Antioch Police calls for service highlights as published in City Manager Steve Duran’s Weekly Report dated September 9, 2016 and provided by Chief of Police Allan Cantando.

Calls for Service and Arrest Data Summary:

Time Period: 09/08/16 00:00:00 – 09/14/16 23:59:59

Number of Calls for Service: 1,511

Number of Case Reports: 265

Number of Arrests: 67

Felony: 37

Misdemeanor: 30

Arrests with DUI charge: 3

The data is based upon unaudited CAD/RMS data at time of report generation.

• ·On 9/14/16 at 10:14 pm an 18 year old male was driving home from work and pulled into his parking space at an apartment complex on Gentrytown Drive. As he exited his truck, a male subject approached and demanded his wallet and phone. According to neighbors, a male subject was heard yelling and then a single shot was heard seconds later. The victim made it to his apartment and his father drove him to a local hospital. He is in critical but stable condition after a bullet entered his upper chest and exited through his back. The suspect took his phone and wallet. Detectives were contacted and took over the investigation.
• ·On 9/14/16 at 2:30 pm an anonymous person reported there were three juveniles behind an apartment at 2301 Sycamore Drive and that one of the juveniles had a gun. When officers arrived they determined that the apartment backed up to another set of apartments and there was a dirt alleyway between the two buildings. Officers saw a 13 year old male holding a gun in his hand. Two 13 year old juveniles and a 15 year old juvenile were contacted. When the 13 year old male saw the police he dropped the gun. He had a loaded magazine for the gun on his person. The gun was checked and found to be a Czechoslovakian made 7.62×25 pistol. The rounds for this pistol can penetrate up to level IIA ballistic vests. The 13 year old was arrested and transported to Juvenile Hall. The other two juveniles were identified and released to their parents
• ·9/13/2016 at 8:43 pm, 32 year old Jamie Smith was contacted by officers in the 600 block of West 16^th St. and found to be in possession of methamphetamine, heroin, and a glass pipe. He was arrested and booked at APD and later released on a citation.
• ·9/13/2016 at 1:27 pm, a Walmart loss prevention officer observed 58 year old Donald McDaniels stealing items from the store. Mc Daniels was detained and found to have a warrant for his arrest for auto theft and burglary. Officers responded and took Mc Daniels into custody without incident and booked him into county jail.
• ·9/12/2016 at 9:44 pm, an officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle driven by 24 year old Jesse Potteet in the area of Minaker Dr. and East 13^th St. A records check revealed Potteet had two warrants in the system for burglary and providing a false name. Potteet was arrested without incident and booked at county jail.
• ·9/12/2016 at 8:43 pm, 43 year old Thea Hendricks was contacted in the 1700 block of Sycamore Dr. It was discovered she had warrants for narcotics and theft related charges. She was issued a notice to appear and released.
• ·9/12/2016 at 8:36 pm, we received a bulletin via the California Department of Corrections that 52 year old Ronald Rector had cut off his GPS ankle monitor and was wanted for violating his parole. An APD officer knew that Rector frequented the alley behind 1712 Sycamore Drive. During an area check there, the officer located Rector and arrested him without incident. Rector was booked into county jail.
• ·9/12/2016 at 8:15 am, citizens called dispatch to report there was a white vehicle in front of Johnny’s Market located at 622 West 9th St. and it looked like a subject was stripping the car. We arrived and found 35 year old Nathaniel Brantley in the driver’s seat working on a stereo. We eventually got a hold of the owner who confirmed Brantley was ok to be in the car. Unfortunately for Brantley, he had two warrants for his arrest for burglary. He was booked into county jail.
• ·9/11/2016 at 11:09 pm, 21 year old Francisco Ramirez was contacted at 2105 Lemontree Way and found to have a warrant for his arrest for theft related charges. Ramirez was arrested and taken to county jail.
• ·9/11/2016 at 3:28 pm, the victim was driving west bound on Lone Tree Way when he was cut off by 31 year old Gary Grant driving in the same direction. The two exchanged words while stopped at traffic signal. During the argument, Grant got out of his car and struck the victim’s vehicle with a baseball bat. The victim threw a milk shake at Grant’s vehicle. Grant got back in his car and as they started driving again, Grant sideswiped the victim’s vehicle causing minor scratches. The sideswipe appeared to be accidental. The victim followed Grant to his residence, where Grant started striking the victim’s vehicle with the bat again. Grant ran back in the house and as the victim drove away, Grant came out with a shotgun. Grant did not point the gun at the victim and eventually put it away before police arrived. Grant was contacted at his home and arrested without incident. He was sent to county jail for vandalism and hit and run.
• ·9/11/2016 at 1:32 pm, the unknown female responsible entered Fallas at Somersville Towne Centre and selected three pairs of jeans. She attempted to leave the store without paying when a loss prevention employee attempted to stop the responsible. The two had a brief struggle and the responsible was able to leave with the stolen goods. She fled in a newer maroon sedan. The loss prevention employee had minor injuries from the incident.
• ·9/11/2016 at 9:52 am, an officer was in the area of Shaddick Dr. and Garrow Dr. when he saw a Honda traveling at a high rate of speed. He caught up to the vehicle after several blocks when the driver, 22 year old Richard Raymundo-Wilcox parked the Honda and walked away. Wilcox was contacted and eventually detained. The registered owner of the vehicle responded to the scene and reported that the vehicle was stolen sometime during the night. Raymundo-Wilcox was arrested without incident and booked into county jail for auto theft.
• ·9/10/2016 at 10:33 pm, officers responded to the report of shots fired at the Ramada Inn on Mahogany Way involving a large party in two of the rooms. On arrival, an adult male was found on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds and was bleeding heavily. Several subjects were detained in and around the rooms. It was learned that this was a birthday party for the victim and subjects showed up wanting to fight with a female at the party. They were told to leave and an argument ensued. A 21 year old suspect produced a pistol and began shooting at the rooms. The victim was the only one struck. The subjects who were fighting fled in a white vehicle. The victim was transported to the hospital and went into surgery. He was later listed in stable condition. It took most of both patrol teams to complete the numerous interviews and process the scene. The majority of the party goers were found to be 16-18 years old. All parents were contacted and collected their children. As of this writing, the suspect had not been located and probable cause for his arrest was put out. This case is still under investigation.
• ·9/10/2016 at 9:08 pm, APD received several calls regarding 28 year old Andrew Lucero’s driving. He was seen swerving in his lane and appeared to be impaired. Officers located him in the area of Contra Loma Blvd. and Centennial Way just getting out of his vehicle after he drove over the curb and struck a city sign. Lucero was found to be intoxicated and submitted to a blood test. He was later booked into county jail.
• ·9/10/2016 at 7:09 pm, 49 year old Melinda Vanosten was driving west bound on Barn Hallow Way from Metcalf Dr. and collided into two separate parked vehicles on Barn Hollow Way. Vanosten attempted to flee in her vehicle after the second collision; however, the neighbors were able to take the keys away from her. Officers made contact with Vanosten and performed field sobriety tests, which she was unable to perform successfully. Vanosten later admitted to being under the influence of narcotics. She was booked at APD and later sent to county jail for felony DUI.
• ·9/10/2016 at 3:52 pm, an officer observed 35 year old Michael Kyle walking on Lemontree Way and knew he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for burglary and evading arrest. The officer was able to make contact and arrest Kyle without incident. He was booked on the warrant and sent to county jail.
• ·9/10/2016 at 2:18 pm, officers were dispatched to the 5400 block of San Martin Way after a resident called 9-1-1 to report his Ford delivery van stolen. The victim was making a delivery at the location and left the van running in the street. During a canvas of the area, an officer located the van traveling westbound on Mokelumne Dr. A vehicle pursuit ensued and continued eastbound on Lone Tree Way. During the pursuit, the driver, 20 year old Travon Jackson, drove into an officer’s vehicle head-on causing damage to both vehicles. Jackson then fled on foot from the van on Lone Tree Way in front of Denny’s. Both officers gave chase and apprehended Jackson on Wagon Wheel Way when he surrendered to commands. He was taken into custody without incident. Jackson was booked into county jail.
• ·9/10/2016 at 12:08 pm, 30 year old Mark Mora was arrested after he spray painted graffiti on the exterior wall of Walmart. When contacted he explained that he was “creating artwork.” The damage was estimated in excess of $1,500 and Walmart management requested prosecution. He was taken into custody without incident and booked at county jail.
• ·9/10/2016 at 8:03 am, an officer recognized 46 year old Daniel Semelsberger walking in the intersection of A St. and W. 17th St. and knew he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. A records check confirmed he had two outstanding no-bail warrants for his arrest that were narcotics related. Semelsberger was taken into custody without incident and booked at county jail.
• ·9/10/2016 at 12:29 am, 24 year old Roger Joseph was contacted near 617 West 19^th St. attempting to access a truck. He was trying to use a key to open the passenger door. A records check showed the truck was stolen. Joseph was taken into custody without incident. Joseph stated he bought the truck two weeks ago, but could not provide any information or from who. Joseph was booked into county jail for grand theft auto.
• ·9/9/2016 at 10:19 pm, 48 year old Jason Elliot was contacted at Lowes on Auto Center Dr. and was found to have a warrant for his arrest for DUI. He was taken into custody without incident. Elliot was booked into county jail.
• ·9/9/2016 at 11:54 pm, Elk Grove PD responded to an audible alarm and observed a silver van fleeing at a high rate of speed in their city. CHP took over the pursuit which led through four different counties and lasted almost two hours. Apparently the suspects were calling family members during the entire chase. In turn family members began following the pursuit to make sure there was no inappropriate behavior by the police. Two CHP air units, a K-9 unit and numerous ground units were involved. The driver of the getaway car’s mother lives in Antioch so the entire event ended at the front door of APD. As the suspects approached 4th and L St., a female family member jumped in front of the suspect’s car causing them to come to a stop. A high risk stop was conducted and both suspects were taken into custody by CHP.
• ·9/9/2016 at 9:01 pm, officers observed a reported stolen vehicle driving westbound on South Lake Dr. The vehicle stopped on its own at 70 South Lake Dr. Officers conducted a high risk stop on the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, 29 year old Adam Renfroe, was taken into custody without incident. The passenger was released without charges at this time. Renfroe was arrested and found to be on parole. He was sent to county jail for auto theft and violation of probation. The vehicle was drivable and returned to its owner.
• ·9/9/2016 at 7:56 pm, numerous 911 calls came in regarding a house fire in the 4400 block of Parkview Ct. The fire started near a shed in the rear yard of 4877 Parkview. The fire quickly spread to 4855 and both residences were evacuated. Contra Costa County Fire arrived and put out both fires. Neither of the residences was still habitable and there were no signs of arson.
• ·9/9/2016 at 3:51 pm, dispatch received a call stating that 25 year old Richard Cendejas was at 2735 G Street and that he had a warrant. A records check showed that Cendejas had a felony warrant out of Alameda County for three counts of felony assault on a peace officer. Cendejas was also a listed responsible in an 8/22/16, APD pursuit where officers were victims of a felony assault with a vehicle. Several Officers and two K9 units went to the residence. Cendejas fled out the back of the residence but gave up when he realized he was surrounded. Cendejas was booked into county jail.
• ·9/9/2016 at 11:26 am, on 9/4/16, three males entered the Quickstop on Sycamore Dr. and one of the males jumped the counter and stole a box with cash. The clerk attempted to stop the male and was thrown to the ground by all three males. The cash fell on the ground and all three subjects picked up the cash and fled on foot. Today, 9/9/2016, the Quikstop owner called dispatch and stated that two of the suspects were in the parking lot and were associated with a silver Toyota Camry. Officers arrived on scene as the vehicle was leaving the parking lot. A traffic stop was conducted and 18 year old Lamar Crawford was found to have a loaded 9mm pistol in his waistband. Crawford also had a warrant for his arrest. 25 year old Jeremiah White was found to have individually wrapped baggies of suspected cocaine in his pocket. Both Crawford and White were identified during an infield show up as being responsible for the robbery. The driver of the vehicle was released from the scene. Crawford and White were booked into county jail.
• ·9/9/2016 at 10:33 am, officers responded to the Chevron at 2413 A St. for an armed robbery that just occurred. A male entered the store and told the clerk he had a gun. The male took cash from the register and two packs of cigarettes and fled towards Bryan Ave. The clerk ran outside and saw the suspect running away with a heavy set female. The two were last seen running on McGinley Ave. An extensive area check was done, but the suspects were not located.
• ·9/8/2016 at 9:51 pm, a motorcyclist was westbound on San Carlos Dr. and lost control of his motorcycle and fell to the ground. He was not wearing a helmet and struck the pavement with his head. He suffered a large laceration to his head. The rider was transported to the hospital for treatment. Due to the head injury, he was kept in the hospital overnight for observation purposes only.
• ·9/8/2016 at 9:49 pm, residents called to report a male slumped over at the wheel of a Nissan in the 2400 block of Whitetail Dr. in the roadway. Officers located the vehicle and 24 year old Gabrielle Cassell. Contra Costa County Fire forced entry into the vehicle to get to the male. Once pulled from the vehicle he came to life and we discovered he had just injected heroin. We located numerous needles some with heroin still inside. He was taken to the hospital and blood was drawn. He was released pending further investigation due to his medical requirements. There were no reported accidents or injuries. His vehicle was towed for 30 days for driving on a suspended license. This case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office for charges at a later date.
• ·9/8/2016 at 9:44 pm, a vehicle was southbound on Hillcrest Ave. when the driver lost control just north of Sterling Hills Dr. The vehicle slid onto the adjacent sidewalk and struck a fire hydrant before coming to a stop in the middle of the intersection. The driver was uninjured and claimed a black Nissan Maxima had cut him off. The Maxima was never located. Public Works responded and shut off the hydrant.
• ·9/8/2016 at 10:55 am, Uber Exchange called dispatch and stated that an Uber vehicle had been stolen in Sacramento on 9/2/2016 and they had a GPS location on the vehicle driving in Antioch. Officers were directed to where the vehicle was driving and attempted a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed and officers chased the vehicle for about three blocks before terminating due excessive speeds. The vehicle was abandoned and witnesses stated three males fled from the vehicle on foot. An extensive area check was done with negative results. The vehicle was returned to its owner.
• ·9/8/2016 at 7:30 am, dayshift patrol conducted a probation search at 85 South Lake Dr. 26 year old Corey Whittington was contacted inside of the residence and found to have warrants for his arrest for burglary and grant theft. He was arrested and booked into county jail.

By Nick Goodrich

During the regular meeting of the Antioch School Board on Wednesday, September 14th, Mike Burkholder, the publisher of eastcountytoday.net and a candidate for school board in the November election, had some particularly harsh words for appointed Board Trustee Fernando Navarro.

Toward the end of the public comments section of the meeting, Burkholder entered the room and stated his desire to make a comment. Board Vice President Walter Ruehlig, who was running the meeting in President Diane Gibson-Gray’s absence, allowed it.

Burkholder then proceeded to take issue with a statement that he said Navarro made at a debate last week for the school board candidates, hosted by the Friday Morning Breakfast Club.

According to Burkholder, Navarro said that the AUSD provides “services equivalent to the DMV.” Burkholder also said that he had been told by a local elected official who had met privately with Navarro to discuss the state of the schools, that Navarro had said, “If the District were to be graded, it would receive an F minus minus.”

Burkholder went on to say that, as a member of the School Board, Navarro should be “promoting the District and building it up, rather than shedding a negative light on it.”

“It’s simply bad rhetoric,” Burkholder said of Navarro’s comments.

With Antioch Unified already facing problems such as a high transfer-out rate, he said that one of the Board’s primary concerns should be to always promote the District in a way that attracts new students and those that are already here.

Burkholder called for Navarro to issue a formal apology to the District and the Board Members, while citing Antioch’s recent college fair – in which dozens of scholarships were issued and students accepted to schools – as a sign that the District is seeing some notable successes.

“When a member of the School Board is that negative,” he said, “It makes the District look bad and makes these problems worse.”

9/19/16 UPDATE: Burkholder did not participate in the candidates’ forum on Thursday, September 8. But, he did provide an audio of Navarro’s comments during the forum, which was surreptitiously obtained. The forum moderator, Ann Flynn of the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley specifically stated that no unauthorized recording of the forum would be allowed. On Monday, September 19, Don Freitas, the leader of the Friday Morning Breakfast Club which sponsored the forum stated, “I didn’t authorized an audio recording. If there is one, it was done without the FMBC’s permission.”

Burkholder was asked how he obtained the audio, but didn’t respond.

Following is Navarro’s complete statement at the forum, which can be heard, here:

“Well I’d like to start with what I’m not. So, I’m not a politician. I’m not a polished orator. But, what I am, as I’ve stated before, I’m a parent with two children in the district, which gives me skin in the game. I’m a business owner, like I said for 20 years. I know customer service and I know quality control. Demographically, we’re losing 900-plus students between last year and the end of this year, projected. We’re dropping the ball on quality service to our customers, which are the kids and their parents. We’ve lost 25% of our student population in the last dozen years. If we were a for profit business, we’d be shuttered and closed down, by now. But because we are subsidized by the taxpayers we’re becoming a little tone deaf and we’re becoming equivalent in customer service with the DMV. For God’s sakes, let us not become the DMV.”

When asked for comments following the school board meeting, Navarro said that, although his comments were taken out of context, he stands by his assessment of the District’s condition. Noting that over 900 students have left the District in the last two years, and the exceedingly low state test scores by Antioch students in math and English, Navarro said the AUSD was failing the majority of its students.

“My point as a business owner was to underscore the dangers of not respecting where the incoming funds originate. We talk about the funds coming from the feds, or from the state. Ultimately, though, all funds come from the taxpayers,” he said. “Whenever a government body loses that perspective, becomes tone deaf, and suffers no consequences, we become just like the DMV. My actual statement during the debate was, ‘Folks, let’s not become like the DMV.’”

Navarro also said that he was surprised that the private conversation he’d had with Antioch Mayor Wade Harper had been passed on to the public, but that the statistics on student outcomes supported that statement, as well.

“When over 80% of our students are not proficient in math, and 70% are not proficient in English,” he said, “That certainly seems like a failure to me.”

Despite the backlash to his comments, Navarro was also appreciative. “I am open to any criticism, comments, and suggestions that can help improve the District,” he said. “This isn’t fun and games. We must be serious about it for the sake of the kids and the District…If we’re simply going to conceal our issues, we’re never going to solve them.”

When reached for comment to explain if and why he shared what Navarro had told him with Burkholder, Harper said he had “no comment.”

Allen Payton contributed to this story, specifically providing the 9/19/16 update, including Navarro’s complete comment at the forum.

By Nick Goodrich

On Tuesday, September 13th, the Antioch City Council approved the 180-unit Laurel Ranch housing development, and heard more criticism from the Save the Yard supporters about the City’s plan to construct townhomes on the former Antioch Lumber Company lot and more complaints about Animal Services, during their regular meeting.

Public Comments

Members of the public offered their opinions to Council on a variety of topics, including the Antioch Lumber Company lot, during public comments.

The state of Antioch’s Animal Shelter was raised once again, just weeks after Harper promised to put the issue on Council’s official agenda next January.

Antioch Resident Sharon Bennett was concerned that new dogs and cats were not being regularly scanned for owners’ microchips, and called for an experienced manager to be brought in to “make the right decisions and hire the correct personnel” to address some of the problems the shelter faces.

Another resident was surprised to find that the shelter is not using the app Petfinder, which creates profiles for new intakes in order to help get them adopted faster. With the kill rate at Antioch’s shelter higher than the average, according to resident Magella Smith, using Petfinder could both save animals slated for euthanization and cut costs by finding them homes more quickly.

Barabara Sobalvarro, President of Friends of Animal Services, also shared her thoughts. She reminded the audience of the ongoing adoption event at the shelter for the month of September, during which all adoptions will cost only $50.

She also noted that while even FAS can be critical of the shelter at times, it is important to be constructive and offer up ways to help the shelter improve when doing so.

“If you’re going to be critical, you need to be part of the solution,” Sobalvarro added.

Most of the speakers, however, were focused on the historic Antioch Lumber Company yard in downtown, which the City has designated for the construction of new townhomes rather than a new park and event center.

During a recent candidate forums Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock and Councilmembers Monica Wilson and Mary Rocha expressed their desire to see the issue put to a vote of the community, allowing Antioch residents to make the decision.

At Tuesday’s meeting, both Ogorchock and Wilson suggested reclassifying the lot from “Medium Density” to “Open Space”, which would prevent the City from developing it in the near future, and clear the way for the Save the Yard movement to begin raising funds for a new event center.

Some citizens saw this recent change of heart as an insult, however, as a town square initiative aimed at putting the Town Square park and event center proposal on the ballot in November, had already failed. A second effort is currently underway.

One speaker, Arleen Lantern, said, “This is like a slap in the face to those of us that want a gathering place and event center in the Lumber Yard.” She called for Mayor Wade Harper to put the issue on City Council’s official agenda immediately, as well as for public forums to be held quarterly by the City.

Michael Amarosa, a longtime Antioch resident, shared his thoughts on the Waldie Plaza event center plans put forth by the City during the last Council meeting.

“No doubt Waldie Plaza needs a major reboot,” he said, “But make it your legacy to finally improve our downtown by making the Beede lumber yard something special.”

However, in closed session on August 25, 2015 the council by a vote 4-1 with Ogorchock dissenting, gave City Manager Steve Duran the exclusive right to negotiate the sale of that property and eight other city-owned parcels, with developer City Ventures. Those negotiations are still underway.

Laurel Ranch Subdivision Approved

Later in the meeting, the council oversaw a public hearing on the proposed Laurel Ranch Subdivision, which included a presentation by developer Richland Communities.

The subdivision, which includes 180 single-family homes in two neighborhoods, will be situated on the northwest corner of Highway 4 and Laurel Road. One neighborhood will consist of 88 homes with minimum lot sizes of 4,000 square feet with home sizes ranging from 1,750 to 3,000 square feet, plus two parks. The private lane neighborhood will consist of 92 homes with minimum lot sizes of 2,500 square feet and homes ranging in size from 1,800 to 2,200 square feet.

According to the project’s architectural design guide, there will be “one 10,000 SF park containing an all-abilities play structure, a lawn area, and traditional park furniture. Another 5,200 SF sitting park will provide residents with a small lawn area and park furniture for an informal gathering area. From this small pocket park, there will be a trail that will connect to a section of the East Lone Tree Specific Plan’s trail system.”

Richland Communities, which has been working on the project since 2014, noted that a big advantage of the development will be the completion of Laurel Road, connecting the current portion of the road in Antioch to Highway 4. Plus, it will occur at no cost to the City, greatly increasing accessibility to the area.

Clifton Taylor, Vice President of Richland, was on hand to deliver the presentation to the council. He reported that concerns from two years ago, like house floor plans and trail access, had been fully addressed to the satisfaction of the city.

In addition, Taylor noted that the project does fund the extra police services that the development will require, good news to Antioch residents who do not want to see any unnecessary spikes in taxes to pay for them.

Richland has planned for two parks within the subdivision, and also reported that it will contribute $2.7 million toward the completion of Slatten Ranch Road.

Another big aspect of Richland’s project includes its Project Labor Agreement, which highlights its commitment to local hiring and training. Richland will bring in labor from the surrounding area, which encouraged speakers like Jim Foley, with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, to support the project.

Fees from the new homes will also help pay for the extension of Slatten Ranch Road, north of the J.C. Penney store, and connect it to Laurel Road, providing access to the land for commercial development and employment uses.

“Two hundred electricians live in Antioch,” Foley told the council. “They want the opportunity to work in their city.”

John Malcolm Jr., a 40 year resident of Antioch, also shared his thoughts.

“To work where you live is important,” he said. Malcolm also noted that traffic will improve due to the completion of both Laurel and Slatten Ranch Roads, and the city will gain a larger tax base from the new residents.

Taylor  also spoke about Richland’s successful community outreach plans, during which it received positive feedback on the project from residents in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Overall, after some questions fielded to Richland’s representatives, the council seemed impressed with the project.

“It looks like you’re leaving no stone unturned,” said Harper.

Wilson said of the Laurel Road extension, “We need it so bad.”

After input from the public, it was clear the Council was ready to move forward with the plans. They voted unanimously, 5-0, to approve the addenda to the project and allow Richland to move on to the next step.

Richland Communities will begin the final designs immediately, and hopes to begin construction by 2018 at the latest. To view the complete Laurel Ranch Architectural Design Guide, click here: laurel-ranch-adg

By Allen Payton

At a forum for Antioch School Board candidates in the November election, hosted by the Friday Morning Breakfast Club on Thursday, September 8, 2016, five of the seven squared off, debating and discussing the issues facing the Antioch Unified School District.

Two candidates, incumbent Diane Gibson-Gray and news site publisher Mike Burkholder said they couldn’t attend due to a scheduling conflict with back-to-school night, at the same time as the forum. However, both appointed incumbents Fernando Navarro and Alonzo Terry attended the forum. Navarro said he visited one school and with his children’s teachers prior to the forum, and Terry arrived late to the forum in order to fulfill his commitment to visit three schools.

In addition, former school board trustees, Gary Hack and Joy Motts, along with substitute teacher and tutoring business owner Crystal Sawyer-White participated in the forum.

Don Freitas, the leader of the Friday Morning Breakfast Club, an invitation-only group of about 22 residents who meet on Fridays to discuss local issues, hosted the event in the Antioch City Council Chambers and Ann Flynn of the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley served as moderator and asked the questions. She also stated that no unauthorized recording of the forum would be allowed, as was the same for the mayor and council forums hosted by the FMBC, last week.

Opening Statements

Seated, speaking and answering questions in random order, the candidates gave their opening statements with Hack speaking, first.

“I want to be on the board, yet again to help educate kids and make them a better person,” he said.

Sawyer-White said “I’m excited to be running for the Antioch School Board. As a parent in the 21st Century, I believe that every parent should have access to the best education possible.”

She then listed her experience and service on various committees, as well as being the owner of a tutoring business.

Motts spoke about being a “lifelong resident of Antioch and a product of Antioch schools.”

“We need school board members who have a detailed knowledge that is focused on our children,” Motts added.

Navarro spoke of his upbringing, as well.

“I’m a first-generation American of Mexican descent,” he said. “I know the problems of inner city youth. I’m fully bilingual and bicultural.”

“I’m a defender of the taxpayer and the bottom line,” Navarro continued.

“My frustration was the experience in the ELL (English Language Learners) program,” he said as one of the reasons that motivated him to apply for the appointment to the board vacancy, last year. He also said he wanted to “see how the sausage is made, if you will. To look under the hood.”

“The opportunity to rectify the school district is closing,” Navarro added.

Candidate’s Experience

Motts shared about her experience on the school board.

“It was a very difficult time,” she said. “We worked very strategically to get through the crisis.”

She spoke of “many reformations,” the “Antioch High restoration, Linked Learning and restorative justice, “despite the deep cuts.”

Hack said he’d “been a small business owner for more than 25 years” and “on the board for four years.”

“When I was on the board, it was the time of the recession,” he stated and spoke of “prudent husbandry of the budget we had.”

“The budget problems won’t disappear,” Hack added.

Navarro responded with “I’m not a politician. I’m not a polished orator.”

He shared that he has been “business owner for 20 years” and learning about “quality service and quality control.”

He mentioned the on-going drop in enrollment and that students were leaving the district.

“Because we are subsidized by the taxpayers, we’ve become a little tone deaf,” Navarro continued. “For God’s sake, let’s not become the DMV.”

Sawyer-White said she was “deeply concerned” about “crime” and “I feel unsafe in some situations.

“I feel I can make a difference,” she said and then mentioned “summer jobs” for students.

“Children have been diagnosed with” learning disabilities, Sawyer-White continued. “They’re not able to meet the Common Core standards.”

Motts used her first rebuttal in response to Navarro.

“The drop in enrollment is anticipated,” she stated. “Those children are now aging out. It appears there’s more of a problem than it is.”

“The good news is there’s new development coming into Antioch,” Motts added.

Handling Disciplinary Problems

Hack said he wants to “enhance the education experience” and about the “dichotomy of those who behave and those who don’t behave.”

“I met with the principal at Dallas Ranch” about “restorative justice that deals with kids who have been suspended and deal with them when they return to campus.”

Navarro said “I think we should have zero tolerance for interruptions in the classroom.”

He wants to “reinstill a respect for fellow classmates and teachers” and spoke about “better class management.”

“Students work more individually than in group seating,” Navarro added.

Sawyer-White mentioned “PBIS,” referring to positive behavior implementation strategies, then spoke of her experience at a school where she taught.

“We had a tracking device instead of sending the student home, but out of the classroom.”

She spoke of having the students “meet with the school psychologist, parents, teachers.”

“If you build rapport with students…they can excel academically,” Sawyer-White added.

Motts said “many students come into the classroom in crisis” due to being “hungry or challenges at home.”

She also mentioned PBIS and said “we reach out to every child to get the services and counseling they need.”

Truancy

The next question was how the candidates could turn around the chronic truancy in the district, which is as high as 40% at Antioch High School.

Sawyer-White responded with her knowledge of what is done in other school districts, how the “classroom is rewarded for high attendance and no tardies” and “if late a number of times it can add up to an absence.”

“There needs to be more of a text message tracking system,” she continued and wanted to “get the parents involved.”

Navarro took a different tack, saying “stop blaming parents and students” and “start accepting blame as a district.”

He cited “boredom and not feeling safe” and when the schools “promote students prematurely.”

Navarro suggested an “all hands on deck” approach and working “with the city council and police department.”

Motts said “I have to agree with Fernando on one point. Our children need to be engaged.” She then mentioned linked learning at the secondary schools.

“Truancy is the responsibility of parents and students,” she continued. “It affects our bottom line. Our ADA” referring to average daily attendance which determines the amount of per pupil funding the district receives from the state.

“The district can’t tolerate it,” Motts added.

Hack said “there are positive programs” and that “what happens in the class needs to be relevant to students.”

“Truancy won’t go away,” he continued, then spoke of “communication with parents, family and the kid taking responsibility” as his solution.

Alonzo Terry, arrived in time to answer the question.

“Mr. Hack is correct,” he stated. “Truancy can come in so many ways. Some time circumstances cause people to be late or not even show up.”

“Together, it’s about communication and tell them how important it (school) is,” Terry added.

Programs for Academic Achievement

When asked which programs are translating into academic achievement, Navarro said “I would pick the Math Intensive. It shows data driven results.”

“The class structure,” he continued. “It goes back to old school mentality.”

“The business of schools is education,” Navarro stated. “I am a believer in all the different career paths.”

Terry said “it’s not one fit for all. I went to visit several math programs.”

He then stated there are “three different ways people learn in English and math. We need to put them all together.”

Hack said “options are good. One system doesn’t work for everyone.”

“Give kids different approaches to be successful,” he continued. “It’s very different than when we were in school. It’s better. Kids are learning stuff and we don’t have to rely on test scores.”

Sawyer-White said “I don’t think one size fits all. A career path is a good beginning for the Antioch school district.”

She then mentioned “robotics, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs in Pittsburg, computer technology and engineering.”

Motts said “with the LCAP (Local Control and Accountability Plan) you get to go back each year and review. It’s really about equity. Our children have different needs.”

“We need to make sure the children remain in school, are engaged and perform,” she added.

Biggest Issue

When asked what the biggest issue facing Antioch schools, Terry replied “that question is really hard. What is 9-11 to one person is 4-11 to others. It’s like asking someone would you rather have a bullet or a knife.”

“I don’t know how to answer that question, because they’re all important,” he continued. “They all need to be addressed with the same amount of energy.”

Sawyer-White spoke of “graduation rates at 77%. We can improve that.”

“After graduation the job opportunity is bleak,” she stated, then suggested Antioch schools be “linked with community college for classes.”

Motts said “providing a quality education is job one. It encompasses a whole bunch of things.”

Hack didn’t like the question, then rephrased it.

“It’s a negative connotation,” he said.

“What is the biggest priority?” Hack asked. “It’s personnel. Everything flows from that.”

He then mentioned the “new members on the board” and the district having “a rookie superintendent.”

“We lost over 100 teachers, this year,” Hack continued, then spoke of “paying regular wages.”

He said it’s about “dealing with the best humans we can put in place.”

Navarro said it’s “the demographics” and that “77% of our students are not proficient in English.”

He then mentioned the “truancy issue at our high schools” and that “33% are barely making it.”

“We’re graduating kids but they’re undercooked,” Navarro continued. “The colleges have to pick up the slack.”

“We need to rethink our fad tactics,” he added.

Common Core

When asked about Common Core, Navarro read a statement from legal counsel that it was a state requirement and the policy of the district, then crumbled up the page the statement was on and tossed it to his side.

“Top down ties hands. The hands of our district and parents,” he stated. “It cattle prods our students.”

“We can do better,” Navarro continued. “We can go beyond the mandate.”

Sawyer-White first said “I feel it is a challenge” but then said “I think it prepares the student in the proper way in math and English.”

“If parents were more involved at home, working with their student, with the teacher, they can succeed,” she stated. “It prepares us better for college prep.”

Terry said “Common Core is good for some people, not for everyone” but, if it’s “not working you have to find another avenue.”

Motts said “the data is still out a bit on it.”

“But teaching to the test was failing our students,” she added. “It’s raising the bar which will lead to higher achievement for our students. I fully support it.”

Hack said “things need to change to the modern world.”

“I also think it’s a dynamic and different approach,” he stated. “It’s in its infancy. It’s a living and ongoing process.”

“Education is always changing,” Hack continued. “I’m in favor of it, now.”

Navarro used one of his rebuttals to respond, saying he wanted to “point out over time, truth comes out” and that Common Core is a “bill of goods that was sold to us.”

“They pulled it out of a hat,” he continued. “We’re seeing a gap between high schools and colleges which I think was intentional.”

Hack used one of his rebuttals, as well and said there are “three parts of any program, staff and teachers, the board trains and supplies, monitors and adjusts it,” and that “students and parents need to do their part.”

“Being stagnant in education does not solve the issue,” he added.

Budget Deficit

When asked about the $2 million deficit spending in the current budget, Motts responded “that’s inaccurate. Adjustments have been made.

“I’ve been through deficit situations,” she continued. “It’s about efficiency. Retiring teachers can cut costs.”

“We’re 47th in the nation in per pupil spending,” Motts added, referring to state spending.

Motts is correct. The figure in the question is incorrect. The 2016-17 budget approved by the district in June includes deficit spending of $1.2 million. But, it projects a deficit of $2.1 million next year and $2.4 million in Fiscal Year 2018-19.

Terry said “we have to cut from the top and work our way down, because I think we’re top heavy.”

“Right now, we are in a hole and it’s not going to be easy and some people are going to be hurt,” he added, then referred to the decline in enrollment. “We’re losing numbers.”

Navarro said “we need to start with a ‘come to Jesus’ moment.”

“The funds come from the taxpayers,” he stated and proposed a budget “review, line item by item.”

“I’d like to see a larger vendor pool,” Navarro continued. “We’re paying through the nose top dollar.”

“We’re getting about a quarter of a billion dollars and we still have teachers paying for pencils and tissues?” he asked.

Hack said “every year, in June, we have those discussions.”

“You may not be rich, but you’re solvent,” he stated. “Maybe not with a capital ‘S’.”

He then spoke of the “dichotomy of how much do we keep in reserves. I think it’s very viable.”

Sawyer-White said “Again, I’m new to this,” then suggested “maybe have a long-term forecast” and what was done to save money at the school where her son attends.

“We decided not to get a $25,000 electronic sign,” she said.

“Maybe we don’t need so many consultants,” Sawyer-White stated, regarding the AUSD. “And vendors, I agree with Mr. Fernando.”

Trade & Technology Education

Terry was first to answer, stating “we need to bring back all the trades that we can do with our hands.”

Motts said “not every child is on a pathway to go to college.”

“The good news is they are starting to work with the trades and trying to integrate those into the schools,” she stated. “I would definitely support that.”

Sawyer-White said “I am very supportive of vocational training.”

She then suggested adding “coding classes” and that they “prepare you for developing websites,” and then also proposed “entrepreneurship classes…mechanics, maybe dental training.”

Navarro said “I believe in vocational education” and suggested “aviation engineering” and also mentioned coding.

However, he said “if we don’t get back to basics, it’s all a moot point.”

Hack said “one fallacy in education is that everyone’s going to college. Not true.”

He proposed “coming up with new classes that we don’t have in the district, already.”

Teacher Complaints

When asked what board members should do if teachers complain that they’re not being listened to by administration, Sawyer-White responded “In Sweden, the principal has to teach a class, once a year.”

“They’re not aware of what’s happening in the classroom because they haven’t taught,” she said.

She then suggested “multi-disciplinary teams to meet more often.”

Terry said “I don’t think anyone should be denied form going to whomever, whenever they want.”

“That should be changed,” he continued. “Teachers need to know they will be heard.”

Hack said “as a board member, you have to be open to communication. But we have to work through the proper channels.”

“There’s a danger there for board members to try to deal with individual problems,” he added.

Navarro said “the role of the board” is to “represent voters, taxpayers and the district teachers.”

“But you only have one vote,” he stated. “The role of the board members is to be a conduit. Because the board only has one employee, the superintendent.”

“Feel free to call me or text me,” Navarro continued. “I’m an open book.”

Motts said “teachers are on the front line. I think it’s imperative the board members are out in the schools.”

“Healthy organizations have open communication,” she added.

Parent Involvement

On this subject, Motts spoke about her experience in the PTSA (parent, teacher, student association).

“The good thing about LCAP is it requires parental communication and involvement,” she said. “Teachers need to reach out to parents.”

Hack said “I like to talk to teachers. You find out what’s going on with parents.”

He suggested “going to PTA meetings.”

Sawyer-White said “parental involvement is a challenge. I think the first day of school should be an orientation, so you don’t have an open house a week later.”

“There’s no excuse not to communicate with parents,” she added.

Terry said “I’m the wrong person to ask that question. You can’t make nobody do anything.”

“We all do what we can to get them involved,” he continued. “Especially the parent. Because every parent is not a parent.”

“I have 380 kids I work on a regular basis,” Terry shared. “It’s hard to get parents involved.”

Navarro said “I echo some of what Alonzo said. It’s plant that seed with parents.”

“They are the single most important first responders. We’re just surrogates,” he stated. “I do a lot of outreach to the Hispanic community.”

Corporal Punishment

Responding to a “lightning round question” of should the district “bring back corporal punishment,” they all said “no” with Navarro responding with a joke, “introducing the old board of education? No.”

Closing Statements

Navarro went first with his closing statement saying “Antioch is a crossroads of many dynamics. We have demographics of a small town” and “a new dynamic of an urban center with its challenges.”

“I humbly ask for you vote,” he concluded.

Motts said “the school board is one of the toughest jobs there is” and spoke of “educational excellence.”

“I have that knowledge,” she stated. “Now, more than ever, we need experience and knowledge on the board.”

Sawyer-White said “I am the candidate who will fight on behalf of our children” and that she’s “committed to continue improvements in the classroom.”

Hack said “the educational landscape in Antioch has changed. That’s not a negative statement, nor is it a positive one. It’s simply a fact.”

“The school board of which I was a member for four years” did “far more than any other previous board had done,” he continued. “Great responsibility, awesome opportunity.”

“Two years later much still needs to be done,” Hack stated.  Then, sounding a bit like Donald Trump, he concluded “We can make this good district great, yet again.”

Terry used his closing remarks to explain his tardiness to the forum

“I was committed to going to three schools for back-to-school night,” he shared. “I apologize for being late, but not for putting students first.”

The next forum of the candidates for school board will be hosted by the Antioch Herald and held Monday, September 19 at 7:00 p.m., also in the Antioch City Council Chambers at City Hall.

In light of well-publicized, hostile encounters with police in various communities across the United States, the recently formed Antioch Community Team (ACT) is hosting a public forum  entitled Building Bridges and Tearing Down Barriers Symposium, before it happens here.

The symposium will be held on Saturday, September 24 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Delta Bay Church of Christ, located at 913 Sunset Drive in Antioch.

The primary goal of the symposium is to have a proactive, community dialogue that ensures trust among law enforcement and communities-at-large via a panel discussion with members of the policing community, as well as friends, neighbors and others from various communities.

Also sponsored by the Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Greatness Rediscovered in Our Time (G.R.I.O.T.), the symposium will explore how to strengthen relations between the community and law enforcement by opening lines of communication between both entities. The ACT team welcomes all to come together as one community and have a healthy dialogue about 21st Century Policing.

However, Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando said both he and Captain Tammany Brooks are not available that night and will be unable to attend, nor will they be sending a representative from the Antioch Police Department.

In 2014, President Obama issued an Executive Order forming an 11-member Task Force on 21st Century Policing. His Executive Order stated the purpose: The Task Force shall, consistent with applicable law,  identify best practices and otherwise make recommendations to the President on how policing practices can promote effective crime reduction while building public trust.

Over 90 days of hearing, input and testimony, the Task Force developed Six Pillars of 21st Century Policing and five ways each of three stakeholder groups can implement them.

The Six Pillars are: 1. Building Trust and Legitimacy; 2. Policy and Oversight; 3. Technology and Social Media; 4. Community Policing and Crime Reduction; 5. Training and Education; and 6. Officer Wellness and Safety.

The three stakeholder groups include local government, law enforcement and communities. According to the Implementation Guide, following are the five things each of three stakeholder groups can do to implement the Task Force’s recommendations:

Local government

1. Create listening opportunities with the community.

2. Allocate government resources to implementation.

3. Conduct community surveys on attitudes toward policing, and publish the results.

4. Define the terms of civilian oversight to meet the community’s needs.

5. Recognize and address holistically the root causes of crime.

Law enforcement

1. Review and update policies, training, and data collection on use of force, and engage

community members and police labor unions in the process.

2. Increase transparency of data, policies, and procedures.

3. Call on the POST [Police Officers Standards & Training] Commission to implement all levels of training.

4. Examine hiring practices and ways to involve the community in recruiting.

5. Ensure officers have access to the tools they need to keep them safe.

Communities

1. Engage with local law enforcement; participate in meetings, surveys, and other activities.

2. Participate in problem-solving efforts to reduce crime and improve quality of life.

3. Work with local law enforcement to ensure crime-reducing resources and tactics are being deployed that mitigate unintended consequences.

4. Call on state legislators to ensure that the legal framework does not impede accountability for

law enforcement.

5. Review school policies and practices, and advocate for early intervention strategies that minimize involvement of youth in the criminal justice system.

Please join the conversation.

Register for the free symposium to join the conversation on Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com/e/building-bridges-tearing-down-barriers-symposium-tickets-27307531562?aff=eioscfrmshrefabk&ref=eioscfrmshrefabk

To learn more about 21st Century Policing, please click on the following documents and website:

http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/taskforce/taskforce_finalreport.pdf

http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/taskforce/Implementation_Guide.pdf

http://cops.usdoj.gov/policingtaskforce

To download a copy of the symposium flyer, click here: act-symposium-flier

For more information follow ACT on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AntiochCommunityTeam/

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Sacramento, CA – On Wednesday, September 14, Governor Brown signed into law AB 326 by Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D – Oakley), which sets a 30-day deadline that the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) must reimburse a collateral deposit by an employer in a Division of Labor Standards Enforcement prevailing wage dispute.

“I applaud the Governor for signing AB 326 to bring fairness to the prevailing wage dispute process,” said Frazier. “As a former general contractor, I know first-hand that tying up cash can place innocent employers in jeopardy of losing their business or creating financial hardship.”

Current law requires that in cases where a contractor has been accused of prevailing wage violations, the contractor must post a cash deposit with the DIR equivalent to the full amount of the assessment plus penalties. AB 326 would ensure that the contractor is reimbursed in a timely manner.

“We cannot thank Assemblymember Frazier enough for stepping up on this issue,” said Tom Holsman, CEO of the Associated General Contractors of California. “There have been instances when contractors have not received their cash deposits back for months, even though a settlement had been arrived at, or the contractor had been fully exonerated.”

AB 326 had the support of the Associated General Contractors of California and San Diego, Associated Builders & Contractors of California, Construction Employers’ Association, Southern California Contractors Association, and California Association of Specialty Contractors. This bill passed through the Legislature with widespread bipartisan support and will become effective on January 1, 2017.

Assemblymember Frazier represents the 11^th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Antioch, Bethel Island, Birds Landing, Brentwood, Byron, Collinsville, Discovery Bay, Fairfield, Isleton, Knightsen, Locke, Oakley, Pittsburg (partial), Rio Vista, Suisun City, Travis AFB, Vacaville and Walnut Grove.

The 33rd Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day, the state’s largest volunteer event, will take place on Saturday, September 17th 2016. The event is expected to draw more than 70,000 volunteers who will combat marine debris at over 800 locations throughout the state by removing the trash that has accumulated on California’s beaches and inland shorelines over the past year.

Antioch residents have the opportunity to participate and help clean up our city from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. There are three locations to choose from: Antioch Marina, Prewett Park and Fulton Shipyard.

To volunteer, visit the City of Antioch’s website and sign up for one or more people using this form. If you have more in your group than the form allows, email Lisa Arcidiacono with the information on your group.  For questions regarding the event, contact the Environmental Resource Line at 925-779-6137 or email Lisa Arcidiacono.

Then, following, be sure to attend the FREE 18th Annual Delta Blues Festival from noon to 7:30 p.m. at Waldie Plaza in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown!