By Nick Goodrich

At their meeting on Tuesday night, December 8th, the Antioch City Council discussed two items, including issues surrounding Code Enforcement and a proposed East County Family Justice Center.

The city has been combating blight for some time, in an effort to present a stronger, cleaner Antioch, but has been faced with plenty of problems, including the homeless community and staffing shortages. Ryan Graham, with Antioch Code Enforcement, issued his report to City Council on Tuesday, addressing issues largely pertaining to the homeless community. Some of the problems Graham reported on included camping on public and private property, regulation of donation bins, dumping and littering, and graffiti.

Several residents addressed these problems during Public Comments, especially in regard to Delta Fair Boulevard, which has been the center of many residents’ negative attention for some time. Stephanie Sterling noted that Delta Fair—often full of litter, graffiti, and other blighting—was recently cleaned, and commended the city for taking action. She wondered, however, how long it would take the problem areas to become dirty again. Sterling noted that blighting detracts from the property value of surrounding homes, and she called for the city to hold business owners in the area responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of their properties.

Steve Huddleston, another Antioch resident, also addressed the state of Delta Fair Blvd. “One way or another, we need to take care of this problem,” he said. Huddleston lamented the fact that it took “60, 70, 80 complaints” before the city took action to clean the area; he asked the council to make sure it doesn’t return, as it often has, to it’s blighted state.

In his report to Council, Graham mentioned that it is, in fact, a property owner’s responsibility to maintain the cleanliness of their property. However, some owners fail to do so, in which case Antioch Code Enforcement officers will issue citations. When enough citations have been issued to an owner, Code Enforcement goes to the superior courts to obtain a warrant that legally forces the owner to comply and clean their property. Graham noted that Code Enforcement increased their citations to the maximum amount allowed—$100 for a first citation, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for a third – which has generated better compliance with property owners.

After Graham’s report, the City Council asked him if he thought Antioch’s ordinances perhaps weren’t strong enough to combat the blight problem. Graham disagreed, stating that city ordinances on the topic were sufficient; the problem, he said, is that Code Enforcement, in its current reduced state, simply can’t deal with the amount of issues that continue to crop up in the city.

“We have good ordinances to deal with it,” he said, “we just need the capacity to do it.”

Graham noted that a fully staffed Code Enforcement department would mean having six code officers in the field – and currently, he is only able to field two, who he said are faced with 300 to 400 backlogged cases. Graham reiterated his point, noting that Code Enforcement would be able to handle cases in a quicker and more efficient manner if more code officers could be hired to fill the vacant positions.

“Again, it’s just a capacity thing right now,” he added.

Mayor Wade Harper also noted that homeless asking for change on freeway off-ramps and street medians continue to pose a safety threat to themselves and motorists, another problem that Code Enforcement has been dealing with for some time. Graham noted that the best way to prevent this from reoccurring is simply to stop giving homeless people money on the medians. Donating to charitable institutions in the area that provide resources for the homeless, he said, is a much safer and more effective way of getting them the help they need.

After receiving Graham’s report, the City Council inquired about the availability of funds to support the hiring of new Code Enforcement Officers. City Manager Steve Duran promised to look into the issue and report back to Council. Council Member Monica Wilson stated that the city should be addressing causes rather than symptoms; Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock suggested the placement of signs to help combat blight, something that Duran acknowledged could be a possibility.

Family Justice Center effort moves forward

Ogorchock’s effort to locate a Family Justice Center in Antioch was also discussed by the council. Family justice centers in the East Bay offer a wide range of support for victims of domestic violence and other abuse. Ogorchock has been working to bring one to Antioch, with several council members echoing their support for the idea.

However, Ogorchock proposed holding off on a vote to begin the process until Antioch can coordinate with other cities who have Centers of their own. Council Member Mary Rocha was interested in finding out how other cities have funded their own centers; Wilson was similarly concerned with knowing the details of funding such a plan before a resolution is proposed. Council Member Tony Tiscareno asked for more feedback from County Supervisors before Council took any action.

On a motion by Ogorchock, the Council voted unanimously to direct city staff to continue working with other East County cities to gain more information and support before the process continues, with a plan to return to the issue in later meetings once more information has been gathered. The motion included appointing Ogorchock as the city’s representative on the issue.

Council agenda items

Toward the end of the meeting, Ogorchock asked city staff for a report on the agenda items proposed by council members, this year. Duran agreed to bring back a report.

The next council meeting is scheduled for January 12, 2016. Meetings are held in the City Council Chambers, located between West Second and Third Streets in downtown, or can be viewed on either Comcast Local Cable Channel 24 or view live streaming on the city’s website at www.ci.antioch.ca.us.

New Antioch School Board Trustee Fernando Navarro takes his oath of office administered by Board President Claire Smith, as the other trustees look on, Wednesday afternoon, December 9, 2015.

By Allen Payton

Antioch businessman Fernando Navarro took his oath of office, Wednesday to become the newest member of the Antioch School Board. During a special afternoon session at which his parents and brother were in attendance. but not his wife and children, Navarro was sworn in formally by Board President Claire Smith.

“We’ll have a ceremonial oath of office in January when his family can be in attendance,” said Smith.

Fernando Navarro signs his Oath of Office to officially become Antioch’s newest schools trustee.

“They’re on their way to Guadalajara for Christmas,” Navarro shared referring to his family.

“We’d like to officially welcome Fernando,” Smith stated.

“It will be a fun ride, maybe,” she added with laughter.

The meeting was held at 4:00 p.m., so that Navarro could participate in a closed session meeting with Interim Superintendent Stephanie Anello, which was on the agenda as a “Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Interim Superintendent.”

However, in an email from Smith in response to questions about the meeting, she stated that it was not an evaluation. Following is the email exchange on the subject:

Antioch Herald – Why is Fernando Navarro being sworn in at 4 p.m. when most members of the public cannot attend?

Smith – “In order for him to participate in closed session and get all the information he must be sworn in first.”

AH – I assume it’s so he can participate in the Performance Evaluation of Interim Superintendent Anello. If so, that begs the question how could he evaluate her performance when he’s taking office that day?

Smith – “It is not  ‘a performance evaluation.’ Obviously, she has not been working in the position long enough to have an evaluation. However, the board does need to discuss with her what we expect of her performance.”

AH – Do you really expect the early Closed Session to last almost 3 hours?

Smith – “Yes, I do anticipate the closed session to last 3 hours. That is not uncommon.  Look at past agendas.”

AH – The agenda states “Public Employee Performance Evaluation…”  So, if it isn’t one, perhaps that should be relabeled as to what it truly is, a meeting to discuss guidance and direction of what the Board expects the Interim Superintendent to do. That being the case, why must that be done in closed session?

Smith – “Because it is still considered a personnel issue. An Employee will be discussed. Superintendents evaluations are never done in public. In past years, this discussion took place off site and lasted sometimes 5-6 hours.”

The closed session with Anello was held as scheduled, following Navarro’s oath of office ceremony, but nothing was reported out after it was finished, and before the regular meeting began at 7:00 p.m.

Following are the winners of the 2015 Antioch Lighted Boat Parade as part of the Holiday DeLites celebration in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown and along the river, held Saturday, December 5th.

Best of Show – David & Lori Dial Ebony Boat Club

First Place Over 35′ – Floyd & Micheline Simpson Sportsmen Yacht Club

Second Place Over 35′ – Phillip & Cheryl Clark Dos Rios Yacht Club

First Place Under 35′ – Dale & Debbie Bauer. Sportsmen Yacht Club

Second Place Under 35′ – Steven & Crystal Peedle, Sportsmen Yacht Club

Parade Marshall: Chris Lauritzen, Lauritzen Yacht Harbor

Parade Committee: Chair Georgine Shunk, Bridge Marina Yacht Club

Vice Chair Darlene Dawson, Sportsmen Yacht Club

Jane Parsons, Sportsmen Yacht Club

Kay Power, Sportsmen Yacht Club

Jim Davi, Bridge Marina Yacht Club

Judges: Debbie Vieria, Bill and Mary Chapman

A dinner and awards ceremony were held following the parade and hosted by the Sportsmen Yacht Club with Commodore Rick Barton.

By Corporal Powell Meads, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On December 9th, 2015 at approximately 1:33 PM, Antioch Police Officers were dispatched to Deer Valley High School for a threats complaint.  School employees reported that a known parent, 41-year-old June Kirtman of Antioch, had threatened to blow up the school.

Arriving officers determined that Kirtman dropped her 15-year-old son off before school and he was assaulted near the Antioch Community Center (across the street from the high school). When Kirtman was advised of the assault, she responded to the office and became upset. Kirtman threatened to blow up the school, prompting the school staff to make mass calls to parents to inform them of the incident.

Kirtman was contacted at her residence and arrested without incident.

Manager Carrie Landgraft prepares to cut the ribbon, Wedesday morning, December 9, 2015, at the new Taco Bell location at 18th and A Streets in Antioch (above) and then celebrates (below), with Antioch Council Members and staff, property owner S G Ellison (far left), District Manager Getahun Abebe (center back), Evelyn Lainez, District Manager Gursimran Ghumman, COO Monica Schneider, Franchisee and CEO Randy Rodriguez (in back, second from right), and staff of Golden Gate Bell, LLC and the new Taco Bell.

By Allen Payton

“Thank you for being here, today,” said Monica Schneider, COO of Golden Gate Bell, LLC, the owners of the new Taco Bell. “We’re going to do everything in our power to be a good community partner.”

“Our team is very excited,” she added.

Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock, who was in attendance, along with Council Members Mary Rocha, Monica Wilson and Tony Tiscareno, and Economic Development Assistant Lizhet Zepeda, spoke on the behalf of the City.

“I’m very excited we’ve cleaned up this corner,” she stated. “It’s a beautiful building. I’ve got to see the enthusiasm of the people coming here to eat and the employees, too.”

This is Golden Gate Bell’s third Taco Bell in Antioch, with the other two located on Deer Valley Road in the Crossings Shopping Center, and on Lone Tree Way in the Deer Valley Plaza.

The first Taco Bell in Antioch was located just down the road on East 18th Street, and the building is still there, between Pinky’s Klassy Kar Wash and Wienerschnitzel.

For jobs at any of Golden Gate Bell’s locations in Antioch visit www.jobsatgoldengateball.com.

New Antioch Taco Bell Manager Carrie Landgraft prepares to the cut the cake with the Golden Gate Bell, LLC team (from left) Laurie Keating, Getahun Abebe, Monica Schneider, Gursimran Ghumman, Randy Rodrigues and Evelyn Lainez, during the official opening celebration, Wednesday morning, December 9, 2015.

By Donna Swenson, daughter

In Dad’s dying days his appreciation for those around him was accentuated.  This very independent man needed now to depend more on the help of others, especially his wife Katy.  He became more deliberate in his “thank you” and “please.”  A sense of humor sprinkled their tasks of everyday life which had become more difficult with the challenges of disease and a tired body.  It was a privilege to witness this example of love aging well.

During his last week at home I came into the house one afternoon . I found them both asleep on opposite ends of the couch , arms reaching across, holding hands.  It is an image so sweet, speaking clearly of mutual love and respect.  It is an image  I carry in my heart.  Thank you Katy for  your ready laughter, generous spirit, your appreciation and love of dad.  We know this love was a gift for both of you to share “till death do you part.”

Mural of the old Antioch telephone office, on the building at the corner of West 4th and G Streets, in downtown Antioch, depicting Don (in brown suit) and Helen (in blue and white) Meagher picking up their first phone.

Donald James Meager came into this world December 6 , 1921 at St. Luke’s hospital in San Francisco. He was the first child of Theresa Whitfield and James Meagher.  He was to become the older brother of Gerald, James and Mary.  Grandma Whitfield had a ranch in Mission San Jose.  This is where he and his brothers and sister spent many days exploring the orchards, sleeping on the porch of the big ranch house and playing in the barn with their cousins.  His dad and uncles owned a garage in the Mission District of the city. This business thrived and declined according to the economy of the times.  Growing up,  the family moved a lot living in the city, living in at least 10 homes  before dad was 18. His father died at 50, leaving Granny a widow at 46 with four children.   Dad, at 18, became the shoulder to lean on for his mother and 12 year old his sister, Mary. As they followed their father’s body down the aisle of St. James church Dad lovingly took his young sister’s hand assuring her ‘it would be all right.”

He graduated from Polytechnic High School in 1940, not sure what he was going to do with his life.  He had a few odd jobs.  Then World War II  began. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard serving in the South Pacific on LST 830, sending money home to help his mother.    Following the war he came home  went to college at San Francisco State on the GI Bill. He took  education classes, ran track and dated girls.  He met our mother,  Helen Buckley on campus and fell in love.  They were married in June of 1948 at St. James church on Guerrero Street. They lived on campus in married student housing where all the fun was happening with other Veterans and their young wives.  There they met life long friends in Henry and Mary Jean Watty.

They didn’t waste any time starting a family. Their first child Donna Theresa was born the following year in August 1949.  Mom and Dad decided to leave the foggy city taking a teaching job up in sunny Sonoma county where they lived in a little house on Harold Way in Healdsburg.  He taught at Windsor Elementary School earning $2,500 a year.  Fourteen months later along came Christopher James. The very persuasive Henry Watty was teaching in Antioch by then where they were paying teachers a bit more, ann extra $500 a year. So Mom and Dad packed up their two little ones and bought a house on Dennis Drive in Antioch.  In the next six years Patricia Helen and Susanna completed the Meagher family.

Dad began a very successful career in education in this small town. He earned his Masters Degree in Education in 1956 and held teaching credentials for Elementary and Secondary Education.

The professional accomplishment he was most proud of was principal of Sutter Elementary School for 20 years.  It was an innovative school for its time, the 1970’s.  Pod shaped buildings, hand picked teachers, following the principles the education gurus of the time, William Glasser and Thomas Harris, of “I’m Ok, You’re Ok” fame.  He enjoyed a good relationship with the parent/teacher community that worked together to raise funds for the school.

Dad’s acting debut during this time was as Linus, in “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.” in a parent, staff production.  He retired in 1983.  The library of the school is named in his honor and each year a new group of students learns how to pronounce Meagher correctly.

He and mom enjoyed those early years of retirement traveling and visiting grandchildren.  Dad eventually went back to continue his teaching career at the Independent High School in Brentwood for 14 years.  He reconnected with those LST 830 men , organizing a reunion in Branson, Missouri.   Then Mom died suddenly in 1997, leaving Dad to define his own, next chapter.  As our family left Dad, after a week together of shared shock and grief, he sat us down at the kitchen table.   He told us that life had been great with Mom but he was ready  and excited to see what the future would bring. He sold the family home and moved to Summerset, a setting not unlike that at San Francisco State married-student housing so many years before.  He began an active social life with new found friends, playing bocce, taking trips with Elder Hostel, and taking up golf.  The chapter began.

He found a loving companion and wife, to enjoy the last 14 years of his life.  He had met Kathleen Welch Smith at a reunion of his Coast Guard buddies when he was there with mom.  Mom came home from that first reunion with stories of meeting Katy and enjoying her company. The second reunion Dad went alone.  A friendship began with Katy and he fell in love again.  They enjoyed an active life together. He became a mentor to her six children and many grandchildren who live in the mid west.  During these years they traveled, enjoyed the activities and friendship in this community, played bocce and golf together with Dad making a hole in one at 90.

Dad encouraged our family legacy of educators.  His mother was a teacher along with his brother Jimmy and sister Mary.  Many of his cousins were teachers and nieces and nephews.  All of his children became teachers, Chris worked in Special Education, Sue is a speech therapist, while Donna and Patricia are elementary teachers.  Several grandchildren are continuing this important work.

He died peacefully on Sunday, October 25, completing an accomplished, rich, full life of 93 years.  His family kept vigil, reminding one another of the memories we shared, the stories we won’t forget, and the love we have for him.  We hold this treasure trove in our hearts and will pass these on to those who carry on our family story.

Donations in his name can be made to purchase books for the Donald J. Meagher Library at Sutter Elementary School, 3410 Longview Road, Antioch, California, 94509 .

Publisher’s Note: A service was held for Don Meagher on October 30 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Brentwood. Don and his first wife, Helen will be forever enshrined as part of the mural on the side of the building at the corner of West 4th and G Streets in downtown Antioch, depicting the old telephone office, including Don and Helen picking up their first phone. According to former Antioch Councilwoman Elizabeth Rimbault, Don served on the Board of Directors of the Antioch Historical Society. Together they contributed funds, time and effort to create the first “Brides Room” in the museum in memory of Helen and Rimbault’s mother, Velma Jennings (First Madd Hatter’s Hat Shop), including painting, hanging curtains and creating displays.

Washington, DC – On Wednesday, December 2, 2015, four amendments authored by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) were successfully passed as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (S. 1177). This landmark bill overhauls the education law known as “No Child Left Behind (NCLB).”

“The Every Student Succeeds Act improves national education standards to ensure that all students receive a quality education. This important legislation prioritizes the academic progress of students with disabilities, low-income students, and English learners, regardless of race, gender or geography,” said DeSaulnier.

The following initiatives championed by the Congressman were included in the final bill:

-Measures to streamline Head Start programs and ensure maximum cooperation with local schools.

-Ability for schools to allocate resources to educate students and teachers on the dangers and effects of concussions; and

-Strengthens students’ access to support and “wraparound” services like tutoring, counseling, and other extracurricular activities.

“I am proud to have successfully included measures to protect students both in and out of the classroom by streamlining Head Start programs, protecting student athletes from concussions, and providing students with academic and extracurricular support beyond the normal school day. This bill also allows California to continue its new budgeting formula that provides more control and flexibility to schools and communities,” said DeSaulnier.

“I applaud the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act and thank U.S. Representative Mark DeSaulnier for his leadership on the Education and Workforce committee in passing the legislation,” said State Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson. “I’m pleased the legislation follows California’s lead by emphasizing local control, discouraging unnecessary and wasteful testing, and allowing accountability systems that emphasize multiple measures of success, rather than relying so heavily on one test.”

“The re-authorization of NCLB has languished for too long in the Congress and has kept many important improvements from being made to the law,” said former Congressman George Miller. “I want to commend Congressman Mark DeSaulnier for all of his hard work that has resulted in finally getting a vote on this bipartisan reform bill.  The Every Student Succeeds Act provides, most importantly, that schools and states will be accountable for making sure that all children have the opportunity to learn and succeed in their education, and it transfers responsibility to local districts and states for school improvement.”

“We are very grateful to Congressman DeSaulnier for prioritizing support for measures that have proven to make an enormous difference in educational outcomes for students in California and all around the country,” said Jennifer Peck, Executive Director, Partnership for Children and Youth. “We know from decades of research and experience that after school and summer programs are critical to closing the opportunity and achievement gaps, and this investment needs to be protected and grown. We are also excited to see support for families in their children’s learning and engagement in school in this effort. To do this work well, schools need resources to apply best practices such as strong teacher-family collaboration, parent leadership opportunities, and access to support services that enable students to show up to school every day ready to learn.”

The Every Student Succeeds Act passed the House of Representatives 359-64 and now moves to the Senate for consideration. President Obama is expected to sign it into law in the coming weeks.

DeSaulnier is the only Bay Area Member on the House Education & the Workforce Committee. He represents a portion of Antioch in the U.S. House of Representatives.

By Acting Sergeant John Fortner #3264, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

At 1:16 PM, today, Antioch Police Officers responded to the Chase Bank at 3457 Deer Valley Road on the report of an armed take-over robbery.  Several callers reported seeing three Black males wearing dark clothing and masks enter the bank.  At least one of the suspects was reported to be armed with a black firearm.  One of the males ordered everyone in the bank to get down on the ground.  The suspects stole money from the bank, and one customer’s wallet.  No gunshots were fired, and the victims were not injured during this incident.

The suspects fled in an unknown vehicle and in an unknown direction at a high rate of speed.  Shortly afterwards, a citizen from a nearby neighborhood called in a suspicious circumstance.  It was reported that three Black males abandoned a silver SUV on the street and left in a white SUV that was waiting for them.  It was later determined that the abandoned vehicle was reported stolen out of San Pablo and used in the robbery of the bank.

This incident is currently under investigation.

This preliminary information is made available by the Field Services Bureau. Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non emergency line at (925) 778-2441.  You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Another Chase Bank branch in Oakley was robbed, last night, as well.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.