Keep your family and our community safe. Participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30 10:00 am-2:00 pm.

With opioid overdose deaths increasing during the pandemic, the Antioch Police Department is taking back unwanted prescription drugs on April 30 at the Antioch Police Facility.

The public can drop off potentially dangerous prescription medications at 300 L Street at the corner of W. 2nd Streets. (front lobby) and other collection sites throughout the county which will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement.

DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted. DEA will continue to accept vaping devices and cartridges at its drop off locations provided lithium batteries are removed.

OTHER DROP OFF LOCATIONS

-Office of the Sheriff Muir Station, 980 Muir Road, Martinez

-Office of the Sheriff Bay Station, 5555 Giant Highway, Richmond

-Office of the Sheriff Valley Station, 150 Alamo Plaza, #C, Alamo

-Danville Police Department, 510 La Gonda Way, Danville

-Lafayette Police Department, 3471 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

-Orinda Police Department, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda

Helping people dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one way DEA is working to reduce addiction and stem overdose deaths.

Learn more about the event at www.deatakeback.com, or by calling 800-882-9539.

Whitley, Friend, Wagner other winners

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…April 23…Tommy Fraser won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. The 2019 champion made his move as they raced to the white flag and brought home the victory. Over 80 drivers competed in the four-division program.

Nick Zapatero charged into the lead at the start, followed by Fraser and Mark Garner. They ran that way for several laps before a yellow flag waved for a Turn 4 tangle involving Chuck Golden, Jason Ryan Jr, Brianna Troen and Nick Caughman Jr. Zapatero led Fraser and KC Keller on the restart. Zapatero was doing a good job of leading the way, but he didn’t have a very good Lap 18. A lap later, Zapatero pushed a little bit in Turn 3, and Fraser went down low in Turn 4 to grab the lead. Zapatero ended up spinning, and Fraser won ahead of Keller, Andrew Pearce, Mark Garner and Jonathan Hagio.

Daniel Whitley picked up the win in the 20 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event. The Hunt Series Rookie of the Year was piloting a car owned by Ted Finkenbinder, who also owns the third place finishing car of Jacob Tuttle.

Two-time Watsonville champion Jimmy Christian led the opening lap before Rick Panfili spun in Turn 4 for a yellow flag. On the restart lap, Whitley got a good run exiting Turn 2 and passed teammate Jacob Tuttle for second. Whitley then went racing past Christian on the back straightaway. There were two yellow flags from there. The worst was a red flag incident that saw Kaimi Moniz-Costa and Bob Newberry get together on the back straightaway with Newberry rolling. As Whitley started to pull away in the waning laps, Christian had his hands full battling Tuttle for second. Whitley won by a straightaway, and Christian held off Tuttle for the runner-up finish as Jarrett Soares and Trey Walters rounded out the Top 5.

Les Friend picked up the win in the 30 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. Looking for her fourth win, Misty Welborn brought the field to green flag ahead of Jason Robles and Clarence Holbrook. Welborn and Robles had a little bit of contact on Lap 10 as they battled in traffic. Welborn ended up with a flat tire, and Friend made a low pass in Turn 4 to take the lead. Friend was leading Robles and Holbrook at the halfway point of the race. Bobby Motts Jr moved into third on a Lap 19 restart. Friend set a rapid pace and scored the well-earned victory ahead of Robles, Motts, Holbrook and Jeff Bentancourt. James Graessle and Michaela Taylor won the two 10 lap B Mains with over 30 cars in competition.

Point leader Danny Wagner won the 20 lap Delta Dwarf Car Main Event. This was his third win of the season. South Bay Dwarf Car competitor Dan Zuger led them to the green flag ahead of David Michael Rosa. Wagner quickly moved into third and made an inside pass on the backstretch on Lap 4 to gain second. A yellow flag waved on Lap 4 for David Rosa, and Zuger continued to lead Wagner and David Michael Rosa on the restart. Both Wagner and David Michael Rosa got around Zuger on Lap 6, and Devan Kammermann moved into third soonafter. Kammermann made a move around Rosa on Lap 8, and the battle was on between Wagner and Kammermann. At times the lead duo went side by side in the final 13 laps. However, Wagner kept his cool and brought it home to the victory. Kammermann settled for another second place finish, followed by Sean Catucci, Ellie Russo and David Michael Rosa.

This weekend, Antioch Speedway hosts the Malicious Monster Truck Insanity Tour for two nights of exciting entertainment on Saturday and Sunday. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway April 23 Unofficial Race Results

Wingless Spec Sprints

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Jacob Tuttle, Jimmy Christian, Daniel Whitley. Main Event (20 laps)  Daniel Whitley, Jimmy Christian, Jacob Tuttle, Jarrett Soares, Trey Walters, Shannon Newton, Zack Neeley, James East, Tony Bernard, Jacob Williams.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Tommy Fraser, KC Keller, Tyler Browne, Matt Pitts. Main Event (20 laps) – Tommy Fraser, KC Keller, Andrew Pearce, Mark Garner, Jonathan Hagio Jacob Mallet Jr, Fred Ryland, Jason Ryan Jr, Nick Caughman Jr, Chester Kniss.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Misty Welborn, Clarence Holbrook, Jason Robles, Jon Haney. B Main 1 (10 laps) – James Graessle, Jess Paladino, Gavin Griffiths. B Main 2 (10 laps) – Michaela Taylor, Angela Brown, Judy Arth. Main Event (30 laps) – Les Friend, Jason Robles, Bobby Motts Jr, Clarence Holbrook, Jeff Bentancourt, Jared Baugh, Chris Long, Grayson Baca, Jewell Crandall, Ken Johns.

Delta Dwarf Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Chance Russell, Sean Catucci. Main Event (20 laps) – Danny Wagner, Devan Kammerman, Sean Catucci, Ellie Russo, David Michael Rosa, Toby Brown Dan Zuger, Mario Marques, Joe LeDuc, Chance Russell.

After judge in Florida tossed out federal mask mandate for public transit systems and airlines

The BART Board of Directors at its meeting today, Thursday, April 28, 2022, approved a temporary amendment to the District’s Code of Conduct to require riders to wear masks in paid areas of the system with limited exceptions. This requirement applies to trains and all portions of stations beyond the fare gates. Children ages two and under as well as people with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing masks are exempt from the mandate. The rule is effective until July 18, 2022, unless it is extended by the BART Board.

“I strongly support requiring a mask to ride BART to keep all our riders safe,” said BART Board President Rebecca Saltzman. “I’m especially concerned for our riders who are immunocompromised, people with underlying health conditions, and children under the age of five who are not yet eligible for vaccination.”

The update to the Code of Conduct comes after a federal judge in Florida earlier this month tossed out a federal mask mandate for public transit systems and airlines. Like other Bay Area transit agencies, BART’s previous mask mandate had been based on the now former TSA directive.

“It is essential the BART Board take action to protect our riders and employees after the surprising ruling that threw out the federal mandate,” said BART Board Vice President Janice Li. “Wearing masks helps to protect everyone, which is especially important now as COVID cases rise in the Bay Area.”

Free masks are available at station agent booths and from all safety staff for those who need one. As with the previous federal mandate, BART PD will continue its education-based enforcement of the mask requirement by offering free masks to anyone who needs one before taking any enforcement action which could include a citation up to $75 or being ejected from the paid area.

Throughout the pandemic BART has prioritized the safety of riders. BART has installed MERV 14 (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) air filters on all train cars new and old. These filters are dense enough to trap the virus and provide an extra layer of protection to our riders. Air is replaced every 70 seconds onboard cars mixing filtered air with fresh air. That means the circulation on BART train cars is better than most offices. In addition, all BART employees are fully vaccinated.

Attended by other area police chiefs and officers, officials and Ford’s family and friends; nothing similar done for previous interim police chief Morefield; Thorpe lauds four African-American men as city leaders, says hiring process for permanent chief has begun

By Allen D. Payton

New Antioch Interim Police Chief Dr. Steve Ford was given his ceremonial oath of office Wednesday afternoon in front of a crowd of area police chiefs and officers, city officials, the D.A., Antioch residents, and his family and friends. It was held at 1:00 p.m. in the outdoor amphitheater of the Antioch Community Center at Prewett Family Park. Ford had already started in his new position on Monday, he shared.

City Clerk Ellie Householder who served as Mistress of Ceremonies, introduced Mayor Lamar Thorpe who offered his remarks, including a racially focused history of the city.

Thorpe’s Remarks 

During Thorpe’s remarks, he spoke of this year’s Sesquicentennial celebrating the 150th anniversary of the City’s incorporation in 1872 and the community’s early days.

“While global commerce was welcome, it is also true that discrimination in the form of sundown ordinances, racial housing covenants, redlining and other forms of systemic oppression were also present in our city. Many of these effects of which are still felt, today,” Thorpe stated. “Antioch has grown and evolved and is one of the fastest growing cities in the San Francisco Bay Area and continues to draw people from different parts of the world, making it one of the most racially and economically diverse cities in the Bay.” (See video of Thorpe’s complete remarks)

“Today, our city is proud that the majority of our elected officials, unlike in 1872, happen to be women,” he continued. “From our illustrious City Clerk Ellie Householder to our woman majority city council.”

“We’re also proud of the fact that we are a majority African-American city council,” Thorpe stated. “Two African-Americans which also happen to be Mexican. So, it’s not Tamisha Walker, it’s Tamisha Torres-Walker. My first language happens to be Spanish, not English.”

“I want to emphasize that we’ve never been here as a city, before, nor has any city in California, where the mayor, the city manager, the city attorney and now, our chief of police happen to be African-American men, defying every stereotype out there, about us,” he said.

Thorpe then spoke about police reform measures passed by the council, “that put our department on the path towards more accountability and transparency, more importantly, inclusion and opportunity.”

“Dr. Ford,” Thorpe started to say, but was interrupted by someone’s phone that stated, “I’m not sure I understand.”

In response, the mayor quipped, “I do. Transparency, body cameras, all that good stuff” to laughter from the audience.

“Dr. Ford,” he repeated and continued with his thought, “is a critical piece to helping us continue to get there.”

Thorpe then spoke of Ford’s experience with the S.F.P.D.

“Today, marks a new day for the Antioch Police Department and for our city,” Thorpe said. “Chief Ford is Mr. Police Reform and I look forward to his leadership getting us past our small divisions and towards a collective and shared vision for our future as a city.”

“So, congratulations, Chief Ford for joining us in the City of Antioch,” the major concluded.

Interim City Manager Con Johnson then spoke briefly and thanked former interim police chief Tony Morefield, who has returned to his position as one of two captains on the Antioch police force.

Ford’s wife, Julia, a 26-year veteran of the San Francisco Police Department joined her husband at the podium and pinned him with his chief’s badge. He then shared his own remarks, similar to those he made when he was announced by Thorpe on Feb. 23. (See related article)

Ford’s Remarks 

Ford said he wants “to be a catalyst for positive change. To be clear, I do not endorse concept of defunding policing services. However, I do embrace the approach to policing that best serves our entire community. Restoring and enhancing community trust is critical, right now, more than ever.” (See video of Ford’s remarks)

“No one is successful, alone. Put it another way, it takes a village,”

He thanked his mother who was in attendance, and his wife and four children who he said, “you’ve been my motivating force to be role model, someone you can look up to and be successful.”

“To Mayor Thorpe, thank you, sir for having the confidence in me to lead this organization. I certainly appreciate this tremendous opportunity,” Ford continued. “To our city council members, City Manager Johnson, thank you, as well for trusting me to lead this organization. It’s truly an honor I don’t take lightly.”

“To the dedicated men and women of this organization that being the Antioch Police Department, both sworn and professional staff, you have my full commitment to provide you what you need to stay safe, be well trained and feel fully supported,” he stated.

“To the city of Antioch, please understand this department is your partner in keeping this community safe, through a relationship built on mutual trust, credibility and transparency,” Ford added. “I look forward to bringing my extensive experience as a practitioner, as an academic and a researcher, to make these goals and aspirations a reality for this organization and our community as a whole.”

“I sincerely thank all of you for your presence, here, today. God bless,” he concluded.

Following Ford’s remarks, guests were invited to remain and enjoy some cake.

Why No Similar Ceremony for Morefield? Thorpe Says City “Caught Off Guard” by Brooks’ Departure Although Announced Six Weeks Prior, Process for Permanent Chief Begun

Following the ceremony Thorpe spoke to a few members of the media in attendance. He was asked why a similar ceremony wasn’t provided for Captain Tony Morefield when he became interim police chief, last fall.

“I think the unexpected departure by Chief Brooks may have contributed to that. I think we were all caught off guard,” Thorpe stated. “This one was more planned.”

However, Brooks’ retirement was announced on August 26, 2021, six weeks prior to his departure, in a press release issued by the Boise Police Department and published on this and other local news websites that day. Also, that day, District 2 Councilman and now, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica said, “I’m very sorry to see him go” during an interview with the Herald. The next day, Torres-Walker offered her congratulations to Brooks on his new position in a post on her official Facebook page with which she posted a photo with him. In addition, on Sept. 9, then-Antioch City Manager Ron Bernal officially announced Brooks’ retirement in a press release. At that time, Thorpe was quoted as saying, “I wish Chief Brooks all the best as he heads to Boise.”

Brooks’ last day as police chief wasn’t until October 9. (See related articles, here and here)

Also, after Wednesday’s ceremony, held nine weeks after Ford’s hiring announcement, Thorpe was asked if there were plans to move him into the permanent position as police chief.

“No. You know that one of our police reform measures is the hiring process,” Thorpe responded.

Asked if the council will start that process, this year or wait until the end of the year, the mayor stated, “no, we’ve started that process.” (See video of Thorpe’s interview)

One day after new interim chief started in his position

By Allen D. Payton

During the Antioch City Council meeting on Tuesday night, April 26, 2022, hiring incentives and over hire by four additional sworn officers recently proposed by Mayor Lamar Thorpe and newly appointed Interim Police Chief Steve Ford to address the lack of active sworn police officers on the force, received the greenlight from fellow council members. The proposals were made during a press conference by the two of them on April 4 and appeared on the council agenda one day after Ford started in his new position and the day before his oath of office ceremony. (See related article)

Thorpe to Work with Staff on Additional Hiring Incentives for Police Officers

Police Captain Tony Morefield provided a presentation on the department’s current incentive program for recruiting police officers. APD Recruitment Signing Bonus Incentives staff report ACC042622

“A structured bonus incentive, similar to what we have currently only at a higher rate,” Thorpe said, describing his and Ford’s incentive proposal. “I’m also proposing it for academy grads, or a housing down payment.”

“Increasing that, I think we’re talking about a tremendous amount of money. I’m willing to go along with the current incentive program,” Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica said. “I want people to work, here because they want to, not because they’re getting a signing bonus. I want people to live here, because they want to. Once their time period is up, they’re gone. I just think we should focus on retention.”

“I appreciate the vision of what is already in place…and that there’s already been an incentive program,” District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker said. “I’m not sure if this is something I can support over the long-haul as I have some of the same concerns as Mayor Pro Tem Barbanica.”

“My proposal is a temporary measure, not a permanent measure,” Thorpe said.

“That’s what I’m saying, a temporary measure,” Torres-Walker said.

“We have to do whatever we can to recruit officers,” Thorpe stated.

I wouldn’t mind looking at other incentives that are out there…what other communities are doing, as well,” District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson said.

“I’m concerned about hiring quality officers. I don’t want incentives…that will attract officers who will leave,” District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said.

“I also have a concern about officers who are already working here,” she continued. “We’re not incentivizing them to stay. I’d be looking at those possibilities.”

“If you’ll allow me to go back and work with the city attorney, our new chief and Captain Morefield and bring something back,” Thorpe said.

Both Torres-Walker and Barbanica said they could support that.

Ogorchock said she would support it if it included incentives for current officers.

“We need to look at that citywide. Human Resources is depleted,” Thorpe said. “I think the police department should be the focus.”

“I appreciate the direction to go back…and bring back a draft policy for us to look at,” he concluded.

Support Increasing Over Hire by Four More Officers to 10 Above 115 in Budget

Following another brief presentation by Morefield the council discussed Thorpe’s proposal to increase the over hire of officers from 121, as previously approved, to 125, which is 10 more than the 115 sworn police officers currently in the budget.  Over Hire Sworn Police Officers staff report ACC042622

Barbanica said, “I support that.”

“There’s no timeline. No end date,” Ogorchock said.

“The problem is when you commit to hire officers, you have to have the funds to pay for them,” City Attorney Thomas L. Smith said.

“I’m not for over hiring 10, I’m for hiring 10,” Ogorchock said. “Actual hired employees.”

“That’s not this proposal,” Thorpe pointed out.

“I heard 115, then in my check in…I heard we already have approval to hire 121 and we’d only be requesting four,” Torres-Walker said.

“Correct, we’re asking for over hire of 10,” Thorpe said. “We did this in 2020. If we didn’t have funding for it, it goes away.”

“I will support the over hire of 10,” Torres-Walker then stated. “Do we understand what the fiscal impact is?”

“We can go back and figure that out and come back with a policy,” Thorpe said.

“I would agree, I’d like to see the permanent number go up by 10,” Barbanica said. “I support this. But it takes a long time to hire a police officer. We’re not going hire them overnight. This is a good measure to start.”

“OK. So, I think the direction is clear,” Thorpe said concluding the discussion.

 

Baseball training available for players ages 7-15 & featuring a low player to coach ratio.

Golden State Grind is hosting a four-day summer baseball camp June 27-30. Bill Duby will direct the program in conjunction with U.S. Baseball Academy. Registration has begun and will continue until all spots are filled.

The four-day skills camp will feature instruction during the morning, with a focus on hitting and defense. The afternoon session will focus on situational baseball games, competition drills, and a Wiffle Ball World Series.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Low Player-Coach Ratio
• Skill Development
• Situational Baseball Games
• Competition Drills
• Wiffle Ball World Series
• Camp T-shirt & Certificate
• Nike Prizes for winning teams
• and more!

Space is limited. Registration is now under way. For more information, visit Summer Baseball Camp in Antioch, California (ussportscamps.com), or call toll-free 866-622-4487.

 

Will locate it at Prewett Park; postpones vote on homeless motel funding due to lack of information from city staff; formation of new department also postponed

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting Tuesday night, April 26, 2022, the Antioch City Council voted to postpone a vote on spending $12.3 million over five years to lease a motel for transitional housing for the city’s homeless residents. Mayor Lamar Thorpe spoke of holding a special meeting on the matter, possibly this Friday. The council also unanimously voted to approve up to $550,000 on the proposed Bicycle Garden and locate it at Prewett Family Park. At the end of their meeting, the council on a 2-2-1 split with Thorpe stating he would be abstaining, the formation of the proposed Department of Public Safety and Community Resources was postponed until issues being discussed about the matter in closed session are worked out

Homeless Motel Funding Vote Postponed

Following public comments and a history about the project by Thorpe, the council members offered their reasons for how they were going to vote on approving $12.3 million to lease the Executive Inn on E. 18th Street for five years.  Executive Inn Homekey Program staff report ACC042622      Executive Inn HomeKey Financing presentation ACC02622

“This is bridge housing for stability,” Thorpe said. “I don’t want people giving out misinformation about our decisions up here. People have told us that we couldn’t. But dammit, we’re doing it.”

Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica said, “I’m in favor of getting people off the street. But I’m not in support of this location.”

“At $2.3 million that’s $82,000 per room per year. We’re only talking about 30 rooms,” he continued.

Barbanica then spoke of the impacts to the shopping center in Pittsburg where the  Walmart store  is located, since the Motel 6 on Loveridge Road was converted to the Delta Landing transitional housing facility for homeless in East County, and the need for more security there, as a result.

“We’re fooling ourselves if we think there won’t be other impacts in that neighborhood,” he said about the area around the Executive Inn.

District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker mentioned she lives in the neighborhood near the motel.

“I don’t think having the Executive Inn converted to transitional housing will cause any more problems in that neighborhood,” she said. “If it was good enough to put a school there for children then we can house people there living on the street.” She was speaking of the Rocketship Delta Prep charter school on Cavallo Road.

“I would like to see efforts for beautification and safety in this neighborhood,” Torres-Walker continued. “I do think we should move forward with leasing the Executive Inn. I really want to support the application for HomeKey for the Executive Inn and other potential sites. I do agree this one site is not the end all be all. We do have time. The application doesn’t have to be in until October.”

“It is a topic we’ve been working on for a very long time. I believe that we should have a presentation from Dignity Moves…on other properties,” District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said. “I have heard from Focus Strategies that $12.3 million is conservative. So, our reserves will be depleted. The $12.3 doesn’t include services. I’m not in favor of this site. I want to look at other opportunities.”

“The figure $12.2 does include wrap-around services,” Thorpe stated, correcting Ogorchock. “Every budget assumption has us going in the red. Generally, our sales tax does better than we project. So, to look at this number as a fixed number is an assumption.”

District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson spoke next saying, “People have said ‘why don’t we have services for homeless?’ We’ve had migration in the Bay Area, east. Services haven’t followed.”

“I’m in agreement we do need to look at other opportunities. But the cutoff date is coming up pretty soon. We shouldn’t leave money on the table,” she continued. “We have a second date coming up. But I don’t want to keep going ‘this isn’t a good site’. Nobody’s going to be 100% happy with any site we choose. I’m saying we should move forward with something, so we don’t leave money on the table. I’m for voting for this tonight so we get the ball rolling and not keep kicking the can down the road.”

“We’re not applying for Round 2 on May 2nd. That would be an impossible effort. We are applying for Round 3 funding…in October,” Thorpe explained.

Assistant City Manager Rosann Bayon Moore spoke about research that she could make available to the council members showing “the Executive Inn is the only site that can compete with the aggressive timeline. As soon as they make their decision in December, we have to show we can bring the units online within eight months.”

“I would have preferred to see that before this and that didn’t happen,” Torres-Walker said, referring to the research by city staff. “I would also like to hear from Dignity Moves and from Home First so we can have a balanced presentation and not just Focus Strategies. Tonight, I cannot support this item without that.”

“So, we need to postpone this,” Thorpe said. “We can’t kick this can down the road. We have to move. We can meet on Friday.”

Torres-Walker then made a motion to postpone the item and Wilson seconded it. 
“Most votes on homeless have been 3-2 votes,” Thorpe stated. “I keep hearing it’s about this reason or that reason. It’s values. I’m sick and tired of hearing the reasons.”

The motion to postpone then passed 4-1 with Barbanica voting against.

Bicycle Garden Design Funding & Location Approved

Antioch Parks and Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger provided a presentation on the proposed Bicycle Garden and said the Contra Costa Transportation Authority would be the lead agency on the project.  Bicycle Garden staff report & presentation ACC042622

During discussion about the Bicycle Park, the council chose the location of Prewett Family Park for the Bicycle Garden and to spend up to $550,000 for planning and design by San Francisco-based T.Y. Lin International, the global civil and structural infrastructure engineering firm that designed the Eastern Span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The funds are not currently in the budget but will be spent from the General Fund.

Council members were then asked their top two preferred locations. Torres-Walker and Barbanica supported Gentrytown Park as their first choice and Prewett Family Park as their second for the location. But Ogorchock, Wilson and Thorpe supported Prewett as their first choice and Gentrytown as their second choice.

“So, Prewett moves forward,” Thorpe said.

The council then approved the expenditure and location on a 5-0 vote.

Formation of New Department Also Postponed

The council then discussed the formation of the proposed Department of Public Safety and Community Resources.  (See related articles here and here)  New department formation staff report ACC042622

Ogorchock asked to change the name to Public Services.

“As one of the committee members, of course I’m in support of this,” Wilson said.

“I would like to see this come back and have staff develop a policy on the Department of Public Safety and Community Resources,” Torres-Walker said. She also wanted the director’s position included in the ordinance.

“Not including it doesn’t mean you can’t hire one,” City Attorney Thomas L. Smith stated.

“Do we normally include the positions in an ordinance?” Thorpe asked.

“Sometimes we include the top positions. You don’t have to. You can leave it out.” Smith responded.

“I don’t think it needs to be in the ordinance. Staff needs flexibility. I think that’s too much,” Thorpe stated.

“If it doesn’t have to come back in the ordinance and can come back another way, through the budget, I’m fine with that,” Torres-Walker said.

“I get what the mayor is saying. I’m happy to move this process forward,” Wilson said.

“So, everyone is in support of moving this forward?” Thorpe asked.

“I’ve been consistent ‘no’ on this,” Barbanica said.

“So, is that three in favor and two opposed?” Smith asked.

Thorpe said he was going to abstain.

“Should I bring the ordinance back?” Smith asked.

“We’ve been having these discussions in closed session. I’d prefer to get some of that worked out, first then bring it back,” Thorpe said.

So, the formation of the new department was postponed until an unspecified time in the future.

By Allen D. Payton

In his City Manager’s Bi-Monthly Update on Tuesday, April 26, Antioch Interim City Manager welcomed new Interim Police Chief Dr. Steve Ford whose hiring was announced by Mayor Lamar Thorpe during a press conference on February 23 without the knowledge of at least three other council members. (See related article)

Ford reportedly began his new position yesterday, Monday, April 25 and former Interim Police Chief Tony Morefield, who has held the position since former Chief Tammany Brooks’ retirement last fall, returned to his position as a Captain on the police force. Neither Thorpe nor Johnson ever answered the question why the change in interim police chiefs was necessary.

Ford had to complete his background check before his hiring could be finalized, which was expected to be done by Easter. Johnson inadvertently fired Morefield in an email to him and others, including all five council members and Ford, the day after Thorpe’s announcement. That was rescinded a short while later. (See related article)

Johnson’s message reads as follows:

“WELCOME CHIEF DR. STEVE A. FORD

‘Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.’ Publilius Syrus

As a former police officer, who honorably served 30 years in law enforcement and is currently serving the City of Antioch as its Interim City Manager, there is no greater honor and privilege than having both the benefit and opportunity of appointing a new Chief of Police. The Chief of Police is an iconic city figure who must be beyond reproach and possess impeccable personal character. With great humility, I would like to introduce Dr. Steve A. Ford as the City of Antioch’s newly appointed Interim Chief of Police. A very special thank you to Captain Tony Morefield who stepped in as Interim Chief of Police since October 2021.

Dr. Steven A. Ford, Ed.D, M.S., B.S., who recently retired from the San Francisco Police Department as a Commander, grew up in one of San Francisco’s crime-ridden and gang-infested communities, notoriously known at the time as the Ingleside-Oceanview district. His law enforcement background spans thirty-one-plus years with the San Francisco Police Department and has included assignments in Operations, Investigations, Administration, Special Operations-Homeland Security, and Professional Standards-Strategic Management Bureaus. Dr. Ford currently serves as faculty at San Francisco City College and San Francisco State University, where he instructs administration of justice courses and course work in the MPA program.

Dr. Ford holds an Associate of Sciences Degree from San Francisco City College, a Bachelor of Science Degree from San Francisco State University, a Master of Science Degree from California State University-Long Beach, and a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary’s College-California. Chief Ford has attended the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, Robert Presley Institute of Criminal Investigations, California POST Command College, California Police Chiefs Executive Leadership Institute at Drucker-Claremont Graduate University, POST Executive Development, San Francisco Leadership S.F. Chamber of Commerce, and San Francisco Police Department Leadership Development Institute.

Dr. Ford considers his leadership and professional philosophy to be that of a contemporary leader who values the profession’s history, is focused on current challenges, and has a vision for the future of policing. Please join Mayor Lamar Thorpe, the entire City Council, and me in welcoming our new Antioch Police Department Interim Chief of Police, Dr. Steven A. Ford, to our beautiful city, where Opportunity Lives.”

Challenges Ford Will Face

Ford steps in at a time the Antioch Police force is down 14 sworn officers to 101 from the 115 budgeted, and down 24 active sworn officers with five of them on paid leave pending the investigation by the Contra Costa DA’s Office and FBI. In addition, he will face an attrition problem that, according to Antioch Police Officers Association President Steve Aiello based on exit interviews of officers leaving the department, is due to the current council majority, specifically the mayor and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, and their attitudes toward and actions affecting the police department.

Ford and Thorpe recently proposed adding four more sworn officers to the current over hire figure of six, and a signing bonus for lateral and new academy graduates, including a housing allocation. Both items are on tonight’s (Tuesday’s) council meeting agenda for discussion. (See related article)

In addition, Ford begins his tenure in his new position at a time neither he nor any of the City’s other department heads are allowed to speak to council members or the media, by Johnson’s directive, without the interim city manager’s approval, presence or the presence of Johnson’s representative.