Dr. Ori Tzvieli during a Jan. 22, 2021 online press conference. Source: Screenshot of CCHealth Services YouTube video

Farnitano retiring next month; Tzvieli will also hold title and role of county’s Director of Public Health

The Contra Costa Board of Supervisors today appointed Dr. Ori Tzvieli as the county’s new Health Officer.

Dr. Tzvieli has helped to lead the county’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic for the past two years as a deputy health officer.

He fills a vacancy left by Dr. Chris Farnitano, who has stepped down from the role in preparation for retirement after more than 30 years caring for Contra Costa County residents.

“Dr. Farnitano will be missed. We are glad Dr. Tzvieli is ready to step into a role that is so crucial for the health and safety of our county residents during the pandemic,” said Board of Supervisors Chair Karen Mitchoff. “Over the past two years, both of them have contributed to one of the finest local responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in California.”

Each county in California appoints a health officer who has broad authority under state Health & Safety Code and are responsible for protecting the health of residents within their jurisdictions.

“Dr. Tzvieli has helped to lead our county’s emergency response since the beginning. We are fortunate to have someone with his experience and community knowledge ready to step up,” Contra Costa Health Director Anna Roth said. “I am very confident that he will help to continue our strong efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Contra Costa County.”

Dr. Tzvieli joined Contra Costa Health (CCH) as a family medicine resident at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC) in 2000, launching a career in the county’s healthcare delivery system that has led to several leadership roles, including Medical Staff President, Ambulatory Care Medical Director, Public Health Medical Director and now Director of Public Health, serving under Director Roth.

During his time with CCH, Dr. Tzvieli has championed collaborative efforts to address opioid addiction and cared for some of the county’s most vulnerable residents as medical director of the Health Care for the Homeless program.

Dr. Farnitano will formally retire in March after a celebrated career at CCH. He became Contra Costa County Health Officer in July 2018, after previously serving as Ambulatory Care Medical Director at CCRMC and Family Medicine Department Chair, among other roles.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Six yellow markers indicating the location of bullet casings are seen in the intersection of Canada Valley Drive and and Pinnacle View Way/Vista Grande Drive Tuesday night, Feb. 8, 2022. Photo by Allen D. Payton

City’s fourth homicide of the year, suspect unknown

By Strategic Communications Officer Darryl Saffold Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022, at approximately 7:02 PM, Antioch Police Department dispatch received a call from a motorist, a 29-year-old male, who requested medical attention on Canada Valley Road near Pinnacle View Way, due to his 76-year-old female passenger having difficulties breathing.

American Medical Response (AMR), Contra Costa County Fire Department and Antioch Police patrol officers responded to the scene. Antioch officers arrived on the scene alongside AMR and began life-saving measures on the female victim, who appeared to be having a medical emergency.

During rescue efforts, it was discovered the victim sustained at least one gunshot wound to her back. Due to the extent of her injuries, the victim was transported to an area hospital where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Antioch Police Officers search the victims’ vehicle on Pinnacle View Way. Photo by Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Unit responded to the scene. Investigators determined the victims were shot at by someone in an unknown vehicle traveling in the immediate area of Canada Valley Road. At least six yellow plastic markers were located where bullet casings were found in the intersection of Canada Valley Road and Pinnacle View Way/Vista Grande Drive.

It is the fourth homicide in the city, this year. This is an ongoing and active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Whitaker at (925) 779-6890 or by emailing wwhitaker@antiochca.gov. Anonymous tips or information about this – or any other incident – can be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ANTIOCH.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Publisher’s Note: This is the ad that was supposed to run in the special City of Antioch Sesquicentennial edition of the Antioch Herald newspaper, this month. Apologies to Brenda Cato of Rivertown Veterans Thrift Store for inadvertently running the rough draft design of just their business card instead.

To learn more about the City of Antioch Sesquicentennial celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the City on Feb. 6, 1872, as the county’s original city, click here.

Mayor Lamar Thorpe, holding the proclamation honoring the City’s Sesquicentennial of Incorporation, is joined by other Antioch council members and elected officials on Sunday, Feb. 6, the actual 150th anniversary of the incorporation. Photos (unless otherwise indicated) by Allen D. Payton

Thorpe uses opportunity to do a little campaigning at end of speech

An audience of about 50 people enjoyed the City of Antioch Sesquicentennial of Incorporation ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022.

By Allen D. Payton

During a ceremony on a clear, sunny afternoon current and former Antioch officials, community leaders and residents celebrated the 150th anniversary, or Sesquicentennial of the City’s incorporation on the actual date it occurred on Feb. 6 in 1872. It marked the official formation of the first city in Contra Costa County, as the Board of Supervisors approved Antioch’s Articles of Incorporation that day. (See related article)

The event was held in front of the Birthplace of Antioch monument at the foot of F Street, overlooking the river and near the BNSF rail line.

Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica speaks mentioning the City’s Centennial event in 1972.

Antioch Parks and Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger welcomed the audience. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica spoke, thanking those in attendance, and offering his memories of the city during his life, including the celebration of the City’s Centennial in 1972.

The audience also heard brief speeches from those who represent the City, including current county Supervisor Federal Glover, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and staff representatives of Supervisor Diane Burgis, State Senator Steve Glazer and Congressman Jerry McNerney, honoring the City’s anniversary. DeSaulnier, Glazer’s and McNerney’s staff presented the council members with proclamations honoring the City’s achievement. The Board of Supervisors honored the City’s Sesquicentennial anniversary with a proclamation at their meeting on Feb. 1. (See related article)

During Glover’s speech, a train carrying rolls of steel and chemicals heading east to the U.S. Steel plant in Pittsburg passed by, which he said was a good thing and an example of the economic strength of Antioch and East County, which helped grow the town, first established in 1849 as Smith’s Landing.

Joy Motts, president of Celebrate Antioch Foundation and leader of the Sesquicentennial Committee shares about this year’s events.

He pointed out that February is Black History Month and mentioned the late, former Antioch Councilman Reggie Moore who was the city’s first African-American member, then spoke of former Mayor Wade Harper, who was in attendance, as the city’s first African-American mayor, and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson, who was the city’s first African-American female member of the council.

Joy Motts, president of Celebrate Antioch Foundation, the City’s partner in organizing this year’s celebration, spoke about the other events planned for throughout the year, highlighting the Independence Day celebration, which is the birthday of the renaming of the community to Antioch during the July 4th picnic in 1851.

City Clerk Ellie Householder reads the proclamation.

Proclamation Adopted, Read and Signed

The proclamation celebrating the City’s Sesquicentennial and providing the history of the community, was then read by City Clerk Ellie Householder, as Mayor Lamar Thorpe was not yet in attendance. It was adopted by the Antioch City Council on Friday, Feb. 4 on a 3-0-2 vote, as both Barbanica and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker were absent. (See related article)

About 30 minutes into the event, Thorpe arrived and signed the proclamation, then apologized for his tardiness saying he was at the opening of a local church in their new building, and that it was appropriate since Antioch was named for the city in Syria, “where the followers of Jesus Christ were first called Christians. So, I thought that was a special honor and I didn’t want to miss that. I think that’s important, and it was important for them,” he said. “I am excited to be here.”

During his speech the mayor said, “I’m so excited to be the mayor during this important year. We’ve come a long way as a city. 150 years ago, the diversity that we see in this crowd, here today did not exist. As time has passed, we’re at a time where, we for the first time we have the first majority African-American council in the city’s history. A majority woman city council in the city’s history, and that’s been for some time.”

Supervisor Federal Glover speaks as a freight train heads west to Pittsburg temporarily interrupting him.

“As we continue for the next 150 years, it’s important to understand, as these changes occur, there’s always going to be some level of conflict, as that’s the process of maturation,” he continued. “It means we’re growing up as a city. We’re not the same city that we were 10 years ago when I moved here. We’re not the same city that we were when folks who grew up are. We’re a different city.”

“But it’s all good. It’s all good. Because as we continue to be a more progressive, open-minded city, more people come here,” the mayor said. “We continue to be the fastest growing city in the Bay Area. We are now one of the most racially diverse cities in the San Francisco Bay Area, certainly ethnically diverse. So, there’s a lot of heritage and experiences that we’re proud of.”

“A lot of us recognize the importance of our history, so I just want to share a few things that we will be doing in the City of Antioch,” Thorpe said. He then shared about the council’s plans to restore the Hard House, on W. 1st Street, the home of the first mayor of Antioch, Roswell Butler Hard, where the meetings for the first city council were held.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier spoke to the audience before presenting a proclamation honoring the City’s achievement.

“The Hard House has sat empty for a long, long time,” The history of this city should not stay empty in some building,” he said to applause from the crowd. Thorpe reiterated that the council’s “vision, right now is for council offices, maybe on the second floor, and community space on the first floor, to ensure that the community has access. So, we want to restore that.”

Thorpe then spoke of the Antioch (Beede) Lumber Company yard, the empty lot bordered by W. 2nd, W. 3rd and E Streets and the council’s commitment “to ensure that remains a public space recognizing our history,” to an even greater applause.

Thorpe then turned it into a campaign speech, as he faces possible recall.

“This council, my colleagues, myself, we are committed to, of course, preserving history. But we’re also committed to ensuring that the change that is occurring now, continues,” he stated. “And our foot is on the pedal, and we’re not stopping. It doesn’t matter what the naysayers have to say. I will be here for another three years.” (See video)

Mayor Thorpe signs the proclamation.

Several photos were taken of Thorpe holding the proclamation, with current council members, all but District 1 Council Tamisha Torres-Walker who was not in attendance and elected officials, Sesquicentennial Committee and Antioch Historical Society leaders, former mayors and council members, and with city staff.

Thorpe later said a framed copy of the proclamation will be given to the Antioch Historical Society for their museum and another will be framed for City Hall.

A reception was then held at the Antioch Senior Center nearby, in which historic photos of the city and copies of the city council’s first minutes and By-Laws, adopted March 14, 1872, were on display. Sesquicentennial calendars were sold for $20 each as a fundraiser to support this year’s activities and hors d’oeuvres were served, catered by Girard’s Catering owned by Antioch resident Linda Jane. Antioch’s First Bylaws.March 14, 1872

Unfortunately, a copy of the City’s Articles of Incorporation could not be located in the City Clerk’s office prior to the event. But the search for a copy will continue and added here, once they are.

Torres-Walker was asked the reason for her absence. She responded simply, “I was with family.”

Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover who represents a portion of Antioch was joined by members of the Antioch City Council, Barbanica, Ogorchock and Wilson, and a representative of Supervisor Diane Burgis, who represents the other portion of the city, with a plaque honoring the City’s Sesquicentennial.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier who represents portions of Antioch in the U.S. House of Representatives is joined by three members of the Antioch City Council, as he holds a Congressional proclamation honoring the City’s Sesquicentennial.

Representatives of Celebrate Antioch Foundation and the Antioch Historical Society join Mayor Thorpe for a photo with the City Council’s proclamation.

Former Antioch Mayors Wade Harper (second from left), Don Freitas and Mary Rocha, and former Mayor Pro Tems Joy Motts (left) and Allen Payton (right), join Mayor Thorpe with the City Council’s proclamation.

Antioch City staff leadership, Interim Police Chief Tony Morefield, Parks and Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger, Interim City Manager Con Johnson and Assistant City Manager Rosanna Bayon Moore, join Mayor Thorpe with the signed Sesquicentennial proclamation approved by the City Council.

Birthplace of Antioch Marker at the foot of F Street.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

An Antioch Police Officer looks in the hit-and-run suspect’s car. Two officers detain suspect at nearby condo complex on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. Photos by Allen D. Payton

2/15/22 UPDATE: Antioch Police identify driver

Hit-and-run arrest suspect’s car parked on Kodiak Drive Saturday night.

By Allen D. Payton

Following a call to dispatch shortly after 10:00 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, Antioch Police investigated a silver Chrysler 300 parked on Kodiak Street with its lights still on, believed to be involved in a hit-and-run. A witness standing near the parked car said the driver of that car hit their car on Golden Bear Drive before heading down Kodiak which dead ends at Morro Drive. It appeared the driver left the vehicle after it became disabled due to a damaged right front tire and wheel.

Another witness saw the car make a three-point turn at the end of Kodiak, almost striking another car, and sparks emanating from beneath the car as the driver headed south on Kodiak. That same witness saw what appeared to be the driver, described as an overweight Hispanic man in his late 20’s or 30’s, abandon the vehicle, and stumble and sway side-to-side as he walked down Kodiak and then head west on Morro Drive.

Another witness said the driver may have also hit another car on Fawn Hill Way, as well.

Damage to front passenger side tire and wheel of suspect’s car.

Soon after, Antioch Police Officers detained a man outside a multi-family housing complex on Morro Drive, who fit the description of the man seen walking down Kodiak. A witness was driven to that location and positively identified the man as the one walking away from the area of the vehicle.

The suspect could be heard talking with the officers and the word insulin was mentioned. Asked if the man was diabetic an officer said that’s part of the pre-booking questions they have to ask. But that “he was hammered.”

Another officer said he was having the suspect’s car towed and another officer said he was going to the hospital with the suspect. Another witness whose car was struck on Golden Bear Drive said the driver also hit another car on that street.

Antioch Police Strategic Communications Officer Darryl Saffold was asked for any additional details about noon on Monday.

APD vehicles in the condo complex parking lot on Morro Drive where the hit-and-run suspect was located and detained.

2/15/22 UPDATE: According to Saffold, “On 2/04/2022 at approximately 10:14 PM, officers were dispatched to the area of Kodiak Street and Golden Bear Drive for a report of a silver Chrysler that struck several parked vehicles. While on scene, officers were provided with a suspect description which later allowed them to locate the responsible, Francisco Delatorre (35), at his residence.

During their contact, officers observed several objective symptoms of alcohol intoxication. Additionally, Delatorre was being uncooperative with the investigating officers as they were ascertaining the pertinent details of this incident. After it was determined that Delatorre was operating his vehicle under the influence of alcohol, he resisted arrest but was subsequently taken into custody without any injuries to himself or the officers.

Due to being involved in a collision, Delatorre was transported to the hospital for medical clearance before being transported to the Martinez Detention Facility. Delatorre was booked for misdemeanor hit and run, driving under the influence, and resisting arrest.”

On Tuesday, Feb. 15, Saffold was asked how many cars Delatorre had hit and if one was on Fawn Hill Way. Please check back later for any additional details and updates to this report.

Antioch City Council Redistricting Finalist Draft Maps 91 and B. Source: City of Antioch Redistricting page

Special redistricting workshop at 6:00 p.m. for public input and possibly choose final map

Map 91 drawn by member of the public; Map B drawn by council’s consultant

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting Tuesday night, February 8, the Antioch City Council will consider two final maps for redrawing the boundaries of the city council districts for the next 10 years. (See related article)

Of the two finalists, Map 91 was drawn and submitted by a member of the public using the online mapping tool on the City’s website and uses major streets and the canal as the dividers. The other, Map B was created by the consultants of Q2 hired by the council and keeps things much the same.

At the January 26 meeting, the council members were asked to winnow the 13 map alternatives were narrowed down to two. Mayor Lamar Thorpe and District 4 Council Member rejected all of the maps submitted by the public and supported Map B. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica, who represents District 2, and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock supported Map 91. District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker was the only member to offer support for two maps, initially Maps A and B. Then when no other council member supported Map A, she gave her support to Map 91 instead. Both maps were then advanced to Tuesday’s meeting for discussion and a possible vote to choose the final map.

Antioch Finalist Draft Maps B and B Demographics. Source: City of Antioch Redistricting page

Special Workshop at 6:00 p.m.

The council will hold a special workshop at 6:00 p.m. The staff report for the item reads, “It is recommended that the City Council receive public comment and select the Final Redistricting Map redefining the boundaries of all City Council electoral districts of the City.”

Regular Meeting

During the regular council meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. the council will hold the public hearing on redistricting, which is item 5.

The meeting can be viewed in-person in the Council Chambers at 200 H Street and are televised live on Comcast channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99, or live stream at www.antiochca.gov/government/city-council-meetings.

Public Comments

Members of the public wishing to provide public comment may do so one of the following ways (#2 pertains to the Zoom Webinar):

1. Fill out an online speaker card by 3:00 p.m. the day of the Council Meeting located at: , https://www.antiochca.gov/speaker_card.
2. Provide oral public comments during the meeting by clicking the following link to register in advance to access the meeting via Zoom Webinar: https://www.antiochca.gov/speakers

– You will be asked to enter an email address and a name. Your email address will not be disclosed to the public. After registering, you will receive an email with instructions on how to connect to the meeting.

– When the mayor announces public comments, click the “raise hand” feature in Zoom. For instructions on using the “raise hand” feature in Zoom, visit: https://www.antiochca.gov/raise_hand. When calling into the meeting using the Zoom Webinar telephone number, press *9 on your telephone keypad to “raise your hand”. Please ensure your Zoom client is updated so staff can enable your microphone when it is your turn to speak.

1. Email comments to cityclerk@ci.antioch.ca.us by 3:00 p.m. the day of the Council Meeting. The comment will be read into the record at the meeting (350 words maximum, up to 3 minutes, at the discretion of the mayor). IMPORTANT: Identify the agenda item in the subject line of your email if the comment is for Announcement of Community Events, Public Comment, or a specific agenda item number. No one may speak more than once on an agenda item or during “Public Comments”.

All emails received by 3:00 p.m. the day of the Council Meeting will be entered into the record or the meeting. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.

Photo source: CDC

Retiring Health Officer, staff never showed percentage of COVID cases that originated at those businesses, but still issued order in September

Average daily number of new cases have likely peaked, countywide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have also in decline

With 80% of all county residents now fully vaccinated, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, lifted its health order requiring certain businesses, including restaurants, gyms, bars and theaters, to verify the vaccination status or recent negative test results of customers. So, there is no longer a need to show your papers at those businesses. (For details see the Rescinding Order)

Although neither former county Health Officer Dr. Chris Farnitano nor county health staff could ever provide documentation showing the percentage of COVID cases in the county from patrons of restaurants, bars, gyms or theaters, he issued an order as of Sept.  22, 2021 requiring those businesses to verify that indoor customers were fully vaccinated, or had tested negative for COVID-19 within the previous three days. His order also included a requirement for workers in indoor areas of those businesses to show proof of full vaccination or test weekly. (See related article)

Farnitano is retiring from his position, next month and Contra Costa County Director of Public Health Dr. Ori Tzvieli is now serving as acting county health officer, as part of the transition.

Testing data show COVID-19 transmission, fueled by the highly contagious omicron variant, remains high in Contra Costa, but that the average daily number of new cases have likely peaked, and countywide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have also begun to decline.

“We believe now is the right time to loosen a requirement that made a lot of sense last summer, when a different variant of COVID-19 was dominant and there was less community immunity,” said Dr. Ori Tzvieli, acting Contra Costa County Health Officer. “But by no means are we back to normal. There are still many more cases of COVID-19 in our community now than there were in mid-December, so we need to continue to take precautions when we go out.”

The best protection against COVID-19 infections, and serious illness from infections, is to be fully vaccinated and up to date with a booster dose whenever eligible.

“We deeply appreciate everyone who has chosen to vaccinate. You have made yourselves, your loved ones, and the entire community safer,” Contra Costa Health Director Anna Roth said. “If you are eligible and you have not gotten your booster, it is really important that you get one. People who get boosted are significantly safer from serious COVID-19.”

County data show that the daily COVID-19 case rate for Contra Costa residents who received booster doses is more than three times lower than that of unvaccinated people, and about nine times more effective at preventing hospitalization due to the virus.

On Thursday, Contra Costa reached a new milestone, with 80% of all county residents now fully vaccinated. So far, 48.4% of eligible residents have received booster doses.

The verification order, which took effect last September, applied to businesses where people remove face coverings to eat or drink indoors, such as restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, and to gyms and other indoor fitness facilities, including yoga and dance studios, where patrons breathe more heavily due to exercise.

The order required these businesses to verify that indoor customers were fully vaccinated, or had tested negative for COVID-19 within the past three days. It also included a requirement for workers in indoor areas of these businesses to show proof of full vaccination or test weekly.

Though the county requirement may be lifted, private businesses may choose to implement their own verification requirements to better protect customers and staff, and CCHS encourages them to consider doing so as a safest practice during the pandemic.

Other state and countywide health orders remain in effect, including workplace vaccine verification requirements for healthcare workers, first responders and congregate care workers, and a requirement for most people to wear face coverings in most indoor public spaces.

Current state health orders still require proof of vaccination or a recent, negative test result in certain situations, including when visiting hospitals or long-term care facilities, or attending indoor “mega events” of 500 or more people.

Visit cchealth.org/coronavirus for updates regarding Contra Costa County health orders and the county’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.