Dear Editor:

Did you get asked by the AUSD on how you feel about another tax? I sure didn’t as well as many of my neighbors. AUSD have alternative ways of raising funds for school maintenance and pushing for a 36-year tax is not the answer especially when 3 of our school board members will not be impacted by this tax if passed.

County Counsel has stated that “Approval of the measure does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the District that are the subject of bonds under the measure will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by the measure.” In other words, there is no guarantee that projects that start will be completed or even get off the ground.

Please review the County Counsel’s Impartial Analysis of Measure T:

“The California Constitution provides that school districts may issue bonds for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or replacement of school facilities, including the furnishing and equipping of school facilities or the acquisition or lease of real property for school facilities, with the approval of 55% of the voters voting at an election for that purpose.

By resolution, the Antioch Unified School District has proposed that bonds of the District be issued in an amount up to $105,000,000. This measure provides that proceeds from the sale of the bonds will generally be used to “provide up to date classrooms, renovate athletic fields and related facilities, replace underground water sewer and gas lies, and replace old and inefficient electrical, lighting, heating, plumbing and ventilation systems.” The specific projects are set forth in the bond project list attached to the resolution of the Board of Trustees. The measure provides that a citizens’ oversight committee will be established to ensure that bond proceeds are properly expended and that annual performance and financial audits will be conducted. The measure further provides that bond proceeds will only be used for the purposes specified in the measure, and not for any other purpose.

Approval of this measure authorizes the levy of ad valorem taxes upon taxable property to repay the bonded indebtedness, both principal and interest, in each year that bonds are outstanding. The Antioch Unified School District has prepared a Tax Rate Statement, which represents the District’s best estimates of the property tax rates required to service the bonds. The estimated highest annual tax rate required to be levied to fund the bonds is expected to be $60 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.

Approval of the measure does not guarantee that the proposed project or projects in the District that are the subject of bonds under the measure will be funded beyond the local revenues generated by the measure. The proposed project or projects may assume the receipt of matching state funds, which could be subject to appropriation by the Legislature or approval of a statewide bond measure.

A ‘yes’ vote authorizes the issuance of the bonds and the levy of taxes as estimated in the Tax Rate Statement to repay the bonded indebtedness. A ‘yes’ vote by 55% of the voters within the District voting on the measure is required for passage of this measure. A ‘no’ vote on this measure disapproves the issuance of the bonds and the levy of the taxes for the bonded indebtedness.”

Tell the AUSD bullies “That’s It” and vote “No” on Measure T!

Gil Murillo

South Antioch Resident

By Lieutenant John Fortner, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

In the early morning hours of Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, Antioch police officers were called to the 3100 block of Gentrytown Drive on the report of an adult male victim who had been stabbed. When officers arrived at the scene, they contacted one 26-year-old male victim suffering from a stab wound. Police learned the victim was in a physical altercation with a known suspect who stabbed him during the fight. Afterwards, the 26-year-old male suspect fled the scene prior to responding officers’ arrival. Police administered first-aid to the victim until emergency paramedics arrived and transported him to a local area hospital. The victim was taken into surgery and is listed in critical condition.

Antioch Police Department’s Crime Scene Investigators and Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. At this time, the suspect responsible for this stabbing has not been located. Currently, the investigation is still active, and evidence is being collected.

This preliminary information is made available by the Investigations Bureau. Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441, or Detective Bledsoe at (925) 779-6884. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

By Lieutenant Powell Meads #3917, Antioch Police Field Services

On Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, at approximately 4:26 PM, Antioch PD officers were dispatched to the report of a single vehicle collision on James Donlon Blvd. near Hummingbird Drive. Upon arrival, officers located the vehicle and it’s three occupants near the intersection. An 18-year-old female (passenger) had been ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead on scene. Two adult males, ages 19 and 20, sustained major but non-life-threatening injuries and were trapped inside the vehicle. Contra Costa Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and extricated the two males. They were subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Initial indications are that excessive speed contributed to this collision.

This preliminary information is made available by the Field Services Division. Anyone with information or who witnessed the collision is asked to contact Officer Prieto at (925) 779-6900 ext 85936 or cprieto@ci.antioch.ca.us. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

By Allen Payton

Making a third run for Congress to unseat incumbent Jerry McNerney, retired U.S. Marshal Antonio “Tony” Amador is doing so because he wants to get things done. He ran unsuccessfully in 2014 when he got to within 5 percent of McNerney’s vote total, the best of any Republican challenger since David Harmer in 2010, and again in 2016.

But he faces opposition in the primary in the likes of Brentwood resident and Army combat veteran William Martinek. (See related article)

The 75-year-old Amador explained why he jumped in the race after there was another Republican running.

“Martinek really didn’t have much to say, when he came to the San Joaquin County Central Committee meeting asking for an endorsement,” he shared. “He said he didn’t have any money or know the issues. They didn’t endorse him.”

“I spoke to my wife that night and the next morning after sleeping on it, and she told me I needed to get back in ‘because we need a real candidate,’” Amador stated.

“I always file later, to see who else files and what strengths they bring,” he said. “I called immediately to Matt Shupe about talking to the Contra Costa Republican Central Committee. But he wouldn’t take my calls. I knew he was Martinek’s campaign consultant and the county party chairman. He has a conflict of interest. They didn’t allow me to go over there before they made their endorsement.”

“In fact, they endorsed Martinek even before the filing closed,” Amador stated. “Even if you aren’t going to endorse me, you need to have the appearance of fairness.”

“I’m not attacking him (Martinek) personally because I’m going to need his help,” he added. “In fact, Matt’s doing a good job raising money in Contra Costa.”

Amador ended up getting the San Joaquin County Republican Party endorsement, as well as the endorsement of the California Republican Assembly.

Shupe responded, explaining the process in Contra Costa County.

“William was recruited by Central Committee members in Brentwood and Antioch and brought him to our meeting,” he said. “I had never met him, before and then I allowed William to speak. The following meeting, before the end of the filing period, we endorsed him because no other candidate had expressed an interest. We do that to give candidates all the tools they need to win.”

“I did not call, text with or advocate to any central committee members on anything about William,” Shupe stated. “When the endorsement came up at the meeting, I fully disclosed he was a client of mine and I recused myself, turned over the meeting to our vice chair and left the room.”

“Tony never reached out to us requesting an endorsement nor has he made a request to speak since he’s been declared,” he continued. “I received an email on Dec. 5, 2019 that he was upset that we endorsed in the race before the end of the filing period.”

“He waits until the last minute and doesn’t end up running a serious race,” Shupe said. “And people are tired of it.”

Amador’s professional background has been in law enforcement as well as a lifetime of public service. In addition to his seven years as a U.S. Marshal, he served as the Director for the California Youth Authority and worked for 13 years as a Los Angeles Police Officer. Amador was appointed to serve as Deputy Director of the California Employment Development Department,a member of the U.S. Merit Systems Protection, California Public Employee Retirement, and California Narcotic Addict Evaluation Boards, and the San Joaquin County Juvenile Justice and Deliquency Prevention Commission.

About the incumbent he’s hoping to face after the primary, Amador said, “McNerney won’t debate me on the issues. In 14 years, he’s been here and turned over a spade of dirt and said he’s supporting the veterans.”

Amador opposes the Delta tunnels that will take fresh water and move it around the Delta south to Los Angeles.

“But we need storage,” he said. “We need sufficient water to prevent the saltwater. McNerney has done nothing to offer a solution to our water challenges. I don’t know of any legislation from him to provide new storage facilities.”

“He has no political power. His emphasis has been on solar and wind energy, which has proven to not pay for itself.”

Amador supports the efforts of Antioch and the Northern Waterfront Initiative in Contra Costa County for a shipping port to access the deep water Stockton channel in the river, for local employment.”

Transportation is another major issue for his campaign.

“We need the road to the Byron Airport and Tracy, Route 239 and McNerney’s done nothing to make that happen,” Amador pointed out. “He sides with the environmentalists who oppose it.”

“That airport has so much potential for job creation. We have routes going to L.A. out of Stockton. The same could happen there,” he added.

“You get me into office, I’m going to make noise about this,” said Amador. “I went out to the airport and visited.”

“We need to look further into federal transportation matching funds for East County, to create jobs and a better environment for people in the area,” Amador stated. “It will benefit the agriculture industry in East County, too.”

“Why we can’t we create good jobs in the county, where people live?” he asked.

“Another issue that needs to be discussed and addressed is the homeless,” Amador said. “We can’t expect the cities to handle the problem. First, we need to help the veterans who are homeless.”

“He’s definitely for sanctuary cities and I’m opposed to them, especially with my law enforcement background,” he stated. “McNerney hasn’t done anything to address human trafficking or sex trafficking that is affecting our area.”

“But I do want to be want to resolve the DACA issue and give them legal status, and later the opportunity to become citizens,” Amador said. “As long as they haven’t committed any crimes and have lived a good life, while here. But we can’t have open borders like McNerney wants.”

“McNerney votes along the same lines as Nancy Pelosi,” he added. “There isn’t anything independent that he’s done in 14 years.”

Amador has been married to Evelia for 54 years, they have four daughters, 15 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. They live in Lodi.

To learn more about Amador’s campaign visit www.amadorforcongress.net.

By Allen Payton

The Antioch School Board placed a $105 million school improvement bond on the March 3 ballot known as Measure T. According to the ballot language if passed, it will create School Facilities Improvement District #2 and provide funds for “renovating classrooms, upgrading school safety and security systems, improving technology and energy efficiency, upgrading science labs, modernizing schools, and repairing / replacing roofs.” (See related article)

It will raise “an average of $7,000,000 annually for 36 years, at a rate of 6 cents per $100 of assessed value” and have “independent oversight and accountability.” So, a home valued at $500,000 will have an annual assessment of $300.

According to the text of the ballot measure, the SFID #2 covers “the area of Antioch previously impacted by Mello Roos assessments. The Mello Roos District was dissolved in 2016. The Mello Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 provided funds for the District to build schools during a period of rapid growth within Antioch Unified School District. The Mello Roos assessment helped pay for the construction Carmen Dragon Elementary, Diablo Vista Elementary, Jack London Elementary, Lone Tree Elementary, MNO Grant Elementary, Black Diamond Middle School, Dallas Ranch Middle School, Orchard Park K-8 School, Deer Valley High School, and Dozier-Libbey Medical High School.”

This bond measure placed only before the voters in SFID#2 will provide funds to improve and maintain all of the schools within the former Mello Roos area. The funding will be provided over eight years with priorities set by the school board and monitored by an Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee.

Following is the ballot argument in favor of the measure. There was no one who provided an argument against the ballot measure.

A Yes vote on Measure T will provide a reliable, local source of funds to modernize, renovate and upgrade schools built after 1989. The District is committed to providing all students a quality education in a safe, modern learning environment that supports the achievement and success of local children in the community.

We need to modernize classrooms and technology, improve school safety, upgrade fields and playgrounds, and repair or replace roofs, heating, plumbing and air conditioning to make schools more energy efficient.

A Yes Vote on Measure T will:

• Upgrade technology and network infrastructure to provide students with better access to classroom technology.
• Modernize and upgrade science labs and classrooms
• Upgrade and improve athletic fields, facilities, and playgrounds
• Repair aging roofs, plumbing, and electrical
• Install and repair heating and air conditioning units
• Upgrade vocational education programs and facilities

All of the funds will be monitored by an Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee. No employee or vendor of the District may serve on the committee. In addition, the District must conduct annual performance audits to ensure that bond proceeds are only spent on specific local school facility projects. No funds can be spent on administrator or teacher salaries.

Passage of Measure T will help the district pay for necessary repairs and upgrades keeping our schools safe and well-maintained and leaving more money to retain quality teachers and academic programs.

Good schools define great communities.

Quality schools and classrooms protect and enhance our property values and support the learning of our local children Measure T’s investment in our schools is the best way to protect and preserve our property values, spur economic development, and create local jobs. Every child deserves to learn in quality school facilities.

Please Vote Yes on Measure T.

William Brannon, Owner – Big Sky Logos

Amanda Ferguson, AUSD Parent

Blair Wilkins, Principal

Steve R Sanchez, Antioch High School Athletic Director

Patricia Campbell, Teacher AUSD

By Allen Payton

In response to the recent shooting death of a student at Deer Valley High School following a basketball game against Antioch High on Jan. 31, the Antioch School Board will be holding a special meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss comprehensive school safety plans.

According to Trustees Crystal Sawyer-White, the week following the shooting she and fellow Trustee Ellie Householder made the request for the item to be placed on the agenda, for the board’s regular meeting this past Wednesday. However that didn’t happen, and instead it was decided at the board meeting to discuss the issue during the special meeting this next Tuesday.

The public will have the opportunity to speak on the matter. The meeting will be held Antioch High School’s Beede Auditorium, 700 West 18th Street, Antioch. Or it can be viewed on the school district’s YouTube channel.

End season in first place in BVAL; playoffs begin next week

By Jamauri Bowless

The Deer Valley High boys’ varsity basketball team ended their undefeated in league season with a to Heritage 42-40 on a game-winning shot with under three seconds left in the game. The Wolverines finished 17-9 overall, with a 9-1 league record.

The end the season in first place, trailed by Pittsburg, Liberty and Heritage tied for second with 5-5 records in league play, Antioch ended in third place with a 4-6 record, and in last place is Freedom with a record of 2-8.

Assistant Coach Quincy Smith said the team will find out seeding this Sunday when the North Coast Section (NCS) Division 1 playoff schedule is released.

Please check back with the Antioch Herald for more details.

By Allen Payton

A single vehicle crash in the 1300 block of San Jose Drive in Antioch, about 2:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon resulted in a man being detained by police and then transported to the hospital.

“They took the driver away in an ambulance, after they had him in the police car,” said resident Jeff Strawther who was driving by the scene of the accident on his way home from work. “He was pretty resistant.”

“Don’t drink and drive! Especially at 2:00 in the afternoon….praise God no one was seriously hurt in this accident,” he posted on his Facebook page.

A call has been placed to Antioch Police for more details and to confirm if it was DUI related. Please check back later for updates to this report.