Shanelle Scales-Preston says her priorities will include investing in youth services, transportation, promoting economic growth, strengthening public safety, and protecting our environment.

By Allen D. Payton

In a Facebook post on Friday, August 4, 2023, Pittsburg Mayor Shanelle Scales-Preston announced she will run for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District 5 if current, six-term incumbent Federal Glover doesn’t run for re-election in the 2024 Primary next March.

She currently works as District Director for Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, serving in the position since 2016.

In her post, Scales-Preston wrote:

“Hello Facebook Family and Friends,

I’m excited to announce I’m running for Contra Costa County Supervisor, District V if Federal Glover decides not to seek re-election.

It has been an honor to represent Pittsburg residents as mayor and serve on the city council since 2018. Together, we have strengthened our community and improved services. I firmly believe that a strong and vibrant community is the foundation for a prosperous and fulfilling life. It is this belief that drives me to step forward and offer my dedication, experience, and passion to serve as your County Supervisor.

Pittsburg is my home and has shaped who I am today. I understand the day-to-day struggles we all face. Throughout my life, I have witnessed the power of unity and the strong ties of community built from our relationships with our neighbors, churches, and organizations where we volunteer, and the incredible potential that lies within each individual. That’s why I believe in fostering an inclusive and diverse community that celebrates our differences and embraces our shared goals and aspirations. I am devoted to working tirelessly to ensure that our county is a place where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered.

My campaign is centered around the idea that community and people mean everything. I am committed to being an accessible representative for all residents in District V. My priorities include investing in youth services, transportation, promoting economic growth, strengthening public safety, and protecting our environment.

My community service started in the federal government more than twenty years ago and has equipped me with the tools I need to effectively advocate for residents and fix problems. District V is sprawling and diverse, covering the northern waterfront. I have worked in these communities for my whole career in public service and have built lasting relationships with residents here.

I look forward to engaging with people across District V to learn what matters most to you and all residents. I am excited for the campaign and hope I can earn your support.

Your involvement, ideas, and support are invaluable in shaping the future of our community. Together we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous community.

Sincerely,
Shanelle Scales-Preston

Website: www.shanelle4supervisor.org

Donate: https://www.efundraisingconnections.com/c/ShanelleScalesPreston

Letter: https://conta.cc/44WuQPw”

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According to her campaign website, Scales-Preston is Chair of the Board for MCE, the local electricity provider, Chair of TransPlan which coordinates regional transportation projects in East County and is President of the League of California Cities East Bay Division. She is married and a mother of two boys.

According to her LinkedIn page she has worked for the U.S. House of Representatives for the past 22 years, first as a Field Representative from 2001 to 2015 for Congressman George Miller.

According to her page on votersedge.com during the 2022 campaign in which she was re-elected as the top vote-getter, Scales-Preston wrote, “Growing up in Pittsburg, I benefited from youth programs. Now, I have led efforts to expand activities for young people by investing $3 million dollars in Youth Services.” She has been mayor since last December, a position rotated annually among council members in Pittsburg.

If Scales-Preston runs, she will join fellow Pittsburg Councilmember Jelani Killings in the race.

The filing deadline in the race is December 8. If no one wins a majority of the vote in March, the top two candidates will face off in a run-off election in the November General Election.

Efforts to reach her for comment and to reach Glover to determine if he has made a decision about the 2024 election yet, were unsuccessful prior to publication. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Email your resume to resume@antiochschools.net. For more information visit www.edjoin.org/antiochunified.

Will launch search for interim chief

A high-ranking officer on Antioch’s police force will assume temporary leadership of the department following the retirement of the City’s Police Chief this week it was announced, today, Monday, August 7, 2023.

Acting Captain Joseph Vigil has been named Acting Chief effective Aug. 12, said Acting City Manager Kwame Reed on Monday.

Chief of Police Steven Ford announced last month that he will be retiring. His last day is Friday.

Vigil (pronounced “vehill”) was one of four internal candidates Reed interviewed for the top job.

 “He’s done a lot in his career,” said Reed, noting that Vigil earned a master’s degree in emergency service administration from California State University, Long Beach. 

 In December, Vigil also began attending the California Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training’s Command College, a 14-month, master’s level program that equips police who are leaders in their departments with the skills and strategies needed to recognize emerging social, political, and other issues that could affect law enforcement. 

Vigil began his 23-year career in law enforcement with the Sacramento Police Department and then served as a Sergeant with the Richmond Police Department for nearly 11 years. 

He joined Antioch’s police force in 2020, and as an Acting Captain he oversees patrol teams, investigations, the training of newly hired officers, and monitors the department’s use of body cameras among other duties.

Reed now will launch the search for an Interim Police Chief and once he has made that hire, Vigil will return to his previous position. 

After that, there will be a recruitment for a permanent Police Chief. Although he can’t predict how long the search will take, Reed said he looks forward to working with both the City Council and the Antioch community to identify the qualities that are most important for that person to have.

He added that he will be working with Chief Ford and Acting Chief Vigil this week to create a smooth transition between administrations.

Vigil said he had no comment at this time.

Silence The Violence free, family community event at Monica’s Riverview this Friday, August 11, 2023 from 5:30-11pm

The evening, hosted by Dude Where’s My Tacos and United Playaz, will include bounce houses, corn hole, a clown, face painting, magician, multiple food vendors and music by DJ Rick Lee.

The restaurant is located at 1 I Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

For more information visit their Instagram pages here and here, Facebook page or website.

Paid advertisement

Plus, barrier between parking lots

“Maybe we can sleep, again at night” – Rivertown resident Joy Motts

Council members, Rivertown residents meet with city staff to find solutions; Barbanica proposes ordinance to fine spectators

By Allen D. Payton

A meeting was held last Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023 among council members, Rivertown residents, business owner and city staff to develop solutions to the problems with sideshows in and near the Antioch Boat Ramp and Marina parking lots. Residents have been complaining about the noisy, late-night activity waking and keeping them up at night. (See related article) (See related videos here and here)

The meeting and this last weekend’s activities resulted in the first solutions. Acting City Manager Kwame Reed announced in an email to councilmembers on Monday, that the City will be locking the gate to the boat ramp parking lot from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. In addition, a barrier will be placed between that parking lot and the one that serves the Antioch Marina and the restaurant.

In the meeting was District 3 Councilman Mike Barbanica who requested it, Mayor Pro Tem Tamisha Torres-Walker whom he invited because she represents District 1, Reed, Acting Public Works Director Scott Buenting, Antioch Police Sgt. Rob Green, Joy Motts and other Rivertown residents, and the owner and manager of Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill.

“We discussed all the issues that were occurring in the boat launch parking lot and how it’s affecting the surrounding areas, downtown neighborhoods and residents,” Barbanica stated. “Second, we discussed increased enforcement in areas where people congregate for sideshows.”

“Scott Buenting had done some research prior to the meeting and found some raised delineators that allow cars to drive through the parking lot but prevent the sideshow activity,” the councilman shared. “He will research the cost and availability as well as the distance they need to be placed to prevent cars from spinning donuts. Depending on the cost, it may have to be brought back to the council for a vote.

“Third, while in the meeting, I sent an email requesting an ordinance to be brought to the council as an agenda item to fine onlookers at sideshows,” Barbanica said. “Lamar (Mayor Thorpe) responded that this was something the chief was supposed to be working on, but it got sidetracked.”

After the reports of Sunday morning’s sideshows Motts said, “It is so out of control down here, every night. We met with city staff, last week. They have some plans, but it it not enough. We need action and help, now!”

When reached for comment on Monday about closing the boat ramp parking lot gate announced today, she said, “That’s something we spoke about in the meeting. I think this absolutely had to be done. The sideshows were going on, again last night. They were right back at it.”

“Also, just last night someone drove down Second Street going 100 MPH, it was estimated by a witness,” she continued. “Plus, a neighbor told me a driver was drifting his car on the wrong side of L Street, while someone was filming to show the police station in the background. Sgt. Green told me they share it on social media, so more people come.”

About closing the boat ramp parking lot gates Motts added, “I’m praying. Maybe we can sleep again, at night.”

Driver wanted for same in Santa Clara County; two other drivers flee scenes; water main broken at marina parking lot

By Sgt. Price Kendall, PI Liaison, Community Engagement Unit, Antioch Police Department

On Sunday, August 6, 2023, at approximately 2:51 AM, the Antioch Police Department dispatch center began receiving calls that a sideshow was developing at the Antioch Marina and boat ramp parking lots. As officers were setting up to disperse the sideshow, a vehicle fled from the marina at a high rate of speed with no lights on. An officer initially began to follow the vehicle, but terminated the pursuit because the officer saw the fleeing vehicle’s hood was blocking the windshield.

The vehicle ultimately crashed at W. 9th and G Streets causing major injury to an unrelated Antioch citizen and damaging a city water hydrant. The victim was in her 50’s and she was transported to the hospital in critical condition. After the collision, the driver fled from the vehicle, but he was apprehended after a short foot pursuit. The 21-year-old male suspect was arrested for felony reckless driving, and felony hit and run. He also had a no bail warrant out of Santa Clara County for side show activity.

While officers were on scene at W. 9th and G Streets, the sideshow activity at the boat launch continued until a vehicle spun into the water and another vehicle collided with a water hydrant and a water main at the marina parking lot. Neither driver was identified as each fled from the scene prior to police arrival. All three incidents were simultaneous, and they all were related to the sideshow activity.

Up to $50,000 reward offered

By Allen D. Payton

Postal Inspector Matthew Norfleet, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, San Francisco Division Mail Fraud Team reports an armed robbery of a mail carrier around 2:27 p.m. Friday afternoon, August 4, 2023 in the 3000 block of G Street, Antioch CA. The robber stole postal keys. The carrier was not injured.

Our reward stands, up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who did this robbery or any other assault or robbery of a postal worker. Please contact postal inspectors 24 hours a day at 877-876-2455.

By Kelly Kalfsbeek, PIO, Contra Costa County Public Works Department

The Contra Costa County Public Works Department will install one-way traffic control on Marsh Creek Road from approximately 1.3 miles northwest of Deer Valley Road near the Clayton Palms Community to approximately 0.6 miles west beginning on Monday, August 7, 2023, through April 2024, barring unforeseen circumstances.

The traffic control will include installing a temporary traffic signal system to allow one direction of traffic at a time through the Marsh Creek Road Bridges Replacement Project work area for the public’s safety. Message boards and signage will alert drivers about the traffic control. Drivers should expect delays up to 15 minutes.

The project will replace two (2) bridges on Marsh Creek Road with two (2) new concrete bridges. Work will take place on Marsh Creek Road at Bridges 143 and 145. Bridge 143 is located approximately 1.5 miles northwest of Deer Valley Road near the Clayton Palms Community. Bridge 145 is located approximately 3.0 miles east of Deer Valley Road near the road transition to Camino Diablo. Work also includes reconstruction of the bridge approach and construction of drainage facilities. The temporary traffic signal system to allow one direction of traffic will be installed at the Bridge 143 site only.

Funding for this project is provided by the federal Highway Bridge Program and local Gas Tax funds. To learn more about this project, please visit: www.contracosta.ca.gov/MCR-Bridge

About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:

Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels, and other drainage and over 150 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sandbag Distribution and Flood Control throughout the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, and Byron Airport in Byron. For more information about CCCPWD, please visit us at: www.cccpublicworks.org Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @cccpublicworks