By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media
(San Ramon, CA) – An economic outlook, a discussion of upcoming capital projects, and a presentation on economic development initiatives will be the primary focus of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors at their annual retreat on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at San Ramon City Hall, 7000 Bollinger Canyon Road, in San Ramon.
“The retreat provides an opportunity to assess economic factors and significant upcoming projects so we can think about how to allocate resources strategically to ensure our services have the greatest positive impact,” said Board Chair Candace Andersen, District 2 Supervisor. “By thoroughly examining current and projected economic trends, we can make informed decisions about how to best support the needs of our residents.”
Supervisors will receive an economic forecast from Christopher Thornberg, Ph.D., founding partner of Beacon Economics as well as presentations on capital planning and budget development considerations, among others. In the early afternoon they will be presented with an overview of economic development initiatives taking place in Contra Costa.
The Board of Supervisors sets the direction of County government and oversees its $6.0 billion budget to serve the 1.2 million residents of this diverse East Bay County, which holds a “AAA” bond rating. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. It will be accessible in person at San Ramon City Hall. The meeting will also be televised live on Comcast Cable Channel 27, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and Astound Channels 32 & 1027. Additionally, the meeting can be viewed live online at www.contracosta.ca.gov or www.contracostatv.org.
New Antioch Assistant City Manager Kwame Reed. Source: LinkedIn
Promoted from Economic Development Director
By Allen D. Payton
Antioch City Manager Bessie Scott announced Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, that Economic Development Director Kwame Reed, a former interim city manager, has been appointed as the new Assistant City Manager, calling him “a dynamic and proven leader”.
“Many in our community are already familiar with Kwame Reed in his roles as Acting City Manager and Economic Development Director. Kwame has a proven track record of success and understands the dynamics of our city,” said City Manager Scott. “Our city is fortunate to have Kwame serve in this new role to help us achieve new milestones and lead us into the future.”
In a press release the city manager wrote, “In this critical role, Reed will work closely with the City Manager and City department heads to promote and advocate for economic growth, innovation and public safety. Reed brings more than 29 years of leadership and operational experience across local and regional government agencies.
“As Acting City Manager for the City of Antioch, Reed oversaw a $147 million budget and led a team of more than 300 employees across nine departments. He selected the Acting and Interim Police Chiefs for the Antioch Police Department in 2023-24 and worked closely with state officials to obtain assistance from the California Highway Patrol to enhance public safety efforts.
“As Economic Development Director, Reed established the Reinvest Antioch Action Plan and distributed small business grants and resources to help businesses recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. His ability to excel in both roles, highlights his expertise in project management and his capacity to lead teams while managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
“Born and raised in the East Bay area, Reed has deep-rooted connections to the community. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he takes great pride in his personal life. He has been happily married for 27 years and is the proud father of three wonderful children.”
When reached for comment about his new position Reed said, “I am truly excited, honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the Antioch community and supporting the organization as Assistant City Manager.”
According to Scott, his compensation includes a $240,000 annual salary plus benefits. While Reed was promoted from within the ranks of City staff, Scott said she will conduct a nationwide search for the other department head positions, including Public Works Director-City Engineer and Community Development Director, and now, Economic Development Director.
“But, first will be a new police chief,” Scott added.
According to his LinkedIn profile, prior to working for the City of Antioch, Reed worked as a Senior Analyst for the City of Brentwood from Nov. 2004 through June 2018, Associate Planner for the City of Oakley from July 2002 through August 2004 and as a Planner for the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission/ACE Train from July 1999 through July 2002.
He earned a B.S. degree in City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning in 1995 from Cal Poly State University-San Luis Obispo and while there was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
New Antioch School Board Area 4 Trustee Olga Cobos-Smith (Left) and Area 3 Trustee Dee Brown (Right) joined Area 2 Trustee Dr. Jag Lathan, Board President and Area 1 Trustee Antonio Hernandez and Board Vice President and Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha during their first meeting together on Dec. 18, 2024. Photo by Allen D. Payton
Hiring interim and search firm for permanent position
By Allen D. Payton
The Antioch School Board has called a special meeting for Friday afternoon, Jan. 24, 2025, to discuss two matters related to the superintendent. First, during Closed Session beginning at 1:00 p.m., the Board will discuss Public Employment of an Interim Superintendent. Then, during open session beginning at 2:30 p.m., the Board will discuss Superintendent Search Services and Goal Development Consultation Services.
According to the staff report, the District solicited proposals for search firm services for the position of District Superintendent and/or consultation services to assist the Board of Trustees with goal development. Three responsive firms selected by the Board during the December 18, 2024, Regular Board of Education meeting will present their proposals. • Education Leadership Services – ELS proposal • Leadership Associates – LA proposal • McPherson Jacobson – MJ proposal
(L-R) New District 5 Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston joined District 3 Supervisor Ken Carlson, re-elected District 2 Supervisor and Board Chair Candace Andersen, re-elected District 3 Supervisor and Vice-Chair Diane Burgis, and District 1 Supervisor John Gioia. Photo: Contra Costa County
Scales-Preston first African American woman elected to the Board
Re-elected Andersen, Burgis elected Chair, Vice Chair
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors convened its annual reorganization meeting Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at the County Administration Building, ushering in a new era of County leadership and milestones. District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen was sworn in as Chair, and District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis became Vice-Chair. Additionally, Shanelle Scales-Preston took the Oath of Office as the new District 5 Supervisor, becoming the first African American woman elected to the Board.
Supervisor Andersen represents Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, San Ramon and Walnut Creek, along with the unincorporated communities of Alamo, Blackhawk, Canyon, Diablo, Parkmead, Saranap and the Tassajara Valley. She was first elected to the Board in June 2012 and was most recently reelected in March 2024. Chair Andersen serves on 28 local and regional boards and commissions, addressing planning, land use, transportation, pensions, mental health, healthcare, reuse and recycling, economic development, and public safety.
“Community safety, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that all residents have a good quality of life are at the heart of my work. I am honored to serve as Chair and remain dedicated to ensuring County programs and services reflect our residents’ values and aspirations for a thriving future,” said Supervisor Andersen.
Supervisor Burgis serves the 222,000 residents of District 3, which includes Antioch, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, and Oakley. She was first elected to the Board in 2016 and most recently reelected in 2024. She serves on over 30 Board and regional committees, including as Chair of the Legislation Committee, Internal Operations Committee, and the Transportation, Water & Infrastructure Committee. As Chair of California’s Delta Protection Commission, she also represents the Commission on the State’s Delta Stewardship Council.
“This year I want to continue enhancing public safety by strengthening fire protection and law enforcement coverage, ensuring our communities feel secure and supported,” Supervisor Burgis said. “Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home, and we are prioritizing addressing homelessness and the housing affordability crisis. I am also committed to bringing more services and jobs to East County, where our population is growing the fastest.”
In a groundbreaking moment, Shanelle Scales-Preston was sworn in as District 5 Supervisor, becoming the first African American woman elected to the Board of Supervisors. Her district includes Alhambra Valley, Antioch (North), Bay Point, Briones, Clyde, Concord (North), Crockett, Hercules, Martinez, Mt. View, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Port Costa, Reliez Valley, Rodeo, Tormey and Vine Hill. She succeeds former Supervisor Federal D. Glover, who chose not to run for a seventh term.
Scales-Preston was elected to the Pittsburg City Council in 2018 and served as Mayor in 2023. She is Chair of the Board for Marin Clean Energy (MCE), a local electricity provider.
“This moment is about building bridges—bridges to equity, community safety, economic opportunity, and a brighter future for all,” said Supervisor Scales-Preston. “Together, we will strive to ensure that every voice is heard, every neighborhood thrives, and every family has the opportunity to succeed.”
Supervisors Andersen and Burgis will lead the five-member elected body that sets the direction of County government and oversees its $5.9 billion budget to serve the 1.2 million residents of the diverse East Bay county with a “AAA” bond rating. For more information about Contra Costa County and its Board of Supervisors, visit: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/9970/Board-of-Supervisors.
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is inviting residents to provide feedback on the future of transportation in the county through the Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP) survey. This plan will guide improvements for roads, public transit, bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and more. Your input is vital to creating a safer, more connected, and sustainable transportation system for everyone.
Former Interim Antioch Police Chief Brian Addington is now a consultant to the City’s police department. Herald file photo.
Not intended to comply with nor required by USDOJ settlement agreement
By Allen D. Payton
Antioch City Manager Bessie Scott clarified the reason the consulting firm of former Interim Antioch Police Chief Brian Addington and former Interim Captain Patrick Wenz, WBA Consulting and Investigations, was hired by the City on a 3-0 vote of the city council on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. The City staff report for item #10 on the council meeting agenda for that night’s meeting was misinterpreted as it included information about the City’s settlement agreement with the U.S Department of Justice and this reporter and others believed the contract was to fulfill one of the requirements.
The City staff report read, “The City seeks the services of a qualified consultant team that can provide support, guidance, and advice in several areas, which will supplement and enhance the Antioch Police Department’s efficiency and effectiveness. The City requires assistance with overall project management for Police Department operations and administration, policy support, and special project implementation for not only day to day operations, but also with compliance efforts identified in the Department of Justice (‘DOJ’) settlement agreement with the Antioch Police Department and City of Antioch dated January 2, 2025. (See related article)
“The City needs its own expert who is familiar with law enforcement in California and keenly knowledgeable of police practices in the region, specifically the Antioch Police Department. The City needs a consultant that can step into the position with little to no time for learning the issues that have plagued the department, the current interventions in place to improve effectiveness, public trust, and morale, and ensure constitutional policing in Antioch, as well as have the ability to provide guidance immediately.
“The services provided by WBA Consulting (‘WBA’) will be provided by two former Antioch Police Department personnel who have been working within the department as Interim Chief and Interim Captain for the majority of the 2024 year. The team will continue to provide executive police management support and consultation to the Acting Chief and City Manager as it relates to mandatory compliance with relevant federal and state laws, regulations, and rules. The City is embarking on a five-year stipulated settlement agreement with the DOJ and has an ongoing investigation with the California Department of Justice (‘CalDOJ’).
“The support needed for these specific challenges and requirements can only be met by former Interim Chief Addington and his team as they have been deeply involved in several of these investigations and initiatives, and there is absolutely no bandwidth for those communications to continue seamlessly without the WBA team. “Because of the existing support and knowledge that can only be provided by WBA, the City Manager requests for the City Council to approve the contract under sole source provisions of the Antioch Municipal Code section 3-4.12 (B).”
In addition, information in the settlement agreement added to the misunderstanding. As was previously reported, the agreement requires several items and processes including, “within 90 days of the Effective Date, the City, the APD, and the United States will identify and mutually agree on a Consultant who is a law enforcement expert with a proven track record in civil rights and law enforcement compliance, as well as state of California law enforcement experience and knowledge of California compliance requirements. The Consultant shall serve as the single point of contact with the United States and be retained by the APD at the City’s expense.” The “annual cost of the consulting engagement shall not exceed $250,000 per year.” It was believed that WBA was the aforementioned consultant.
This reporter misinterpreted the description and information and reported the contract with WBA was to fulfill the settlement agreement with the U.S. DOJ. (See related articles here and here) My apologies.
To clarify matters, Scott wrote the following on Tuesday, January 21, 2025: “The City of Antioch is issuing this statement in response to recent incorrect impressions surrounding who will be the monitoring consultant for the city. It appears that several members of the community mistakenly believe that the WBA Consulting and Investigations LLC consulting agreement, discussed at the January 14th, 2025, City of Antioch Council Meeting, is intended to fulfill the monitoring services referenced within the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement of the City of Antioch’s Settlement Agreement with the United States Department of Justice signed earlier this month.
“We want to clarify that Brian Addington’s consulting firm, WBA Consulting and Investigations LLC, is not performing the services referenced by Section 3 of the Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Antioch and the United States Department of Justice. The consultant for the Memorandum of Agreement has not yet been selected.
The City will prepare a Request for Qualifications for this matter and work with the United States Department of Justice to identify a consultant who is a law enforcement expert with a proven track record in civil rights and law enforcement compliance, as well as state of California law enforcement experience and knowledge of California compliance requirements.
“The consultant will review and update the Antioch Police Department’s policies, procedures and training including non-discriminatory policing, use of force, hiring and promotions, investigations of misconduct, discipline, community policing, language access, and other topics. The consultant will also provide an in-person report to the Antioch City Council at regularly scheduled City Council meetings at least once every 180 days.”
Section 3 of DOJ Settlement Agreement
The first part of Section 3 of the settlement agreement with the USDOJ reads as follows:
“III. REQUIREMENTS A. Consultant: Within 90 days of the Effective Date, the City, the APD, and the United States will identify and mutually agree on a Consultant who is a law enforcement expert with a proven track record in civil rights and law enforcement compliance, as well as state of California law enforcement experience and knowledge of California compliance requirements. The Consultant shall serve as the single point of contact with the United States and be retained by the APD at the City’s expense. The total annual cost of the consulting engagement shall not exceed $250,000 per year. The Consultant will be responsible for the following functions, among others set forth in this Agreement:
providing technical assistance and recommendations to the Chief of Police and APD, the City Manager, the City Attorney, and APOC on implementation of this Agreement;
developing an implementation schedule;
reviewing and reporting on the APD’s progress in meeting the terms of this Agreement to the United States;
coordinating compliance and implementation activities;
facilitating access by the United States to APD personnel, data, documents and materials;
maintaining data, documents, and records, as provided for in this Agreement;
assigning implementation and compliance-related tasks to APD personnel, as directed by the Police Chief and/or his/her designee;
providing an in-person report to the Antioch City Council at regularly scheduled City Council meetings at least once every 180 days; and
assisting with all other aspects of compliance with this Agreement.”
Agreement with WBA Not Required by DOJ Settlement Agreement
As previously reported, the amount of the agreement with Addington’s firm is not to exceed $225,000 through June 30, 2025, with a one-time extension for an additional six months for the same terms.
When asked to further clarify if the contract with his firm is one of the requirements in the US DOJ settlement agreement Addington said, “No.” Asked if his agreement is outside of the purview of the settlement agreement he responed, “Yes.”
“What you’ll see, eventually, is an RFQ for firms wanting to be the monitoring consultant. My firm will not be doing that at all,” Addington stated.
“The MOA spells out what the requirements are for the monitor,” he added.
Scott said, “There’s currently not enough staffing in the police department. We will have new, full-time employees fulfilling the settlement agreement.”
“We’re grateful that Brian Addington is able to help the City in working with the monitor and setting up the new Standards and Compliance Bureau which is required by the terms of the DOJ settlement agreement,” the city manager added.
About WBA
According to his bio on the company’s website, “William ‘Brian’ Addington founded WBA Consulting and Investigations LLC after serving over 30 years in law enforcement. He has served in a range of executive and command positions, including 10 years as police chief. His expertise covers the full range of policing disciplines based on his experiences in a law enforcement agency in California.
“Brian provides expert advice on best practices in policing, leadership development, organizational assessments, training, independent investigations, and community engagement and media relations.
“Brian has also served as an advisor and consultant to various law enforcement agencies and executives in developing strategies and best practices to address the ever-changing demands placed on law enforcement professionals.”
About Patrick Wentz
Former Pittsburg and Interim Antioch Police Captain Patrick Wentz on his farewell day from Antioch PD, Dec. 18, 2024. Herald file photo
In addition to his service with the Antioch PD, Wentz is a former Pittsburg Police Captain with 26 years of service before retiring in November 2023. According to a post on the Pittsburg PD Facebook page, Wentz “has held various crucial roles, demonstrating his commitment to excellence. From his early days as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, and tactical team member to his role as a Lead Homicide Detective in the Investigations Division, Captain Wentz has consistently displayed professionalism and a relentless pursuit of justice.
His ascent through the ranks, from Sergeant to Lieutenant and ultimately to Captain in 2017, reflects not only his dedication to personal growth, but also his commitment to training and mentoring the next generation of law enforcement professionals. Captain Wentz’s influence extends across every unit within our department, and his leadership and mentoring abilities have been instrumental in shaping the future of our force.
Beyond his notable career achievements, Captain Wentz is a proud graduate of the POST Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI) and POST Command College. His educational pursuits, coupled with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice Management, exemplify his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.”
He completed his time with the Antioch Police Department on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. (See related article)
Effective last Friday, will receive severance package
“this gives a new opportunity for the new city council to build a team and move forward and stop dwelling on the past.” – District 3 Councilman Don Freitas
By Allen D. Payton
Following the two-and-a-half hour Closed Session meeting by the Antioch City Council last Friday, January 17, 2025, during which they took no action on the performance, discipline, dismissal or release of an unidentified City employee, believed to be City Attorney Thomas L. Smith, it was announced Tuesday, January 21, that he had resigned effective that date.
A press release issued by City Manager Bessie Scott reads simply, “Antioch City Attorney Thomas Lloyd Smith has resigned effective January 17, 2025. Derek Cole, of the law firm Cole Huber LLP, will serve as the Interim City Attorney until a permanent City Attorney is appointed. The City Council would like to express its gratitude to Mr. Smith for his service and dedication to our city over the past five and a half years and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Efforts to reach Mayor Ron Bernal for comment were unsuccessful. But District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, who called for Smith’s termination during the Dec. 10th oath of office council meeting, shared some details about the resignation.
“As I said at the Dec. 10th meeting, this gives a new opportunity for the new city council to build a team and move forward and stop dwelling on the past,” Freitas said when reached for comment.
Asked if they will start a nationwide search he said, “Absolutely. Now that Thomas has resigned and we have an interim city attorney in place, it gives us the opportunity to do a nationwide search for a city attorney.”
Asked if Smith will receive the severance package included in his contract since he resigned, Freitas responded, “Had the city council terminated him he would have received salary and benefits once a month for 12 months until he found another job. Part of the decision to let him resign was, he will receive the severance package. The city council had a choice. Moving forward was the possibility of terminating him which would make him eligible for the package. He has been with the city for six years. He asked that we give him the severance so, he could leave with dignity.”
“He has served the city for six years and it’s the desire of the city council to move in a new direction, so we felt that was the correct thing to do,” the councilman added.
“There was no reportable action because there was no vote, as he resigned,” Freitas added about was reported out by Bernal at the end of last Friday’s meeting.
Derek Cole. Source: LinkedIn
About the interim city attorney, Freitas said, “My recollection is, Mr. Cole was very good at responding to requests for information. Transparency is critical and we want to make sure that when requests for information are made that they fulfill them as expeditiously as possible.”
Cole will have two assistant city attorneys to work with. According to his LinkedIn profile, Cole has been partner of his law firm since 2007 and received his law degree from McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific in 1999. He earned a B.A. in pre-law from U.C. Santa Barbara.
Smith’s Background
As previously reported, Smith was hired in February 2019 on a 5-0 vote of the city council as Antioch’s first African American city attorney. He worked for law firm, Meyers-Nave, which was hired many times by Smith’s office, including for the defense of the lawsuit by the natural gas pipeline owners. While at the firm, Smith’s practice areas focused on Municipal and Special District Law, Labor and Employment, and Public Contracts. His senior management experience includes managing four departments across all offices of a global corporate law firm with more than 500 attorneys.
He started his professional career as a business analyst for McKinsey & Company in New York. Smith earned his law degree from Harvard Law School, a Master’s degree in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School and a Bachelor of Science in Education, graduating magna cum laude from Seton Hall University.
At the time he was hired, according to his LinkedIn profile, Smith was a founding member of the Oakland Police Commission and served as its first chairperson.
City Attorney’s Responsibilities
According to the City’s website, “The City Attorney is appointed by the City Council as its chief legal counsel and has the following responsibilities:
• Serving as the primary legal advisor and legal representative to the City and City Council. The City Attorney’s Office cannot provide legal services to private citizens. • Preparing all ordinances and approving contracts. • Prosecuting all violators of the City ordinances and representing the City in all legal actions and proceedings.
The City Council appoints the City Attorney as its chief legal counsel. “corporate” legal counsel to the City as an entity and advises the City Council and City staff on contractual, regulatory and litigation matters. These matters typically include open meeting and public records laws; conflicts of interests; land use and environmental laws; claims and litigation; municipal elections; employment and labor relations; municipal utilities; procurement and other internal services; code enforcement; and resolutions, ordinances, and other legal documents.
The City Attorney’s Office does not typically prosecute criminal activity other than violations of the Municipal Code in certain situations.”
