By John Crowder

On Tuesday night, September 16, 2014, proponents of Measure O, a proposal to place a tax on residential landlords in the city of Antioch, clearly dominated their opponents in an election forum cosponsored by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and the Antioch Herald.

Speaking in favor of the measure were former Antioch mayor Don Freitas, chairman of Antioch Residents for Fairness-Yes on Measure O, and local Realtor Mark Jordan. Representing the opposition were Alex Aliferis, Executive Director, Contra Costa Taxpayers Association, and Wayne Cook, a longtime Antioch resident and senior citizen.

During opening statements, each side framed their case. Freitas explained that the idea for the tax originated with a citizen’s group, the Friday Morning Breakfast Club (FMBC), and that its purpose was to provide a stable source of revenue for the city. Speaking for the opposition, Cook characterized it as an unfair assessment that would place fixed-income seniors in jeopardy.

The format for the debate had two panelists, Dr. Sean Wright, CEO of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and Allen Payton, Publisher of the Antioch Herald, asking questions of the two sides. Questions taken from the audience and submitted on cards were also worked into the debate by the panelists. Paul Burgarino of the County Elections Department was the Moderator.

The questions began with Wright asking the proponents how the fee structure was determined, and how much money the tax was expected to generate for the city. Jordan responded that the fees were compromise numbers, worked out between FMBC and city staff. Aliferis said the city council “claims” it will raise $2.1 million.

Participants were questioned by Payton as to how the money would be spent. Aliferis stated that the money would go to the general fund, and there was no guarantee of additional police officers. He said that, even with Measure C, the city had not gained any additional police presence. Freitas said that, while 20 additional officers had been hired, because of retirements and attrition, the number of new officers was low. Even so, he pointed out that the city council was keeping their commitment to spend 100% of Measure C money on police and code enforcement. He agreed that the money would go to the general fund, but emphasized that the general fund includes money for police officer salaries.

Referencing their campaign literature, Payton asked the opponents of Measure O to name businesses who were on the record in opposition to the landlord tax. Unable to name any, Aliferis instead said that it would hurt seniors. This tactic did not work in his favor, however, as the audience (comprised mostly of seniors) expressed their displeasure with his response. It also opened the door for Freitas to produce statistics showing that most seniors in Antioch, about 75%, would feel no effect from the tax increase. Jordan was later able to build on this theme when he emphasized that rents are based on what the market will bear, and that landlords simply do not itemize expenses in establishing rental fees. The debate regarding the effect of the measure on seniors culminated with Freitas asking seniors in the audience who had been involved with writing the measure to stand, further emphasizing his point that seniors stood to benefit from the tax initiative because they would be getting a safer city.

Another question Payton raised was whether or not the city council had gone back on their word by putting the rental tax on the ballot after enlisting the support of apartment owners for the passage of Measure C last year. Freitas responded that if both measures had been on the ballot last year, they would have failed. He said that the understanding was always that the rental tax would be revisited. He went on to say that the FMBC had made many overtures to the apartment owners to reach a compromise, but they were unwilling to make any concessions regarding a tax.

Throughout the debate, it was apparent that Freitas and Jordan had prepared for the event; their talking points were well-rehearsed, and they had statistics to back up their positions. On the other hand, the opponents were frequently silent for long periods, and sometimes had little or no response to a question. When Freitas asked his opponents when they “would stop lying” in their campaign tactics, it appeared to take Cook off guard. Cook said that he would find out if someone on his side was lying, and, if so, put a stop to it.

The full debate will be shown on Comcast Local Cable Channel 24 and on the Antioch Chamber of Commerce website at www.AntiochChamber.com. The schedule will be published on the Antioch Herald website, www.antiochherald.com.

The topsail ketch Hawaiian Chieftain will open its 2014-2015 tour of California ports with a seven-day stay in Antioch. The two-masted tall ship specializes in living history education experiences for K-12 students, as well as sailing excursions and walk-on tours for the public.

On September 15, Hawaiian Chieftain sailed for the Antioch Marina, where it is offeroing public tours, excursions, and K-12 educational programs. Here’s the Antioch schedule:

9/16-19: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., walk-on tours. $3 donation per person requested.

9/20-21: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., walk-on tours. $3 donation per person requested.

9/20-21: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Adventure Sail, $43 all ages.

Tickets for all Oakland and Antioch excursions are available now. To purchase online, visit www.historicalseaport.org, or call 800-200-5239.

Space is still available for one-hour and three-hour educational programs in Antioch. Public schools with 40 percent or more of their students receiving free or reduced-price meals may be eligible for significant discounts. Educators, home-school groups, and youth group leaders interested in hands-on learning experiences for young people should contact Roxie Underwood, education programs manager, 800-200-5239, runderwood@historicalseaport.org.

Launched in 1988 in Lahaina, Hawaii, and originally designed for the cargo and passenger trade in the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Chieftain sailed out of Sausalito for several years before she was purchased by Aberdeen, Wash.-based Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority in 2004. Over the past ten years, the ship has spent the school year visiting numerous California ports, including the Bay Area ports of San Francisco, Oakland, Sausalito, Antioch, and Redwood City. After the Antioch visit, Hawaiian Chieftain will sail to Sacramento, where she will spend nearly three months delivering her popular education programs to school children.

The Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) public development authority based in Aberdeen, Wash. that owns and operates the tall ships Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington, the Official Ship of the State of Washington. GHHSA provides educational, vocational, recreational and ambassadorial activities and experiences that promote and preserve the maritime history of Grays Harbor, the Pacific Northwest, and our nation while serving the needs of the community.

Measure O, placed on the November ballot by an unanimous vote of the Antioch City Council, will levy annual business license fees on residential rental units of $250 for houses and $150 for apartments. The measure also will increase the minimum annual license fee for other businesses to $100 except for home-based small businesses, which will remain at $25. It is estimated the measure will increase Antioch revenues by $2.4 millon annually for restoration of City services.

The Friday Morning Breakfast Club citizens group has established a campaign committee, Residents for Fairness – Yes Measure O, to alert residents of the need and benefits of Measure O. The committee members have written a number of informational letters to local newspapers and will be posting signs about town and distributing brochures and mailers.

Opponents of Measure O have chosen to wage a campaign of misinformation to confuse voters and convince them to vote against the measure. They are well funded with indications they plan to spend between $50,000 and $100,000 to defeat the measure. The opponents are primarily residential landlords, many of which are large businesses located outside of Antioch, represented by the “California Apartment Association – Contra Costa Division” (CAA). They failed to reach agreement on the provisions of Measure O in a number of joint meetings with the City Staff, the Friday Morning Breakfast Club (FMBC), and other groups in 2013 and 2014. They are now attacking the ballot measure in an all-out effort to defeat it at the polls, claiming to be allied with seniors, homeowners and business owners. They falsely assert these groups will be substantially harmed if the measure passes.

The facts are that homeowners, including seniors and business owners not in the residential rental business would not be affected in any way if Measure O passes. Also, senior group housing and care facilities would be exempted from any fees under Measure O. Seniors living in rental housing that is not exempt could experience a minor increase in rent if Measure O fees are passed through by their landlords. However, most seniors own their homes rather than rent. Many others live with family members or in exempt senior housing, nursing homes, and other exempt care facilities. Therefore, the number of seniors affected at all by Measure O is believed to be only a very small fraction of all seniors.

The CAA and their allies have hired Media Associates, a high profile political campaign consultant from Sacramento to lead their campaign against Measure O. They have a reputation for winning at all costs – the truth be darned. Already the consultant has conducted a telephone survey of Antioch residents asking a series of questions designed to subtly convince people to vote no on O. Their callers do not identify who they represent and promptly hang-up when confronted by a knowledgeable resident in favor of Measure O. Media Associates’ President, Kevin Reikes, is scheduled as Guest Speaker to address Measure O at the September 26, 2014, Board Meeting of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association in Concord. Members of the Yes Measure O committee plan to be there to refute any misstatement of the facts.

It is obvious why the CAA opposes Measure O; they don’t want to pay the new fees out of their profits or, in the alternative, to pass through the additional expenses to their tenants. However, it is observed that even if 100 percent of the fees are passed on, the impact on rents will be small, only $12.50 per month for apartments, and $20.83 monthly for single family houses. This would be only about a one percent increase of average rental rates. The fees will be a minor increase in business expenses that are tax deductible for the landlords, thereby reducing the impact on their profits.

The Yes on Measure O committee has minimal funds coming, so far from out-of pocket contributions by the committee members who want to do what is in the best interest of saving our community from crime, blight and bankruptcy. Your contributions are needed to help pay for large 4’ x 8’ signs, yard signs, brochures, mailers, and postage. This is truly a grass-roots effort by citizens, and no contribution is too small. Just $10 will buy five additional yard signs, but please give more if you can. Checks should be made out to “Residents for Fairness – Yes Measure O,” and mailed to 3036 South Apple Court, Antioch, CA, 94509. A website will soon be available to also make contributions online.
I urge all Antioch citizens to register and vote yes for Measure O.

Larry L. Harrison

Member, Residents for Fairness, Yes Measure O campaign committee

Antioch Police introduce new phone app

By John Crowder

At the two most recent Antioch city council meetings issues of code enforcement and police matters continued to dominate in public comments and presentations.

Code enforcement, particularly with respect to the feral cat problem, and trash dumping, were the focus of comments and concerns expressed by residents at the August 26th council meeting. At the September 9th meeting, the use of social media by the Antioch Police Department (APD) was the main topic.

At the last council meeting in August, six people addressed the council regarding enforcement of the ban on feeding feral cats on public property. Their attendance at the meeting was prompted by the citing of a volunteer, Ray Zeeb, a 35-year resident of Antioch, who has, along with others, been feeding the feral cats for some time. Zeeb complained that he was ticketed for the activity even though he had understood that the city had agreed to a moratorium on enforcement of the ordinance banning the feeding of feral cats for six months, beginning three months ago.

“I got the first ticket for feeding feral cats,” he said, as he held up the citation.

Karen Kops, president of Homeless Animals Response Program (HARP), an all-volunteer 501(c)3 animal welfare organization, also spoke about the citation. Kops stated that the volunteers had reached an agreement with the city to allow them to continue to feed the cats for 6 months. “We went into the trial period in good faith,” she stated, but said the ticket was given to Zeeb with no warning.

Kops said that the trap, neuter, and release (TNR) program they had implemented had been going on during the aforementioned trial period, and that approximately 80 cats had been spayed and neutered in that time. She said the real problem was people dumping cats in the area.

Kops also decried the discovery of a cat that had been severely burned and had to be euthanized, saying her organization, along with others, was offering a reward for information about the incident.

Kenneth Clark, a resident of Antioch since 1971, also spoke to the council, expressing his concern with the condition of Marchetti Park.

“I pick up trash in that park three to five times per week,” he said.

He went on to say that people were cutting the fence in order to create a shortcut to Hudson Court. He requested the council repair the fence and cut the shrubbery in the area, which he said was overgrown and provided cover for individuals cutting the fence.

Lori Cook, one of Antioch’s Citizens of the Year, recognized for her blight fighting activities, was also back before the council. She spoke about her latest crusade, the removal of clothing and other donation boxes from areas throughout the city. Cook talked about the many cleanups that she and her group, “Cleaning Up Antioch One House At A Time” had conducted. Cook has been advocating for the removal of the donation boxes because they are broken into and their contents strewn about the area, further contributing to the impression of Antioch as a dumping ground.

Finally, resident Sam Kashabi expressed concern that the city was preventing him from putting security on his two-acre property to stop dumping, prostitution, and homeless people from invading his land. He told the council that he wants to place on-site security there, but says the city won’t allow it.

“Even the city dumps there garbage on West Texas Street,” he said. “I’d like to have a permit to put somebody there.”

City Manager Steve Duran said he would meet with Kashabi to discuss the matter.

During the September 9th meeting, Police Captain Tammany Brooks illustrated a new method that has been implemented by the Antioch Police Department (APD) for interacting with the public. APD has now become the first law enforcement agency in Contra Costa County, and only the 15^th such agency in the state, to develop and implement a phone application, entitled Police Application for Public Notification, to connect with the department that can be downloaded onto any cell phone.

Captain Brooks said, “Since Chief Cantando took the helm of the department just over three years ago, one of his primary visions has been to improve the relationship between the police department and the community we serve.” He talked about APD utilizing social media as part of the outreach effort, and noted that APD has currently over 4500 friends on Facebook.

“Today I’m proud to unveil the next step in keeping the public connected with the Antioch Police Department…instead of telling you about it, I’d like to show you.” “I’m going to show you the Antioch Police Department Mobile Application for Smartphones. It’s available for free download through the Apple store, and through Google Play, and people can stay connected, wherever they are, through mobile access to news, crime maps, social media alerts, and more.”

Brooks went on to say that, with this application, you have the ability to file an online report, to submit a tip for a crime that has already occurred, to look at crime maps, and many other features, including a scanner and an alert function. Brooks also noted that no taxpayer money was spent developing the application, but that the money had come from asset forfeiture.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the city council will take place on Tuesday, September 23. Meetings are held in the City Council Chambers, 3rd and H Streets in downtown, starting at 7:00 p.m. or they can be viewed live at www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CityGov/citycouncilmeetings.htm.

The Antioch Rivertown Jamboree, in conjunction with the Delta Boat Racing Association is excited to showcase the Delta Thunder V-Gary Agopian Memorial Powerboat races, formally held in Isleton CA.

The event is at the New Antioch Marina on the weekend of October 4th & 5^th. Racing Action runs from 10am-4:00pm.

The race will be a Championship Race featuring the exciting 100 mph Cracker Box Power boats, Sport C boats, SST 45 and the fun to watch high horsepower outboard runabouts.

It will also feature a boat show with folks showing their prized boats as well as numerous water related informational booths.

Admission to this event is free, although donations, sponsorship and advertising spots in the race program guide are needed and welcomed.

Don’t miss this exciting event in historic downtown Antioch. Come out and cheer on your favorite racer.

For more information contact: Inland Marine 925-757-1714

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/DeltaThunderV

Website: www.inland-marine.com/DELTATHUNDER.html

By John Crowder

A brutal fight at Dallas Ranch Middle School last week between two 8th grade girls was caught on a student’s cell phone and the video made its way to the internet and to Bay Area news station KRON, channel 4, which has run several segments on the story.

In the video, (which can be viewed by clicking here) one of the girls gets the other down to the ground, and then uses her boot to smash her head into the concrete walkway. Other students can be seen on the video near the two fighters, using their cell phones to film the scuffle.

Since the story first aired, more parents have come forward complaining of fights occurring “every day” on the campus.

Dallas Ranch has a long history of violent incidents occurring on the campus. Last year, as reported in the Herald on different occasions, parents, students, and teachers addressed the Antioch School Board about violence at the school.

At the March 26th school board meeting, student Taylor Donaldson spoke about three P.E. teachers no longer teaching because of violent incidents.

“I’m afraid our school is turning into a disaster,” he said.

At the January 22nd school board meeting, several staff members from DRMS addressed the board with concerns about student violence. At that time, two P.E. teachers vowed not to return to the school as long as a student who had physically attacked one of them was allowed to remain on campus. Following this most recent incident, teachers at the school are once again speaking up, saying they are afraid to go to work, and that they are continuing to be physically attacked by students.

A former teacher’s assistant, Kathy Arroyo, was featured on one of the Channel 4 segments discussing a two-year old incident at the school where she says she tried to intervene in a fight between students. She ended up in the hospital with her back having to be fused together. In the news segment she laments, “nothing’s changed.” Speaking to parents, she said, “There is violence at that school, and they have a right to be concerned.”

In response to this most recent incident, DRMS Principal Ed Dacus states that the two students involved in the incident were disciplined, and that, due to the nature of the matter, the Antioch Police Department was involved.

“We were able to grab as many of the kid’s cell phones, and, trying to prevent this type of video getting out, because it does lead to cyberbullying,” he added.

Bob Sanchez, the school district’s Director of Student Support Services, also weighed in on the matter. He is quoted as saying that, in spite of the fight, Dallas Ranch is one of the best schools in the district. He also talked about steps being taken by the district to address the problem.

“We are in the process of getting people to come and train us on certain issues like this,” he said.

Dear Editor:

Measure O is an ordinance that will update the City of Antioch’s existing Business License Tax Ordinance. It will close the loophole that inadvertently allowed residential rental property landlords to not pay licensing fees.

I am a homeowner and a senior citizen and I’m writing to address the California Apartment Association’s (CAA) stated opposition to Measure O.  The CAA says; “Many senior citizens will ultimately be paying for the Measure O tax.”

That statement is untrue.  Many senior citizens will not be affected by this fee.  Most senior citizens are homeowners.  Sure, the fee will affect those seniors who are residential rental property landlords and some seniors who are renters of apartments or homes.  Their rent will be increased if the landlord adds the fee onto the rental rate.  The fee for landlords will be $20.83 per month for single family rental homes, or $12.83 per month, per unit in multi-family rental units.

Renters, homeowners, and businesses alike want increased police services and robust code enforcement.  This ordinance is an equitable solution, closing the loophole, and will require residential rental landlords be included in the business licensing structure.    

Voters: please support the Residential Rental Property Landlord Fee and vote YES on Measure O this November 2014.

Marie Livingston

Antioch

Jeremy Newberry, Aaron Miles head the class

By Steve Dulas

An All-Pro lineman and a World Series champion are among the 2014 class of inductees into the Antioch Legends Sports Hall of Fame.

Jeremy Newberry, an All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl selection, and Aaron Miles, who helped the St. Louis Cardinals win the 2006 World Series, lead a group of 14 individuals and one team to be honored as the eighth annual Hall of Fame class.

The induction will be celebrated with a dinner, on Saturday, October 11 at Lone Tree Golf and Events Center. The event begins with social hour at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 and the ceremony at 7. Tickets are $65 each and available from Antioch Sports Legends, P.O. Box 1033, Antioch, CA 94509. For more information, call Eddie Beaudin at 925-383-4979 or Tom Menasco at 925-325-3255.

Newberry, Antioch High, 1995, was All-East Bay and All-Northern California as a senior at Antioch High School after the 1994 season. He went on to be a three-year starter at center at Cal. The 49ers made him a second-round draft pick, and he went onto an 11-year NFL career.

Miles was the East Bay Player of the Year in 1995, batting .520 as he led the Antioch Panthers to a second straight North Coast Section baseball championship. Miles, a three-time All-East Bay selection at second base, played nine seasons in the major leagues. He retired with a .281 career batting average.

The rest of the Class of 2014 includes Manuel Bermudez, baseball; Stacey Johnson, basketball; Christina Conn and Stephen Sanchez, swimming and diving; Mark Butterfield, Mike Lucky and Cal Chaney, football; Dave Kirkpatrick, all-around athlete; Matt Hurd, track and field; John Rebstock, Coach; Brooks Golden, Community Leader; Casey Rhyan, wrestling; and the 1957 Antioch High golf team.

The Sports Legends Hall of Fame celebrates the athletic history of Antioch, from its days as a working town. Its strong allegiance to local sports teams helped produce a rich athletic tradition, nurturing the development of athletes such as Pro Football Hall of Famer Gino Marchetti, NFL All-Pro Duane Putnam, and major league baseball players Gene Rounsaville, Alex Sanchez, Jeff Pico and Miles.

These pro superstars, and 114 other distinguished hometown HOF athletes and eight championship teams, have now been permanently honored in a 2,500 square-foot museum display called the Antioch Sports Legends Hall, presented by the Antioch Historical Society.  Legends Hall formally opened Oct. 27, 2007.  A group of longtime residents and sports boosters has spent nearly nine years working on these dazzling displays, which features valuable memorabilia from the 1920s to the present, wall and video displays honoring current sports pros and the centerpiece of the exhibit, 15 framed placards with the biographies of the Class of 2014. “Sports Legends” inductees will be displayed Oct. 11. Hometown prep standouts from all high school sports and both genders are represented in a variety of different sports, along with coaches and community sports leaders. 

The rest of the class of 2014 includes:

Butterfield (Antioch, 1991) passed for 3,957 yards in three seasons at Antioch, with 28 TDs in his last two seasons, then went on to earn second-team All-Pac-10 at Stanford in 1995. He reached the NFL with the Chicago Bears.

Lucky (Antioch, 1994), an All-State tight end in 1993, caught 53 passes for 1,000 yards and 16 TDs in two years for Antioch and earned a scholarship to Arizona. A two-year starter for the Wildcats, he played four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys.

Chaney (Antioch, 1954), a two-way lineman, was selected Most Valuable Player of Antioch’s 1953 team, and earned All-Metro and All-Northern California honors, and was later named to the Antioch Ledgers’s All-Time Team from 1950-67.

Bermudez (Antioch, 1995), a pitcher, was 11-1 in 1995 with a career record of 39-9, and was a two-time All-East Bay selection. He went on to pitch 11 seasons in the minor leagues.

Johnson (Antioch, 1991) averaged 27 points a game, 11 times scoring 30 points or more, en route to 1991 East  Bay Player of the Year honors. She went on to play for Arizona State and Houston.   Conn (Antioch, 1993) won the 1993 NCS diving championship with a record score of 471.20 which stood for 20 years, and was a three-time High School All-America. Sanchez (Antioch, 1991) was a three-time High School All-America in the 500-yard freestyle and twice in the individual medley. His record time in the 1990 NCS individual medley final stood for seven years.

Kirkpatrick (Antioch, 1958) was first-team all-league in football and basketball, was second-team all-league in baseball, and also competed in the hurdles and the long jump for the track team.

Hurd (Antioch, 1996) still holds the school record for the high jump, 6 feet, 8 inches. Rebstock was a legendary fastpitch softball pitcher who later coached for 22 years at Antioch and Deer Valley, winning one NCS softball title.

Golden served the community for 29 years as a teacher, coach and administrator, was elected to the school board and volunteered in the community. Rhyan (Antioch, 1988) took third in the state and led the team with 20 pins during the Panthers’ run to the 1988 CIF State wrestling championship.

The 1957 Antioch High golf team went undefeated, beating seven-time champion Acalanes in the County Championship tournament.