The Contra Costa Coroner’s Office has identified the two men who exchanged gunfire in the parking lot of Delta Bowl in Antioch on Saturday night, Dec. 7, 2024. Deputy Coroner Livingston said they were Antonio Drake, age 34, male out of Antioch and Deantray Reed, age 35, male out of Oakley.
As previously reported by Antioch Police, Investigators determined Reed approached the victim, Drake, while he was sitting in the driver’s seat of his vehicle preparing to leave. Gunfire was exchanged between the two males, and both were fatally wounded. Drake succumbed to his gunshot injury in the parking lot and Reed was transported by paramedics to a nearby hospital where he also succumbed to his gunshot injury.
At this time, the motive for the shooting is unknown, and no other suspects or involved individuals appear to be outstanding.
According to localcrimenews.com, Reed was arrested in June 2010 by Solano County Sheriff’s Deputies for assault with a firearm on a person, shooting at an inhabited dwelling/vehicle/etc. and failure to appear on a felony charge.
In addition, according to court records, he was convicted of second-degree robbery, assault with force likely to cause bodily injury, participation in a criminal street gang, and evading an officer for an incident in San Francisco in 2011.
According to localcrimenews.com, Drake was arrested in November 2013 for burglary, according to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office. That arrest was made by Concord Police and his middle name was listed as Lorenzo. He was also arrested in February 2015 by Antioch Police for possession of marijuana/hashish for sale, revocation of probation, addict in possession of firearm and possession of ammunition and again, by Antioch Police in January 2017 for possession of a controlled substance for sale and revocation of probation.
Red circle indicates suspect’s vehicle in the intersection of Lone Tree Way and Canada Valley Road on Oct. 12, 2024. Photo: Antioch PD
By Antioch Police Department
The Antioch Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding the driver behind a deadly hit-and-run accident. The crash happened at the Lone Tree way and Canada Valley Road intersection on October 12, 2024, at 8:24 p.m. The driver of the wanted vehicle struck and killed a 53-year-old female pedestrian who was in a crosswalk. (See related article)
Over the last two months, investigators have diligently followed up on all leads and are now asking for the community’s assistance. Investigators are currently looking for the vehicle in the above photograph.
If you have any information please contact Officer J. Egan at jegan@antiochca.gov or (925 204-1587.
By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
At the Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center, geriatric patients have an integrated team of health care providers who care for their physical, spiritual and emotional needs.
Kaiser Permanente Antioch is the 12th hospital in the United States to receive this verification. Kaiser Permanente Northern California has four other hospitals that have achieved this designation: Richmond, Walnut Creek, Oakland and Fresno. The Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center was one of the nation’s first hospitals to achieve verification in 2021.
“The American College of Surgeons has a long history of encouraging the use of evidence-based best practices to improve care of patients who need surgery,” said Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center Physician in Chief Sharon Mowat, MD. “Our team has invested a tremendous amount of time and effort into improving our patients’ care before and after surgeries.”
Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) are living longer than any generation before them. By the year 2050, senior citizens will represent 22% of the U.S. population. Anita Chiu, MD, serves dual roles as Kaiser Permanente Antioch’s geriatric surgery director and one of three Northern California geriatric surgery physician leads.
“Frail, older individuals are more likely to have complications, and they may have a different outlook on what matters most to them after a surgery,” she said. “The Geriatric Surgery Verification Program was designed to make the communication between surgeons and patients more focused on the goals of the individual.”
Geriatric-friendly patient rooms support elderly patients with their recovery. For example, special windows help them to tell the difference between day and night. Large clocks, non-slip floors, contrasting wall and floor colors, and handrails also help patients while they recover. Proper nutrition and hydration are extremely important, so the geriatric care team makes sure that patients are properly nourished before and after their surgeries.
A dedicated health care team
Chiu runs the hospital’s program with Geriatric Surgery Coordinator Ali Gratny, RN, and Regional Physician Lead Hemant Keny, MD.
“Older adults are a special population with unique and often complex needs – physiologically and socially,” Keny said. “Sometimes, the best advances in geriatric health care involve the warmth of human connection and interdisciplinary teamwork.”
Chiu was recognized as a national expert at implementing geriatric surgery quality programs, and she was asked by the ACS to join the GSV Education and Informatics Task Force. Keny was asked to join the GSV Leadership Committee.
For every surgery involving an elderly patient, a multi-disciplinary team discuss how the surgery will affect the patient’s overall quality of life. Patients undergoing elective surgeries are evaluated by geriatricians. High-risk patients are reviewed by a multi-specialty team of physicians who discuss vulnerabilities and make recommendations. Final decisions are made by patients and their families.
“The Senior Surgical Care Program at Kaiser Permanente is special because it breaks down some of the traditional silos of health care in order to provide our patients with the very best patient-centered care,” said Gratny, the hospital’s geriatric surgery coordinator. “We work together to identify the strengths of the patient and their support system, as well as their vulnerabilities. This holistic approach to health care is uniquely valuable.”
The new Antioch mayor and councilmembers were seated with the two continuing council members, as well as the new city clerk following their oaths of office ceremony before a standing room only crowd inside the Council Chambers at City Hall Tuesday night, Dec. 10, 2024. Photos by Allen D. Payton unless indicated.
Rocha elected Mayor Pro Tem; Freitas calls for termination of city attorney
Special Wednesday night Closed Session meeting to discuss 34 previous and current lawsuits against City
A happy, new Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal at his seat in the center of the dais Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. Photo by Debbie Jeremy.
By Allen D. Payton
In the paraphrased words of President Gerald Ford following President Richard Nixon’s resignation over the Watergate scandal, our long municipal nightmare is over. During the final meeting for the outgoing mayor, council members, city clerk and treasurer that culminated with the oaths of office of the five new city officials, Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe ended his four years in the top position and eight years on the council by leading a disorganized meeting, forgetting to allow public comments on agenda items as well as presentations to the departing officials.
Prior to those oversights, the council moved up the items for their consideration on the agenda and the departing mayor attempted to prevent District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock’s effor to remove from the Consent Calendar for a separate vote, the City’s final response to the county Grand Jury’s report. But after City Attorney Thomas L. Smith intervened, both she and departing District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica voted against the motion to approve the response which disagreed with the finding that, “The Mayor and City Council members have on occasion overstepped their authority in seeking to make personnel decisions.”
The council also considered, and without opposition or a vote, but via consensus, moved forward Hernandez-Thorpe’s proposed expansion of cannabis uses in two of the three overlay districts in the city, including in the downtown Rivertown District. That is expected to return on a future meeting agenda for a decision by the new council. This reporter was the only resident to speak during public comments on the matter saying the city needs to survey the business owners in Rivertown to get their input first, which was met with applause.
Earlier in the evening the council met in closed session to discuss the City’s “significant exposure to litigation.” Attorney Smith later said there was “no reportable action on two cases.”
Oaths of Office
The disappointment among several in the audience who attended the meeting and some who spoke during public comments later in the meeting about the former officials, after all but Ogorchock had left, was quickly replaced by the jubilance over the oaths of office of new Mayor Ron Bernal, District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas who were each overwhelmingly elected in their respective races and make up a new council majority. Also sworn in were new City Treasurer Jorge Rojas, Jr. and Clerk Melissa Rhodes.
The Antioch Police Color Guard presented the U.S. and California flags, and Pastor Steve Miner of Cornerstone Christian Center offered the invocation.
Prior to the ceremony, an Antioch Police Color Guard posted the American and state flags, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and Pastor Steve Miner of Cornerstone Christian Center, at the request of Bernal, offered the invocation. That was followed by a performance by the Music Masters of Antioch High School at the request of Freitas.
The Antioch High School Music Masters performed before the oaths of office ceremony.
Bernal was administered his oath by his wife Irma, with their daughter and grandsons by his side. Rocha’s mother, former mayor, councilwoman and current Antioch School Board Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha administered his oath of office, with his wife Tammy by his side. Freitas was administered his oath of office by his wife, former Antioch Councilwoman Cathryn Freitas. Outgoing City Clerk Ellie Householder administered the oaths of office for both Rojas and Rhodes.
Ron Bernal takes his oath of office at the new Mayor of Antioch, administered by his wife, Irma with their daughter and grandsons by his side. He then offered brief remarks to the audience.
New Officials Offer Thanks, Thoughts
Each of the five new officials offered brief remarks from the floor, before being seated.
In his comments Bernal said, “I just want to thank everybody for coming out here tonight for this special occasion and for everybody that has supported this campaign and for just the prayers and love. It’s been a lot and I just want people to know that I’m here for all of the city of Antioch and I’m here to the extent that we’re able to come together as a city to create a safer community, to create a place that has alternatives for our homeless that they don’t currently have, right now, to find places for our businesses to have other opportunities. And I just want you all to know that this is an honor that I take it very seriously and I will do my very best to serve you all and to be a mayor you can be proud of.”
Later, Bernal offered more lengthy, prepared remarks from the dais.
New Antioch Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha was given his oath of office by his mother, former Antioch Mayor and current School Board Trustee Mary Rocha, as his wife Tammy and outgoing councilmembers look on.
Following his oath of office Rocha said, “I’ve come here, like many family members who have come to Antioch looking for an opportunity for their families. My family came here for the same reason. I’ve been here since I was eight years. We moved here from Oakland, and this has been a wonderful place for me, and for my children and my family to raise here. I was fortunate to work in Antioch and serve as a teacher, high school counselor, football coach, vice principal and principal and I retired two years ago. And I’m just proud to be from this community and to serve the people that have supported me so much. I see many of you in the audience that are family, friends, neighbors, community members. One of the things as principal, I was there for close to 20 years as principal and a counselor, is I believe it takes a village to make good things happen and I hope that we can begin to work together to try to come to some resolutions that can help us move forward for everyone to have this be a better place that we can call home.”
“I’ve always been proud to be from Antioch. I’m proud to be from Antioch as a citizen, I’m proud to be from Antioch, now as an Antioch City Councilman. So, I ask that you join us, because it’s not going to happen overnight. It’s going to take time to get there. But I think as I used to say as a football coach with TEAM, together everyone accomplishes more. So, I that hope we can do that together,” he concluded.
New District 3 Antioch Councilman Don Freitas takes his oath of office administered by his wife, Cathryn.
Freitas was the next to speak after being sworn in saying jokingly, “I thought I was going to be up on the dais when I gave my speech. I worked hours on it. You’re lucky I don’t have to give it now.”
“I was born here in the city of Antioch. I was born at the old Antioch Community Hospital which was located on Sixth Street, and I’ve lived here my entire life,” the new councilman and former mayor continued. “After graduating from University of California at Davis, I made the conscious decision to come back to my home, to come back to the people that I love, that I grew up with and that I wanted to be with. And public service has always, always been a calling for me and my wife. Cathryn, actually when she graduated with a Masters from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. her first professional job was here. She worked for the City of Antioch for about five years and then she went on and became the H.R. Director at the Contra Costa Sanitary District. But she was appointed for two years to the Planning Commission, and she served eight years on the City Council from 1986 to 1994.”
“So, public service is extraordinarily important to me. It should involve everyone, everyone,” Freitas shared. “Yet, the tent should be wide enough and large enough to invite everyone to participate even though we may have differences of opinion, even though we may not even like certain individuals. The point is when you are involved in public service, you’re doing it for the right purpose and that is for the benefit of all citizens in our community. So, when I left in 2008 as mayor as eight years, I truly did not think I would be coming back. But the call was there, I felt compelled with the knowledge, experience and the dedication that I’ve had for this community to come back home. So, I am honored, particularly by the voters of District 3 but really all the citizens in the city of Antioch.”
“We have a lot of work ahead of us. It’ll be difficult. But I hope that people enter this next phase in the positive not a destructive situation. We have had enough of division and chaos and anger and hate. I hope and pray that we can move forward even when there are differences. I pray to God that He will always look over us, protect us and move us forward in a good direction,” he concluded.
New City Treasurer Jorge Rojas, Jr. and Clerk Melissa Rhodes took their oaths of office administered by outgoing City Clerk Ellie Householder.
Rojas shared his thought after being sworn in saying, “Pretty much I’d like to say thank to everyone that’s, without really knowing me as a newcomer. has voted for me. But I can truly say I bring experience in financial services, and I also look forward to working with the new mayor and the new…council. I’m ready to do the job. So, let’s get it going.”
After taking her oath of office Rhodes said, “I am so honored to be serving as Antioch City Clerk. I bring eight years of experience working throughout the Bay Area in different city clerk offices. I want to thank everybody who supported me in this endeavor, and I look forward to working at the City of Antioch.
Then, without the presentations to the departing officials as listed on the agenda, a confused Hernandez-Thorpe stood up to leave the dais as the new city clerk called for a 30-minute recess. (See 42:00-minute mark of council meeting video) All five council members then left the dais, and during the break the new officials were congratulated and took photos with family, friends and supporters, while those in attendance enjoyed refreshments catered by Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill.
The new council’s first vote was to unanimously elect Louie Rocha as the City’s Mayor Pro Tem for 2025.
Council Reorganizes, Rocha Elected Mayor Pro Tem, Bernal Announces Appointments
After the new mayor and council members were seated, Rocha was elected unanimously to be the City’s Mayor Pro Tempore for the next year as he received the highest percentage of the vote in the council elections. He is now seated to Bernal’s right, and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson is seated to his right. District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker is seated to the mayor’s left, and Freitas is seated to her left.
Bernal then announced the appointments to various city and regional committees of the council members for the next two years. But before the council voted, new Antioch School Board Area 4 Trustee Olga Cobos Smith spoke during public comments on the item objecting to Freitas being appointed to the City-School Committee instead of Torres-Walker, citing the violence in her council district that is affecting students in the school district. Freitas then asked to be removed from consideration and to appoint his council colleague. That was agreed to as part of the motion to approve all the appointments which was approved on a 5-0 vote.
Source: City of Antioch
Future Agenda Items – Freitas Calls for City Attorney’s Termination
During the Council Communications and Future Agenda Items portion of the meeting, Bernal offered more extensive, prepared remarks. (See video of remarks on the Antioch Herald Facebook page). In addition, Freitas asked for several items to be discussed by the council, including immediately providing City Manager Bessie Scott with goals and objectives for her to be evaluated on, six months following her start date on Oct. 7, to be in compliance with her contract. It was supposed to be done by the council within 30 days, he shared. However, Torres-Walker said the city manager had spoken individually with some council members about the matter, but that other council members refused to meet with her.
The other items Freitas requested were a detailed review of the budget in January and stunned the audience when he called for the termination of the city attorney. He inadvertently said “city manager” but corrected himself after being questioned about it by Torres-Walker. (See video of Freitas’ comments from the dais)
Special Wednesday Closed Session Meeting to Discuss 34 Previous or Current Lawsuits Against City
Bernal’s first request which was made earlier in the evening was for a special Closed Session meeting to be held tonight, Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 8:15 p.m. to discuss 34 lawsuits the City is either facing or have recently settled. According to City Manager Scott, one of the matters had to be dealt with by tomorrow, Dec. 12th, but City Attorney Smith said he couldn’t say which one. He also said the new council cannot undo any of the settlements approved by votes of the previous council.
Final response letter to Grand Jury, $59,000 in community grants, discussing Hernandez-Thorpe’s recommendation for more cannabis businesses
“The Mayor and certain City Council members do not believe that they have overstepped their authority regarding personnel matters” – draft response letter to Civil Grand Jury
By Allen D. Payton
During the final meeting for Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe and Councilmembers Lori Ogorchock and Mike Barbanica, as well as City Clerk Ellie Householder and Treasurer Loren Posada, the current council is being asked to consider multiple items before the new mayor, council members, city treasurer and clerk are given their oaths of office. Most of the items, 15 of the 18, fall under the Consent Calendar which are usually perfunctory, and most could wait for the next council to decide.
Those 18 items include over $59,000 in Civic Enhancement Grants, a discussion of the departing mayor’s proposal to allow an increased variety of cannabis businesses in the existing overlay districts, as well as City Council Committee Reports and Communications and the Mayor’s Comments under Item 1.
But four items that must be dealt with include approving the Minutes for the Nov. 26th Council Meeting, Council Warrants, which pay the City’s bills, confirming the November 5th election results and the final letter in response to the County Grand Jury’s report from earlier this year.
As long as no member of the council or public asks to remove an item from the Consent Calendar for discussion and public comment, they can all be approved with one motion which will consume less time.
That will all be followed by a presentation to departing Council Members and then the main events for the evening: the oaths of office, council reorganization and committee appointments. A reception to honor the new city officials will then be held in the breezeway between the Council Chamber and City Hall building.
Response to Grand Jury
Under item 2.O., that letter for the most part denies the claims against the City after a defiant Hernandez-Thorpe and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker during the Nov. 26th council meeting, disagreed with the findings of the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury. The council is being asked to “adopt the resolution 1. Approving an addendum to specific Findings and Recommendations identified in the Grand Jury Noncompliance letters dated October 3, 2024, in response to the Findings and Recommendations resulting from the 2023-2024 Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury report of June 12, 2024, entitled: ‘Challenges Facing the City of Antioch’ Addendum and 2. Authorizing the Mayor to sign and submit it to the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury.” (See related article)
According to the City staff report, “In June 2024, the City of Antioch received the attached Grand Jury report entitled,
‘Challenges Facing the City of Antioch’. On September 10, 2024, the City Council discussed and approved the attached response, by Resolution 2024/124, to the Grand Jury Report 2405 that was subsequently submitted to the Grand Jury.
On October 7, 2024, the City received two letters, both dated October 3, 2024, from the Grand Jury requesting additional information be provided for noncompliant responses to Findings 6 and 13, and Recommendations 1 through 5. Staff is requesting City Council provide additional information to clarify the original responses provided at the September 10th City Council meeting.
On November 12, 2024, and November 26, 2024, the City Council provided responses to the Grand Jury’s request for additional information. Staff have prepared the response based on direction provided by Council and is seeking approval of response.”
Following are the remaining findings of the Grand Jury and a portion of the responses the council is being asked to approve:
F6. The Mayor and City Council members have on occasion overstepped their authority in seeking to make personnel decisions, including terminating the then Public Works Director in December 2022, in ways not permitted by city ordinance (Antioch City Code § 2-2.06 and § 2-2.10).
The response to this Finding is as follows:
The City disagrees with this finding. The Mayor and certain City Council members do not believe that they have overstepped their authority regarding personnel matters which are under the purview of the City Manager and Human Resources.
F13. Recruitment and retention of staff has been impacted by the absence of a permanent City Manager and the lack of permanent department heads in multiple city departments.
The response to this Finding is as follows:
The City disagrees with this finding. The City of Antioch has historically always had a vacancy rate near its current levels.
The council’s draft response letter agrees with the five recommendations mentioned in the Grand Jury’s letters.
Over $59,000 in Civic Enhancement Grants
Under item 2.K., city staff has recommended that the City Council approve $45,450 in cash awards and $14,040 of in-kind grants to 19 organizations for the 2024-25 Civic Enhancement Grant Program. They include a
$2,800 grant to the Antioch Historical Society for construction of a historical belltower;
$2,800 grant to the Antioch Police Activities League for Youth Sports programs;
$300 grant to the Antioch Rotary Club for the Boys in Action program;
$1,750 grant to the Antioch Rotary Club for the Day of Empowering Girls event;
$1,750 grant plus approximately $2,282 of in-kind City facility services to the Antioch Rotary Club for the King’s Conference for Underserved Male Youth;
$1,800 grant to Be Exceptional for Funds to Expand Youth Programs for people with disabilities;
$4,800 grant to Bridge Builders for a New Generation for a Founders Dinner Fundraiser;
$1,500 grant to Charles and Smith Health and Wellness for Housing and Resources for Veterans;
$5,500 grant to Delta Veterans Group for the Veterans Day/ Memorial Day Ceremonies and the Veterans Banner Program;
$2,800 grant to El Campanil Theater for theater technology upgrades;
$1,000 grant plus approximately $704 of in-kind City facility services to Facing Homelessness to provide supplies and resources to the unhoused;
$3,800 grant plus approximately $3,000 of in-kind City services to East Bay Forward Economic Development Association for a free community music festival;
$2,300 grant to General Federation Women’s Club of Antioch to renovate the outdoor portion of the Women’s Club facility;
$2,800 grant to Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa for a hot meal program for unhoused and low-income residents;
$2,800 grant to Mission Possible Community Development Center of Antioch for the Operation Impact youth program;
$1,500 grant plus approximately $6,000 of in-kind City facility services to Prison from the Inside Out for an outreach program designed to strengthen the relationship between Antioch residents and the Antioch Police Department;
$1,800 grant plus approximately $1,000 of in-kind City facility services to RR Transitional Housing for the Fierce and Flourishing job readiness training program for youth;
$1,800 grant to RR Transitional Housing for the Ignite Youth program;
$2,800 grant to SHARE Community for the Mobile Shower and Hygiene Service Program;
$1,800 grant plus approximately $350 of in-kind City facility services to New Generation Equity/STEM4Real for a community STEM event; and an
$1,800 grant to Team Jesus Outreach Ministries for solar panels to power refrigerated containers to distribute food to the community.
Departing Mayor Wants More Cannabis Businesses
Under Item 3, the council will discuss Hernandez-Thorpe’s recommendation allowing the same types of cannabis business uses in each of the City’s three overlay districts, including CB 1, Verne Roberts Circle and the Wilbur Avenue corridor, CB 2, Downtown Antioch and CB 3, Somersville District.
Cannabis businesses in CB’s 2 and 3 are currently restricted to storefront retail only. According to the City staff report, the mayor’s proposed amendments to the ordinance would permit any type of existing cannabis business. To date, there’s been no communication with downtown Rivertown business owners asking for their input about the proposal. Currently only one cannabis retail business is allowed in the downtown area, and the location was given a special waiver to be within 600 feet of a church or school.
No decision will be made by the council as they’re only being asked to give staff direction which could change with the new mayor and two members.
Election Certification, Presentation to Outgoing Council Members, Oaths of Office, Council Reorganization, Committee Appointments
Under Item 4. the current council will vote to confirm the certified results received by the County Clerk of Contra Costa County of ballots cast in the General Municipal Election held on November 5, 2024.
That will be followed by a presentationto the five outgoing elected officials and then the oaths of office of the City five new officials, Mayor Ron Bernal, Councilmembers Louie Rocha and Don Freitas, City Treasure Jorge Rojas, Jr. and City Clerk Melissa Rhodes. (See related article)
Under Item 5. the council will then vote to select the City’s new Mayor Pro Tempore, which will be Louie Rocha as he garnered the highest percentage of the vote in the two council elections.
Finally, under Item 6. Mayor Bernal will advance appointments for each council member to various city and regional committees for council approval by majority vote.
Meeting Time, Location and How to View
The meeting begins with a Closed Session at 6:15 p.m. to discuss potential litigation followed by the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown. The meeting can also be seen via livestream on the City’s website at www.antiochca.gov/government/city-council-meetings/live/ or viewed on either Comcast local cable channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest of a female suspect for robbery of an Antioch Letter Carrier on Nov. 29, 2024.
The USPIS issued the following announcement on Dec. 6th:
“The suspect was described as a medium build female, in her mid-20s to early 30s, and 5’6″-5’7″ feet tall. She was wearing a black or blue hooded sweatshirt, with a Covid mask or scarf covering her mouth. She was last seen running westbound on Lawton Street.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is offering a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) involved in the robbery of a United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier at gun point. The incident occurred on November 29, 2024, at approximately 6:40 p.m., while delivering mail on Lawton Street in Antioch, CA 94509.
TAKE NO ACTION TO APPREHEND THESE PERSONS YOURSELF
If you have any information about this incident, please contact the: U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 (say ‘Law Enforcement’)
Reference Case No. 4432888
All information will be kept strictly confidential.”
Recipients of the Key to the City by outgoing Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. Note: Scott Buenting’s last name is misspelled. Source: Hernandez-Thorpe’s official Facebook page
By Allen D. Payton
As one resident said, “it’s like Antioch’s version of Oprah during her TV show giving out items to her audience members saying, ‘you get a gift, you get a gift, you get a gift’,’ during a ceremony Monday morning, Dec. 9, 2024, departing Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe awarded a Key to the City to “several deserveing [sic] individuals” according to the announcement on his official Facebook page.
The keys mounted on plaques were bestowed upon one former resident, the late Barbara Sobalvarro, the founder of Antioch Friends of Animal Services, who passed away last month, and 10 City department heads.
The recipients also included Director of Finance Dawn Merchant, Director of Information Technology Alan Barton, Economic Development Director and former Acting City Manager Kwame Reed, Director of Parks & Recreation and former Acting Assistant City Manager Brad Helfenberger, Acting Director of Public Works and City Engineer Scott Buenting, Acting Director of Community Development Kevin Scudero, Director of Human Resources Ana Cortes, Director of Public Safety & Community Resources Tasha Johnson, Interim Police Chief Brian Addington, Principal Executive Assistant Susan Vasquez and City Attorney Thomas Smith.
The ceremony held at City Hall also included what Hernandez-Thorpe labeled his “Final Address” as tomorrow night, Tuesday, Dec. 10th, the new mayor, Ron Bernal will be given his oath of office.
