CORRECTION: The headline to this story originally stated “Wednesday”.

By Sergeant Rick Martin #3343, Antioch Police Department

On Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at approximately 10:57 AM, Antioch Police Officers were dispatched to Dallas Ranch Middle School, located at 1401 Mt. Hamilton Drive, on a report of posts on social media sites that clowns were going to shoot at the school. Officers arrived on scene, checked the surrounding areas, and met with the school administrators.

Through the initial investigation, it appears today’s social media posts are similar to other recent posts that have happened throughout the country. Despite these other incidents having been determined as a hoax, the Antioch Police Department in cooperation with the Antioch Unified School District, are investigating this incident to determine its validity and to identify the person or persons responsible for the posts.

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

In making our decision about who to endorse for Mayor of Antioch and City Council, one choice was easy. Kenny Turnage II is by far the best choice for the Antioch City Council. He has a background in growing a business in Antioch, and serving the community in a variety of ways, including as a member of the Economic Development Commission.

He has the best combination of experience, understanding of the issues, and willingness to speak out on the problems we face and hold people accountable to solve them. Turnage knows how to get things done. Antioch needs him on the City Council.

The second choice for council was more difficult. Fred Rouse offers both the time availability and fiscal knowledge as a retired businessman. We like his service on the City’s Administrative Appeals Board. But, we believe he needs more experience and understanding of the issues and how to deal with them and encourage him to run, again in two years.

Councilwoman Mary Rocha has served Antioch, well while in public office for 32 years, including 16 on the school board, four as mayor and 12 years as a council member. We applaud her commitment to serving and working to make Antioch better and for being the only incumbent to attend our forum and face the tough questions.

But she, Councilwoman Monica Wilson and Mayor Wade Harper, who are both seeking their second terms in their positions, have failed in two very serious ways: police staffing and Measures C and O oversight.

In 2013, they promised us 22 more police officers if we passed Measure C. We voted for it and gave the council an extra $5.5 million per year to spend. We have a net four sworn police officers, as a result and they can’t explain exactly how and where the rest of the money was spent. That’s unacceptable. They have not earned the right to be reelected.

Karl Dietzel has some good ideas and we encourage him to continue speaking out on the various issues as a resident, but not as a council member.

Lamar Thorpe has been somewhat controversial since getting involved in Antioch politics, four years ago. A false accusation against him by an ex-girlfriend, nine months after she claimed it happened, during his senior year in  college, has followed him for nine years. This paper was part of that by reporting on it, the best we could based on the information we had. Thorpe refused to speak with our reporter, at that time, because he had lost trust in the media and was tired of dealing with the issue.

But, now that Thorpe has spoken to the Herald, it is clear what he was accused of never happened. He was still punished for it, in an on-campus disciplinary process. While it took him a year, Thorpe won his appeal and his record was expunged. That issue should no longer be allowed to affect his ability to put his skills, energy and positive ideas to work to benefit Antioch. We need that combination on the Council, now.

While we disagreed with his leading the Measure E campaign, this year, his reasons for working to pass it were   different than the out-of-town casino that funded it. As a result, Thorpe paid the price and was removed from his seat on the Economic Development Commission by the current city council, an action supported by this newspaper.

However, his efforts proved to be successful, as the voters of Antioch overwhelmingly sided with Thorpe and passed the ballot measure in June.

The voters should side with him, again and elect him to the City Council.

In deciding who to endorse for Mayor of Antioch for the next four years, we were torn. While Gil Murillo has some good ideas, and we like his aggressive promises for local job creation, we believe it would be best if  he waited a few years, learned more about the local issues and ran for city council, then. We suggest the new mayor appoint Murillo to the city’s   Economic Development Commission.

We like Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock’s leadership over the past two years and willingness to be the lone voice of reason, on the city council. But, if she’s elected Mayor, she will have to step down from her council seat and the council will have to appoint her replacement for the remaining two years of her term. We’ve had too much of that in the past and prefer to have all five council members elected by the voters.

Dr. Sean Wright’s leadership has turned around the Antioch Chamber of Commerce over the past six years. His regional connections and efforts are already helping Antioch economically. His energy and vision will serve us, well.

If you want both Wright and Ogorchock on the council, we recommend you join us and vote Wright for Mayor, and we’ll get them both. With Turnage and Thorpe on the council, it will be a dynamic combination of four strong leaders who will help solve our city’s crime and blight problems, and bring businesses and jobs to Antioch.

By Nick Goodrich

At their meeting on Tuesday, September 27th, the Antioch City Council voted 5-0 to approve a sales tax sharing agreement with OneSource Supply Solutions, a company that has provided PG&E with equipment for the past few years.

OneSource, a supply chain solution company based in Oceanside, has been working with the city to move one of its main locations from San Leandro to Antioch. OneSource’s Senior VP of Operations, John Mayberry, told the council that the proposed Antioch location will offer much more in the way of efficiency and business opportunity for the company.

For Antioch’s part, the move would represent a $2 million increase in sales tax revenue per year for the city, due to OneSource’s $200 million per year equipment deal with PG&E. The agreement calls for the City to retain the first $500,000 of sales tax, which would not be shared with OneSource. After that, all sales tax for the duration of the five-year agreement would include a 50% rebate to the company, with the City retaining the other half, resulting in a projected $1.25 million per year.

“This agreement does not include Measure C funds,” City Manager Steve Duran was quick to point out. “That would remain separate, and distinct.”

This should be good news to the group of citizens, headed by former Measure C Citizens Oversight Committee member Sal Sbrante, who have complained in recent months about a misuse of Measure C funds.

The agreement was the result of a couple months of work with OneSource by the City’s Economic Development Analyst Lizeht Zepeda, Finance Director Dawn Merchant and Duran.

Historically, Antioch has had successful sales tax agreements with businesses, notably with Costco and the Auto Center. The agreements are typically drawn up with major companies which have the potential to bring in large sales tax increases. OneSource represented such an opportunity.

One concern that several council members shared, including Mayor Wade Harper, was the absence of a local hire contract. The Council has pushed hard for such agreements, especially with major developers as they prepare for the construction of new subdivisions in the city. The Laurel Ranch subdivision project is the most recent to employ a local hire agreement, which will bring in labor from Antioch and the surrounding area, rather than workers commuting in.

Mayberry was reluctant to commit outright to a local hire contract, but did not rule out hiring from within the city.

“Frankly, we’re looking to hire the best people we can get, and if they’re here in Antioch, that’d be wonderful,” he told the Council.

Mayberry also noted that the extra $2 million in sales tax revenue would grow as OneSource continued to operate in Antioch and bring in more business, presenting an opportunity for the deal to benefit the city even more in the long run.

Ultimately, Ogorchock asked OneSource to consider a 50% local hire commitment, but told Mayberry, “I’m excited about the program you’re bringing to our community. I think it’s a win-win.”

Endorsed by Assemblyman Frazier, Brentwood Police Officers’ Association, County Prosecutors’ Association and Antioch community leader Iris Archuleta

With absentee ballots getting mailed out next week, Brentwood City Councilmember Steve Barr wanted to inform the public that he is running a strong campaign for County Supervisor, displaying his commitment to using tax dollars responsibly, and share some of his key endorsements.

Barr, who was the top votegetter in the primary election, is currently in a runoff that will be decided November 8th. As a Brentwood City Councilman he has made both fiscal responsibility and public safety top priorities.

“I decided to run for Supervisor because there is a lot of important work that needs to be done regionally such as providing regional public safety resources, making sure East County gets its fair share of transportation funding, andhelping our agricultural community,” said Barr. “And we need to do this in a fiscally responsible way, making sure we have money saved for when there’s the next recession or downturn.”

Barr has many accomplishments as both a City Councilmember and former School Board Trustee. From building the new Brentwood Dispatch Center that will improve public safety regionally, to helping manage a roads and paving program that was voted by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission as the best in the Bay Area, Barr has found ways to provide great service while cutting excess, pushing community priorities, and saving money. This was a big part of why Barr earned the endorsement of the East Bay Times.

Barr’s direct style and honesty has helped him accomplish a lot, and it also has earned him the support of many individuals and leaders throughout the District.  The Brentwood Police Officers’ Association, the County Prosecutors’ Association, and many other community leaders, organizations, and elected officials from across the district have all joined up to support Barr because they know he is someone they can always work with, even if they disagree.

“Steve’s openness, willingness to listen and his ability to be upfront and honest in his responses are refreshing,” said community leader Iris Archuleta. “He doesn’t pretend to know everything, but is clearly caring enough to learn.”

Assemblymember Jim Frazier agreed.

“Steve is a true leader who doesn’t crave the spotlight, but shows up for the tough assignments, is very direct and honest, and uses his financial skills to make sure our tax dollars are spent wisely,” Frazier stated. “He is the leader I trust and know everyone can work with.”

Barr responded to the comments of support.

“I appreciate the support of law enforcement and community leaders,” he said. “I look forward to working with them to improve things in our county.”

Barr’s background includes being a small business owner for 35 years and a Liberty Union High School District Trustee. He is married, and they have two children.

Contra Costa County’s 3rd Supervisorial District includespart of Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Byron, Knightsen, Bethel Island, Diablo, Blackhawk, and Tassajara. Please visit www.SteveBarrForSupervisor.com for more information about the campaign.

Dear Editor:

Please read http://eastcountytoday.net/letter-mayor-harper-supports-antioch-police-outreach-efforts/

I would like to acknowledge publicly that an attempt was made to meet with the Mayor face to face and resolve any misinterpretations and, or misgivings regarding the symposium. Mayor Harper, stated: “I won’t be meeting about the ‘opinion’ article. Feel free to write a rebuttal or response to…”  I have respectfully done so in love.

Dear Mayor Wade Harper:

I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to attend the Building Bridges and Tearing Down Barriers symposium. The symbiotic relationship that you have with local law enforcement is commendable. However, I am sorely disappointed by your overall interpretation of the symposium organizers’ efforts. This organization is to be commended for their due diligence, perseverance, and dedication in an attempt to have positive productive conversations that could ultimately save lives.

Based on your aforementioned letter; you stated some ways in which the symposium could have potentially been more successful. Your recommendations are greatly appreciated. The organization did plan to attend a city council meeting introducing objectives and overarching-goals of the organization.  Unfortunately, the spokesperson for the organization had to attend to an unforeseen matter- so he was unable to attend the council meeting preceding the symposium. In addition, the organization members did meet with several council members individually as you suggested.

According to the content that precedes your letter, stated: “Harper said Antioch Police are reaching out to the community and that ACT has caused great confusion in the community as to whether or not police would participate in the forums.” This statement is really disheartening. The organization’s intentions were to ameliorate the relationship between law enforcement and the community. Most importantly the symposium was a conduit to positive productive proactive conversations that could ultimately save lives.

You are correct. Unfortunately, there were errors on the initial flyers. However, a new amended flyer with the correct information was presented to local law enforcement, city officials (I personally sent one to you), local mediums, and the public at large. In addition, a member of the organization contacted the local law enforcement and apologized for the initial misgivings. For further clarification, police were actually part of the panel; unfortunately, local law enforcement was not part of the panel for this particular symposium. Hopefully, local law enforcement will be able to participate in the future and convey all the impactful events that they are participating in- and hosting within the community.

However, the panel did consist of a retired police officer and a current CHP officer that offered their introspective perspective that provided an intended balance of opinions and experiences. The panel was outstanding. They should be commended for their collective passion, professionalism and integrity. Their time and effort were not taken for granted. The panel consisted of a re-entry coordinator, a licensed registered nurse/case manager; a licensed family therapist/clinical specialist; a lawyer/founder and principal; and the aforementioned officers.

You stated in your letter the following: “I encourage people to have the discussion, host forums, talk about the issues, but I encourage them to not do it as an outsider looking in. As members of the community, do it as an insider and a member of the community.”

Five out of the six panelists are Antioch residential homeowners. Including myself the moderator that would make six out seven. Who determines whether a person is an insider or outsider?

You also stated: “My conclusion is that we should resist the temptation to judge Antioch police based upon on what happens in other states and cities.”

With all due respect, you did not stay for the conclusion of the symposium; so how can you conclude anything objectively?  It is disappointing to hear you convey that some people were “outsiders” and some people were “insiders,” especially when our tax dollars are utilized for a multiplicity of local governmental endeavors.  

Again, I am deeply saddened and disappointed. We look to you for leadership not condemnation. The organization did not attempt to bifurcate, nor oppose local law enforcement. However, I am still prayerful that this will clarify any misinterpretations or misgivings. We will continue to be proactive community members seeking to avoid tragedies. We are willing to symbiotically work with: various organizations, community stakeholders, and local municipalities for the greater good of the community.

Respectfully,

Dr. Lawrence A. Rasheed

Antioch

It’s time the Antioch School District had a majority of board members who will put the interests of the students, first while protecting the taxpayers.

Appointed incumbents Fernando Navarro and Alonzo Terry, who have each served less than a year on the board, filling vacancies due to resignations of past board members, have been doing well during their brief time in office. They’ve proven themselves to be good listeners, fiscally responsible and honest about the problems in the district.

Navarro, who has two children in Antioch schools, is the only Hispanic member on the board and candidate in the race, is fully bilingual and bi-cultural. He is the only one who can effectively reach out to that part of our community.

Crystal Sawyer-White, a substitute teacher in another school district and owner of a tutoring business, has a Masters in Education, and a child in the district, as well. She has demonstrated her commitment to the students in Antioch, having served on a site council and LCAP committee.

All three support bringing back shop classes to the schools, as well as entrepreneurship classes, teaching students how to start and run their own businesses. That should serve both the students and our community well, as we work to grow our local economy and create local jobs.

These three are also the only candidates to address the realities of the serious problems facing the district, citing the statistics of how few students are proficient in math and English, as well as the dangers of the district’s continued deficit spending and reduction in the reserves. They will serve the district well and have committed to getting the school board meetings either televised on local TV or at least live streamed on the district’s website – and in their first year in office. That will bring the district and board meetings into the 21st century for greater transparency.

The other four candidates, incumbent Diane Gibson-Gray, former school board members Joy Motts and Gary Hack, and news site publisher Mike Burkholder, joined forces and based upon a false assumption, chose not to participate in the televised candidates’ forum the Herald sponsored. They chose to play politics instead of being available to answer questions from residents and other candidates, and even refused to answer questions we emailed them four days prior to asking them at the forum.

The worst thing is three of them, all but Burkholder, proved to be untrustworthy by offering one reason they couldn’t attend, then the day before stating it was due to their false assumption. Burkholder just simply never committed to attend the forum on Friday night, which is just as bad.

This was after two attempts to reschedule the forum to accommodate their schedules, that week, costing the other candidates money in lost business and child care expenses.

We were both surprised and disappointed in their actions and poor decision-making. Not being willing to answer questions that other candidates are asked and answered from us, the public and fellow candidates disqualifies the four from serving in public office.

We need citizen representatives on the Antioch School Board who will put students first, and protect the taxpayers.

It’s time to put the problems of the past behind us with leaders who are afraid of transparency and the use of 21st century technology to keep the public informed, and move forward with three responsible, respectful and available leaders on the board.

Fernando Navarro, Alonzo Terry and Crystal Sawyer-White are those leaders. We encourage you to join us in voting for them on November 8.

By Allen Payton

The latest campaign financial reports, submitted by candidates in the Antioch City Council race, and due on Thursday, September 29, shows Ken Turnage II in the lead in contributions received for the reporting period and total expenditures made for the campaign. However, Councilwoman Monica Wilson has a slight lead in overall fundraising.

Turnage

The report for the period ending September 24th shows Turnage has raised $10,445 and loaned his campaign $2,000 for a total of $12,445 in total contributions, and has spent $11,249. But, his first report for the year shows an additional $2,950 in contributions bringing the total for his campaign to $15,395.

8:20 PM, 10/3/16 UPDATE: However, Turnage informed the Herald, Monday night, that he had returned the contributions reported on his first form, when he dropped out of the race, this summer. He later re-entered the race and many of his supporters contributed, again. Turnage said he will file an amended 460 form to reflect those refunds and that the amounts reported on his 460 form dated 9/29/16 are correct. While it still means he raised the most funds for the reporting period, the corrected information gives Wilson a slight edge in total fundraising for the campaign. (Please see, below).

8:20 PM, 10/3/16 CORRECTION: Most of Turnage’s contributions are from within Antioch. His largest contributions include $1,500 from Antioch resident Gloria Martin, $1,500 from Gordon Gravelle of Suncrest Homes in Antioch, $1,000 from Michael Lippitt of Danville, and $500 each from Antioch Realtor Rick Fuller and Joe Stokely of Stokely Properties a property management firm in Walnut Creek.

Most of his expenditures were also in Antioch, with his largest individual expense of $4,334 to The Print Club in Antioch. Turnage also paid a total of $5,170 to two southern California companies for slate mailers, as well as $500 to Emily Bernardi an Antioch-based website developer. He ended the period with $1,197 cash on hand.

Wilson

As in her campaign for County Supervisor, earlier this year, almost all of Councilwoman Monica Wilson’s contributions were from outside of Antioch, and most of her expenditures were, as well. She raised $5,445 during the reporting period and a total of $6,897.09 for her re-election campaign, so far this year. But, she formed her committed in 2014 and with the amounts received that year and in 2014, her total amount received is $12,527.09 for her campaign.

While she spent $4,317.75 during the period, Wilson’s report shows she has spent a total of $9,852.29 during her campaign, this year. Her expenditures for her campaign total $11,819.67. However, in February she transferred $5,209.54 to her Supervisor campaign committee. So, Wilson has only spent $6,610.13 on her re-election campaign, placing her in a close third place for expenditures behind Lamar Thorpe (see below).

She has an ending cash balance of $1,127.25 with no accrued expenses or outstanding debts.

Wilson’s largest contributions include $1,500 from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union, $1,000 from Republic Services, Antioch’s Pacheco-based garbage contractor, $800 from a retired teacher in San Rafael, $500 each from PG&E, political consultant Melody Howe Weintraub of Lafayette, and Louisa Zee Kao, of Hillsborough, the President of the Zika Group, which is the owner and developer of the former Higgins Ranch in Antioch’s Sand Creek area, and $320 from herself. Her only reportable contribution from within Antioch was $100 from school board president Diane Gibson-Gray.

Wilson’s expenditures include $1,568.52 to AABCO printing in Concord, $851.44 at a restaurant in Lafayette, $832 for signs from a printer in Richmond, $700 to a Florida consulting firm for web services, and $665.32 for campaign signs from a company in Kentucky.

Thorpe

In third place for fundraising is Lamar Thorpe with $9,574.33 during the reporting period. He’s in second place for spending, just ahead of Wilson, having spent $6,848.91 and had an ending cash balance of $2,725.42.

Like Wilson, most of Thorpe’s contributions were from outside of Antioch, from people throughout the state and country. His largest contributions were $1,000 from Operating Engineers 3, $972.33 from himself, $527 from his wife, $500 from a business owner in Maryland, and $400 from a businessman in Texas.

Most of his expenditures were also made outside of Antioch. His largest expenses were $2,208 on slate mailers with companies in southern California, $965.60 for advertising on Facebook, $704.51 for a banner from a company in Texas, $621.03 for campaign software, $480.13 on phones, and $479.53 on signs from another business in Texas.

Thorpe appears to believe in complete transparency and full disclosure, as he reported every contribution and expense, even though the rules only require details on those of $100 or more.

Rocha

Councilwoman Mary Rocha’s reports show she had contributions of $8,042 and is in a close fourth place for expenditures at $6,146 for her re-election campaign. However, her latest report is off by $96.82, as Rocha’s expenditures actually total $6,242.82.

Her largest contributions include $2,500 from Republic Services, $1,000 from Antioch landowners and developers Lucia and Monte Albers of Brentwood and $500 from former Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan of Alamo. Only $1,252 of her reportable contributions were from people in Antioch.

Rocha’s largest expenditures were $1,777.62 for printing of a mailer to Markots in Brentwood, $1,395.20 for printing to AABCO in Concord, $700 for advertising to the Herald.

Rouse & Dietzel

Fred Rouse and Karl Dietzel each submitted a form 470 declaring they will receive and spend less than $2,000 in their campaigns.

As of August 10th, candidates are required to report any contribution of $1,000 or more within 24 hours. Those reports and each candidate’s 460’s can be seen, below. NOTE: We will post Wilson’s report(s) from 2014, when she formed her 2016 committee, once they are received.

The next filing period ends on October 22 and the second pre-election campaign finance reports are due on the 27th.

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