By Allen Payton

The opportunity for a park and event center on a downtown lot is dead, for now. Just two months after Antioch residents pushing for the project thought they had a victory with a council vote and comments giving them the opportunity to pursue it, their hopes were dashed at Tuesday night’s (Aug. 25) council meeting. At the beginning of the meeting, Interim City Attorney Derek Cole reported the council had voted during closed session, earlier in the evening, to give direction to City Manager Steve Duran to negotiate with one developer for the purchase of that parcel and eight others, instead.

The agenda item, entitled “Conference with Real Property Negotiatiors.”included a list of parcels and the City Manager Steve Duran as the City and Agency Negotiator. Also listed under the agenda item was “Other Parties Negotiators: Seeno Homes, Inc., Albert Seeno Jr.; Lewis Operating Corporation, Doug Mull; City Ventures, Phil Kerr; Celebrate Antioch Foundation, Wayne Harrison. Under negotiation: price and terms of payment.”

The city attorney stated that the council had voted to give City Ventures the exclusive opportunity to negotiate the purchase of all the parcels listed under the agenda item, including the old Antioch Lumber Company lot, that’s been the site of the proposed park and event center.

A variety of citizens spoke in favor of the downtown park and event center and with disappointment in the vote, with Connie Komar pointing out that some council members had lived here all their lives, and named Council Members Mary Rocha, Tony Tiscareno and Mayor Pro Tem Lori Orgochock. Celebrate Antioch Foundation Treasurer Joy Motts, who has been a leading proponent of the park and event center, expressed her disappointment during public comments, as well, ending with the promise of a referendum on the council’s vote.

However, it wasn’t until the end of the meeting that the city attorney shared how the council members voted.

“On the closed session item, it was a 4-1 vote,” he said, with Ogorchock dissenting.

Harper reverses position

Following the meeting, Mayor Wade Harper gave his reasons for his vote, which differed from what was stated at the June workshop on the Downtown Specific Plan update and the impression left with the park proponents at the June 23rd city council meeting. (See article)

“I can say certain things about what we desire,” he stated. “But, we had to go along with what the council majority wanted.”

“We voted for mixed use,” he added.

However, at the June 23rd council meeting, Harper thanked the community for all of their input, but said, with reference to designating Site 5 a park, “I would want to know how you’re going to pay for it.” Even so, he said, “I’m going to choose 1B, and I would like to give the community the opportunity to find out how we’re going to pay for it.”

Celebrate Antioch Foundation submitted a proposal that included a financial plan, but it was never discussed that they would have to buy the land in order to build the park and event center, according to Motts.

She explained that over the past several weeks members of CAF have said they’ve been meeting with potential funding sources, including a private foundation. But, according to Motts, they needed a commitment from the council in order to secure the funding.

Rocha had offered group hope, twice.

In response, both Rocha and Ogorchock at the August 11th meeting asked to have the matter on the August 25th meeting agenda. Duran responded that it was a matter for closed session. In spite of that, Ogorchock still pushed to have it on the agenda giving a specific list of items she wanted discussed as part of the matter, including giving CAF a date certain to return to the council with preliminary plans, the first right of refusal to pursue the park and event center, without competing with other development interests, and waiving the requirement for them to go through the Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposal process that the council had adopted, last year, for developers.

But, the item, which is set by both the mayor and city manager, was only agendized for the closed session and not the public meeting.

During the June 23rd meeting, in which the council voted to change the zoning of the empty lot to mixed use, allowing for opportunity of a park and event center, there, Rocha said that there should be a set amount of time in which to develop a park, because other opportunities exist right now.

“The timing is important,” she said, but also said she supported the Mixed-Use designation, but with the understanding that, at least initially, a park would be on the site.

Rocha explains her reversal

However, after Tuesday’s council meeting Rocha said “If they [CAF] had a plan to pay for it,” then maybe she would have considered their proposal.

She then responded to questions about her vote in favor of the development.

When asked if the council members had seen the information package that CAF had submitted to Duran, Rocha responded “They didn’t bring in anything.”

When asked if the council members were shown packages from any of the groups, she stated, “We didn’t see any package from anyone.”

She then explained her vote.

“You remember the last time that property was for sale,” Rocha stated. “The CRAWDADS [citizens group] opposed it. I couldn’t take that chance anymore.”

“This is my last round,” she added.

Motts shared her thoughts

Also, following the meeting, Motts offered additional thoughts on the council’s vote, via text and was under the impression Rocha had voted with them until she learned of the city attorney’s statement at the end of the meeting.

“Right before the meeting, Mary Rocha came up to us and told Wayne Harrison, CAF President they voted against us.”

“The city attorney reported out of closed session that City Ventures was given the DA, development agreement, for all the parcels listed…Thereby completely dismissing CAF without ever a discussion or a meeting and completely reversing on their statements of June 23^rd.”

Ogorchock says council got package

Following the meeting, Ogorchock stated, “I voted against it, that’s all I can tell you” since it was a closed session.

When asked if she ever saw the package that CAF had submitted to Duran, she replied, “I don’t know if what she gave the city manager is the same that Joy handed out at a council meeting.”

Council and staff were given CAF’s proposal CAF Event Center BDC DRAFT 0.2 – Proposal for City

Motts commented on the package they submitted to Duran in July.

“We submitted a detailed, specific proposal that was an excellent business plan, that detailed our fund raising and marketing plan…coming from a local non-profit, and obviously a grass roots effort,” she stated via text. “We are not an anomaly, many community efforts have gone forward in other cities, just recently in Martinez.”

She had also previously mentioned the privately funded improvements to the playground at City Park located at the corner of West 10^th and A Streets.

CAF’s concept was the same, to privately fund a public park and event center.

There’s also another precedent in Antioch, the city-owned Lone Tree Golf & Event Center which is operated by a private, non-profit organization.

“We wanted to try and work together on this vision,” Motts stated. “Based on the comments made at the June 23rd meeting where the mayor apologized for not listening to us, and how they would give us an opportunity, we worked with a local attorney in developing an initial proposal. Wayne [Harrison] submitted that proposal during public comments at the council’s return from vacation at the July 8th council meeting.”

Motts vows referendum

“We are all absolutely furious,” Motts stated. “I am meeting with City Clerk Simonsen tomorrow [Wednesday] about 12:30, city hall to gather the information to start a referendum or initiative to stop the development.”

“We believe when the citizens of all of Antioch are presented with a choice of 18 town homes or a community event center, it will be overwhelming support for the latter, just as we have shown them through petition, forums, emails and public comments,” she shared.

“This is going to be a battle and we need to pull out all stops to stop them,” Motts added.

By Corporal Rick Smith, Antioch Police Community Policing Bureau

On Wednesday, August 19, 2015, at 12:30 PM, Antioch Police Officers responded to the area of Rodeo Court and Woodbridge Way for the report of two subjects shooting at each other.

Upon arrival, officers located a 30-year-old male identified as Russell Fernando walking away from a residence. He stated that he had arrived at his residence and confronted subjects inside of his garage and an argument ensued. Fernando exchanged gunfire with one or more of the subjects. The details of what occurred prior to the gunfire are still under investigation. It is believed these subjects are known to Fernando.

This incident lead to a search of the residence and several items related to the manufacturing of hash oil, counterfeiting, and identity theft were located. A loaded firearm suspected to have been used by Fernando during this incident was also located. No one is believed to have been injured at this time. Fernando was arrested on the the following charges: H&S11379.6 – manufacturing drugs or narcotics; PC246 – shooting at an inhabited dwelling; PC25850(a) – carrying a loaded firearm on the person or in a vehicle while in any public place or on any public street in an incorporated city; PC476 – Forgery and Counterfeiting; and Warrant (PC459) burglary, also known as “breaking and entering.”

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Antioch Police at (925) 778-2441. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

By Allen Payton

Deer Valley High Class of 2013 graduate Derek King started out singing rap, but switched to rhythm and blues, and it seems to be a fit. He got signed with his first label when he was 16 and is now with a large label, 300 Entertainment.

Now 19, Derek just finished touring with Kalin & Myles, a very popular Bay Area duet. The “Dedication Tour” lasted two months, and included stops in Florida and Chicago.

He also traveled to Great Britain, last year, on a tour with singer Sage The Gemini.

Derek was born in Walnut Creek and raised in Antioch, where he lives with his parents, Eric and Dietra King. He used to work as a waiter at his family’s restaurant, Dad’s BBQ in Pittsburg. But, now he’s working on a new EP (electronic play album) and some new videos, as well.

Derek responded to a brief Q&A session:

Q. How did you get into making music?

A. Music started off as a hobby for me. But, as I started playing with it and getting more serious with it, I started to really enjoying making music. It’s just a great feeling for me to listen to harmonies and how stuff comes together.

Q. What is your favorite part about making music?

A. My favorite part about making music is having people listen to your music and getting their reaction on things and how it made them feel and how they like it. So, basically I love when my music can make someone happy. That’s my favorite part of music.

Q. What are your plans for the future?

A. My plan for the future is to stay consistent and stay focused and to master my craft in music and maybe help others get to where they want to be and help them understand what I know in this music business.

“Jump” was his first single and came out in 2014. His “Fake ID” mix tape of 12 songs includes “Fake Love,” “What It Do,” “Came Here For” and “Teasin,” which also became a single. Both of his singles, which the label promotes, can now be heard on the radio, including Bay Area station KMEL.

“Prince Charming” is his latest single, which he dropped onto YouTube, this year.

When asked how he got into making music, Derek replied, “

He has several write-ups online, which you can see if you search his name.

A series of mentions about his songs can be seen on www.thisisrnb.com.

“One of our favorite new radio friendly records of the moment now has an accompanying video. Released just about a week ago, emerging teen singer Derek Kingteams up with fellow Bay Area rapper IAMSU! for the visual to their infectious new song ‘What It Do,’” reads one of their posts.

Another was written, last year, when Derek was chosen the Young California Pick of the Week on May 14, 2014. That can be viewed here: www.youngcalifornia.com/tag/derek-king/

To listen to his music and view his videos, go to www.youtube.com/user/DerekKingOnline. You can also follow him on Twitter @DerekKingOnline where he has over 63,000 followers.

By Allen Payton

City, business and community leaders gathered at the new Speed Clean Laundry on East 18th Street on Friday evening for the ribbon cutting with owners Paul and Georgia Spangenberg and their children, Cody and Chase, as part of the laundromat’s Grand Opening.

The month-long celebration ends on Saturday, August 22, with free hot dogs and sodas for customers, as well as one free dry for those who wash their clothes at Speed Clean, up until they close at 10 p.m. Plus, customers can enter to win two $25 cash prizes, to be awarded at the end of August.

Mayor Wade Harper, in attendance at the ribbon cutting, along with Council Members Mary Rocha, Monica Wilson and Tony Tiscareno, along with Antioch School Board Trustee Diane Gibson Gray, offered his thoughts on the opening of the new business, that was once a Kentucky Fried Chicken location.

“We want to thank Speed Clean for choosing Antioch,” Harper said. “Anything we can do to help please let us know. Thank you for being here on our city.”

The Spangenbergs were then presented with proclamations from representatives of Assemblyman Jim Frazier and Congressman Jerry McNerney.

“The city has been really supportive,” Paul responded. “We’re just so thankful for their help. Thank you to my wife and our kids.”

“You’re our family and friends,” he said. “Thank you for joining us, tonight.”

Speed Clean Laundry is open 6 AM to 10 PM and is located at 317 East 18th Street. For more information visit their website at www.speedcleanlaundry.com.

By Allen Payton

Derek “Tha Barber” Hernandez is not just another barber who enjoys cutting hair. He’s an artist and his talent won his fame and money, earlier this year on Cedric The Entertainers’ “Cedric’s Barber Battle” TV show.

Plying his trade at Ajja’s Barber Shop in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown, Hernandez is known for his portraits and design work.

“I’m only 22 but I’ve been cutting hair since I was 12,” he said.

He flew to Los Angeles where the competition occurred inside an actual barber shop.

Derek competed against a barber from Long Island, New York and another from El Paso, Texas. They were judged by three barbers to the stars.

The three contestants had to use soccer balls as the inspiration for the “buzzcut challenge” and had one hour to create their designs.

They had fun joking around and talking smack to each other as they cut their way through the show.

While Derek’s competitors buzzed the hexagonal shapes into the head of the men in their chairs, he went a different direction, buzzing in the design of a soccer player kicking a ball into pieces, instead.

He survived the first round, as one of his competitors got cut.

The second round was literally a head-to-head battle.This time they had to incorporate super heroes into their design. Derek was given Batman, while his opponent was given The Flash. More smack talk ensued, but it was Derek who came out on top.

Cedric referred to Derek as “DTB” and said “Your color work brought the Caped Crusader to life.”

The show aired on May 1st, and Hernandez won a championship belt, a package of hair supplies, a feature editorial on Barbershopconnect.com and $15,000. The editorial appeared on the website June 29th and can be viewed here. http://www.barbershopconnect.com/detail/054760/barber-of-the-week-derek-tha-barber/

Derek is married and lives in Antioch.

The show aired on May 1, 2015 and can be viewed on The CW website (www.cwtv.com) by clicking here.

Ajja’s is located at 508 W. Second Street in Antioch. To make an appointment to get a haircut that’s a work of art call Derek Tha Barber Hernandez at (925) 550-5602.

Special to the online readers of the Antioch Herald!

As a sponsor of the upcoming Abbey Road, the Beatles Tribute Band concert, at the Pittsburg California Theater on Friday, August 21 the Antioch Herald has three individual seat tickets and a set of two tickets together to give away.

To qualify simply “Like” our Facebook page, if you haven’t already done so, by clicking here then email us at info@antiochherald.com with your name and phone numbers and let us know if you want one or two tickets.

We will contact the first four people to do so.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. For more information about the band and concert, click here.

Thanks for reading the Antioch Herald and good luck!

By Sergeant Dimitri Barakos #2176, Antioch Police Community Policing Bureau

On Tuesday, August 17, 2015 at approximately 9:37 PM the Antioch Police Department received several calls that a person had been shot in the 1900 block of Deodar Avenue. Officers responded and found the victim lying near the west sidewalk of Deodar Avenue. The victim was suffering from a gunshot wound to his hip. The officers rendered aid and summoned medical personnel to the scene.

The victim told officers that he was walking to his friend’s car parked nearby when a male in a vehicle shot him and then fled. Medical personnel arrived and transported the victim to a local hospital where he underwent medical treatment for the non-life threatening gunshot wound. A nearby residence was also struck by a bullet during the shooting, but no one was injured. The responsible in this incident was not located.

Any further information will be provided by the Investigations Bureau at 925.779.6926. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.