailer on which the mayor’s campaign paid for him to appear and make his claims.
City ran deficits three out of four years he’s been mayor and are projected to increase
By Allen D. Payton
In the slate mailer entitled, “Budget Watchdogs Newsletter” received by voters this past week, which Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe’s campaign paid for him to appear on, he claims to be “A fighter for fiscal responsibility” and “has delivered balanced budgets over the last four years and helped build a rainy day fund of over $63 million.”
The first claim has been determined to be false while the second is considered accurate. The mayor was twice asked about both of his claims, but he did not respond.
Rainy Day Fund – Accurate According to the City staff report for the General Fund Budget Stabilization Fund in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-25 Budget adopted by the council on June 13, 2023, “In fiscal year 2018, the City established a Budget Stabilization Fund to set aside monies for future budget variances, unexpected occurrences, emergencies and the like. General Fund reserves over 20% of unassigned fund balance were used to establish the fund and future General Fund unassigned reserves over 20% can be moved into this fund. Per City Council direction, beginning in fiscal year 2020, these funds will be used to pay the difference in the full Actuarial Determined Contribution for OPEB payments from the pay as you go costs currently made by the City to address the unfunded liability for OPEB.”
OPEB refers to Other Post-Employee Benefits for retirees.
When asked about the claim of the “rainy day fund” without mentioning who made it, City Finance Director Dawn Merchant responded, “I am not sure about the claim as we do not have a $63M rainy day fund. I can only assume that claim is adding the Stabilization Fund and General Fund reserves, however, again, I am not sure.”
She also shared, “As of 7/1/24, the Budget Stabilization Fund balance is $37,627,378.” On that same date, the General Fund reserves balance was $32,555,999. So, by adding the two the total was $70,183,377 which supports the mayor’s claim as accurate.
The City of Antioch’s General Fund Projections 6.11.24 presented to the City Council on that date. Source: City of Antioch Finance Department
Balanced Budgets Claim – False However, Hernandez-Thorpe’s claim he “has delivered balanced budgets over the last four years” is false. Because the budgets approved by the City Council for the current and past two of the four years during his term as mayor, have spent or are spending more than the City has been or is receiving in sales, property and other tax revenues. The budgets include the following deficits: $3,995,625 in FY2022-23. $5,343,928 in FY 2023-24; and $4,617,143 projected for the current, FY 2024-25.
That last amount is being covered by the Budget Stabilization Fund.
City Budget Projects Increasing Deficits In addition, according to the General Fund Projections for 2023-2028 presented to the city council on June 11, 2024, the General Fund is projected to run the following deficits: $12,995,259 in FY 2025-26; $13,561,074 in FY 2026-27; and $14,855,649 in FY 2027-28.
The first two are expected to be covered by transfers from the Budget Stabilization Fund, but it will only cover $1,253,902 in the third year of what could be Hernandez-Thorpe’s second term as mayor if he’s re-elected because that Fund will be depleted in FY 2028. That would result in a projected net deficit for the City of $13,601,748 by June 30, 2028, which would be covered by the General Fund reserve leaving it with an Ending Balance of just $17.4 million or 17.06% in reserves versus over 31% and 32% for the previous fiscal years.
The mayor faces two challengers in the campaign, former Antioch city manager, Ron Bernal and second-time candidate for mayor, Rakesh Christian.
The election is November 5th.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
47- and 20-year-old victims of 17th shooting in city since Sept. 3
By Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division
On October 19, 2024, at approximately 9:07 PM, Antioch police officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 2100 block of Peppertree Way. It was reported that at least one person suffered from a gunshot wound. Officers arrived on the scene and found a 47-year-old man suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Officers on scene performed first aid until they were relieved by paramedics. The man was transported to a hospital where he is listed in critical but stable condition.
A second victim, a 20-year-old man, arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound. Through the investigation, it was determined the second victim was on scene of the initial shooting. The 20-year-old victim is in stable condition and expected to survive.
This case is in the preliminary stages and the names of the parties involved are not being released at this time.
It is the 17th shooting in Antioch since Sept. 3, which have resulted in two deaths, and the 12th in the Sycamore corridor. That area and Cavallo Road are the two “hot spots” in the city that the mayor’s $500,000 Violence Reduction Initiative approved by the city council last month is focused. (See related article)
Male (left) and female (center and right) Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. By E.A. Goeldi, 1905
ByNola Woods, Public Affairs Director, Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District
Source: CCMVCD
The Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) confirms more of the invasive mosquito species Aedes aegypti have been found earlier this month at various locations in Antioch. This mosquito species, which has the common name, the Yellow Fever mosquito, is capable of transmitting Zika, dengue fever, Chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses. In response, the District will continue to perform more door-to-door inspections on Saturdays in the area bordered by Highway 4 to the north, Bluerock Drive to the south, Lone Tree Way to the west, and Deer Valley Road to the east.
The District first identified Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Antioch in late September, when they were collected during a backyard inspection. As additional trapping and inspections were conducted in the neighborhood, more invasive mosquitoes were found prompting the District to set mosquito traps throughout the area and conduct door-to-door inspections to determine how widespread the infestation is. During these inspections, we have found mosquito larvae (young mosquitoes) in common backyard items that can hold water, including potted plant saucers, buckets, wheelbarrows, fountains, and toys. As more adult and young mosquitoes are found, the District’s search area continues to expand.
Invasive mosquitoes location map. Source: CCMVCD
“The fact that we continue to find young and adult mosquitoes as we expand our search area suggests this mosquito population may have been in Antioch for at least several months. We will continue to conduct surveillance and inspections until the weather cools this year and mosquito activity becomes less likely,” said Steve Schutz, Ph.D., Scientific Programs Manager.
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are very small (about 1/4 inch), with black bodies and white stripes. They were first introduced to Southern California more than 10 years ago. Since then, they have moved from Southern California to Shasta County and are now established in 24 counties across the state. Because these mosquitoes lay sticky eggs above the water line in any size container that holds water, they can be transported to new areas easily and are often introduced through travel, particularly as people move from area to area and accidentally transport these mosquitoes in potted plants or other outdoor containers.
To reduce the risk of these mosquitoes, it is important that residents:
Dump out any amount of standing water.
Place liquid soap on a scrub brush, and scrub the now-empty bird baths, containers, outdoor pet dishes, garden pots, buckets, potted plant saucers, and anything else that can hold water outdoors to remove the stick eggs.
Report any day-biting mosquitoes by calling the District at (925) 685-9301 or online.
Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District, an independent special district and public health agency, is located at 155 Mason Circle in Concord.
Copy of Brentwood District 1 Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza’s re-election campaign mailer which included a photo with Con Fire Chaplain and Antioch Catholic Priest Robert Rien (see yellow circle).
Claims Jovita Mendoza won’t respond to request to “revoke the flyer”; ally of Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson
Editor,
I am writing to clarify the situation of a political flyer that has been distributed including a photograph of Jovita Mendoza and myself. In my position as a Priest of the Diocese of Oakland, the Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish of Antioch, and the Lead Chaplain for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, I am not allowed to support or endorse any candidate for public office nor give the impression that I do so. The flyer in question gives the impression that I do support Jovita Mendoza for public office, and it is not true. My consent and permission to make use of my photograph for that flyer was never sought or given.
More than a week ago, I sent her an email requesting that she revoke the flyer and clarify that she used my photograph with her fraudulently to suggest that as the fire chaplain (and possibly a priest) that I do in fact endorse and support her effort to win a seat on the Brentwood City Council. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I write to you today to make sure that my parishioners, the members of our diocese, and the citizens of East County that I have not
violated the directives given to me by both my Bishop and the Fire Chief. My hope is that this incident would give the citizens of Brentwood pause as to who this person really is and her disregard for ethics, professionalism, morality, and fitness for the position she seeks.
Father Robert Rien
Pastor
St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish
and
Lead Chaplain, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
By Chris Toler, Fire Captain, PIO, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Contra Costa Fire) is excited to announce the 2024 Contra Costa Fire Annual Open House. The media and community are welcome and encouraged to attend this family-friendly event to see Contra Costa Fire up close. Multiple live demonstrations are scheduled. The live demonstrations are designed to display many of the services provided by Contra Costa Fire. The public will also have access to fire engines, meet firefighters, learn how to be fire safe and have the opportunity to ask questions.
All attendees, please adhere to parking signage and instructions. Free parking for the event is being provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 2930 Treat Blvd. The church is located directly across the street from the training grounds.
About Con Fire – Contra Costa Fire provides fire and emergency medical services to more than 770,000 residents in 12 cities (Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, Oakley, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo and Walnut Creek) and 10 unincorporated areas across our expanded 553 square-mile jurisdiction. The District comprises 34 fire stations, 40 companies and more than 500 employees. Through our unique ambulance Alliance, the District delivers EMS and ambulance transport services to much of Contra Costa County. Contra Costa Fire remains dedicated to preserving life, property, and the environment.
Dominique King and Louie Rocha are both running for the first time for the Antioch City Council in District 2.
Over $34K raised since last November, Rocha started his campaign in July
Most of King’s funds are from unions, most of Rocha’s are from within Antioch
By Allen D. Payton
In the fundraising battle for the Antioch City Council District 2 race on the November ballot, with one month remaining as of Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Dominique King has raised $34,574 compared to $22,912.13 for Louie Rocha. King started her campaign in Sept. 2023 and received her first reportable contribution last November while Rocha didn’t form his campaign committee until July and received his first reportable contribution on August 21st.
King’s Campaign Cash
King’s campaign cash contributions were $11,755 for the period plus, an additional $4,700 reported after Sept. 21st using a required Form 497, for a total of $16,455 raised this year. The total includes $777 in loans from herself. On the Schedule B – Part 1, Loans Received page of her Form 460 King lists herself as “Columnist, Clayton Pioneer Newspaper,” not as the owner of Lean In With The Kings, the business for which her three ballot designations apply as her primary profession and source of income, including the controversial term “Educator”, as previously reported. Add in the $5,342 that she raised last year, and it brings King’s total received to $34,574, placing her in first in the fundraising battle of all five council candidates, including the three in District 3. (See related article)
The Antioch Parks and Recreation Commission Chair’s largest contributions were $5,860 from the International Brotherhood of Boilermaker Iron Ship Builders Blacksmith Forgers and Helpers Local 549 which exceeded the state maximum contribution limits for council candidates in cities with no local campaign finance limits, and the state Fair Political Practices Commissions’ (FPPC’s) Rules by $360. As such, she will have to return that amount to be in compliance.
Like Addison Peterson in the District 3 race, King received $2,500 from Sander Straus of Lafayette, listed as retired, but according to InfluenceWatch.org, he is a “mathematician and financial investment consultant who is a major donor to Democratic Party candidates and…a major contributor to progressive-left immigration, social policy, and environmental organizations;” $1,500 from Operating Engineers 3 District 20 of Concord, $1,200 from Northern California Carpenters Regional Council Power in Sacramento, $1,000 each from Contra Costa United Working Families of Oakland and U.A. (Plumbers-Steamfitters-Refrigeration Union) Local 342 in Concord, and $500 each from Plumbing Industry Consumer Protection Fund in Martinez and Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund in New York, NY, which is the political arm of Moms Demand Action, of which King is a local member.
Of the $14,560 reportable contributions received by King’s campaign, only $100 was from within Antioch, $2,900 was from outside, $11,060 was from unions and $500 from a Political Action Committee (PAC). She also received a total of $1,418 in contributions of less than $100 each.
King spent $12,268.20 during the period for a total of 19,951.90 this year. With the $210.14 spent last year that brings her total to $20,162.04 spent on King’s campaign through Sept. 21st.
Her campaign’s largest expenditures include $3,325.00 to Eldridge Political Partners in San Jose for professional services, covering her Treasurer Jordan Eldridge and Assistant Treasurer Vincent Hernandez, $2,500 to Iconic Strategies Inc. of Hayward for consulting, $1,688 to Budget Watchdogs and Voter Newsletter of Torrance and $918 to CA Slates in Long Beach all for slate mailers, $900 to Political Data Inc. of Norwalk, $772.86 to AABCO Printing of Concord and $750 to Borja Plus of San Leandro for walk piece design.
King, Eldridge and Hernandez were all asked about the International Brotherhood of Boilermaker’s contributions exceeding the limits, if she will have to return the $360 or if there is an exception for unions that are not apparent in the FPPC’s rules. They were also asked, if the rules do apply to unions, were they aware the second contribution received on August 22nd exceeded the limits, did the campaign “return…the portion in excess within 72 hours of receipt” as required and if they weren’t aware, did they return the $360 “within 14 days of receipt” to be in compliance.
The return of funds is not accounted for on King’s Form 460 for the period, so, they were asked if the amount does exceed the limits, will they now return the excess amount and submit a Form 460 Amendment.
Following no response from the candidate and her treasurers, the questions were then sent to King’s campaign consultant Crystal Araujo who responded, “Our treasurer has received your message and is looking into it. However, given the time of the season we need your patience.” Less than 30 minutes later Eldridge responded, “The contribution has already been refunded. It will show as such on next report.”
King had an Ending Cash Balance of $9,514.86 for the period. But with the additional $4,700 received after Sept. 21st and the return of the $360 that left her campaign with $13,854.86 remaining to spend. See King’s Form 460 0701-092124, Form 497 100124 and Form 497 100924
Rocha’s Receipts
King’s opponent, former Antioch High School principal, Louie Rocha received $17,912.13 during the period including $1,868.13 in nonmonetary contributions. He also received $5,000 after Sept. 21st for a total of $22,912.13 received during the campaign.
His largest contributions included the aforementioned $5,000 from Jessica Fernandez of Antioch, a Registered Nurse with Sutter Hospital, $3,000 from his mother Antioch School Board Trustee Mary Rocha’s campaign committee, $2,500 from Republic Services – Awin Management, Inc. of Phoenix, AZ, Antioch’s garbage company; $2,000 from former Antioch High track and field coach Michael Hurd of Antioch, listed as retired, in-kind contributions of $1,200 from My Legacy Matters, Inc. of Vallejo for postcards and $532.95 from Netbrands Media Corporation Houston, TX for yard signs; $500 from former Antioch High Athletic Director Steve Sanchez of Oakley, listed as retired and Earlene Lanter of Antioch, listed as self-employed with Jim Lanter, State Farm Insurance in Antioch. Rocha received $250 from City Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock’s 2022 re-election campaign committee and $150 from the councilwoman, as well as $250 from Don Freitas, both listed as retired.
Of the $17,647 raised in reportable contributions of $100 or more, he received $12,048 from within Antioch and $5,599 from outside the city. He received $897 total in contributions of less than $100 each.
The first-time candidate’s campaign spent $16,813.86 during the filing period and his largest expenditures were for $4,800 to Mesa Outdoor Billboard for Hwy 4 sign advertising, $3,712.52 to JB Services in Martinez for literature, $2,439.13 to My Legacy Matters, Inc. of Vallejo for signs and literature and $1,300 to Election Digest and Senior Advocate in Torrance, CA for slate mailers,
Rocha’s campaign had an Ending Cash Balance of $1,098.27 for the period plus, the $5,000 received on Oct. 15th leaving him with $6,097.27 remaining to spend. See Rocha’s Form 460 0701-092124 and Form 497 101524
Next Reports Due Oct. 24th
According to the California Secretary of State, the next reporting period ends on Oct. 19th and the candidates’ campaign committees must submit another Form 460 by Oct. 24th. All the campaign finance reports for mayor and city council candidates can be found on the City of Antioch Public Portal for Campaign Finance Disclosure.
The two AK-47’s including one fully loaded (top) and the Glock found in the suspects’ vehicle early Wednesday morning, Oct. 16, 2024. Photos: APD
Found with two AK-47s, one fully loaded, and Glock with extended magazine
By Antioch Police Department
On October 15th, at approximately 11:00 PM, the Pittsburg Police Departmentissued a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) for suspects involved in an armed robbery, reported to be carrying a handgun and an AK-47 rifle.
Around 1:30 AM on October 16th, Antioch PD responded to a disturbance in the parking lot of 320 W 20th Street. Officers encountered a white Chrysler 300 and observed a suspected controlled substance in the vehicle. During the investigation, two individuals were detained, and officers discovered a fully loaded AK-47 rifle and a Glock handgun with an extended magazine. Another AK-47 rifle was found in a backpack.
Pittsburg PD arrived and confirmed the suspects as those involved in the robbery and recovered the stolen necklace from the robbery. Pittsburg PD took custody of the suspects, their vehicle, and the firearms.
Thanks to outstanding police work, three dangerous weapons were taken off the streets!
