Residents will be able to save postage and time with expanding vote-by-mail program

Contra Costa residents residing in the 7th Senatorial District will find it easier to vote during the upcoming March 17th Special Primary Election, as the County Elections Office and City Clerks are again teaming up to provide convenient “CoCo Vote-N-Go” drop off locations prior to and on Election Day.

Antioch, Brentwood, Concord, Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Walnut Creek are participating for the March 17th Election (these are all the cities that are in the 7^th Senatorial District). The secure, steel drop-off boxes will be in place at the listed city halls, starting the week of February 23rd – one week after permanent vote-by-mail ballots are mailed. Days and hours of availability will vary by city.

“We are excited to continue working with our city partners to be able to offer voters the opportunity to cast vote-by-mail ballots in their local communities,” said Joe Canciamilla, Contra Costa Registrar of Voters. “We urge voters to take advantage of this service for this Special Election.”

The distinguishable red boxes will be available during normal city business hours. City staff members will also have the popular “I Voted” stickers upon request for those who drop off their ballots. Contra Costa voters can drop their ballot at any city hall, regardless of where they live. County elections officials will regularly pick up collected ballots.

Ballots may also be dropped off between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm at the County Elections Office in Martinez, located at 555 Escobar Street, or at any polling place on Election Day.

For more information about voting by mail, call 925-335-7800 or visit the County Elections website at www.cocovote.us.

The Black History Month Exhibit at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center will feature a time line of historical events featuring traditional art, artifacts, literature, and creative arts that reflect the African American experience in America. The exhibit also features a time line of African American history from Africa to the present and provides an opportunity to taste traditional beverages and desserts. The goals are to promote dignity and pride in the African American community and provide cross cultural education for the larger community.

It provides a great educational experience for families and elementary and high school student groups.

The exhibit continues, today (Monday, February 16) and Saturday, February 21st from 10 AM to 4 PM. It is sponsored by a collaboration of community partners:  Ruah Community Outreach, Inc., Parent Partners Providing for the Education of Young Children, the JTS Art Gallery, the City of Antioch, and the Arts & Cultural Foundation of Antioch.  The Nick Rodriguez Community Center is located at 213 F Street in Antioch.

For more information visit the exhibit website, http://art4antioch.org/Black-History-Exhibit.asp, or email Diane@Art4Antioch.org or call Diane Gibson-Gray at (925) 325-9897 or Carrie Frazier (925) 787-4827.

Council members respond by proposing items for future meeting agendas

By John Crowder

At the February 10, 2015, meeting of the Antioch City Council, outrage from local residents over City Manager Steve Duran’s proposal to prevent council members from placing items on future agendas without a majority of the council members voting to do so resulted in the abandonment of the practice. Instead, a motion by recently elected Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock that allows every council member to see their ideas placed on a future agenda passed on a 5-0 vote.

The procedure being used to place items on the agenda during city council meetings came under scrutiny following their January 13 meeting. During council comments at that meeting, Ogorchock noted that over $400,000 in Measure O funds were available because increased property tax revenue had allowed for the return of city staff to a 40-hour work week. She then asked that an item be placed on the agenda to discuss the hiring of additional Community Service Officers (CSO’s). However, Duran and Mayor Wade Harper told her she was not able to place items on the agenda without a consensus of the council (see article, Antioch Council Meeting: Of Card Rooms, Cats And Community Service Officers, here).

Following the meeting, a series of editorials in the Antioch Herald shined a spotlight on the practice, apparently implemented under Harper, to not place suggested items on future agendas unless at least three council members, “nodded in consent.” Herald publisher Allen Payton, who had served on the city council in the late 1990’s, soundly criticized the practice (see Payton Perspective columns of January 27th, February 6th and 11th). His criticism was shared by Antioch residents posting comments to his columns, on-line.

With criticism rapidly mounting, Duran commissioned city staff to conduct a survey of the method used by other cites and agencies in Contra Costa County. This survey was to lend support to an item he and Harper agreed to place on the agenda at the February 10 council meeting requiring a majority vote to have an item placed on future city council agendas. This set the stage for the confrontation over the issue at the February 10 meeting.

When the agenda item, the last of the night, was reached, Duran began a lengthy defense of the idea, stating that, “there’s a lot of misunderstanding bantering about over the Internet waves regarding what this council has been doing in terms of how council members place things on the agenda. The practice since I’ve been here, and from what my staff tells me from long before, is the practice has been at a council meeting any council member can propose to have an item placed on a future agenda, and by consensus, or if there is no consensus, then a vote of the majority of the council would place that on a future agenda.”

Calling the idea that his proposal was not the usual manner of conducting business, “ludicrous,” Duran then discussed how the survey he had directed staff member Michelle Fitzer, Administrative Services Director, to undertake supported the staff recommendation of requiring a vote.

“In the vast majority of cases a majority vote of the council [is required] to place something on the agenda,” he said. “So, I just wanted to set the record as to what the facts are…”

Council members were then asked by Harper to pose questions to staff, and Ogorchock pointedly asked City Attorney Lynn Tracy Nerland, “A consensus nod, is that a valid vote?” Nerland responded by saying, “I think what you’re hearing from the city manager is since the question been raised that, then perhaps to ensure that there’s no misunderstanding that a vote might be the best approach in the future.”

Public comments followed, and it quickly became apparent that public sentiment was overwhelmingly opposed to Duran’s proposal. City Clerk Arne Simonsen referred the mayor and council members to a stack of fifteen emails that had been received regarding the item. Every one of them was opposed to the majority vote proposal.

In the emails, Mary Fletcher called the idea “not only unfair, but unethical.” Lee Ballesteros said that, “It will remove the representative aspect of our council members.” Ralph Garrow, Jr., said, “I strongly recommend that you abandon this ill-conceived attempt to quash possibly dissenting viewpoints,” and, “This proposal smacks of repressive government.” Joe Ramus suggested the proposal might be, “a violation of the Brown Act [open meeting law].” The remainder of the emails expressed similar views.

Several Antioch residents rose to speak on the matter. All were opposed to Duran’s proposal. Don Bright gave one of the most impassioned statements.

“As a veteran, I have a strong sense of loyalty to the ideals of democracy and our representative form of government,” he said. “In my view it is an affront to our freedom of speech as each council member is a representative of the people.”

He went on to call the proposal, “a thinly veiled effort to silence the voices of the citizenry.”

Other speakers included George Briggs, who said that two previous mayors had said a majority had never been required to put an item on the agenda. Fred Hoskins, calling Ogorchock, “a breath of fresh air in this city,” said the staff report in support of the proposal was, “gibberish.” He went on to say that all council members were empowered to put an item on the agenda.

“The bottom line is this. None of you up there should have less power as an individual elected representative than any one staff member,” Payton stated. “For 28 years, prior to this mayor being elected mayor, the practice has always been any council member can have any agenda item placed on the agenda.”

Julie Young said, “This is not representative government. Each of you was elected to represent the people. This is what our Constitution provides…a representative government.”

With public comments concluded, the council members weighed in on the matter. Council Member Tony Tiscareno said that any council member should have the right to put an item on the agenda as long as they didn’t “go rogue.” Council Member Mary Rocha said, “I believe we all have the right to put something on the agenda.” She said, “We don’t want to stifle anybody.” Council Member Monica Wilson said, “I don’t support the three votes, it seems that it kind of stifles our community.”

Ogorchock, referencing Duran’s proposal, gave a strongly-worded statement in opposition to the idea.

“If we, as a council consider adopting this change we will not be able to judiciously add to the agenda for our constituents in a timely manner. We will have given up our rights and our privileges to participate and function as a governing board. I would be forfeiting my right to speak out for our constituents, with their concerns and ideas, but instead must now vie for votes just to add the items to the agenda.”

Ogorchock continued, “Do we as a city truly want to block what our constituents and elected council members want on an agenda, and thus available for open discussion and public review? I think not. Any individual council member should not have less power and authority than a member of the city staff. If staff can place any item on the agenda, so should we as council members.”

Directly addressing the survey undertaken by Fitzer, Ogorchock said, “I believe we should be the leaders for our neighboring cities, and not followers on how they may, or may not, be running their meetings.”

Harper then commented, and after an exchange with Duran, said, “I want to apologize to Lori [Ogorchock] if I made you feel like I didn’t want you to be heard. That is not the intent. It doesn’t matter if I agree or not, that is not the point.”

“I think we work well together as a council when we hear all the ideas,” he added.

Following other comments by council members, Ogorchock, noting that, “a consensus nod is not a vote,” made a motion to allow each council member to have the power to place any item on a future council agenda. The mayor and city manager would then need to place the item on an upcoming agenda within six months. The motion was seconded by Rocha. The motion passed on a 5-0 vote. It also included adding language of “Future Agenda Items” to the Council Communications agenda item.

As the meeting drew to a close, the effects of the vote became readily apparent, as four of the council members directed that staff place specific items on future agendas. Rocha, in making a request that a presentation by the Rivertown group that has been advocating for a downtown event center for several months be placed on the agenda, said she was, “Using the new method that was just decided.”

Ogorchock, returning to the item that she had originally proposed on January 13, 2015, said that she wanted the hiring of additional CSO’s placed on the agenda. Wilson asked that the discussion of a youth commission and another item involving the use of solar power be added to future agendas. Harper said he wanted to look into changing the name of L Street to Marina Boulevard.

The entire city council meeting can be viewed online at the city website, www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CityGov/citycouncilmeetings.htm. The next meeting of the Antioch City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m.

By John Crowder

On January 10, 2015, the Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., held its Inaugural Debutante Cotillion at the San Ramon Marriott.

A dozen young ladies from throughout the East Bay participated in the event, which marked the culmination of an almost year-long program that each of them were involved with, entitled Pearls of Perfection. The twelve debutantes celebrated the evening with their escorts, ladies-in-waiting, family, and friends.

The evening began with a greeting extended to all the guests by Crystal McClendon-Gourdine, Ph.D., Chairperson of the 2014-2015 Pearls of Perfection Debutante Program. Following a full-course dinner and entertainment, the young ladies were presented to society by Monica Cherie Scott, Co-Chairperson, and LaConnie Taylor-Jones, Program Workshop Manager. The debutantes participated in a confirmation waltz with their escorts, and were then welcomed to society. The evening ended with a salute to the debutantes, acknowledgments, and a sweetheart song.

The journey to the cotillion began for the young ladies a year earlier, when each had made application to the program. Then, in February, a welcome reception was held, first in a series of fifteen events that would culminate in the cotillion.

Over the course of the next eleven months, the girls attended workshops teaching etiquette, manners and dressing for success, a discussion on self-esteem, and learned to waltz. Other events included a talent showcase and fashion exhibit, a community service project, a cultural event, and both father-daughter and mother-daughter outings.

One unique aspect of the debutante program is the focus on academic excellence and preparation for college. According to Taylor-Jones, “We put a great emphasis on, and have a high standard for academic excellence.” Two of the events the young ladies participate in are a six-hour symposium on education and a college tour.

The parents of the three Antioch students involved in the program all spoke positively about the experience for their children.

Felicia Branch noted that, “The program has given my son, Jarrett (JT), an Antioch High School senior who participated as an escort this year, the opportunity to learn etiquette and how to waltz.” She was also happy to see that her son had the opportunity to make friends with young men and women who shared the same goals of attending college and pursuing professional careers. Taylor-Jones said, “The experience was very exciting for my daughter, Caryn,” who is a junior in the law academy at Deer Valley High School. She went on to say that her daughter was looking forward to participating next year as a debutante. Deborah Hicks, referencing the cotillion said, “The excellent work done by Delta Sigma Theta Inc. made this an outstanding evening for all. I am thrilled at the possibility of my son, Devon, (currently a junior at Cornerstone Christian School) being involved with the program as an escort again next year.”

The sorority is currently accepting applications for the 2015-2016 debutante program. Those interested in learning about the program, or in participating, can find more information at www.ccacdebutante.com.

Endorsement adds to growing support for Bonilla among education leaders

Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla announced this week that her campaign for State Senate has earned the endorsement of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. Torlakson currently holds the highest education post in California, and previously served in the State Assembly – as well as holding the Senate seat that Bonilla is currently contesting. He started his political career as a member of the Antioch City Council, then was elected to the County Board of Supervisors. He was also a teacher and cross country coach.

“As a classroom teacher and State Assemblywoman, Susan Bonilla has dedicated her life to California’s children and our public schools.  She has been an important and irreplaceable voice for improving academic standards, putting more students on the path to college, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed” Torlakson said.  “I’m proud to endorse my good friend and fellow teacher, Susan Bonilla, for State Senate.”

“Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson has been a consistent and dedicated champion for public education,” Assemblywoman Bonilla said.  “Our students and our state have benefited tremendously from his leadership and I’m honored to have his support.”

Bonilla has built a strong base of support and strong momentum – especially in the education community. Earlier this week, the Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA) announced their endorsement of Bonilla. MDEA is the largest teacher’s association in the senate district.

Bonilla has recently earned the endorsement of the California Democratic Party, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier – who represented this district before being elected to Congress last fall, Congressman Mike Thompson, former Congresswoman and Undersecretary of State Ellen Tauscher, PORAC, AFSCME, and the California Professional Firefighters.

To learn more, please visit www.susanbonilla.com.

Dear Editor:

Mayor Harper’s response to the recall can be summed up in a few salient points:

Mayor Harper has sworn in 10 police officers.

The mayor’s claim is years late.  In 2010 he started his getting tough on crime and had zero tolerance to crime.campaigns.  Again in 2012, same thing and in 2013 was going to hire 22 officers.  In 2010 the Antioch Police department staffing was authorized for 102 positions, they had 90.  In 2015 they are still authorized for 102 positions and they still have 90. Doesn’t seem like much of an emphasis on zero tolerance or being tough.

Mayor Harper claims the recall will cost $198,994, the cost of two officers.

The mayor’s claim is so exaggerated it is ridiculous.  Measure O cost one-fourth of that amount and is likely to be the same if not less and if an officer costs $100,000 then why didn’t he authorize the hiring of 42 officers instead of spending over $4.5 million on overtime in 2011, 2012 and 2013.  That was OT only, not benefits or base pay, OT only.  Obviously the city had the money.

Mayor Harper says “under his leadership” he got a grant for $625,000 to hire 5 officers.
The mayor’s forgot to mention that is for 3 years only.  What happens to the 5 officers when the funding runs out after 3 years.  When is this going to happen since it took 5 years to get to a net zero in police staffing?

Mayor Harper says, “Police Department conducts weekly crime suppression operations – one of which resulted in 87 arrests in just a five-day period.” 

Which is a true statement, but if you were at the council meeting when the chief explained there were 150 officers and 8 agencies involved and only 7 of those 87 arrests were Antioch’s.  Yet another gross exaggeration by the mayor.

Mayor Harper states twice, regarding safety that, “Our families deserve to feel safe, ” and “Nothing is more important than keeping our neighborhoods and children safe.” 

Mayor Harper, the problem is we don’t need to “feel safe”, we need to “be safe” and if nothing is more important then why haven’t measures been taken to ensure success in maintaining safety of the neighborhoods and children.  Ensuring safety is not abandoning children after a couple of visits to Deer Valley Plaza and then coercing the AUSD to hire security to detain the children and let the APD arrest them.  What happened to “no child left behind”.  The Deer Valley Plaza takeover by Strategic Threat Management has done nothing but move the problem to neighboring establishments.  What the Mayor has been successful in is promoting their disrespect of the APD and fear of the STM.  They know the APD won’t arrest them so they go where they are safe. Their fighting, en mass, has not stopped, just moved.  Their problems have not been addressed, just moved.

Mayor Harper claims to have, “ended work furloughs city-wide”. 

That is correct, but only after withholding information from the voters to ensure passage of Measure O.  The City of Antioch received the following payment and never let anyone know until voting had started on Measure O it appeared passage was successful. The following payments were received and the information withheld on:

Apr, 2014 – $2,698,000+

Jun, 2014 – $550,000+

Oct, 2014 – $269,000+

A total of over $3.5 MILLION

The City of Antioch waited over 6 months to bring the city back to full-service for the sole purpose of withhold that information to help ensure the passage of Measure O.  Measure O only passed by less than 600 votes.  How people do you think would not have voted for Measure O had they known how much the City of Antioch was sitting on.  How many city employees would have preferred to be working full-time instead of waiting nine months.  How many residents and business do you think would have preferred to have the city full-service instead of waiting nine months.

Mayor Harper wants everyone to believe that he is powerless and does not have the ability to do what he said he was going to do.  The fact is, he shouldn’t, the reality is, he does.  A recent article in the Antioch Herald exposed another power play by Mayor Harper to take control of the city council for the last two plus years.  The City Manager not only condoned what the Mayor has done, he supported it and argued that it’s existence has been around long before Harper, a fact dispelled by the prior mayors and council members.

The fact is that the leadership of the City of Antioch must be changed and replaced with person(s) that care about Antioch, not just political aspirations. 

Mayor Harper makes all kinds of claims and promises, but the reality is none of them are real or have happened.  What is real is how much the average person is losing because of higher costs and lower housing resale amounts, both of which amounts to huge losses in revenues to the city.  Additionally, residents end up paying higher auto and housing insurance premiums.  Shopping visits include trips to other cities for security reasons and because so many businesses have moved out of Antioch.  The list goes on and on and is never ending – all because of a lack of tolerance toward crime and being soft on crime.

Rich Buongiorno

Antioch

A new awards program has been started to recognize those Antioch businesses, which the people of Antioch like most.

The 2015 Antioch People’s Choice Awards will honor the best businesses as determined by your votes.

Be sure to see the official ballot on pages 13 and 14 of the February issue, cut it out, write in your choices and mail or drop it off at our office at 101 H Street, Waldie Plaza, Suite 3 in downtown Antioch. Download the two sides of the ballot, here.  2105 People’s Choice Ballot Or you can download a ballot by clicking on the top banner on the Home Page of our website www.antiochherald.com.

Ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, March 10 to be counted. One entry per person. Those who submit ballots will be entered to win gift certificates from local businesses!

Winning businesses will be announced in our April issue and be given special decals for their business windows, and be able to use one of the logos, above in their advertising, throughout the year.

Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla announced on Tuesday that her special election campaign for State Senate has received the endorsement of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, whose election to Congress in November triggered the special election to fill his seat.

“Throughout her service to our community – as a teacher, Mayor, County Supervisor, and State Assemblymember – Susan has shown an unmatched ability to bring people together, create common-sense solutions, tackle the toughest issues, and deliver results,” said DeSaulnier.  “Susan Bonilla is the best candidate to represent us in the State Senate.  Our communities and the state will benefit greatly from her leadership.”

DeSaulnier held the 7th State Senate seat since 2008.

“I’m deeply honored to have Congressman DeSaulnier’s support,” Bonilla said. “He is an outstanding public servant who has set a high standard and has already become a dynamic new member of Congress. In the 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.

His endorsement continues the growing list of endorsements that have gone to Bonilla over the course of recent weeks, including former U.S. Representative and Undersecretary of State Ellen Tauscher, California Department of Forestry Firefighters, Dublin Mayor David Haubert, and Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. Since announcing for State Senate in November, Bonilla has earned the support of:

CALFIRE Local 2881

Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association

Contra Costa County Deputy District Attorney’s Association

Deputy Sheriffs Association of Alameda County

United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County, Local 1230

Concord Police Association

Livermore Police Officer’s Association

Heat & Frost Insulators and Allied Trades Local 16

Ironworkers Local 378

Probation Peace Officers Association of Contra Costa County

Congresswoman and Undersecretary of State Ellen Tauscher (ret.)

Assemblymember Jim Frazier

Assemblymember Tony Thurmond

Assemblymember Jimmy Gomez

Assemblymember Richard Bloom

Assemblymember Roger Hernandez

Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez

Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston

Contra Costa County Assessor Gus Kramer

Antioch Mayor Wade Harper

Antioch Councilmember Monica Wilson

Antioch Councilmember Tony Tiscareno

Clayton Councilmember Julie Pierce

Concord Mayor Tim Grayson

Concord Treasurer Thomas Wentling

Concord Councilmember Dan Helix

Concord Councilmember Laura Hoffmeister

Danville Mayor Robert Storer

Danville Councilmember Newell Arnerich

Dublin Mayor David Haubert

Dublin Councilmember Abe Gupta

Pittsburg Mayor Sal Evola

Pittsburg Councilmember Pete Longmire

Pittsburg Councilmember Ben Johnson

Pittsburg Councilmember Nancy Parent

Ambrose Parks Board Chair Mae Cendaña Torlakson

Ambrose Parks Board Member Judy Dawson

Ambrose Parks Board Member Eva Garcia

Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla is a former high school teacher, mayor and county supervisor, who has worked to strengthen neighborhood schools and protect public safety services, while successfully working to balance the state budget.

Prior to her election to the State Assembly in 2010, Bonilla served as a Contra Costa County Supervisor and as the Mayor of Concord – the largest community in the State Senate District. While serving her local community, Bonilla built and expanded job-training programs and job creation efforts that successfully helped residents get back to work during the recession.

In the State Assembly, she has consistently worked to invest in public education, strengthen neighborhood schools, and improve access to college and job-training programs for local students. 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.

Susan Bonilla has shown steadfast leadership in protecting early childhood education programs – saving transitional kindergarten, which gives young learners the foundations they need for success. Bonilla was the author of legislation that: expanded health care access for women, created the highest safety standards for California industrial sites while protecting manufacturing jobs, and provided more tools for law enforcement to keep our communities safe.

In her most recent term in office, Bonilla led legislative efforts to streamline education funding, giving local schools more control, make college more affordable, improve academic standards, modernize school curriculums, and secure $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, Susan 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. Susan resides in Concord with her husband, John. They have four daughters and three grandchildren.

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

To learn more, please visit www.susanbonilla.com.