By Allen Payton

Six days after an article was posted on the Antioch Herald website questioning the existence of a group that East Bay Regional Parks Board candidate Mark Foley claims endorsed him, he responded with an emailed statement to the Herald. The question on the endorsement came from the fact that he used the incorrect name of the group. Foley said he was endorsed by “Friends of Urban Creeks.” Foley now says the group’s name is actually Friends of Creeks in Urban Settings. He failed to respond to both a voicemail message and email asking about the endorsement before the original article (which can be viewed by clicking, here) was published.

In addition, Foley provided a statement from the group’s co-fouder, Beverly Ortiz, who also responded to one of a few questions about the organization.

Following is Foley’s initial response:

“The Antioch Herald recently published an article titled “Parks Board candidate Foley claims endorsement of a group that may not exist.” This article questions one of my endorsements and the existence of the endorsing organization, Friends of Creeks in Urban Settings.

There is a simple explanation about the endorsement in question; my campaign listed the endorsement of a group called “Friends of Urban Creeks”. The group is in fact called FOCUS (Friends of Creeks in Urban Settings). Once my campaign discovered the error in the name, it immediately corrected it on my campaign’s website, and apologized to the organization for the mistake.

Additionally, the Antioch Herald questions the existence of FOCUS. This is insulting to an established and respected citizen’s organization. Friends of Creeks in Urban Settings has existed for more than two decades. FOCUS’s co-founder, Bev Ortiz, wrote me that she was deeply saddened to hear that the group’s existence has come into question by the media while she is out of the country traveling with a research delegation. The Antioch Herald should publish an apology to FOCUS.

I believe the strong support of the dedicated East Bay Regional Parks’ workers, including the rangers, naturalists, lifeguards, trades workers, supervisors, clerical and other professional workers in AFSCME 2428 who are responsible for the stewardship of our precious parks day in and day out is as good as environmental credentials can get.

I’m committed to ensuring the democratic nature and transparency of the East Bay Regional Park District. I decided to run for the board because I have important experience to bring to the table. I’ve worked on water issues in a special district for my entire career and understand the complex nature of the decisions that must be made by the Board of Directors. In the past decade, the Regional Park District has done a great job in acquiring more land for open space and conservation. I am running to make sure that the people who are paying for these land acquisitions also have access to them for recreational and educational purposes, or just to connect with nature. I’m running to help foster a better, more respectful relationship between workers and District management. I am the only candidate in this race that has the trust and experience to make progress in this regard.

On November 4, voters have a rare opportunity to have a say in who will represent our community on the East Bay Regional Park board. I thank you for your consideration while making your decision about who you will cast your vote for.”

Foley also forwarded a statement from FOCUS co-founder Beverly Ortiz:

“To whom it may concern: I am the co-founder of Friends of Creeks in Urban Settings (FOCUS). We started our work in the early 1980’s in Central Contra Costa County. Our emphasis in our early years was on solutions to flooding and erosion that would also protect creek environments and habitats. In part through a state grant, we were successful in developing alternatives to the planned channelization of tributaries of Grayson Creek–working with a hydrological consulting company on a plan to install bypass pipes and detention basins that was ultimately adopted by the Contra Costa Flood Control District. We also created an informational brochure that was distributed to creekside homeowners with suggestions for solving flooding and erosion problems short of channelization. For many years we were an affiliate of the Urban Creeks Council. In recent years, we have worked behind the scenes to advise homeowners in similar situations.”

In response to a question about the form of the organization, Ortiz replied, “We are NOT a 501c3. We have membership and fund raising and a bank account, and NO non-profit status.”

However, Ortiz, a parks district employee, did not respond to questions about what form the organization is nor how many members it has. Ortiz was traveling at the time, and had limited computer access.

To those same questions, Foley responded by email:

“I am not affiliated with the organizational leadership of FOCUS, and I have no authorization to make a comment on their behalf. I was asked to forward their response to you and have done so, as well as providing you with Beverly’s personal contact information.

I don’t think the question is about this organization’s status and work anyway. It’s about my environmental credentials:

I have decades of experience working for a public agency charged with the stewardship of water and land, having spent my 22+ year career working to protect and improve a water system that provides safe, clean drinking water for 1.3 million people in the East Bay. Currently, I work on a team charged with maintaining the infrastructure that moves and stores surface water from the source in the Sierras all the way to reservoirs in the East Bay hills. Daily, I work to ensure the integrity of an important large-scale system that includes open space and recreational areas. In my role as President of AFSCME 2019, I have been involved in advocacy on key environmental and water policies, including my personal opposition to the peripheral canal and now the Delta tunnels, in the Board room and in Sacramento.

Finally, I have what I believe is the most important environmental endorsement in this particular race: the workers of the East Bay Regional Park District. These rangers, naturalists, planners, educators, construction workers and others are the ones who know our parks — and the public which uses them — best. They are there, every day, year round, developing programs, maintaining trails, protecting creeks, and observing condition of all the natural flora and fauna in our regional parks. I’m honored their membership voted to endorse me after considering both candidates in this race.”

According to his campaign website, Foley is an Analyst in the Operations and Maintenance department for the East Bay Municipal Utility District – which provides water services to Central Contra Costa County residents – and President for the past 10 years of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 2019, which is the same union as the employees of the East Bay Regional Parks District.

He is running for the East Bay Regional Parks Board of Directors in Ward 7, against Oakley City Councilwoman Diane Burgis, who is the Executive Director of Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed, in the November 4 election.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE: The Herald did not question the existence of FOCUS, because that was not the name of the organization provided by Mr. Foley. We questioned the existence of Friends of Urban Creeks, which could not be found via an internet search, nor had been heard of by East Bay environmental leaders, as were quoted in the original article. Mr. Foley’s own statement proves the fact that Friends of Urban Creeks doesn’t exist, since he got the group’s name incorrect. No apology is necessary from the Herald.

Dear Editor:

The financial backers of opposition to Measure O have yet to reveal their names or faces to the people of Antioch. The No on O Coalition has reported receiving contributions of $173,575 as of 10/24/14. The donations have been made by apartment complexes, partnerships, associations, and PACs (Political Action Committees) without revealing the names of the landlords behind the donations.

I have no respect for the out of town landlords and other donors, who did not appear to argue their cases at the several City Council Meetings when Measure O was considered. Instead they sent their lawyers, property managers, and, in one case, a secretary, to plead their cases. Or, they depended on the CAA executive staff and their attorney to make their arguments. They have essentially hidden behind their employees and the CAA to avoid any direct questioning of their motives. Since the hearings, they have hidden behind a small group of Antioch senior citizens they have somehow misled to claim Measure O will harm seniors and is unfair and dishonest. These few seniors appear on mailers and in video clips. I don’t know how they can conscious such abuse of these seniors who were apparently coached to believe and make untrue statements.

They have also hidden behind their Sacramento political consultant, Media Associates, to conduct telephone “surveys” calling Antioch voters to present a series of cleverly worded questions and statements to convince voters to oppose Measure O. Apparently the opponents have recently renewed the telephone campaign as I received such a call yesterday evening from a boiler-room operation located in San Diego. Media Associates also developed signage for the No on O campaign with negative slogans calling Measure O unfair, dishonest, a tax on seniors, and other slogans twisting the truth. Media Associates also has produced a series of slick mailers with similar lies including a particularly offensive one with a cartoon of Pinocchio with an elongated nose engaging in a sexually suggestive act while calling our elected City officials liars and untrustworthy.

We are down to the final few days of the campaign and still do not know the names or faces of the big money backers of the opposition. I urge all concerned citizens of Antioch to jump-in and help get out the yes vote on O! Don’t let nameless faceless fat cat outsiders tell us how to run our City with their dishonest slogans, slick mailers, twisted facts, and outright lies.

Larry L. Harrison

Residents for Fairness – Yes on Measure O

By Acting Sergeant Mortimer, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Monday, October 27, 2014 at approximately 3:00 PM, Antioch Police Department patrol officers responded to a residence in the 4600 block of Imperial Street on a report of a possible marijuana grow house. While on scene, patrol officers

found 39-year-old Lam Doan and 41-year-old Phong Ly, both San Jose residents, fleeing from the residence. Officers arrested Doan and Ly nearby and found the house was completely converted into an illicit, marijuana cultivation operation. Investigators were called and ultimately seized approximately 590 marijuana plants from the home.

The case is still being investigated by the Antioch Police Department’s Special Operations Unit.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Detective Colley with the Antioch Police Department at (925)779-6922. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

By John Crowder

Questions and answers on law and order dominated the proceedings at the October 28 meeting of the Antioch City Council. Several residents spoke during the time set aside for public comments, most addressing student violence, both in and out of local schools. A few of the speakers who addressed the council had also spoken at the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) board meeting that took place last week. In addition, the council heard a report on the status of Measure C, and actions being taken to stem the violence at Deer Valley Plaza (DVP).

Comments generally followed two themes. One was that innocent students, and even adults, are being bullied, harassed, and are not being afforded adequate protection, from violent students who are out of control. The other theme was that the students who are acting out and causing the violence need the help of the community in order to redirect their actions. Some speakers touched on both themes.

Gil Murillo, who called for the removal of Principal Ken Gardner from Deer Valley High School (DVHS) at the last two AUSD board meetings due to a lack of confidence in his leadership, was the first to address the issue of student violence. “I’m here again to talk about the safety for our kids in the schools. It’s really hard to see 8-year old, 12-year old kids, being fearful of going to school,” he said. After acknowledging that the council was, “working on some programs with the school district,” he said, “but we really need some results sooner [rather] than later.” He said some kids were so scared that they were even dropping out of middle school. “I plead [with] you to visit a school board meeting,” he concluded, “your words speak louder than mine.”

Dorothy Marshall spoke after Murillo, saying she came forward because she was, “really concerned about our community.” Referencing DVHS, she said, “We have quite a few problems,” and went on to call for community help to resolve them. She said she sees students, “shooting dice, smoking marijuana, fighting,” and that, “they need to be introduced to programs that enlighten and enrich them.” With the police there, she said, “We’re just filling the jails with the students [who do] not have to go there if they’re shown the love and help they need.” She also said, “The mayor can’t do it by himself, we need help from everyone.” She volunteered her time to help, saying senior citizens, of which she is one, have a lot to offer, and could teach canning and quilting, among other skills, in order to help both the senior citizens and the troubled students feel useful.

Cindy Carter-Hodges said, “I’m here as a concerned citizen about my kids, they’re being bullied. There’s a serious problem going on.” “My child’s safety is in jeopardy each time I send her to school, and it seems like the officials at school, basically aren’t concerned,” she continued. “There is a mob of girls that continue to bully my daughter,” she said, referencing problems at Black Diamond Middle School (BDMS). “I don’t feel like the school district or the police department is really doing anything to resolve this issue,” she concluded, “and each day it’s getting worse.”

Victoria Lenihan concurred with Carter-Hodges, referring to an attack she said took place at Black Diamond on September 26 by a girl who had previously been expelled from another school.

“[BDMS administrative staff] pulled my daughter…out of the last period of school for three days, and said, ‘your daughter’s not safe, you need to come pick her up,’” Lenihan said. “I said, ‘my daughter can’t miss school each day, for a girl that has been expelled. This isn’t fair.’” She also said that on October 26, when she went to pick up her daughter at school, “we were attacked by 50 children.”

Lenihan said the children from Black Diamond have even come to her house and tried to kick down the door, that some have been arrested for assault with a deadly weapon for throwing rocks at her head, and that some of the mothers of these students have come to her house and threatened her life, and the lives of her children, and continue to do so over social media. She also said that the school had refused to honor restraining orders that had been issued.

“These schools have let down me and my children. I don’t know what else to do,” she added.

Mayor Harper responded to Lenihan, asking her to give her information to Captain Tammany Brooks, of the Antioch Police Department (APD), who was in the audience, waiting to give a presentation to the council. Harper also called for the community to come together to deal with the violence issue.

“We’re in this together guys,” he said, “we’ve got to work these problems out together.”

Jeffery Swietlik, a teacher at DVHS, was more positive about the matter than other speakers.

“These are good kids,” he said. “These students need a lot of love. I’m not excusing in any way, some of the behavior that’s happened inside Taco Bell and McDonald’s, it’s not excusable, but it is forgivable. I ask everyone to bear in mind the maturation of our children is the highest priorit.”

Other speakers also spoke on the two themes, some decrying the lack of safety at the schools, and others calling for more community involvement to help troubled students. One speaker, Velma Wilson, said that she had personally seen parents drop their kids off at DVP in order to start fights. “These are parents that are letting their kids fight like they are banshees,” she said.

Mayor Harper addressed the violence during the time set aside for Mayor’s Comments, saying there had been a recent meeting with fourteen people participating to address the issues at and around DVHS and DVP in particular. He again called for the community to come together to deal with the problem. Harper relayed how he has been spending time at DVP engaging students.

Measure C Status Report

At the conclusion of his remarks, Harper said that Captain Brooks would be giving a presentation on the status of Measure C. Harper also said that a lot of the information people had been receiving recently about the measure were, “flat out lies.”

Captain Brooks and Michelle Fitzer, Administrative Services Director, provided the Measure C status report.

After explaining that Measure C is a half-cent sales tax, Fitzer said that collections of receipts only started in April of this year. The measure is expected to generate $4.3 million in general fund revenue annually, and there is a citizen’s oversight committee that has been meeting regularly to ensure that the money collected is spent only on police services and code enforcement.

Fitzer said that 100% of the anticipated revenue is allocated to police and code enforcement. As of October 14, about $1.7 million has been collected (about six months worth of collections).

Fitzer said that as of October 15, one additional contract Code Enforcement Officer has been hired. From October 2013 to October 2014, police department staffing has increased by almost 20%. Sworn Police Officers actual headcount increased from 76 to 91, while total police department staffing increased from 97 to 116.

“We are recruiting as quickly as we can,” Fitzer said. The budgeted targets of Sworn Officer staffing are 97 by June 30, 2015, and 104 by June 30, 2016. Five additional new Officers are in process to be hired in November.” But, she said, with reference to people who question why it is taking so long to get additional Officers, “We cannot make people apply, and we cannot stop people from leaving.”

Fitzer also told the council that the state had recently provided a grant to help fund five additional Officers, and APD is doing continuous recruitment.

With respect to crime statistics, she said that, from January to September, 2014, compared to the same period last year, violent crime is down 9.8%.

In response to a question by council member Monica Wilson, Fitzer said that Antioch received its first check for Measure C funds in June, and it wasn’t until September that the full allotment began to be received.

Mayor Pro Tem Mary Rocha asked when traffic patrols would begin again. Brooks said the Chief would make that determination for such special programs. Brooks also said three priorities of Chief Cantando were, “areas with increased violent crime, schools, and traffic.”

Council member Tony Tiscareno pointed out that, “a good number of officers were hired over the last few months.”

Mayor Harper noted that city crime rankings always run a year behind, and that current ratings reflect data from before implementation of Measure C.

Brooks also noted the success of specialized details in removing criminals from the street.

Brooks specifically addressed the problems that have been occurring at DVP. He said that representatives of several groups, including Probation, the district attorney’s office, AUSD, the school board, APD, and DVP management, have all been meeting to resolve problems at the Plaza.

Brooks said that, from the police department perspective, they are looking at “enforcement actions that can be taken. We are responding on a daily basis, when calls for service allow, and providing security for the area, and taking a zero tolerance approach to any criminal activity that occurs. We’ve also streamlined the process of reporting people that engage in criminal activity, both to the D.A.’s office and to Juvenile Probation.” He said other steps included Juvenile Probation looking into getting a “stay-away order,” from the plaza, as part of their stipulation if a person is on current probation. DVP management is looking to increase and improve security and upgrade their video surveillance system. The school district has talked about after-school programs, conflict resolution groups responding out to the school, and educating and informing parents as to the problems that are occurring.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2014. The meeting was rescheduled from the Tuesday of that week so that it would not conflict with Veteran’s Day. Meetings are held in the Antioch City Council chambers, 200 H Street, and begin at 7:00 p.m.

By Acting Sgt. Mortimer Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at 11:00 AM, the Antioch Police Department conducted an undercover operation at the Massage Center massage parlor in the 2400 block of Sycamore Drive. During the operation, an undercover officer paid for a massage and was solicited by 49-year-old Antioch resident Shuping Gao, during the massage, to pay for sexual acts. Gao was arrested on the prostitution charge and was sent to the Contra Costa County jail.

The undercover operation was conducted after receiving complaints regarding the suspicious activity at the business as well as advertisements from the business on local internet escort sites.

The investigation is ongoing, Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Acting Sgt. Mortimer with the Antioch Police Department at (925) 779-6941. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

BART is gearing up to carry hundreds of thousands of baseball fans to downtown San Francisco on Friday, October 31 to celebrate the Giants World Series Championship. BART will run its rush hour service all day–using every available train possible. To ensure that everyone can get home safely, trains will run until 2AM. Trains to and from the city will be at maximum length and frequency.

About 100 extra BART employees in yellow vests will be stationed throughout the system to help with crowd control and to assist passengers. BART Police will have extra patrols and extra train technicians were also on hand just in case. Ticket sales tables will be set up at Fremont, Dublin, Bay Point and Millbrae stations to help speed up ticket purchases.

Large crowds are expected and passengers should anticipate long lines and crowded trains. BART will have additional staff on hand to help customers who need assistance and offer crowd control. BART officials are urging fans to buy their round-trip tickets or load up their Clipper® cards before Friday’s ticker tape parade in San Francisco. 

Travel Tips

BART wants everyone to have fun and get to the parade safely. New riders need to know that everyone who rides BART needs a BART ticket or Clipper card to enter the system. 

Here are other Giants parade day tips:
o    Load your Clipper card with extra value or, if buying a BART ticket, purchase a round trip ticket before parade day.
o    Avoid peak commute hours (6AM-9AM and 4PM-6PM).
o   If possible, leave your bike at home or double lock your bike at the station. Trains will be very crowded.
o    Allow extra time to get to San Francisco before the parade begins at 12 Noon.
o    Parking rules and restrictions will be enforced. Consider getting to the station by alternative means such as carpooling, walking, biking (and parking your bike at the station) or taking a bus, as parking lots will fill up very early. Do not park in permit spaces if you don’t have a permit. (Even if you have a reserved space, we cannot guarantee eager fans won’t park there—we will be ticketing).
o    Plan your trip using the BART QuickPlanner but for the most accurate information about the added service, use Real Time Departures.
o    You can get automated BART Service Advisories (BSA) on your phone. BART offers both email and text options. To sign up for BSAs, please visit us at www.bart.gov/alerts.
o    For on-demand service information, you can use our mobile site m.bart.gov or request BART real time departures, service advisories and more via text message. To get started text “BART go” to 468311 or jump right in and text “BART” + your station name. We’ll text you back in seconds. Follow us on Twitter @sfbart for news or @sfbartalert for automated service advisories.

– See more at: http://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2014/news20141030#sthash.TcFPJYbI.dpuf

 

Will use funds to hire more police, instead

By Allen Payton

In a news release on Wednesday, October 29th, candidate for the Antioch City Council in the November election, Lori Ogorchock stated, that she opposes the City Council’s unanimous decision to spend more than a third of the funds from Measure O, if passed, to eliminate Furlough Fridays. Instead, she will spend those funds to hire more police to help make Antioch safer, if elected.

During the September 23rd City Council meeting, the Antioch City Council, on a 4-0 vote, approved recommendations from the city staff, to spend $800,000 each year of the annual estimated $2.27 million from Measure O, to return city staff to a five-day work week.

“I will vote to spend those funds to hire additional police officers, if I’m elected,” Ogorchock stated. “To spend over a third of Measure O’s funds on anything but police to reduce crime in Antioch, is just irresponsible.”

According to the staff report:

If Measure O passes and provides $2.27 million in additional annual funding, staff recommends the following spending priorities:

Between January 2015 and the end of Fiscal Year 2015-16, use approximately $800,000 for the elimination of “Furlough Fridays” so that City Hall, Police Department reception, and the Public Works office can once again be open to the public for a five day work week. All field staff would also return to 40 hour operations. When implemented in 2009, the furlough program was intended to be a temporary fiscal solution to the downturn in the economy, not an indefinite service reduction to the public. Although a five day work week would be implemented, restoration of afternoon counter hours in Community Development and the Police Department will be dependent upon staffing resources. This will be an ongoing cost.

“If elected, I will work with the Mayor and the rest of the city council to reverse that decision and do what the people want the Council to do with the additional tax revenue generated by Measure O,” she added. “That’s to spend the majority of it to hire more police officers to fight crime.”

A longtime Antioch resident, Ogorchock is a Realtor, a former Police Reserve Officer and graduate of the Police Academy. This is her first campaign for public office. For more information about Lori or her campaign, visit www.LoriO4Antioch.com or call (925) 628-7764.

She is one of seven remaining candidates in the race for two seats on the City Council in next Tuesday’s election. One of the eight candidates, Steven Bado, whose name will still appear on the ballot, dropped out of the race on Sunday and endorsed Ogorchock for elction.

Evolve Aikido & Movement Center in Antioch announces it’s Grand Opening & Block Party this on Sunday, November 2nd from 11am to 2pm. It’s a “drop-in” day with free lunch, a raffle, giveaways, music, performances, classes and jumpies, so bring the whole family. The schedule is below for your planning convenience.

Please “like” their page on Facebook if you haven’t already – https://www.facebook.com/evolvemovementcenter

GRAND OPENING SCHEDULE

11:00am – Opening, Music, Jumpy, Registration

11:10am – Yoga Mini-Class, all levels

11:30am –  Dance/Tumbling/Cheer Performances

12:00     –   Free Lunch to first 100 registered guests 

12:10pm –  Jui Jitsu demo

12:30pm –  Tour of Businesses

12:45pm – Tai Chi Mini-Class, all levels

1:00pm –  Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting & Raffle

1:30pm –  Aikido Belt Promotion

2:00pm – Finish

The location is 1211 Auto Center Drive in Antioch, between 10th & 18th Streets across from Midas. To attend the event, please contact Owner & Chief Instructor Brandy Lucky at (925) 207-8656.

If you’re on Facebook, please join their Grand Opening “event” by clicking here.