The Contra Costa County Delta Stars play their home games at the Cornerstone Christian School gym at 5:15 p.m. 1745 E. 18th Street in Antioch. For more information about the team visit cccdeltastars.com. The Stars compete in the 109-team American Basketball Association. For more information visit Home of American Basketball Association (ABA)
Prewett Library in the Antioch Community Center remains open
UPDATE: “I am shocked…” – Hernandez-Thorpe in letter to county administrator
Library working to add additional security guard in parking lot, repair security fence
Closed “after repeated dangerous incidents over the last few months that have threatened the safety and security of patrons and staff.” – Brooke Converse, PIO, CCC Library
County Board of Supervisors consulted before closure; city manager informed Friday afternoon; acting police chief says no communication with library, not notified of closure until Friday night
By Allen D. Payton
According to a post on the Facebook page Friday afternoon, Feb. 16, 2024, the Antioch Library is closed until further notice but without explanation. In a Friday post on the Contra Costa County Library website the closure was announced and provided additional details. It reads:
Antioch Library Closed Until Further Notice
“Beginning Saturday, February 17, 2024, the Antioch Library will be closed until further notice.
The Contra Costa County Library has made this difficult decision after repeated dangerous incidents in the last few months that have threatened the safety and security of patrons and staff.
During the closure, the Library will be working to implement further security measures so we can reopen as soon as possible. These will take some time to complete, and we do not have an estimated date for reopening. We will continue to keep you updated on our progress.
HOLDS
If you have questions about library materials on hold, please contact us.
RETURNS
The book drop will be closed. Please return books to the Prewett Library, Pittsburg Library, or any other Contra Costa County Library. You may also hold onto your returns until after the Antioch Library reopens. The Library will automatically extend the due dates on your materials.
We apologize for the short notice and the inconvenience but the safety of our patrons and staff is a top priority.”
In addition, all Contra Costa County Libraries will be closed February 19 in observance of Presidents’ Day.
All five councilmembers were asked if they had been in contact with either the Antioch or county librarians about the situation. In addition, Acting Police Chief Joe Vigil and the APD media relations officers were asked what is being done to work with the library to increase safety. Finally, a spokesperson for the Contra Costa County Library was asked for more details on what is being done and if they will be hiring private security to supplement the Antioch Police efforts, since the department is currently depleted of active sworn officers.
UPDATE 1: Mayor Responds by Sending Letter to County Administrator, Says No One in City Informed
In a Friday night letter to County Administrator Monica Nino, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe wrote:
“Dear Administator [sic] Nino:
As mayor of the City of Antioch, I am writing to express my concern regarding the recent closure of the Antioch Branch of the Contra Costa County Library. To say that I am shocked at the overnight closure of the library is an understatement, given that at no point were Antioch residents given warning of this possibility.
I am even more concerned about the reasons for the Library’s closing, specifically safety concerns. According to our city administration, no one in the City of Antioch, including the police chief, was informed of any safety concerns by Contra Costa County regarding the library.
While I recognized that the County is responsible for the safety and security of the Antioch Library and not the city of Antioch, we would have been more than willing to work with the county regarding any safety concerns at the library, considering it serves so many Antioch residents.
In the past, when the County sought funding from the City of Antioch to increase the Library’s business hours and serve as a warming center, my colleagues and I were more than willing to support the County’s request.
On behalf of the 120,000+ residents of Antioch, I am asking that you work with the City of Antioch to find a resolution that works for our residents. Thank you in advance for your time.
Respectfully,
Lamar A. Hernandez-Thorpe”
Library Working to Add Additional Security Guard in Parking Lot, Repair Security Fence
In addition, Contra Costa County Library Public Information Officer Brooke Converse responded, “The Contra Costa County Library has made the difficult decision to close the Antioch Library after repeated dangerous incidents over the last few months that have threatened the safety and security of patrons and staff.
Only the Antioch Library on East 18th is closed. The Prewett Library at the Antioch Community Center remains open.
The Library is working to add an additional security guard who will be stationed in the parking lot of the building. There is already a security guard inside the Antioch Library every day it is open. The Library will also be working with Contra Costa Public Works to expedite the repair and reinforcement of the Library’s security fence and the replacement of its security camera system.
We currently have a security guard at the Antioch Library every day the library is open, but we will need to amend the contract to add an additional security guard to patrol the parking lot and grounds of the library.
The Antioch Library is county-owned and operated, and the County Board of Supervisors was consulted before the closure. We have communicated with the city about the announcement and will continue to keep the city apprised of the progress to reopen.
The decision to close a library never comes lightly and though we understand the closure impacts the community, we would encourage Antioch residents to visit the Prewett Library at the Antioch Community Center.”
Additional questions asking Converse for details on the incidents and if any of the Antioch officials were contacted prior to closing the library.
She responded, “Some of the types of incidents that led up to this decision include:
The city manager was notified about the closure yesterday afternoon.”
Supervisors Federal Glover, whose district includes the location of the library, and Diane Burgis, who represents the other portion of Antioch, were asked if either of them or anyone at the county contacted the Antioch mayor, city manager or police chief before making the decision.
UPDATE 2: According to Contra Costa County Library PIO Brooke Converse, “The Antioch Library will reopen for regular hours of operation on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.” (See related article)
UPDATE 3: On Monday morning, Feb. 19, Acting Antioch Police Chief Joe Vigil responded, “We have had no communications with the library, and I was not notified of any issues until late Friday night.”
Please check back later for any additional updates to this report.
Student Body President Fifita Grewe
By Allen D. Payton
In a post on the Antioch High School Facebook page on Friday, February 16, 2024, reads, “We’re excited and proud that Fifita Grewe has been named Youth of the Year for the City of Antioch. The junior is student body president and is a four-sport athlete. Fifita was chosen was for a long list of reasons but at the top is her drive to lead Antioch High, increase school spirit and help others on campus. Fifita will be celebrated, along with other city winners, on March 22 at Lone Tree Golf.”
UPDATE: Fifita is a junior at Antioch High and is the current student body president. Historically, this position is held by a senior but Fifita, showcasing her selflessness and determination, has been successful in receiving this position as a Junior. She excels in four sports and with her standout quality lies in her ability to enhance any team she joins. Through her passion, hard work, and charisma, she stands out as a remarkable student. Her dream is to study kinesiology and build a career in sports medicine.
Each of the winners, including the Citizens, Businesses and Non-Profit of the Year, will be honored at the Chamber’s annual Gala on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center. For more information visit the Chamber’s website at www.antiochchamber.com.
RIDER ALERT:
Tri Delta Transit will be running weekend/holiday service on Monday, February 19th, in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday. Tri MyRide and paratransit services will be limited. Administrative offices will be closed. Have a safe holiday weekend.
For more information visit Tri Delta Transit.
7 members appointed, sworn in Tuesday night, presented during Wednesday ceremony; does not replace Police Crime Prevention Commission
“We’re creating an advisory, oversight board.” – Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe
“They did not need to form a new commission.” – former Police Crime Prevention Commission Chair Sandra White
Commissioners ran have criminal records
Former councilman says some commissioners biased toward police, shouldn’t be appointed
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, the Antioch City Council on 3-0 votes appointed seven members to the new Police Oversight Commission. Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson and District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica were absent. Because Antioch is a general-law city, the commission has limited authority and will only serve in an advisory role to the council. Each of the four councilmembers selected one commissioner from their respective districts. The other three were appointed by Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe, including one representing the faith community. One of the new commissioners, Harry Thurston had previously served as a member of the Police Crime Prevention Commission. (See 1:18:00 mark of meeting video)
Background
The mayor held a ceremonial oath of office re-enactment event the next morning which was attended by all seven commissioners and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker. In his announcement about the event, Hernandez-Thorpe shared in February 2021, he announced several police reform measures, including establishing the commission and claims it was “once an opposed concept, now a reality to assist in building trust between community and police department.” In his post about the event on his official Facebook page, he offered a “a special THANK YOU to all his colleagues on the Antioch City Council for actively participating in the selection process that included community members and the East County Branch of the NAACP.”
According to the City staff report for the May 10, 2022, council meeting, “City staff researched (1) police oversight commissions and boards in general law and charter cities; (2) the differences between police oversight commissions in general law cities and charter cities; and (3) solutions that can be achieved under each type of government within state and local laws and policies.
City staff…prepared an ordinance forming the Antioch Police Oversight Commission with the aim of strengthening trust, transparency, accountability, and police-community relations in the City of Antioch by ensuring that the Antioch Police Department’s policies, practices, and customs meet or exceed national standards of constitutional policing.”
The new commission was approved on a 3-1 vote with Barbanica opposing formation of the commission, saying he believed they should give Interim Police Chief Ford more time in his position and get input from him prior to the formation of this Commission. Ogorchock was absent for that meeting. (See 1:19:16 mark of the meeting video)
Commissioners Must Be Antioch Residents, Can Have Criminal Records
As previously reported, the adopted resolution also included details on membership of the commission:
(A) The Police Commission shall consist of seven (7) voting members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.
(B) All voting members of the Police Commission shall be residents of the City of Antioch.
(C) The Mayor and the City Council shall strive to appoint and confirm at least:
(a) one (1) representative from each of the four (4) councilmember voting districts of the City;
(b) one (1) representative of the Antioch faith-based community;
(c) one (1) representative of the Antioch business community; and
(d) one (1) employee or student of the Antioch Unified School District.
(D) No one shall be excluded from the Police Commission because he or she has a criminal record.
(E) The following shall not be eligible to serve as a Police Commissioner:
(a) current sworn police officer or his/her spouse;
(b) current City employee or his/her spouse;
(c) former Police Department sworn employee or his/her spouse; or
(d) current or former employee, official, or representative of an employee association representing sworn police officers or his/her spouse.
(F) Commissioners shall not be issued and shall not display, wear, or carry badges that so resemble a peace officer’s badge that an ordinary reasonable person would believe that Commissioners have the authority of a peace officer.
On May 24, 2022, the Antioch City Council, under Consent Calendar Item F., voted 3-1 to create the Police Commission, with District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock opposing without explaining her vote and Barbanica absent.
Ogorchock Explains Votes for Appointments
Asked why she voted for the appointments when she opposed the formation of the commission, Ogorchock said, “Because it was going to happen no matter what. The division has to stop some place. So, I wanted to ensure my district was well represented by an individual with an appropriate background and Mahogany Spears fills that. She was very qualified.”
“Claryssa Wilson and Deer Valley High Senior Class President Corey Hawkins helped me choose Mahogany,” The District 3 councilwoman continued. “We interviewed three candidates. Mahogany is overqualified for this.”
Had Ogorchock voted against the appointments, the agenda item and appointees would have had to return at a future council meeting when Wilson, who supported the commission’s formation was in attendance.
Purpose of Commission
According to the City staff report for the item on Tuesday’s council meeting agenda, the purpose of the Police Oversight Commission is as follows:
Public Speaker Says Some Commissioners Biased Against Police
During public comments on the appointment votes, former Antioch Councilman Ralph Hernandez, who is also a former Pittsburg Police Officer, said the commissioners, “could muddle the waters and cause problems for the community. Some of those you have proposed to appoint, have come up here many council times and criticized the police. They wanted them fired. They wanted them defunded. They already have a predisposition against the police. That is not what you want any commission to be. They have to be honest and open-minded not attack the police just because.” (See 1:26:00 mark of council meeting video)
Hernandez then spoke specifically against the appointment of Devin Williams. Ogorchock responded to those comments saying, “I just want to say one thing to all the individuals being appointed, tonight. I do not believe that you’re coming into this with a predisposed notion of making certain changes without hearing all the facts before you, each time it comes to you. I think you will have an open mind. You will listen to the public and you will do the public’s work, just as this council does. So, I hope and pray, and I believe in my heart that’s how this commission is going to act.”
She then moved approval of Williams’ appointment.
Limited Authority in General Law City
Unlike charter cities such as San Francisco, which has a Police Commission that oversees the San Francisco Police Department and the Department of Police Accountability, and “sets policy…conducts disciplinary hearings on charges of police misconduct…imposes discipline as needed and hears officer appeals from discipline imposed by the Chief of Police,” Antioch is a General Law city. Thus, the new commission has limited oversight power of the police department and does not have the authority to conduct matters such as the SF Police Commission can.
During the May 10, 2022, meeting in explaining the new commission’s role, Hernandez-Thorpe spoke of the police commissions in San Francisco as well as in Oakland, for which City Attorney Thomas L. Smith served as chair, “that actually have power. The Oakland oversight board had the power to fire the chief of police. And so that’s not what we’re creating, here today. We’re creating an advisory, oversight board.”
According to the meeting Minutes for the agenda item (#6), “any recommendations or policies would have to be codified by the City Council.”
Former Commission Chair Says New Commission Unnecessary
Asked if the Police Crime Prevention Commission could have handled the responsibilities of the new commission, former Chair Sandra White said, “Yes. If the mayor and the city council would have wanted. But they would have had to vote on that. They did not need to form a new commission. Our goal was to bring forth Neighborhood Watch meetings. But it was independent of whatever the police department was doing.”
UPDATE: Hernandez-Thorpe later shared, “The police oversight commission was not created to replace crime prevention commission. Crime prevention still exists and is under review in terms of purpose and scope of work.”
However, the commission has not held a meeting since Sept. 2021. A note on the Boards and Commissions page of the City’s website beneath the Police Crime Prevention Commission reads, “On April 11th, 2023, the Antioch City Council created an Ad Hoc Committee to define the purpose and structure of the PCPC. Please check back at a future date for more details.“
“It still exists,” the mayor reiterated. “We had a meeting about it a few months ago specifically working on its purpose. I put a pause on appointing new commissioners until the work group came back to council with their recommendations.”
Seven Appointees & Backgrounds
According to the City staff report: Because this is the initial appointment of commissioners, all seven members are vacant. The City Council shall strive to appoint the members as follows: One member representative from each of the four councilmember districts; one member representative of the Antioch faith-based community; one member representative of the Antioch business community; and one member representative that is an employee or student of the Antioch Unified School District.
Two commissioners will have one-year terms; two commissioners will have two-years terms; and three commissioners will have three-year terms.
Hernandez-Thorpe nominated, and the council approved the appointment of the following Antioch citizens to the Police Commission: (click on names for backgrounds)
One-year terms, expiring November 2024 – Alicia Dianne Lacey-Oha (Hernandez-Thorpe) and Devin Williams (Hernandez-Thorpe);
Two-year terms, expiring November 2025 – Porshe Taylor (faith-based community, chosen by Hernandez-Thorpe) and Leslie May (Torres-Walker); and for
Three-year terms, expiring November 2026 – Mahogany Spears (Ogorchock), Treva Hadden (Barbanica) and Harry Thurston (Wilson).
Neighborhood Watch Not Part of New Commission’s Responsibilities
White was also asked if Thurston, as the only former member of the previous commission, ever suggested taking on any of the responsibilities of the new commission she said, “No. He always said, ‘police business is completely separate than the commission business’.”
When reached for comment Thurston was asked the same question. He said, “when I was there, that commission was solely based off of Neighborhood Watch. It was outside of that commission to talk about oversight. Our role was to work with the public on crime prevention. It was not there to monitor the police. The chief was very strict about.”
“That role is a very valid one that works directly with the public to help prevent crime from happening to them,” Thurston added.
Asked if the new commission will continue to work with Neighborhood Watch he said, “We’ll be involved with that to some extent, to collect citizen opinion, so we can include that in our oversight responsibility. But I don’t think we will be involved in the Neighborhood Watch program. We might be going to the August Night Outs.”
“So, we will interact with the community. We’ll probably hold town hall meetings,” Thurston continued. “We want people to attend meetings so the public will have a say in the policing of their city. We want to make sure we have citizen input for everything we do.”
Asked who will be the liaison for the police department, Thurston said, “The police chief will be involved with the commission. He will be a key partner with us. He will be interacting with the commission as far as I anticipate.”
Powers & Duties of Commission
The new commissioner then shared from the ordinance adopted by the city council forming the commission, in Section 4-3.110 Powers and Duties, subsection “(E) Require the Chief of Police to submit an annual report to the Police Commission regarding such matters as the Police Commission shall require” and from subsection “(F) Report at least once a year to the Mayor, the City Council, and to the public to the extent permissible by law, the information contained in the Chief’s report in addition to such other matters as are relevant to the functions and duties of the Police Commission.”
Thurston also shared under Section 4-3.110 Public Reports, subsection “(B) The Police Commission shall provide annual public reports to City Council, City Manager, and City Attorney on the Police Department’s progress on Police Commission recommendations and other updates relevant to the mission of the Police Commission.”
Organizing Meeting in March
Asked when the first commission meeting will be held, where and how often Thurston said, “The only word I have is we’re going to get together in March. We will have to identify a chair and vice chair, and the administrative details.”
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, the Antioch City Council approved the redevelopment of the PG&E Service Center on Hillcrest Avenue on a 3-0 vote with Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson and District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica absent. The project includes a new operations building, fleet maintenance, logistics shops and warehouse, warehouses, material storage and support structures. (See Agenda Item 3)
Located on 36.39 acres of the existing 56.15-acre parcel at 2111 Hillcrest Avenue just north of the Sunset Drive and Slatten Ranch Road intersection, as well as the Union Pacific Railroad railroad right-of-way and the Antioch BART station.
The proposed project involves the replacement and demolition of four existing buildings within the existing PG&E Service Center (Fleet Maintenance, Logistics Warehouse, Logistics Shops, and Operations buildings). Additionally, the proposed project would include the construction of new non-occupied support structures, a below grade parking area, circulation improvements, expansion of paved surfaces, and expansion of lighting infrastructure.
During the Planning Commission meeting on Jan. 17, 2024, Brett Badelle, Local Government Affairs Representative for PG&E stated the Antioch service center would improve service to customers, add beautification and have a positive impact on the economy. He also explained that the project would improve safety, reliability, resiliency and sustainability. On a 4-0 vote with two members absent and one vacancy, the commissioners recommended the council approve the project.
Official Ballots have been mailed for upcoming Presidential Primary Election
By Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach/Engagement Specialist, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department
Ballots for the March 5th Presidential Primary Election have been mailed to Contra Costa voters. If you do not receive your ballot by February 20th, call 925-335-7800.
Here’s what you need to know about voting in the upcoming election:
To ensure you receive a ballot in the mail, confirm that you are registered to vote and that your address is correct at MyVotingInformation. After February 20th, registration must be in person at one of the County’s early voting sites, the Elections Division in Martinez, or at a polling place on Election Day.
No stamp is required to return your ballot! Great news! Your return envelope is postage paid. Just put your completed ballot in the envelope, seal it, sign it, and mail it to us. Voted ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received within seven (7) days after the election to be considered timely.
You can drop your ballot at one of the County’s 40 Official Drop Boxes. Official drop boxes are ready to receive ballots. Dropping your ballot at an official drop box is just like dropping it at the Elections Office and saves taxpayer dollars by reducing the cost of return postage. Voters can find the most up to date list of convenient drop-box locations here. Ballots must be dropped off no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Be sure your vote is included in the Election Night results– Vote early and mail or drop off your ballot so the Elections Office receives it before Election Day.
Five regional early voting sites will be open across the County on Friday, Saturday, and Monday leading up to Election Day. On Election Day, 147 polling locations will be open. Every voter will be assigned a polling place which will be listed on the back of their Voter Information Guide. For those who wish to vote in person, you can minimize the time spent waiting by reviewing your ballot options ahead of time and arriving ready to vote.
“Registered Voters in Contra Costa County should all have their Vote By Mail Ballots by now.” said Registrar of Voters, Kristin B. Connelly. “Our Election team is ready to receive and process ballots and there are many different ways to cast your ballot early.”
You can track your ballot! Ballot tracking is a Secretary of State service that will send you notices about your ballot, including when it’s mailed, received, and counted. Know where your ballot is every step of the way! Sign up at https://WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov.
More information and locations of each voting option can be found on the Contra Costa Elections website or call 925-335-7800.
The Antioch Department will be out Monday, February 19, 2024, from 6PM to 12AM looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence (DUI).
“Impaired driving is preventable,” said Sergeant Rob Green. “It’s a choice. If you’ve been drinking or taken drugs that impair, make the right choice by finding a sober driver or alternate transportation to take you places.”
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. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
CCC Delta Stars professional basketball team’s next home game Sunday, Feb. 18 in Antioch
Friday, February 16th, 2024Antioch Library closed due to dangerous incidents until further notice
Friday, February 16th, 2024Tri Delta Transit issues Rider Alert for Presidents’ Day, Feb. 19
Friday, February 16th, 2024Antioch inaugurates first Police Oversight Commission, will serve in advisory role only
Friday, February 16th, 2024Antioch Council approves redevelopment of PG&E Service Center
Friday, February 16th, 2024
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