“We do not collect or share information about your immigration status unless required by state or federal law or a court order.” – Contra Costa County

Amid recent changes and concerns about federal immigration policies following executive orders signed by President Trump this past Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, Contra Costa County wants to reassure you about our unwavering commitment to all members of our community, regardless of immigration status.

Entitled, Protecting The American People Against Invasion – The White House, the president’s E.O. reads as follows:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1. Purpose. Over the last 4 years, the prior administration invited, administered, and oversaw an unprecedented flood of illegal immigration into the United States. Millions of illegal aliens crossed our borders or were permitted to fly directly into the United States on commercial flights and allowed to settle in American communities, in violation of longstanding Federal laws.

Many of these aliens unlawfully within the United States present significant threats to national security and public safety, committing vile and heinous acts against innocent Americans. Others are engaged in hostile activities, including espionage, economic espionage, and preparations for terror-related activities. Many have abused the generosity of the American people, and their presence in the United States has cost taxpayers billions of dollars at the Federal, State, and local levels.

Enforcing our Nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States. The American people deserve a Federal Government that puts their interaests first and a Government that understands its sacred obligation to prioritize the safety, security, and financial and economic well-being of Americans.
This order ensures that the Federal Government protects the American people by faithfully executing the immigration laws of the United States.

Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to faithfully execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens, particularly those aliens who threaten the safety or security of the American people. Further, it is the policy of the United States to achieve the total and efficient enforcement of those laws, including through lawful incentives and detention capabilities.

Sec. 3. Faithful Execution of the Immigration Laws. In furtherance of the policies described in section 2 of this order:

(a) Executive Order 13993 of January 20, 2021 (Revision of Civil Immigration Enforcement Policies and Priorities), Executive Order 14010 of February 2, 2021 (Creating a Comprehensive Regional Framework To Address the Causes of Migration, To Manage Migration Throughout North and Central America, and To Provide Safe and Orderly Processing of Asylum Seekers at the United States Border), Executive Order 14011 of February 2, 2021 (Establishment of Interagency Task Force on the Reunification of Families), and Executive Order 14012 of February 2, 2021 (Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans) are hereby revoked; and

(b) Executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall take all appropriate action to promptly revoke all memoranda, guidance, or other policies based on the Executive Orders revoked in section 3(a) of this order and shall employ all lawful means to ensure the faithful execution of the immigration laws of the United States against all inadmissible and removable aliens.

Sec. 4. Civil Enforcement Priorities. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all appropriate action to enable the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to set priorities for their agencies that protect the public safety and national security interests of the American people, including by ensuring the successful enforcement of final orders of removal. Further, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that the primary mission of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations division is the enforcement of the provisions of the INA and other Federal laws related to the illegal entry and unlawful presence of aliens in the United States and the enforcement of the purposes of this order.

Sec. 5. Criminal Enforcement Priorities. The Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall take all appropriate action to prioritize the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the unauthorized entry or continued unauthorized presence of aliens in the United States.

Sec. 6. Federal Homeland Security Task Forces. (a) The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all appropriate action to jointly establish Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs) in all States nationwide.

(b) The composition of each HSTF shall be subject to the direction of the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security, but shall include representation from any other Federal agencies with law enforcement officers, or agencies with the ability to provide logistics, intelligence, and operational support to the HSTFs, and shall also include representation from relevant State and local law enforcement agencies. The heads of all Federal agencies shall take all appropriate action to provide support to the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that the HSTFs fulfill the objectives in subsection (c) of this section, and any other lawful purpose that fulfills the policy objectives of this order.

(c) The objective of each HSTF is to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations throughout the United States, dismantle cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks, end the scourge of human smuggling and trafficking, with a particular focus on such offenses involving children, and ensure the use of all available law enforcement tools to faithfully execute the immigration laws of the United States.

(d) The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all appropriate action to provide an operational command center to coordinate the activities of the HSTFs and provide such support as they may require, and shall also take all appropriate action to provide supervisory direction to their activities as may be required.

Sec. 7. Identification of Unregistered Illegal Aliens. The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, shall take all appropriate action to:

(a) Immediately announce and publicize information about the legal obligation of all previously unregistered aliens in the United States to comply with the requirements of part VII of subchapter II of chapter 12 of title 8, United States Code;

(b) Ensure that all previously unregistered aliens in the United States comply with the requirements of part VII of subchapter II of chapter 12 of title 8, United States Code; and

(c) Ensure that failure to comply with the legal obligations of part VII of subchapter II of chapter 12 of title 8, United States Code, is treated as a civil and criminal enforcement priority.

Sec. 8. Civil Fines and Penalties. (a) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of Treasury, shall take all appropriate action to ensure the assessment and collection of all fines and penalties that the Secretary of Homeland Security is authorized by law to assess and collect from aliens unlawfully present in the United States, including aliens who unlawfully entered or unlawfully attempted to enter the United States, and from those who facilitate such aliens’ presence in the United States.

(b) Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit a report to the President regarding their progress implementing the requirements of this section and recommending any additional actions that may need to be taken to achieve its objectives.

Sec. 9. Efficient Removals of Recent Entrants and Other Aliens. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all appropriate action, pursuant to section 235(b)(1)(A)(iii)(I) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(1)(A)(iii)(I)), to apply, in her sole and unreviewable discretion, the provisions of section 235(b)(1)(A)(i) and (ii) of the INA to the aliens designated under section 235(b)(1)(A)(iii)(II). Further, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall promptly take appropriate action to use all other provisions of the immigration laws or any other Federal law, including, but not limited to sections 238 and 240(d) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1228 and 1229a(d)), to ensure the efficient and expedited removal of aliens from the United States.

Sec. 10. Detention Facilities. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall promptly take all appropriate action and allocate all legally available resources or establish contracts to construct, operate, control, or use facilities to detain removable aliens. The Secretary of Homeland Security, further, shall take all appropriate actions to ensure the detention of aliens apprehended for violations of immigration law pending the outcome of their removal proceedings or their removal from the country, to the extent permitted by law.

Sec. 11. Federal-State Agreements. To ensure State and local law enforcement agencies across the United States can assist with the protection of the American people, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law, and with the consent of State or local officials as appropriate, take appropriate action, through agreements under section 287(g) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1357(g)) or otherwise, to authorize State and local law enforcement officials, as the Secretary of Homeland Security determines are qualified and appropriate, to perform the functions of immigration officers in relation to the investigation, apprehension, or detention of aliens in the United States under the direction and the supervision of the Secretary of Homeland Security. Such authorization shall be in addition to, rather than in place of, Federal performance of these duties. To the extent permitted by law, the Secretary of Homeland Security may structure each agreement under section 287(g) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1357(g)) in the manner that provides the most effective model for enforcing Federal immigration laws in that jurisdiction.

Sec. 12. Encouraging Voluntary Compliance with the Law. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all appropriate action, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, and subject to adequate safeguards, assurances, bonds, and any other lawful measure, to adopt policies and procedures to encourage aliens unlawfully in the United States to voluntarily depart as soon as possible, including through enhanced usage of the provisions of section 240B of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1229c), international agreements or assistance, or any other measures that encourage aliens unlawfully in the United States to depart as promptly as possible, including through removals of aliens as provided by section 250 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1260).

Sec. 13. Recalcitrant Countries. The Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all appropriate action to:

(a) Cooperate and effectively implement, as appropriate, the sanctions provided by section 243(d) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1253(d)), with the Secretary of State, to the maximum extent permitted by law, ensuring that diplomatic efforts and negotiations with foreign states include the foreign states’ acceptance of their nationals who are subject to removal from the United States; and

(b) Eliminate all documentary barriers, dilatory tactics, or other restrictions that prevent the prompt repatriation of aliens to any foreign state. Any failure or delay by a foreign state to verify the identity of a national of that state shall be considered in carrying out subsection (a) this section, and shall also be considered regarding the issuance of any other sanctions that may be available to the United States.

Sec. 14. Visa Bonds. The Secretary of Treasury shall take all appropriate action, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security, to establish a system to facilitate the administration of all bonds that the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security may lawfully require to administer the provisions of the INA.

Sec. 15. Reestablishment of the VOICE Office and Addressing Victims of Crimes Committed by Removable Aliens. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall direct the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to take all appropriate and lawful action to reestablish within ICE an office to provide proactive, timely, adequate, and professional services to victims of crimes committed by removable aliens, and those victims’ family members. The Attorney General shall also ensure that the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 3771 are followed in all Federal prosecutions involving crimes committed by removable aliens.

Sec. 16. Addressing Actions by the Previous Administration. The Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall promptly take all appropriate action, consistent with law, to rescind the policy decisions of the previous administration that led to the increased or continued presence of illegal aliens in the United States, and align any and all departmental activities with the policies set out by this order and the immigration laws. Such action should include, but is not limited to:

(a) ensuring that the parole authority under section 212(d)(5) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(5)) is exercised on only a case-by-case basis in accordance with the plain language of the statute, and in all circumstances only when an individual alien demonstrates urgent humanitarian reasons or a significant public benefit derived from their particular continued presence in the United States arising from such parole;

(b) ensuring that designations of Temporary Protected Status are consistent with the provisions of section 244 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1254a), and that such designations are appropriately limited in scope and made for only so long as may be necessary to fulfill the textual requirements of that statute; and

(c) ensuring that employment authorization is provided in a manner consistent with section 274A of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1324a), and that employment authorization is not provided to any unauthorized alien in the United States.

Sec. 17. Sanctuary Jurisdictions. The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, to the maximum extent possible under law, evaluate and undertake any lawful actions to ensure that so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions, which seek to interfere with the lawful exercise of Federal law enforcement operations, do not receive access to Federal funds. Further, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall evaluate and undertake any other lawful actions, criminal or civil, that they deem warranted based on any such jurisdiction’s practices that interfere with the enforcement of Federal law.

Sec. 18. Information Sharing. (a) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall promptly issue guidance to ensure maximum compliance by Department of Homeland Security personnel with the provisions of 8 U.S.C. 1373 and 8 U.S.C. 1644 and ensure that State and local governments are provided with the information necessary to fulfill law enforcement, citizenship, or immigration status verification requirements authorized by law; and

(b) The Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all appropriate action to stop the trafficking and smuggling of alien children into the United States, including through the sharing of any information necessary to assist in the achievement of that objective.

Sec. 19. Funding Review. The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall:

(a) Immediately review and, if appropriate, audit all contracts, grants, or other agreements providing Federal funding to non-governmental organizations supporting or providing services, either directly or indirectly, to removable or illegal aliens, to ensure that such agreements conform to applicable law and are free of waste, fraud, and abuse, and that they do not promote or facilitate violations of our immigration laws;

(b) Pause distribution of all further funds pursuant to such agreements pending the results of the review in subsection (a) of this section;

(c) Terminate all such agreements determined to be in violation of law or to be sources of waste, fraud, or abuse and prohibit any such future agreements;

(d) Coordinate with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to ensure that no funding for agreements described in subsection (c) of this section is included in any appropriations request for the Department of Justice or the Department of Homeland Security; and

(e) Initiate clawback or recoupment procedures, if appropriate, for any agreements described in subsection (c) of this section.

Sec. 20. Denial of Public Benefits to Illegal Aliens. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall take all appropriate action to ensure that all agencies identify and stop the provision of any public benefits to any illegal alien not authorized to receive them under the provisions of the INA or other relevant statutory provisions.

Sec. 21. Hiring More Agents and Officers. Subject to available appropriations, the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, shall take all appropriate action to significantly increase the number of agents and officers available to perform the duties of immigration officers.

Sec. 22. Severability. It is the policy of the United States to enforce this order to the maximum extent possible to advance the interests of the United States. Accordingly:

(a) If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its other provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby; and

(b) If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid because of the failure to follow certain procedures, the relevant executive branch officials shall implement those procedural requirements to conform with existing law and with any applicable court orders.

Sec. 23. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Contra Costa County’s Approach:

1. No Discrimination: Contra Costa County does not single out individuals based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, or immigration status.
2. Privacy Protection: We do not collect or share information about your immigration status unless required by state or federal law or a court order. Safeguarding your personal information is one of our most important priorities.
3. Access to Services: Everyone in our community should be able to access essential services, including healthcare. Recent federal actions will not affect how the County provides these services.

We recognize that fear and uncertainty can prevent people from seeking County programs and services, but we want to assure you that our services are here for you. You have the right to feel safe and secure in your community, and our longstanding policies are designed to uphold your safety and trust.
Contra Costa County stands united in creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone has the support they need to thrive. We encourage you to reach out for assistance without hesitation, knowing that our commitment to serving and protecting all residents is steadfast.

For more information: Immigration Resources & Public Charge Information visit Immigration Resources & Public Charge Information | EHSD

El Condado de Contra Costa Responde a las Recientes Órdenes Ejecutivas

En medio de los cambios recientes y las preocupaciones sobre las políticas federales de inmigración, el Condado de Contra Costa quiere asegurarle nuestro compromiso inquebrantable con todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad, independientemente de su estatus migratorio.

Nuestro Enfoque:

1. No discriminación: El Condado de Contra Costa no señala a las personas en función de su raza, etnia, origen nacional, religión, género o identidad de género, orientación sexual o estado migratorio.
2. Protección de la privacidad: No recopilamos ni compartimos información sobre su estado migratorio a menos que lo exija la ley estatal o federal o una orden judicial. Salvaguardar su información personal es una de nuestras prioridades más importantes.
3. Acceso a los servicios: Todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad deberían poder acceder a los servicios esenciales, incluida la atención médica. Las acciones federales recientes no afectarán la forma en que el Condado proporciona estos servicios.
4. Reconocemos que el miedo y la incertidumbre pueden impedir que las personas busquen programas y servicios del Condado, pero queremos asegurarle que nuestros servicios están aquí para usted. Usted tiene derecho a sentirse seguro y protegido en su comunidad, y nuestras políticas de larga data están diseñadas para mantener su seguridad y confianza.
   El Condado de Contra Costa se mantiene unido en la creación de un ambiente acogedor e inclusivo donde todos tienen el apoyo que necesitan para prosperar. Lo alentamos a que busque ayuda sin dudarlo, sabiendo que nuestro compromiso de servir y proteger a todos los residentes es firme.

Para más información: Recursos de Inmigración e Información de Carga Pública | EHSD

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

(San Ramon, CA) – An economic outlook, a discussion of upcoming capital projects, and a presentation on economic development initiatives will be the primary focus of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors at their annual retreat on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at San Ramon City Hall, 7000 Bollinger Canyon Road, in San Ramon.

“The retreat provides an opportunity to assess economic factors and significant upcoming projects so we can think about how to allocate resources strategically to ensure our services have the greatest positive impact,” said Board Chair Candace Andersen, District 2 Supervisor. “By thoroughly examining current and projected economic trends, we can make informed decisions about how to best support the needs of our residents.”

Supervisors will receive an economic forecast from Christopher Thornberg, Ph.D., founding partner of Beacon Economics as well as presentations on capital planning and budget development considerations, among others. In the early afternoon they will be presented with an overview of economic development initiatives taking place in Contra Costa.

The Board of Supervisors sets the direction of County government and oversees its $6.0 billion budget to serve the 1.2 million residents of this diverse East Bay County, which holds a “AAA” bond rating.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. It will be accessible in person at San Ramon City Hall. The meeting will also be televised live on Comcast Cable Channel 27, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and Astound Channels 32 & 1027. Additionally, the meeting can be viewed live online at www.contracosta.ca.gov or www.contracostatv.org.

For more information about Contra Costa County and the Board of Supervisors, visit the County’s website at www.contracosta.ca.gov or their webpage: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/7283/Board-of-Supervisors.

Promoted from Economic Development Director

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch City Manager Bessie Scott announced Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, that Economic Development Director Kwame Reed, a former interim city manager, has been appointed as the new Assistant City Manager, calling him “a dynamic and proven leader”.

“Many in our community are already familiar with Kwame Reed in his roles as Acting City Manager and Economic Development Director. Kwame has a proven track record of success and understands the dynamics of our city,” said City Manager Scott. “Our city is fortunate to have Kwame serve in this new role to help us achieve new milestones and lead us into the future.”

In a press release the city manager wrote, “In this critical role, Reed will work closely with the City Manager and City department heads to promote and advocate for economic growth, innovation and public safety. Reed brings more than 29 years of leadership and operational experience across local and regional government agencies.

“As Acting City Manager for the City of Antioch, Reed oversaw a $147 million budget and led a team of more than 300 employees across nine departments. He selected the Acting and Interim Police Chiefs for the Antioch Police Department in 2023-24 and worked closely with state officials to obtain assistance from the California Highway Patrol to enhance public safety efforts.

“As Economic Development Director, Reed established the Reinvest Antioch Action Plan and distributed small business grants and resources to help businesses recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. His ability to excel in both roles, highlights his expertise in project management and his capacity to lead teams while managing multiple priorities simultaneously.

“Born and raised in the East Bay area, Reed has deep-rooted connections to the community. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he takes great pride in his personal life. He has been happily married for 27 years and is the proud father of three wonderful children.”

When reached for comment about his new position Reed said, “I am truly excited, honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the Antioch community and supporting the organization as Assistant City Manager.”

According to Scott, his compensation includes a $240,000 annual salary plus benefits. While Reed was promoted from within the ranks of City staff, Scott said she will conduct a nationwide search for the other department head positions, including Public Works Director-City Engineer and Community Development Director, and now, Economic Development Director.

“But, first will be a new police chief,” Scott added.

According to his LinkedIn profile, prior to working for the City of Antioch, Reed worked as a Senior Analyst for the City of Brentwood from Nov. 2004 through June 2018, Associate Planner for the City of Oakley from July 2002 through August 2004 and as a Planner for the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission/ACE Train from July 1999 through July 2002.

He earned a B.S. degree in City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning in 1995 from Cal Poly State University-San Luis Obispo and while there was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Hiring interim and search firm for permanent position

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch School Board has called a special meeting for Friday afternoon, Jan. 24, 2025, to discuss two matters related to the superintendent. First, during Closed Session beginning at 1:00 p.m., the Board will discuss Public Employment of an Interim Superintendent. Then, during open session beginning at 2:30 p.m., the Board will discuss Superintendent Search Services and Goal Development Consultation Services.

According to the staff report, the District solicited proposals for search firm services for the position of District Superintendent and/or consultation services to assist the Board of Trustees with goal development. Three responsive firms selected by the Board during the December 18, 2024, Regular Board of Education meeting will present their proposals.
• Education Leadership Services – ELS proposal
• Leadership Associates – LA proposal
• McPherson Jacobson – MJ proposal

Meeting Details

The meeting will begin and the open session will be held in the District Office Board Room, 510 G Street in Antioch’s historic downtown. It can be viewed livestream on the District’s website and on the District’s YouTube channel.

Scales-Preston first African American woman elected to the Board

Re-elected Andersen, Burgis elected Chair, Vice Chair

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors convened its annual reorganization meeting Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at the County Administration Building, ushering in a new era of County leadership and milestones. District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen was sworn in as Chair, and District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis became Vice-Chair. Additionally, Shanelle Scales-Preston took the Oath of Office as the new District 5 Supervisor, becoming the first African American woman elected to the Board.

Supervisor Andersen represents Danville, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, San Ramon and Walnut Creek, along with the unincorporated communities of Alamo, Blackhawk, Canyon, Diablo, Parkmead, Saranap and the Tassajara Valley. She was first elected to the Board in June 2012 and was most recently reelected in March 2024. Chair Andersen serves on 28 local and regional boards and commissions, addressing planning, land use, transportation, pensions, mental health, healthcare, reuse and recycling, economic development, and public safety.

“Community safety, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that all residents have a good quality of life are at the heart of my work. I am honored to serve as Chair and remain dedicated to ensuring County programs and services reflect our residents’ values and aspirations for a thriving future,” said Supervisor Andersen.

Supervisor Burgis serves the 222,000 residents of District 3, which includes Antioch, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, and Oakley. She was first elected to the Board in 2016 and most recently reelected in 2024. She serves on over 30 Board and regional committees, including as Chair of the Legislation Committee, Internal Operations Committee, and the Transportation, Water & Infrastructure Committee. As Chair of California’s Delta Protection Commission, she also represents the Commission on the State’s Delta Stewardship Council.

“This year I want to continue enhancing public safety by strengthening fire protection and law enforcement coverage, ensuring our communities feel secure and supported,” Supervisor Burgis said. “Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home, and we are prioritizing addressing homelessness and the housing affordability crisis. I am also committed to bringing more services and jobs to East County, where our population is growing the fastest.”

In a groundbreaking moment, Shanelle Scales-Preston was sworn in as District 5 Supervisor, becoming the first African American woman elected to the Board of Supervisors. Her district includes Alhambra Valley, Antioch (North), Bay Point, Briones, Clyde, Concord (North), Crockett, Hercules, Martinez, Mt. View, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Port Costa, Reliez Valley, Rodeo, Tormey and Vine Hill. She succeeds former Supervisor Federal D. Glover, who chose not to run for a seventh term.

Scales-Preston was elected to the Pittsburg City Council in 2018 and served as Mayor in 2023. She is Chair of the Board for Marin Clean Energy (MCE), a local electricity provider.

“This moment is about building bridges—bridges to equity, community safety, economic opportunity, and a brighter future for all,” said Supervisor Scales-Preston. “Together, we will strive to ensure that every voice is heard, every neighborhood thrives, and every family has the opportunity to succeed.”

Supervisors Andersen and Burgis will lead the five-member elected body that sets the direction of County government and oversees its $5.9 billion budget to serve the 1.2 million residents of the diverse East Bay county with a “AAA” bond rating. For more information about Contra Costa County and its Board of Supervisors, visit: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/9970/Board-of-Supervisors.

For more information about Supervisor Candace Andersen, visit her County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/4668/District-2-Supervisor-Candace-Andersen.

For more information about Supervisor Diane Burgis, visit her County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6437/District-3-Supervisor-Diane-Burgis.

For more information about Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, visit her County webpage at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/781/District-5-Supervisor-Scales-Preston.

Sponsorships available

Download the form here.

Be entered to win a $100 gift card

By Mike Blasky, CCTA Communications

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is inviting residents to provide feedback on the future of transportation in the county through the Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP) survey. This plan will guide improvements for roads, public transit, bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and more. Your input is vital to creating a safer, more connected, and sustainable transportation system for everyone.

Take the Survey Today: [Countywide Transportation Plan – Survey]

Don’t miss your chance to help shape the way Contra Costa moves—every voice matters!

Not intended to comply with nor required by USDOJ settlement agreement

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch City Manager Bessie Scott clarified the reason the consulting firm of former Interim Antioch Police Chief Brian Addington and former Interim Captain Patrick Wenz, WBA Consulting and Investigations, was hired by the City on a 3-0 vote of the city council on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. The City staff report for item #10 on the council meeting agenda for that night’s meeting was misinterpreted as it included information about the City’s settlement agreement with the U.S Department of Justice and this reporter and others believed the contract was to fulfill one of the requirements.

The City staff report read, “The City seeks the services of a qualified consultant team that can provide support, guidance, and advice in several areas, which will supplement and enhance the Antioch Police Department’s efficiency and effectiveness. The City requires assistance with overall project management for Police Department operations and administration, policy support, and special project implementation for not only day to day operations, but also with compliance efforts identified in the Department of Justice (‘DOJ’) settlement agreement with the Antioch Police Department and City of Antioch dated January 2, 2025. (See related article)

“The City needs its own expert who is familiar with law enforcement in California and keenly knowledgeable of police practices in the region, specifically the Antioch Police Department. The City needs a consultant that can step into the position with little to no time for learning the issues that have plagued the department, the current interventions in place to improve effectiveness, public trust, and morale, and ensure constitutional policing in Antioch, as well as have the ability to provide guidance immediately.

“The services provided by WBA Consulting (‘WBA’) will be provided by two former Antioch Police Department personnel who have been working within the department as Interim Chief and Interim Captain for the majority of the 2024 year. The team will continue to provide executive police management support and consultation to the Acting Chief and City Manager as it relates to mandatory compliance with relevant federal and state laws, regulations, and rules. The City is embarking on a five-year stipulated settlement agreement with the DOJ and has an ongoing investigation with the California Department of Justice (‘CalDOJ’).

“The support needed for these specific challenges and requirements can only be met by former Interim Chief Addington and his team as they have been deeply involved in several of these investigations and initiatives, and there is absolutely no bandwidth for those communications to continue seamlessly without the WBA team. “Because of the existing support and knowledge that can only be provided by WBA, the City Manager requests for the City Council to approve the contract under sole source provisions of the Antioch Municipal Code section 3-4.12 (B).”

In addition, information in the settlement agreement added to the misunderstanding. As was previously reported, the agreement requires several items and processes including, “within 90 days of the Effective Date, the City, the APD, and the United States will identify and mutually agree on a Consultant who is a law enforcement expert with a proven track record in civil rights and law enforcement compliance, as well as state of California law enforcement experience and knowledge of California compliance requirements. The Consultant shall serve as the single point of contact with the United States and be retained by the APD at the City’s expense.” The “annual cost of the consulting engagement shall not exceed $250,000 per year.” It was believed that WBA was the aforementioned consultant.

This reporter misinterpreted the description and information and reported the contract with WBA was to fulfill the settlement agreement with the U.S. DOJ. (See related articles here and here) My apologies.

To clarify matters, Scott wrote the following on Tuesday, January 21, 2025: “The City of Antioch is issuing this statement in response to recent incorrect impressions surrounding who will be the monitoring consultant for the city. It appears that several members of the community mistakenly believe that the WBA Consulting and Investigations LLC consulting agreement, discussed at the January 14th, 2025, City of Antioch Council Meeting, is intended to fulfill the monitoring services referenced within the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement of the City of Antioch’s Settlement Agreement with the United States Department of Justice signed earlier this month.

“We want to clarify that Brian Addington’s consulting firm, WBA Consulting and Investigations LLC, is not performing the services referenced by Section 3 of the Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Antioch and the United States Department of Justice. The consultant for the Memorandum of Agreement has not yet been selected.

The City will prepare a Request for Qualifications for this matter and work with the United States Department of Justice to identify a consultant who is a law enforcement expert with a proven track record in civil rights and law enforcement compliance, as well as state of California law enforcement experience and knowledge of California compliance requirements.

“The consultant will review and update the Antioch Police Department’s policies, procedures and training including non-discriminatory policing, use of force, hiring and promotions, investigations of misconduct, discipline, community policing, language access, and other topics. The consultant will also provide an in-person report to the Antioch City Council at regularly scheduled City Council meetings at least once every 180 days.”

Section 3 of DOJ Settlement Agreement

The first part of Section 3 of the settlement agreement with the USDOJ reads as follows:

“III. REQUIREMENTS
A. Consultant: Within 90 days of the Effective Date, the City, the APD, and the United States will identify and mutually agree on a Consultant who is a law enforcement expert with a proven track record in civil rights and law enforcement compliance, as well as state of California law enforcement experience and knowledge of California compliance requirements. The Consultant shall serve as the single point of contact with the United States and be retained by the APD at the City’s expense. The total annual cost of the consulting engagement shall not exceed $250,000 per year. The Consultant will be responsible for the following functions, among others set forth in this Agreement:

1. providing technical assistance and recommendations to the Chief of Police and APD, the City Manager, the City Attorney, and APOC on implementation of this Agreement;
2. developing an implementation schedule;
3. reviewing and reporting on the APD’s progress in meeting the terms of this Agreement to the United States;
4. coordinating compliance and implementation activities;
5. facilitating access by the United States to APD personnel, data, documents and materials;
6. maintaining data, documents, and records, as provided for in this Agreement;
7. assigning implementation and compliance-related tasks to APD personnel, as directed by the Police Chief and/or his/her designee;
8. providing an in-person report to the Antioch City Council at regularly scheduled City Council meetings at least once every 180 days; and
9. assisting with all other aspects of compliance with this Agreement.”

Read additional details from the 25-page settlement agreement.

Agreement with WBA Not Required by DOJ Settlement Agreement

As previously reported, the amount of the agreement with Addington’s firm is not to exceed $225,000 through June 30, 2025, with a one-time extension for an additional six months for the same terms.

When asked to further clarify if the contract with his firm is one of the requirements in the US DOJ settlement agreement Addington said, “No.” Asked if his agreement is outside of the purview of the settlement agreement he responed, “Yes.”

“What you’ll see, eventually, is an RFQ for firms wanting to be the monitoring consultant. My firm will not be doing that at all,” Addington stated.

“The MOA spells out what the requirements are for the monitor,” he added.

Scott said, “There’s currently not enough staffing in the police department. We will have new, full-time employees fulfilling the settlement agreement.”

“We’re grateful that Brian Addington is able to help the City in working with the monitor and setting up the new Standards and Compliance Bureau which is required by the terms of the DOJ settlement agreement,” the city manager added.

About WBA

According to his bio on the company’s website, “William ‘Brian’ Addington founded WBA Consulting and Investigations LLC after serving over 30 years in law enforcement. He has served in a range of executive and command positions, including 10 years as police chief. His expertise covers the full range of policing disciplines based on his experiences in a law enforcement agency in California.

“Brian provides expert advice on best practices in policing, leadership development, organizational assessments, training, independent investigations, and community engagement and media relations.

“Brian has also served as an advisor and consultant to various law enforcement agencies and executives in developing strategies and best practices to address the ever-changing demands placed on law enforcement professionals.”

About Patrick Wentz

In addition to his service with the Antioch PD, Wentz is a former Pittsburg Police Captain with 26 years of service before retiring in November 2023. According to a post on the Pittsburg PD Facebook page, Wentz “has held various crucial roles, demonstrating his commitment to excellence. From his early days as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, and tactical team member to his role as a Lead Homicide Detective in the Investigations Division, Captain Wentz has consistently displayed professionalism and a relentless pursuit of justice.

His ascent through the ranks, from Sergeant to Lieutenant and ultimately to Captain in 2017, reflects not only his dedication to personal growth, but also his commitment to training and mentoring the next generation of law enforcement professionals. Captain Wentz’s influence extends across every unit within our department, and his leadership and mentoring abilities have been instrumental in shaping the future of our force.

Beyond his notable career achievements, Captain Wentz is a proud graduate of the POST Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI) and POST Command College. His educational pursuits, coupled with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice Management, exemplify his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.”

He completed his time with the Antioch Police Department on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. (See related article)