Antioch’s downtown has a new restaurant, the Four 20 Bar & Grill opened on Thursday, November 6 at 420 Second Street.C Stop by and help them celebrate their Grand Opening, this week! Check back later for updates to this story.

 

Dear Editor:

Price of Caring. My name is Carmen Belle.  My husband, Jeff Belle, is a candidate for the County Board of Education, District 5 (Pittsburg, Antioch and parts of Brentwood and Discovery Bay).  The Times recently printed an article based on mostly malicious, untrue or unjustly sensationalize information, from Jeff’s ex-wife.  In the article, the Times reporter did not  disclose that he had gotten the information from Jeff’s ex-wife through Jeff’s opponent Cynthia Ruehlig; he also took Ms. Ruehling’s word that my husband had threatened her.  This is not true and is unsupported by any other source.

I knew my husband’s background when we married.  We have worked for six years to pay off his former tax liens, paying them off in December, 2013. Today Jeff has no liens or debts and there are no warrants for his arrest.  We have worked hard to clear his name and live a good life.

My husband is certified and registered as a Respiratory Therapist by the National Board of Respiratory Care.  When he came to California he was working at a V.A. (federal) facility and did not need a California Respiratory Care license but maintained an Oregon Respiratory Care License, as required by federal medical centers.

He then started his company, Respiratory Care Institute, managing and tutoring students on clinical rotations for on-line universities offering respiratory care programs; he was no longer caring for patients. Since he was not involved in patient care, we believe he did not need a state license.  There is no fraud or criminal behavior involved in his behavior.  He has a valid dispute with the California Respiratory Care Licensing Board and we are confident we will win the dispute.  

When Jeff decided to run for the County School Board he had been on the Dallas Ranch PTSA for two years.  He was distressed to see violence in our daughter’s middle school, and the inability of the school’s administration to adequately resolve the violence. Also, the County School Board was missing in action and chose to ignore the escalating culture of violence for both student and teachers.  He chose to run for the County Board of Education out of concern for the safety and education of the children in the County. Jeff has the courage, insight and resolve to make a significance in our educational system, specifically in district five.

When my husband began his campaign we hoped to have a spirited debate with his opponent about the issues of education in California.  We knew there was the possibility his ex-wife would continue with the stalking she has burdened us with for the past 6 years.   She has polluted his reputation with many people in the county as she stalked him via social media.  She finally reached Cynthia Ruehlig and, through her, the Times reporter.

The question I would ask is why would Jeff run, risk humiliation and harassment, for himself and his family, if he did not care so deeply for the children of the county. Why open himself up for scrutiny for a position that pays little, has significant responsibility and a large time and energy commitment if you do not care?

His ultimate reason comes from his background.  An African-American man raised in a small town in the State of Oklahoma. He wants for all children what he had little of as a child and young man: opportunity and the education required to take advantage of that opportunity.  Yes, he has made poor decisions in the past, but has overcome those decisions to be a respected person in our community, serving honorably on several County and City of Antioch Commissions and inspiring many of his former students to attain the highest credentials in Respiratory Care; and inspiring his son, Joseph Belle to earn a Masters degree from Cambridge University. Our daughter Sarah and I are proud of him and we ask only that you give him the opportunity to serve the all the children and parents of Contra Costa County.

To God his glory!

Carmen Zavala-Bell

Antioch

Files complaint with District Attorney, possible punishment of up to three years in prison

By John Crowder

The highly contentious race for Area 5 Trustee of the Contra Costa County Board of Education has taken another dramatic turn, as incumbent Cynthia Ruehlig sent a letter to Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson on Saturday, November 8, asking for an investigation into alleged election code violations by her opponent, Jeff Belle, who beat her by 336 votes, in last Tuesday’s election.

The letter (Jeffery Belle Complaint) sent by Ruehlig charges that Belle violated California Election Code Section 18203, which reads,

“Any person who files or submits for filing a nomination paper or declaration of candidacy knowing that it or any part of it has been made falsely is punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1000) or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of section 1170 of the penal code for 16 months or two or three years or by both that fine and imprisonment.”

In her letter, Ruehlig says that Belle made false claims on his candidate statement, his ballot designation worksheet, and prior to these submissions, on applications to serve on various county commissions.

One such claim is Belle’s representation of himself on his candidate statement as a “Registered Respiratory Therapist.” Ruehlig references a letter dated June 20, 2014, in which the Respiratory Care Board of California cites Belle for “misrepresenting himself as a respiratory care practitioner and engaging in the practice of respiratory care without a current and valid license in California.” In this letter, he was ordered to “immediately cease and desist any and all unlicensed activities pursuant to the Respiratory Care Practice Act” and ordered to pay a fine of $8200 for violating provisions of the Act.

Also on his candidate statement, Belle claims to have a “Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.” He makes the same claim on his application, received by the city of Antioch on July 30, 2013, to represent the city on the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Citizens Advisory Committee (CCTA CAC Jeff Belle application001), referencing Oklahoma City University and American University as the schools from which he studied for his degree. The claim to have a “B.S. degree” is also made by Belle on his application to sit on the Contra Costa County Emergency Medical Care Committee (CCCEMCC) – (Belle, Jeffery 10-26-12). Belle’s bio, attached to the application for the CCCEMCC, lists part of his education as follows:

1984-1988 Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Political Science with emphasis on Public Administration.

With respect to Belle’s claim of a Bachelor’s degree, Ruehlig cites an article updated on the Contra Costa Times website on October 17, 2014, which states, in part, “…it appears Belle has no college degree.” This was corroborated by Herald staff who contacted the Office of the Registrar at Oklahoma City University and was told that Belle did not receive a degree from them. Further, at a media event held by Belle on October 22 of this year, he repeatedly refused to answer questions posed by CBS Channel 5 television reporter Da Lin asking whether or not he had a Bachelor’s degree at all.

Ruehlig also takes issue with Belle’s claim on his candidate statement that he is “completing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree in Health Policy.” She points out that, at the institutions at which Belle claims to be studying, a Bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for entering any such program.

Ruehlig concludes her letter to the District Attorney by stating, “Mr. Belle knew, or should have known, at the time he signed his declaration of candidacy, the consequence of providing fake educational credentials in election documents. His criminal action is made even more egregious as Mr. Belle aspires to a position of Trustee in an educational agency. Mr. Belle has made a mockery of the election process and should be charged with a felony punishable with the maximum penalty allowed by law of $1000 and 3 years imprisonment.” She includes almost 30 pages of documents supporting her complaint.

In a statement provided by Ruehlig this morning, she said, “Mr. Belle’s behavior is both an affront to the office he seeks and potentially dangerous, as it appears that he does not have the sound mental state and solid character of someone who should be entrusted to visit your child at school and make decisions about their education.”

In an article published by the Herald on October 28 (which can be viewed by clicking here http://antiochherald.com/2014/10/p13741/), Belle offered an explanation about the questions raised concerning discrepancies in his education claims.

“I still owe American University for room and board for that semester of almost $3000,” Belle claimed. “However, in 1989 I walked in the graduation, and they acknowledge it, but they won’t confer the degree, until then.” He added, “I don’t have to take any more courses.”

Belle states the B.S. degree is from Oklahoma City University, not American University. The Office of the Registrar at Oklahoma City University did confirm that Belle studied there, and that he did not receive a degree, but they were unable to provide any further information. American University could not be reached for comment as of this writing.

However, in that same article it states, “Belle explained that Oklahoma City University works with American University in a program called the Washington Semester, the hours from which applied to his degree in Political Science.”

Ruehlig had challenged Belle’s ballot designation of “Educator” after his candidate statement was made public, and within the 10 days required, according to both Ruehlig and County Clerk-Recorder Joe Canciamilla.

“We looked into it and decided that it was acceptable,” Canciamilla stated. “However, she didn’t challenge his ballot statement. No one did within the 10 days.”

When contacted regarding Supervisor Mary Piepho’s appointment of Belle to the county’s Emergency Medical Care Commission, her staff simply said that Belle’s term expired on September 30, 2014, and he was not re-appointed.

When contacted about Belle’s appointment to the CCTA committee by the Antioch City Council, which occurred at the their meeting on August 13, 2013, Mayor Wade Harper explained the appointment process. It includes reviewing information submitted by applicants and conducting interviews, usually by the mayor and one or more members of city staff. He said that, in light of these revelations, he was having discussions with the staff regarding the vetting process for such appointments.

On the District Attorney’s website information is available regarding government corruption, including a complaint form that can be filled out regarding allegations of election and/or campaign law violations. On the form it states that not all complaints are investigated. Herald staff were unable to obtain a statement from their office with respect to this case at the time of publication.

Belle was also contacted by email regarding the action now being taken by Ruehlig. He replied that, although he was out of town and unable to speak to us, “My campaign is checking into the ‘acts of desperation’ and will be back in touch as soon as we have more information.”

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Police Status Report, card room license also on agenda

By Allen Payton

This week’s Antioch City Council meeting will be held on Thursday, November 13, instead of the regular second Tuesday of the month, due to the Veterans Day holiday.

On the agenda’s Consent Calendar, under items G. and H., the council is being asked to eliminate Furlough Fridays, for both the Management Bargaining Unit and Confidential Employees Unit. Furlough Fridays was implemented in 2011 and included a 10% pay cut and a 10% reduction in work hours from 40 hours, or five, eight-hour days to 36 hours or four, nine-hour days. Elimination of it for all affected city staff is estimated to cost $800,000 for the first 18 months, then that same amount per year, following, according to a staff report presented at the September 23rd council meeting. The action will increase salaries by 10%. Another 3% pay raise is included. All of them will be effective January 11, 2015, if approved.

According to the staff report, for the Management Bargaining Unit, “The fiscal impacts of the COLA salary adjustment, returning to a 40 hour work week, and reinstating the deferred compensation contribution is $507,297” for the Management Bargaining Unit and “$124,570” for the Confidential Employees. Of those amounts, $327,480 and $114,160, respectively for a total of $441,640 per year will be spent out of the General Fund. That’s equal to the cost of about four police officers.

The staff report states that “This action was required based on the ‘trigger’ language found in the January 11, 2011 Tentative Agreement of General Fund revenues (excluding new revenues, such as Measure C) reaching $38.4 million with the reserve maintained at 10%.”

The tentative agreement also eliminates the second “trigger” of requiring General Fund revenues at $42.3 million and a 12% reserve, in order to reinstate the “previously negotiated but not implemented the COLA salary adjustments” which is the 3% pay raise.

However, the report also states that the original agreement that included the Furlough Fridays, expired on September 30, 2013 and that “Representatives of the City and Management Unit have been meeting and conferring in good faith to negotiate a successor agreement.”

Regarding the Confidential Employees Unit, the report states that their agreement also expired on September 30, 2013 and “On June 10, 2014 Council adopted a resolution approving a Benefit Document for the period of October 1, 2013 – September 30, 2015.”

The report further states that representatives of the city and Confidential Unit met and negotiated a tentative agreement to amend the existing agreement, which includes the same three major items as the Management Unit agreement.

The staff report is dated November 3, the day before the election, but the agenda wasn’t released until Thursday, November 6.

City Manager Steve Duran “Well, actually on the current management contract, it has a financial trigger, that we hit when the assessments came through, higher than budgeted.”

When asked about the fact the agreements had already expired, he responded, “But, labor agreements aren’t like a lease and must stay in place until you replace it.”

When asked why do this now, instead of waiting until Lori Ogorchock, who was elected with the most votes in last Tuesday’s election was seated on the Council, he said “The Council said this is what they’re going to do. They promised this is what they would do, when the revenues increased. There are five council members and the four who are on there, now have voted to do this” at the September 23rd Council meeting. He said the council had given previous direction on this, earlier this year, as well.

“We take our direction from three or more votes from what happens in a public meeting,” Duran added. “A new boss has been elected and we’ll have to get to know her” he said regarding Ogorchock.

When asked why the agenda items were on the Consent Calendar, he said, “We don’t anticipate a lot of discussion, since the council already voted to do this. But anyone can request an item be removed from the Consent Calendar for questions and comments.”

Mayor Harper was contacted for this story, but was at the new police oath of office ceremony at the time and could not be reached before publication.

A voicemail message was also left for Mayor Pro Tem Mary Rocha, but also could not be reached for comment.

However, a frustrated Ogorchock shared her thoughts.

“They know I’m against this and it’s sad they didn’t wait until I was on the council,” she said. “They think it’s all fine and dandy to put everyone back to work. We aren’t there, yet. We must use those funds, instead to hire more police officers.”

“We’ve experienced five horrific crimes, including four shootings and two murders, and an armed robbery in one week,” Ogorchock stated. “I want the rest of the city staff to go back to work full-time, too. But we don’t have the budget for it, yet. Our main concern should be for the safety of our city and the citizens. That’s where our money should go.”

“I hope the city council does the right thing,” she added. “This is a tentative agreement and doesn’t need to be approved, right now.”

Also on the agenda, Chief Allan Cantando will be providing the 2014 Third Quarter Police Status Report toward the beginning of the meeting.

In addition, at the council’s direction, staff has included a report and resolution for issuing a Local Card Room License to the application period to Anthony Keslinke who has wanted to reopen the card room at Kelly’s restaurant at 408 O Street. Approval would allow him until November, 2016 to obtain a state license for that location.

To view the complete meeting agenda, click here 111314 or on the city’s website, here. To see the staff report for each item, click on “Staff Report”.

Antioch City meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 200 H Street in downtown or can be viewed by live stream on the city’s website at http://www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CityGov/citycouncilmeetings.htm.

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is constructing the State Route 4 (SR4) Sand Creek Road Interchange and 4-Lane Widening through Antioch and Brentwood. As part of the SR4 Widening, the contractor will be performing the following work activities on the following dates:

The westbound SR4 on- and off-ramps at Sand Creek Road will be closed from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM starting on Wednesday, November 12th and ending on Friday, November 14th. (See detour map by clicking here: CCTA TRAFFIC ADVISORY 2014-11-06)

Reversing traffic control will be in place on SR4 between Balfour Road and Sand Creek Road during the same time. Work will consist of paving operations.

Motorists are advised to use the provided detour or alternate routes and should allow extra time for their commute. For the detour map, please see attachment. The ramps will be closed concurrently.

This work is weather dependent. If it is delayed due to weather conditions, it will be rescheduled for a later time.

Please drive with caution through the work area and leave a safe traveling distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. CCTA appreciates your patience as we work to improve mobility in East Contra Costa County. For the most current information please contact the project hotline number at 925-206-3002 or go to www.4eastcounty.org.

The City of Antioch invites you to a community meeting for you to provide feedback regarding the Downtown Specific Plan and City-wide General Plan Land Use and Zoning Ordinance Update.

Two dates to choose from: Wednesday, November 12, 7:00 p.m., Prewett Park Multi-Purpose Room, 4701 Lone Tree Way and Wednesday, November 19, 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 200 H Street. That is also a joint meeting of the Planning and Economic Development Commissions

The City of Antioch is embarking on the initial steps leading to preparation of a Specific Plan for downtown and an update to the Land Use Element of the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code.

The Specific Plan will include policies and guidelines to enhance existing neighborhoods as well as to guide new development downtown.

The General Plan Land Use and Zoning update will focus on the types and locations of businesses and examine appropriate land use designations City-wide.

We are currently seeking community input help us evaluate the key opportunities and constraints which will influence this overall planning program.

Community Meeting Format:

Opening remarks from staff (10 min).

Opportunities and Constraints analysis presented by project consultants (20 min).

Remaining time for public feedback on the range of potential opportunities identified.

City decision makers want to hear your feedback on this initial planning work, in order to help shape the future policies that will guide land use and development, design/aesthetics, parking, circulation, transit, and the economic vitality of the community.

Come voice your ideas and opinions and tell us what you see in your city’s future!

For more information visit: www.ci.antioch.ca.us or click here for the announcement flyer about the meetings.

Or call the Community Development Department at 925-779-7035.