During special meeting, Friday on 3-0-2 vote

By Allen D. Payton

During a special and brief council meeting held Friday afternoon, Feb. 4, 2022, the Antioch City Council, on a 3-0-2 vote approved a proclamation honoring the City’s Sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary of the day it was incorporated on Feb. 6, 1872. The milestone was celebrated yesterday. (See related article and more about the commemoration, later)

With Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker both absent, and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson attending via Zoom, the motion to approve the proclamation. When asked why he wasn’t there, Barbanica said he “had a prior engagement that I could not get out of and it was not a scheduled meeting but a special meeting.” When asked the same, Torres-Walker replied, “I had to work Friday.”

Another proclamation honoring Genesis Church-Antioch recognizing the opening of their new location on the corner of E. 18th Street and Woodland Drive, was also approved by the council. Genesis purchased the building from Golden Hills Community Church which housed their Antioch satellite campus. Both are part of the same Converge denomination, formerly known as the Baptist General Conference, which was founded by Swedish immigrants to America in the 1800’s in Illinois and Minnesota. Genesis Church-Antioch Proclamation 020422

Following is the Sesquicentennial proclamation: Antioch City Council Sesquicentennial Proclamation 020422

IN HONOR OF

THE SESQUICENTENNIAL OF THE CITY OF ANTIOCH’S INCORPORATION

FEBRUARY 6, 2022

WHEREAS, for thousands of years, native indigenous Bay Miwok Tribes such as the Julpun inhabited and thrived on the land now known as the City of Antioch. Each Bay Miwok Tribe knew its land and boundaries intimately and shared the land and its resources;

WHEREAS, Twin brothers William Wiggin Smith and Joseph Horton Smith were hired to build homes and businesses in the region and were offered land in exchange for the development of land owned by Dr. John Marsh.* Later Captain George Washington Kimball and his passengers landed at the foot of ‘F’ Street, on September 16, 1850, where a new community would begin at what is now an area just east of Downtown Antioch;

WHEREAS, the community was initially called Smith’s Landing, but on July 4th, 1851 was renamed after the Biblical town Antioch, modern day Turkey, in honor of Reverend Joseph Horton Smith, who died a year earlier and in recognition that many in the new community were disciples of Christ;

WHEREAS, the town of Antioch was formally incorporated on February 6th, 1872, with the original town limits being ‘A’ Street to the east, ‘L’ Street to the west, and 10th Street to the south;

WHEREAS, at the time of incorporation the early people of Antioch were of European nationalities, including Greek, Portuguese, English, Welsh, German, Italian, and French as well as people of Chinese, Japanese, South East Asian and African descent. Living up to its claim of being a Metropolis where “the Whole World is Invited”;

WHEREAS, Antioch being at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers was a deep-water shipping port that attracted paper mills, brick and glass factories, ceramics and distilleries. As well as an agriculture center for farmers and cattle ranchers;

WHEREAS, in 1878 the Empire Coal Mine Company, owned by CW Belshaw and Egbert Judson, built the Empire Railroad Company, transporting coal from Judsonville, West Harley, and Stewartsville, in what is present day Black Diamond Regional Park. This coal was shipped across the region, making it one of the primary energy sources at the time, thus fueling the industrial development of California including the Bay Area;

WHEREAS, in the 1940’s Midwestern, Mexican, and Filipino families came to California looking for work in agriculture, many of whom eventually joined the workforce in Antioch’s paper mill and glass factory;

WHEREAS, although global commerce was welcomed in Antioch, it is also true that historical discrimination in the form of “Sundown Ordinances,” racial housing covenants, redlining, and other forms of systematic oppression was also present in Antioch. Many of the effects of which are still felt by communities today;

WHEREAS, when our Nation went to defend freedom, Antioch residents fought in World War l, World War ll, Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq wars. In support of the US Navy World War ll effort, Fulton Shipyard was the first San Francisco Bay Area company to garner an “E” for efficiency and production excellence while constructing auxiliary vessels;

WHEREAS, the Bald Eagle Bronze Monument, now at the Contra Costa Fair Grounds, is one of six World War l monuments along Victory Highway, America’s first transcontinental road when it was dedicated in 1926. The Antioch Bridge was named the “Golden Link” of Victory Highway, named for its significance in connecting the northern and southern parts of California and was the Country’s first toll bridge;

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch has grown and evolved from a town of agriculture to a town of industry, and is now the fastest growing city in the San Franciso Bay Metropolitan Area and continues to draw people from different parts of the world and today is one of the most racially and economically diverse cities in the Bay Area;

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch is now a community where “Opportunity Lives Here,” a statement that is shown in the City’s investments in its infrastructure like the first Brackish Water Desalination Plant in California, industries like medical services, retail and cannabis, racial reconciliation, and other community initiatives; and

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch now desires to commemorate the milestone of its Sesquicentennial through a series of events that will begin with the anniversary of its incorporation on February 6, 2022, and culminate in a community-wide celebration on July 4, 2022.

NOW, THEREFORE I, LAMAR A. THORPE, Mayor of the City of Antioch, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2022, as the “Sesquicentennial of the Incorporation of the City of Antioch”.

We celebrate our rich history as one of California’s oldest cities with a storied past and bright future.

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

_________________________________

 LAMAR A. THORPE, Mayor

The proclamation was signed by Mayor Thorpe during Sunday’s event celebrating the milestone.

Challenge to Second Paragraph of Proclamation

*This sentence is in question and being challenged. Former Antioch Councilwoman Elizabeth Rimbault, who helped write the book entitled Images of America – Antioch by the Antioch Historical Society said she is unaware of that as part of the Smith brothers’ history in Antioch. In addition, this reporter who researched multiple books in writing The History of Smith’s Landing which is on display inside Smith’s Landing Seafood Grille is also not aware of that claim. City Clerk Ellie Householder was asked to cite the source for it and if she perhaps misinterpreted what was written about the Smith brothers early time, here as they founded the community.

Also had outstanding warrant from Tuolomne County

By Darryl Saffold, Strategic Communications Officer, Antioch Police Department

An armed robbery occurred in the 2700 block of Contra Loma Blvd. around 6:00 pm. on Friday, Feb. 4 and the suspect, 39-year-old Michael Scott of Antioch, was arrested on the Saturday the 5th. During his arrest, two replica firearms were located and confiscated from the suspect. It’s not known if they were used in the robbery.

Scott, described as a 6-foot-tall, 230 lb. Black male, also had a hoody with him with the words “Straight Outta Antioch” on the front in his possession at the time of his arrest (pictured above). He spent the stolen money, approximately $500.

In Antioch, our officers take tremendous pride in the cases they take on a patrol level. Officers often try to work them to the best of their ability and if they can resolve them as swiftly as possible. Some steps that are regularly taken on a patrol level are reviewing surveillance footage and may include writing warrants.

Keeping that in mind, over the weekend, our officers were dispatched to a report of a robbery where the victim was robbed at gunpoint. With little to go off, certain investigative steps were taken, and Officer Chandler was able to discover the identity of the suspect and wrote a warrant for his arrest.

The next day, Officers Amiri and Milner were conducting an extra patrol in an area known for suspicious activity and located the suspect responsible for the robbery the day prior. In addition to our warrant, it was also discovered the suspect had an additional warrant out of Tuolumne County. It’s unknown at this time what that warrant was for.

This is an example of the level of care our officers take when investigating crimes that occur in our city.

We do not rest or take days off when it comes to protecting or solving crimes for the citizens of Antioch. -6136

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Councilwoman shares that woman said she was potentially pregnant, and her mother said detective told her victim miscarried week prior; detective says he told her mother he didn’t know

Suspect located at a train station in Redwood City

By Darryl Saffold, Strategic Communications Officer, Antioch Police Department

UPDATE 2/01/2022 – Issued 2/4/2022

On January 30th, 2022, John Henderson Walton was arrested in connection to the murders of 30-year-old Alexis Parson and 15-year-old Malik El-Ameen that two days before. Parson and El-Ameen were positively identified by the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office. It was determined both died from blunt force trauma. (See related article)

Walton Jr., 34 years old, is currently in police custody and is being held at the Martinez Detention Facility on a no-bail warrant for murder. Additional information learned through the course of this investigation revealed that Walton had a non-extraditable warrant for his arrest for a domestic violence-related incident out of Georgia.

Following the autopsy, the Coroner confirmed that Parson was not pregnant.

This case is being presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office on Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022, for formal charges.

ORIGINAL RELEASE

On January 29, 2022, at approximately 8:18 PM, Antioch Police Department Dispatch received a request for a welfare check on the 2100 block of Lemontree Way. A concerned citizen had not seen or heard from their neighbor in several days and was worried about them.

At approximately 8:21 PM, Antioch Officers arrived in the area and looked through a window to the apartment, when there was no answer at the front door. Upon looking through the window, Officers could see a black 15-year-old juvenile unresponsive on the floor.

Due to the concern for life, Officers forced entry into the apartment and found the juvenile was deceased. Worried about any other occupants inside the apartment, Officers searched for other people and located a 30-year-old female deceased in an upstairs room. Both victims suffered from obvious trauma and this incident was determined to be a homicide.

Antioch Investigators and Crime Scene Investigations Unit responded to the scene and were able to develop suspect information, which was broadcast to other police agencies throughout the Bay Area. An alert Redwood City officer located the suspect at a train station in Redwood City and took him into custody.

It was determined through this investigation that the 34-year-old suspect was in a relationship with the 30-year-old female and the 15-year-old male was the suspect’s biological son.

Parson Not Pregnant, Councilwoman Knew Victims

As previously reported, it was both rumored, as well as believed by District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker who shared that Parson was pregnant.

“I knew these humans. I worked with the mother and the son she was looking forward to (a) healthy baby,” the councilwoman wrote.

Asked if Parson had other children, Torres-Walker responded, “No. But she was looking forward to this baby.”

“This didn’t have to happen, but I guess politics matters more than people,” the councilwoman also wrote, referring to Mayor Lamar Thorpe not supporting or placing her proposal on a council agenda of hiring four more officers for the Sycamore area of Antioch, where the double homicide occurred. (See related articles here and here)

Saffold reiterated that the male suspect and woman who was killed were in a relationship. He added that they from Georgia where the suspect had outstanding warrants for domestic violence against her.

Councilwoman Shares Parson Said She Was Possibly Pregnant and Victim’s Mother Claims Detective Told Her She Had Miscarried

On Friday, February 4, 2022, Torres-Walker shared with the Herald what Parsons had told her about being pregnant.

“I thought I would share with you that my friend Alexis informed us before she was murdered that she was potentially pregnant and at risk of miscarrying due to pre-existing health conditions,” the councilwoman shared. “That was the last time I heard or saw her then she ends up dead.”

“The police department originally said she was, based on interactions with John’s family then after the Coroner’s report said she wasn’t pregnant,” Torres-Walker continued. “Then her mother said the detective told her she miscarried the week before. Pregnant or not this was tragic and shouldn’t have happened to anyone. I hope this sets the record straight.”

“I feel like you at least try to reach out and get both sides. So, thank you,” she added.

02/05/22 9:05 AM UPDATE: Saffold was asked late Friday night to confirm with the detective on the case what Torres-Walker said Parson’s mother shared with her.

Saffold responded, “from my understanding, per the autopsy, there were no signs of pregnancy or miscarriage. But I want to make sure. I may not get a response back tonight, though.”

“I spoke to the detective. He said he told the victim’s mother she was not pregnant and when she asked about a miscarriage, he said he didn’t know,” Saffold continued. “I confirmed with the other detective that attended the autopsy that she was not pregnant, nor did she miscarry.”

Police Won’t Yet Say When Murders Occurred

Saffold was asked when the murders occurred since the bodies weren’t discovered until Saturday night, the suspect was arrested on Sunday and the police are claiming the victims died several days before. He responded, “we aren’t releasing that information at this time.”

Ogorchock Also Calls for More Police

On Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock told the Herald, “on the Feb. 8 council meeting agenda, the mayor needs to place the hiring of more police officers as Mayor Pro Tem Barbanica requested at the meeting of Jan 23rd. This is not a political issue. It’s a matter of public safety. Our residents should come before any individuals’ political agenda. The safety of our residents should be the number priority of this council. Only the mayor can place items on the agenda and this needs to become his priority.”

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Arrested in 2012 for making pipe bombs

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch Police have confirmed that the man who died from what appears to be wounds from the explosion of a home-made bomb near two schools, Monday morning, Jan. 31, 2022, was Antioch resident Frank Trout. Speculation was rampant on social media Monday evening, with people posting a 2012 Antioch Herald article about Trout being arrested for making pipe bombs.

Asked if Trout was indeed the deceased man from Monday’s incident, and having the article shared with him, Antioch Police Strategic Communications Officer Darryl Saffold simply replied Tuesday morning, “same guy.”

However, it wasn’t until today, Friday Feb. 4, that Antioch Police officially identified Trout as the deceased. (See related article)

Saffold issued the following press release providing more details about the incident:

On January 31, 2022, at approximately 7:32 AM, Antioch Police Department Dispatch received a call of a subject down on the ground in the area of West Seventeenth Street and F Street. It was discovered that the subject, who was identified as Antioch resident Frank Trout, suffered from a self-inflicted detonation of an improvised explosive device which caused a fatal injury. After a long and extensive search of the area, with the assistance of numerous allied agencies, it was determined there is no threat to the community.

At approximately 7:38 AM, Antioch officers arrived in the area and located Trout lying on the ground after it was apparent, he suffered from severe trauma and was unresponsive. After his vitals were assessed. It was determined Trout was deceased and appeared to have been in possession of an improvised explosive device. Upon further investigation of the area surrounding Trout’s body, exposed wiring on an unknown origin was located. Out of an abundance of caution, several schools in the area were notified and a shelter in-place was issued. Simultaneously, numerous allied agencies were notified and were requested to assist with efforts to confirm there were no outstanding devices and that there was no threat to the community.

With the assistance of Walnut Creek Police Department’s Bomb Squad, FBI Bomb Squad, ATF, Coast Guard Bomb Sniffing K-9 Team, Department of Homeland Security, BART PD Bomb Sniffing K-9 Team, Contra Costa County Fire Department, and American Medical Response the following schools were thoroughly searched and determined to be safe for all students and staff: Antioch Middle School, Freemont Elementary School, Bridges Continuation School, Live Oak High School. In addition to the protective sweeps of the area schools, the adjacent neighborhood streets were searched and determined to be safe for residents.

The shelter in-place was lifted as soon as it was determined this was an isolated incident.

Due to the ongoing and active nature of the investigation, no further information will be released at this time. Updates may be made available on the Antioch Police Departments social media pages.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925)481-8297 or at Rgerber@Antiochca.gov. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Shootout in Sycamore area; one officer’s relentless efforts lead to arrest of suspect in another shooting

By Darryl Saffold, Strategic Communications Officer, Antioch Police Department

On Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, at 2:19 hours, there was a shootout between two subjects on Peppertree Way. One of the subjects was identified as 28-year-old Joshua Hawkins.

A warrant was later issued for his arrest, and he was taken into custody on Thursday, the 3rd.

Unfortunately, some residents of Antioch are all too familiar with “whodunit” stories. With that said, one of our intrepid officer’s diligence led to one of these mysteries being solved🕵️‍♂️.

Earlier this week, some of your fellow residents were subjected to numerous shots being fired in their neighborhood. Even while being startled after hearing the gunfire, nearby and vigilant security guards dialed 911.

Officer Milner was one of the officers dispatched to the scene. Even though there was very little in the way of initial information, Officer Milner worked tirelessly over the next few days.

Through Milner’s work ethic, he was able to discover the responsible party’s identity and gather evidence in this investigation. Armed with this information, Milner obtained a warrant and arrested the individual responsible for this incident.

Every day our officers are solving cases and doing their best to keep the city safe. This was just one great example of the work ethic and determination that our officers pride themselves in. Great work Officer Milner! -6136

Issue wanted poster

By Antioch Police Department

Antioch PD Detectives are requesting help in locating a murder suspect, Darvin David Heath. A felony warrant has been issued for Heath’s arrest for first-degree murder.

On Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, Heath shot and killed an Antioch resident in an unprovoked attack, in the middle of the day, in the parking lot of 2958 Delta Fair Boulevard, the location of Super Wine & Liquor.  (See related article)

Heath is described as a black male, 62 years old, 5’9”, 165lbs, with black hair and brown eyes.

Heath is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information as to Heath’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Duffy at (925)779-6884 or at aduffy@antiochca.gov.

The issue dates back four years and more; board to hold special closed door meeting Wednesday to discuss lawsuits by the three staff members; judge to rule by Friday on release of report

By Allen D. Payton

The Contra Costa Community College District is fighting in court to prevent the release of an investigations report of complaints made by three employees in leadership of the District. Current members, Executive Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services Eugene Huff, Chief Human Resources Officer Diogenes “Dio” Shipp and former Chief Financial Officer Jonah Nicholas made California Public Records Act (CPRA) requests for the release of “Any and all investigation reports delivered to the District concerning complaints made by” them.

Huff and Shipp are currently on paid administrative leave and Nicholas now works for the Chabot Las Positas Community College District in Alameda County.

A “Notice of Intention to Produce Records and Court Documents” was sent Monday to former Governing Board Trustee Greg Enholm from Executive Vice Chancellor for Education and Technology Mojdeh Mehdizadeh. In it she wrote, “the District vigorously opposed the release of the requested records, namely the Investigation Report (‘Report’) prepared by Jessica Armijo, citing a variety of legal privileges including” the “right to privacy” of those mentioned in the Report. However, the letter continues, “In his Jan. 28, 2022 ruling…Judge Jerry Baskin found that none of the purported exemptions apply to the Report.”

The judge further “ordered the Report be submitted for an in-camera review for February 1, 2022” (today), the notice reads.

Mehdizadeh also informed Enholm that the release of the Report “would result in a public disclosure of records containing information related to your role as a Governing Board member”. She suggested if he also objected to the release of the information that he could use a “reverse-CPRA action” for judicial relief and obtain a court order preventing the disclosure.

However, Enholm said he doesn’t care if any information about him or the Report is released.

According to the notice, the District is required to provide a copy of the Report of the investigations by Wednesday, Feb. 2 and “the Court intends to issue its final ruling”, this Friday, February 4 11:15 am.

A special closed session board meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. during which the trustees will discuss litigation with their legal counsel. The cases are Huff et al. v. Contra Costa Community College District, CIV N21-1890 and Huff et al. v. Contra Costa Community College District, CIV C21-02408.

In addition, the board will again discuss the “Public employee discipline/dismissal/release/complaint (Government Code Section 54957)” of Chancellor Bryan Reece.

Huff Explains

“Because we are in litigation, I’m probably not going to answer all your questions,” Huff said when reached for comment. “But I’m happy to provide you with the facts.”

“We have the same attorney and we filed two lawsuits against the District,” he continued. “One is the writ Judge Baskin heard, last Friday, which resulted in our favor.” Regarding the other lawsuit, “we filed a claim against the district about employment discrimination and retaliation.”

The lawsuit filed in court is a public document, Huff pointed out.

“Dio, additionally, has stand-alone claims,” he added.

“We were contract administrators at the time,” Huff stated. Their contracts were not renewed. “We filed for documents related to complaints filed in 2020.”

Dio was put on paid administrative leave in June. Huff was placed on administrative leave in August.

Asked if there was a date certain to the end of his paid leave, Huff replied, “It’s unusual to have a person on paid administrative leave indefinitely. But my current contract runs through June 2022. So, maybe they’re going to just wait it out.”

Hiring to begin for 25-30 new jobs in the community

By Lisa Hartley, Marketing Media Planner, Harbor Freight Tools

Calabasas, CA – Harbor Freight Tools, America’s go-to store for quality tools at the lowest prices, has announced that it will be opening a new store in Antioch, CA. The new store will be located at 5729 Lone Tree Way, in the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center near Barnes and Noble, and is expected to open this spring. An official opening date will be announced closer to opening.

Construction has already begun at the location, using local workers and companies from the surrounding Antioch area.

“We’ve been looking to open a location in Antioch for a number of years so that we can provide the tools and equipment at tremendous values to the community,” said Trey Feiler, Senior Vice President, Real Estate and Construction for Harbor Freight Tools. “In addition to finding a great location, we were attracted by the availability of great associates in the Antioch area, and we look forward to having them join the Harbor Freight team.”

The store is expected to bring between 25 and 30 new jobs to the community, including Sales and Logistic Supervisors, Senior Associates, Sales Associates, and seasonal opportunities as well. Harbor Freight Tools offers a competitive starting rate along with a best-in-class retail benefits package that includes robust health coverage, and Thanksgiving and Christmas off. Harbor Freight provides stability and the opportunity to advance in a company that continues to grow, with over 24,000 Associates and more than 1,200 locations nationwide.

Harbor Freight recognizes that its people are key to its success and is committed to being the best place to work in any industry. Forbes Magazine has recently recognized Harbor Freight as one of the top 20 large employers in all of retail,

one of the top employers in terms of diversity, a top employer for women, and one of the country’s Best Employers for Veterans for two years in a row. Diversityjobs.com has also recognized the company as a top employer for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Interested applicants can apply online at www.harborfreightjobs.com/retail and search “Antioch, CA”.

About Harbor Freight Tools

For more than 40 years, Harbor Freight Tools has been America’s go-to source for affordable tools. The family-owned company started in Southern California in 1977, when 17-year-old Eric Smidt began transforming his father’s small phone sales business into a successful mail order company, bypassing the resellers, dealing directly with factories, and passing the savings on to the customer.

The company opened its first store in 1980. Today Harbor Freight Tools has over 1,200 stores across the country, 24,000 associates and more than 40 million customers who depend on Harbor Freight’s quality and value to earn a living, repair their homes and cars and pursue their hobbies. With core values of excellence and continuous improvement, Harbor Freight Tools works to constantly improve the quality of its products and this year will introduce more than 800 new tools and accessories. Harbor Freight Tools is one of the nation’s fastest growing retailers, opening two new stores every week.