The Wheels of Justice never stop

UPDATE: Details on suspect with history of arrests, DNA evidence

By Antioch Police Department

Last year, Officer Kawalya was sent to investigate a burglary where a vehicle had been stolen! During his investigation, he located a key item of evidence. That item had the suspect’s DNA which the Contra Costa Sheriff’s crime lab was able to match. Officer Kawalya authored a warrant for the suspect and the search was on!

He thought he got away but you’re never out of reach of the long arms of the law. Thanks to our friends at the Redding Police Department, they were able to arrest him on the warrant and he was transported back to APD to face charges.

UPDATE: According to Lt. Desmond Bittner, the suspect’s name is, “K.C. Moore, age 42. He’s from Antioch, born and raised. The incident occurred in March 2023.”

Bittner also shared, “officers recovered DNA from the swabs of the steering wheel and shifting knob in the car that was stolen.”

“Moore was charged with burglary and vehicle theft,” he added.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Moore’s middle name is Allen and as of Oct. 17 he had bonded out of custody.

According to localcrimenews.com, Moore has a history of arrests by multiple agencies dating back to 2014 for crimes including previous vehicle thefts, assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, multiple weapon and drug charges, and possession of burglar’s tools.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa Elections Division

Election and law enforcement officials in Contra Costa County are taking steps to make the safety and security of the 2024 election paramount on multiple levels.

“Contra Costa County voters have several safe and convenient ways to vote in the November 5, 2024, General Election,” said Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Kristin B. Connelly. “Specific information on different options can be found in our Voter Information Guide that went out to all registered voters the last week of September, or on our website, www.contracostavote.gov. Our Elections team has prepared diligently to ensure every valid ballot is counted and that our county residents’ voices are heard.”

AB 2642, the Protecting Elections from Armed Coercion and Extremism – Peace Act, went into effect September 24, 2024, creating protections for California voters and the workers who administer our elections in all 58 counties. Of note the Peace Act protects voters and election officials by explicitly prohibiting intimidation and threats. There are also legal protections that make the presence of a firearm – or even a replica of one – at a polling place unlawful intimidation. Moreover, the Peace Act will provide voters, election officials, and election workers with civil legal recourse against intimidation and coercion.

Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said, “My office and local law enforcement will work in concert to protect our fundamental right to vote in Contra Costa County. Any threats, intentional disruptions, or intimidating acts designed to stop a citizen from legally voting or officials from administering an election will be held accountable.”

According to a September 27th Memorandum addressed to “All County Clerks/Registrars of Voters” in the state from Robbie Anderson, Elections Counsel in the California Secretary of State’s Office, “The purpose of the Act is to supplement, and not limit or replace existing statutes that prohibit the intimidation of voters and others in the election process and the carrying of firearms where votes are cast and counted.”

“Our focus is on the safety and security of election workers, voters, and the election process,” said Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston. “Additional arrangements will be put in place and we encourage anyone to report suspicious activity or crimes by calling 9-1-1 or their local law enforcement agency.”

County officials are collaborating to ensure that the 2024 General Election in Contra Costa County is safe, secure, and free from threats and intimidation.

For more information on how or where to vote, visit the Contra Costa County Elections website.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Police Department

We are currently investigating multiple shoplifting incidents at the Rite Aid on East 18th Street. If you recognize or can identify these individuals, please reach out to Officer Tryner at (925) 779-6900 ext 86609 or via email at rtryner@antiochca.gov. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and any information provided will be greatly appreciated. Refer to PD Case #24-009352

We want to thank our community for your continued collaboration and support in helping us keep Antioch safe. Your assistance in cases like this is invaluable and makes a difference. Thank you!

County reports show 74.8% increase in Households Who Lost Their Housing, 81.1% increase in homelessness in Antioch

By Allen D. Payton

In a text for his campaign for Mayor of Antioch received on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, former city manager Ron Bernal is claiming, “Antioch’s Homelessness Crisis has increased 74% in the last four years!”
The text message reads further, “This is Ron Bernal, candidate to be Antioch’s Next mayor and I have a plan to tackle this crisis!

As your next mayor, we will:

• Expand mental health & addiction services
• Partner with nonprofits & faith groups for real solutions
• Build affordable, sustainable housing
  It’s time for change in Antioch!”

Antioch Households Who Lost Housing Increased 74.8% from 2022-23

To verify the accuracy of Bernal’s claims, a review of the reports by Contra Costa County Continuum of Care (CoC) and for the annual Point-In-Time homeless count was conducted. According to the 2022 CoC report 1,096 Antioch households lost their housing.

The 2023 CoC report shows 1,916 Antioch households lost their housing, a 74.8 percent increase over the previous year, supporting the first-time candidate’s claim.

Point-In-Time Counts Show 81.1% Increase in Antioch Homelessness

The County’s Point-In-Time (PIT) Count report for 2023 shows there were 334 homeless residents in Antioch compared to 228 in 2022, which was only a 40.3 percent increase. However, the 2024 PIT Count report shows there were 413 homeless residents in Antioch, a 23.7 percent increase over the previous year and an 81.1 percent increase since 2020 more than supporting Bernal’s campaign claim.

Bernal is challenging incumbent Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe who also face the third candidate in the race, Rakesh Christian who is running for the City’s top job for a second time.

The election is Tuesday, November 5th.

Has history of arrests including for pre-meditated murder, false imprisonment by violence, assault

By San Francisco Police Department

On July 24, 2024, at approximately 5:41 p.m., San Francisco Police officers from Mission Station responded to 16th and Mission streets regarding a shooting. Officers arrived on scene and located an adult male victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers rendered aid and medics arrived on scene and transported the victim to the hospital for life-threatening injuries. Despite the lifesaving efforts of the emergency responders and medical staff, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased in the hospital.

The SFPD Homicide Detail is leading this investigation. Investigators developed probable cause to obtain arrest and search warrants regarding the murder.

On October 13, 2024, the SFPD Community Violence Reduction Team located and arrested a 37-year-old male, Luis Rebolledo, on the 600 block of Shaddick Drive in Antioch, California.

Rebolledo was transported to San Francisco County Jail and was booked for his arrest warrant for the homicide (187(a) PC).

According to the SF County Sheriff’s Office, he’s being held on no bail and is also charged with concealed firearm on a person, carrying a loaded firearm, possession of a firearm by a felon, participation in a criminal street gang, possession of ammunition and attempted second degree robbery.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-foot tall, 157-pound Rebolledo has a history of arrests dating back to 2015, including for pre-meditated murder, false imprisonment by violence, assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, multiple gun charges, DUI, hit-and-run and an usual charge of manufacture, importing or selling a billy, blackjack, sandbag, etc., which are considered leaded or other similar weapons.

On October 15, 2024, the SFPD Community Violence Reduction Team located and arrested a 30-year-old female, Giovanna Ramirez-Hernandez, in San Francisco. She was booked for attempted extortion and other charges related to the case.

Although an arrest has been made, this is an open and active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous. SFPD Case# 240462539

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

In coordination with Genesis Church and Word of God/Palabra de Dios Christian Church.

UPDATE: The event has been cancelled due to the mayor having a scheduling conflict with a previous commitment to attend the Islamic Center of the Bay Area’s event the same night, and Ron Bernal was also committed to attending the other event. The third candidate in the race, Rakesh Christian also attended the Islamic Center event. More details later.

City ran deficits three out of four years he’s been mayor and are projected to increase

By Allen D. Payton

In the slate mailer entitled, “Budget Watchdogs Newsletter” received by voters this past week, which Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe’s campaign paid for him to appear on, he claims to be “A fighter for fiscal responsibility” and “has delivered balanced budgets over the last four years and helped build a rainy day fund of over $63 million.”

The first claim has been determined to be false while the second is considered accurate. The mayor was twice asked about both of his claims, but he did not respond.

Rainy Day Fund – Accurate
According to the City staff report for the General Fund Budget Stabilization Fund in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-25 Budget adopted by the council on June 13, 2023, “In fiscal year 2018, the City established a Budget Stabilization Fund to set aside monies for future budget variances, unexpected occurrences, emergencies and the like. General Fund reserves over 20% of unassigned fund balance were used to establish the fund and future General Fund unassigned reserves over 20% can be moved into this fund. Per City Council direction, beginning in fiscal year 2020, these funds will be used to pay the difference in the full Actuarial Determined Contribution for OPEB payments from the pay as you go costs currently made by the City to address the unfunded liability for OPEB.”

OPEB refers to Other Post-Employee Benefits for retirees.

When asked about the claim of the “rainy day fund” without mentioning who made it, City Finance Director Dawn Merchant responded, “I am not sure about the claim as we do not have a $63M rainy day fund. I can only assume that claim is adding the Stabilization Fund and General Fund reserves, however, again, I am not sure.”

She also shared, “As of 7/1/24, the Budget Stabilization Fund balance is $37,627,378.” On that same date, the General Fund reserves balance was $32,555,999. So, by adding the two the total was $70,183,377 which supports the mayor’s claim as accurate.

UPDATE: Later, Merchant shared, “The $32,555,999 beginning fund balance is based on the revised FY24 budget, so that is not an actual, that is a projected based on the FY24 budget. Once the books for 6/30 are wrapped up, we will have the actual ending 6/30/24 fund balance.”

Balanced Budgets Claim – False
However, Hernandez-Thorpe’s claim he “has delivered balanced budgets over the last four years” is false. Because the budgets approved by the City Council for the current and past two of the four years during his term as mayor, have spent or are spending more than the City has been or is receiving in sales, property and other tax revenues. The budgets include the following deficits:
$3,995,625 in FY2022-23.
$5,343,928 in FY 2023-24; and
$4,617,143 projected for the current, FY 2024-25.

That last amount is being covered by the Budget Stabilization Fund.

City Budget Projects Increasing Deficits
In addition, according to the General Fund Projections for 2023-2028 presented to the city council on June 11, 2024, the General Fund is projected to run the following deficits:
$12,995,259 in FY 2025-26;
$13,561,074 in FY 2026-27; and
$14,855,649 in FY 2027-28.

The first two are expected to be covered by transfers from the Budget Stabilization Fund, but it will only cover $1,253,902 in the third year of what could be Hernandez-Thorpe’s second term as mayor if he’s re-elected because that Fund will be depleted in FY 2028. That would result in a projected net deficit for the City of $13,601,748 by June 30, 2028, which would be covered by the General Fund reserve leaving it with an Ending Balance of just $17.4 million or 17.06% in reserves versus over 31% and 32% for the previous fiscal years.

The mayor faces two challengers in the campaign, former Antioch city manager, Ron Bernal and second-time candidate for mayor, Rakesh Christian.

The election is November 5th.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.