You can’t miss our “RR Learning Center Taco Fundraiser” on Saturday August 13, 2022, from 5-7 p.m. at the Antioch Senior Center, 415 W. 2nd Street.

RR Learning Center offers a safe, clean and encouraging environment for students in our community and free, one-on-one tutoring and homework assistance for low-income children. Our goal is to bridge the academic gap left by the COVID-19 pandemic social distance learning and to assist and encourage low-income and disadvantaged families towards academic success.

We will have rapper ThatMathMagician, Ballet Folklorico “Asi Se Siente Mexico”, Taquizas Angel Gonzalez “Best Tacos In Town”, and Kyle Cicerello with his Homewrecker Monster Truck.

All funds will be used to employ more qualified tutors, buy supplies and continue to raise the standards of this great program.

If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rr-learning-center-taco-dinner-fundraiser-tickets-349977360707

We will also be selling tickets at the door. See you soon!

RR Learning Center is sponsored by Rey de Reyes Ministries at 512 W. 2nd Street.

 

“Big Country” Matthew Broad is first in school’s history.

“…super proud of you. This is an exciting day for Cornerstone.” – Principal and Head Football Coach Logan Heyer

By Allen D.  Payton

“Big Country” Matthew Broad was celebrated Monday evening, July 25, by former teammates, classmates, coaches and family as he signed his commitment letter for a scholarship to play football for Northwestern State University during a ceremony at his alma mater, Cornerstone Christian School in Antioch.

Broad js the first player from Cornerstone to play all four years on the school’s eight-man team, graduate from the school and attend a four-year college on a football scholarship.

He found out about the offer from Northwestern about a month ago.

“It happened pretty fast,” Broad said.

After graduating high school in 2020 he went to Los Medanos College and played football for the Mustangs. Broad played one year there as middle linebacker. Last year he was fifth in the state for community colleges and first team All-League in the American-Pacific 7 of the California Community College Athletic Association.

He applied to play football at multiple schools out of high school, received 12 offers while in college and decided to take this one.

Northwestern State University is in Natchitoches, Louisiana where the mascot is the Demons.

“Yeah, I know,” he said with a chuckle about the irony of a Christian athlete playing for a team with that name.

Broad will be playing linebacker on a full, four-year scholarship at NSU with a three-year eligibility and a red shirt year, if he needs it.

His desire is to go pro.

Asked if he had spoken to other local players like Najee Harris and Joe Mixon who are playing profession football Broad responded, “I’ve talked to Najee. He actually came to a few practices at LMC and practiced with us. Coach Marcus Malu (of Malu Fitness in Antioch) is a big part of that. He’s the strength and conditioning coach at LMC.”

“He began playing tackle football when he was nine years old with Oakley Pop Warner,” his mother, Danielle Broad shared. “It’s unheard of for an eight-man football player to receive D1 offers. It is a truly amazing offer and opportunity to give local teams, coaches and players a shout out that it is truly possible to come from a small school and enter into D1.”

During the ceremony inside the school’s gymnasium where his number hangs on the wall, Cornerstone Christian Center Pastor Steve Miner who is a football coach for the team said of Northwestern, “I’m going to be a big fan, now.”

“We are just thrilled. We are proud of you, Matty,” he continued. “You stayed here and that was the beginning.”

Then Cornerstone’s Head Football Coach and Principal Logan Heyer spoke.

“Welcome to the House of Champions and Matt you’re a huge reason why,” he said. “You left your mark, here.”

“Matt, from an early age I knew you were something special. You’re a man of integrity,” Heyer continued. “I’m super proud of you. Matt did everything we asked him to do and played every position we asked him to play. I’m just proud of the young man you’ve become. I just encourage you to take Jesus that’s inside of your heart and share that with the players on your team and change the world because of that. Because you have integrity, the way you operate your life, and the values you have.”

“So, super proud of you,” he continued. “This is an exciting day for Cornerstone.”

“This is a long time coming and that banner on the wall is blood, sweat and tears and the accomplishments you have you’ll remember forever,” Heyer added.

Wearing an NSU cap and shirt, the soft-spoken Broad was then given the opportunity to share his thoughts. Someone later told him that’s the most they’d ever heard him say.

“I just want to say thanks to everyone for coming out. It’s a special day not just for me but for the Cornerstone family and LMC family,” he said. “I’ve been here since I was in preschool as a little baby. I hope you can come out to Louisiana and see a couple games. I will miss you and love you all.”

“Big Country out!” Broad added using his nickname.

A video about Broad’s life and football experience was shared to the delight of those in attendance.

Heyer later shared that Cornerstone has had a football program for eight years. Broad helped the Cougars win their league and North Coast Section championships in 2019 and went 12-0 for the season on a 21-game winning streak. (See related articles, here, here and here).

He was the league’s Football Defensive Most Valuable Player and while at Cornerstone, also played on the school’s basketball team helping the Cougars achieve both their North Coast Section Division IV and CIF NCS Norcal championships.

Broad followed in the sports experience of his father, Richard who played rugby while growing up in Christ Church, New Zealand.

“I’m super proud of him,” he later shared. “It really has been his journey, his mission and his goal. He really has done everything to get to this place. We’re excited for the next part of his journey.”

In prepared remarks, which he didn’t offer during the ceremony, Richard wrote, “Congratulations on this achievement. We are so proud of the young man you’ve grown into and are super excited to see this next chapter of your life unfold. I wish I could take more credit, but this has truly been your dream, your journey and your tenacity and hard work that has got you here. There is a quote I heard somewhere that says, ‘the elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs, one step at a time.’ Continue your climb, son and never stop reaching for that next step. Walk tall and proud in your achievements thus far, you’ve earned them. But remember to always stay humble and kind.”

See a brief video of Broad’s signing ceremony on the school’s Facebook page.

On Friday night, August 19, 2022, the Antioch Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint between the hours of 6 PM and 12 AM in the area of E. 18th and A Streets.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Sergeant Rob Green said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”

The Antioch Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

So, whether you’ve had just one drink with dinner at 1:00 a.m. or multiple any time you’re out, call an Uber, Lyft or a friend to drive you home. Don’t put your own life or others’ lives at risk and avoid fines, losing your license, possible jail time, public embarrassment and having to lie to your family, friends and constituents about it or where you were while being detained for several hours.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Gun discovered during traffic stop

By Allen D. Payton

According to Antioch Police PIO Darryl Saffold, on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at 4:07 p.m., Antioch Police Officer Milner made a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Niani Wilkinsgoudy on Garner Court. Wiliknsgoudy, age 20, responded by speeding off. She parked her vehicle and a search of it revealed a loaded and unregistered Glock 19x.

Wilkinsgoudy also had her two-year-old daughter in the car. Wilkinsgoudy was sent to the Martinez Detention Facility on the following charges PC 25850(c)(6) – carrying a loaded firearm by a non-registered person punishable as a misdemeanor or felony; PC 25850(a) possession of a loaded firearm in public; PC 25400(a)(1) possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle and PC 273(a) – child endangerment. That offense is described as “any person, who willfully causes or permits any child to suffer unjustifiable physical pain, injury, or mental suffering, or willfully causes or permits that child to be placed in a situation where the child is likely to suffer great bodily injury or death, or the health of the child is endangered, is guilty of the crime of willfully endangering the health of a child.”

Her daughter was given over to a family member.

Sacramento – On Wednesday, July 27, 2022, the California State Board of Equalization (BOE) held the first of at least three public Property Tax Abatement Workgroup meetings. The Board received presentations from policy experts and stakeholders on the development of new housing, focusing on how to best address the need to build 2.5 million new housing units to address California’s housing gap, including how to provide new housing opportunities for the “missing middle.” The workgroup consists of Board Chair Malia M. Cohen, who represents District 2 and District 3 Board Member Antonio Vazquez.

“As Chair of the Board of Equalization, which administers California’s $85 billion property tax system, I am deeply encouraged by today’s discussion with housing policy experts,” said Chair Malia M. Cohen. “The presentations of these experts both highlighted the reality of our housing crisis, associated equity issues, and the opportunity to address the development of new housing through creative and innovative solutions.”

“Today’s meeting focused on property tax abatements as a tool to incentivize new housing construction and increase the inventory of affordable housing. Property tax abatements have been used before, particularly in New York City, to build tens of thousands of new housing units to address the housing needs of the ‘missing middle’. It makes sense to consider whether similar property tax abatement strategies could work in California,” Cohen concluded.

In upcoming meetings of the Property Tax Abatement Workgroup, the BOE will examine strategies to ensure that revenue for schools and local governments are protected under any property tax abatement programs. The BOE will also explore how local government, labor, businesses, and developers can work collaboratively to build new housing under such abatement programs.

The BOE will hold additional meetings of the Property Tax Abatement Workgroup at the Board’s upcoming August 31st and September 28th board meetings. At the conclusion of the BOE’s Property Tax Abatement Workgroup, the Board will issue a report.

The agenda of the July 27, 2022 meeting of the Property Tax Abatement Workgroup can be found at this link: https://www.boe.ca.gov/meetings/pdf/2022/072622-PAN-Jul.pdf

As the BOE Board Member for District 2 Cohen represents nearly 10 million constituents residing in 23 counties in Northern and Central California, extending from Del Norte County in the north to Santa Barbara County in the south, including Contra Costa County. She is the youngest Constitutional Officer serving in California and is the first African American woman to be elected as chair of the Board of Equalization in its 141-year history.

The Board of Equalization is California’s statewide elected tax board. Its five members include four members elected in districts, and the State Controller. Under its constitutional mandate, the BOE oversees the assessment practices of the state’s 58 county assessors, who are charged with establishing values for approximately 13.6 million assessments each year. In addition, the BOE assesses the property of regulated railroads and specific public utilities and is responsible for the alcoholic beverage tax and tax on insurers.

Note: This news release may discuss complex tax laws and concepts. It may not address every situation and is not considered written advice. Changes in law or regulations may have occurred since the time this news release was written. If there is a conflict between the text of this news release and the law, decisions will be based upon the law and not this news release.

Started in garage, ConFire responds in minutes

By Allen D. Payton

The man who died in a residential fire on Serpentine Drive in Antioch Monday night, July 25 in Antioch has been identified by the Contra Costa Coroner’s office as 61-year-old Frank Koukis. According to the victim’s brother, three dogs also perished in the fire.

ConFire Public Information Officer Steve Hill said, “we have determined the origin of the fire was in the garage which is where the victim was found.”

“The fire is not suspicious in nature,” he continued. “We have not been able to rule out that carelessly discarded smoking materials were the possible cause. But the investigation continues.”

“The first call came in at 8:04 p.m. from a neighbor who reported two people and three dogs lived there,” Hill explained. “Our battalion chief was on the scene by 8:06 and the first of three engines arrived at 8:09 p.m., and the other two were there within two minutes. The fire was knocked down five minutes after we were on scene.

“A total of five engines, breathing support, two ambulances and two battalion chiefs responded to the scene,” he shared. “Antioch Police and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies also responded.”

A post on the ConFire Twitter feed at 8:59 pm read, “ConFire is working a fatal structure fire on Serpentine Drive in Antioch. Fire is under control. Unfortunately, one victim was located by crews. Investigators on scene.”

As of 10:20 pm, a fire crew was continuing the cleanup after extinguishing the flames.

Two-year motel lease agreement includes option to purchase

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting Tuesday night, July 26, 2022, the Antioch City Council will consider four major issues including approving a master lease with option to purchase of the Executive Inn for transitional housing for the homeless, a contract with a non-profit organization to operate the housing program at the motel, amending the ordinance on parking RV’s and boats on residential property, hiring a firm to design the proposed Rivertown park and event center on the former lumber company lot and rent stabilization. The latter will be dealt with during a study session before the regular meeting.

Another item of interest on the agenda is the approval of a new gas station, convenience store and car wash on Lone Tree Way at the corner of Vista Grande Drive across from the Cross Pointe Apartment complex.

See complete council meeting agenda by clicking here.

Rivertown Park & Event Center

Consent Calendar – Item M. RIVERTOWN COMMUNITY SPACE (P.W. 514-7) Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution: 1) Approving a Consulting Services Agreement with RHAA for the Rivertown Community Space Project in the amount of $350,000 for design of the former Antioch Lumber Company lot located between W. 2nd, W. 3rd and E Streets in historic downtown.

Homeless Motel Lease with Option to Purchase

Item 7. – UNHOUSED RESIDENT SERVICES – NON-CONGREGATE BRIDGE HOUSING SITE AT EXECUTIVE INN. The City Council will consider approving a master lease with Rudram LLC for the Executive Inn located at 515 East 18th Street with an option to purchase.

The two-year lease is estimated at $1,168,000 per year for a total not to exceed value of $2,336,000, to be paid from the allocation of $2.6M in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA funds) specified for this purpose by the City Council on April 12, 2022.

Support Services at Homeless Motel

Item 8. – UNHOUSED RESIDENT SERVICES – SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF ANTIOCH’S NON-CONGREGATE BRIDGE HOUSING PROGRAM LOCATED AT 515 EAST 18TH STREET. The City Council will consider authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with Bay Area Community Services (BACS) for supportive services associated with the City’s Non -Congregate Bridge Housing Program located at 515 East 18th Street.

The goals of the program are to 1) provide participants with a safe place to stay; 2) connect participants with community, mainstream, and personal resources based on individual need; and 3) assist participants in transitioning to more stable or permanent housing.

The total contract is not to exceed $2,563,990 over a two-year period to be paid from $3.1M in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA funds) for support services allocated by the City Council on April 12, 2022.

Amendment to RV and Boat Parking Ordinance

Item 5. – PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ANTIOCH MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES, INCLUDING RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council introduce, waive the first reading, and read by title only the proposed amendment to the City’s Municipal Code regarding parking motor vehicles, including Recreational Vehicles, on residential property.

Rent Stabilization Study Session

Before the regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. the council will hold a Rent Stabilization Study Session at 5:30 p.m. The City Council will receive a presentation on rent stabilization and provide feedback and direction to staff.

According to the staff report, at the June 14 and June 28, 2022, City Council Study Sessions, extensive public comment was received in support for tenant protection policies including an anti-harassment ordinance, a just cause eviction ordinance and rent control policies. At the conclusion of public comment, the City Council expressed support to modify the “Tenant Protections” policy in the draft Housing Element.

The draft Housing Element proposes the following to address tenant protections: 5.1.9 Tenant Protections. Pursue the development of citywide tenant protection policies for consideration by the City Council. These policies would address, but not necessarily be limited to, anti-harassment, just cause eviction, Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA) and rent stabilization. The process would include inclusive public outreach with tenants, community-based organizations, landlords and other interested community members. The goal of this effort is to prepare and present an implementing ordinance for City Council consideration.

New Gas Station, Convenience Store and Car Wash

Finally, under Item 6. the council will consider approving a Chevron Gas Station at 5200 Lone Tree Way on the corner of Vista Grande Drive across from the Cross Pointe Apartments. The location is currently the site of an old barn and buildings remaining from Antioch’s farming days, and a home which will be demolished as part of the construction.

According to the staff report, the project site is approximately two acres and approximately one-third of the site to the west will remain undeveloped at this time. Additionally, the proposed project would include the widening of Lone Tree Way to accommodate a 270-foot deceleration lane taper along eastbound Lone Tree Way to the proposed 30-foot driveway.

The project requires approval of a General Plan Amendment to change the land use designation for the project site from Commercial Office to Convenience Commercial.

Public Comments

The public has the opportunity to address the City Council on each agenda item. No one may speak more than once on an agenda item or during “Public Comments”. Members of the public wishing to provide public comments, may do so in one of the following ways (#2 pertains to the Zoom Webinar Platform):

1. IN PERSON – Fill out a Speaker Request Form, available near the entrance doors, and place in the Speaker Card Tray near the City Clerk before the City Council Meeting begins.
2. VIRTUAL – To provide oral public comments during the meeting, please click 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.

Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. When you are called to speak, please limit your comments to the time allotted (350 words, up to 3 minutes, at the discretion of the Mayor). The City cannot guarantee that its network and/or the site will be uninterrupted.

3. WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT – If you wish to provide a written public comment, you may do so in one of the following ways by 3:00 p.m. the day of the City Council Meeting:

(1) Fill out an online speaker card, located at https://www.antiochca.gov/speaker_card, or

(2) Email the City Clerk’s Department at cityclerk@ci.antioch.ca.us.

Please note: Written public comments received by 3:00 p.m. the day of the City Council Meeting will be shared with the City Council before the meeting, entered into the public record, retained on file by the City Clerk’s Office, and available to the public upon request. Written public comments will not be read during the City Council Meeting.

Viewing Meeting

Antioch City Council meetings are held inside the Council Chambers at City Hall at 200 H Street. They are televised live on Comcast channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99, or via live stream at www.antiochca.gov/government/city-council-meetings/live/.