Cites failure to ensure reliable transit & ineffective use of funds

Senator Steve Glazer (D-Orinda) who represents Antioch and most of Contra Costa County in the California State Senate, issued the following statement today, regarding his vote against SB-1, the transportation funding bill which included a 12 cents per gallon gas tax increase, as well as increases to the Vehicle License Fee. He was the only Democrat in the Senate and only one of two in the entire legislature to vote no.

“I want to thank Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León, Sen. Jim Beall and Gov. Jerry Brown for their hard work in addressing the problem of crumbling roads and aging transportation systems.

My constituents are particularly dependent on good roads and highways and reliable transit systems, so I agree we need additional transportation investments.

But this transportation package did not have the support of my district, for good reasons. Even after a multi-million dollar lobbying effort supporting the $52 billion bill, sentiment in my district ran two-to-one opposing these new gas taxes and car registration fees.

My constituents have told me loud and clear that they want any new taxes to be spent more wisely and effectively. For instance, it doesn’t make sense to spend billions of dollars on an unpopular High Speed Rail system that backers claim might be completed by 2029 when it could go for transportation improvements today.

Beyond the issues of setting better spending priorities and taxes, I also believed this bill could have been improved. We need to be more forward thinking, where we recognize the role technology can play in allowing us to use our roads and highways more efficiently.

And we need a plan that provides commuters with the confidence and assurance that reliable transit will be there for them every day of the year.

This bill also failed to ensure that any new transportation funding given to local transportation agencies be used only for the purposes intended and not diverted to other uses.

I was also concerned about last-minute amendments to this bill that the environmental community and air quality regulators say will unwisely limit our ability to control diesel pollution from trucks. These changes have never been fully vetted and deserve more scrutiny.

I look forward to continued discussions with the governor in which we take into account the need to modernize our approach to transportation in an efficient and reliable manner.”

The bill passed both the State Senate and Assembly and awaits the signature of Governor Brown. To learn more about the bill, click here.

By Allen Payton

It’s been a clean sweep of leadership inside City Hall, since the November election. First, on Election Night then-City Manager Steve Duran announced a tentative retirement date set for August 15, of this year. Then Chief of Police Allan Cantando announced on March 8 he would be retiring the first week of April. Then, the following Tuesday, the City Council voted 3-2 to terminate Duran’s contract.

That’s in addition to the election of new Mayor Sean Wright and Mayor Pro Tem Lamar Thorpe. Now, today, city staff issued the following brief press release:

“Michael Vigilia City Attorney has announced that he will be leaving the City of Antioch.

The City of Antioch would like to thank Michael Vigilia for his service to the City.  While with the City of Antioch, Michael Vigilia served as legal advisor for the City departments.  His expertise on a wide range of legal issues will be missed.

The City of Antioch wishes him well in his future endeavors.”

Asked if it is effective immediately, Mayor Sean Wright simply replied “May 15, 45 days.”

Administrative Services Director Nickie Mastay offered additional information, stating, “Mr. Vigilia put in a 45 day notice on March 31, 2017.”

No reason was given for the resignation. Asked why and if Vigilia was forced out, Wright responded, “Surprised all of us.”

Vigilia has been in the position for a little more than a year, having been hired March 8, 2016. (See related article). Attempts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful prior to publication.

On March 28, the City Council on a 4-0 vote hired then-Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Ron Bernal as City Manager for one year. Captain Tammany Brooks is the Acting Chief of Police. Bernal will have the opportunity to either hire him or someone else to be Cantando’s successor.

The City Council, which only hires the city manager and city attorney will have the opportunity to hire Vigilia’s replacement, as well.

By Jesus Cano

With the Bay Valley Athletic League opening up their competition soon, the Antioch High and Deer Valley High varsity baseball teams look to make their presence known.

Antioch High Preview

Carlos Gonzalez is under the helm for the Panthers, and looks to improve upon their last season with consistent play. They just two games under .500 last season.

“If we are consistent we will be successful but inconsistency has been a problem in the last couple years,” the skipper said. “I also think the seniors need to pick up the slack and show leadership.”

According to Gonzalez, their pitching is the forte of the team, stating players RJ Mcdowell, Josh Cordova, Josh Mcevoy, and Koby Williams light up the rotation.

Gonzalez highlights Cordova to be his ace on the mound, stating that anytime he is on the mound he gives this team a good chance to win.

The rest of the starting pitchers also produce offensively according to Gonzalez. Saying that McDowell provides great speed and a consistent bat.

Brayden Huckaby is another player that stands out, as he is described to be an anchor at third base along with contributing offensively.

Antioch will open up their season on the road against Freedom on April 18th at 4:30 pm.

Deer Valley High Preview

The Wolverines ended at an even 11-11 record. The new campaign offers a fresh start to everyone, but an even mint one to new head coach Burt Roberts.

“It’s an incredible opportunity,” Roberts said. “The powers put me in a great position.”

One of the Roberts’ top goal is to land a seed in the NCS playoffs. He notes that there are some top leaders on his team. Justin Tamelier is described to be dual talented as he is batting over .475 and pitched a complete game along with a no hitter.

Kyle Norman plays leadoff for their, and Roberts refers to him as a “spark plug” at the top of the line up, and knows how to start the offense.

José Domínguez is a transfer student coming from Antioch High School. He had a stellar season as he batted for a .327 average and 9 RBIs.

Deer Valley will be hosting Liberty for the league opener on April 18th at 4 pm.

Editor: The Democrats’ gnashing of teeth and renting of garments over the election is getting really tiresome. Instead of the constant and vociferous complaining about President Donald Trump (which achieves absolutely nothing), why not do something about it? There is plenty of time. Why not knuckle down and find a viable candidate that can win for you in 2020?

Want a woman? She’s out there. I’ve met her. Her name is Tulsi Gabbard, and she’s a Congresswoman in Hawaii’s 2nd District. She’s razor sharp smart, sincere and attractive. A political trifecta. I listened to her speak last spring when she was in Ukiah stumping for Bernie Sanders.

Her sincerity is what really impressed me. Although I didn’t agree with everything she said, this was no phony politician spouting hot air just for the sake of it. She was very candid, looked me in the eye and meant what she said. Very refreshing. She’s a rising star, that much is obvious.

Michael McInerney

Ukiah, CA

By Corporal Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On April 3, 2017 at approximately 8:38 PM, Antioch Police dispatch received calls regarding a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian at the intersection of Buchanan Road and Buchanan Crossings. A 46-year-old female Antioch resident was crossing Buchanan Road at the intersection of Buchanan Crossings against a red signal light when she was struck by a vehicle traveling westbound on Buchanan Rd. The female was transported to an area hospital for major injuries to her lower extremities and is expected to survive. The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and was cooperative with the investigation. Alcohol or drug intoxication did not appear to be a factor in the collision.

This preliminary information is made available by the Field Services Bureau. Further inquiries into the status of this case should be done via the Media Access Telephone Line (925) 779-6874. If you have information regarding this case you may text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) will host town hall meetings in Antioch, Richmond, and Lafayette during the month of April. Residents are invited to attend and listen to a Congressional update, ask questions, and share their thoughts on issues of importance. DeSaulnier will also discuss the broad range of constituent services his office can provide.

Joint Antioch Town Hall with Rep’s DeSaulnier (CA-11) and McNerney (CA-09)

Saturday, April 8, 2017

10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Nick Rodriguez Community Center

213 F Street

Antioch, CA 94509

Details: Please RSVP to CA.11RSVP@mail.house.gov or call 925-933-2660

Richmond Town Hall

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Lovonya Dejean Middle School, Multipurpose Room

3400 Macdonald Ave

Richmond, CA 94805

Lafayette Town Hall

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Stanley Middle School, Multipurpose Room

3455 School Street

Lafayette, CA 94549

Please RSVP to CA.11RSVP@mail.house.gov or call (925) 933-2660. For more information or to request ADA accommodations contact Congressman DeSaulnier’s office in either Walnut Creek or Richmond.