Assemblywoman Wilson, Mayor Thorpe share what their governments are doing for business; he commits $100K to Chamber

Chamber Exec shares about his organization’s achievements and future plans

By Allen D. Payton

During its first State of Business luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2022, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce honored Economic Development Director Kwame Reed presenting him with a plaque recognizing his efforts over the past five years. The event held at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Cente, was co-sponsored by PG&E and attended by about 60 people. It replaced the annual State of the City luncheon which hasn’t occurred for a few years due to the response to COVID-19, Chamber Executive Director Daniel Sohn shared.

During his presentation, Mike McGill, the Chamber’s Economic Development Chair spoke about Reed’s contributions to Antioch’s economy followed by comments by Mayor Lamar Thorpe.

“After the economic downturn when I was a councilmember, Kwame’s position was one of the first positions we invested in,” Thorpe stated.

McGill then presented Reed with the plaque and gave him the opportunity to say a few words.

“It’s refreshing to be acknowledged for all the hard work,” Reed responded. “There’s a lot more work that needs to be done. I look forward to working with you all and with Daniel and the spark of energy that he’s brought…that wants to inspire you.”

Assemblywoman Lori Wilson was the event’s keynote speaker.

“It’s my job to improve the quality of life,” she said “Every person has a right to a high quality of life…to define what that looks like for themselves. My job…is to facilitate that.”

“When we support a marginalized community, we support everyone,” Wilson shared, referring to work for the Black community as the incoming Chair of the Assembly Black Caucus.

“We had an almost $100 billion surplus, this year,” Wilson stated. “The money…is still being allocated.

She mentioned, “$250 million for small business COVID supplemental cost paid sick leave. This comes from the increase in federal funds.”

“Every business has been changed by the pandemic. Some have been forever changed,” the Assemblywoman continued, then spoke of a “fee waiver program for new businesses, to waive filing fees with the Secretary of State.”

“We are here for you to do well. It’s a quality of life issue,” she shared. “Businesses are important. We want businesses to stay in California. There are people in the legislature working hard to ensure it’s business friendly.”

“I want to encourage you as business owners who support and provide jobs in our community…every single employee is vital to your business and our community,” Wilson said. “I look forward to continue serving you in this district and the greater Bay Area.”

Wilson, who won a special election in April to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Jim Frazier, is running for a full term, pointed out that if re-elected she will no longer represent Antioch due to redistricting. But Wilson said she will continue to work with the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.

She was then presented with a clock as a thank you for speaking at the event.

Sohn shared some of the Chamber’s achievements, this year and the organization’s future plans.

“In May 2022 the Chamber became an advocacy member…focusing on tourism and economic development… working to change the state mandates that are not good for business,” he stated. “That means taking the fight to our state legislature.”

“In May, the Chamber also started on the path to become the third official visitors and convention bureau in the county,” he continued. “It will focus on three industries – hotels, hospitality, restaurants and recreation and parks.”
“We want to become a California Welcome Center,” Sohn shared which will bring “$1 million for this community” from state funds.

“In August the Chamber launched the Small Business Investment Center in partnership with Travis Credit Union,” he continued. “We are still taking intakes for that program. Those interested in starting a business should visit contracostasbdc.org.

Thorpe shared what the city’s been doing for local businesses and committed more funds to the Chamber.

“We’ve invested $2.5 million directly into businesses from the COVID-19 funds,” he stated. “About $1 million is going to façade improvements and grants.”

“I’m still committed that we invest $25,000 for your program,” Thorpe said to Sohn and the Chamber board members in attendance at the luncheon.

“We’ve had an increase in over 6% in business licenses in the city over the past year….for a total of about 3,400 business licenses in Antioch,” Thorpe continued. “For us it’s not just about quality of life for our residents but for our businesses.”

“We really want to invest $100,000 in the Chamber of Commerce to fund everything you want to do,” he stated.

“We believe in your vision and the direction you’re going.”

“This city is about opportunity,” Thorpe exclaimed.

He then spoke of the mental health response team and how they will help in “Reducing the amount of nonsense our police officers are having to deal with…not chasing homeless people from place to place.”

“We have a Dutch Brothers coming to Antioch at Hillcrest and Deer Valley,” Thorpe shared, also mentioning the new restaurants and coffee shops in downtown Rivertown.

“People still want to live in some Facebook dismal apocalypse. Things are good in this city,” he added.
To learn more about the City of Antioch’s Economic Development Department and efforts visit www.antiochca.gov/economic-development. For more information about the Antioch Chamber of Commerce visit www.antiochchamber.com.

Join us for our annual Harvest Carnival on Friday, October 28th from 6 until 8:30 pm. Our event is free to the public, and we’ll have food trucks for you to purchase from.  Laurel Ridge Church is located at 2459 Laurel Road in Oakley.

With public’s help victim identified as 25-year-old from Antioch

By PIO Darryl Saffold, Investigations Bureau, Antioch Police Department

On Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, based on her dental records, the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office has positively identified 25-year-old Mykaella Sharlman as the female victim whose body was found burning on the Mokelumne Trail in Antioch on Oct. 17. (See related articles here and here)

Two people of interest have been arrested in relation to Sharlman’s death and are currently in police custody.

The Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau would like to thank the public for their assistance in helping to identify Sharlman.

Anyone with additional information related to this event is asked to contact Detective Whitaker at wwhitaker@antiochca.gov or 925-779-6890. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH. All text tips are anonymous and cannot be traced to the sender. This is still an active and on-going investigation. No further information will be released at this time.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family of this tragic and unfortunate incident.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report

Missed Oct. 11th council meeting

By Allen D. Payton

It was finally confirmed by Tri Delta Transit staff on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, that Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe attended the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) conference in Seattle Oct. 7-12. That’s why he missed the most recent council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 11. But he wouldn’t say why he missed that meeting or had to leave the previous council meeting early to catch a flight to L.A. or why he was there for just the following day. (See related article)

Thorpe is one of Antioch’s two representatives to serve on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority, known as Tri Delta Transit. The other is including District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson who did not attend the conference and was present at the Oct. 11th council meeting. Thorpe currently serves as the board’s Vice Chair.

According to CEO Transitional Officer Jeanne Krieg, “Lamar Thorpe did attend – he arrived Friday October 7th and returned Wednesday October 12th. His flight was $195.58. Conference registration was $975. The conference rate for the hotel was $284/night so for five nights, the bill was $1668.45 (including taxes).”

The total for his trip was $2,839.03.

The agency staff was also asked who else from the board attended the conference, but that information has not yet been provided. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Gianathon Michael Vincent

August 21, 2010 – October 1, 2022

Gianathon and two cousins Mason Hanlin and Cheyanne Comfort were struck Sept 16, 2022, by a speeding car. The doctors at Children’s Hospital determined that he was brain dead after being on life support for over a week. Shannon Rae Hanlin, his mother, made the heart wrenching decision to remove him from life support and the decision to donate his organs to save other lives.

Gianathon was a student at Antioch Middle School. He loved sports and video games, and his biggest love was riding minibikes. He was riding at three years of age.

He is loved and missed by his mom, Shannon Hanlin, his father Brentyn Vincent, his grandparents, Ray Hanlin, Pam Finley and Carla Sprio. He was also loved and will be missed by his cousins Mason Hanlin, Connor Hanlin, Jacob Comfort, Cheyenne and Jasmine Comfort. Also, his Uncle Anthony Hanlin, Aunt Jami and Uncle Johnny Comfort, Godfather Andrew Finley, Godmother Devina Collins, as well as numerous other family members and friends. He’s forever in our hearts.

Two Celebrations of Life for Gianathon will be held on Saturday, October 29 from 1:00-4:00 and another on Sunday, Nov. 6 at the VFW Hall located at Fulton Shipyard Road in Antioch. The first one will be a potluck so, if possible, please bring your favorite dish. We are also in need of drinks, water, and soda but no alcohol. Everyone is welcome. RSVP is not necessary, but we would appreciate knowing if you are coming so we can plan. Look forward to seeing you there. Thank you.

By Leeann Loroño, Manager of Customer Service and Marketing, Tri Delta Transit

(Note: Apologies for the delay in posting this information. The Herald publisher was sick during the week this press release was issued)

After an extensive nationwide search, the Board of Directors of the Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority, aka Tri Delta Transit, unanimously selected Rashidi Barnes as Tri Delta Transit’s new CEO. He assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer on September 7, 2022, replacing long-time CEO Jeanne Krieg who is retiring in February after 32 years at the agency.

Barnes started his transit career twenty years ago as the Western Sales Manager for Transit Marketing Group, a leader in marketing and sales for transit product manufacturers. From there he became the Director of Procurement for Foothill Transit where he was responsible for insuring contract compliance and procurement of materials/supplies and professional, architectural and engineering services. He also served as Foothill Transit’s Disadvantaged Enterprise Liaison Officer during his tenure.  His next five and a half years was spent with Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) where he served as Senior Manager of Transportation, Senior Manager of Innovation and Shared Mobility, and then Director of Innovation and Shared Mobility. Projects that he helped to deliver included the initial Clipper System implementation for CCCTA, introducing on-demand transportation service, shepherding bus on shoulder legislation and congestion mitigation options, working with the regions local utility provider to help launch the agency’s first electric bus. During his other roles at CCCTA, Mr. Barnes oversaw the daily operations of 160+ bus operators, 12 supervisors and 1 transit manager. Daily as an operations team, their focus was on providing efficient service. This was accomplished through a dedication to strong customer service, innovative approaches in planning, traffic mitigation, and performance management of employees.

Most recently, Mr. Barnes has been working for First Transit as the Director of Mobility as a Service, a national position where he worked with various transit agencies, TNC’s, payment solution companies and micro mobility providers to deliver innovative mobility solutions. Through the introduction of MaaS mobile applications, data analytics and focus on improving the customers journeys Mr. Barnes believes that transit agencies will be able re-solidify its place in the daily transportation decisions that people make.

Mr. Barnes brings a variety of experience in roles that are part of Tri Delta Transit’s service.  In addition, he brings proven leadership, innovative thought, decision making skills, contract administration, as well as, in-depth industry knowledge.  In 2015, Mr. Barnes was listed by Mass Transit Magazine as one of the Top 40 Under 40 to watch and follow.

“We are greatly saddened by the retirement of Jeanne Krieg, who has been a strong leader for the last 32 years,” Board Chair Anissa Williams stated. “We are extremely fortunate to be bringing Rashidi Barnes onboard, who will no doubt continue Jeanne Krieg’s strong leadership and direction, while forging his own legacy.”

Krieg assumed the title of CEO Transitional Officer, serving in the position until she retires officially in February after a long and distinguished career.

Krieg Honored on Industry’s Wall of Excellence

In April, this year Krieg was honored by the California Association for Coordinated Transportation (CalACT) in Newport Beach at the CalACT spring conference. She was awarded a spot on the CalACT Wall of Excellence which recognizes individuals who have had a long and distinguished career in public transportation and have made outstanding contributions to CalACT and the transportation industry.

“Under the leadership of CEO Jeanne Krieg, Tri Delta Transit is a very forward thinking and innovative agency,” said then Board Chair Ken Gray. “Tri Delta Transit has been first adaptors of electric and hydrogen technology, use of various app technology, and in the forefront of employee practices to retain employees and create an optimal work environment.”

CalACT is a statewide, non-profit organization that represents the interests of small, rural and specialized transportation providers. CalACT, who have been in existence since 1984, promotes: striving for professional excellence in the field of transportation; that mobility is essential to the freedom and quality of life for everyone; and that agencies can create solutions by working together. CalACT acts as advocates for the industry, provides resources, sponsors conferences that promote idea and knowledge sharing, and implements programs such as bus procurement cooperative.

“I was surprised and humbled by this recognition from my industry,” Krieg said. “All of the employees and board members at Tri Delta Transit are a part of this award: their support, dedication, and hard work are what makes our agency successful.”

ABOUT TRI DELTA TRANSIT

Tri Delta Transit provides over two million trips each year to a population of over 315,000 residents in the 225 square miles of Eastern Contra Costa County. They currently operate 15 local bus routes Monday – Friday, five local bus routes on weekends, door-to-door bus service for senior citizens and people with disabilities, and on-demand rideshare services. To learn more, visit TriDeltaTransit.com.

In order to be sent an Official Ballot by mail; voters can still register in person until and on Election Day

By Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach/Engagement Specialist, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department

Debi Cooper, County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, reminds voters that the close of registration for the upcoming November 8, 2022 General Election is Monday, October 24th.   “This is the deadline for voters to register in order to be sent an Official Ballot by mail.  After this date, voters can still register, but they will be required to register and vote in person.”

Register to Vote:

Voters can conveniently register to vote online at https://registertovote.ca.gov or complete a voter registration card, which is available at most post offices, city halls, and libraries throughout the County.  Online registration must be completed before midnight on October 24th.  Paper registration cards must be postmarked by October 24th. 

To be eligible to vote in this election, a registered voter must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 18 years of age by Election Day, a resident of the state, and not currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony.  You must update your registration if you have moved, legally changed your name, or changed your party.

Be sure you are registered!  Check your voter registration status online at www.contracostavote.gov by clicking on the “My Voting Information” button.

After October 24th, there is not sufficient time to mail and return ballots, so voters will be required to register and vote in person at; the Elections Division in Martinez, one of the County’s early voting sites, or a polling place on Election Day. Cooper’s advice: “Register early so you will receive a ballot in the mail. If you choose to vote in-person, having a current registration will speed up the process at your polling place on Election Day.”