Who’s Zooming who? Not the Antioch City Council any longer!

Postpones approving July 4th Celebration funds; reallocates $550K in housing funds to downtown road repair

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting Tuesday night, the Antioch City Council, with two members absent, voted 3-0 to discontinue remote meeting participation for council members and all other participants. All who want to participate must once again attend the meetings in person as it was pre-COVID. That’s in spite of new state legislation allowing local governments to allow council members to have participate remotely twice each year. But if that was offered to the council members it would have also been required to offer it to members of the public to call in with their comments, City Attorney Thomas L. Smith explained.

When the matter was discussed by the council members, District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica said, “I’m not for this. I do not support this and I haven’t for some time. COVID is over. Council members should be here, in person.”

“I’m all for just going back to normal. I’m with you,” Mayor Lamar Thorpe said to Barbanica.

Ogorchock then made motion to discontinue teleconferencing and remote participation in council meetings by council members and residents.

“We are not adopting (the) Assembly Bill,” Barbanica said to confirm.

“We are not adopting it,” Smith responded.

“The meetings are in person,” Thorpe stated.

The council then approved the motion 3-0 to end remote participation in council and all city commission and committee meetings.

Postpones Approving July 4th Celebration Funds

The council postponed approving $110,000 to pay for the costs of this year’s Independence Day Celebration on July 4th which the City plans to take over organizing. (See related article)

According to the staff report on the item, the City used to pay for it until the economic downturn of 2008. Then Celebrate Antioch Foundation took it on beginning in 2012 with volunteers and raising the funds to pay for the annual celebration.

This year the Parks and Recreation Department plans to organize the event. The proposed budget does not include staff time for police or Public Works which is already budgeted, Parks and Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger stated.

Ogorchock was the first council member to speak on the item saying, “I want to thank the Celebrate Antioch Foundation for all of their hard work on the Sesquicentennial, last year. I truly appreciate their work. I’m having a hard time saying ‘yes’ to this because I know we’re short-staffed. I know how much time it took to do the Sesquicentennial events, last year. I’d rather see us fix that fractured relationship with CAF. They know how to do it. I don’t think I can with my heart say ‘yes’ to this. They are good at it. They are professional. It’s not that I don’t want the Fourth of July. But with you being short-staffed I just can’t do it.

“I would ask then that we do a continuance on this because there aren’t enough people to agree or disagree,” Thorpe said.

Barbanica then made a motion to table the item which passed 3-0.

Reallocates $550K from Housing Loan Fund to downtown street repair

The council also approved reallocating $550,000 in Community Development Block Grant monies from the former Housing Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) to the City Downtown Street and Accessibility Project, as part of the CDBG Downtown Roadway Pavement Rehabilitation, Phase 9.

The city staff report on the item claims the RLF funds are no longer needed and explains the city will “submit the revised City of Antioch FY 2022-23 Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), outlining the Substantial Amendment to the City’s expenditure of CDBG funds in support of HUD’s national objectives, which includes (1) dissolution of the Housing Revolving Loan Fund, (2) cancellation of the CDBG project allocation to the Antioch Home Ownership Program, and (3) reallocation of $550,000 in former Revolving Loan Fund monies to the City Downtown Street and Accessibility Project.

The funds need to be reallocated by April.

Resident and homeless advocate Andrew Becker speaking as the opponent during the public hearing said, “It’s very, very frustrating to see program dollars reallocated. I understand there are compliance issues. It’s a bit late, now to make these comments. But at least let it be 10 minutes of reflection for us…how we failed the community, again on program application.”

“How will they even know about these stagnant programs?” he asked. “What is the purpose of having all of these different programs and putting money into them? Why do we time and time and time again just move around in circles. As great as capital improvement projects are as blighted and neglected and frustrated our communities have become, it’s still our responsibility to stay the course and support these programs.”

“Our first-time homeowner opportunity dollars move somewhere else,” he complained.

Another speaker asked that the council not reallocate the funds.

“The first-time homeowner program still has a half million dollars in funds,” Terri House, the city’s housing consultant, shared. “The Housing Successor Funds…will more than cover all of the applicants who are eligible and have applied. It’s just a down-payment assistance program. They still have to qualify for a regular mortgage. This program comes in and helps with closing costs.”

The funds are available from Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance (BAAHA) and there’s a website – Antioch Home Ownership Program you should be able to find it on the BAHA website. They have to take an eight-hour class and be in the process with a lender of obtaining a loan.”

“If we don’t use it, we’re going to lose it,” Ogorchock asked.

“If there are two years in a row that the City did not use the funds, HUD will take it,” House responded. “It can’t be used for public services.”

In response to a question from Barbanica she said, “We’re taking applications, now” for the housing program.

“We can’t use these funds for that program, correct?” he asked.

“Correct,” House responded.

“I think what we have here is a failure to communicate,” said resident Melissa Case, a local Realtor. “We should be getting this information to local lenders so they can help our clients get these funds. I’m willing to share it on broker tour.”

“We should not wait until the very last minute to deal with these things. I don’t like that,” Thorpe stated. There are fair points being made. In the future, I would hope these things come and bring them sooner, at an earlier time.”

The council then approved the reallocation of funds on 3-0 votes.

 

 

Deadline to apply is March 12th

Do you live in one of the following Counties of Contra Costa, Alameda or El Dorado and own a Small Business or Nonprofit? You may qualify for a $2,500 Covid Relief Grant. Chabot-Las Positas Community College District is partnering with the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) to disburse Covid-19 Relief Grants.

Grant Eligibility Rules:

Qualified microbusiness must meet and self-certify, under penalty of perjury, all of the following criteria:
1. Began its operation prior to December 31, 2019
2. Self-employed workers, independent contractors, sole proprietors, and corporations with no more than 5 employees or full time equivalent in 2019
3. Less than $50,000.00 gross revenue in 2019
4. Has fewer than 5 full-time equivalent employees now
5. Is currently operating or has a clear plan to reopen
6. Was significantly impacted by COVID-19 pandemic
7. Microbusiness was the primary source of revenue for the business owner

Note: Businesses who already received funding through this microbusiness program are not eligible for this round 2 funding.

Deadline to apply is March 12th! Check out microbusinessgrant.org or call 925-416-5143 to learn more and apply!

 

Says “Bay Area leaders have not stepped up to fix the fiscal oversight problems with BART…”

Only BART Board Director Allen responds applauding Glazer

By Allen D. Payton

Senator Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa, announced that he resigned today, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023 from his position as a member of the Senate Select Committee on Bay Area Public Transit, saying Bay Area leaders have failed to support fiscal oversight of BART.

Senator Glazer is a longtime supporter of public transit and is concerned about the financial problems facing Bay Area transit systems, which are essential to the health of the regional economy. But, he said, the status quo is unacceptable.

“Bay Area leaders have not stepped up to fix the fiscal oversight problems with BART, as well as the underfunding of the Inspector General’s office,” Glazer said. “When these problems are addressed, I will join with my colleagues and support greater transit funding.”

In June 2022, an Alameda County Grand Jury found that BART’s leadership has repeatedly blocked the Inspector General’s authority and autonomy.

Just two months later, former State Auditor Elaine Howle found that the BART office “lacked the authority and independence necessary to do its job…”

The BART inspector general was created by Senator Glazer as part of a transportation bill in 2017. Senator Glazer advanced legislation (SB 827) to the governor’s desk last year that enhanced independence for the IG, conforming its auditing standards and investigations with other transportation IGs. At the request of the BART Board, Governor Newsom vetoed the bill.

Senator Glazer’s letter reads as follows:

Dear Senator Wiener,

I hereby resign from the Senate Select Committee on Bay Area Public Transit, effective immediately. The failure of Bay Area leaders to hold BART financially accountable makes my participation in this transit support committee incompatible.

I recognize and support the pressing need for the state to invest in public transit agencies throughout the Bay Area given the financial uncertainty that looms over these systems. However, there is no guarantee that these agencies will spend taxpayer dollars sensibly without adequate oversight of their expenditures. I point to the recent alarming reports from BART’s Inspector General regarding BART’s financial mismanagement and brazen defiance of voter-mandated oversight.

In June 2022, an Alameda County Grand Jury found that BART’s leadership has repeatedly blocked the Inspector General’s authority and autonomy. Specifically, the Grand Jury found that BART’s board of directors and management engaged in a “pattern of obstruction” that has impeded the Inspector General’s ability to conduct independent oversight and “stymied OIG independence and the confidentiality of investigations.”

Just two months later, former State Auditor Elaine Howle, comparing the powers and responsibilities of the BART IG to other, similar offices, found that the BART office “lacked the authority and independence necessary to do its job according to the best practices recommended by national professional organizations that set standards in the accountability field.’ She also asserted in a letter to Governor Newsom that ‘(e)nsuring the independence of the BART Inspector General is critical to the credibility and effectiveness of the office.”

As BART and other regional transit systems seek additional state funding to stave off upcoming fiscal problems, the Legislature must ensure that the same systems spend public resources responsibly.

I wish you well with your important work.

———————

BART Director Responds

When reached for comment about Glazer’s resignation from the committee and reason for it the four BART Board directors who represent Contra Costa County, including Vice Chair and District 3 Director Mark Foley, District 1 Director Deb Allen, District 3 Director Rebecca Stutzman and District 7 Director Lateefah Simon. Only Allen responded writing, “I applauded CA Senator Glazer for standing up to Bay Area elected leaders to insist on accountability to transit riders and taxpayers. They deserve answers about how BART spends $2.5B plus annually and those answers aren’t easy to come by.

Senator Glazer and I have worked for over six years together to get answers and still continue to meet resistance in making meaningful independent oversight a permanent part of the BART culture. We have worked tirelessly over last 4 years on strengthening the role of the Office of Inspector General we created and built, while the majority of BART board directors, unions and executive staff continue to focus on the ‘more money please!’ approach. We saw it last week in BART’s annual Board Workshop and it seems Senator Glazer is seeing the same approach evolving from the Senate select Committee on Bay Area Public Transit. That will only produce more of the same failed policies we see now for BART.

I believe BART executive management and a majority of directors will continue to fight proper oversight. Unless our state leaders like Senator Glazer attach oversight strings to new funding at the state level to keep transit agencies accountable to the people who are paying for it, transit will continue to fail the riders, workers and the Bay Area.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) – Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers are now open for Contra Costa County residents impacted by the December and January winter storms to connect with federal recovery resources in person.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will open the mobile center on Sunday, Feb. 26, making it the second and third locations in the County. The mobile center will be available at these dates and times, depending on need:

Locations:
Richmond Civic Center Parking Lot
Between 24th and 25th streets in Richmond
Time: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Dates: Feb. 26 to March 1

Community Presbyterian Church
200 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg
Time: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Dates: March 2 to March 4

 The mobile centers will only be able to help residents with FEMA individual assistance. For assistance from state agencies or the Small Business Administration please visit the Recovery Center in Danville.

The Danville Center remains open* for residents and available at these dates and times, depending on need:

Location: 510 La Gonda Way, Danville
Time/Dates: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through March 1
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through March 16
*Please note: This site will be closed Sunday, March 5 and Sunday, March 12

The Center can help residents:

• Apply directly for assistance. Residents can still apply online or check the status of their application at disasterassistance.govor call 1-800-621-3362;
• Learn more about disaster assistance programs;
• Learn the status of a FEMA application;
• Ask questions regarding eligibility;
• Find housing and rental assistance information;
• Get answers to questions or resolve issues; or
• Get referrals to agencies that might offer other assistance.

Other resources through the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) will also be available.

For those who have experienced personal property damage, please contact your insurance company first to determine available resources. FEMA provides assistance to applicants for uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs.

County Approved for Public Assistance Program:

On Feb. 24, Contra Costa County submitted its request for Public Assistance for the unincorporated areas. Each city within the county will have to submit a request to be eligible for federal reimbursement. FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides supplemental grants to local governments so communities can respond and recover from major disasters or emergencies. After an event like severe storms, government organizations need help to cover their costs for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure.

The County, including unincorporated and incorporated areas, reported an estimated $43 million in damage to public infrastructure from the storms, including bridges, roads and culverts.

To prepare for future storms, sign up for emergency alerts through the Community Warning System at www.CWSAlerts.com.  Visit www.contracosta.ca.gov to find information about County services.

 

Both have histories of arrest and may be responsible for other robberies

By Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office

February 24, 2023 – During the evening hours of January 3, 2023, Sacramento Sheriff’s Office (SSO) deputies responded to the report of a robbery that occurred at a residence in the Vintage Park area of South Sacramento County. Deputies contacted the 71-year-old victim, who stated a male suspect entered her attached garage, punched her in the face while she was sitting in her vehicle, and then stole her purse.

Detectives from the Robbery Bureau and Central Division Problem-Oriented-Policing (POP) deputies determined the victim was followed from a local casino. Residential surveillance cameras revealed two suspects entered the victim’s garage, while a third suspect waited in a getaway vehicle.

Arrest warrants were obtained for 26-year-old Kesean Edwards of Oakland and 23-year-old Jeral Wimberly of Antioch. Edwards and Wimberly were arrested pursuant to the warrants in Oakland and Los Angeles, CA respectively.

Detectives believe Edwards and Wimberly may be responsible for other robberies and are seeking the public’s help in locating any additional victims. Detectives are asking anyone with information relating to this incident, to please contact the Sheriff’s Office at (916) 874-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP. Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).

Also according to localcrimenews.com Wimberly has a history of arrests dating to 2017 including for burglary, auto theft, possession of a concealed weapon in a vehicle, altering ID marks on a firearm, receiving stolen property, first degree residential robbery and more in Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano counties, and West Hollywood. Most recently he was arrested Feb. 20, 2023 by the Los Angeles Police for robbery.

Also according to localcrimenews.com Edwards has a history of arrests dating to 2015 for burglary, robbery, grand theft, possession of stolen property, use of stolen identity, in Contra Costa, Alameda and Sacramento counties.

Sacramento County residents are reminded to be aware of their surroundings and watch for suspicious people/vehicles, especially when leaving places such as casinos, banks, jewelry stores, and retail stores. Do not go home if you believe you’re being followed. If you ever feel you may be in danger, call 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

U.S. Marshals Service assists

By Public Information Officer Ashley Crandell, Antioch Police Department Community Engagement Unit

On February 28, 2023, at approximately 5:45 am, the Antioch Police Department Violent Crimes

Unit, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, and the United States Marshals Service served a search warrant at a residence in the 2400 block of Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood.

Anthony McCoy (20-year-old, Brentwood resident) was arrested for the murder of Anthony Westbrook (17-year-old male, Antioch resident) that occurred on September 4, 2022, in the 1100

block of Macauley Street in Antioch. As previously reported, evidence at the scene indicated the incident occurred outdoors in a drive-by style shooting. A Glock .40 caliber handgun was located in the residence during the search warrant, which matched the caliber that was located at the scene of the homicide.

McCoy was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for murder and this case will be presented to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. The members of the Antioch Police Department extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Anthony Westbrook.

We want to thank the United States Marshals Service for their assistance while taking McCoy into custody. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Detective Gerber at 925-779-6943 or email him at rgerber@antiochca.gov. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Stockton, CA – The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) is pleased to announce that Amtrak San Joaquins has expanded its discount for kids aged 2-12. A travelling adult (18+) can now add up to 7 kids at 50% off. This updated policy revises the old Kids Discount policy, which most recently allowed the discount to apply to only one kid per adult.

The expanded discount will make it possible for more families to explore any of the over 100 destinations accessible via the San Joaquins train and Thruway Bus service. These destinations include, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Yosemite, Sacramento, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (seasonally), and many more. Parents can explore potential destinations by visiting https://amtraksanjoaquins.com/trip-ideas/.

“We are pleased to be able to extend the Kids Discount across our service,” said David Lipari, Marketing Manager for the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority. “The expansion of the Kids Discount will make family travel easier and more affordable for our riders. Eliminating barriers for travelers is central to our mission of providing a safe, affordable, and reliable service.”

Discount Restrictions

Learn more at Amtrak.com/children-discounts.

• Kids and infants must be accompanied by at least one adult (18+) in the same reservation.
• Kids 2-12 years of age may not travel unaccompanied.*
• All persons 13 years of age or older, and all unaccompanied minors, pay adult fares.
• Kids under 2 years occupying a separate coach seat will be charged the fare for Kids aged 2-12 years.
• Kids’ ages are determined by actual date of birth.
• The age of the kid at the start of the trip determines the fare that applies for the entire itinerary.
• Amtrak reserves the right to require proof of age at any time.
• Additional restrictions may apply.

In addition to the expanded Kids Discount, Amtrak San Joaquins offers discounts to a variety of travelers, including students, veterans, active duty military, and their spouses, seniors, rider with disabilities, and others. More information on the other discounts available can be found at https://amtraksanjoaquins.com/promotions/.

About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)

Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile San Joaquins Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com. Amtrak San Joaquins is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 1 million annual riders and 18 stations providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Prior to service modifications due to the COVID-19 crisis, Amtrak San Joaquins operated 7 daily train round-trips and its Thruway buses provided connecting service to over 100 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno. To book your next trip, visit www.AmtrakSanJoaquins.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

 

Celebrate Antioch Foundation and the Rivertown Merchants announces their 2023 list of events in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown in beginning in April. Some events will be hosted by or with other community partners. Download, print and post this flier on your refrigerator or save it in your phone’s photo album and add the list below to your calendar as reminders! To participate or for more information visit www.celebrateantioch.org or www.facebook.com/antiochrivertown.