Jeff Belle, source Contra Costa County Board of Education

Increases maximum fine from $1,000 to $10,000

Sacramento, CA – On Wednesday, May 10th, legislation by Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D – Discovery Bay) that will raise penalties for candidates for office who make willful misrepresentations on their candidate statements passed the Assembly Elections committee on an unanimous 7-to-0 vote.

“We can’t allow candidates to dupe the voters…to lie their way into office when tax dollars or the education of our children are at stake,” Frazier stated. “When the public’s trust is in question, the public deserves to know the truth when reading an official candidate statement. This bill holds candidates accountable by increasing the fine for any willful misrepresentation.”

AB 894 would increase the current fine for a willful misrepresentation in a candidate statement to $10,000. The current fine is set at a maximum of $1,000, which has not been an effective deterrent and has not kept up with inflation.

In August 2015, the Contra Costa District Attorney filed a suit in court, The People of the State of California vs. Jeffrey Belle, against a candidate for the Contra Costa Board of Education for knowingly making a false statement of fact in a candidate statement with the intent to mislead voters. In this particular case the candidate falsified his education credentials, his residence, and his criminal record. Instead of a punishment including a fine, he received only entry into a diversion program for offenders, despite the injustice perpetrated upon the voters. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this remains a problem in other jurisdictions.

AB 894 now heads to the Assembly Floor.

By Corporal Ted Chang #4362, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 6:35 pm, an armed, masked male suspect went to the US Bank branch located inside Raley’s at 3632 Lone Tree Way. The suspect yelled at the tellers while pointing a pistol at them. A teller handed over an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect then left the bank and fled on foot.

The suspect is described as a black male adult, unknown age, tall with a thin build. He was wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, orange gloves, and a black mask.

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

New Antioch Police Chief, Tammany Brooks

It was announced today, that Antioch City Manager, Ron Bernal, named Tammany Brooks as the Antioch Chief of Police effective May 14, 2017. Brooks has been serving in the capacity of Interim Chief since the retirement of former Chief Allan Cantando.

Chief Brooks has been a dedicated member of the Antioch Police Department for 22 years. Bernal noted that as an Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain, Brooks has served in virtually every capacity within the Department, emphasizing that this appointment is critical to Antioch’s continued growth and success.

“Chief Brooks is the right person and has what it takes to successfully lead the talented men and women of the Antioch Police Department. With over 20 years of loyal service to the City, he has proven himself as a team player who is committed to taking an outstanding department and making it even better,” Bernal said. “His integrity and no nonsense approach to the job are just two of the reasons Chief Brooks is so highly respected among his peers and the community. Elevating Chief Brooks from within our own ranks is a testimony to the quality of personnel we have within our own ranks. Rising up from humble beginnings, Chief Brooks epitomizes what can happen through hard work, commitment and the pursuit of excellence.”

Chief Brooks is also the City’s first African American Police Chief.

Brooks holds a Masters Degree in Leadership, as well as being a graduate of distinguished law enforcement programs, including the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) of Boston and the FBI National Academy.

In his online message to the community on the Antioch Police Department webpage, following his appointment as Interim Police Chief last month, Brooks wrote:

It is my firm belief that the best way to improve the quality of life and make Antioch a safe and thriving community for all is through a collaborative partnership with the citizens who live, work, and play in this great city.

While I am extremely proud and confident in the abilities of all the members of this department, I realize that in order to truly bring about positive, long-term results, the police department cannot do it alone.  As President John F. Kennedy said, “The level of crime in a city is in direct proportion to the will of its citizens and law enforcement officers who tolerate it.”  We need your help.

One of my goals is to enhance the level of communication between the Department and the community.

This partnership is not an option for me…it must remain a reality.  Together, we are a stronger body with a shared vision and mutual desire to make positive and real changes that reflect the true values of our remarkable community.

The City of Antioch unveils the Splash & Sprayground known as Cattail Harbor, the newest water feature at the Antioch Water Park, on Saturday, May 13th at 12:30 pm. Free for the whole family, the dedication is inside the Water Park which is conveniently located on Lone Tree way across the street from Deer Valley High School.

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies begin at 1:00pm and all children will get to experience the Delta themed spray ground all afternoon. May is Water Safety Month and Lifeguards will hold CPR and lifeguarding demonstrations and two pools will be open for free swimming until 4:00 pm. Swim Instructors will test children on swimming skills to help parents select the correct swim lesson program over the summer.

Besides free swimming and play through Cattail Harbor, there will be activities and information for families.  Guests can also purchase their Season passes at the early bird rate.

The dedication and free open house provides an excellent opportunity to showcase summer fun and community engagement.  The Antioch Water Park opens for the season on May 27th. For more information about the spray ground or any of the programs at the Water Park, call 925-776-3070 or visit www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CitySvcs/Prewett/. COME SPLASH WITH US at the premiere water attraction in East Contra Costa County.

By Acting Sergeant Shawn Morin #5227, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On May 10, 2017 at approximately 12:50 PM, an unknown age, armed, masked male suspect entered Safeway located at 3365 Deer Valley Road and went to the Wells Fargo Bank located inside. The suspect demanded money from the bank employees and then fled the store with cash. The suspect left the area in a vehicle that was waiting outside the store.

The suspect is described as an unknown age black male adult, tall with a thin build. The suspect was wearing all dark clothing, hooded sweatshirt or jacket and a black mask. The vehicle was described as a gold or tan colored SUV with paper license plates.

Anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or the vehicle leaving the area is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at (925) 778-2441. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.