Archive for November, 2014

Schooner’s to hold Grand Reopening on Saturday, November 22

Thursday, November 20th, 2014

grandReopening-flyer-lettersize

Assemblywoman Bonilla announces bid for State Senate seat, Piepho won’t yet commit

Thursday, November 20th, 2014
Susan Bonilla

Susan Bonilla

Deputy Sheriffs, firefighters quickly endorse

By Allen Payton

On Tuesday, Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, a Democrat, announced her intention to enter the special election contest to succeed State Senator Mark DeSaulnier in California’s 7th State Senate district. A special election is expected to take place in early 2015 after DeSaulnier, who was elected to Congress this year, resigns the seat.

Bonilla currently represents California’s 14th State Assembly District, which had included Antioch until the 2011 redistricting, and has previously served as a Contra Costa County Supervisor and as the Mayor and a Council Member in Concord, the largest city in the State Senate district.

I’m running for Senate to continue working for Contra Costa and Alameda residents, families, and small business owners in the Legislature. Working with a broad, diverse coalition, I am proud of what we have accomplished; turning a historic budget deficit into a balanced budget with a rainy day fund; revitalizing our economy through job creation and economic development; and reinvesting in our schools. I will continue focusing on these efforts in the State Senate, building coalitions to deliver results for my constituents,” Bonilla said. “Senator DeSaulnier is an outstanding public servant who has set a high standard and will be a dynamic member of Congress. As I begin my campaign for State Senate, I will look to his example and continue his fight to improve our transportation system and protect our environment, while always putting middle-class and working families first.”

Bonilla had already planned to run for State Senate in 2016, but DeSaulnier’s election to Congress in the middle of his term moved up the schedule on her.

The process will be triggered by DeSaulnier’s resignation, which is expected before January 5, that day he is scheduled to take the oath of office as a new Congressman.

The governor will then have two weeks to announce the date of the election, which is expected to be in mid- to late-March for the Primary. In a special election a candidate wins if they receive a majority of votes. If not the top two candidates with the most votes in the Primary will face off in the General Election in June.

A state senate district includes roughly 800,000 people, which is larger than a Congressional seat and Senators are elected for four-year terms. With the new term limits, state legislators in California can serve a maximum of 12 years, regardless of whether they serve in the Assembly or State Senate. However, because Bonilla was elected before June 5, 2012 she is restricted by the previous term limits, approved in 1990, which limits legislators to three terms in the State Assembly and two terms in the State Senate. Since the election will be past the half-way point in DeSaulnier’s term, if elected, she will serve less than two years, allowing her two more full terms for a total of close to 10 years. The same would apply to fellow Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, also a Democrat, who is termed out this year, and is rumored to be considering a run for the Senate seat. She has not responded to phone calls about a possible run.

Another rumored candidate, Supervisor Mary Piepho, a Republican, did respond through her spokesperson Tomi Riley who only stated the following regarding a possible State Senate run: “Many people have encouraged Mary to consider it.”

The other Assembly Member in the area, Democrat Jim Frazier, has stated previously that he is not considering running in the special State Senate election.

According to her campaign’s press release, “Bonilla is a former high school teacher who has worked to invest in public education, strengthen neighborhood schools, and improve access to college and job-training programs for local students.” It further states “Bonilla balanced budgets by not spending what we don’t have, remaining committed to reducing our debt burden, while protecting vital services like education and public safety from drastic budget cuts.”

On Wednesday, the campaign also announced that both the Contra Costa Deputy Sheriffs Association and The United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County Local 1230 have endorsed Bonilla in the race.

Assemblywoman Bonilla is a proven leader who has a strong track record of supporting public safety,” said Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association President Ken Westermann. “As an Assemblymember, former mayor, and former Contra Costa County Supervisor, Susan Bonilla has been a key partner in keeping Contra Costa families safe. The Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association is happy to endorse Assemblywoman Bonilla for State Senate.”

Contra Costa families are kept safe by the dedicated service of our Deputy Sheriffs. In many of our communities, they are the front line of law enforcement and public safety,” Assemblywoman Bonilla said. “I’m honored to have the support of these brave men and women. In the State Senate, I will continue to fight diligently to ensure that they have the resources and support they need to keep our communities safe.”

The firefighters Local 1230 is the region’s largest firefighters association.

Assemblywoman Bonilla has consistently worked to support public safety and public safety workers. She is a proven leader who has worked tirelessly to ensure that we have the resources to keep Contra Costa families safe,” United Professional Fire Fighters of Contra Costa County President Vince Wells said. “We’re pleased that Assemblywoman Bonilla is running for State Senate and enthusiastically offer her our endorsement and support.”

Local1230 represents over 450 firefighters from four different districts and two cities including: Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, El Cerrito Fire Department, Moraga-Orina Fire District, Pinole Fire Department, and Rodeo-Hercules Fire District.

I’m deeply honored to have the support of Contra Costa County’s Professional Firefighters,” Assemblywoman Bonilla said. “These brave men and women keep our families and homes safe, while putting themselves at real risk. In the Senate I will continue to work to ensure that they always have the resources to keep our communities safe.”

As a former chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, the release states “Bonilla led the legislative effort to streamline education funding, giving local schools more control, made college more affordable for local students, and secured $1 billion for training and technology to prepare students to succeed in a job market that demands problem solving and critical thinking skills.”

Prior to serving in public office, she was an English teacher in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. She has a B.A. in English from Azusa Pacific University and teaching credentials from CSU Los Angeles. Bonilla lives in Concord with her husband, John. They have four daughters and three grandchildren.

State Senate District 7 includes the cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, Walnut Creek and Danville, and other communities in Contra Costa County, as well as Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton in Alameda County.

There are now two announced candidates in the race, including attorney Mark Meuser, a Republican.

To learn more or to sign up for updates for Bonilla’s campaign, please visit www.susanbonilla.com.

Gang member arrested, guns seized during Antioch SWAT operation Monday morning

Monday, November 17th, 2014

By Lieutenant Morefield, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

This morning, Monday, November 17, 2014 at approximately 6:15 AM, the Antioch Police Department SWAT Team assisted their Gang Unit with serving a High Risk Search Warrant at a residence in the 1100 block of D Street. All occupants of the home were detained without incident. During the subsequent search of the home, gang indicia and (2) firearms were located. One subject, a 16-year-old male, was arrested on scene for threats related to gang activity.

No further information will be released at this time.

Any further information or additional press releases will be provided by the Investigations Bureau at (925) 779-6939. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

Former Antioch couple celebrates 65th wedding anniversary

Friday, November 14th, 2014
Caye and Lou Carufel

Caye and Lou Carufel

Louis H. and Catherine M. Carufel (neé Viera) of Anchorage, Alaska, celebrated 65 years of marriage this week. They were married in Antioch, California on November 12, 1949, at the Holy Rosary Church, followed by a reception at the Riverview Club. Catherine, known as Caye, was born in Antioch, California and Louis, known as Louie, was born in Bismarck, North Dakota.

After a brief honeymoon in Yosemite National Park, Louie and Caye began their lifelong travels and adventures.

As a fisheries biologist, Louis advanced his career with state and federal positions in California, North Dakota, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Alaska. Caye worked both private and government sectors, and supported the family when Louis went back to college to earn his Masters Degree in Wildlife Management.

Along the way they raised five successful children (Louis III, Candace, Mark, Paul, David), lived on both coasts of the U.S., and traveled in Europe and Asia. Their children remain very close to their parents and claim that they have enjoyed an eventful and satisfying life.

Antioch residents share concerns, ideas at city plan update meeting

Thursday, November 13th, 2014

By Allen Payton

About 100 Antioch residents attended a meeting on Wednesday night, November 12, 2014 regarding the Downtown Specific Plan and City-wide General Plan Land Use and Zoning Ordinance Update. Some shared their concerns and offered ideas to the city’s staff and a consultant.

In a presentation by constultant Dick Loewke, he stated that “Home values in Antioch are only 60% of what they were before” the economic downturn. “But they are stabilizing and growing,” he added.

One area of housing that is currently not in the city’s housing mix is transit-oriented development, which includes densities of up to 30 to 40 units per acre. That is expected to occur around the new eBART Station at Hillcrest Avenue.

Also in his presentation, Loewke stated that high-density an medium-density housing won’t work in Antioch’s downtown, at least not in the next five years, because the cost of “construction is greater than the price structure.”

What is feasible,” he stated, “is single-family, compact housing on small lots…with common walls…of 12 to 14 units per acre. That will work in today’s market.”

He mentioned potential job sectors, such as the service industry, such as boat and RV repair and maintenance as areas the city could expand its economy, as well as restaurants. Also, administrative and medical jobs are areas of potential expansion.

Following the presentation, residents had the opportunity to speak and provide their input to the plan updates, but only to Loewke, his son and Mindy Gentry, the city’s Senior Planner in the Community Development Department. None of the council members were in attendance, nor City Manager Steve Duran. However, Lori Ogorchock, who was elected to the council, last week, did attend the meeting.

Clay Baskin shared his concerns about crime, that it can’t be ignored as a factor, and how the city has been talking about revitalizing downtown for 20 years.

Others shared that the emphasis shouldn’t be on more housing.

I would like the city to not plan for people who are not here,” one woman said. “Not just more housing.” She advocated for “waterfront recreation for all, not carpetbaggers.”

Another resident said the downtown businesses need to be open longer.

Jim Lanter, who owns an insurance agency located in downtown, said there needs to be more events, downtown to bring people to the area.

Former owner of Lamothe Cleaners, which had operated in Antioch since the 1950’s, Tom Lamothe, said he there needs to be more businesses before more housing in downtown.

Bruce Ohlson, an advocate for bicyclists said the city needs at least one street north-south and one street east-west with a continuous bike lane for travel.

The next update meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, next Wednesday night at 7 p.m. and will be a joint meeting of the Antioch Planning and Economic Development Commissions. For more information visit www.ci.antioch.ca.us or call the Community Development Department at (925) 779-7035.

Antioch welcomes four new police officers

Thursday, November 13th, 2014
To the left of Chief Cantando are Officers Matt Hirsch and Mark Moraga. To his right are Officers Jonathan Adams and Randall Gragg. photo courtesy of APD.

To the left of Chief Cantando (center) are Officers Matt Hirsch and Mark Moraga. To his right are Officers Jonathan Adams and Randall Gragg.  photo courtesy of Antioch Police Department

By Allen Payton

On Monday, November 10, 2014, Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando introduced four new Antioch police officers at their swearing-in ceremony.

He posted a photo of the new officers and him, and a brief comment on the police department’s Facebook page.

Please join us in welcoming the four newest family members of the Antioch Police Department,” Cantando stated. “Congratulations!”

 

Antioch to lose $845,000 annual police dispatch contract with Brentwood

Thursday, November 13th, 2014

By John Crowder

Last night, November 12, 2014, the Brentwood City Council voted unanimously to terminate their $845,000 per year contract with the City of Antioch for police dispatch services, and to set up their own dispatch center within the next 18 to 24 months.

In a report given to the council, Brentwood Chief of Police Mark Evenson first spoke about the relationship between the two cities. He noted that Antioch had been providing dispatch services to Brentwood for over 20 years.

I want to publicly recognize the fantastic work that the Antioch Police Department staff has done,” he said. “They have been doing a fantastic job with limited resources for a long time.”

But, he also said, the system has become strained because of increasing demands, and that Antioch did not have the resources, “either financially or from personnel to adequately address those things.”

These increasing demands on them have compromised services to our citizens here in Brentwood,” he added.

Evenson then noted that Brentwood has been planning to create their own dispatch center for a long time. He went on to say that some of the reasons for the current problems involved with contracting police dispatch services to Antioch included population growth, increasing calls for service, and an increase in “part one crimes.”

Evenson next spoke about several issues of concern with the current contract. These included the quality of 911 services, which he said was being compromised, staffing levels in the dispatch center, and police officer efficiency and safety.

Evenson also noted that, in a recent incident, a Brentwood resident called 911, and the dispatch center did not answer the call. He said that Brentwood residents have increasingly reported being placed on hold for long periods of time and that it was even true of residents calling the non-emergency number. He also mentioned that incidents of rudeness by 911 operators had been reported.

During public comments, one woman who spoke to the council said that Antioch dispatch had dropped “at least a dozen of my phone calls” in the last year. “Numerous times, I have dialed eight or nine times,” before being able to get through, she said.

We can provide far better service than the city of Antioch,” she concluded.

During council discussions, all the comments were fairly consistent, focusing on the safety of residents in Brentwood, and lamenting that, because of the situation with respect to increased crime that Antioch finds itself in, residents of Brentwood are, and will continue to be, negatively impacted as long as the ties with Antioch dispatch remain.

Some time ago they took their eye off the ball with public safety, and they really can’t catch up, and we’re really in the same position now if we take our eye off public safety,” Council Member Erick Stonebarger said. “In 20 years we’re not going to be able to catch up.”

Councilman Steve Barr said, “The Antioch dispatch center is pretty much overrun with calls, and our residents aren’t really getting the service they deserve.”

Vice Mayor Joel Bryant chimed in, “Public safety is the linchpin that determines what direction the community is going to go.” He also said that he, personally, has had problems with service from Antioch dispatch.

Public safety is probably number one in our city,” Mayor Bob Taylor said. “Our city demands, and should get, total safety.”

Following council comments, a motion was made and seconded to proceed with the establishment of a dedicated Brentwood dispatch center, and it was passed on a 5-0 vote.

Watchdog: Antioch Council set to give 13% pay raises, more to city staff tonight

Thursday, November 13th, 2014

Watchdog LogoBy Barbara Zivica

Antioch residents, upset regarding continuing high crime statistics which supposedly were to be addressed by Measure C (a half cent sales tax increase) but weren’t, just passed Measure O, a business license tax measure which applies to all rental units and whose revenues, like Measure C, go directly into the General Fund and can be used for multiple purposes. In light of previously negotiated increases for sworn personnel and no sizable increase in the police force, does it sound a bit like the old shill game of paper, rock and scissors?

Thought you might be interested in Council’s resolution approving a Benefit Document between the City and the Management Bargaining Unit (term October 1, 2013 to Sept. 30, 2016) to be voted on at their meeting on Thursday, November 13. Here are some of the highlights:

Effective the first full pay period in January 2015, all classifications shall receive a 3% salary increase, which will match the salary increase provided to Operating Engineers Local 3 and Public Employees Union Local 1 in 2014. Excluded are classifications of Water Treatment Plant Superintendent, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor and Water Quality Analyst who already received the adjustment.
Effective January 2011, 2015, the current 36 hour work week/10% salary reduction is eliminated and all employees in the Unit will return to a 40 hour work week. The action was required based on “trigger” language in the 1/11/2011 Tentative Agreement of General Fund revenues (excluding new revenues such as Measure C)

Effective upon ratification, the second “trigger”, a component of the January 2011 Tentative Agreement is eliminated, which eliminates the reinstatement of previously negotiated but not implemented COLA salary adjustments.

Effective January 11, 2015 the City’s deferred compensation contribution is reinstated (prospectively).
“Me too” Clause agreement, meaning increases or decreases negotiated with either Local 1 or OE3 will be implemented for this Unit.

During the first full pay period in January 2015, increase the Employees’ contribution to the Employee’s share of the PERS rate by 1% and increase the employees contribution to the Employer’s share of the PERS rate by 1%.

This keeps the total Employee contribution at 8% for Classic/Legacy employees but all on the Employer contribution side. PEPRA covered employees hired on or after 2013 shall be required to pay 50% of Normal Cost as required by statue.

NOTE: The annual fiscal impact of the COLA salary adjustment returning to a 40 hour work week and reinstating the deferred compensation contribution is $631,867. Of this amount, $441,640 is General Fund money for both the Management Bargaining Unit and Confidential Employees Unit.

The City provides two floating holidays per year in addition to the usual 12 holidays off. Twelve Tier I management employees will receive 96 hours of administrative leave, 10 Tier 2 employees ten hours of administrative leave and 15 Tier 3 management employees will receive 40 hours of management leave.

Executive Management employees will also be allowed to cash out up to 80 hours of their annual vacation accrual during each calendar year and Senior and Mid Management Profession employees will be allowed to cash out up to 40 hours of their annual vacation accrual during each calendar year.

Elected Officials and, with the City Manager’s approval, all Executive Management employees, except those positions who are assigned a City vehicle, shall receive a monthly auto allowance, Those who do not receive a car allowance shall receive reimbursement at the rate established by the Administrative Memo which also outlines the process for employee reimbursement for books and tuition up to a maximum of $1,000 a year for approved college classes.

How do you feel about your vote for approval of Measure C and Measure O now?