By Neil Sterud

The Spring 2024 semester at California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime) has been marked by regular sessions inviting all interested parties to propose ideas for institutional improvement and cost-saving measures. Students have been kept well-informed about the institution’s state through regular emails, fostering a sense of community and transparency.

In a significant development, the Chancellor’s Office has recommended the integration of Cal Maritime with California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO). This proposal, if approved by the CSU Board of Trustees, aims to address Cal Maritime’s financial and enrollment challenges. Interim President Michael J. Dumont, J.D., shared the news with the Cal Maritime community, highlighting the potential benefits of this integration for advancing the educational mission of both institutions, increasing enrollment, and safeguarding critical academic programs.

The proposed integration is seen as a strategic response to the fiscal crisis and declining enrollment, which Cal Maritime has been grappling with. Over the past seven years, enrollment has decreased by 31%, from 1,107 students in 2016 to just over 750 in 2023. The financial instability has reached a point where further budget reductions risk compromising Cal Maritime’s unique educational mission. President Dumont noted, “Our ability to obtain additional permanent funding in an amount sufficient to make a marked impact is impossible given the current budget environment.”.

Despite the challenges, the integration with Cal Poly SLO is viewed as a promising opportunity. Cal Poly SLO, with its renowned engineering programs and dynamic enrollment management capabilities, was chosen due to its programmatic similarities with Cal Maritime. The integration is expected to enhance the core educational missions of both institutions, providing greater stability and creating more opportunities for students. It will also allow for increased research opportunities and the potential to compete for greater federal funding in areas such as national security and renewable energy.

However, it is important to acknowledge that most mergers fail to achieve their objectives. The success of this integration will depend on careful planning and execution, along with the active involvement and support of all stakeholders. As President Dumont emphasized, “The integration will allow both institutions to fully leverage our mutual strengths and build upon similarities, including a shared foundation in applied learning.”

The CSU Board of Trustees will consider the proposed integration at their meetings in July and September, with a final vote expected in November 2024. If approved, the integration would begin in July 2025, with the first maritime academy students enrolling as Cal Poly SLO students in fall 2026.

Despite these financial difficulties, Cal Maritime consistently ranks as a top university for return on investment and high-paying jobs. As the institution approaches this critical juncture, the community’s involvement and input will be essential in shaping a sustainable and successful future. The regular sessions held during the spring semester have set the stage for an inclusive and collaborative process, ensuring that the voices of students, faculty, staff, and alumni are heard and considered in this transformative journey.

Assemblywoman Wilson Supportive of Merger

On June 6, Assemblywoman Lori Wilson who represents the 11th Assembly District, which includes Vallejo, released the following statement regarding the CSU Chancellor’s proposal to integrate Cal Maritime in Vallejo with Cal Poly SLO:

“The recent news of California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime) integrating into California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is a significant development for our community. My office will be closely monitoring the details of this proposal and will remain actively engaged. We encourage the community and stakeholders to vet this proposal as well. My primary concerns are ensuring that administrators, faculty, and students are well taken care of and preserving Cal Maritime as a beacon of excellence in our community.

While this proposed transition on the surface may not be ideal, it may be necessary to prevent Cal Maritime’s closure, which would be a huge loss for our community. I am optimistic that changing the university’s administrative structure and integrating it with a renowned CSU campus will allow Cal Maritime to thrive well into the future. We, as a community, must remain vigilant to ensure this process of integration is transparent and meets the needs of our community.”

Neil Sterud is an Antioch resident and a senior at Cal Maritime.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

“We’re going to update it” – Sean McCauley

By Allen D. Payton

Good news for those concerned about the removal of the historic mural on the W. 4th Street side of the building on the corner of G Street in Antioch’s downtown Rivertown.

After reading the Herald article about the mural, Sean McCauley who, with his partner Ron Harrison, owns the building, shared that a new mural would be painted on the building.

“We’re going to update it,” he stated.

“We are working with (Acting City Manager) Kwame (Reed) and (Mayor) Lamar (Hernandez-Thorpe), to redo the mural and to depict a similar and more inclusive scene for the community,” McCauley shared. “Grant funds were secured for this mural and others.”

Asked about the funds for the other murals in Rivertown, specifically the Sesquicentennial mural on the side of the building at 505 W. 2nd Street he said, “The only mural that was in bad shape was the one on W. 4th Street.”

“It wasn’t just the paint. The stucco was failing on the building and has been for years,” McCauley explained. “The building was literally falling off and hitting people.”

“We aren’t going to take the easement off of it,” he continued. “We’re working with Kwame and Brad to get a good mural up there. This is a positive thing for downtown.”

“We tried to get in contact with the muralist (who lives out of state) but she isn’t interested in redoing it,” said McCauley. “We have a muralist we’re working with on our downtown Pittsburg buildings and trying to use the same muralist for this one.”

The design is not done yet but it “will be more inclusive”, he reiterated.

“It’s a $650,000 to $700,000 investment that we’re putting into that G Street block (between W. 3rd and 4th Streets),” McCauley stated. “We’re doing what we can to improve the downtown.”

That includes investments by the two partners purchasing and improving multiple other buildings in Rivertown, including the Salon Suites on W. 4th and I Streets, and bringing several restaurants to the Rivertown Dining District including Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill, Monica’s Riverview, Guadalajara Taqueria, Abuelita’s House Pastries and Peruvian Sandwiches, and Buford’s BBQ.

In addition, Sylvia’s Florist is returning to Antioch and will soon open in McCauley’s building at 101 H Street in the old Casino building next to Waldie Plaza.

UPDATE 1: Original Mural Leader Wants Replacement to be Historically Correct

After reading the article above, former Antioch Councilwoman Elizabeth Rimbault, who was instrumental in leading the effort for the W. 4th Street mural, offered additional information about who it depicted and wants to ensure the replacement is historically correct.

“The original Operators Telephone Office Mural was historically correct for the occupants of the corner office in the 1940’s and 1950’s of downtown Antioch. The people depicted were real and were prominent figures of the time with names and families some still in Antioch,” she shared.

“Bill Friedrickson was the telephone repairman leaning against the truck and in the late 1990’s cleared hundreds of pounds of abandoned phone wires in the attic of the Historical Society Museum when they acquired the Riverview Union High School,” Rimbault continued. “Bob Beswick was a driving force of the community without serving on the city council.”

“When it is stated, the new mural will be more ‘inclusive’, does that mean people will be painted in that were not an employee of the phone company? Or not a resident in 1950? That would constitute revised history which I am sad to say there has been too much of that in Antioch lately in these 2020’s being more politically driven,” she stated. “I suggest that as the Historical Society received all rights, obligations, and remaining funds from the Antioch Friends of the Arts, that the Society be given final say of correctness of all historical facts depicted in the new design of the mural.”

“The boys seen in the window were just children that Char Downs Siska, the artist, painted in. They don’t depict anyone specific,” Rimbault added.

“It should be noted the only murals granting a city easement are W. 4th and G Street and 505 2nd Street. All other murals on private buildings and walls are totally the property owners’ right to choose,” she stated.

UPDATE 2: Mural Leader Suggests Depicting Two Black Sisters to Make New Mural Inclusive While Maintaining Historical Accuracy

After a few days thinking about it, Rimbault shared additional historical information about a Black family who lived in Antioch during the time the mural depicted. She offered a suggestion of adding depictions of two of the sisters to make the new mural more inclusive and keeping it historically accurate, as McCauley mentioned.

“Hold the presses,” Rimbault requested after her memory was triggered. “The mural was for 1951. It’s possible that at that time the Blanton (sp) family lived on railroad property near Railroad Avenue and A Street. The two oldest girls were in Antioch schools until Vergy was told to attend Pittsburg High School as she was graduating from junior high to high school. Her sister Joyce was in my husband’s Class of ‘61 and Vergy would have been in the Class of ’62.”

“If you count backwards, both girls would have been six and seven years old in 1951 and the only Black children in Antioch at the time,” Rimbault stated. “So, if the mayor wants the mural to be inclusive, two children looking into the operators’ window need to be little girls and it could be a tribute to the two, as they had many friends in school and should have been allowed to stay. But due to the underlying, unwritten law of Antioch the superintendent of schools suggested to their parents they would be better off in Pittsburg where they would be able to date boys of their own race.”

“And little girls would be more appropriately curious about all the women operators,” she added.

“Years ago, Joyce attended my husband’s class reunion of 50 years and had always considered it her class even though she was made to transfer as a junior,” Rimbault shared. “Her sister had a much harder adjustment, dropping out later and died as a young woman.”

“It’s amazing what memories this situation has caused to flood back to me. Have not thought about this in years,” the former Antioch historian mused.

UPDATE: “We’re going to update it” – building owner Sean McCauley.

Antioch residents, business owners, former councilmembers upset

The first Facade Mural Easement on private property recorded in the State of California.

“Part of the easement agreement was the City agreeing to maintain the murals” – Elizabeth Rimbault

By Allen D.  Payton

Good news UPDATE! – Building owner, City working on new, historic mural for 4th Street wall in Antioch’s downtown Rivertown. (See article)

The historic mural on a privately owned building wall in Antioch’s downtown Rivertown is being removed beginning Thursday, June 19, 2024, to the dismay of residents, business owners and former Antioch Council members. Commissioned by the council in 1997 and paid for with private funds, the mural, located on the W. 4th Street side of the brick building at the corner of G Street, was no longer being maintained by the City at staff’s direction after some of the paint was pealing and cracking. Before the new owners purchased the building in 2021, they were given permission to remove the mural instead of the City repairing it. To maintain the mural would have been cost-prohibitive for the new owner according to the property manager who chose to remain anonymous.

Former Antioch Councilwoman Elizabeth Rimbault was instrumental in bringing to life both the murals on W. 4th Street and W. 2nd Streets. As a former member of the Antioch Friends of the Arts and former leader with the Antioch Historical Society, she was the one who led the effort for the mural’s approval by the council after she was no longer serving, raising the funds and working with the muralist.

“What a travesty,” she said first learned its removal. “That was the first Facade Mural Easement on private property recorded in the State of California. How low the City has come.”

A Certificate of Acceptance dated March 3, 1998 was signed by the city attorney states, “This is to certify that the interest in real property conveyed by Grant of Façade Mural Easement…from” the building owners at that time, “to the City of Antioch…is hereby accepted by the undersigned officer…pursuant to authority conferred by Resolution of the Antioch City Council adopted on May 10 1983, and the grantee consents to recordation thereof…”

Rimbault then offered some background to the mural which depicted a scene of the telephone company that was located inside during the 1950’s that included the late Don and Helen Meagher who were talking to the office manager, a real woman, as new residents at the time.

“Don came to work as a teacher in Antioch,” she shared. “Helen later became the leader of the former Antioch Friends of the Arts, and it was her dream to have a mural community for residents and others to appreciate in the city’s downtown.”

“I worked on that just prior to Helen’s death,” the former councilwoman shared. “Becoming a mural community and attracting visitors was Helen’s dream. City Attorney Bill Galstan and I put it together. Then I did all the negotiations with the owners and obtained their signatures. So sad. She died before we were able to get the first one approved.”

The mural also depicted an actual woman who worked as an operator at the switchboard as well as a telephone truck and the man leaning against it was an actual employee who literally installed all the phones in Antioch, at the time.

The mural also included a painting of the late Dr. Thomas Dozier, a local physician who practiced medicine from the 1930’s through the late 1980’s and one of the namesakes of Antioch’s Dozier-Libbey Medical High School.

“He walked by the building each day between his home and office a block away,” said Rimbault.

On the right end of the mural was a depiction of the late Bob Beswick, who owned Beswick Insurance in downtown, holding an American flag.

“He was the unofficial Mayor of Rivertown who greeted people,” she shared. “His office was in the nearby building that fronts W. 4th Street next to the auto repair building that houses Pantell’s Music Box, today.”

Rivertown business owner Vicky Galloway was not happy, saying, “I’m just upset that they took it down without trying to preserve it. It’s just another part of downtown gone.”

Antioch Historical Society Director Kay Power said when she learned of the mural’s removal, “Oh, no! That was nice. It just needed some repair.”

When informed of the matter, former Councilwoman Norma Hernandez said, “Anything to do with art that goes up should stay forever. The City can’t back away on historical art. This is a sad day. I don’t agree with anything they’re doing and they should uphold their contract. You can’t trust the City and they’ve proven it again.”

Former Antioch Public Works Director and City Engineer Stan Davis, who was on the Antioch Historical Society’s Board of Directors for 20 years until he resigned a few years ago, offered his perspective.

“I know the city was responsible for it and they (the building owners) got permission to remove it. The problem is the city hasn’t maintained it,” he stated.

“There was a paint problem with the building before they put it on,” Davis continued. “The paint was coming off and it was taking the mural with it. The wall should have been scraped and painted, first. They’re taking it down to the wall and then painting it

“No one has talked to us about it as a Historical Society. The decision was made without us. But I’m no longer on the board,” he stated. “It’s too bad but I don’t really know what they could do.”

Background

The mural was commissioned by the council, and the second to be painted following the Sesquicentennial Mural on the wall of 505 W. 2nd Street depicting early scenes of Antioch from the 1800’s including the July 4th, 19851 picnic when the town was renamed from Smith’s Landing to Antioch, the coal train and a coal miner, Antioch’s first mayor and his daughter, the first teacher in the community.

“After we had the easement, all the council decided they wanted the Sesquicentennial mural on 2nd Street first as that was coming up the following year,” Rimbault continued. “So, then I had to get the artist to design another, larger mural, negotiate with another owner of the old Fontana building and raise $165,000 of private money to pay for it. A minor contribution was made by the City. The minute the Sesquicentennial mural was done the fences were moved to the 4th Street site and the artist started painting.”

“Throughout its history the City has been a poor partner in the mural projects,” she stated. “All rights and obligations were turned over to the Historical Society when Friends of the Arts disbanded. The Historical Society should be hammering the City about maintenance as now this places the Sesquicentennial mural in jeopardy, as well.”

“Interesting the city I have moved to, Manteca, is a mural community and very proud of it,” Rimbault shared. “People drive all over downtown trying to see all the murals and they are historic about the community’s early beginnings or honoring military and heroes. They are beautiful and well maintained. Dozens of them covering entire business buildings walls, some on the second story.”

“Antioch’s crap attitude wins again,” she added.

“The 4th Street mural was paid for 100% with private funds,” Rimbault stated. “The council approved the easement agreement and permit for the mural.

“Part of the easement agreement was the City agreeing to maintain the murals,” she explained. “The conditions are the owner of the building can never paint over the mural and cannot disrupt the wall in any way, such as putting in a window or door.

In exchange, the City agreed to perpetually maintain the murals including removing any graffiti and repairs.”

“It was a recorded easement, and the new owner would have had to obtain a signature from the Historical Society and it would have had to be on the council agenda to get signatures from the City,” allowing removal, said Rimbault who was also a signatory to the easement agreement.

“The Friends of the Arts maintained both murals on two occasions because the City was not stepping up to fulfill their obligations,” she continued. “The City sent a contractor who used the wrong cleaning agent which resulted in one of the faces being blurred. He stopped as soon as he realized what was happening, but the damage was done. Before disbanding, the Friends of the Arts turned over their money, rights and responsibilities to the Historical Society.”

“The mural on the Antioch Library wall on E. 18th Street was the first one allowed on a County-owned building,” Rimbault shared. “The County has done an honorable job of maintaining that mural, unlike the City.”

City Staff Determined Mural “Cannot Be Restored”, Took Photos, Video for Archive

Emails December 2020 and January 2021, provided by the new building owners, among the real estate advisors for the owner selling the building and with city staff, and forwarded to the buyers, show there was a desire to restore the mural and that there was an easement in place.

In an email on Dec. 17, 2020, then-Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Kaiser informed the property manager for the owner selling the building and copying then-Assistant City Manager Rosannna Bayon Moore, that the mural could not be restored.

Kaiser wrote, “The City of Antioch has analyzed the mural located on the building (you manage) located at 4th and G Streets. Unfortunately, the mural in its current condition cannot be restored. It saddens me to acknowledge this situation and provide this report, since we know how beloved this mural is for many residents.

The City would like to preserve the place in history that this mural offers, and is moving forward to capture high quality images/video of the mural so that we can tell the story.

I am retiring and tomorrow is my last day at work. I am pleased to connect you with Rosanna Bayon-Moore, Assistant City Manager. Rosanna will work to see that the image/video project moves along in a timely manner.”

An email dated Jan. 2021 read, “we have been working with the city and historical society to get the mural restored. They currently have an easement. They have indicated they may no longer want that easement or the responsibility to maintain the mural. This might be a benefit to the buyer. We don’t have any agreements or commitments, but I will send you the contract we have been working with so the buyer can follow up with them.”

Questions for Council, Current and Former City Staff, Historical Society President

Questions were emailed on Friday, June 21, 2024, to all five current members who were serving on the city council in 2021, plus, Acting City Manager Kwame Reed, City Attorney Thomas L. Smith, Historical Society president Shari Gayle and former city manager Ron Bernal were informed of the easement agreement and asked about the mural’s removal, if the both the City and Historical Society signed off in 2021, if the council gave city staff that direction, when the City stopped maintaining it and why, what could have been done to repair and preserve it, and if there will be any efforts to secure another Rivertown building wall to replace and repaint the mural.

They were also asked what has been done to preserve and maintain the other murals in Rivertown and other parts of the city, including one at the Veterans Memorial at the end of L Street near the Marina, and the other on A Street next to the Chevron station, and if there is a fund in the City’s budget to pay for it.

Ogorchock responded, “Individuals came to me when the building was purchased. It was never shared with me that we had an easement on it and were supposed to maintain the mural. I asked the city manager about it at that time what could we do to make sure the mural stays. I was told it was in disrepair and the new owner could paint over it.”

“We as council never approved this. It’s my understanding, we as a city were not supposed to maintain the art and the owner was to put a coating on it every two years. Obviously, the previous owner didn’t. City staff made the decision. I was not aware of the easement. It was not brought to council. We should have maintained it but we didn’t. That was not brought to council. That was a decision made without us.”

“We need to make sure that we have funds set aside to maintain and repair the murals and utility boxes in the city. I will address it as the next city council meeting,” she added.

District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica replied, “I don’t recall any knowledge of this.”

Second Mural on the Building

“It was the second mural on that building,” he shared. “I remember the first time as a kid with my parents seeing that mural being painted. The Honey Sweet Donuts shop was located inside.”

“That mural included a guy, laying on his stomach, reaching out for something. It was a very unusual mural. But it was beautiful,” Barbanica added.

Former Antioch City Manager Ron Bernal responded, “Yes, the City decided it was too expensive to rehabilitate the mural.”

He reiterated what was written in the email by Parks and Recreation Director Kaiser writing, “The mural was however professionally photo documented to preserve the artwork.”

Acting City Manager Reed was then asked to locate the photos and video of the artwork.

Additional efforts to reach Gayle of the Historical Society were unsuccessful and no responses were received from them or the other council members prior to publication time.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

For 7– to 12-year-olds

By CA State Parks

Do you think our six-legged neighbors are creepy or cool? Join us to take a closer look at the world of insects. Learn about fierce predators, plant munchers, and nectar sippers and how they get a meal. We’ll search for insects, play a game, and design our own imaginary insects.

Meet at Laurel Nook Picnic Area. June 29, 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Park at the Diablo Overlook parking area next to Juniper Campground (see yellow circle on map below). There is a $10 per vehicle entry fee.

12 more in or heading to the academy

By Allen D. Payton

During a brief ceremony at the Antioch Police Facility Community Room on Monday, June 24, 2024, Interim Chief Brian Addington swore in two new officers, Hunter Whitson and Ryan Tryner and introduced the department’s newest dispatcher, Sara Martin.  In attendance were family members, APD leaders and officers, District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock and Hans Ho of Neighborhood Watch.

Addington offered some inspirational words to the three additions and encouraging words to their families.

“Our communities depend on us more than ever to serve and protect,” the chief said. “Your job is to uphold justice and…individual rights. You meet the highest levels of professionalism and compassion.”

To the families he said, “Your continued love, support and encouragement are needed now more than ever.”

Addington then administered the oath of office to the new officers, followed by each one being pinned with their badge. He also shared a few details about each of the three and gave them the opportunity to share a few words.

Officer Hunter Whitson

Hunter was born and raised in the East Bay and graduated from Benicia High School. While in high school, he played and excelled in football all four years and won the section championship in both his junior and senior years. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2017 and spent his time as an 0311infantry rifleman. He was stationed on MCBH Hawaii to include deployments throughout the North Pacific. On his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and going out on the boat.

Fun fact: Hunter Was a part of RIMPAC, where 23 different countries come into the Pacific to get trained by the USMC and conduct joint operations.

Whitson was pinned by his finance while holding their baby who squealed to the delight of those in attendance

“This has been a huge accomplishment for me,” he shared. “I’m excited to join the Antioch Police Department.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you,” Whitson said while looking at his fiancé.

Officer Ryan Tryner

Ryan was born and raised in Antioch and currently still lives here. Prior to becoming a CSO, Ryan worked as a part time Parking Enforcement Officer. He also worked at Los Medanos College as a Police Aide. Ryan enjoys martial arts and was an instructor for a gym in Brentwood. 

Fun fact: Ryan enjoys baseball and coaches a team in Brentwood.

He had his father pin the officer’s badge on him which was followed by a hug.

“Thank you everyone. I look forward to continuing my service in the Antioch Police Department,” Tryner said.

Dispatcher Sara Martin

Sara worked for Kaiser for 23 years as a surgical tech in the operating room. She also worked for the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office for two years as a dispatcher and one-year records and warrants clerk.

Outside of work, Sara loves to hike with my dog Savy (more of a stroll now since she is 16).  She also enjoys reading and watching her Nieces and Nephews play sports.

Fun Fact:  Sara loves to follow the Niners and Giants to away games.

“I’m also excited and proud to be here,” Martin stated.

They were then administered the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor by Addington.

He said Sarah had already started in her new position and the two new officers will go through additional training then enter the FTO program.

Later, Addington shared that this brings the department to 75 sworn after recently losing three officers. That’s out of 115 in the budget approved by the city council.

He also said there are four cadets currently attending the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Academy eight more entering the academy at the beginning of July. Six will attend the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Academy and two will be at the Butte College Academy.

Stole almost $10,000 worth of clothing; multi-agency effort

Jesus Santiago Olivarez arrested 20 other times since 2018

By San Mateo Police Department

San Mateo, CA – On June 20, 2024, at 1:56 p.m., San Mateo Police Department received a report of a theft that just occurred at Lululemon, located at the Hillsdale Shopping Center. The witness said three suspects grabbed numerous clothing, ran out of the store and into a waiting white Subaru Outback. The white car then quickly drove off toward Highway 101.

San Mateo Police officers responded to Lululemon to gather more information about the theft and learned the suspects stole almost $10,000 worth of clothing. At the same time the Organized Retail Theft Task Force, consisting of officers from the San Mateo, Daly City, and San Bruno Police Departments, started to search for the white Subaru that fled the scene of the crime. The task force found the car driving northbound on Highway 101 and followed the car into San Francisco. Officers attempted to stop the car, however the driver fled from police, driving in a reckless manner with disregard to the safety of other drivers and pedestrians in the area. Due to the dangerous and reckless manner the suspects were evading police, the pursuit of the suspects was stopped for the safety of the community.

With the help of San Francisco Police Department, the white Subaru was found abandoned a few blocks away. A short time later, all four suspects that were inside the vehicle were found. Stolen merchandise was found inside the car and with the suspects. Officers learned the white Subaru was reported stolen earlier in the day. The suspects, Jesus Olivarez, Campy Massutti, Sierra Mansanares, and Theodore Gore, were all arrested and later booked into San Mateo County Jail on various felony charges.

We need the community’s support in reporting crimes and being a good witness. If you witness a crime, contact police immediately. Try to remain as calm as possible and do your best to answer questions on the phone. Remember details such as the suspect’s appearance, clothing, any distinguishing features, and which direction they flee. Once the police arrive at the scene, cooperate fully, and provide the officers with all the information you have. Your observations can greatly assist law enforcement in their investigation.

ARRESTED: Jesus Santiago Olivarez, 31-year-old Antioch resident.

CHARGES: 490.4(a)(1) PC- Organized retail theft, 487(a) PC- Grand theft, 460(b) PC- Second degree burglary.

ARRESTED: Theodore Gore, 30-year-old San Francisco resident.

CHARGES: 2800.4 CVC- Evading a peace officer, 2800.2(a) CVC- Evading a peace officer with wanton disregard to public safety, 490.4(a)(1) PC- Organized retail theft, 496d(a) PC- Possess stolen vehicle, 10851(a) CVC- Take vehicle without owner’s consent, 487(a) PC- Grand theft, 460(b) PC- Second degree burglary.

ARRESTED: Sierra Mansanares, 27-year-old San Francisco resident.

CHARGES: 490.4(a)(1) PC- Organized retail theft, 487(a) PC- Grand theft, 460(b) PC- Second degree burglary, 11377(a) HS- Possession of a controlled substance.

ARRESTED: Camy Massutti, 32-year-old San Francisco resident.

CHARGES: 490.4(a)(1) PC- Organized retail theft, 487(a) PC- Grand theft, 460(b) PC- Second degree burglary, 11350(a) HS- Possession of a controlled substance.

According to localcrimenews.com, Olivarez has a history of 21 arrests dating back to 2018, including two other times this year in March and just last month, by agencies including Antioch PD, Pleasant Hill PD, Colma PD, Mountain View PD, San Mateo PD, Santa Clara PD, and Sheriff’s Departments in Riverside, Contra Costa, and San Mateo counties, on gun and drug charges, and for shoplifting, grand theft, petty theft, vehicle theft and receiving Stolen property – motor vehicle, battery on a peace officer or emergency personnel and falsely personating another in his or her private or official capacity.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Police Department

On Sunday, June 23rd at approximately 10:33 PM, officers were dispatched to the report of an auto versus pedestrian collision on Lone Tree Way near Black Diamond Drive. When officers arrived, they located the pedestrian, a 71-year-old male resident of Antioch, suffering from life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, the man did not survive and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the vehicle that collided with the pedestrian remained on scene and cooperated in the investigation.

The preliminary investigation and witness statements revealed that the man was crossing Lone Tree Way, in the crosswalk, against the don’t walk signal when the collision occurred. Impairment does not appear to be a factor in this collision and the man’s identity is being withheld pending notification to his next of kin.

The Antioch Police Department’s Traffic Division is handling this investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Josh Egan at 925-204-1587 or jegan@antiochca.gov.

Includes reallocating downtown road money for homeless, will also vote on 5-year Capital Improvement Program, services, discuss creating DEIB officer staff position

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting tomorrow night, June 25, 2024, the Antioch City Council will vote on which sideshow ordinance they want, including one that targets spectators, the 5-Year Capital Improvement Program budget, spending $6.45 million for homeless services and development of affordable housing, including reallocating $611,000 from the Downtown Roadway Project fund, and discuss the Amtrak Station closure.

NOTE: A previous version of this report had included both the $4,050,000 and $610,896 that was included twice in the staff report and they had been incorrectly added to the total.

In addition, the council will also discuss multiple council member proposed agenda items, including creating a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) officer staff position and a Health and Safety Analyst position for the Human Resources Department at the request of District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker. They will also have a discussion on street cameras, and the potentially developing a policy on the use of native plant species for new development at the request of District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock.

$6.4 Million for Homeless Services, Affordable Housing

The state requires cities with former redevelopment agencies to use the remaining funds for affordable housing, referring to as Housing Successor funds. As of 2023, the City of Antioch had approximately $7.3 million available to subsidize units in the 0-50 percent Area Median Income (AMI) affordability level, including units for the unhoused or family housing.

According to the staff report for the agenda item #10, the City of Antioch serves as the Housing Successor to the Antioch Development Agency. The council will vote on the funding recommendations of the CDBG Committee approving $4,050,000 in Housing Successor funding for homeless services and development of affordable housing.

Funds for the Downtown Roadway Project, approved by the city council in 2020, were intended to rehabilitate roadways, replace damaged sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and install Americans with Disabilities Act compliant curb ramps to improve the quality of life for Antioch residents.

According to the City staff report, the council will be asked to vote on the funding recommendations of the CDBG Committee, made up of District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica and Torres-Walker, and adopt the resolution approving the substantial amendments to the FY 2023-24 Action Plan Downtown Roadway Project to reallocate $395,346.34 and the FY 2021-22 Action Plan to reallocate $215,549.85 of remaining funds in the Downtown Roadway Project for a total of $610,896.19 to be utilized for the development of affordable supportive housing for extremely low-income and homeless households.

In addition, the council will vote on the funding recommendations of the CDBG Committee and adopt the resolution approving the FY 2024-25 City of Antioch Action Plan, which encompasses CDBG Entitlement funds, prior year reallocated funds, use of CDBG Corona Virus funds, PLHA, EECBG and Housing Successor funds totaling $6,454,180 to address identified high priority needs of lower income residents of the City of Antioch. UPDATE: That amount includes both the aforementioned $4,050,000 and $610,896.19 amounts.

The meeting begins at 6:15 PM with a closed session in which they council will discuss recruitment of the city manager and a civil rights lawsuit by one the four young men convicted, earlier this year of a 2021 murder in Antioch, and others who claim they were targeted by police officers who sent the racist text messages.

That will be followed by the regular session at 7:00 PM in the City Council Chambers at 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown.

General public comments can be made at either the beginning or end of the council meeting, specific comments can be made on each agenda item or if you wish to provide a written public comment, you may email them to cityclerk@antiochca.gov, by 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Written public comments received by 3:00 p.m. the day of the City Council Meeting will be shared with the City Council before the meeting; entered into the public record; and available to the public upon request. However, they will not be read during the City Council Meeting.

Watch the council meeting via livestream on the City’s website or live on Comcast channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99.  See the council meeting agenda packet.