Will interview former councilwoman, former county supervisor’s chief of staff, AT&T technician, parking enforcement officer and barber

By Allen D. Payton

During a special meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday night, Sept. 23, 2025, the Antioch City Council will interview five applicants and appoint one to fill the vacant City Clerk position for a little more than one year. An election will be held in November 2026 to fill the remaining two of the four-year term.

As previously reported, on July 30, 2025, City Clerk Melissa Rhodes, elected last November, submitted her written resignation effective immediately. At its meeting of August 12, 2025, the City Council directed that the vacancy be filled by appointment rather than by special election. State law requires that the appointment be made within 60 days of the vacancy, or no later than September 30, 2025. Then during it’s Aug. 26th meeting, the Council adopted the appointment process with applications due Thursday, September 11.

According to the City staff report for the agenda item #SM-1, a total of 14 Antioch voters picked up the application packet; two withdrew. As of the close of the application period, the City received five applications…submitted by (in alphabetical order by last name):

• Michael J. Mandy, an AT&T Premises Technician and 31-year Antioch resident;

• Vincent Manuel, the former Chief of Staff, Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover, who worked for four months as an Administrative Analyst in the Antioch City Clerk’s Office and is a 35-year Antioch resident. He also has served on the Antioch Planning Commission, as Chair of the Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission and on the Antioch Board of Administrative Appeals.

• Eric Bao Xuan Nguyen, a Parking Enforcement Officer and six-year Antioch resident;

• Lori Ogorchock, former three-term Antioch Councilwoman, a retired, self-employed real estate agent, and 54-year Antioch resident; and

• Jerome Terrell, a barber and 12-year Antioch resident.

See complete applications.

Staff is recommending that the City Council take the following action to fill the City Clerk vacancy:

1. Receive applicant presentations (up to five minutes). Each applicant will be called up (in alphabetical order) and given the opportunity to speak.

2. Once each applicant has spoken, the applicant will be escorted to the HR interview room.

3. Applicants will be called back into the chamber in alphabetical order to take

questions from the Council.

4. Each councilmember will ask one question, as indicated below.

5. After the conclusion of Council questions, public comment will be opened.

6. Upon conclusion of public comment, the Council will deliberate and will select a candidate upon motion approved by a simple majority.

7. The City Council will adopt the resolution appointing [name of appointee] as City Clerk through November 2026.

Proposed Interview Questions

Staff is suggesting is that, during the interviews, each Councilmember and the Mayor ask one question of each candidate. The following are five questions the City Council may consider asking:

• How does the applicant view the role of City Clerk?

• What knowledge does the applicant have of computer systems and electronic platforms that might be used in the City Clerk position?

• What is the specific role of the City Clerk under the Brown Act, California Government Code, and California Elections Code?

• How would the applicant balance outside interests, including other civic, community, and political interests, with their work as City Clerk?

• What assurance can the applicant provide that they will timely carry out their duties for the remainder of the term?

Following this question-and-answer period, the City Council should then open the matter for public comment. Upon the conclusion of public comment, the matter shall be before the City Council for its consideration and a vote.

The special meeting will be preceded by a Closed Session meeting at 4:00 p.m. and followed by the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. The meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. They can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website and the City’s YouTube Channel, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.

Free to the public, enter to win prizes

By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Expo and Job Fair will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm at the Antioch Community Center in Prewett Family Park located at 4703 Lone Tree Way. The Business Expo will allow local businesses and organizations to introduce their products or services to the local community.

It also offers businesses the opportunity to market and create a business-to-business network that is often overlooked in distinct network venues. The Antioch Business Expo will showcase over 50 local businesses, organizations, non-profits, government entities and community business resources. The Business Expo is designed to create an environment for East County businesses to grow, prosper, and learn how to build meaningful relationships with the community and other businesses and organizations.

Open and free to the public! Free raffle ticket to enter to win many prizes including an iPad! Also, free food and wine samples!

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Antioch demonstrates both the City and Chamber’s intention of supporting local businesses and the continued planned economic growth of Antioch and the surrounding area. Securing a booth at this event is a great opportunity to connect your business or services with the community.

Proceeds from the Antioch Business Expo will help support the Antioch Chamber member initiatives and other Chamber events.

For more information visit 2025 Antioch Business Expo & Job Fair.

By Allen D. Payton

On Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, at 7:30 AM the Antioch City Council will hold a special, closed session meeting on the recruitment of a permanent City Attorney. The new hire will replace current Interim City Attorney Derek Cole who has been serving in the position since Thomas L. Smith resigned the position in January, following a two-and-a-half hour Closed Session meeting by the council.

The meeting will begin in the Council Chambers at 200 H Street in Antioch’s downtown Rivertown and public comments will be heard before the Council adjourns to closed session. The Council will later return, and Cole will publicly state any reportable action.

The public sessions of the meeting can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website and on the City’s YouTube Channel.

See meeting agenda.

On September 18th, 2025, a federal jury in Oakland, CA found a former Antioch police officer guilty of conspiracy against rights, marking another step toward accountability in a painful chapter for Antioch and Pittsburg. (See related article)

This case is part of a broader investigation that began in 2021 into misconduct by several officers entrusted to protect the public, including actions that fall under the broad category of crimes involving moral turpitude.

When a law is broken—especially by those sworn to enforce it—it is not just a legal violation, but an offense against the entire community. That is why in every criminal case, the District Attorney represents The People of the State of California. The harm caused by these individuals was felt by the public at large, and it is our duty and responsibility to pursue justice on behalf of all those affected.

I am grateful to our federal partners, our state and local investigators, and prosecutors who worked tirelessly on these cases on behalf of the residents of Antioch and Pittsburg. Thanks to these combined efforts, both cities have begun to rebuild trust and take meaningful steps toward restoring integrity in their public institutions. These efforts are crucial to ensuring safer, more just communities for all. Our office remains firmly committed to that mission.

Diana Becton

District Attorney, Contra Costa County

2025 Theme: Lace Up, Wheels Down, Let’s Skate!

By Robert Bruce, Paradise Skate Roller Rink

Antioch, CA – Paradise Skate Roller Rink is excited to join the Roller Skating Association (RSA) in celebrating National Roller Skating Month this October with the theme: “Lace Up, Wheels Down, Let’s Skate!”

This year’s campaign is all about encouraging people of all ages to discover—or rediscover—the fun, fitness, and community that roller skating brings. From beginners to lifelong skaters, October is the perfect time to get rolling!

Upcoming Events

• Learn to Skate Day – October 4, 2025

The first Saturday of October is dedicated to newcomers! Rinks nationwide, including Paradise Skate Roller Rink, will welcome first-time skaters to experience the thrill of roller skating.

• Cha Cha Slide Day – October 11, 2025

On the second Saturday of October, join us at 3 p.m. local time as we honor the late DJ Casper, creator of the “Cha Cha Slide.” Skaters across the country will come together to dance, slide, and celebrate.

• Unity Day – October 22, 2025

In partnership with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, rinks will recognize Unity Day, a nationwide anti-bullying awareness initiative. Skating centers are encouraged to promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

Why Roller Skating?

Roller skating is more than just fun—it’s a lifestyle that promotes fitness, friendship, and joy. Skating works over 640 muscles, including the heart, providing an incredible aerobic workout while boosting mental health and reducing stress. Whether it’s artistic skating, speed skating, roller derby, or simply a night out with friends, roller skating has something for everyone.

Join the Fun!

Find your local rink at www.rollerskating.org. Parents can also join the Kids Skate Free Club at www.kidsskatefree.com to receive two free skating passes per child each week through the myHownd app.

About Paradise Skate: Since 1969, Paradise Skate Roller Rink (formerly Roller Haven) has been the place to roll, laugh, and make memories! Started by the Doolettle family, we’ve been bringing the joy of skating to the community for 56 years — from casual skate sessions to exciting lessons and even competitive skating. Whether you’re lacing up for the first time or chasing that perfect spin, Paradise Skate is where the fun never stops. Come skate with us and keep the tradition rolling — connect with us today!

·         Website: www.paradiseskate.com

·         Facebook: ParadiseSkate

Paradise Skate is located at 1201 W. 10th Street on the Contra Costa Event Park fairgrounds. For more information call (925) 779-0200 or email robert@paradiseskate.com.

About Roller Skating Association (RSA)

The Roller Skating Association (RSA) is a premier trade association dedicated to serving commercial (for-profit) skating center owner/operators and various stakeholders in the roller-related industry. Committed to promoting our members’ success through education and the advancement of the roller skating business, the RSA remains at the forefront of fostering positive change and innovation within the roller skating community.

Connect with Us

• Website: www.rollerskating.org
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/rollerskatingassociation

In Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown

28-year-old Orey Douglas of Antioch and 38-year-old Sam Gray of Oakley

Douglas has a history of arrests since 2014 for murder, corporal injury, assault, sex with a minor, vehicle theft, false imprisonment, more

By Brentwood Police Department

On August 4th, 2024, Brentwood officers responded to an armed robbery that occurred at 50 Sand Creek Road. The victim reported being robbed at gunpoint by two suspects, identified as 28-year-old Orey Azniam Douglas of Antioch and 38-year-old Sam Donte Gray of Oakley (formerly of Concord – born 11-10-85). After both suspects were identified they were placed under arrest and charges were filed.

As previously reported, they robbed Los Mexicanos Market, Douglas was arrested that night and Gray remained at large until he was arrested on August 8, 2024. Douglas was charged with second-degree robbery and three firearms-related charges.

On March 3, 2025, the suspectswere found guilty of armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, along with numerous firearm charges and enhancements.

As of early this month, Gray will serve a 13-year prison sentence and Douglas will serve a 7-year prison sentence.

According to localcrimenews.com, the six-feet, three-inch tall, 215-pound Douglas is Black and has a history of arrests dating back to 2014 by multiple agencies including police departments in Antioch, Hayward, Fremont, BART, Oakland, San Jose, Vacaville, as well as Sheriff’s Departments in Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano counties, and Contra Costa CHP. Charges include murder, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant, assault with any means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, multiple gun crimes, sex with a minor and unlawfully causing a minor to engage in a commercial sex act by force, carjacking, vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, false imprisonment, threatening a witness, evading police and resisting arrest.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the five-feet, nine-inch tall, 217-pound Gray is Black and was held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $140,0000 bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was arrested for conspiracy to commit a crime, robbery, assault with a firearm on a person, felony parole violation and addict in possession of a firearm. Gray was previously arrested on Sept. 8, 2023, by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department on order for a person’s removal from prison to appear in court.

This case was a collaborative effort with our officers, Detectives, along with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. We are pleased this investigation has resulted in sentencing, and we commend the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in bringing this case forward.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.