Archive for July, 2013

Frazier, DeSaulnier vote to allow non-citizen poll workers for elections

Thursday, July 11th, 2013

By Allen Payton, Publisher

According to an article on Breitbart.com, on Monday, July 8, 2013, “the California State Senate passed legislation AB817 that would allow non-citizens to help voters when they cast their ballots. Assemblyman Rob Bonta, D-Alameda sponsored the bill, which would permit as many as five permanent residents who entered the U.S. legally to help voters at polling places.”

According to the LegiScan website, State Senator Mark DeSaulnier, who represents Antioch, voted in favor or the bill and when the State Assembly passed the bill on May 23, Assemblyman Jim Frazier, who also represents Antioch, voted in favor, as well.

It is illegal for non-citizens to vote in American elections.

Now the bill goes back to the Assembly for a final vote, with the changes made by the Senate.

To track the bill and for more information on the bill, click here.

Antioch can have both a larger regional park and Roddy Ranch

Tuesday, July 9th, 2013

Payton Perspective logoBy Allen Payton, Publisher

The Roddy property on Antioch’s southern border, and just outside of the city limits totals about 1,800 acres.

The portion inside the city limits and within the county voter-approved and Antioch voter-approved Urban Limit Line is about 700 acres and includes the current Roddy Ranch Golf Course, as well as 640 Antioch voter-approved homes in what was planned to be a gated, upscale community with large lots.

Antioch needs the Roddy project. I’ve been calling it the Blackhawk of Antioch since the beginning, because it can do for Antioch, what Blackhawk did for the San Ramon Valley, specifically, attract business owners and executives to the half-acre, $500,000 and up homes – who will bring their businesses to our area and employ our people.

Without Blackhawk, there wouldn’t be Bishop Ranch, where both AT&T and Chevron have their headquarters and many other businesses are located.

Look to the east at what Brentwood did. They have Applehill Estates, a private, gated, upscale community, plus the four Somerset senior housing communities, and now Trilogy, and I recently learned three other gated communities. Plus, they have two communities built around golf courses along Balfour Road. Those attracted people to their community who have money, who spend it locally and brought their businesses to town and created local jobs.

With 65% of the land in Contra Costa outside the Urban Limit Line already, why can’t the Regional Park District just buy the land that’s in the Roddy partnership and expand the park system there and leave the rest which is inside the line, inside Antioch’s city limits and we can still have the upscale community we need? We can have both.

The good news is, according to Jack Roddy, who I spoke with the day after the Park District Board’s vote, the park district purchase is not a 100% done deal. So, we still can have both. Antioch leaders need to help make it happen.

Another Relay for Life to benefit American Cancer Society to be held in Martinez July 27

Monday, July 8th, 2013

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PUBLISHER’s NOTE: Although we don’t usually promote events and activities outside of Antioch, supporting the American Cancer Society is always a good thing, no matter where their Relay for Life events are held.

Writer thanks BART management

Sunday, July 7th, 2013

Dear Editor:

I think last week’s strike by BART employees helped riders to experience the commitment and care the management has.

As a regular rider to and from work in SF, I was perplexed at first when the news of the greedy employees came to light but the management made life easier by providing free charter buses from Walnut Creek BART station and other stations. This act was great and I never missed work or got to work late during the five-day strike.

I also hope the greedy employees will be grateful to have job and one of them said he merely made $61,000 last year. How many people with Bachelor’s degree and hefty student loans make $61,000 a year? Such comments took away my sympathy, and besides, many of the station agents are just there for nothing because I have witnessed some rude attitudes from some.

Thank you BART management and please recruit new dependable employees within the 30-day window.

John Tanwani, Antioch

Letter writer thanks Councilman Tiscareno for his assistance

Sunday, July 7th, 2013

Dear Editor:

There are many heroes among us but you rarely have an opportunity to meet them and you rarely ever hear the stories of those that have for years committed themselves to serving others in various capacities in their local communities. Well, approximately 6 weeks ago, I was in a bind and I searched through my archives of namesakes to see if I could find the best person to help me. The person that ended up helping me was not the first on my list to call.

My dilemma: One day, I made an agreement with a youth that if he worked diligently to improve his behaviors that he could earn an object of his choice after a set amount of time. Well, he is a 49’ers fan and he decided that he wanted memorabilia from the 49’ers. I thought no problem, you obtained an object for another student from his favorite team, and you can do it again. I bargained with this student to try and change his mind for various other objects and he had his mind and heart set on something from the SF 49’ers from earlier decades. So, I went about the process the normal way and I made phone calls so that I could obtain the object of my student’s affection the same as I had done in the past. Well, hit a wall and I was stuck! Literally, stuck! Panic did not set in yet as I had not exhausted all of my contacts.

I was going about the task in the normal way of gathering donations that was easy for me. Mind you, I was becoming a pest to some but that did not bother me as I was determined to find the object…any object from the 49’ers. Meanwhile, I was reaching the 3rd month of the agreement and the student was losing faith that I would not come through. I reminded him to be positive, continue to work hard and to not give up on his dream object. He replied: “OK” but it was not a confident OK. A few times, he gave me permission to forget about it. I knew that this student had experienced many disappointments in his life and I was not going to become another disappointment to him so I continued my quest.

I had a Plan B, but I did not want to use it and I had an aha moment! I was in my office thinking and reflecting and this one individual popped in my head out of the blue. I informed the student that I think I know someone that might be able to help me. His face lit up and he became excited and he wanted to listen in while I contacted this individual. Of course, I returned him back to class and instead made a second promise (yikes!) to make the phone call. The student became skeptical again and I made my phone call in faith.

This individual that I called grew up in Antioch and has a long and consistent history of supporting youth and community events. I remember a few years ago seeing him at the City Council meetings, intently involved on major issues that concerned the Antioch community. I also remember all of the events for others that required cooks and organizers and he was there for that. Mostly, I am talking about a phone call that I made to him requesting 49’ers memorabilia for my student and he did not hesitate and he responded with: “I will check and call you tonight or tomorrow”. The next day I received a phone call asking when I could come and pick up the object. I was happy and excited! My endless searching would come to an end and my student would get his object and I would remain the same; a person that did not give up on the seemingly almost impossible task of keeping a promise.

Who is this person I am alluding to? It is Tony Tiscareno the citizen that was appointed to the City Council this year. He made one of my students very happy by supplying me with a 49’ers piece of memorabilia that he so freely gave to me from his collection without any hesitation or second thought.

So, I think that if you are not familiar with Mr. Tiscareno, please take the time to chat with him if possible at the next City Council meeting or at the next community event. After all, building individuality in a well cemented seat as a City Council official is no easy feat and I am hoping that when all is said and done that you will come to know Mr. Tiscareno, as I have, a trusted citizen, a good family man, a good friend and someone that is not just another nice guy. I know that Mr. Tiscareno will vote his convictions on the hard issues and be on the side of the people. You never know when you may have to ask someone for support and don’t be surprised if the answers don’t come from people that you have already reached out too. I really appreciate Tony Tiscareno for having a kind heart for youth. In my line of work saying “no” is needed and necessary but this time it was not an option. Thanks Tony!!

Debra Vinson, Antioch

Antioch celebrates July 4th with a big turn out in spite of the heat

Saturday, July 6th, 2013
VFW color guard leads off Antioch's 2013 July 4th parade on 2nd Street.

VFW color guard leads off Antioch’s 2013 July 4th parade on 2nd Street. photos by Allen Payton & Dan Rundall

By Veronica Carr

The Fourth of July arrived with a bang this year in downtown Antioch. Although temperatures reached a sweltering 107 degrees, many residents still came out for a day of food, family, and fireworks.

The event took nine months to plan and was mainly made possible by donations of all kinds made to the newly formed Celebrate Antioch Foundation. The largest donation came from NRG Energy and County Supervisor Federal Glover, which paid for the fireworks show. However, other companies and residents made contributions that ranged in size from as low as $4 to hundreds, even thousands of dollars.

Crowds line 2nd Street for Antioch's 2013 July 4th parade.

Crowds line 2nd Street for Antioch’s 2013 July 4th parade.

Organizers and residents said that without the generous donations, the fireworks show would not have been possible.

Even just a few months ago, I was still unsure if Antioch would have fireworks,” Dominic Morales said. “When I heard that they had received large donations and would be able to do the fireworks, I was grateful. The fireworks show is as much a part of Antioch’s history as anything else.”

The day is not just the celebration of America’s independence, it’s also the anniversary of the 1851 July 4th picnic at which the residents renamed the town from Smith’s Landing to Antioch. (A scene of that event can be seen in the mural on 2nd Street).

The day’s events kicked off at 4 p.m. with the city’s annual Car Show, held in front of City Hall, again this year. Proud car owners showed off their classic cars and hot rods to a crowd of appreciative on-lookers. Participants received trophies and were encouraged to drive in the parade, later that day.

Then at 5 p.m. the entertainment by Frank Rundall and DJ Throttle began, the Food Courts opened, and activities in the Kid’s Zone took place in Waldie Plaza where children enjoyed the bounce houses and slides with the purchase of a $5 wristband. A magician performed magic tricks that involved juggling fire for an astounded crowd of parents and children.

The parade on 2nd and 3rd Streets began at 7 p.m. and lasted for about an hour and a half. This year’s participants included the local VFW, Boys and Girls Scout troops, the fire and police departments, and many other local organizations. Several elected officials such as Glover, who was this year’s Grand Marshall, Assemblyman Jim Frazier and Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Mary Rocha rode in cars, waving to the crowds and passing out miniature flags and candy.

The biggest round of applause came when military veterans and their families rode and marched through the streets, waving the American flag.

East County Military Families salute during the July 4th parade.

East County Military Families salute during the July 4th parade.

 

Even though I’ve seen the parade countless times, it’s still nice to watch. You get to see all the floats and cars and people waving the American flag. It makes you feel very patriotic,” Paulina Ramirez said.

Around 9 p.m., residents began crowding the waterfront as the time for the fireworks to begin drew near. Many people had arrived early in the day to secure a good spot to view the fireworks while others arrived late and scrambled to find an available seat.

For Ray Allen, there seemed to be no better spot than the backyard of his house as it provided a perfect view of the waterfront.

“Every year, I invite my family over and we watch the fireworks from my backyard. It’s a great way to get the family together and we avoid the crowds,” he said.

Once the fireworks began, the crowd quieted and watched in awe as the night sky was lit up in shades of red, white, and blue with an accompanying soundtrack playing in the background. As the fireworks ended with a huge finale, and the crowds dispersed, many commented on their hopes to continue the tradition next year.

Cynthia & Walter Ruehlig aka Wonder Woman & Captain America participate in the July 4th parade.

Cynthia & Walter Ruehlig aka Wonder Woman & Captain America participate in the July 4th parade.

The Celebrate Antioch Foundation hopes that it will continue to receive donations from generous sponsors to continue the fireworks show. Not just for next year, but for years to come. For more information visit their website at www.AntiochJuly4th.com.

Council only places sales tax measure on November ballot; Harper, Rocha, Tiscareno switch vote on landlord tax

Saturday, July 6th, 2013

By James Ott

After a divisive vote and previous 4-0 votes in favor of both, Antioch leaders chose to only place one of two emergency tax measures, proposed to raise money for more police and code enforcement, on a special election ballot this November, during the city council meeting on Tuesday, June 25.

Although all of the council members initially supported both a half-cent sales tax measure and an annual business tax measure on landlords in the city, the council shot down the landlord tax after fears that political pressure from the California Apartment Association might cause one or both measures to fail when the public eventually votes.

The landlord business license tax was initially brought forth by a citizens group, known as the Friday Morning Breakfast Club who said they wanted to fix a loophole that currently allows out of town owners of multiple single family homes freedom to rake in rental money like a business without paying a business license tax like every other Antioch business.

They filed papers to gather signatures for an initiative. But, the council then agreed to take on the measure. Following meetings between members of the council, citizens group, city staff and representatives of the California Apartment Association, a compromise was reached.

Instead of a flat $20 per month per rental unit in Antioch, as it was written the tax measure would have charged owners of 1 to 25 single family rentals $240 per year, per home. The tax amount gradually decreased the more rentals one owns, so owning 26 to 50 rentals would have cost $120 per unit per year, 51 to 150 would cost $75 per unit per year and 150 rentals or more would be charged $50 per unit per year.

At the June 11 council meeting, the vote was 4-0 in favor of the landlord tax, with Councilman Gary Agopian absent. But the emergency measure required a unanimous vote of the city council, so, they had to wait until the June 25th meeting to place it on the November ballot.

But by then, with the failed vote by the council, it was too late for the citizens group to gather the necessary signatures to put their measure on the November ballot.

Hans Ho, a member of the citizens group and the leader of the ballot measure effort was upset with the council’s vote.

We have the Mayor making decisions based on the advice of his political consultant, instead of listening to the citizens of Antioch,” Ho said. “The Mayor told me Mary Jo Rossi, who ran his campaigns for council and mayor and is working on a fundraiser for Tiscareno, told him the landlord fee could hurt the sales tax measure.”

Another member of the citizens group, former Antioch Mayor Don Freitas said that the landlord tax would have been a permanent source of income for police, while the half-cent sales tax measure’s revenue would end after seven years if it is voted in by the public.

Theresa Karr, Executive Director of the California Apartment Association, (C.A.A.), said that while she and her organization support Antioch updating it’s nearly 50-year old tax code to tax landlords in the city, the proposed landlord business tax was unfair because it would charge the landlords, in the city, far more per year than most businesses would pay.

Freitas argued that the rental business is unique and brings in more people who all need city services so he said the extra cost is justified.

The rental business brings in people that have a need of municipal services – it’s unlike other businesses in our city – it brings a burden,” said Freitas. “And so for 47 years everyone has paid [a business license tax] except them, – that’s what is inequitable.”

Karr said that the measure would unfairly single out a particular group of people and added that her organization was, “prepared to fight the measure” and had “already started a legal challenge.”

If it had passed we definitely would have been prepared for a campaign to oppose it,” said Karr. “We probably would have done a grass roots campaign – once the tenants realized they could have the possibility of a rent increase they might vote no.”

The final council vote that downed the landlord tax measure was 2-3 after Council Members Monica Wilson and Gary Agopian voted for the landlord tax measure, while Mayor Wade Harper and Council Members Mary Rocha and Tony Tiscareno voted against it. Because the measure needed a unanimous vote to reach the ballot, even one dissenting vote would have stopped the measure in it’s tracks.

In addition to the opposition from the C.A.A., Mayor Harper said he felt the odds were already stacked against the landlord tax measure because the polling that the city did recently showed that it likely would not have received enough votes to become law.

I really feel that the measure will not pass,” said Harper before submitting his dissenting vote. “I believe the landlord rental tax will fail and negatively impact the sales tax measure.”

He added that he felt the C.A.A. was “unbending” and did not try to work with the city and the citizens group hard enough to get a landlord tax that everyone could agree on.

Harper’s fear that opposition to the landlord tax might mean failure for the half-cent sales tax measure was echoed by Rocha who was a member of the city council in 2010 when a similar half-cent sales tax measure failed to garner enough public votes to pass.

We’re facing a group of people [the C.A.A.] that could give us a problem with the half cent sales tax or a legal problem,” said Rocha. “We don’t need any opposition. We can’t take the chance to mess up again.”

Supporters like Agopian said that he felt there was enough public support for the landlord tax measure to pass and that the city should give both measures a chance because the money is sorely needed by Antioch.

Antioch City Manager Jim Jakel has repeatedly stated the city is in dire need of immediate income, especially if it is to hire police and code enforcement to combat a plague of crime and blight that has struck the city in recent years.

The two measures were originally proposed as a way to generate the $6.8 million dollars a year needed to fund the 126 sworn officers the city had prior to the recession. If it passes, the half-cent tax will only generate $4.2 to $4.7 million dollars, said Jakel, while the now defeated landlord tax could have generated at least an additional $2.5 million dollars a year if it had passed.

The Antioch City Council, the C.A.A. and the Friday Morning Breakfast Club have all stated their willingness to work together to give a future iteration of the landlord business tax a chance to appear on the November, 2014 ballot, where voters may decide the measure’s ultimate fate.

Publisher Allen Payton contributed to this story.

Antioch Free Saturday Summer Concert Series starts this Saturday

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2013
SpeCialRequest

SpeCialRequest

Get ready for music in downtown Antioch every Saturday in July & August, from 6-8 PM, in Waldie Plaza. The Free Saturday Summer Concert Series produced by the Arts & Cultural Foundation of Antioch, will begin again on July 6th and features SpeCial Request. The series would not be possible without major funding from The Lesher Foundation. Additional sponsors are the City of Antioch, East County Times, Antioch Friendship Home, Clay Millias & Co, LLP and the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.

Tuck & Roll

Tuck & Roll

The lineup for the remaining dates are: July 13th, Tuck & Roll (Best music from the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s); July 20th, Vocal Ease & The Boogie Men (Nostalgic Music of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s); July 27th, Rodeo House (Country Rock); August 3rd, Floorshakers (Funk Soul, Rock n Roll); August 10th: Project 4 (Top 40 & Pop); August 17th, Del Soul (R & B, Soul), August 24th, Against Leo (High Energy Rockn’Roll, Blues) and the final concert on August 31st features Harvey & the Wall Bangers (Motown Classic, Modern Rock).

For more information visit www.art4antioch.org/summer_concerts.asp or call Diane Gibson-Gray at (925) 325-9897.