APD officers put their aerial drone up and were able to determine that a juvenile mountain lion (approximately the same size as the neighbor’s adult Rottweiler) was the cause of the noise coming from behind the home.
We have been getting an increased number of reports over the last month and it appears there may be at least two mountain lions being seen more frequently in the following residential areas;
Mountain lion attacks are uncommon and close encounters are usually rare in our area, but it is not unheard of to have mountain lion sightings in the vicinity of trails, easements or the open spaces throughout our City.
Chickens, cats and other pets will attract a big cat to your yard. Water sources that attract wildlife also attract the big kitties.
Please be vigilant.
Bring your pets in at night. Remove food that attracts community cats and wildlife, ensure trash and fallen fruits, etc. are picked up and not attracting critters.
If you experience an attack by a mountain lion, please call 911.
Propositions 2 through 6 were placed on the ballot by the Legislature and given special numbering.
Propositions 32-36 are citizens’ initiatives that were given sequential numbering from prior elections, as usual.
Statewide Propositions
No on 2
Why we’re against it
Proposition 2 is $10 billion of bonds, new state debt, to pay for school facilities. It is almost certain to result in higher property tax bills, because school districts must provide a “local match” of funds in order to receive money from the Prop. 2 state bonds. That will lead to districts issuing new local school bonds, which are paid for by adding new charges to property tax bills. Enrollment is declining in both K-12 district schools and community colleges and the declines are projected to continue. But Proposition 2 commits California to pay an estimated $18 billion, including interest, for school buildings that may not even be necessary. VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 2.
Proposition 3 – HJTA takes no position on this measure
Proposition 3 removes language from the state Constitution that defines marriage as between a man and woman. It adds the language, “right to marry is a fundamental right.” This measure has no effect on the current law, because the U.S. Supreme Court held that the federal Constitution protects the right to marry.
No on 4
Why we’re against it
This is the $10 billion “climate bond” that state politicians have long planned. California already has too much bond debt, over $78 billion outstanding as of January 1. Then $6.38 billion was added with Proposition 1 in March. Proposition 4 would add another $10 billion in bond debt to pay for climate “programs.” It’s reckless to use borrowed money, an estimated $18 billion with interest, to pay for “programs,” including salaries for all the groups that receive the money. Bond financing only makes sense for necessary projects that will last more than the 30 years it takes to repay the debt. The governor has already declared a budget emergency because the state spends more than it takes in. Spending even more “on the credit card” is a bad idea. VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 4.
No on 5
Why we’re against it
Proposition 5 is ACA 1, a direct attack on Proposition 13. It makes it easier to raise taxes by eliminating the longstanding two-thirds vote of the electorate required to pass local bonds (borrowed money that must be repaid with interest). All new bond measures for “infrastructure” (nearly everything is “infrastructure”) and for public housing projects would pass with just 55% approval instead of the current 66.7%. Local bonds are paid for with extra charges on property tax bills, adding to the tax burden on homeowners and businesses, leading to higher rents for tenants and higher consumer prices for everyone. If Proposition 5 is not stopped, property tax bills are likely to go up after every election, forever. Proposition 5 will raise the cost of living in California, which already has the highest poverty rate in the country when the cost of living is taken into account. VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 5.
No on 6
Why we’re against it
Proposition 6 bans mandatory work requirements for state prison inmates. It doesn’t seem fair to further increase the burden on taxpayers by creating the conditions to negotiate higher wages for inmates who are paying off their debt to society by serving their sentences in state prison. VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 6.
No on 32
Why we’re against it
Proposition 32 would raise California’s hourly minimum wage from $16 to $18 and then adjust it annually for inflation. Unfortunately, raising the hourly minimum wage has sometimes reduced weekly wages as businesses cut hours and lay off workers. The best way to raise incomes in California is to stop driving job-creating businesses out of the state or into the ground. Raising the minimum wage is counter-productive. It also increases the state’s expenses by raising government labor costs. VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 32.
No on 33
Why we’re against it
Proposition 33 is a rent control measure that would lead to a reduction in the supply of rental housing. It repeals a sensible 1995 law, the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which put limits on rent control laws to ensure that housing providers could make a fair return on their investment and stay in business. Repealing Costa-Hawkins would mean cities could enact radical rent control, even on single-family homes and condos, and prevent property owners from resetting the rent to the market rate after a tenant voluntarily moves out. Proposition 33 would lead to a sharp reduction in new apartment construction as lenders evaluate financial risk due to potential rent control laws. That will worsen the housing shortage in California. Voters have already rejected this proposal twice before, in 2018 and 2020. VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 33.
Yes on 34
Why we’re for it
Some nonprofit healthcare organizations that receive federal funds to provide health care services have abused the system to spend large amounts of money on political causes. Proposition 34 would end this practice and require that healthcare providers spend most of the money they receive from a federal prescription drug discount program on direct patient care. VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 34.
Proposition 35 – HJTA takes no position on this measure
California currently taxes managed care organizations (MCOs) such as Anthem Blue Cross and others. The MCO tax is set to expire in 2026, and we expect the Legislature to make it permanent. Proposition 35 would also make it permanent but would require the revenue from the tax to fund Medi-Cal, the government health insurance program for low-income residents, instead of being used to close gaps in the state budget. About 14 million California residents rely on the Medi-Cal program for their health care needs.
Yes on 36
Why we’re for it
Proposition 36 is the “Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act,” backed by law enforcement groups and retailers. It makes thoughtful changes to Proposition 47 (2014), which reduced some theft and drug felonies to misdemeanors. Proposition 36 would get tougher on third offenses and also offer drug and mental health treatment as an alternative to incarceration. It would allow judges to sentence some individuals to state prison instead of county jail. The surge of retail theft, vehicle break-ins and open drug use on California’s streets has increased the burden on first responders, and on taxpayers, as well as raising insurance costs throughout the state. VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 36.
About HJTA
The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is dedicated to the protection of Proposition 13 and the advancement of taxpayers’ rights, including the right to limited taxation, the right to vote on tax increases and the right of economical, equitable and efficient use of taxpayer dollars. For over 35 years, HJTA has been the legal and political watchdog for Proposition 13 and a staunch defender of California taxpayers. For more information and to join visit http://www.hjta.org.
District 1 BART Board Director Debora Allen. Herald file photo.
The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (CoCoTax) invites you to attend a Luncheon, Board and Members’ Meeting at Denny’s Restaurant 1313 Willow Pass Road, Concord, on Friday October 25, 2024, from 11:45 am to 1:10 pm.
Please register in advance on the CoCoTax website where you can pay online or bring cash or check on Friday and pay at the door-$25 for members, $30 for guests.
About Our Speaker: Debora Allen
Debora Allen was first elected to the BART Board of Directors in 2016 and re-elected in November 2020, representing eight cities in central Contra Costa County’s District 1. She leaves the BART Board at the end of this year having led the charge for improved fare gates, safe and reliable transit, and fiscal sanity.
In her lunch time remarks to CoCoTax, Debora will look back on her time on the BART board and discuss the transit district’s future.
Debora has over 30 years of financial and business management experience in both private and public sectors, primarily in construction and real estate industries. She received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (accounting) from CSU Sacramento and completed numerous continuing professional education courses in the areas of financial audit, taxation, accounting systems, institutional investing, and pension administration. She practiced as a Certified Public Accountant in California for almost 20 years and currently still holds an inactive CPA license.
Prior to election to BART, Debora spent decades volunteering on boards in youth sports programs, taxpayer oversight groups, and other non-profits including six years as a pension board trustee for the Contra Costa County Employees’ Retirement Association.
Since 2016, she served on regional transportation boards including Capitol Corridor JPA, Contra Costa Transportation Authority, West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee, CCTA Accessible Transportation Strategic Policy Advisory Committee, and the Pleasant Hill BART Leasing Authority. She has also served on several BART Board subcommittees.
For more information call (925) 289-6900 or email info@cocotax.org.
Source: Bergerhouse for Antioch School Board campaign
For open Trustee Area 3 seat on campaign of “Putting Students First”
By Allen D. Payton
The campaign for retired Antioch Unified School District administrator, former Dozier-Libbey Medical High School principal and English teacher, Scott Bergerhouse, shared the following information about the first-time candidate for public office running on the theme of “Putting Students First.”
“Hello, I’m Scott Bergerhouse, and I’m running for the Antioch School Board in Area 3. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to be engaged in school board elections, even if you don’t have children in the district. Our schools, once safe havens for learning, are facing unprecedented challenges. What we hear about education issues on the national stage is happening right here at home.
I believe in an education system that nurtures intellectual growth and fosters critical thinking. Our children deserve to be taught how to think, not what to think. It’s essential that our schools remain free from any political agendas, focusing solely on empowering students to become independent thinkers.
As a former School District Administrator, I am committed to prioritizing student wellness. I will advocate for programs that support not only academic success but also the overall well-being of our students. This includes enhancing mental health resources and expanding extracurricular opportunities.
My roots in Antioch run deep. My family moved here in 1965, and I am a proud graduate of the Antioch Unified School District. I have dedicated 40 years to educational leadership, with 39 of those years serving the Antioch community. I’ve been a teacher, a school administrator, and most recently, a district administrator. I have worked with thousands of students and families and remain deeply committed to this community.
If elected, I will focus on increasing student attendance and providing social and emotional support for students, families, and staff. Attendance is directly linked to learning outcomes, and we must ensure our students are in school and engaged. I will also work to enhance safety for both students and staff, and I am committed to fostering collaboration between the Antioch School Board and the City Council for the benefit of our entire community.
I humbly ask for your support. Together, we can address the challenges facing our schools and build a future where every student can succeed.”
Then-Dozier-Libbey Principal Scott Bergerhouse speaks to the 2015 graduating class. Herald file photo
Education Career Background, Honor, Leadership Experience
As previously reported, Bergerhouse began his career in the Antioch Unified School District as an English teacher in 1984 at what was then Park Junior High School. He then worked as an administrator at Antioch High School, Antioch Middle School, Park Middle School, Deer Valley High School and then, Carmen Dragon Elementary. In 2010, he was named High School Principal of the year by the Association of California School Administrators. For seven years, Bergerhouse was selected by administrators in the district to serve as president of the Antioch Management Association.
Bergerhouse has also been active in the community having served as president of the Delta Advocacy Foundation.
Campaign Finances
The first-time candidate began his campaign on August 21st when he filed his Form 410. His campaign finance disclosure report, Form 460, for the period of July 1 through Sept. 21, 2024, shows he had raised $1,500 in contributions and spent $811.78. Bergerhouse received three contributions of $500 each from himself, Earlene Lanter and Tim Hurd, both of Antioch. However, the candidate said it was actually former Antioch High track coach Mike Hurd who made the contribution. So, the campaign will have to submit an amended report reflecting that correction. His largest and only expenditure of more than $100 was for $665.35 paid to Custom Printed Signs located in Austin, TX. (See Bergerhouse Form 460)
Personal Life
Bergerhouse has two adult children. His older brother Steve is a retired Antioch Police Investigator.
He faces one opponent, Educational Program Director Dee Brown, in the race for the open school board seat being vacated by Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis who chose to not run for re-election. The election is November 5th.
“We are open and willing to work with city leaders to identify strategies that can enhance our response to gun violence and improve the overall safety of our neighborhoods.”
On behalf of the Antioch Police Officers Association, we want to address the troubling incidents of gun violence that have recently affected our community. The violent weekend, marked by several shootings, has understandably left many feeling unsafe and concerned about the future. (See related articles here, here and here)
First and foremost, we want to express our deepest sympathy to those who were injured and to their families. Gun violence is a serious issue that impacts not only those directly involved but also the broader community. We recognize the fear and frustration expressed by residents and business owners, including Mr. Loinab, whose experiences highlight the challenges we face in maintaining the safety of our neighborhoods. (See related TV news report and article)
The Antioch Police Department is committed to addressing these incidents with urgency and diligence. Our officers are actively investigating the recent shootings, and we encourage anyone with information to come forward. While we understand that many feel the current situation is dire, we want to assure you that we are working tirelessly to restore safety and security to our community.
We are open and willing to work with city leaders to identify strategies that can enhance our response to gun violence and improve the overall safety of our neighborhoods. Collaboration with city officials is essential in developing effective solutions that address the root causes of violence and ensure a secure environment for all residents.
However, it is important to acknowledge the challenges posed by limited staffing and availability of officers. We commend the Department’s ongoing efforts to prioritize hiring and expand our workforce. This is a crucial step in enhancing our response capabilities, but we recognize that building a fully-staffed department takes time. Adequate resources are essential to ensure that we can effectively patrol our neighborhoods, respond to incidents promptly, and provide the support our community needs.
We urge residents to remain vigilant and support one another while working collaboratively with law enforcement. Community engagement is vital; we need your input, your eyes, and your voices to help us effectively address these concerns.
We are also committed to advocating for additional resources and support from city leadership to enhance our policing capabilities and preventative measures. Your voices matter, and we encourage you to continue expressing your concerns to city officials, as their support is crucial in our fight against violence.
As we move forward, let us remember that change takes time, but together, we can create a safer Antioch. We appreciate your resilience and commitment to our community during these challenging times.
The City of Antioch is seeking input on the design of this revolutionary park feature. We invite you to share your thoughts on the design elements of the Bicycle Garden. The Bicycle Garden will be located at Prewett Community Park to the east of the Antioch Community Center.
Community Design Workshops:
Thursday, October 17th, 6pm – 8pm at Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way
Saturday, November 16th, 10am – Noon at Antioch Senior Center, 415 W. 2nd Street
Christopher Nazir, aged 51, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on September 25, 2024, in Brentwood, California. Christopher remained strong in his faith and optimism throughout his three years of undergoing extensive chemotherapy.
Born on June 20, 1973, in Karachi, Pakistan, Christopher was a beacon of positivity and selflessness, widely recognized as a pillar of his community. A successful entrepreneur, Christopher owned and operated three thriving restaurants; Mehran Restaurant in Pittsburg, Bawarchi’s Restaurant and Bar in Antioch and Zaiqa in Hercules.
His charisma and unwavering work ethic were instrumental in his professional success, earning him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and customers alike. Christopher’s passion to live life extended beyond his professional endeavors. He was a sports fan, particularly of the San Francisco 49ers and Golden State Warriors. He enjoyed going for drives with his family and traveling the world. Known for his culinary skills, he loved cooking and often hosted parties that brought together his extensive circle of family and friends.
He is survived by his loving wife, Anita Nazir; his sons, Nathan, Ryan and Brandon Nazir; his mother, Irshad Nazir; his father, Nazir Masih; his four siblings; Christina Shakeel, Matthew Nazir, Edith Albert, and Sabrina Cullup; and his Father in-law, William Kashu. Christopher’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and dedication to his family and community will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
First one on south side of city; victim is 30-year-old man; police see unknown suspect
By Sgt A. Gonzalez #4336, Antioch Police Field Services Division
Antioch police officers are investigating an early Sunday morning shooting that sent one man to the hospital. On September 29, 2024, at approximately 4:01 A.M., Antioch police officers responded to a report of a 30-year-old man who had just been shot in the 2300 block of Huntsman Way at Whitetail Drive. Upon arrival, officers found a victim in the front yard of a house suffering from a gunshot wound to the stomach. Firefighters and paramedics provided aid, and the victim was transported to a local hospital. The victim is currently in critical but stable condition.
The suspect is currently unknown.
This investigation is in its preliminary stages, and evidence and witness statements are being collected. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.
It is the 15th shooting in the city, this month, not including one that was believed to be an attempted suicide, two of which have resulted in the deaths of young men. But it’s the first one on the south side of town. Most of the others were in the Sycamore corridor believed to be part of a turf war according to both Interim Chief Brian Addington and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker. (See related articles here, here and here)
