To give input to help make transit easier to use and more convenient fill out the survey by July 15

By Lindy Johnson, Director of External Affairs, Contra Costa Transportation Authority

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is inviting residents and travelers within the county to participate in a survey on transit use. Survey responses will inform the development of an Integrated Transit Plan (ITP) to make public transportation easier to use and more convenient in Contra Costa County.
With improved transit, Contra Costa County will be a more livable, sustainable, and equitable place to live and travel. As recommendations in the ITP are put into place, the public will see many benefits:

• Better connections to regional services, like BART and Capitol Corridor.
• Improvements for increased speed and reliability.
• Enhancements to improve riders’ transit experience.

Background

Contra Costa residents want to drive less, but many still rely on cars. This is due in part to the challenges of using public transit, such as insufficient connections between transit provider services, too much time between trips, and long travel times.

The five bus transit operators in the county have a long history of working together, which has improved the transit system and made it easier for riders to transfer between services. However, the system needs to be updated to meet the needs of today’s travelers. We need to make it more efficient and better coordinated, and we need to update services and infrastructure to create a modern and sustainable transit network.

Creating the Integrated Transit Plan

CCTA is working with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the five Contra Costa bus operators (AC Transit, County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, WestCAT, and Wheels) to identify ways to optimize the transit network. The ITP will provide guidance for an improved transit network that better serves local and regional travelers.

The ITP will also include a list of improvements that will support enhanced services. The goal of these projects and improvements is to attract more riders and position the bus operators to meet future challenges.

The ITP will focus on the following areas:

• Coordination: Identify ways to improve coordination between transit providers so that riders have convenient and seamless travel. Improved coordination will also result in more efficient use of public funds.
• Innovation: Explore emerging technologies to enhance Contra Costa County’s transit system, like on-demand shuttles that get people to transit, Mobility as a Service, and traffic signals that prioritize the movement of buses.
• Equity: Improve transit so that all communities and residents benefit, including low-income communities, communities of color, and people with disabilities.

The ITP is necessary to enable Contra Costa County’s four bus operators to meet the transportation challenges of the future.

Improved Transit

CCTA wants to make public transportation easier to use and more convenient. With improved transit, Contra Costa County will be a more livable, sustainable, and equitable place to live and travel. As recommendations in the ITP are put into place, the public will see many benefits:

• Better connections to regional services, like BART and Capitol Corridor.
• Improvements for increased speed and reliability.
• Enhancements to improve riders’ transit experience.

Project Status

The ITP project team is actively working to identify new ways to make transit services more reliable, efficient, and accessible, while improving first and last-mile connections. They’re exploring innovative mobility options to help reduce our reliance on cars and promote sustainable transportation across Contra Costa County. The responses to the survey launched in May are being used to review and confirm the team’s recommendations. We’re committed to keeping the public informed throughout this process and plan to share our findings this summer.

Project Timeline

The ITP is an 18-month project that began in April 2023 and is scheduled to be completed in late 2024.

Get Involved

Tell us what would get you where you need to go using public transit! CCTA is looking for input from community members to make sure the ITP meets the needs of all travelers. We’re particularly interested in hearing from transit riders and people in equity priority communities. Five survey participants will have a chance to win a $100 Clipper Card! Take the ITP survey here.

About the project: 

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is working with all five bus service providers in Contra Costa County (AC Transit, WestCAT, County Connection, Tri Delta Transit, and Wheels) and the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MTC) to develop the Integrated Transit Plan (ITP) to improve transit services and coordination in Contra Costa County. CCTA is reviewing all existing services and will recommend new ways to improve transit for everyone, with special consideration for the different needs of riders across the county.
For more information, visit the ITP project website.

30-year-old man from Oakland wanted in Napa, has history of arrests

Manteca Police search Antioch home, but make no arrests, yet

By Allen D. Payton

A post on the Antioch Police Department’s Facebook page on Thursday, June 27, 2024, announced the arrest of two suspects wanted for the armed robbery of a business in Manteca.

It reads, “Collaboration and dedication to keeping our communities safe. Antioch PD officers assisted Manteca Police Department with the arrest of two people wanted for an armed robbery of a business.

The suspects led our officers on a brief chase this afternoon, but they didn’t get far. Our officers safely detained the two suspects. Thanks to our strong partnerships with our allied agencies, we are getting violent criminals off our streets.”

However, according to Manteca Police Sergeant Steven Beermann, “There was no arrest for the robbery.  There was a drug offense arrest that our officers handled.”

A press release from Manteca PD on Monday, July 1st, announced, “Two masked suspects, armed with firearms, robbed the Manteca Verizon Store – at 190 Commerce Avenue – about 10:41 AM on June 26, 2024. The gun was pointed at the employees and customers as they were forced into a back room. Multiple cellular phones were taken from a safe. Witnesses provided immediate tips to officers which led to follow-up investigation in Antioch, CA on June 27, 2024.

The suspects were described as both being Black male adults, 20-25 years-old, and wearing masks.

Witness information led to a residence in Antioch and the suspect car. A search warrant was executed at the residence and people associated with the car were interviewed and released.

Manteca Police Department Detectives are currently continuing the investigation and more information will be available if an arrest is made.

The case number is 24-002886. The Lead Detective is Garret Morrison. Call the Manteca Police Department if you have witness information or can supply a tip to help solve this case: 209.456.8101.”

Later, Antioch Police Sgt. Kristian Palma clarified what had occurred.

“As far as the arrests we made they weren’t in relation to Manteca’s robbery investigation,” he stated. “The vehicle was related to it. Our arrests were based on the driver for an outstanding warrant from another county and the passenger was arrested and cite released at the scene for narcotics violations.”

The warrant for the driver, Terrance Deandre Fontenette, age 30 (born 6/6/94), of Oakland, was from Napa County.

“The vehicle itself was connected to the robbery, but the people inside, we don’t know if they were connected to the robbery,” Palma continued. “Manteca did come out and do their own search warrant at the home in the 4500 block of Wagon Trail Way. We were not there.”

“They identified the car involved in the Manteca robbery. It was found in Antioch and a stop was made on it. That information was provided to Manteca,” the Antioch Police sergeant added. “We don’t know, yet if they were the same suspects from the armed robbery in Manteca.”

According to the Napa County Sheriff’s Office, the six-foot, one-inch tall, 165-pound, Fontenette is African American, was transferred from jail in Contra Costa County on Friday, June 28 and is being held in the Napa County Jail on $25,000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by Oakland PD, Oakland CHP and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department for crimes including four times for vehicle theft, plus, grand theft, burglary, receiving or concealing stolen property, gun violations, hit-and-run resulting in property damage and conspiracy to commit a crime.

By Skylar Schaefer, Communications Specialist, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region

WALNUT CREEK, CA – Meals on Wheels Diablo Region (MOW Diablo Region) is pleased to announce that Lindy Maynes-Kolthoff has been elected to the organization’s Board of Directors. Maynes-Kolthoff has a close relationship with MOW Diablo Region as a volunteer for the Breakfast Bag Program.

Maynes-Kolthoff spent over 35 years serving students in higher education at both the university and community college levels. As the Executive Director of the Los Medanos College Foundation, she was active in her East Contra Costa County area as a member of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce, member of the Industrial Association of Contra Costa County, was presented with a Proclamation honoring her volunteer work in the City of Pittsburg and served 21 years on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Antioch. Maynes-Kolthoff currently serves on the Board of Directors of Delta Advocacy Foundation as the Grants Chair.

In addition to her volunteering for MOW Diablo Region, Maynes-Kolthoff has personal experience with the organization. Her father volunteered forty years ago and said that it was the best job he ever had. Ten years ago, when her father-in-law needed services, she says that the meal deliveries literally saved his life.

When reached for comment about her new position Maynes-Kolthoff said, “I’ve been volunteering for about two years, now and I deliver breakfast bags to clients in Antioch. Then I substitute, here in Pittsburg when they need a driver.”

“Board Chairman Tim Argenti (formerly of Republic Services) is the one who asked if I’d be willing to serve on the board and I said, ‘sure’,” she stated. “I enjoy volunteering because I think it’s important to support our seniors in our communities. I’m more than happy to, now serve on the board.”

“I’m very humbled to be a part of this amazing organization,” Maynes-Kolthoff added.

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s mission is to keep seniors nourished, safe, less isolated, and independent for as long as possible. MOW Diablo Region is the only Meals on Wheels that delivers both meals and supportive services to the entire county. In addition to home delivered meals, the organization provides breakfast bags, grocery bags, cultural cuisine, cafés, fall prevention, friendly visitors, callers, and helpers, case management, and exercise classes. All services are free of charge. To learn more about services, volunteering, or donating, visit mowdiabloregion.org.

About Meals on Wheels Diablo Region:

For more than 50 years, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has improved the lives of vulnerable seniors in Contra Costa County by delivering nutritious meals and supportive services that allow seniors to remain in their homes safely and with dignity. Programs include home-delivered meals, Breakfast Bags, Grocery Bags, Fall Prevention, Cafés, Care Management, Friendly Visitors, Health and Wellness, and more.

About Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. By providing funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time.

Review deadline: July 10

By Office of Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover

We need your feedback!

The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC) and the Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) invite you to review and provide feedback on the draft document titled “Implementation Plan for Measure X-Funded Youth Centers.”

According to the county’s website, “Measure X is a countywide 20-year, ½ cent sales tax approved by Contra Costa County voters on November 3, 2020. The ballot measure language stated that the intent of Measure X is ‘to keep Contra Costa’s regional hospital open and staffed; fund community health centers, emergency response; support crucial safety-net services; invest in early childhood services; protect vulnerable populations; and for other essential county services.’”

This document outlines the plans for three new youth centers in Supervisorial Districts 3, 4, and 5. Your input is crucial and will help county policymakers and administrators shape the design and implementation of these centers.

Public Review Period: July 1 – July 10, 2024, until 5:00 PM.

To access the document and submit your feedback, please click here: https://www.wdbccc.com/measure-x-youth-centers/

Your participation in this process is invaluable. Thank you for helping us make a difference in our community!

Live entertainment, dunk tank and fireworks will happen

Activities begin at 6:00 p.m.

Watch the Dunk Tank Fundraiser Livestream on Instagram @antiochrec_ca

By City of Antioch

After announcing earlier Tuesday, July 2, 2024, that the annual July 4th “parade and festivities are moving forward as planned” as of 6:05 p.m., the City of Antioch changed course and issued cancelled the parade and issued the following announcement:

The City of Antioch is cancelling the Independence Day Parade because of forecasted hot weather. The US National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area/Monterey California issued an excessive heat warning and heat advisory that will remain in effect until July 9th at 11:00 p.m.

The remainder of the event will start at 6:00 p.m. in historic Rivertown. Families can enjoy rides and games along with our dunk tank fundraiser in the Kids Zone, music by Universal Soul and Foreverland, and Food Truck Thursdays by the Foodie Crew, followed by our spectacular fireworks show over the Delta at 9:15 p.m.

Thank you to our community for your patience. Please stay cool and be safe this 4th of July!”

The National Weather Service for the San Francisco Bay Area/Monterey California issued the following Tuesday afternoon:

“An Excessive Heat Warning and a Heat Advisory is in effect now until 11 PM NEXT Tuesday. San Francisco will be under a Heat Advisory now until 7 PM Thursday. High temperatures in the upper 90s to near 110 are expected in the Excessive Heat Warning, while highs from the lower 80s to mid-90s are expected within the Heat Advisory. In addition, limited overnight cooling is expected for areas away from the immediate coast and in higher terrain. Never leave people or pets in vehicles! Limit outdoor activities during the afternoon and evening. Stay hydrated and take cooling breaks.”

As previously reported, two cooling centers plus, hydrating and misting stations in Rivertown will be provided during the celebration.

·Cooling Centers: City Hall and the Nick Rodriguez Community Center will be open as cooling centers during the event.

·Misting Stations: Stay refreshed with misting stations located throughout festivity locations.

·Hydration Stations: Free water stations will be available to keep you hydrated throughout the day.

For total of $278.83 billion, Antioch has 5th greatest amount of 19 cities with about 6% of total

“…the highest to date in Contra Costa County’s history” – Gus Kramer, County Assessor

Antioch had 3rd highest increase in assessed value at almost 5% mainly due to new homes

By Office of the Contra Costa County Assessor

The “2024-2025” Assessor’s “Close of Roll Affidavit” was signed by Gus S. Kramer, Assessor, and subscribed and sworn to the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, on June 28, 2024. The 2024-2025 Assessment Roll has been delivered to the County Auditor, as required by law.

The increase to the local tax base for 2024-2025 is over $11.16 billion. This represents a 4.17% increase in assessed value and brings the total net local assessment roll to more than $278.83 billion. The 2024-2025 assessment roll is the highest to date in Contra Costa County’s history. Of that amount $233.28 billion was from within the 19 cities and the balance within the unincorporated areas of the county.

Cities with the largest increases in assessed value include Antioch, Oakley and Martinez with increases ranging from 4.99% and 5.21% to 6.09%, respectively. San Ramon, Concord and Walnut Creek saw the lowest assessed value increases ranging from 2.97% down to 1.45%. The assessment roll now consists of 380,681 parcels, an increase of 1,239 over the previous year.

Of the 19 cities in the county San Ramon has the greatest Gross Assessed Value, which includes both secured and non-secured at $28.63 billion, followed by Walnut Creek at $27.13 billion, Concord with $23.64 billion, Richmond with $21.42 billion, Danville with $18.13 billion and Antioch with $16.72 billion in assessed value.

“I would like to acknowledge and commend the employees of the Assessor’s Office for their continued dedication and hard work which resulted in the completion and delivery of the 2024-2025 assessment roll,” Kramer wrote in his annual letter to the Board of Supervisors.

UPDATE: The County Assessor explained, the increase in the assessed value in Antioch is a combination of new home developments and the resale of older homes at higher prices. “This doesn’t mean taxes are going up,” Kramer stated.

His letter and the 2024-2025 Assessment Roll Reports can be found, here.

School board isn’t properly overseeing their one employee, have exposed district to lawsuits, while majority of students are underachieving in math, reading and science

The last performance evaluation for Superintendent Anello was over four years ago

By Allen D. Payton

There sure seems to be a whole lot of bullying and accusations of it going on in the Antioch Unified School District, lately.

First, there were accusations of bullying by employees against a supervisor in the maintenance department over the placement of an extra desk on a roof saying that was his new office, which was investigated and determined to be a prank – over a year prior.

Then that employee and others complained to one Bay Area TV reporter because they weren’t happy with the results of the internal investigation, and bullied District staff until that supervisor was placed on paid leave (which he’s still on) and more investigations were conducted (for which we’re still waiting for the results).

Then ASUD Board President Antonio Hernandez chose to go to the media with private personnel information and bullied Superintendent Stephanie Anello calling for her resignation. That’s because he chose to follow the lead of the complaining employees, siding with them and blaming her for not handling the situation properly, because she and her husband are friends with that department supervisor. That’s even though she had nothing to do with that supervisor’s hiring, nor does he answer to her in the District’s chain of command.

Then members of the public and the leader of the local union for the school district classified employees, California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 85 followed Hernandez’s lead and bullied Anello and her entire district leadership. Chapter president Brian Atkinson announced at the May 8, 2024, school board meeting that “The executive board of our chapter took a vote of no-confidence for the cabinet.” However, whether that vote ever occurred has come into question and has yet to be confirmed. (See related articles here and here and 1:56:00 mark of the May 8 school board meeting video)

Then, during last Wednesday’s board meeting, the audience accused Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha of bullying Hernandez by calling for his censure, which was the appropriate action to take, which is basically a public spanking or hand slapping. (They could not vote to remove him from the board. The most they could have done was vote to remove him from his position as president).

Finally, the audience were the bullies by disrupting the school board meeting, including while Area 4 Trustee Gary Hack was trying to speak on the matter and shouting down the 86-year-old Rocha, literally and surprisingly calling her a racist for challenging her fellow Hispanic board member’s behavior.

Wrong Message Sent and Lesson Taught

What Hernandez and the other three board members did, sadly, was send the wrong message to current and future board members and the students they’re supposed to be elected to help acquire an education was that the ends justify the means. First, it was done by the board president repeatedly violating the rules, this year, and then what the audience did during the most recent board meeting. While Hack and Area 3 Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis spoke on one side of the issue, that there is a proper process that must be followed, they wimped out and voted the opposite way by not supporting the censure. Worse, Hernandez defended and doubled down on his actions instead of being just a little bit humble and admitting he could have handled things differently and better, and Area 2 Trustee Dr. Jag Lathan’s defense of his inappropriate actions, as well.

Is that really the lessons we want students in the district to learn? Violate the rules, then raise their voices and defend their actions, stomp their feet, yell, call out, be disrespectful and disruptive, and worse call people with whom they disagree names and label those people racist until they get their way? That’s called childish behavior, and while we might expect it from young children, it is not the appropriate manner to get things accomplished for any student in the district and certainly not adults, including parents and others who were in the audience Wednesday night.

That may be how things are done in the big cities, but this isn’t San Francisco, Oakland or Berkeley and it shouldn’t be the way to get things done in Antioch.

Hernandez blew things out of proportion and has been merely grandstanding at the expense of Anello, thinking and hoping he finally had an issue he could use to bully her into resigning or get her fired, as he’s been trying to do since the month after he took his seat on the board in December 2020. Worse, he did so at the district’s expense. His actions have exposed the district to lawsuits from her and the maintenance department supervisor. With the board’s failure to censure Hernandez this past Wednesday night for his clear violations of board policy and bylaws, they’ve made the matter worse and have further exposed the district to those lawsuits.

While it’s doubtful Anello will sue as she will continue to keep her job, if she wants it, at least until the new board is seated following the elections in November and wouldn’t want to end her career, that way, it’s more likely the maintenance department supervisor might file a lawsuit which will cost and waste taxpayers’ money.

I expected and still expect more out of Hernandez. He’s a bright young man and could have learned from this situation, taken his lumps and proper discipline Rocha attempted to mete out, and let it be a learning experience for him, current and future board members and the district’s students. I also expected and expect more out of Lathan who claimed it was “oppression and White supremacy” for Rocha attempting to properly discipline the board president, especially when they’re both Hispanic. How utterly ridiculous, completely baseless and we all know she knows that. Our local officials must not be so divisive, knock off the race baiting and hateful rhetoric and set a higher standard and better example for the students. Frankly, the other board members should have called her out for saying such a thing and condemned it. As I’ve told elected officials in the past, I tell them all, now – do better, be better.

You Had One Job! Board Not Managing Their Only Employee

As they saying and online meme goes, “You had one job!” when people mess up big time while at work. It applies to the school board as they have only one employee who they hire and answers to them, the district superintendent. As I told Hernandez at one of the high school graduations, recently, they have every right to terminate her or whomever holds the position. But they haven’t followed the proper process and procedure by providing Anello with proper oversight and have repeatedly proven they can’t handle that simple task which is supposed to be conducted only once each year.

That’s because Hernandez hasn’t done what’s required to even evaluate Anello properly, much less have grounds for her termination. Nor have the other four board members. Yet, that is literally their number one job. They’re part-time policy makers and it’s the full-time professional employees including the superintendent and district staff leaders who answer to her, that are supposed to be following and carrying out the board’s directions. But the board hasn’t properly provided it.

The last time the superintendent was evaluated was over four years ago in 2020, when Diane Gibson-Gray was board president. So, during Ellie Householder’s term as president from 2020-21, followed by Hack’s presidency in 2021-22, then Lewis’ term as president from 2022-23 and this year under Hernandez’ leadership, the board has failed to evaluate Anello each year because they never gave her goals to work on, which is what’s needed to measure her performance for the evaluation.

Seriously, how tough can that be? When I was on the Antioch City Council – and I was the youngest council member in the county when I was first elected – we had two employees who answered to us and for whom we provided annual performance evaluations: the city manager and city attorney. I had never done one previously for a public employee, but I learned real quick in my first year how it’s done. The council members with greater tenure showed this new member, what to do, including meeting with the two top city employees to provide the necessary guidance and goals, then typing up the evaluations. Only a council member could do that because due to proper personnel procedure, no other city employee could do it so they wouldn’t see what the council included in those written evaluations. Why can’t the school board do the same for their one employee? Why can’t at least three of them agree on the goals to give to the superintendent each year? Is it really that difficult? Of course not.

While Lewis made an effort, last year, by having the board bring in a paid outside consultant to help them develop the list of goals to give to Anello, they never completed that task. Yet, as was pointed out during last Wednesday’s meeting by NAACP East County Branch Vice President Dr. Kimberly Payton, the board has continued to give annual pay raises to the superintendent. On what basis can they claim she’s earned them?

Even without providing her an evaluation, Hernandez and Lathan attempted to terminate Anello’s contract in May which failed on a 2-3 vote, as it should have. Plus, Hernandez has continued to place on Closed Session meeting agendas Anello’s performance evaluation, even while she’s been on paid leave, knowing she wouldn’t be in attendance and before providing her the board’s goals by which to measure her performance. So, it was all for show knowing nothing could be accomplished.

All this while the majority of students in the district are underachieving in math, reading and science especially Black and Hispanic students, which is where the Board’s focus should be. That’s what’s most disappointing – all the game playing, political posturing, trying to please certain people instead of one, doing their job to properly oversee their only employee, and two, working to improve the education of our district’s students. Talk is cheap and all of it has added up to little to no progress. Yet, Hernandez, Lathan and others want to blame Anello. She’s not at the top. They are, and as the old Romanian saying goes, the fish rots from the head down.

So, this November, hopefully, we can begin cutting out that rot. Lewis isn’t running for reelection, and rumors are Hernandez, who represents Area 1, is going to run for City Clerk – now that Householder, the incumbent, has fallen out of favor with his and her former political ally, the mayor, after she publicly exposed, opposed and distanced herself from him following the settlement of the sexual harassment lawsuit against him in 2022 (and who I believe has matured, grown into and proven herself in her current elected position since then, and I’d be willing to support her for re-election). So, there will be one or two new board members elected in those trustee areas.

Frankly, Hack shouldn’t run again as he failed during his presidency to do what was necessary to properly oversee the board’s one employee, failed worse this past week when he let Hernandez off the hook and the worst due to the abysmal test scores of the district’s students. If you’re too tired to fight the necessary battles and do what’s right with the authority and responsibility given to you, it’s time to move on.

So, perhaps we will be able to elect three new board members who can demonstrate the ability to properly manage their one employee and actually put the students and their education first.

One more thing on who we elect to local office: let’s make sure they can demonstrate the necessary maturity, not still be in school getting their education, have the time to devote to the position, not use it for political grandstanding purposes nor trying to implement a hidden political agenda, and are willing to take on the role of boss to one employee – give her goals and then evaluate her performance based on them, and most importantly make improving the education of our district’s students their true top priority.

The bottom line is we all oppose bullying among students, so it shouldn’t be occurring or allowed among the adults, especially those in leadership in the Antioch Unified School District. Everyone needs to be mature, respectful and good examples to the students in how they behave, follow the rules and treat others. Perhaps placing signs like the one above throughout the district including in the Board Room might help as a reminder.