By Allen D. Payton

Sean McCauley is at it again, improving business in Antioch this time working to bring employers with 200 to 250 well-paying, local office jobs to the city. In a recent video post on Facebook he announced the former location of Long’s Drugs corporate offices that’s been a distressed, empty, vandalized building on Deer Valley Road for the past nine years, will be getting a new lease on life. It’s only one of two Class A office buildings in Antioch.

He and his partner on projects, Ron Harrison have purchased the 56,000 square-foot building and have renamed it the Deer Valley Executive Center to help create incubator space for small businesses and full-service executive suites with a common administrative assistant. In addition, there will be space for two large, medical-related employers with whom they are currently in negotiations.

“There are over 120,000 people commuting out of the region each workday, just on Highway 4. The more people we can get off the roads and into local jobs, the more time they will have to spend with their families,” McCauley said. “The plan is to get people out of the commute by bringing higher paying jobs to our city.”

McCauley and Harrison have been making a difference in Antioch’s historic downtown for the past several years, improving a variety of buildings and bringing multiple restaurants to the Rivertown Dining District, including Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill and Monica’s Riverview.

“We’ve brought 40 new entrepreneurs to the Luxe Salon Suites to downtown, the largest operation of its type in Antioch,” McCauley shared. That’s in addition to the six restaurant and coffee shop owners and their employees they were instrumental in locating at or near the waterfront.

“We have a passion for making it simple for good entrepreneurs to start and run their operations fulfilling their goals and dreams,” he continued. “That’s our plan at the new executive center, as well.”

Harrison says he’s seen extraordinary improvement in Antioch’s Rivertown area since the two entered the market.

“I’m encouraged by the excitement of business owners wanting to open up their new operations in Antioch,” he stated. “This project will continue that effort.”

“Can’t wait to get started on this project and bring 250 new jobs to Antioch,” McCauley wrote with his Facebook video post.

They’re currently in the planning stages and expect to be ready for occupancy by summer 2023. More information on leasing is available at SMI by calling (925) 513-7336 or emailing llambert@mccauleyinv.com.

Calls them “liars”, “thieves”, “predators”,  Bonilla a “racist”

Was paid $5,000 but claims he’s owed $15,000 more

Bonilla claims Temple has been “paid in full”

By Allen D. Payton

A letter issued by Antioch City Clerk Ellie Householder on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, included the claim that Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe stole footage shot by an Antioch videographer for use in a campaign for the City of Antioch’s contracted public information officer, Rolando Bonilla for his San Jose City Council campaign earlier this year. It was reported that Bonilla claims the videographer, Kevin Temple, was “paid in full”. In response, Temple posted accusations against both Thorpe and Bonilla on his Facebook page Saturday afternoon. (See related article)

Videographer’s Video Accusations

In a two-minute video post (which has since been hidden from public view) Temple confirmed what Householder had said, saying, “They used my footage to create more commercials and now, I want to be compensated as I should be.”

“And when I asked for my money Mr. Rolando Bonilla felt as if he needed to call me a ‘hood rat’ and a ‘ghetto person’,” Temple continued. “So, I’m not sure why he would say something in that manner because I’m not any of that and I felt like he said it because I’m Black.”

“Mr. Lamar Thorpe is running around, here with racist people to go along with his sexual harassments and his sexual predator ways,” he stated. “That’s crazy.”

“So, I just want everybody out there in FB land from Antioch to San Jose to know that you shouldn’t deal with any one of these guys, don’t vote for them,” Temple said. “Don’t vote for Rolando Bonilla or Lamar Thorpe. They’re both predators and they’re both thieves, and Rolando is racist, and I wouldn’t put it past Lamar, as well.”

“So, please watch yourself when you’re dealing with these two guys, especially you ladies,” Temple concluded.

Videographer’s Facebook Posts About Thorpe, Bonilla

In addition, Temple posted several additional negative comments about Thorpe and Bonilla on his Facebook page which are also now hidden from public view. They include the following:

“ROLANDO BONILLA AND Lamar Thorpe are the biggest liars and thiefs [sic] in the Bay Area.. Lamar has been fleecing the people of Antioch.. paying Rolando Bonilla with Antioch taxpayers [sic] money.”

“Lamar Thorpe has stole [sic] from me and he stole from [t]he city.. paying Rolando Bonilla a san san jose resident with Antioch taxpayer money and then giving right back to Lamar because he was Bonillas ‘campaign manager’.”

“Lamar Thorpe took footage from me and told me he wouldn’t use it and used it to help Rolando Bonilla steal from the city of Antioch.”

“Lamar Thorpe is a thief and if you don’t want a thief running your city do not vote for him or any of his cronies.”

In Temple’s final post about the matter he wrote, “Lamar Thorpe going to tell people that I’m some charity case .. u the one who couldn’t read as an adult. U womanizer.. now all the black folk who don’t agree is ghetto charity cases? You the charity case.. if not for Ellie everyone would know how remedial you really are.. she wrote all your speeches.”

Householder was asked to verify the last part of that comment, but she did not respond.

Bonilla Says Temple “Paid In Full”; Thorpe Does Not Respond to Questions

In an email exchange about Householder’s letter on Saturday, Bonilla denied Thorpe was his campaign manager and that Temple “was paid in full”. Temple said he was paid through Bonilla’s wife’s company. Bonilla wrote that the payment to Temple was, “Part of reimbursement tranches made to company I work for during period of 5/22/2022- 6/5/2022.” In response to questions to “when was your campaign invoiced by the videographer and when was payment made?” and “were you aware of any dispute about it among Ellie and Lamar between the​ time the services were provided and payment was made?” Bonilla wrote that he “Will track down” as he was traveling at the time.

A link to Temple’s video and Facebook posts were emailed to Thorpe and Bonilla Sunday night with a few questions. Rolando was asked if he can you provide proof from his campaign that Temple has been paid, and to

further explain his response regarding “reimbursement tranches made to company I work for”. He was asked for the name of the company and if it is Voler Strategic Advisors, which is who the City of Antioch has contracted with Bonilla for his services as the public information officer.

They both were also asked if they have any comments in response to Temple’s claims.

Bonilla responded by writing, “The allegations made by the party are completely false. As someone who comes from a disadvantaged background myself, I have always worked hard to create opportunities for others.

Given that I work with a successful, award-winning team of video professionals, I was asked to give him an opportunity, which I did. Said party was paid in full.  Despite only having two brief interactions with this person for a small project, he has tried for months to extort me with threats of these malicious lies.

As recent as Saturday, September 17, 2022, the party continued his efforts to extort me demanding $15,000 or he would go public with his lies.

I regret ever giving this person an opportunity to learn from professionals who have worked hard to build a legitimate business from hard work. I have no further comment on this matter.”

Temple Paid $5,000 Not Additional $15,000 He’s Demanding

Asked how much he was paid, Temple said, “I was paid $5,000.”

He was then asked about the additional $15,000 for use of his work without permission.

“This is how I work. I’ve been a videographer for 15 years,” Temple said. “Like a photographer, it’s your project, the footage is mine. Intellectual property.”

Lamar told me ‘I need some footage for something specific’,” he continued. “I told him that if he uses my footage, I’m going to charge him $15,000. I think it was in an email. I’d have to go back and look.”

Asked why the additional charge, Temple explained, “If you create 100 projects off my footage, I’ve lost.”

“I saw those commercials on TV thinking they’re the ones I created, but they weren’t. They were the ones they created using my footage, unauthorized,” he stated. “Lamar tried to say, ‘I didn’t know they were going to use it’ and that he misread Rolando’s email about how they were going to use the footage. He said he only read the first sentence of the email. Come on, you’re a mayor and you didn’t read the entire email? Roland tried to pretend he didn’t know.”

Asked if he has or is going to sue Bonilla, Temple responded, “I’m going to start the process.”

“How could I have been extorting him for months when I never reached out to Bonilla?” Temple then asked, rhetorically about Bonilla’s comments. “My conversations have only been with Lamar, until Saturday.”

Asked who called whom Temple said, “Rolando texted me, then I texted him back, then I called him. Then he called me a ‘hood rat’? I called him professionally. He started dropping “F-bombs” and calling me a hood rat. It was very disturbing.”

In further response to Bonilla’s comments Temple said, “I’ve helped every person in Antioch on the council, Tamisha, Monica, I did one for Joy, one for Nicole Gardner who didn’t win, for Antonio Hernandez on the school board. And for multiple elections.”

“I’m the one who introduced Lamar to video, not just shooting them on his cell phone,” he continued. “I’ve done two profile videos on this man. If that’s what you call inexperience, it’s my videos that got him elected. No one would have known about him being born to his mother in prison without my videos. I’ve done a six-part series on him.”

“At this point I just want to be compensated,” Temple then said. “That’s not the man I knew when I first met him,” referring to Thorpe.

“I feel for those two ladies. I know one of them. I shot video for the healthcare district,” he added. “If I’m so inexperienced, why would I be hired to shoot video for a healthcare district?”

Bonilla Says He Owns Video and Doesn’t Owe $15,000 More, Temple Paid by Company Not Campaign

A review of Bonilla’s Form 460 campaign finance disclosure reports on the San Jose City Clerk’s website show no payments made to Thorpe nor to Temple. However, they show multiple payments to the company Bonilla works for, Voler Strategic Advisors. Yet, no payment to Temple appears on the Form 460 reports on Schedule G entitled, “Payments Made by an Agent or Independent Contractor”. The reports on Schedule G do show payments by Voler to KNTB NBC Bay Area and Telemundo of almost $19,000 for TV advertising.

Bonilla was then asked if it was Voler Strategic Advisors that paid Temple for his work. He responded, “Yes, you will see it reflected in 460’s for period of 5/22/2022-6/5/2022. Reflected as a reimbursement from the Committe to Elect Rolando Bonilla to VSA. Rolando Bonilla for San Jose City Council-District 5 2022 Form 460 5-22 thru 6-5-2022

Lastly, the issue with the party is not whether he was paid for the job, he acknowledges full payment. The issue is that he is alleging that, although my campaign paid for the video and b-roll, he has ownership of my personal likeness and that anytime I play the video, or a portion of the video (that I paid for) he is to be paid $15,000.

This would be the equivalent of a wedding videographer charging the married couple, and owners of the video, every time they play the wedding video. It doesn’t happen. Additionally, this is something that I have never agreed to, nor would I ever, as I own the rights to my likeness. Such an agreement would legally have to be in writing and would require said party to pay ME for use of my likeness.”

Temple Says He Was Paid by Bonilla’s Company and Thorpe, Not Campaign

Temple was later also asked if he was paid by Voler Strategic Advisors since no payment to him could be found in Bonilla’s Form 460 reports. He responded, “Yes I was paid by Voler Strategic.. I was paid 2500.. then I was paid 2000.. and then I was paid my final 500 from Lamar who said he was overpaid by the Bonillas.”

More Questions for Bonilla, Thorpe; Bonilla Says Thorpe Never Worked for Campaign, Company; Fails to Properly Report Payments to Temple

Bonilla and Thorpe were then asked to confirm what Temple shared about how he was paid and by whom. Bonilla was asked about not reporting the payments on Schedule G of his Form 460 and isn’t that where they should have been reported. Finally, he was asked did Voler Strategic Advisors ever pay Lamar for his work on Bonilla’s campaign or for any other work.

Bonilla responded, “No, Lamar has never worked for my campaign. He’s never worked for the company I work for. Ever.”

Again, Bonilla was asked if it’s true Thorpe made the​ final $500 payment to Temple and if so, shouldn’t the payments through Voler and/or Lamar have been reported on Schedule G of Bonilla’s Form 460 campaign finance report. He didn’t respond prior to publication time.

In Text Exchange Temple Believes Thorpe Claimed to be Bonilla’s Campaign Manager

In a brief conversation Saturday night, Temple said he had proof from a text exchange with Thorpe that he referred to himself as Bonilla’s campaign manager. He was asked to provide a screenshot of it, which Temple did.

In it, a message to Temple from someone named Lamar reads, “Might be managing a campaign in San Jose. I’ll need you for bio videos if you want the work.”

Then a later text from Lamar to Temple on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, reads, “I got the contract. Let’s talk when you have a moment.”

Questions were then sent to Thorpe and Bonilla asking, if Thorpe wasn’t Bonilla’s campaign manager, how do they explain the text conversation with Temple. They were also asked what does ‘I got the contract’ mean and to what contract was Thorpe referring.

UPDATE: Bonilla responded, “You’d have to ask him. On my end, we did not use or hire a campaign manager.”

Later, Thorpe finally responded via email writing, “I’m getting really tired of this back and forth. Text messages do not provide context as there were conversations that preceded those text messages. I helped Kevin get multiple contracts including in the South Bay. Some materialized, some did not. I’ve had contracts in the South Bay that have nothing to do with Rolando or Kevin. I am not going to engage with people like Kevin who are comfortable leaving homophobic remarks on my voicemail.”

Temple Hides Video from Public View, Now, Only “for Friends”

Regarding the removal of his Facebook video Temple responded, “No its for friends.. I want to see how this is going to play out.. I see people are turning this into an opportunity instead of trying to fix the wrong.. my video was for all the people I brought into his campaign. It was to let them know that I supported him in front of them and I will denounce his actions in front of them.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

A 12-year-old girl, two 12-year-old boys, one driver taken to local area hospitals; the girl and one of the boys are improving, the other boy is on life support, family member shares

By Antioch Police Department

On Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, at approximately 3:20 PM, the Antioch Police Department Dispatch began to receive numerous reports of a major injury collision in which three juvenile pedestrians were struck by a vehicle. Witnesses stated that a red Chevrolet Impala struck a tan Mercury Mystique in the area of Sycamore Drive and Manzanita Way, forcing the Impala in the direction of the juveniles walking on the southwest corner of Sycamore Drive and Manzanita way.

At approximately 3:23 PM, Antioch Officers arrived at the scene of the collision and located two of the juveniles who were in critical condition. Officers immediately began life-saving measures when the third juvenile was located several feet away. With the assistance of Medical Emergency Services, all three juveniles were given medical attention at the scene and ultimately life-flighted to local area hospitals to receive additional medical care. Additionally, the driver of the Mystique was transported to a local area hospital as a precaution. In contrast, the driver of the Impala was also life-flighted to a local hospital for serious injuries sustained during the collision.

According to witness statements, the Mercury Mystique was traveling westbound on Sycamore Drive and was waiting for traffic to clear before turning left (southbound) onto Manzanita Way. Simultaneously, the Chevrolet Impala exited Sycamore Square onto westbound Sycamore Drive at a high rate of speed. As the Impala approached the Mercury, the Impala attempted to pass the Mercury on the left just as the Mercury began to make the left-hand turn. Regrettably, the result was the Impala colliding into the Mercury, propelling the Impala in the direction of the juveniles reportedly walking home from school.

According to the children’s aunt, Veronica Finley, the victims are one girl and two boys.

9/18/22 9:15 PM UPDATE: Asked about each of their conditions, Sunday night, she shared, “Cheyenne who is at U.C Davis is improving. Mason and Gianathon are at Oakland Children’s. Mason is also improving, Gianathon has not improved, and we are praying but it’s not looking good.”

Asked for their ages, Finley responded, “They are 12 years old they are a blended family.”

“If Gianathon survives they say he will be paralyzed from the neck down as his spine was partially severed,” she continued. “We are waiting for the results of the EEG test to see if there is any brain function. He is on life support.”

9/19/22 12:39 AM UPDATE: A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family to help with expenses. The goal is $20,000. https://www.gofundme.com/f/family-devastated-by-children-being-hit-by-car

We offer our deepest condolences to the families of this tragic and unfortunate incident and pray for a speedy recovery for all the involved parties. Additionally, we would like to thank all the community members and first responders who assisted as this event unfolded.

Due to the ongoing and active nature of the investigation, no further information will be released at this time.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

“Shocked” that incumbent Wilson calls effort a “witch hunt”

Dear Citizens of Antioch: 

It’s no secret that the political climate in Antioch has been a contentious battleground for the last several years. We’ve had a council that has had little collaboration on the most significant issues plaguing our city, which has experienced a sharp decline in the quality of life for our residents. When I pulled papers to run for the District 4 seat election in November, I intended to focus on my race and not allow outside distractions. The negativity that has surrounded our council, especially our mayor, is something I thought I could address once I am elected to serve. 

My plans sharply shifted on Friday. I participated in a roundtable discussion with my opponents also running for election in District 4, and we were all asked the same questions. The moderator asked each member on the panel if we thought the mayor should resign, considering the recent settlement involving the Los Medanos Community Healthcare District. Whereas two women accused Lamar Thorpe of sexual harassment, unwanted sexual advances, creating a hostile work environment, and other unlawful actions, I approached this question from an HR perspective, as I handle similar cases almost daily in my career as Vice President of Human Resources and understand the analysis that takes place before it’s decided if a claim is settled or brought to trial. My response was a resounding yes. I firmly believe these women are telling the truth and that the county Board of Supervisors would not have settled if there had been no compelling evidence of Lamar Thorpe’s guilt. 

What shocked me during this discussion was my opponent’s response. When posed the same question, Councilwoman Monica Wilson stated the call for the mayor to resign is a witch-hunt, and the investigation is not completed. These types of accusations should not be made against the mayor. In an earlier statement submitted to the East Bay Times, Wilson accused fellow council members of being racist when they called for the mayor to resign. I found her responses to be alarming. Councilwoman Wilson has built both her political and personal careers on advocating for women that have been sexually exploited. How can she turn her back on these two women to try and save a political ally? How can she attempt to incite racism and further divide our city to protect Lamar Thorpe? Will she now accuse me, a fellow woman of color, of racism in calling for his resignation? 

The incident is not about race, personal allegiances or political parties. It’s about behavior and ethics. We cannot tolerate the conduct of our mayor, or his allies that continue to create division in our community. Mayor Thorpe needs to resign and allow our city to move forward and heal from the trauma he has inflicted.   

When District 4 residents vote in the November election, I hope they choose integrity over alliances and old loyalties and help bring The Change That We Need! 

Sandra White 

Candidate, Antioch City Council District 4 

“Enough is enough and Antioch deserves better!”

Dear Editor: 

Lamar Thorpe initially stood out in Antioch politics using his relative youth and ethnicity and he used those distinctions to brand himself as a forward-thinking progressive candidate. He won his race.

But recently he has found himself in trouble and even though he beat the recall movement, he was arrested for drunk driving by the CHP. That issue is still pending. Now he is being asked to resign as Mayor of Antioch by two of his fellow council members, as the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to settle claims against Thorpe by two former female employees for $350,000 from when he was executive director of the now-defunct Los Medanos Community Healthcare District.  

As it happens, this is not a new issue for Mr. Thorpe. In 2007, Student Judicial Services found Student Association President Lamar Thorpe guilty of disorderly conduct for “lewd and indecent behavior,” and not guilty of sexual harassment and alcohol charges. It is evident that Thorpe’s racist and sexist behavior is not a one-time event. It is a pattern of behavior that has continued throughout his life. This speaks to his character and shows that he is not fit to represent the good citizens of Antioch in any capacity. 

Perhaps more concerning for the city of Antioch is there has been no compassion towards these two young women expressed by Mayor Thorpe’s city council voting bloc, Tamisha Torres Walker and Monica Wilson. 

Lamar Thorpe has a reputation regarding people he sees as political enemies. He has a reputation for swift retribution and holding long grudges and has no compunction at all about using the racist term “Karen” when referring to women whom he views as his enemies. In fact, he used a racist term to promote his recent recall fundraiser roast by calling proponents “Karens”. That was not the first, nor last time we have seen him use that term with a big smile on his face. 

His use of offensive language and vulgar gestures towards those he terms his ‘enemies’ create an environment of disrespect and fear. 

In conclusion, if your impression of Antioch politics has taken a bruising over the last two years, it is because you are paying attention. Now is the time to have your voice heard; ask Thorpe to resign and Torres Walker and Wilson to do the same.  

Enough is enough and Antioch deserves better! 

Diane Gibson-Gray 

Antioch

“To the women; I am sorry. I see you, I hear you, and I believe you.” – Ellie Householder in 9/17/22 Facebook post

Also accuses Thorpe of retaliation over a political campaign dispute involving city’s public information officer including unsuccessful efforts to place oversight of her office under interim city manager

No longer “have each other’s back”

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on her personal Facebook page on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, Antioch City Clerk and Antioch School Board Trustee Ellie Householder issued a statement in support of the two women who accused Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe of sexual harassment writing, “To the women; I am sorry. I see you, I hear you, and I believe you”. The county board of supervisors, acting as the successor agency to the defunct-Los Medanos Community Healthcare District where Thorpe was executive director and the two women worked, voted unanimously on Tuesday to settle the matter for $350,000. (See related article)

In her “Open Letter to the Residents of Antioch” Householder wrote about the mayor, “A person I have loyally stood by for years has used his power and influence over women to take advantage of them, and for this, I am truly sorry.”

“Earlier this year I began breaking ties with Lamar because of his increasingly erratic and hurtful behavior,” the letter continues.

“I found it most appropriate to privately unalign myself with him,” Householder wrote.

She also accused Thorpe of not paying a videographer that was used by the city’s public information officer, Rolando Bonilla, who ran unsuccessfully for the San Jose City Council.

In a comment beneath the Facebook post, Bonilla wrote: “Huh ? In relation to me, honestly, what are you talking about? Wish you would’ve called me, but you didn’t. I still see you as a bright light in the realm of public service, just wish our professional relationship meant the same to you as it did to me. Clearly, that wasn’t the case. I wish you the best, Ellie.”

Following is Householder’s complete letter: Householder Open Letter to the Residents of Antioch 091722

“September 17, 2022

Open Letter to the Residents of Antioch —

It is with a heavy heart I share this letter with you all. On Wednesday, September 14th, I learned of the sexual harrassment [sic] settlement granted to two former co-workers of Lamar Thorpe, Mayor of the City of Antioch.

I recognize that my well-known connection with Lamar Thorpe can be interpreted as a tacit endorsement of his behaviors. I never could’ve imagined someone I highly respect as a collegue [sic] would do such a thing; but it did happen. A person I have loyally stood by for years has used his power and influence over women to take advantage of them, and for this, I am truly sorry.

To the women; I am sorry. I see you, I hear you, and I believe you.

Earlier this year I began breaking ties with Lamar because of his increasingly erratic and hurtful behavior. Our professional relationship reached a breaking point when I learned that Lamar used unauthorized footage from a local videographer without paying. All this while working as the campaign manager for Rolando Bonilla, who also serves as the City’s Public Information Officer. Rather than take accountability and pay the $15k for his mistake, Lamar berated me and gave me several ultimatums urging me to drop this “issue.” Lamar and I haven’t talked since. A few weeks later he began efforts to undermine the City Clerk’s Office. Without my knowledge, Lamar attempted to transfer control of my City Clerk duties to the City Manager, Con Johnson. This was clearly in retaliation to my genuine concerns over his treatment of others.

At great emotional dispense, I tried to help Lamar, but he refused to take accountability for the pain he was causing, and has continued to cause, to people. At that point I found it most appropriate to privately unalign myself with him without sharing the details of our professional relationship (or lack thereof) with anyone else. I think though that now, more than ever, it’s important that the citizens who elected us to our positions are made aware of the current circumstances.

I am here to serve this City and everyone in it, and I take that responsibility seriously. Many people who have been harmed by Lamar have been scared into silence for fear of being lumped into a group of hateful bigots who use race and other tactics to divide our community. I’d like to offer a hand of reassurance to those I know are feeling this way – you can feel safe coming forward with me. I believe you. I will not allow you and your experience to be minimized or written off as an attempt to tarnish his reputation for nefarious reasons when true harm has been done. If there is a way I can be helpful, I am here to do that.

Going forward, I hope that the people like me – closely affiliated with and surrounding our Mayor – will follow my lead in coming forward with their refusal to continue condoning or defending this behavior. I hope we all can reassure those remaining in the shadows that we do not support or stand behind abuse of women no matter what office the perpetrator holds. Please join me in delivering that message to our Antioch community.

Sincerely signed,

Ellie Householder”

—————

Questions for Thorpe Go Unanswered

Questions were sent via email to Thorpe early Thursday afternoon asking, “Were you Rolando Bonilla’s campaign manager for his San Jose City Council race? Is what she wrote about the videographer correct? If so, has that person been paid, yet? Did she confront you about that?

Is what she wrote about you retaliating against her and the City Clerk’s office correct?

If not, why has there been an effort to place the office of a separately elected official under control of the city manager, who answers to the city council?

If you were Rolando’s campaign manager, do think it’s appropriate for you to be doing side work for him as someone for whose contract with the city for PIO services you have repeatedly voted in favor? Doesn’t that pose a rather incestuous relationship, with seriously potential conflicts of interest and smack of cronyism? Do you have any other comment?”

Thorpe did not respond to multiple efforts to reach him for a response to the questions and for any additional comment.

Bonilla Says Thorpe Not His Campaign Manager, Only Volunteered

Questions were also sent via email to Bonilla early Thursday afternoon asking, “Was Lamar your campaign manager for your run for San Jose City Council? If so, do think it’s appropriate for you to have hired someone for whom you work on a contract basis and who votes on your contract with the city for PIO services? Doesn’t that pose a rather incestuous relationship, with seriously potential conflicts of interest and smack of cronyism?

Is what she wrote about the videographer correct? If so, has that person been paid, yet?

Do you have any other comments you’d like to add?”

Bonilla responded in writing, “1. Lamar was not my campaign manager. 2. Videographer was paid in full.”

He was then asked, “but did Lamar work on your campaign at all in either a paid or non-paid capacity?”

Bonilla responded, “He volunteered from time-to-time. Additionally, even Ellie kindly contributed to my campaign. Very appreciative of their support.”

Finally, he was asked, “When was your campaign invoiced by the videographer and when was payment made? Were you aware of any dispute about it among Ellie and Lamar between the​ time the services were provided and payment was made?”

Bonilla responded, “1. Will track down. On road. 2. No, this is all news to me. Contrary to what you may think, I don’t go around involving myself in the political machinations that go on in Antioch.”

Break Occurs After Supporting Each Other for Years

The break between the city clerk and mayor occurs after a long, mutually supportive political alliance. Thorpe helped Householder get elected to both her positions, the school board in 2018 and city clerk in 2020 and she in turn supported him in his campaign for mayor. They’ve also appeared together during parades in the city.

Householder faced recall from her position as city clerk, starting last year, in part due to accusations that she was showing Thorpe favoritism in how she handled the recall effort against him, resulting in delays of the supporters getting started. They campaigned together including posting strange videos on Tik Tok which were shot inside the City Council Chambers in February, and in which they claimed to “have each other’s back”. (See related article)

The recall to remove Householder from school board was later dropped, as the focus turned to recalling Thorpe, which failed due to theft of funds and the signatures according to the organizers. The recall to remove her as city clerk failed to gather enough signatures. (See related articles here and here)

Householder moved into school board Trustee Area 1, which is represented by Antonio Hernandez, and thus is unable to run for re-election as only Areas 2 and 5 are up for election in November. Her term as city clerk runs until December 2024.

Householder Officers More Details

Householder was asked when the issue with the $15,000 videography payment arose, if the videographer is a friend of hers and the dispute about oversight of the city clerk’s office.

The vote to place the city clerk’s office under control of the city attorney’s office instead of the city manager’s office passed last Tuesday night, Sept. 13 on a 4-1 vote with Thorpe voting against.

“Which was my wishes,” Householder stated. “I had a meeting with Lamar and told him he shouldn’t be involved in the process of who would have oversight, after Nickie Mastay (former Administrative Services Director) retired.” Mastay helped with day-to-day staff issues in the city clerk’s office.

“Lamar tried very hard to get it to be Con behind my back,” Householder continued. “Thomas told me about it, which is the only reason I knew. We work closely with Thomas, every day. It made administrative sense” to give his office the oversight role.

“But I was very clear with Lamar and Con that it made me very uncomfortable that Lamar was involved at all,” the city clerk continued. “The only say he had was placing it on the council agenda. That’s what I told him.”

“This started after Nickie left,” Householder stated. That occurred last month when she took a new position with the City of Richmond. “But we knew she was taking another position. She gave plenty of notice. So, conversations were being had without my knowledge.”

“Our office has been in limbo because we haven’t had a director to be the point person for the full-time staff members in the office,” she stated. “I felt like it was being dragged out intentionally.”

Asked about Bonilla denying Thorpe was his campaign manager Householder said, “That’s what I understood him to be as and I did not know he was working on his campaign, he was working on it for awhile before I knew and Lamar called himself his campaign manager.”

Asked how she got involved with the pay for the videographer Householder shared, “he shot my videos. He’s a local guy. Lamar recommended him to me. I’ve worked with him since 2018. He shot videos for the Los Medanos Healthcare District for Lamar.”

Asked when that issue arose she said, “It was about February, it was earlier this year. It was about six months ago. He was hired by Rolando’s campaign for $5,000. He was paid $2,500. Lamar wasn’t happy with the work, took that video and had another person edit it.”

“The videographer told Lamar that it’s customary that if you use footage, it’s three times the amount. So, he was owed $15,000 plus the $2,500 balance,” Householder continued. “He saw his footage in a commercial on TV but it wasn’t his edit.”

Asked if she has spoken to the videographer since then Householder said, “Yes, I did and no he has not been paid. I told Lamar ‘you need to pay this guy’ and we haven’t talked since.”

About Thorpe she said, “I am somebody he’s called his best friend, publicly.”

“I hope this does good. I hope this doesn’t further divide our community. I want it to bring us together,” Householder added.

Please check back later for any additions to this report.

 

To be honored at annual Hall of Fame Gala October 1st

By Antioch Sports Legends

Deer Valley High School Track & Field Coach, Bernard Stephens, has been selected Antioch Sports Legends, Class of 2022 Outstanding Coach.

Bernard’s teams won nine Girls’ NCS Tri Valley Championships he was awarded the California Coaches Association, Girls Track and Field Coach of the Year in 2014. Read his Bio below.

Join Bernard at his induction, at the 2022 Hall of Fame Gala. October 1st at Lone Tree Golf & Event Center. For TICKETS call Antioch Sports Legends 925 238 0565 or Louie Rocha Program Coordinator 925 522 1007, TICKETS are $85.00.

Bernard Stephens Bio

Bernard Stephens, this year’s Outstanding Coach Inductee became the Head Track and Field coach at Deer Valley High School in 2000. Arriving with 24 years of prior coaching experience he immediately began to change the culture and expectations of what it meant to be a Deer Valley track and field athlete.

For the next 16 years Bernard would guide both the boys’ and girls’ programs to heights never before achieved sending 60 athletes to the California State Track and Field Championships. During a remarkable span from 2007 to 2015 one girls’ team would finish seventh and 19 athletes and relay teams would place and score points for the Wolverines in the State Finals. That included triple jump champion, Hammed Suleman and three runners up, Chizoba Okodogbe and Briana Guillory in the 400 meters along with his 2015 girls 4×400 meter relay team. Suleman, Okodogbe and Guillory would each go on to become multiple-time College All-Americans at CAL, Oregon, and Iowa respectively.

The single most remarkable State Meet performance by one of Bernard’s athletes may have been turned in by Taiwan Jones who in 2007 placed in both the 100, 200 and both relays. Only one of two NCS male athletes ever to place in all 4 events they entered.

Stephen’s teams won nine Girls’ NCS Tri Valley Championships. He was voted Contra Costa Times Girls Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2012, North Coast Section Honors Coach in 2010 and received the California Coaches Association, Girls Track and Field Coach of the Year in 2014.

Beyond the athletic honors and championships Bernard Stephens worked to create a safe and caring environment for his athletes. He taught young men and women the importance of sportsmanship and quality work habits while instilling in them the competitive drive to be the best they can be both on the track and in the classroom.

The Antioch Sports Legends wing is part of the Antioch Historical Museum located at 1500 W. 4th Street.

 

While executive director at now-defunct healthcare district for $350K; he denies accusations

Mayor Pro Tem Barbanica , Councilwoman Ogorchock call for his resignation; Councilwoman Wilson says that’s “racially divisive grandstanding”, Ogorchock responds

By Allen D. Payton

On Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to settle claims against Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe by two former female employees for $350,000 from when he was executive director of the now-defunct Los Medanos Community Healthcare District. Then in a press conference held Thursday afternoon, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock called for Thorpe to resign as mayor.

The healthcare district was disbanded, earlier this year, the county acts as the successor agency and now, receives the annual revenue estimated at $1.1 million. (See related article)

The women, whose names were provided in the documents as Bay Point resident Jasmine Cisneros and Antioch resident Jocelyn Munoz, filed their claims on February 22, 2022. The two made multiple accusations against Thorpe both on formal government forms and in a resignation letter from Munoz to healthcare district board president, Patt Young, including inappropriate touching and an incident of groping Cisneros while at a California Special Districts Association conference in Monterey.

Formal Claims

Cisneros claimed she worked for the healthcare district “as a Community Outreach Specialist from approximately early 2020 to November 4, 2021, when she was forced to resign her employment. Ms. Cisneros resigned due to sexual harassment, unwanted sexual advances, hostile working conditions, and other unlawful actions resulting from Executive Director Lamar Thorpe’s misconduct, and the District’s inaction, despite having knowledge of that misconduct. Ms. Cisneros has been injured as a result of Thorpe’s misconduct and the District’s inaction. Thorpe’s unwanted sexual advances, harassment, and other unlawful behavior continued until Ms. Cisneros resigned. Ms. Cisneros was forced to resign her employment as a result of Thorpe’s misconduct and the District’s inaction and has been harmed economically in the form of lost wages and emotional distress damages.” Cisneros.LMCHD Claim redacted

Munoz claims she worked for the district “for approximately eight months, from early 2021 to September 2, 2021, when she was forced to resign her position. Ms. Munoz’s [sic] resigned due to sexual harassment, unwanted sexual advances, hostile working conditions, and other unlawful actions resulting from Executive Director Lamar Thorpe’s misconduct, and the District’s inaction, despite having knowledge of that misconduct. See Exhibit A (Resignation letter). Thorpe’s unwanted sexual advances, harassment, and other unlawful behavior continued until Ms. Munoz resigned on September 2, 2021. Ms. Munoz has been injured as a result of Thorpe’s misconduct and the District’s inaction. Moreover, Ms. Munoz was forced to resign her employment as a result of Thorpe’s misconduct and the District’s inaction and has been harmed economically in the form of lost wages and emotional distress damages.” Munoz.LMCHD Claim & Letter redacted

Both claims show the amount of compensation sought “Exceeds $10,000”.

Munoz’s Resignation Letter Provides Details

In her resignation letter dated Sept. 3, 2021, Munoz provided details of two incidents involving Thorpe, including one at an Antioch restaurant and another during the conference in Monterey at which both ladies, one of their partners and Thorpe stayed the night in a hotel. The letter also mentions “many levels of harassment and very high levels of hostile working conditions from board members and management. LMCHD has a culture of disrespect, bullying and harassment,” including “board members berating staff during public meetings”.

“In the season of the AB 903 celebration in early July 2021, my partner and I met with the executive director for LMCHD, Lamar Thorpe at La Plazuela in Antioch, CA to socialize and celebrate the win,” she wrote. “While we were seated, Lamar came between my partner and I, looked down at my leg and grabbed my leg; specifically my calf. While still holding my calf, he acknowledged the act and said, ‘this is sexual harassment, should I stop’ and let go. In that same instance, my partner and I agreed to his statement and said, ‘yeah what are you doing?!’ Being fearful of my job, status and Lamars [sic] social status as Mayor of Antioch and executive director I felt his simple acknowledgement was sufficient and I physically moved on, but mentally I still felt trapped.”

“Following the traumatizing experience, I witnessed another horrifying act on August 30, 2021 at the CSDA conference where I saw Lamar inappropriately grope my colleague when we (my partner, my colleague and executive director) were out socializing and walking back to our hotel,” her letter continued. “Immediately following the grope, my colleague got my undivided attention, looked me in the eyes and said, ‘PLEASE walk me back to my room’. My partner and I escorted my colleague to her room, and Lamar opened his hotel room door to check on us and gave us a sinister look. At that moment, my partner and I left to our hotel room.”

“The next day on August 31, 2021 my colleague, my partner and I went to lunch and were discussing what other seminars to attend, that’s where Lamar joked about attending the ‘sexual harassment training and prevention’ and also joked about the inappropriate grope that happened the night before,” Munoz wrote. “Later that evening of August 31, 2021 my colleague, my partner and I were having dinner and Lamar texted us ‘are y’all coming to this reception?’ referring to the conference networking mix and mingle. We did not respond and saw Lamar walk by our table and he ignored us. A few minutes later Lamar approached our table and said ‘hey haters!’ and made two inappropriate hand gestures, showing his middle fingers and walked away.”

On the “evening of September 1, 2021 Lamar texted my colleague and I ‘yo, ya’ll wanna go to Rolando’s house’. I politely declined, and then I heard a knock at my hotel room door. I did not answer fearing that it was Lamar. A few seconds later Lamar called and asked if I was in my room, confirming that the knock was him. He requested to meet with me to have a discussion,” the letter continued. “During the discussion he acknowledged the level of discomfort that he was feeling about the conversation and also stated that he didn’t want to have it. He opened with ‘are we cool?’ At that moment I felt cornered, trapped, triggered and manipulated into having to relive the events that happened on Monday night. The conversation went on for 15 minutes to which he was trying to get a temperature check on the situation at hand. At the end of the conversation, he asked what he could do to make things better. We met up with my partner inside the restaurant where he then approached my partner apologized to him, shook his hand and excused himself.”

“The final day, September 2, 2021 as we were all exiting the conferenced, I approached Lamar…he then proceeded to walk with me and said, ‘you still don’t seem ok’ referring to the events from Monday and the conversation we had the night before…I quickly made an excuse to try to avoid anymore discussion regarding Monday night, but that didn’t help and I ended the conversation by stating I wouldn’t be comfortable with anymore continued unwanted advances,” Munoz added.

“I hope this reveals the level of unprofessionalism at LMCHD, and I hope that this matter gets resolved in the best and most appropriate way. These past events have severely hindered my efficiency at work, my mental health and I don’t know how I can support LMCHD as an employee,” the letter concluded.

No Admissions in Settlement Agreement

The settlement agreement signed in August by the two women and a representative of the county’s Risk Management, includes a “No Admissions” clause. That reads, “It is understood and agreed by the PARTIES that the promises and payments and consideration of this Agreement shall not be construed to be an admission of any liability or obligation by any Party to another Party, the District, the County, Thorpe, or any other person, and the Releasees expressly deny that they have breached any duty, obligation or agreement, or engaged in any tortious or wrongful activity, or that they are liable to the Claimants or any other person or party in any way, or that any injuries, damages or harms of any kind have been sustained by the Claimants.” Los Medanos – Cisneros-Munoz – Fully executed Settlement Agreement (08-23-2022)

Supervisors Explain Their Votes

Each of the county supervisors were asked why they voted to settle the claims. Board Chair Karen Mitchoff responded via email writing, “An independent investigation was performed and concluded it was likely the plaintiffs would prevail in litigation.  As with all such claims, the Board was presented with this information, discussed the matter and concluded it was best to settle the matter, thus saving litigation costs and a potentially higher jury award.”

Both Districts 2 and 3 Supervisors Candace Andersen and Diane Burgis issued the same response, writing, “the insurance carrier for the former Los Medanos Community Healthcare District, RSUI Group Inc, handled this case and provided counsel to defend the claims against the former District.  Following a mediation session among the parties, a settlement was reached. The Board of Supervisors approved the settlement solely in its capacity as the successor agency to the District. As the successor agency, the County was required to assume all liabilities of the former District, including the claims filed against the District.”

“I really don’t have any additional comments about the specifics of the case,” Andersen added.

Neither Supervisors John Gioia (District 1) nor Federal Glover (District 5) who represents portions of Antioch, responded prior to publication time.

Past Accusation Against Thorpe for Sexual Misconduct

It’s not the first time a woman has accused Thorpe of inappropriate sexual activity. As previously reported, while in college, Thorpe was found guilty of disorderly conduct for “lewd and indecent behavior” against a female student by Student Judicial Services at George Washington University, but he was acquitted of sexual harassment. Thorpe later lost an appeal to overturn the disorderly conduct charge. He has denied the incident ever occurred. In 2016, this reporter chose to believe him, and the Herald endorsed him for city council. (See related articles here and here)

Barbanica, Ogorchock Call for Thorpe’s Resignation

During a press conference held Thursday afternoon, at Barbanica’s business office, he and Ogorchock called for Thorpe’s resignation. The mayor pro tem said he had sent a letter to Thorpe earlier in the day asking him to resign but had not yet heard back.

“This is a distraction for our city. We have a city of 114,000 people and the council has very serious business to do, yet we are sidetracked in these meetings by these types of issues,” Barbanica stated. “I do not believe that the behavior that is suspected, not convicted, but suspected, here is not indicative of a leader within our community; our council and our mayor should be held to a higher standard.”

He should “step aside, resign and allow the council to move forward. That’s what we’re asking him to do,” he added.

Asked if they had read the documents, Ogorchock responded, “I did. I read them all, from their statements, the filings, their release.”

“As did I,” Barbanica added.

Asked for their analysis of what they read he said, “Very concerning.”

Ogorchock responded, “As a woman I felt, that’s why I’m asking for his resignation. This is inexcusable. We can’t behave in this manner and be in a leadership position. You just can’t do that.”

“I’m very disappointed in what I read…in the court documents,” Barbanica later said. “This is not what the citizens want in a leader.”

Questions for Thorpe Go Unanswered, Denies Allegations

Thorpe was asked Friday morning to respond to both the settlement and the calls for his resignation. He was also asked if anything included in the complaints from your two former female employees, true, if they both worked directly for him and how many employees worked at the district when he was executive director.

Thorpe was also asked if he had found a new job and what he is doing for work. He was also asked about a severance that he and the other district employees were each provided, and how long did or will it last.

Finally, Thorpe was asked if he hired the two women, approved their hiring or compensation, or involved in any way in their hiring process and if so, how.

He did not respond as of publication time Friday afternoon. However, according to an East Bay Times report, on Thursday, Thorpe issued a statement denying the allegations.

“I am wholeheartedly heart-broken by these allegations, as they are completely false. When I served as the executive director of the Los Medanos Community Healthcare District (LMCHD), I worked to create an environment that gave opportunities to members of our community that were historically marginalized, as I have always sought to make change through empowerment.

“As the members of my team at the LMCHD can attest, the environment that I created was one of positivity and respect. Although saddened by the allegations, I will not be making any comment about the individuals involved, as I want to continue believing in the good in people, and not allow for this moment to shut down my spirit of community.”

Former Board Chair Patt Young Found Allegations Against Thorpe “Unfounded”

When reached for comment about the allegations against Thorpe, former LMCHD Board Chair Patt Young, now a member of the Contra Costa Water District board, said, “I actually, reviewed the allegations, and it just wasn’t credible. He had and has my full support. I found the allegations to be unfounded.”

Asked what she did when she received Munoz’s letter in September, Young responded, “I forwarded, I always forward to our legal counsel. It had to go there, first.”

When asked if she was at the CSDA conference where one of the incidents is alleged to have occurred, Young said, “I was, but I wasn’t with them that evening.”

Asked if she or anyone from the board reached out to the two women, Young stated, “we couldn’t. It would be a violation of the law.”

Efforts to reach both Cisneros and Munoz for responses to the denials by Thorpe and Young were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

Wilson Labels Calls for Resignation “Racially Divisive Grandstanding”

In that same Times article, District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson claimed calls for Thorpe’s resignation by Barbanica and Ogorchock to be “racially divisive grandstanding”. Ogorchock is one of Wilson’s three challengers in this year’s council election, after Wilson, Thorpe and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker drew and then approved a gerrymandered redistricting map, moving Ogorchock into District 4. (See related article)

Ogorchock Responds to Wilson’s Comments

In a post on her official Facebook page Friday morning, Ogorchock wrote, “After reading remarks made by Councilwoman Wilson in response to the press conference held yesterday with Mayor Pro Tem Barbanica and myself requesting Mayor Thorpe to resign appear to be a deflection of the real issues.

Councilwoman Wilson is ignoring that two women presented valid claims of sexual harassment, unwanted sexual advances, hostile working conditions and other unlawful actions. The real issue is the detailed actions of Mayor Thorpe as outlined by the two women under his direction as the executive director.

In speaking with County Supervisor Mitchoff this morning she said, and I quote “after the completion of the investigation and based on credible facts we settled the case”. The county, who took control of the defunct healthcare district, settled the case for $350k.

I stand by my statements made yesterday, and believe that Mayor Thorpe should resign.”

Former Councilwoman Supports Thorpe’s Resignation

“He ought to step down. Enough is enough. First drunk driving, arrested for that. Now, this. Come on. We deserve better in the city of Antioch. Get out,” stated former Antioch Councilwoman Norma Hernandez. “I’m very suspicious of all these allegations that have happened, way in the past and now, if they are true, and this is the mayor representing all of us in the city of Antioch.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.