Archive for September, 2014

Antioch man shot Thursday night, police investigating

Sunday, September 21st, 2014

By Acting Sergeant Wisecarver, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Thursday, September 18, 2014 at 11:06 p.m., Antioch Police Dispatch received a report of people fighting in the street, in the 2800 block of Mariposa Court, with shots fired. The caller advised that one subject had been shot and that all involved parties were leaving the area.

A few minutes later, Dispatch received a report of a major collision in the 600 block of Putnam Street. Upon arrival, the officers learned that a 38-year-old male was suffering from a single gunshot wound and crashed his vehicle as he attempted to drive himself to the hospital. The parked vehicles were unoccupied at the time.

The victim was transported to an area hospital by ambulance. He was treated for his injuries, which were determined to be non-life threatening.

This incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to contact the Antioch Police Dept. at (925)778-2441. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

County School Board candidates forum gets heated

Sunday, September 21st, 2014

By John Crowder

On Thursday night, September 18, 2014, candidates running for two seats on the Contra Costa County Board of Education (CCCBE) participated in a question and answer forum held at the Antioch City Council chambers. Present were all four candidates. Incumbent and retired school administrator Richard Asadoorian is facing challenger Mike Maxwell, a former teacher and local businessman, in the race for Area 4. Incumbent Cynthia Ruehlig, a non-profit administrator, is being challenged by educator Jeff Belle in the race for Area 5. Maxwell is a resident of Danville, while the rest of the candidates are from Antioch.

Paul Burgarino, formerly of the East County Times, and now serving as a Voter Education and Engagement Specialist with the Contra Costa County Election Division, served as moderator for the event. The two panelists asking questions were Allen Payton, publisher of the Antioch Herald, and Dr. Sean Wright, CEO of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.

Of the four debates held in Antioch last week, this one produced the most contentious moments, as Belle and Ruehlig challenged each other throughout the night.

Following opening statements and then in answer to the first question, posed by Wright, Asadoorian, Belle, and Ruehlig emphasized their public service credentials, and Maxwell his teaching experience and desire to help kids.

The second question of the night, posed by Payton, asked for the candidate’s views on charter schools in general, and the contentious Dozier-Libbey charter school petition in particular. The answers set the stage for the battle that would continue throughout the rest of the evening between Belle and Ruehlig.

All four candidates expressed at least some support for charter schools.

Maxwell said they were important, and a good asset to the community, but decided to forbear on the Dozier-Libbey question.

Asadoorian, while stating his support for Clayton Valley Charter School, said that he opposed the Dozier-Libbey petition because the school was, “not failing.” He characterized the teacher’s independent charter petition as an attempt to “kidnap” the school for a small number of teachers who were upset.

Ruehlig pointedly disagreed with Asadoorian, taking the position that the Charter School Act of 1992, the applicable state law relating to the formation of charter schools, required the approval of the petition since, “ it met all of the legal requirements.”

Belle stated that he opposed the Dozier-Libbey petition, while at the same time expressing support for the idea of charter schools. “But,” he said, “you can’t do this in the middle of the night. That’s a form of tyranny. We cannot abandon public schools, especially for private schools. They’re public schools, but charters are a lot different.”

Following Belle’s statements, Ruehlig immediately exercised her prerogative for a rebuttal. She referred again to the Charter School Act, emphasizing it was the duty of the board to follow the law when confronted with such issues.

Belle then made his own passionate response to Ruehlig, saying, “Although the law may say something is right [doesn’t make it right].” He went on to say, “Before 1964, the law said hanging was right.”

Ruehlig, though, was not ready to back down, and told Belle, “If you don’t like the law, you can change it.” Bringing up a theme she would return to throughout the evening, that she believed Belle was unfamiliar with the role of the county education board, she said, “If you want to change the law, run for legislator.”

After this lengthy exchange, Wright asked the next question, seeking to learn what each candidate believed the county could do to assist Antioch schools in quelling the violence that has been so prevalent in the news lately.

The incumbents, Asadoorian and Ruehlig, while acknowledging the concern, emphasized the limitations placed on the county board with respect to local matters. Asadoorian said, “Our power is limited…we can’t delve into local politics.” Ruehlig, explaining the role that the county board has, said, “School violence must be addressed at the local level. We have fiscal oversight.” She went on to say that it was important to keep their hands off with respect to specific cases, due to the appellate role the county board serves in the expulsion appeal process.

Maxwell, acknowledging the limited role of the county board previously emphasized by Asadoorian, said he though the county could facilitate issues if they were asked for help.

Belle, though, took a different approach. “It doesn’t take intellect to see something is wrong,” he said. “The board can direct the Superintendent to do a very full performance assessment.”

The next question, asked by Payton, followed up on the responses the candidates had given regarding the issue of violence, by asking each of the participants to explain what they saw as the role of the county superintendent.

Three of the candidates, Asadoorian, Maxwell, and Ruehlig, emphasized the fiscal and budget responsibility of the board, while Ruehlig also spoke about upholding the education code and adjudicating certain issues, such as expulsion and charter school appeals. Belle again took a different position, noting that the board was “elected by the people, first of all,” and, while acknowledging the role of state law, said they should also focus on federal law. “State law does not trump federal law any day,” he said. Belle also spoke again about directing the superintendent, setting up another confrontation with Ruehlig, who said, “The superintendent is a constitutional position. The board works with the superintendent, not one over the other.”

Another point of contention was raised in a discussion of Common Core. Maxwell favored Common Core, saying, “Everything is good in moderation.” Asadoorian thought the controversy surrounding Common Core was due to it being misunderstood. “It’s not a [federal] government takeover,” he said. He went on to say, “It aligns with the kinds of standards that colleges want.” Ruehlig said the Common Core was a set of standards that established what the students should learn, but said that the teachers still determine how to teach.

Belle, however, took one of his most passionate stands of the evening, calling Common Core a “re-indoctrination of children.” In a statement provided by Belle in an email elaborating on his position, he said, “The authors of Common Core are wrong as to what constitutes college readiness.” He went on to characterize the program as, “A

nationalization of public education in America – an indoctrination of mindless information.” He concluded, “I’m not a supporter of Common Core.”

Although the debate was drawing to a close at this point, Ruehlig and Belle weren’t done challenging one another yet. Each candidate was permitted to ask a question of their opponent, and Ruehlig, in an attempt to paint Belle as unfamiliar with the education code, took advantage of the opportunity to ask Belle how AB97 (Dealing with the requirement that county and local boards annually adopt a Local Control Accountability Plan) effects the county office of education, and how he would mitigate those effects. Belle responded that it was, “the right thing to do philosophically, but wrong in budget.”

Belle then asked Ruehlig whether or not she currently sat on the board of a charter school. When she responded in the affirmative, he said, “Why wasn’t this made transparent during the Dozier-Libbey [charter school appeal?]” He went on to say it was a, “conflict of interest.”

Ruehlig, however, seemed to be prepared for the question, responding that she had, “Just last month” become a member of the Synergy board. She emphasized that she was not a member of the board during the Dozier-Libbey appeal, said that Synergy was a state charter, which meant there was no chance of a conflict of interest, and concluded by telling Belle, “You are misinformed.”

In asking for closing comments, Burgarino alluded to the contentious exchanges between Ruehlig and Belle, by saying, “Let’s start with the quiet side of the room,” as he asked for statements by Asadoorian and Maxwell first. Now, Asadoorian was able to get in a dig at his opponent, while at the same time highlighting the difference in their experience, when he said, referring to Maxwell, “If he doesn’t win, I hope he’ll start coming to our meetings to find out what we’re all about.”

Maxwell laughed it off though, then concluded by saying that he was very concerned about our kids and their education, and that the board, “needed a new face.”

Belle focused on a theme from his campaign literature, saying that our schools were at a critical mass, and that lack of safety amounted to a public health issue. “We need clear policy direction,” he said.

Ruehlig emphasized her knowledge of the education code and the role of the county board, then once again challenged her opponent in this area, saying it was important to ask if a person is “ready to serve, or just giving empty promises.” Referring to Belle, she asked, “Are you ready to serve?”

The complete forum can be seen on the Antioch Chamber of Commerce website at www.AntiochChamber.com and on Comcast Local Cable Channel 24 and at 10 p.m. on September 30 and October 2, 7, 9, 21 and 23.

Home of Dozier-Libbey teacher, leader in independent charter effort, attacked by gunfire

Sunday, September 21st, 2014

By John Crowder

At approximately 12:30 a.m. on September 11, the home of a Dozier-Libbey Medical High School teacher came under attack as, according to the victim, a lone gunman, standing in the street, fired 20 rounds at her house. Police picked up casings from a .45 caliber firearm.

The bullets penetrated the ground floor of the home and the garage, leaving large holes on the inside walls with some exiting an interior window. Several bullet holes can clearly be seen on both the outside and inside of the residence.

The teacher was the only one home at the time, but was not injured during the incident.

Antioch police are investigating the matter. No arrests have yet been made.

Antioch School Board candidates challenge incumbents on Dozier-Libbey, violence, budget issues at forum

Sunday, September 21st, 2014
Debra Vinson speaks during the Antioch School Board candidate forum, Thursday, September 18, 2014.

Debra Vinson speaks during the Antioch School Board candidate forum, Thursday, September 18, 2014.

By John Crowder

On Thursday night, September 18, 2014, candidates running for the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) board participated in a question and answer forum held at the Antioch City Council chambers. Present were all four candidates, incumbents Gary Hack and Joy Motts, and challengers Walter Ruehlig and Debra Vinson.

Paul Burgarino, formerly of the Contra Costa Times, and now serving as a Voter Education and Engagement Specialist with the Contra Costa County Election Division, served as moderator for the event. The two panelists asking questions were Allen Payton, publisher of the Antioch Herald, and Dr. Sean Wright, CEO of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.

As illustrated by the closing statements of Motts and Ruehlig, voters are being given a clear choice between the challengers and the incumbents when they go to the polls this fall. Following Ruehlig’s closing statement, wherein he listed what he considers a series of problems created by the missteps of the current leadership, including lower test scores, deficit spending, lawsuits being filed, violent behavior by students, and teachers threatening to leave the district over lack of support, Motts defended current board policies. “In spite of some of the comments,” she said, “I think we are headed in the right direction.”

The forum began with each of the candidates providing opening statements. Each spoke about his or her background, and why they felt qualified to lead the school district.

Motts said that she was a lifelong resident of Antioch, and the daughter of a former trustee of the school board. She noted her work with the Celebrate Antioch Foundation and the Rivertown Preservation Society. She said that, during her tenure, “We went in a great direction…we’ve done what we need to change the dynamic, to bring excellence [to the school district.]”

Ruehlig also talked about his background, noting his time as a vocational counselor and his former service on the school board. Emphasizing fiscal responsibility, he said that when he last served on the school board, he joined the board at a time when the school district had been placed on the state “watch list” due to a $3 million accounting error, and that he left it with $27 million in reserves. He also said that he had brought more choice for parents with 3 charter schools and 5 linked-pathway academies during his tenure.

Hack noted that he was a long-time resident of Antioch, and had been a teacher and school leader for 45 years. He said that leadership means engaging the community, and emphasized the importance of listening to the needs of students and the expectations of parents.

Vinson stated that she had lived in Antioch for close to 15 years, and had spent her career guiding children. She said that she was a board certified counselor, and, if elected, would be the only board member with that experience. She stressed the importance of developing interests, a “career identity,” at an early age, and said that schools should be linked to careers.

Wright asked the candidates what they considered to be the most pressing problem facing AUSD, and how they would solve it.

All four candidates mentioned school violence as a problem. Ruehlig tied the issue to academic achievement, saying, “You can’t have constructive education without control. Vinson was particularly forceful in addressing the question of violence, noting the recent videos of school violence at Dallas Ranch Middle School that have been shown repeatedly on the news, and saying that “teachers feel unsafe.” Motts emphasized, “underfunding of public education,” but went on to say that you, “have a hard time getting academic achievement if students feel unsafe.” Hack listed violence as one of “multiple issues.”

Payton followed up with a question asking how each candidate would handle discipline problems and put the teacher back in control of the classroom.

Here, a clear difference emerged between the challengers and the incumbents. Vinson said that teachers, “don’t have control of the classroom,” and that, “students need to learn empathy.” Ruehlig followed suit, listing numerous problems currently occurring, including, “throwing [substitute teachers] into the classroom, lack of classroom management training, tardiness, and use of cell phones in class, among other things. He suggested that students should face on-campus suspensions, segregated from their peers, rather than be given a day off for bad behavior.

The incumbents took a different tack. Hack stated that Black Diamond Middle School (BDMS) had problems, but that they had been resolved. He said that Deer Valley High School, “was much worse 10 years ago,” and that it was an, “ongoing process.” Motts said that she disagreed with Vinson’s assessment, and that AUSD had made significant progress with classroom management training and other programs, such as restorative justice.

Another question asked how well each candidate believed the district had handled the Dozier-Libbey charter school petition. Here, again, there was a stark contrast between the incumbents and the challengers.

Vinson said that AUSD leadership had handled the matter, “poorly,” and that the problem would have been avoided altogether if the administration had been exercising leadership and meeting with teachers. Ruehlig concurred, saying the matter had been “botched from the beginning,” and illustrated, “a massive failure to communicate.” He also denounced what he said was the, “uncalled for demonizing of the teachers,” a comment that garnered him applause from throughout the chamber. Vinson, in a follow-up comment, said that she “agreed” with Ruehlig, and that “there was some bullying going on [by AUSD].”

The incumbents, on the other hand, both blamed the Dozier-Libbey teaching staff for the problems. Motts said that a lack of communication from the teacher-petitioners had caused the divisiveness. Hack said that the teachers had acted, “in a clandestine way,” and that, “We reacted because we don’t want [the school] to leave the district.”

The candidates were also asked about the deficit spending that has so dramatically reduced their reserves. Here, again, the challengers and incumbents saw things very differently.

Both Ruehlig and Vinson pointed to the millions of dollars in deficit spending that has been occurring in recent years as a serious problem. Vinson said that there had to be fiscal responsibility

On the other side, both incumbents defended their deficit spending, Motts stating, “We made a conscientious decision to avoid cutting services.” Hack followed up on this theme, saying, “We’ve been one of the few districts not to cut services.”

Other questions included the views of the candidates on Common Core, the televising of board meetings, helping ELL students, and more.

The debate ended, as noted earlier, on the same note on which it began, with the two incumbents, Hack and Motts, lauding current practices, while Ruehlig and Vinson decried numerous problems with current policy and called for a change in direction.

The complete forum can be seen on the Antioch Chamber of Commerce website at www.AntiochChamber.com and on Comcast Local Cable 24 at 9:00 p.m., September 30 and October 2, 7, 9, 21 and 23.

Antioch School Board hears report of improvements at Black Diamond Middle School

Sunday, September 21st, 2014

By John Crowder

A presentation made by the principal, staff members, parents, volunteers, and students from Black Diamond Middle School (BDMS) at the September 10 meeting of the Antioch School Board, painted a picture of the school that was significantly different from what these same groups had been saying last year. Unlike prior meetings, when complaints of out-of-control violence dominated board sessions, the message this time was one of support for the new leadership on the campus and optimism for the future.

This year a new administrative team took over at BDMS. Phyllis James has come on board from Vallejo as the new principal. Vice principals are Ken Daniels and Denise Pesmark.

New Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO) Chairwoman Francis Spijker and Vice Chairman Frank DeLuna were among those who spoke about the positive changes seen on the campus. They said that the PTSO already had 150 members, and they invited the board members to join as well. They mentioned several programs being implemented by their group, including family movie nights, a science fair, and a uniform closet, where those parents who considered buying uniforms a financial burden, could stop by and pick up a starter set of uniforms at no cost.

At a two-hour visit to the school last week, many of the positive sentiments expressed by those attending the board meeting were borne out. Representing the Antioch Herald, I was given complete access to the school on Monday morning, September 15, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30.

Accompanied by Leif Utler, a young, 8th grade English teacher with boundless enthusiasm for the work he is doing, I saw how the school handled the morning uniform inspection, was able to see office staff interacting with students and parents, observed class changes and security staff, and visited three classrooms, the cafeteria, the library, and the ‘opportunity school.’

One of the first things you notice is that most, but not all, of the students on the campus of over 600 were in school uniforms. To date, 84 students have had their parents submit requests to opt out of wearing the uniform. Of those, two were approved by James, and the rest forwarded to the district’s administration for appeal. Two of those appeals have so far been granted, and the other 80 are awaiting decision.

Another thing that stands out is the cleanliness of the campus. Last year, an independent consultant, Dr. John Bernard, had specifically cited the deteriorated condition of the physical site as a problem. This year, there is no trash to be seen. One of the reasons for this, according to James, is that students are no longer permitted to take food from the cafeteria.

The three classes visited were Algebra I, English, and physical science. In each of the classes, students were, for the most part, listening to the instructor and following directions. While in two of the classes, a few of the students were interacting with each other and otherwise distracted, overall, the classes were well-controlled, and the minor distractions were no more than one would anticipate, indeed probably less than one would anticipate, from a large group of middle school students.

Although some staff members that I talked with expressed nervousness about speaking their minds, all ultimately did so, at the encouragement of Utler. All of them were supportive of the new on-site administration, but some expressed worry that “downtown” would not support the efforts that were being made to improve the learning environment.

Of particular concern was whether or not AUSD officials would support the uniform policy and support efforts underway to ensure that disrespect toward teachers and staff was stopped. Specific problems cited included some students pushing past the lone cafeteria lady trying to prevent them from walking out with food after breakfast when, apparently, there is no security or other staff available to assist them.

That being said, the overall view of the school from staff and the PTSO leadership remains positive. In a subsequent interview, Spijker said, “I appreciate the school board for giving us this great new administration. I call them our ‘dream team.’ I’d like to see the board back the decisions, the changes that our administration is making, including the uniform policy. And, support disciplinary actions that the school administration should take with some troubled kids. Parents want to see more expulsions [for chronic bad behavior.] According to James, a half dozen fights have occurred on the campus this year so far, only two of which she characterized as “serious.”

The next meeting of the school board takes place on Wednesday, September 24, at the School Services Building, 510 G Street. Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.

Writer addresses letter to Mayor and Council Members about crime in Antioch

Wednesday, September 17th, 2014

Posted on Facebook – Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Your Honorable Mayor and City Council members:

I write to you to implore you to make take immediate action regarding the violence in the City of Antioch. No doubt you are aware of the problems being dealt with by the Antioch Police Department on a daily basis. I also realize that they have enlisted the assistance of various law enforcement agencies in carrying out an aggressive effort to rid our city of criminals. In part, this has been successful and the numbers associated with these efforts has been significant. However, common logic dictates that the “tiny percentage” that you point out Mr. Mayor has either grossly underestimated or we happen to have acquired the worst-shooting, yet smartest criminals in the world since they have continuously been capable of holding this community hostage, burglarized all hours of the day/night, stopped traffic and brought business down to their knees at Deer Valley Plaza and changed the shopping habits of consumers at the same time.

Today again, another afternoon of insanity at Deer Valley Plaza. Yesterday was even worse, the crowd number around 100. Today it was smaller groups and Taco Bell and McDonald’s have shut their dining room for 1.5 to 2 hours after school let’s out. There was a significant police presence at DVHS and the area surrounding it. Of course there were fights at Deer Valley High School (tennis courts and parking lot), Deer Valley Plaza (Baskin-Robbins, etc.), across Lone Tree from the Chevron station, Burger King, as well as Country Hills & Hillcrest.

These types of incidents have a detrimental, far-reaching effect on the businesses, customers, traffic, reputation of the City, etc. If the businesses feel compelled for the safety of their personnel and premises, which Taco Bell and McDonald’s have both done, that is a loss of revenue to the business, that equates to the loss of revenue to the City of Antioch. The bad reputation has a direct effect on the housing prices and an unwillingness to move to a city that is the 4th worst city in the San Francisco Bay Area to live in. At this rate, more businesses will limit availability and even more businesses will end up closing. More revenues will be lost.

Almost daily we are allocating much-needed resources to an activity that should have been handled by parents a very long time ago. There is a complete lack of respect for the business owners and consumers, there is no respect for the people driving in the area. There is no respect even for the people themselves, the ones who who are creating the problems.

This problem extends far beyond Deer Valley Plaza. Daily you have the Antioch Police Department responding to 459 residential burglaries by juveniles, stolen vehicles by juveniles, armed robberies by juveniles. This list goes on and on. The same types of incidents include the young adult age group as well as adults. The calls for service is increasing on a weekly basis. We are now unaffectionate known as Grand Theft Antioch! Not too mention other no so flattering names.

Mr. Mayor, you reminded me that when you took on the position it wasn’t a full time job. That is quite apparent. However, part-time means less than full-time but it also entails having to get a job done at all costs. If not – GET OUT! You ran on a platform of, “zero tolerance”. You have been MIA when it came to addressing the violence and crime in the City until the people started yelling loud enough for you to realize something must be done. You did the Victory Outreach walk and then there was United Antioch on August 16th. Hello, is that it? Do you really believe you have supported and continue to support the Antioch Police Department? If you can honestly say yes then you have a transparency issue because nobody else is seeing it. If not – GET OUT!

Your leadership has a direct effect on the City Council. You action or inaction has a direct effect on the City Council. If you are hell bent about some feral cats and don’t appear to give a damn about the crime and violence in the city, well that is wrong – very wrong. I have pity for the feral cats but I have a tendency of cherishing human life more. Since you took office, again on the “zero tolerance” platform, how many people have died and how many shootings has there been? But feral cats were so important. Prove me wrong or GET OUT!

You and your hand picked City Manager tried to ramrod the Downtown East Transit Oriented Residential Development project through when you had gained even more control over the City Council and fortunately Mary Rocha delayed that, however, who could foresee the date changed to the end of October, just in time to have the new City Council vote on it. She did try, but it was evident you wanted to wait even longer. Transparency is one thing, but when your hand picked City Manager can’t even give one example of the three other city owned properties to potentially be used for the new Senior Center – AFTER BEING ASKED THREE TIMES, then that was truly transparent – we saw right through that sham. Actually, we didn’t we never got the answer on whether it would be Senior Center AND Community Center.

Let’s not be distracted by the City-Owned Restaurant Space. That too is another revenue producer that won’t do much good if people won’t put a foot inside the Antioch city limits. The priorities are all screwed up. Not that we should not be mindful of the ETORD Project or the CORS Project – we should. But is was obvious feral cats were more important than crime and violence. Now it’s two projects that are more important than crime and violence. When will THE important issue be addressed in a timely manner, that would be crime and violence? Address it, or GET OUT.

I have, on no less than 5 occasions demanded action in the form of emergency ordinances, declaring a state of emergency, get the reserves in here if necessary. It appears you will not take any action and we deserve better. We deserve to be heard. We deserve to know what actions you are planning to do. If we end up having to file bankruptcy due to your incompetence and inaction, trust me there will be repercussions.
A recall election is a long drawn out process. However, if that’s what it take, so be it.

Respectfully submitted,

Rich Buongiorno

Antioch Council candidates share views, ideas, experience during forum

Wednesday, September 17th, 2014

By John Crowder

On Tuesday night, September 16, 2014, five of the eight candidates running for the Antioch City Council met at the council chambers to take questions from panelists and residents on their plans for the City if elected. Although each candidate had the opportunity to question and rebut opponents, none did so, resulting in a debate largely devoid of contention.

With moderator Paul Burgarino, Voter Education and Engagement Specialist for Contra Costa County Election Division enforcing the ground rules, panelists Allen Payton, publisher of the Antioch Herald, and Dr. Sean Wright, CEO of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce took turns questioning the candidates.

Three candidates were absent from the proceedings. Jeffery Hall-Cottrell, Steven Bado and Lori Ogorchock, the latter two being out of town. Ogorchock sent a surrogate speaker, Bill Chapman, to fill in for her and to read both an opening and closing statement on her behalf. Those candidates attending were Karl Dietzel, Diane Gibson-Gray, Anthony Segovia, Lamar Thorpe, and currently appointed incumbent Tony Tiscareno.

Each candidate began with an opening statement. Chapman, speaking for Lori Ogorchock, noted her 40-year residence in Antioch. He emphasized her leadership skills and history of community service, including her work with Junior Diabetes, the Antioch Unified School District, City Park and fight against blight. Her priorities, he said, would be a revitalized downtown and fully staffed police force.

Lamar Thorpe talked about his experience on the Antioch Economic Development Commission and his current work in education. He related how he had to overcome adversity from the time he was born, in prison, to a mother addicted to crack. He said he joined the Navy after attempting community college, and being forced to leave because of his illiteracy. There, he said, he taught himself to read, and went on to graduate from George Washington University. His focus if elected, he said, would be job creation.

Diane Gibson-Gray said that she was a 50-plus year resident of Antioch. She listed numerous civic and other organizations in Antioch that she has been part of, including her current stint as a board member of the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD), her service as Executive Director of the Arts and Cultural Foundation of Antioch, and time spent on the Antioch Planning Commission. She said she would focus on three areas if elected: Public safety, fiscal responsibility, and economic development.

Tony Tiscareno noted that he had lived in Antioch for 45 years, and that he currently serves on the city council, having been appointed to fill Wade Harper’s seat when he was elected mayor. He said he was concerned that there were not enough recreational opportunities for young people in the city, and that having more for kids to do would help to reduce crime. He said he would take a hands-on approach to bringing volunteers together to work on reducing crime.

Anthony Segovia said that he was born and raised in Antioch, had been involved in broadcast journalism, and currently works in finance. His focus, if elected, would be on crime reduction, downtown redevelopment, and the budget.

Karl Dietzel said that he was a 65-year-old immigrant from Germany. He stated that he lived right in the middle of a the crime-ridden area of Sycamore. Emphasizing his independence, he said that he was not connected to any special interests, would truly represent the average citizen, and would focus on the budget, crime, and economic development.

Early in the forum, Payton asked the candidates what they had accomplished for Antioch. Gibson Gray answered first, saying that she had been involved in replacing the superintendent at AUSD, and, in her role as a board member for the school district, had decreased the amount of deficit spending each year and produced a balanced budget. She also discussed her many community service efforts.

Tiscareno mentioned his work coaching children in sports and his time on the city council.

Segovia said his experience did not compare with the other candidates, but that he did volunteer work and had been involved with youth football.

Dietzel emphasized that he had never held an elected office, but had done work to fight graffiti.

Thorpe stated that he had run Councilwoman Monica Wilson’s campaign, served on the Economic Development Commission, contributed to the “state party,” and was involved with the group ‘Parents Connected’ as a mentor.

Wright asked the candidates about their ideas for generating revenue for the city. In response, Tiscareno spoke about hiring new city manager Steve Duran and said there was a need to bring in more commercial, residential, and light industrial development. He also talked about bringing in a ferry and revitalizing the downtown.

Segovia said he would work with investors to come to the city, and would revitalize the downtown.

Dietzel noted that, according to a recent letter sent out by the city manager, we are in a “severe fiscal crisis.” He said Antioch is on the verge of bankruptcy, and that we need to have an Economic Development Director, set up a collections department, and privatize city investments that were losing money, such as Prewett Ranch, the animal shelter, and the golf course.

Thorpe said that passing Measure O would be a good step, but that the most important action would be to create jobs which would, in turn, generate more sales tax revenue.

Gibson-Gray also emphasized her support for Measure O, and spoke about needing regional development, and perhaps more large retail units.

In response to a question from Burgarino, all candidates expressed their support for Measure O.

A question from the floor asked what the candidates considered the most significant problem facing Antioch, and what they would do to solve it. In response, Thorpe referenced jobs, while the other candidates all focused on crime.

Another question noted that police services are currently 73% of the city budget, and asked how they planned to handle negotiations with the police department when their contract came up for review. Gibson-Gray and Segovia both said there was a need for concessions on the part of the department. (According to the city finance department, the cost of a police officer is now about $200,000 per year.) Tiscareno said it was best left to the negotiating team, while Thorpe emphasized the need to retain good quality officers, stating there could be no compromise on that. Dietzel spoke about getting Measure O in place, and said we need to buy locally.

Other areas covered during the session included homelessness, illegal dumping, dealing with feral cats, relating to a diverse community, and more.

The complete forum can be seen on Comcast Local Cable Channel 24 and on the Antioch Chamber of Commerce website at www.AntiochChamber.com. The schedule will be posted on the Antioch Herald website, www.antiochherald.com.

Letter writer wants Antioch Council to revitalize downtown

Wednesday, September 17th, 2014

Dear Editor:

The City of Antioch lacks a thriving economic community. New local businesses are needed in order to attract and satisfy both prospective and existing residents. Considering that our downtown is close to becoming a ghost town, I am particularly passionate about reviving this area.

In August 2006, according to the document entitled “Antioch Rivertown Waterfront Development,” found on the city’s website, our government also shared this same passion: “In order to revitalize downtown, a bold vision must be married with a developmental strategy. We envision the Downtown Village as the heart of town, a vibrant riverfront place to live and shop. Retail tenants, shops, cafes and restaurants will contribute to the goal of making downtown a highly attractive, vibrant destination.”

How exactly is it that this detailed vision for our city from 2006 is so far off from the current reality of our very un-lively downtown in 2014?

As a resident of Antioch and as an avid believer in our city’s potential, I urge our government officials to once again become passionate about restoring and revitalizing our downtown. Determination is needed in order for this vision to be fulfilled.

Taylor Pagan – 19 years old, Diablo Valley College student

Antioch