SJJPA Board hears from residents, mayor’s proposed plan, places responsibility on Antioch to keep Amtrak Station open
Plan must include improvements to safety for riders and Amtrak staff, preventing homeless encampments, financial commitment
“Antioch needs to make a commitment,” Supervisor Diane Burgis
“Don’t drop the stop” residents repeated
Only about 40 round-trip riderships a day from the Antioch-Pittsburg stop
“We weren’t invited by the city council…to make a presentation or we would have done so…there haven’t been any calls to action by the owner of the station” meaning the City of Antioch,” SJJPA Executive Director Stacey Mortensen.
By Allen D. Payton
During the meeting of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA), which governs the Amtrak system to and through Antioch, on Friday, September 20, 2024, the Board of Directors received a presentation on a proposed plan by Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe to keep the station open and heard an earful from Antioch residents and others. Many repeated the slogan, “Don’t drop the stop.” Only three of the board members were in attendance in the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chambers in Martinez, including Vice-Chair and Merced County Supervisor Rodrigo Espinosa, Contra Costa District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis and Tracy Mayor Nancy Young. Burgis represents portions of Antioch on the Board of Supervisors. The other SJJPA board members participated online via Zoom. (See meeting video)
As previously reported, the SJJPA Board voted to decommission the Antioch station during their March 24, 2023, meeting. It wasn’t until July this year that the Antioch City Council responded with a letter requesting the board change their vote and it wasn’t until last week that the mayor said he had a plan to address the SJJPA’s concerns with safety and homelessness at and near the station.
Closure of the Antioch station is now planned for mid- to late-2027, according to SJJPA staff. So, there’s time for a plan to be approved by the city council, which is expected to hear about it, next month, and to be implemented. That should give the SJJPA Board what they need to then go to BNSF Rail, which owns the rail line in and through Antioch, to request an exception to their rule requiring a six-mile distance between stations. The planned new Oakley Amtrak station is less than that distance from Antioch’s which gave the board another reason to close it.
“The lack of visible evidence by the City to improve the situation over the years, and the comments by the Amtrak Inspector General…made it difficult to not make a decision.” SJJPA Executive Director Stacey Mortensen
SJJPA Executive Director Says Issue Dates Back Almost 15 Years, There’s Been No Plan from City
SJJPA Executive Director Stacey Mortensen opened with a presentation on the history of the station and the reasons for the board’s decision for its decommissioning. She shared a system map showing the Amtrak San Joaquins routes and said, “some of these stations are in areas dealing with the same issues as Antioch,” including homelessness and crime.
“They have gone on for almost 15 years,” she stated. “They’ve gone on through different city councils, different mayors, different city managers, different staff. I would be hopeful to keep the station opened.”
“These discussions have been occurring long before the authority existed,” Mortensen continued. “They went on so long.”
Speaking of the lack of communication between the authority and the city and other agencies she said, “They can’t find a neat path of communication…by any of the communities,” referring to no email or paper trail as reported by the Herald from multiple public records requests. “We weren’t invited by the city council or any of the entities to make a presentation or we would have done so,” she added.
“The City of Antioch owns the station property,” Mortensen explained. “They have a long-term lease with the BNSF. A little over 80% of the passengers are heading east. It’s been asserted Antioch residents would lose their only access to jobs in the Bay Area. But Antioch residents have access to eBART. Granted it does not go into the Valley.”
She mentioned ridership is “about 40 round trips a day. Intercity ridership is different,” and “The six-mile spacing. That is true. However, the trains switch to the UP route just outside of here, in Martinez. They deal with spacing on a case-by-case basis. That track is governed by UP criteria.” Mortensen was referring to the shorter distance between the Oakland and Emeryville stations that she was asked about by the Herald.
Speaking of last year’s board meeting at which they voted to decommission the station she said, “The Board gave Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe an opportunity to give a presentation. The lack of visible evidence by the City to improve the situation over the years, and the comments by the Amtrak Inspector General…made it difficult to not make a decision.”
Tamika Smith has spent time over the past few years…trying to seek a solution,” Mortensen added before turning over the presentation to her.
“Over 10 years ago, about 15, Amtrak staff did meet with Antioch staff…and the words were, ‘rip out the platform’,” Smith stated. “The wheelchair lift was broken into and stolen, twice. The new one has been installed. But the homeless have defecated on the handle. The hazmat team has to be called out” to clean it up before being used.
She mentioned a “Lack of response by the Antioch Police department” and said, “representatives have met with different city managers. We met with the interim city manager and interim chief of police. During that meeting we agreed to anything that Antioch can do to make the station safer for passengers…and more importantly Amtrak staff.”
Mortensen responded saying, “There was no plan presented to staff at that time. We were very disappointed there was no plan to report out and present to you, today.”
“All of the calls for action…have been really been to protest the decision. That is understandable,” she continued. “But there haven’t been any calls to action by the owner of the station. There was a letter from the City of Pittsburg supporting keeping the station open. The Board left a lot of doors open in the decommissioning option. But all those options include keeping the Antioch station safer.”
Mortensen stated, “the goal was a future with an Antioch station open.”
Mayor Young read a statement from Chair and Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Hume, who was absent from the meeting.
“This board made the decision to open a new station in Oakley,” she read. “If certain steps were taken…heighten security for the safety of the passengers..we could then ask for an exception to BNSF on the spacing between the stations.”
“Any suggestion that an action has been undone…is inaccurate,” Hume’s statement continued. “We look forward to working with all parties.”
“I would have to echo many of what he said, here,” Young stated. “We made it clear…we’re not making a decision to not open Oakley. But we’re looking at opportunities to save…the station in Antioch.”
“We stressed the partnerships we have in other cities which keeps the stations open,” she continued. “So, we’re looking to Antioch to provide the answers…and number one the safety of the ridership but also the employees.”
“I’m very sensitive to those who are homeless. But we want to make sure we’re looking at options…to make that area safe,” Young said. “We asked if the City of Antioch would be open…to putting together a plan to keep the station open. I’m still hopeful. But it takes partnership.”
“There is possibility that there is something we can do to work out a solution…to go talk to BNSF so they can work out the spacing…and that we can salvage that and not continue with the decommissioning,” she added, concluding her remarks. That received a round of applause.
“(Acting City Manager) Kwame and myself do not have the authority to approve a plan. The city council has felt cut out by this process. That’s why I’m bringing it back to council,” – Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe
Mayor Presents Proposed Plan with List of Solutions
Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe then provided his presentation saying that the meeting was “certainly not the same as we had last year. This time we have the city of Antioch, here.” Speaking of the board’s vote and matters surroundin it he said, “There’s no sense in arguing over spilled milk.”
“I don’t know what meeting you had with the chief and Kwame. But our agreement was for me to come here today to present a plan,” he stated. “Kwame and myself do not have the authority to approve a plan. The city council has felt cut out by this process. That’s why I’m bringing it back to council but not at the next meeting because myself and Councilwoman Torres-Walker would be absent. So, it’s going to be on the agenda for the meeting in October.”
The mayor then read from the proposal which include, “Increase security presence,” during specific hours of the day. “Create a faire-only zone…to ensure only people who are supposed to be there.”
“Consistent enforcing of no encampment in the landscaping area,” the mayor continued.
“To show that photo from years ago…take a picture, today,” he complained to the SJJPA staff. (However, the Herald photos taken on July 4, 2024 – above – show a homeless resident’s tent in the landscaped area of the station and homeless residents sitting on the concrete bench).
The list also includes, “Decorative fencing around the landscape area to make it more difficult” for a homeless encampment there, the mayor shared.
“Please stop suggesting we haven’t been working on our train station,” Hernandez-Thorpe stated raising his voice.
Speaking of the homeless residents at or near the station he said, “We literally took those and put them in your hotel, Diane, in Pittsburg,” referring to the Delta Landing transitional housing facility at the former Motel 6 on Loveridge Road.
When asked by the acting SJJPA board chair if there were any other officials in the audience who wanted to speak, Hernandez-Thorpe said a representative from Congressman John Garamendi’s office was there and the congressman opposed the closure. But that person did not speak to the board. Antioch District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica was also in attendance but did not speak during the meeting.
Public Comments Include Complaints of Being Excluded from Process, Accusation of Racism, False Allegations
The SJJPA board members then heard comments from about 25 Antioch residents and others opposed to the Amtrak station’s closure many repeating the slogan, “Don’t drop the stop.”
Pittsburg resident Nicole Errington said, “I find it very offensive that homeless people are being blamed for what’s happening there,” and then read the letter from the Pittsburg City Manager Garrett Evans mentioned by Hernandez-Thorpe.
A woman representing ACCE Antioch (Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment Action) said, “ACCE met with Diane Burgis team. She had no idea what we wanted to meet about. There’s been talks about this being in the works for the past 15 years. Everything’s being blamed on our new mayor, but he’s been making changes. He’s only been there for four years.” (Actually, Hernandez-Thorpe has been on the council for almost eight years).
“I find it very interesting that the community was not made aware. I find it interesting the blame of crime,” she continued. “You keep talking crime but where’s the actual numbers, please? Be nimble and keep the station opened.”
Eddie Gums, vice chair of ACCE Antioch, spoke about, “Amtrak employees being assaulted. That makes no sense. I ride the train regularly. It’s a joke. It comes down to being racist. In 15 years, you haven’t done anything to make things better. The root of the problem is the money…you want to take away from Antioch…to take away from the homeless. Oakley doesn’t care about the train. The game is over. When we fight, we win.”
Tashina Garrett, chair of ACCE Antioch said, “I’m here because of Ms. Burgis, Ms. Smith, all these people who want to share these lies. We finally had a meeting with Ms. Burgis. She tried to put things off on Ms. Smith. But we couldn’t have a meeting with her.”
“Ms. Mortensen, ‘who was in discussion about the station decommissioning? Why isn’t Amtrak helping out with the policing of the station as they do all others?’” she asked. “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired of Antioch being blamed…of Mayor Thorpe being blamed.”
Garrett mentioned during last year’s meeting that “Diane Burgis said, ‘Oh, yeah, this has been in the works for 10 years.’ Who are the people who made this decision?” She asked if it was, “Mike Barbanica who is running for Supervisor of Contra Costa County? Is it Back the Blue?” (Barbanica has only served on the city council for four years).
Another speaker said, “I heard of all these meetings with city staff, city council members, the chief of police. But where were the meetings with the public?”
“I’ve had the opportunity to compare crime for all the stations along the route,” a member of the Transbay Coalition said. “Antioch doesn’t stand out. Oakland-Jack London Square…is more affected by violent crime. Antioch is more affected by vehicle break-ins.”
Transbay Coalition. “Ultimately, the data are not there to support the crime at the Antioch station is enough to close the stop.”
Resident and homeless advocate Andrew Becker was the final member of the public to speak saying, “Amtrak came to Antioch in the ‘80’s but came to the United States in the ‘70’s. The San Joaquins line…doesn’t affect our community currently. In 1971 Amtrak decided to discontinue the San Joaquins line and move over to the Capitol Corridors.”
“State leaders took action and in 1974 to bring back that line. Why was there no stop in Antioch until the ‘80’s. Antioch used their redevelopment money to redevelop that site. There was siding there. In the 90’s the station facility was put in for space for a ticket agent, but it was never staffed. That’s Amtrak’s commitment to our community.”
“When Amtrak came to Antioch there were 40,000 residents. Now there are over 115,000 residents. Antioch has 40 census tracts, 17 of them are low-income.”
“We are disconnecting communities,” he stated.
“I do think the component of having city council buy-in and backing it up with a budget…that’s what will move things along.” – Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis
Board Member Comments.
Burgis spoke first saying, “In March of 2023 I attended my first meeting of the SJJPA and this issue came up and I spoke of this being a difficult situation and that if they were going to go forward with this, I would support Antioch…whether it was technology, finding some way.
I know people need a bad guy and I’ll take that if that’s my role.
The problem is in those 18 months I’ve asked staff several times ‘have you heard from Antioch.’” They did not say, ‘what do we need to do to fix this.’”
“I think what Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe recommended…is a good start. But the reason staff wanted to meet with city staff was for brainstorming…to talk about keeping the station opened or reopening it.”
“The next step is for the city council to be supportive if that and for them to fund it,” she continued.
“You’re right, Antioch is beautiful. Downtown is a wonderful place to bloom, and I support that. But we need to…we don’t want to leave people behind.”
“I’ve met with ACCE many, many times. So, if there was a misunderstanding, it’s because there’s a lot of issues I’ve met with ACCE about,” Burgis said.
“There’s no plans. She’s correct. We don’t have any solutions. We need commitments,” she continued. “We’re all ready to lean in. But it’s just what has been communicated is Antioch needs to make a commitment. I feel very encouraged about what Lamar has presented. I’m looking forward to it being voted on by the city council and funded.”
Board member Mayor Young of Tracy said, “We’re here, now, at this point, for solutions. My first meeting ever hearing about this was last March, as well. The discussion was about decommissioning.”
“We’re here as a board that deals with a whole rail line, not just one station,” she continued. “We sit on multiple transportation boards and we’re fighting for our communities, all the time.”
“What I petition for you all is that you’re working as passionately and diligently within Antioch,” Young said. “We have very current safety concerns. There are different places that have issues. But this right here focuses on Antioch. We’re at a starting point of solutions. The bottom line is you want to keep your stop in Antioch.”
“We want to make sure we’re on the same page as solutions,” she continued. “Believe me we’re hearing from the community. We’re not going to get into your own personal things with your city. What you do to help support that station…when you stand up for your area…you all have to be that powerful voice where it matters for your city.”
“Help us help you. Encourage the plan. Because this is going to save our station,” Young stated. “Then we’ll have something to go to BNSF.”
“We’re here because we hear you. The faster you get things done…let’s get things done, together. Support your own city. Make sure people aren’t defecating on the handle so they don’t have to call out the hazmat team. Help us help you,” she reiterated.
Board member and Stanislaus County Supervisor Vito Chiesa said, “I appreciate him going to take it to council. I think that was the understanding when he met with Chair Hume and Member Young. I’m a party to most of these decisions along the way. It boils down to me as a safety issue. For us to do otherwise without a commitment…Supervisor Burgis has said it once, twice to me, she wants to keep the station open. You have my commitment to listen. We want to keep the station open. The question is, ‘can we keep the station open?’ Help me help you.”
“Your voices were heard, today,” said acting Board Chair Espinosa. “I ran for this board to protect my community in Hanford. It takes an elected official to promote your city. If you can prove to us you have ridership that meets the demand, we’ll keep it open.”
Board member and Madera County Supervisor Leticia Gonzalez said, “I echo all of the comments. I am committed. I actually spoke to Mayor Lamar Thorpe on March 23rd. I was recently assigned to this commission. Safety is of major concern to all us. I am committed to working toward a solution for all of us.”
Conclusion: Formation of Working Group, Commitment from City Council
In an attempt to wrap up discussion on the matter, Mortensen then said, “We wanted to hear everything you shared, today. It’s welcome. The fight is needed. Moving forward we are committed…always being future focused is our motto. I will propose something to you…if you are comfortable. Everyone wants to go out of here with an active path. Would you consider setting up a committee…with a member of this board or whatever number you think, a member from the Antioch City Council, the Pittsburg City Council and member of the public? It’s just a thought to ensure further dialogue. If we could do it, together, fight it out, together, realize what we could do, together.”
“I think that’s a great idea. I would recommend that,” Burgis said.
Young also supported the proposal.
“OK. I will take that direction,” Mortensen responded.
“He can do his own plan. You would have a multi-disciplined group…in concert with that plan. It will take the council a couple meetings to hear a concept.”
Hernandez-Thorpe said, “I was under the impression I was going to get feedback from this board today on this plan. I’m all for the committee. But I want to stay focused on what I came here for. This is my proposal. I’m here for this.”
“They also want Amtrak involved. We can give so much input. But it’s really coming from the operators,” Burgis said.
“I know you need to understand if that’s a good enough plan to go forward with something,” Young said.
Smith said, “I would recommend we reconvene a meeting with your chief and the Amtrak Inspector…because what you presented today was more than what we heard earlier this week.”
“Just to make sure. We’ll have the meeting then I will present this to the council,” Hernandez-Thorpe asked.
“Yes,” SJJPA staff responded.
“I like the committee idea because it creates an institutional structure,” the mayor said. “I doesn’t have to be formal.”
“I do think the component of having city council buy-in and backing it up with a budget…that’s what will move things along,” Burgis stated.
“To keep the station open if we have to make investments, that’s what we’ll do,” Hernandez-Thorpe said. “I understand the public feels they’ve been misled. Trust is always going to be an issue.”
“I’d like to envision…that we are putting more people on trains and that they are using it to go to work, and more people are going west…to keep more people from cars on the road,” Burgis added.
“As you’re investing…for the community to invest in this treasure you’re trying to develop in downtown,” Young shared.
“I asked for a delay in decommissioning the station so we could present a plan,” the mayor responded. “Now, we have the opportunity to present a plan. It will include investments, as well.”
The SJJPA board then moved on to other business on the meeting agenda.
Following the meeting, Hernandez-Thorpe was asked for a copy of his proposed plan which he will be presenting to the city council next month. In addition, questions were sent to both Acting City Manager Kwame Reed and Interim Police Chief Brian Addington asking for details from their meeting with Smith. None of them responded prior to publication time.
UPDATE 1: Later, Chief Addington said he and Reed met with Smith via Zoom on Tuesday, Sept. 17th and that he spoke with her about the need for increased safety, with possible private security at and near the station. For any other matters discussed during their meeting he left up to the city manager to share.
(See related articles here and here)
Please check back for any additional updates to this report.
the attachments to this post:
Homeless encampment & residents at Antioch Amtrak station 070424
Calls for Service at Antioch station 01-21 thru 12-22
SJJPA Board of Dirs mtg 09-20-24
