Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff are investigating a Deprivation of Custody case.

A relative was recently awarded temporary guardianship of 3-year-old Jahkai Smith by the Contra Costa Superior Court. The child’s father, 25-year-old Jahron Smith, has ignored the court order and refused to turn over the child. Jakhai is considered to be at risk due to age.

Descriptions:

Jahkai Smith – Male, 3′ tall, 50 pounds, black hair and brown eyes.

Jahron Najee Smith – Male, 5’11”, 155 pounds, brown hair and brown eyes. Jahron may be in the Bay Point or Antioch areas and has ties to Oakland.

Anyone who has information on the whereabouts of Jahkai or Jahron is asked to contact the Investigation Division at (925) 383-9795. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

By Corporal Matthew Koch, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

UPDATE: On Friday, September 9, 2016, Roberta McConn was located in the City of Concord at an address she had prior associations with. She was found in good health and was voluntarily missing.

INITIAL PRESS RELEASE, BELOW:

On Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 6:07 p.m., Antioch Police Officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Daphne Court for the report of a missing adult. Upon arrival, it was discovered 64-year-old Roberta McConn suffers from memory loss and is non verbal. McConn was last seen in the morning hours on September 8 and her whereabouts are unknown at this time.

McConn was last seen wearing a blue shirt, light blue jean shorts and is believed to be in possession of a large tan purse. McConn is described as a white female, approximately 5’ 05” tall, 165 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes.

If anyone has information on McConn’s whereabouts they are encouraged to call 911 immediately. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

By Allen Payton

At a late Thursday afternoon press conference in the Antioch City Council Chambers, Antioch Mayor Wade Harper was joined by faith and community leaders to speak out and denounce the hate crime against an African-American family that occurred in the city, early Wednesday morning. All four council members were in attendance.

“We are here because a terrible crime that happened in the City of Antioch,” said Harper.

He said he looked for a word of comfort and found a scripture verse, which he quoted, Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, oh man. He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you. But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”

“And we didn’t see that the other day,” Harper continued. “We didn’t see justice. We didn’t see kindness. And we saw no humility in that terrible act that was committed.”

“While there are great things happening in Antioch and great people that come out of the city of Antioch, we’re not here to talk about that, today,” he said. “We’re here to take a stand, as a city, as a city council against the horrendous hate crime that occurred in the city, yesterday about 3:00 a.m.”

“An unknown person wrote racial slurs, a swastika and threw a flammable device onto the house, setting a portion of the house on fire,”Harper stated.

“This does not happen in Antioch and this will not be allowed to happen in Antioch.”  “I want you to be clear about that. That our entire city council stands against that, our entire police department and our entire community stands against that.”

“My first reaction was anger and frustration that this type of crime could occur in the city…where we’re raising our children and grandchildren.,” Harper stated.

It seems that when we see a decline in violence in Antioch, and we’re on the right track, something like this happens bringing to our attention that our work is not done, yet.”

“I know the investigation is continuing. We’re not here to talk about that and we definitely will not interfere with any investigation.”

“While every city has crime, in Antioch our faith will not be shaken by this incident. The greatness of our city…lies in our people. So we will come together as a city of Antioch, as a community. We will not be in fear. We will not be victimized. If you don’t have a Neighborhood Watch program… in your neighborhood, start one. If you don’t know your neighbor, meet them.

He spoke of his conversation with Ms. Williams, the woman of the family that was victimized.

“I stopped by her house I found out my entire city council had stopped by her house and showed her concern and I told her that the residents of Antioch could show her way more love than one person could show her hate.”

“She said she would not attend this conference but she said she wanted to let the community know, that one bad seed does not destroy her faith in Antioch. She wanted to thank the community for reaching out to her and let everyone know she’s going to be OK.”

“I spoke with representatives of the District Attorney’s office. They are aware of this incident and they take this type of crime, seriously.”

He thanked the representatives of the various elected officials, including Assemblyman Jim Frazier and Congressman Jerry McNerney.

“This is an effort of the entire community,” Harper added. “We are coming together and we are standing firm and saying Antioch is a great city. We are not going to tolerate this. We are not going to let this happen.”

Pastor Chris Williams of the Church at Antioch spoke, next.

“I stand as a part of and representative of the faith community,” he said. “It’s very important and yet significant to realize that the very place of Antioch, historically and biblically is the place where they were first called Christians. That would suggest that they pattern their lives after Christ and after the principles of God, meaning that God is love. And the reality is love is bigger than any religion, love is bigger than any denomination.

“So we come, today to stand with this city, with this mayor, with law enforcement with all of the concerned citizens of Antioch, to as faith based leaders, offer our support, and yet our desire to cause the city of Antioch to be a place that is characteristic of that first, historic city a place of love,” said Williams, who is not related to the family who are the victims.

He said he wanted to “shower the Williams’ family with love to conquer the hate.”

Charles Glasper, representing the East County Branch of the NAACP spoke next.

“Hate crimes in our community will not be tolerated,” he stated. “We will stand united. This appears to be a hate crime of the most egregious nature. This bias not only terrorizes the intended victims but it terrorizes our community, as well.”

“However, today our community will stand together in peaceful coexistence and we will prevail,” Glasper said.

“Members of the East County Branch of the NAACP have been in touch with the Chief of Police of the Antioch Police Department. We have been assured that this matter is one of the department’s top priorities.”

“The NAACP wants to assure the Williams’ family and the community that we will continue to follow up with law enforcement to ensure that that all is being done to swiftly bring any and all perpetrators to justice. Thank you.”

Harper then thanked more of those in attendance, including other pastors and elected officials.

“Let’s stand together in unity,” he concluded.

Then Harper opened it up for questions.

The first one was about the video that the police have.

“Is this somebody’s home video?”

Harper responded that he would refer that to the police department.

“I’m not prepared to talk about their investigation and will leave that to them,” he said.

When asked if he considered murder a more serious crime and about the 35 murders since he was elected mayor, Harper responded “This is not a political event.”

When asked if he had ever had a press conference on the murders for the families of those victims, he ended the press conference and responded, “Thank you very much.”

Asked the same question again and with “yes or no?” Harper repeatedly responded with “Thank you very much.”

Two of Harper’s opponents in the Mayor’s race were unable to attend.

However, before the press conference when asked for comment, Gil Murillo said the “Mayor should have been with our Chief at yesterday’s press conference. Luckily our Chief has a community behind him.”

His other opponent, Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock was in attendance but didn’t speak at the press conference. Earlier in the day she said “I believe as leaders of our community/city [we] need to stand together. This is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Dr. Sean Wright commented after the press conference that “The hate crime was despicable and doesn’t represent the residents of Antioch.”

 

By Allen Payton

Before an audience of almost 100 residents, the largest to attend candidate forums that former Antioch Mayor and event organizer Don Freitas could remember, six candidates for the Antioch City Council and four for Mayor debated and discussed the issues facing our community, Tuesday night, August 6th. Sponsored by the Friday Morning Breakfast Club – a by invitation-only group of about 22 local residents who meet and talk about local issues on Friday mornings, of which Freitas is the leader – two forums were held in the Council Chambers inside City Hall in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. With the opportunity of rebuttals by the candidates, they proved to be rather lively.

First, it was the council candidates’ turn to present their case and mix it up a bit, with some making members of the audience laugh, and at other times groan in disagreement. Ann Flynn of the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, who served as moderator, had to remind the periodically, unruly mob (OK. That’s an exaggeration for dramatic effect) that no applause was allowed. Freitas also had to ask some of those making cat calls – directed mainly at the incumbents – to be more respectful of the candidates.

Opening Statements – Battle Lines Are Drawn

During their opening statements, the candidates, chosen in random order, offered information about themselves, why they’re running, complained about the problems in the city and one incumbent got a little defensive.

Retired businessman Fred Rouse was first, speaking of bringing his business experience to the position of council member.

“The streets, right now need work,” he stated. “The community needs work.”

Retired, first-generation German-American immigrant and second-time council candidate Karl Dietzel said he wanted to “take back Antioch” and supported “putting all pipe dreams on the back burner.”

Antioch general contractor, Rotarian and 2015 Citizen of the Year for Most Impact, Kenny Turnage said he was for “cleaning up blight” and “fiscal responsibility.”

“I will fight for the City of Antioch,” he added.

Next, was university administrator, former Economic Development Commissioner, and another second-time council candidate, Lamar Thorpe.

“I’m a proud resident of Antioch, an eight-year Navy veteran and recipient of the Global War on Terror Expedition medal,” he exclaimed.

Thorpe then proposed “moving away from citywide elections” and “going to single district” elections.

Council Member Mary Rocha was next, and shared her dismay of what she had already been hearing from the other candidates.

“I’m a little angry about people saying I’m not committed,” she stated. “I’ve lived in this community for 40 years and have served for 30 of them.”

Then she listed the various organizations, and her namesake child care center on Cavallo Road, and that she was named Woman of the Year by the county Women’s Commission.

“I’m a little concerned,” she added.

The other incumbent being challenged by the four men, Council Member Wilson spoke of “balanced budgets” and how the council “bought back our reserves” and are “paying down th unfunded liabilities” She also said “We’re making progress with public safety.”

Downtown Park and Event Center Question Presents Surprises

The surprise of the night was when both Rocha and Wilson said they now supported sending the decision, about the proposed downtown park and event center on the parcel where the old Antioch Lumber Company had its lumber yard – now simply referred to as The Yard – to a vote of the people. Answering questions about the issue from both Flynn and the audience, Wilson stated “I’m for that going to a vote and letting the people vote on it.” She also said she had “tried to advocate…to discuss before the council in public” and “I have no problem with that going to a vote of the people.”

Rocha said “I asked them…how they’re going to pay for it” and offered the alternative location.

“Waldie Plaza is in a good place right now to fill the need,” she continued. “It’s an open issue, yet. But, we need to have a way to pay for it.”

Later she said, “I was hoping you would get the signatures so we could go to a vote of the people.”

“For on-going, it takes away from the budget,” Rocha added.

However, Dietzel and Thorpe, a former Wilson Stand-By Council Member, weren’t buying it. When it was his turn to answer the audience’s question about The Yard, Dietzel said “It’s very interesting to hear that from you two. Where do I go with my grandkids for a concert? I’m for a vote. It’s our property.”

In answering the panelist’s earlier question about how to fill the need for a downtown event center, Dietzel responded, “That’s an easy one. I’m supporting The Yard.”

“Two years ago I asked the city manager to put the issue on the ballot,” he continued. “We need to open up the waterfront for all of us. We need events for younger people. Where do we bring a rock band for 5,000?”

“The city manager needs to listen to us,” Dietzel added.

Thorpe also challenged Rocha and his former mentor, Wilson, for whom getting her elected he claimed in his 2014 council race, was his greatest accomplishment in Antioch, at that time.

“I think the historic value is priceless,” he said about The Yard. “I’m actually shocked by what I’m hearing up here. All they have to do is put it on the agenda and vote to put it on the ballot.”

Turnage also supported sending the decision about a downtown park and event center to a vote of the people, but has a different location in mind. He supports it near the Antioch Marina, where restrooms are already located and parking is ample, explaining his idea using his knowledge of construction.

“I agree 100% it should be on a ballot,” Turnage said. “I don’t agree The Yard is the right spot. I think the better place is down by the marina. You already have parking. You’d be supporting the restaurants. It costs $500,000 to put in a restroom, once you tap into the sewer line.”

“It is almost the same exact view [as from The Yard],” he argued. “It would be a minimal increase to the city.”

But, Turnage also stated, “There’s no way 31 condos should go on that piece of land.”

While he also supported sending it to a public vote, “if it’s on the ballot,” only Rouse was opposed to the event center proposal.

“I’m the osd man out,” he said. “Until we can afford to pay for more police, clean streets, we can’t afford a performance venue.”

Rouse also offered another location.

“The library on Lone Tree,” he said, referring to the Antioch Community Center at Prewett Park. “There’s a place for a concert.”

Then Rouse shared another concern with The Yard proposal.

“Whoever hangs out there, today will be there, tomorrow,” he added.

“It’s got to pay for itself,” Rouse said later, to the question from the audience. “We can’t rob Peter to pay Paul. We have more important issues. Are you going to have a ticket booth? I don’t think so.”

Dietzel used one of his rebuttals to comment on the Waldie Plaza location.

“The city manager said we don’t have any money to build Waldie Plaza,” he stated. He then mentioned the Pokemon Go game as something that has and can attract people to downtown.

After the forum Wilson confirmed that at the end of the August 9th council meeting she had asked for the event center proposal to be placed on a future council agenda for discussion. However, her foxhole conversion comes more than a year late, as she was one of the four council members, including Rocha, who voted in closed session on August 25, 2015 to give the city manager the exclusive right to negotiate with developer, City Ventures on The Yard parcel, and eight other city-owned parcels in town. So, until those negotiations have concluded, the Council can’t discuss the event center proposal with the proponents and public, nor can they send it to a vote of the people.

Earlier, Thorpe said “I’m a big supporter of having a city center like Todos Santos Plaza in Concord. It’s not rocket science.”

He then said the city needs to “focus on smart growth”and mentioned rezoning the property next to the KFC on Hillcrest Avenue for mixed use development, for people to be able to walk to the new BART station.

“It’s not smart growth” he said, referring to the proposed housing development on The Yard parcel. “It’s 31 units. We don’t need them.”

Wilson responded to Thorpe in her comments.

“The Hillcrest area is being rezoned to be livable, walkable to the BART station,” she stated. “I have asked for that.”

Thorpe used one of his rebuttals to pat himself on the back about Wilson’s Hillcrest comment.

“That was my recommendation on the Strategic Plan,” he said.

He then took another swipe about The Yard.

“The city council promised them that they would have the opportunity to discuss it,” Thorpe stated. “It’s broken promise after broken promise.”

Rouse got the last word, with his opposition to the event center proposal.

“We cannot continue the cycle of spending money without revenue,” he stated. “It has to be smart, actionable, measured. We don’t have that in an event center. It should not go forward, right now.”

Measure C, Measure O, Police & Public Safety

Responding to the question of what is their back-up plan when the money from Measure C’s half-cent sales tax ends in four years, Thorpe responded, “that’s why I supported and voted for Measure O,” the city’s business license fee for residential rental property owners.

He also said the city “must look at long-term, systemic” funding for police.

Thorpe compared revenue between Livermore and Antioch.

“Livermore brings in $40 million in sales tax,” he said. “We bring in…$12 million in sales tax.”

He also proposed a real estate transfer tax, but later corrected himself that Antioch can’t have one, since it would require being a Charter City instead of a General Law City. Instead, Thorpe later  proposed documenting fees for real estate transactions, as a new revenue stream.

Regarding the voters extending Measure C when it expires, he said “I’m concerned with this council and the trust level.”

“Part of Measure C is to fund Code Enforcement Officers,” Thorpe said, later. “We have to ask the city council to ask the city manager what happened to the money.”

“I have to commend Lori Ogorchock who has been the only council member who” has pushed on the issue, he added.

Wilson admitted the council had made mistakes, stating “We started off on a bad foot with Measure O.”

“Obviously we need a more stringent process to collect Measure O,” she said, later. “But we’re back on track.”

Regarding Measure C, she spoke of “the way it’s being spun.”

“The council made a commitment to [spending] 100% on police and code enforcement,” Wilson continued. “We want to hire quality officers. Everybody is struggling with hiring officers. We’ve hired 41. We have a net of 12.”

But, then she went down a different tangent.

“What assets does the region have?” she asked. “We’re looking at the opening of SR [State Route] 239 which will open the back end. We’re primed to bring livable wage jobs.”

Wilson suggested a “regional approach to bring in revenue.”

There are two problems with her comments. First, the city has only a net four additional police officers, based on the 89 on the force at the time she and the rest of the city council added their names to the ballot argument in favor of Measure C. Second, State Route 239 is currently, only in the planning stages and there is no funding for the proposed four-lane freeway between Brentwood and Tracy in the new, half-cent sales tax measure on the November ballot. It is years away from being built.

Rocha mentioned the financial struggles the city has been facing, but that things are turning around.

“We’re barely building ourselves back up,” she stated. “Our economy is really coming on board.”

“We went from 400 to 200 employees,” Rocha shared, later. “We’re still struggling as a city. We are strictly, slowly coming up. We are still taking small steps to get back to where we are.”

Rouse suggested increasing the business license fee on residential rental properties.

“Measure O is way low for what we’re charging landlords,” he said. “It should be $1,000 per year.”

He then compared the per citizen revenue of Antioch and other cities, then stated, “Measure C…it shouldn’t go away. Let’s see specific results within a timeframe.”

Later Rouse said regarding collecting the Measure O funds, “We need a departmental group who knows. What we do is assign a lien. The absentee owners who are not paying it need to have a lien” on their properties.

Dietzel cut to the chase, saying “the question really is where is the Measure C money. Where is the Measure O money. We have to ask the city manager because he is in charge.”

“We’re going to have to ask for an extension,” Dietzel continued. “Put the city manager on notice that he has to do his job.”

Then he added, “No officers in the animal shelter,” referring to a recent development of having a sworn police officer inside the Antioch Animal Shelter.

“We have to collect Measure O money,” Dietzel stated, later. “We need a collections department.”

Turnage was critical with the lack of collections by the city.

“We need to collect the money that’s owed to the city,” he stated. “Stop outsourcing.”

“Measure O is not being collected,” Turnage said, later. “I came to the city with a plan. I could have had the job done in six months with two employees. Right now we’re spending $500,000 per year and it’s not getting done.”

“We need to increase our tax revenue per acre,” he offered as a solution to increasing revenue to the city. “Start building up on some of our older properties.”

But, Turnage disagreed with Rouse’s and Wilson’s comments, using one of his rebuttals.

“I don’t agree with putting liens on properties,” he said. “We aren’t collecting Measure O.”

“We are not back on track,” Turnage continued. “I’m easy to find and I haven’t received a Measure O bill. The company we’re using right now, they should be blatantly fired.”

Economic Development & Jobs

Rouse had the first opportunity to answer the question, what is your vision for economic development and jobs.

“We’re not healthy enough to bring employers to our city,” he said.

He mentioned four things needed for that to occur, a labor pool that’s trained, location, infrastructure and “yes, safety needs to be in place.”

Thorpe said “jobs are central” to his campaign and mentioned biotech, research and development, “not only for our city, but as a region.” He also proposed “tax incentives to complement…the governor’s tax incentives.”

“I’m tired of seeing the dollar stores, low-rate businesses, predatory businesses, especially the smoke shops,” he added.

Dietzel said “economic development goes hand in hand with crime and blight.”

“Let’s not kid ourselves,” he continued. “We must hire an economic development director who aggressively goes after businesses. We don’t need more tobacco shops, dollar shops. We need to survey businesses why they are leaving.”

Wilson said she had just researched recently and learned that there were 24,300 jobs in Antioch in 2012 and that there was an increase of “3,494 jobs over the last four years. That’s an 11% increase.”

She mentioned offering “incentives to these businesses to hire local” and possible new jobs from “manufacturing, light manufacturing, clean energy” in “the Wilbur corridor” as well as “a solar farm in that area.”

Wilson mentioned that she had “added a clause for high school and college students to job shadow” at the solar farm site of NRG, in the agreement that the council approved, earlier this year.

Turnage said “we need a business development person. Antioch has a bad reputation online. We need this person who is not in their office, but in the CEO’s offices and meeting them.”

In her comments, Rocha responded to that, saying “We do have a developer who will be at a conference” referring to Lizeht Zepeda, the City’s Economic Development Analyst. However, the city doesn’t have an Economic Development Director, as in the past.

Rocha has also said “It’s an exciting time” mentioning the “roads, rail and water” for transportation and job creation. However, her focus was different.

“Our little, small shops are what keep you alive,” she added.

Thorpe used one of his rebuttals to respond to Wilson’s and Rocha’s comments.

“I don’t want Antioch to have a service sector economy,” he said. “What they’re talking about, the 11% are service sector jobs. We have to think beyond that.”

Dietzel reiterated those comments.

“We don’t need more service jobs,” he stated. “We have over 14,000 rentals. The median income is $42,000 per year. For homeowners it is $81,000.”

Again he said Antioch needs to “put away pipe dreams, like the ferry and Wilbur corridor exploding.”

Addressing Needs of the Homeless

Turnage was the first to respond to the question about how to address the needs of the homeless in Antioch.

“We have two sectors of homeless,” he stated. “Those who want and need help, give them a hand up, and those who want a hand out.”

“We need to take a tougher stance,” Turnage continued. “Hand them food and clothing that will sustain life, not cash that will sustain a habit.”

“Get them off our medians and streets,” he added.

Rocha said that “most of the money goes to Richmond. They get seven dollars for every one dollar” East County receives from the county. “We need to develop a plan,” she added.

Rouse offered a different approach to helping the homeless, including getting “them corralled so they’re all in one area for services to be provided to them.”

“A plan does need to be developed,” he said. “You’re going to have to change the medians.”

Rouse suggested placing fences in the street medians.

Thorpe offered a “two-pronged approach” including a “no-tent ordinance.”

“The county is ultimately responsible for providing services,” he stated.

Then Thorpe added, “I don’t want to just kick them out, but give them notice.”

Wilson said she wanted an “all hands on deck approach” and that she had “requested the Police Chief to assign officers to the homeless.”

Dietzel said “What makes America great is we help the ones who are fallen.”

“The City has over 650 parcels,” he said and suggested we “offer one parcel to a non-profit to offer services.”

But, then he offered the most unique solution.

“Offer one-way tickets to their home cities like San Francisco does,” Dietzel added.

Rouse used one of his rebuttals to respond to that idea.

“I don’t agree with handing them a one-way ticket,” he said and that he wanted to “coordinate all the services.”

Animal Services

On the issue of what to do with Antioch Animal Services and if it should be moved out from oversight by the police department, Turnage said he wanted to “take it from police services and turn it over to parks and recreation.”

He then suggested the city have an “exit strategy to turn it back over to the county.”

Rocha said “We need to go to the county and get our money back. We’re paying double.”

“We don’t have the staff,” she continued. “We’re talking a deficit. Running a deficit in recreation…and in animal control.”

Rocha then mentioned the effort to contract with ARF, which is Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, for certain services.

Thorpe said it’s “more animal control than animal services” and that he’s “not sure which department to put it in.”

He then directed his comments at Rocha and Wilson.

“You’re the elected council members,” Thorpe stated. “You need to come up with the solution.”

Rouse agreed with moving Animal Services out of the police department.

But, he didn’t support turning it back over to the county.

“I do believe they’re doing the best job they can,” he shared. “I think it’s one of the things that’s cute about Antioch. The little things that make Antioch quaint.”

Wilson supports the status quo, saying “I prefer Animal Services to remain in the police department.”

“We agreed to hire three [additional staff]” she continued. “I know we need a vet tech. We’re trying to do the best we can.”

Dietzel joked about not wanting to deal with the issue.

“I try to stay away from animal people. They’re a tough crowd,” he said with a chuckle.

But, then he got serious and suggested “privatization of the Animal Services, water park, golf course and the marina.”

“Now we have a full-fledged [police] officer in the shelter,” Dietzel complained. “I want him on the street. I don’t want him taking care of dogs.”

Funding Library Services

On the issue of funding more hours for the library, Rouse suggested holding revenue-generating classes at the library, like those by Los Medanos College “out in Brentwood.”

Dietzel said the library is “the most important building in the city for our kids” giving them “access to computers and books.”

“Maybe they’re obsolete, soon,” he added. “Right now we need them.”

Turnage suggested an “idea outside the box” by offering “community service hours to students who work at the library.”

Wilson said she disagreed “with closing down one of the libraries. We need both of those libraries.”

“We’ve been banging on county supervisors’ doors, because it’s the county” that oversees libraries and funding, she added.

“It’s a safe haven for some kids,” Wilson continued. “Mr. Turnage, I have to applaud you. That’s a good idea of bringing the students in.”

Thorpe also mentioned the county.

“Libraries are run by the county,” he said. “So we need to work with our community partners” and “look at future planning.”

Rocha said we need to “look at those running for supervisor, now.”

“We were giving $100,000 [per year] to our libraries to keep them open until we couldn’t,” she stated. “The county has shorted us in the long run. Other cities have more hours.”

Closing Statements

Wilson was the first to offer her closing statement, saying “I just want to see Antioch grow strong. I’ve worked hard to listen to you.”

Rocha said “I’ve learned ideas that I’ve heard, tonight. Look at all of us and decide who is the best.”

She then said that “It’s not the money, that’s for sure” why she’s running, again, to laughter from the audience.

“I still have the strength and the energy to do it,” Rocha concluded.

Thorpe offered a patriotic theme to his closing statement.

“I love America,” he said. “I was willing to die for it.”

“You won’t see me every four years,” he continued. “I’ll always be available” then mentioned social media as how.

Turnage said “I will be somebody who speaks transparently and direct.”

Dietzel took one last swipe at Wilson, who ran for supervisor, in June.

“I’m not running to jump ship for a supervisor’s position,” he stated. “We can have three new people and maybe four to take back control” referring to how many new members of the council there are possible, following the election.

Rouse asked the Reaganesque question, “Are you better off now than you were when you first moved here, into Antioch, no matter when?”

He then mentioned the neighborhoods and “getting that send of community back.”

Rouse then thanked the Friday Morning Breakfast Club, with a little humor.

“It sounds like a high school musical,” he said.

“With me you’ll get a full-time council person,” Rouse added. “I’m 100% committed to the job and no other job.”

The next forum for council candidates, hosted by the Antioch Herald will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 6:30 p.m., also in the Council Chambers at 200 H Street in downtown Antioch.

By Captain Tammany Brooks, Antioch Police Support Services Division

The victims of this horrific crime have a video surveillance system which captured the incident unfold.  As you will see, the quality of the video is not very good and identification of this person will be difficult at best.  However, we remain optimistic and are hopeful someone can help us.

(Please view the video on the Antioch Herald Facebook page which shows the suspect throwing the Molotov cocktails at the house, by clicking here).

There is no additional information being given out at this time.  Detectives are continuing to work the case and following up on other investigative leads.

Again, we encourage anyone who might have information on this case to please contact Detective Allendorph at (925) 779-6933, or text CRIMES (274637) with the keyword ANTIOCH to remain anonymous.

Mayor Wade Harper announced, late Wednesday night that he will be holding a press conference on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. at Antioch City Hall, 200 H Street in downtown Antioch, to address the hate crime that occurred in Antioch on Wednesday. (See story, here)

Harper is calling upon local leaders as well as faith-based leaders to attend his press conference and stand together in support of this family who are victims of this “despicable crime,” as he described it in his press release.

However, when asked if any of the family members who are victims will be in attendance and/or anyone from the police department to provide more details about the case, Harper responded, “Chief Cantando doesn’t plan to have anyone in attendance unless he has additional information. I’m sure he will reach out to me or attend if he does. No plans for family members to be there.”

79-year-old lady discovers half-naked man asleep in wrecked car in her driveway, one morning

Following are the Antioch Police calls for service highlights as published in City Manager Steve Duran’s Weekly Report dated September 2, 2016 and provided by Chief of Police Allan Cantando.

Calls for Service and Arrest Data Summary:

Time Period: 08/25/2016 00:00:00 – 08/31/16 23:59:59

Number of Calls for Service: 1,681

Number of Case Reports: 282

Number of Arrests: 57

Felony: 20

Misdemeanor: 35

Infraction: 2

Arrests with DUI charge: 6

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

• ·On 8/31/2016 at 11:45 pm, Antioch Officers responded to a residence in the area of Green Hills Circle after several area residents reported hearing gunshots. On arrival, a 35 year old male resident was contacted and several spent casings were located in front of his house. The resident reported that he saw a subject tampering with vehicles in his driveway. The resident armed himself with a handgun and attempted to confront the subject. The subject in the driveway produced a handgun, as well and both exchanged several rounds in the driveway at each other. The subject fled and was not located. The resident and other occupants of the house were not injured, but the resident himself was arrested after it was discovered he was a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Narcotics evidence was also located at the residence. As Officers were investigating the shooting on Green Hills Cir, unknown occupants in a vehicle dropped off a 21 year old female gunshot victim in the area of Patricia Dr. Arriving officers called for emergency medical and she was transported to an area hospital and is listed in stable condition. It’s not confirmed at this time if both incidents are connected. The 35 year old male was transported to county jail.
• ·On 8/31/2016 at 10:20 am, a 31 year old male was walking out of the Romi’s Liquor store at E 18^th St. and Cavallo Rd. when 53 year old Rosalind Stovall drove into the parking lot. She drove straight into the side of the male pinning him against a wall. The male jumped just prior to being hit and his legs were struck by the vehicle. His arm went through a plate glass window and he suffered a large laceration to his right wrist. The male was transported to the hospital where he is in stable condition with a broken leg and numerous stitches to his wrist. Stovall admitted to drinking prior to the collision and gave a blood sample. She was arrested and sent to county jail for DUI.
• ·On 8/31/2016 at 2:29 am, 23 year old Carlos Hernandez was driving while intoxicated and made a right hand turn from north bound ‘L’ St. to east bound W. 2nd St. when he struck a parked truck and pushed the truck into a parked van. Hernandez then backed his SUV up and over the curb striking a wooden power pole and a fire hydrant. The power pole and the fire hydrant were sheared off at the base causing a power outage and a torrent of water flooding onto W 2nd Street. Hernandez fled in his car and was located by a security guard at W 3rd St. and ‘G’ St. as he parked his vehicle and was about to be picked up by some friends. Hernandez’s blood alcohol was over the legal limit. He was arrested without incident and was sent to county jail. Fire personnel turned off the water and Public Works and PG&E responded.
• ·On 8/30/2016 at 6:30 pm, 61 year old Samuel Gray was extremely intoxicated and entered the Red and Green Market located at 421 W 4^th St. He started knocking displays over and breaking things inside the store for no reason. The clerk tried to push Gray out of the store and he punched her in the hand. Officers arrived to find Gray in the middle of the street rolling around on the ground. Gray was belligerent and had to be placed in a restraint device. The clerk signed a citizen’s arrest and Gray was transported to county jail for battery, vandalism, and being drunk in Public.
• ·On 8/30/2016 at 1:37 am, officers saw a vehicle travelling in the area of William Reed Drive and Newbury Ave. when the driver, 28 year old Jonathan Waldrep, abruptly parked and tried to walk away from the vehicle. The vehicle was stolen and Waldrep and 24 year old Crystal Coleman were arrested without incident. Coleman was released pending further investigation and Waldrep was sent to county jail.
• ·On 8/29/2016 at 10:18 pm, 29 year old Ryan Rike was contacted during a vehicle enforcement stop in the 400 block of W 4^th St. and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Rike was arrested without incident and sent to county jail.
• ·On 8/29/2016 at 10:09 pm, 29 year old Brandon Hill was contacted during a pedestrian stop at Cavallo Rd. and E 13^th St. and was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Hill was cite-released at the scene.
• ·On 8/29/2016 at 11:08 pm, officers located an occupied stolen vehicle and attempted an enforcement stop at A St. and Hwy 4. The vehicle fled and entered the east bound off ramp of Hwy 4 going west bound. No pursuit was initiated. Moments later, another officer was east bound on Hwy 4 and relocated the stolen vehicle driving in the correct direction. It had apparently made an immediate right turn on the top of the on-ramp and proceeded in the correct direction in the east bound lanes. A pursuit was initiated that lasted less than a mile and was quickly terminated when the stolen vehicle re-entered east bound Hwy 4 in the west bound lanes. The vehicle and driver were not apprehended.
• ·On 8/29/2016 at 5:24 pm, officers were dispatched to a loitering complaint at Hillcrest Park located 1300 Larkspur Dr. 26 year old Dexter Reed was contacted and found to have a no-cite warrant in the system for his arrest. Reed was taken into custody and booked at county jail.
• ·On 8/29/2016 at 12:42 pm, an officer was flagged down by a citizen who advised of an abandoned vehicle in the area of Hillcrest Ave. and Wildflower Dr. The officer located a homeless camp in the area and contacted 37 year old Destine Jones. She was found to have a warrant and was arrested without incident. She was booked in county jail. City Code Enforcement was notified of the camp for follow-up.
• ·On 8/29/2016 at 11:06 am, an officer was working traffic enforcement on Sycamore Drive when he saw 24 year old Shawntanique Blocker pass by him at a high rate of speed. He turned around to catch up to Blocker who immediately parked in the alley behind 2100 Lemontree. She got out of her SUV and walked away at a fast pace as the officer told her to stop. Blocker refused to listen to commands and was subsequently physically restrained, but continued to resist. She yelled and screamed, trying to draw a crowd, which she did. Additional officers were called and Blocker was eventually arrested and cite released from the APD jail. She was not injured. Her vehicle was towed for a 30 day hold.
• ·On 8/29/2016 at 5:51 am, officers were sent to a suspicious circumstance call in the 2600 block of Asilomar Dr. 37 year old Kim Watson and 40 year old Kary Smith were sitting in a stolen vehicle and Smith also had a warrant for auto theft. Both were arrested without incident and sent to county jail.
• ·On 8/29/2016 at 2:53 am, an unknown subject was driving a vehicle when they hit a fire hydrant in front of 2701 Mayflower Dr. The fire hydrant was sheared off at its base. The vehicle and its occupants fled the scene and were not located. Fire personnel turned off the water to the hydrant and public works was contacted in the morning to replace the hydrant.
• ·On 8/28/2016 at 5:07 pm, an officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle in the area of W 14^th St. and Klengel St. driven by 25 year old Raymond Castro. A records check of Castro revealed a felony probation violation warrant in the system. Castro was arrested and booked at county jail.
• ·On 8/28/2016 at 4:58 pm, an off duty CHP officer was driving north bound on Deer Valley Rd. into Antioch. The officer noticed that the vehicle in front of him possibly had a DUI driver as it was swerving all over the road and narrowly missed several collisions. The officer followed the vehicle and called APD dispatch. Officers were able to locate the vehicle shortly after it pulled into its registered address on Deer Valley Road. The driver, 25 year old Timothy Sabel, was contacted and found to be extremely intoxicated and uncooperative. Sabel was arrested and a search warrant was completed for his blood sample. He was booked into county jail.
• ·On 8/28/2016 at 10:14 am, officers saw an older Honda in the area of W. 11^th St. and L St. They decided to conduct an investigative stop on the vehicle and contacted the driver, 25 year old Victor Lizama, and passenger, 34 year old Frankie Garcia. Both Victor and Frankie did not have a driver’s license or identification. Officers noticed the VIN did not match the license plate and the ignition was damaged. The occupants were detained and during a search of the vehicle officers located a sawed off, loaded shotgun in the trunk. They also located drug paraphernalia. Victor and Frankie were arrested but Frankie admitted to the shotgun belonging to her. Victor was released pending further investigation and Frankie was sent to county jail. Officers attempted to have Sheriff’s Office do an outside assist with the registered owner of the Honda but they were unable to make contact.
• ·On 8/28/2016 at 9:39 am, a 79 year old resident in the 300 block of Brookside Dr. came outside this morning and discovered an unfamiliar wrecked vehicle in her driveway. She investigated further and saw a male passed out in the front seat and called APD. We responded and found 33 year old Sonny Brohman passed out in the driver’s seat and unclothed from the waist down. We woke him up and ran his name. Brohman was listed on parole and had a felony warrant for his arrest. He was arrested without incident and found to be in possession of approximately 3 grams of methamphetamine and a glass pipe. He was booked into county jail and the vehicle was towed.
• ·On 8/28/2016 at 1:15 am, 57 year old Nicolas Hipolito was contacted during a vehicle stop near Fitzuren Rd. and G St. He was found to have a warrant for his arrest for a previous DUI. He was found to be intoxicated tonight as well and was taken into custody for the new DUI in addition to the warrant. He was booked into county jail.

• ·On 8/27/2016 11:33 pm, 52 year old Susan Reimche was traveling southbound on Garrow Dr. attempting to make the turn onto Lindley Dr. and left the roadway. She struck a city tree and flipped her car on its side. Upon contact, she showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol. She was the sole occupant and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Reimche had complaint of pain to her back and admitted to drinking several drinks before she tried to drive home. She was admitted into the hospital and released pending further investigation.
• ·On 8/27/2016 at 10:42 pm, officers were dispatched to the Ramada Inn on Mahogany Way for a report of shots fired. Upon arrival, they located several spent shell casings in the west lot. A witness advised two vehicles parked in the lot and exchanged words. A short time later they began exchanging shots towards each other’s vehicles. There were no other injuries or damage as a result of the shots and both vehicles fled prior to our arrival. Unfortunately, the cameras were not recording during the incident. We notified area hospitals and no gunshot victims have come forward. At 11:33 pm, Pittsburg PD had been contacted and provided a vehicle description of one of the possible involved vehicles via their intersection cameras in the area. The vehicle was described as a late model BMW with a black hood and sunroof. The vehicle was last seen turning into the north entrance of 2301 Sycamore Dr. after fleeing the scene. An area check was made and the vehicle was located coming out of the complex. It was followed and stopped once sufficient units arrived. The driver and the passenger were contacted and detained. No evidence of being involved in the shooting was found and they denied any involvement. They did admit to being in the rear lot of the Ramada, but refused to provide any other information. Both were released from the scene at this time.
• ·On 8/27/2016 at 12:01 am, officers responded to the report of a male flashing a gun at passing cars in the area of G St. and Putnam St. 30 year old Rajeesh Suman was contacted matching the description of the subject with the gun. He was detained without incident and found to only have warrants for his arrest, but no gun. He was arrested and booked into county jail.
• ·On 8/26/2016 at 8:33 pm, information was obtained concerning a large car club event in the Hobby Lobby parking lot. A few of the clubs are believed to be responsible or associated with freeway takeovers in the recent past. Officers responded and found approximately 60+ cars beginning to gather. While the lot was being cleared, a steady flow of cars and trucks continued to arrive. They moved around between Brentwood / Antioch / Oakley for a couple of hours. Several cars were stopped and cited for various violations. They realized they could not gatherand eventually left. Area agencies and CHP were advised and the car clubs were issued several more cites in various other cities. It was a good effort by all county agencies to keep things from getting out of hand.
• ·On 8/26/2016 at 2:29 pm, 30 year old Michael Ward was contacted during a suspicious vehicle check on Marie Ave. at Crest St. Ward consented to a search of his person and vehicle. During the search of Ward’s person a .22 Caliber revolver was located in his right front short pocket. The gun was loaded with five live and one spent rounds. Ward was found to have a prior felony arrest with time served in prison. Ward was arrested and sent to county jail.
• ·On 8/26/2016 at 10:54 am, 26 year old Nathan Watson was contacted during a pedestrian stop near 20 W 18^th St. and found to have two warrants for his arrest. Both were misdemeanor warrants. Watson was arrested and transported to county jail.
• ·On 8/26/2016 at 8:45 am, a driver exited eastbound Highway 4 and turned onto southbound Contra Loma Blvd, when he was struck broadside by a black Ford Expedition. The victim could only provide a limited description of the suspect driver. The suspect fled the scene and was not located. The victim was transported to the hospital where he was treated for a complaint of pain.
• ·On 8/26/2016 at 1:15 am, officers responded to the report of a person down bleeding in the bushes near the Alano Club in the 700 block of W 2^nd St. Officers learned the victim had been beaten by multiple subjects and robbed of his phone and wallet. The victim was transported to the hospital for treatment and was later released. An area check for the suspects met with negative results.
• ·On 8/25/2016 at 11:37 pm, a citizen called APD to report he had just been robbed in front of his residence in the area of Mt. Conness Dr. and Hicks Mountain Ct. by three males in dark clothing. Two of the subjects were armed with handguns. The suspects fled in a nearby white 4-door vehicle similar to a new Honda Civic. One of the suspects allegedly fired a single shot in the air as he they were leaving. A short time later, a similar armed robbery occurred on Hicks Mountain Court nearby. The same vehicle was seen leaving the scene. Both cases are still under investigation.
• ·On 8/25/2016 at 8:54 pm, a 31 year old male rode his motorcycle to church and parked it out front in the 4800 block of Lone Tree Way. He came out and his motorcycle had been stolen. Later in the shift, an officer spotted the motorcycle and a traffic stop was made. 27 year old Moises Sanchez yielded and was taken into custody without incident. Sanchez admitted to taking the motorcycle thinking it was okay since he had just met the victim at church tonight and now they know one another. The victim disagreed, did not see it that way and wanted Sanchez prosecuted. Sanchez was booked into county jail for auto theft.
• ·On 8/25/2016 at 7:48 pm, officers were dispatched to the report of a male hit by a black SUV in the 4800 block of Sheffels Ct. that left the scene. Upon arrival, the 28 year old victim was up and walking around in a great deal of pain. The only information we got from him was a black SUV struck him in the roadway. He was extremely uncooperative with the investigation and his friends insisted on taking him to the hospital themselves. At the end of the shift, the victim was in fair condition and expected to make a full recovery. Area witnesses reported seeing the vehicle swerving all over the road just prior to the accident.
• ·On 8/25/2016 at 5:31 pm, officers were working a proactive detail in the area of W. 9^th St. and G St. and observed 41 year old Jesus Bustamante’s vehicle go through a stop sign. A license plate check showed the car to be expired, however the vehicle showed current registration. The officers made an enforcement stop and when they tried to approach, the vehicle fled. The officers lost sight on the vehicle but in doing an area check they relocated the vehicle which had rolled in the intersection of W. 11th St. and E St. The male driver fled the scene leaving a passenger in the car. The passenger received minor injuries in the crash. A perimeter was set up in the surrounding area. Eventually, Bustamante was seen coming out from a backyard and taken into custody without incident. He stated the reason he fled was due to a warrant he knew he had. Luckily no other vehicles or pedestrians were involved. Bustamante was sent to county jail for reckless driving, hit and run as well as the warrant.

By Allen Payton

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce announced on Wednesday, that by a vote of the Board of the Directors, it “formally endorses Dr. Sean Wright for Mayor of Antioch” and that “this is the first candidate the Chamber has endorsed in six years.”

“Dr. Sean Wright has been the CEO of the Antioch Chamber for the past six years.  He has been a champion for business, education, the City of Antioch and the East Contra Costa region,” said Chamber Board Chairman Richard Pagano. “Sean has utilized his skills, knowledge and work ethic to bring the Chamber back from financial distress and he is what the City of Antioch needs right now.  We know who he is, what he stands for, and share his vision for the future of Antioch.”

The announcement further stated “The Antioch Chamber of Commerce believes Sean Wright has proven his commitment to supporting and growing the Antioch business community in the past, and will continue this into the future as Mayor.  More than any other candidate, he has the capacity to lead the City of Antioch toward a greater level of success, and the Antioch Chamber of Commerce fully endorses Sean Wright for the office of Mayor of Antioch.”

Wright, who is also a chiropractor in Antioch, is not a member of the Board of Directors. Attempts to reach him for comment for this report were unsuccessful before publication time.

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce is made up of about 350 Antioch area member businesses and organizations and is the largest Chamber in East County. The Chamber is a 501c6 non-profit business league, and according to IRS rules, the organization can participate directly or indirectly, or intervene, in political campaigns on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office, so long as that is not its primary activity.