Department of Cannabis Control also recalled 444 unsafe or noncompliant products; 413,302 illegal cannabis plants eradicated, 185,873 pounds seized; approve over 1,000 new businesses throughout state

Recent efforts continue to prioritize consumer and public safety and support the legal cannabis market

By California Department of Cannabis Control

Sacramento, CA – In its ongoing efforts to protect consumer safety, expand access to the legal market while dismantling illegal cannabis operations, the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) today announced that it has seized over $62M in illegal cannabis, recalled 444 unsafe or noncompliant products, issued 256 new licenses, and transitioned 748 businesses from provisional licensure to annual licensure from April – June 2025.

Shutting down illegal cannabis operations

During the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, DCC-led or assisted enforcement actions (separate from UCETF actions) that resulted in the seizure of $62.4M worth of illegal cannabis, 44,187 illegal plants, 36,312 pounds of illegal cannabis flower, $89,535 in cash, and 16 firearms. 

“DCC’s second quarter efforts show a department that is moving with urgency, strategy and accountability to protect Californians, support responsible operators and ensure the cannabis market delivers on its promise. These actions represent not just enforcement, but the protection of California’s communities, consumers, and natural resources.”
     –Department of Cannabis Control Director Nicole Elliott

Consumer safety and business compliance

The DCC takes swift action to recall or embargo cannabis products that could pose a risk to consumers. In Q2, DCC issued 34 recalls covering 444 products. These recalls included 183 products recalled due to incomplete regulatory compliance testing and 181 recalls for labeling that was attractive to children. Additionally, 62 administrative actions were taken to ensure cannabis businesses operate within regulatory and consumer expectations resulting in 25 license revocations, 2 suspensions, and 35 citations with fines.

Transitioning and issuing cannabis licenses

During the second quarter, DCC converted 748 provisional licenses to annual status. The most transitions to annual licenses took place in Los Angeles County (328 licenses) followed by Mendocino County (137). Additionally, 256 new cannabis licenses were issued since April.

Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force Results Seizes Additional $476 million of Unlicensed Cannabis Products During Same 3 Months

Governor Gavin Newsom announced on July 10, 2025, that the state seized $476 million worth of illegal cannabis between April and June, thanks to the combined efforts of the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), co-led by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) and the Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW).

“As a proof point of California’s commitment to the legal cannabis industry, the state seized over 92 tons of illicit cannabis product in the past three months alone,” said Newsom. “I thank the federal, state, and local partners who conducted these enforcement efforts for protecting consumers and supporting our legal cannabis market.”

In the efforts announced that day, UCETF received support from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Employment Development Department, and California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Combined enforcement highlights from April through June include:

•       413,302 illegal cannabis plants eradicated
•       185,873 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
•       214 warrants served
•       77 firearms seized
•       93 arrests

“Our teams continue to take an aggressive and proactive approach to eliminating unlicensed cannabis activities,” said DCC Director Nicole Elliott. “We will remain laser-focused on dismantling illicit cannabis operations until they are all permanently shut down.”

“Over the past quarter, UCETF conducted numerous highly strategic operations that significantly impacted the daily activities of illegal cannabis operators,” said Nathaniel Arnold, Chief of the Law Enforcement Division for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). “This success would not be possible without the continued support and dedication of our partners throughout the state.”

In May, UCETF conducted its largest successful operation to date with 200 sworn officers and staff from state, local, and federal agencies participating in an enforcement effort spanning 4,600 square miles in the Central Valley. Through 71 search warrants, officials seized:

• 105,700 illicit cannabis plants
• 22,057 pounds of processed cannabis valued at $123.5 million 
• Nine firearms

A unified strategy across California 

Since 2019, officials have seized and destroyed over 950 tons, or over 1.9 million pounds, of illegal cannabis worth an estimated retail value of $3.6 billion through over 1,700+ operations.

The cannabis task force was established in 2022 by Governor Newsom to enhance collaboration and enforcement coordination between state, local, and federal partners. Partners on the task force include the Department of Cannabis Control, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, among others. 

According to Moorea Warren of DCC Public Affairs, “The $476M is the amount of illegal cannabis seized by the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF). The Taskforce is co-chaired by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). The $62.4 million is the amount of illegal cannabis seized by DCC’s Law Enforcement Division and is separate from UCETF’s amounts.”

Financial support for long-term enforcement efforts

In June, the Legislature made key changes to strengthen the DCC’s long-term enforcement efforts. This included amending state law to dedicate cannabis tax revenue to fund DCC civil and criminal enforcement activities, reducing the burden on licensees while ensuring sustained actions against illegal operators. In addition, the Legislature expanded Board of State and Community Corrections grant eligibility to local jurisdictions, especially those allowing retail access, to further enhance and support local enforcement efforts against illegal cannabis activity.

About the Department of Cannabis Control

The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) licenses and regulates commercial cannabis activity within California. DCC works closely with all stakeholders, including businesses and local jurisdictions, to create a sustainable legal cannabis industry and a safe and equitable marketplace. DCC develops and implements progressive cannabis policies with robust protections for public health, safety and the environment. To learn more about the California cannabis market, state licenses or laws, visit http://www.cannabis.ca.gov.

To learn more about the legal California cannabis market, state licenses, and laws, visit cannabis.ca.gov.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch PD, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Dep’t among 148 Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program recipients

CCC Sheriff Forensic Services Division will use funds for toxicology crime lab

By Tami Grimes, CHP Public Information Officer

SACRAMENTO – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) today announced more than $35 million in grant funding to 148 California law enforcement agencies, crime laboratories, local government agencies and nonprofit organizations to help address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“As the legal cannabis market continues to grow, so do the state’s efforts to ensure Californians are recreating responsibly. By supporting the organizations that enforce and amplify our laws on the ground, we can keep everyone safer,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

The grants from Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act, assigned the CHP the responsibility of administering grants for education, prevention and enforcement programs aimed at helping communities tackle impaired driving. Additionally, funds are available for crime laboratories that conduct forensic toxicology testing. The funding for these grants comes from a tax on the sale of cannabis and cannabis products in California.

“This funding represents a major step forward in our ongoing mission to save lives and prevent impaired driving,”said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “With over $35 million going to nearly 150 public safety partners across the state, we’re expanding our reach like never before. These resources will help those on the frontlines keep California’s roads safer for everyone.”

These funds will go towards a variety of activities. One hundred twenty-six recipients of law enforcement grants will use the funding to combat impaired driving in their communities, including Antioch, Danville, Pinole, Pleasant Hill, Richmond and San Ramon Police Departments. The funds will also support drug recognition evaluator training to improve the identification of drug-impaired drivers, as well as public outreach campaigns, including educational presentations and community events.

Eleven recipients of education grants will use the funds to inform local communities about impaired driving laws while highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Seven recipients of two-year toxicology crime laboratory grants, including the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department Forensic Services Division, will use the funds to eliminate backlogs in analyzing forensic science evidence and to purchase or upgrade laboratory equipment to enhance testing capabilities.

Four recipients of two-year medical examiner’s and coroner’s office grants will use the funds to improve and advance data collection in cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

With the passage of Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate, and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA), California voters mandated the state set aside funding for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to award grants to local governments and qualified nonprofit organizations, as described in Revenue and Taxation Code Section 34019(f)(3)(B).

The Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program marks an important step toward reducing impaired driving crashes, increasing public awareness surrounding the dangers of impaired driving, and making California’s roadways a safer place to travel.                  

The application process for future grant funding is expected to reopen in early 2026. More information is available on the CHP website at CHP’s Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program.

 The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Enforcement efforts continue to focus on operations that ultimately support the licensed market and community safety

By Moorea Warren, Information Officer, California Department of Cannabis Control

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that over $316M worth of illegal cannabis was seized in the first quarter of 2025 through the combined efforts of the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF), the Department of Fish & Wildlife (DFW), and the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). The continued success of California’s enforcement operations demonstrate the state’s commitment to public safety and the integrity of the legal cannabis market. 

Combined key highlights from January 1 to March 31, 2025 include:

• 212,681 illegal cannabis plants eradicated
• 120,307 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
• 99 warrants served
• 35 firearms seized
• 29 arrests
• $474,462 cash seized

“This task force continues to make impressive progress disrupting illegal cannabis operators and their supply chain,” said Nathaniel Arnold, Chief of the Law Enforcement Division for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). “UCETF’s accomplishments demonstrate the dedication of all agencies involved in the taskforce.”

UCETF seized a total of $67,258,232 worth of unlicensed cannabis during the first quarter of the year. The taskforce’s enforcement efforts also included:

• 19 search warrants served
• 77,923 illegal cannabis plants eradicated
• 40,747 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
• $330,808 cash seized

Agencies involved in UCETF’s first quarter enforcement actions include Department of Cannabis Control, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Park, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Employment Development Department, California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, Oakland Fire Department, City of Oakland Police Department, Torrance Police Department, Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, and California Air National Guard.  

DFW’s enforcement efforts for Q1 2025 include:

• $97,476,308 worth of illegal cannabis seized
• 47 search warrants served
• 101,473 illegal plants eradicated
• 8,340 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
• 11 firearms seized
• 9 arrests
• $27,073 in cash seized

DCC’s enforcement efforts for Q1 2025 include:

• $151,752,966 worth of illegal cannabis seized
• 33 warrants served
• 33,285 illegal plants eradicated
• 71,220 pounds of illegal cannabis seized
• 24 firearms seized
• 20 arrests
• $116,581 in cash seized

“We remain unwavering in our aggressive, strategic approach to reducing illicit cannabis activity,” stated Bill Jones, Chief of DCC’s Law Enforcement Division. “By staying ahead of the threats and swiftly dismantling illegal operations, we are driving up the cost of doing business for bad actors and delivering on our commitment to protect California’s communities and the legitimate industry.”

32nd location for Off the Charts in the former Rexall drugstore in historic downtown

By Allen D. Payton

The first and only cannabis retail store in allowed in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown celebrated its Grand Opening on Saturday, Feb. 1st. Owner Norman Yousif, who was there to greet guests and city officials said it’s the 32nd location of his Off the Charts chain, all in California. Mayor Ron Bernal, Mayor Pro Tem Louie Rocha and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas attended the event and participated in the ribbon cutting.

After the Antioch City Council made some exceptions to the city’s cannabis business rules a few years ago, allowing one cannabis retail store in the city’s historic downtown, by waiving the requirements it not be closer than 600 feet from a school, park or church, and amid concerns from Rivertown business owners, downtown building owner Sean McCauley went into action. Wanting to ensure the store would be quality and not negatively impact the other businesses, he decided to control the situation and locate it in one of his buildings.

Yousif said he and his wife, Darline, who was unable to attend the event, started their chain in San Diego where they live.

“I was trying to license in northern California for a takeover of the market,” he stated.

Asked why Antioch, Yousif said, “I heard good things about Antioch. I heard Sean was the landlord and he helped with the buildout.”

“Sean’s the man,” he added.

The new location on the corner of West 3rd and G Streets started with a soft opening about a month-and-a-half ago, Yousif shared. Freitas pointed out the interesting fact that it happens to be in “the former site of the old Rexall drugstore.” In fact, that company’s Rx logo still adorns the entrance.

Before the ribbon cutting Yousif shared his appreciation to the community.

“I thank everyone for coming out, here, man. This couldn’t happen without many of you guys, here,” he said “Antioch is now like my second home, now. I live in Southern California. Sean made this happen. You guys are family, now and having you see the OTC store, it’s your home. Thank you, guys for everything, Sean, Ron for adopting us. So, thank you to the City of Antioch.”

With scissors in his hand preparing to cut the ribbon, Bernal said, “The downtown is up and coming. This is a big part of it. Sean McCauley, here, continues to invest in these properties and we’re making some real positive moves and we’re real excited about the future.”

“The SMI team and I are extremely excited to see this quality business in Rivertown,” McCauley stated. “Although cannabis has been controversial, we’re hoping the community will visit the store and understand it’s more than just recreational cannabis.”

“Many of the customers are seniors in their 60’s and 70’s, buying products for pain relief,” he added.

Deb Blaisure and Toni Lincks, owners of Rivertown Treasure Chest a few doors down, helped organize and work the event.

“I had all of our vendors share the information promoting their grand opening and we sent a news blast to our 400 customers,” Blaisure stated. “Plus, (local entertainer) Les Edwins’ list.”

“We also promoted them at our Mix & Mingle with their Regional Manager, Marissa making an announcement,” she continued. “She asked us to work the event, and we said, ‘Yes’.”

“It’s one big happy family on our block,” Blaisure added.

To the dismay of some in attendance, there were no free samples given out. However, there was food trucks parked outside and bags of candy from Rivertown’s Feral Unicorn Snack Emporium available for guests – who might have had the munchies.

Marijuana tax proceeds given to law enforcement agencies, crime labs & nonprofits

Three Contra Costa agencies benefit

By Synthia Ramirez, CHP Media Relations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) announced today more than $25 million in grant funding to 102 California law enforcement agencies, crime laboratories, local government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to help address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The grants are the result of Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act, which tasked the CHP with administering grants for education, prevention, and enforcement programs to help communities combat impaired driving. Money is also available to crime laboratories conducting forensic toxicology testing. Funding for the grants comes from a tax on the sale of cannabis and cannabis products sold in California.

“The substantial increase in the amount of grant funds being dispersed this year to even more recipients will help make California’s roadways safer for all who use them,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “The funds will be allocated to enhance traffic safety by educating the public about the dangers of impaired driving, conducting enforcement operations to remove impaired drivers from the roads, and advancing research on this critical issue.”

Eighty-two recipients of law enforcement grants will use funds to address impaired driving within their communities. In addition to traditional impaired driving enforcement, funds will also be used for drug recognition evaluator training to enhance their respective agency’s ability to detect drug-impaired drivers. Additionally, funding will allow for public outreach campaigns, including educational presentations and community events.

Listed below are the law enforcement grant recipients for state fiscal year 2024-2025, which begins July 1:

1. Angels Camp Police
2. Arroyo Grande Police Department
3. Auburn Police Department
4. Azusa Police Department
5. Baldwin Park Police Department
6. Barstow Police Department
7. Bell Gardens Police Department
8. Berkeley Police Department
9. Brawley Police Department
10. Brea Police Department
11. Burbank Police Department
12. Calexico Police Department
13. Calistoga Police Department
14. Chula Vista Police Department
15. Citrus Heights Police Department
16. City of Corona Police Department
17. City of El Monte Police Department
18. City of Fullerton Police Department
19. City of Glendale Police Department
20. City of Huron Police Department
21. City of Lodi Police Department
22. City of Montebello Police Department
23. City of Palo Alto Police Department
24. City of Visalia Police Department
25. Claremont Police Department
26. Covina Police Department
27. Danville Police Department
28. Dixon Police Department
29. Dublin Police Services
30. El Cajon Police Department
31. El Centro Police Department
32. El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office
33. Emeryville Police Department
34. Folsom Police Department
35. Galt Police Department
36. Garden Grove Police Department
37. Gilroy Police Department
38. Greenfield Police Department
39. Grover Beach Police Department
40. Hanford Police Department
41. Hayward Police Department
42. Huntington Beach Police Department
43. Imperial County Sheriff’s Office
44. Irvine Police Department
45. La Habra Police Department
46. La Mesa Police Department
47. La Palma Police Department
48. Lakeport Police Department
49. Lincoln Police Department
50. Los Angeles Police Department
51. Manteca Police Department
52. Marysville Police Department
53. Menifee Police Department
54. Modoc County Sheriff’s Office
55. Montebello School Police
56. Monterey Park Police Department
57. Morgan Hill Police Department
58. Napa Police Department
59. Oceanside Police Department
60. Oakland Police Department
61. Ontario Police Department
62. Orange Police Department
63. Oxnard Police Department
64. Pacifica Police Department
65. Petaluma Police Department
66. Pismo Beach Police Department
67. Pittsburg Police Department
68. Riverside Police Department
69. Rocklin Police Department
70. San Bruno Police Department
71. San Diego Police Department
72. San Fernando Police Department
73. San Gabriel Police Department
74. San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office
75. Shasta County Sheriff’s Office
76. Sierra Madre Police Department
77. Simi Valley Police Department
78. Soledad Police Department
79. Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department
80. Sutter County Sheriff’s Office
81. Union City Police Department
82. Wheatland Police Department

Nine recipients of education grants will use funds to teach local communities about impaired driving laws, while highlighting the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Below are the education grant recipients for state fiscal year 2024-2025:

1. Amador County Sheriff’s Office
2. Chino Police Department
3. City of Lancaster
4. City of Long Beach
5. County of Solano-District Attorney’s Office
6. Imperial County Sheriff’s Office
7. Sacramento County District Attorney Laboratory of Forensic Services
8. Solano County Office of Education
9. Tulare County Office of Education

Eight recipients of two-year toxicology crime laboratory grants will use funds to eliminate backlogs in the analysis of forensic science evidence and to purchase and/or upgrade laboratory equipment to improve testing capabilities.

Below are the toxicology crime laboratory grant recipients for state fiscal years 2024-2026:

1. Contra Costa County, Office of the Sheriff, Forensic Services Division
2. Imperial County Sheriff’s Office
3. Oakland Police Department Crime Lab
4. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, City and County of San Francisco
5. Orange County (CA) Crime Laboratory
6. San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
7. Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office
8. Ventura County Forensic Services Bureau

Three recipients of two-year toxicology medical examiners/coroner’s office grants will use funds to help improve and advance the data collection in cases involving driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Below is the medical examiners/coroner’s office grant recipient for state fiscal year 2024-2026:

1. Imperial County Sheriff’s Office
2. Orange County Sheriff’s Department Coroner’s Division
3. San Diego Medical Examiner Department

The application process for future grant funding is expected to open again in early 2025. Additional information is available on the CHP website, at CHP’s Cannabis Tax Fund Grant Program.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide safety, service, and security.

Five Antioch homes included

By Moorea Warren, Information Officer, California Department of Cannabis Control

Thanks to the continued dedication and collaboration of the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF) 20 East Bay illegal indoor cannabis cultivators were shut down on June 20, and a total estimated value of over $15.3 million of illegal cannabis was seized.

An investigation spanning several weeks culminated in the operation led by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). There were 20 search warrants served by four units of officers and local and state partners, including the Department of Fish & Wildlife, the Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the California National Guard, and local law enforcement – five in Antioch (according to a witness two with addresses of 2460 and 2480 Stanford Way), three in Brentwood, two in Discovery Bay and ten in Pittsburg, resulting in the seizures of:

• 742 pounds of cannabis flower estimated valued of $1,244,762
• 17,121 cannabis plants estimated valued of $14,124,825
• 7 firearms (including 1 assault rifle)
• $24,197 in cash

Several of the locations were red-tagged for safety and code violations.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Council approves another marijuana distribution business, amends billboard regs, wants more information on increasing street sweeping services

Torres-Walker also wants council to discuss reparations for African- and Asian-American residents

By Allen D. Payton

Mayor Pro Tem Tamisha Torres-Walker flip flopped Tuesday night and ended up showing Mayor Lamar Thorpe some love giving him his own secretary, and all the other council members who want one, as well.  During their meeting on Valentines’ Day night Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023 the Antioch City Council approved the hiring of up to five part-time secretaries for those council members who want them, on a 3-2 vote. District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock voted against it.

The increase to five council assistants by Torres-Walker from the original one, then three and the vote to approve them occurred in spite of her stating at the special meeting on Friday, Jan. 13, 2022 that she wouldn’t.

“After having several hours conversations with community members…we came to the conclusion, this probably isn’t the right direction to go in,” she said that afternoon. “The right direction would be internships. I’m not prepared to support this tonight or in the future. But I would support a public policy internship program.”

Approve Another Cannabis Business

In other council action, they also approved the use permit for another cannabis distribution business, this one at 2101 W. 10th Street known as Delta Distribution also on a split vote. On a motion by District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson and seconded by Torres-Walker, followed by a 4-1 vote with only Barbanica voting against. The business is located in the same building as Delta Dispensary which is owned by the same family.

The council also voted unanimously to amend the City’s billboard regulations focusing them in the future within 500 feet of Highways 4 and 160. There are currently five and two proposed within the city limits. The new ones are proposed by Delta Bowl near Hwy 4 and Somersville Road and the other by Mesa Outdoor near the Antioch BART Station.

Increasing Street Sweeping Services Postponed

But the council postponed voting to increase street sweeping services, wanting more information and costs for adding litter pickup, signage and enforcement for residents to move their cars on the day their street is sweeped.

The council was informed that Delta Diablo sanitation district provides the service at a cost of about $371,500 per year.

“I know I raised this…because I was concerned about the number of times the streets are cleaned, also enforcement,” Torres-Walker stated. “Without signage you can’t enforce. My concern is we increase street sweeping services in neighborhoods that desperately need it. But without enforcement…I’m just concerned…”

“There was an idea we do it ourselves,” she added.

“We did the analysis. It’s quite expensive for us to do it in house,” said Interim Public Works Director Scott Buenting. “There’s three options that are here. If council wants something more, we can go and bring back cost estimates.”

“The signage we would have to do,” Thorpe stated.

“There would be a cost associated with that,” Buenting added.

“I do have a fourth option,” Ogorchock said. “That would be hiring a couple more laborers to tackle this issue. It’s more prevention from keeping things going into storm drains. It’s not Delta Diablo’s job to pick up trash…like pizza boxes.”

She then asked about Prop. 218, a property tax assessment to cover additional costs.

“Prop. 218 is if we didn’t fund it,” Thorpe responded.

“Prop. 218 would come from Delta Diablo,” Wilson added.

“Do they have the option for…litter pick up?” Torres-Walker asked.

It’s just street sweeping, Buenting responded.

“Does the cost estimate include additional services or not?” Torres-Walker asked.

Thorpe clarified that the council is looking for additional services, not just an increase in frequency.

“Sounds fine. I can work with the city manager,” Buenting said.

“If there’s a pizza box, we don’t want them to go around the pizza box,” Thorpe added.

Ogorchock pushed for the two additional laborers.

Barbanica said, “My preference is to price it both ways, if we do it or they do it” referring to litter pickup.

“Street sweeping intervals we’re OK with how they’re set?” Buenting asked.

“No,” Thorpe responded.

“I’m not for increased (services). But I am for litter pickup,” Barbanica said.

“I’m on the same page,” Ogorchock said.

“I’m not sure about the frequency until we get more information,” Wilson said.

“So, that’s a ‘no’,” Thorpe responded.

“I live in a community where the streets need to be swept more than once a month,” Torres-Walker said.

“I’m pretty frustrated with the lack of enforcement and signage, getting people to move their cars,” Thorpe said agreeing with Torres-Walker. “Pittsburg has enhanced service. I think they have street sweeping twice a month, there. The business corridors get it once a week.”

“Pittsburg has it in-house,” Ogorchock shared.

“Some of us actually live in communities where we need increased street sweeping, litter pickup, enforcement so cars can be moved,” Torres-Walker said. “I’m just committed to cleaner streets. We’ve been at this up here for two years…with blighted cars and blighted streets.”

“If there are communities that need it more, then yes,” Wilson responded. “I’m not saying ‘no’. But I need to know more information on the cost of that” referring to litter pickup.

“It could be more cost effective to look at hiring two more laborers,” Ogorchock repeated.

“It could be a matter of coordinating with the street sweeper and our abatement teams,” Thorpe said.

While Barbanica did, Torres-Walker didn’t support Ogorchock’s proposal.

“We just hired one laborer for just downtown. You’re proposing hiring two laborers to work throughout the entire city?” she asked. “I’m not for that because I believe the demand would be for more than two bodies for an entire city.”

Staff will return at a future council meeting with options for a decision.

Torres-Walker Flip Flops, Proposes Five Part-Time Secretaries, Council Approves 3-2

After saying at the January 13th special council meeting that, “I’m not prepared to support this tonight or in the future. But I would support a public policy internship program,” Torres-Walker took a 180 and proposed hiring up to five part-time secretaries, one for each council member who wants one, and made the motion to approve. But she also wants a citywide internship program.

The City currently does not have an internship program, Human Resources Director Ana Cortez said. “We should not be treating our interns as employees.”

The City could run into some legal issues, and it could require an educational aspect in the program, she mentioned.

“The compensation would be in the form of stipends, not wages,” Cortez continued. “In hiring part-time secretaries…they would be limited to 1,000 hours per year…to avoid paying very expensive benefits costs. Part-time secretaries could be hired for a longer duration and require less supervision following training.”

The option is to create a citywide intern program, which is something Cortez has been proposing.

“We would be partnering either with a college or high schools and it would be a benefit to the city and to interns,” she added.

Two members of the public spoke in favor of an internship program.

During council discussion, Torres-Walker said, “I know I raised the issue of secretaries…to support those council members who aren’t retired and require support. Then I thought about an internship program. There seems to be a lot of enthusiasm around an internship program.”

“I’m actually in support of both options,” she continued. “Secretaries to support the council and creation of an internship program to support the curiosity of how cities are run.”

“I really want to support five part-time council positions to support the council members,” Torres-Walker added.

Wilson asked Cortez who the interns would answer to.

“Depending on the department that has the need, the director would make a request and the interns would be assigned to that department,” Cortez said. “It would be housed in Human Resources in our offices.”

“I’m all for interns. I hate that title secretaries. I do like the five secretaries. If somebody says, ‘I don’t need one, right now’ then that person wouldn’t be hired until their needed. We could postpone hiring secretaries for those who don’t need one, right now.”

“This all started with one for all of us, part-time,” Thorpe added. “I’m excited to hear about the five. I’m all for that.”

“To hire one part-time it would be $15,500,” Cortez shared.

“I think there is general support for the internship program. It will need to be built out and brought back,” Thorpe stated.

Torres-Walker then made the motion to hire up to five part-time secretaries to support the council members. Wilson seconded it and the motion passed on a 3-2 vote with Ogorchock and Barbanica voting against.

Torres-Walker Wants Council to Discuss Reparations for African-, Asian-American Residents

During council comments, at the request of one resident who broached the subject during public comments earlier in the meeting for both Africa-American and Asian residents, Torres-Walker asked the council to consider placing reparations on a future meeting agenda.

The council voted 5-0 to adjourn the meeting at 11:00 p.m.

Another cannabis business; reorganizing city departments, adding department head; to give performance evaluations for city manager, attorney

By Allen D. Payton

During their first meeting of the year, tonight, Tuesday, Jan. 10, the Antioch City Council will again consider hiring three part-time secretaries for themselves, increasing their own salaries and reorganizing the Public Works and Community Development Departments, which would include creating a new Engineering Department and adding another department head. They will also vote on approving a use permit for another cannabis distribution business. Prior to the regular meeting, during Closed Session, the council members will give performance evaluations to both City Manager Con Johnson and City Attorney Thomas L. Smith. (View the complete council meeting agenda packet.)

Cannabis Distribution Business

Under agenda Item 9, the council will consider approving a use permit for another cannabis distribution business named Delta Distribution at 2101 W. 10th Street. The location already houses five previously approved existing cannabis businesses, including Delta Labs, Delta Dispensary, Delta Nursery, Delta Farms and KWMA. The latter two are cultivation businesses. (See Item 9)

Reorganizing City Departments

First, City Manager Con Johnson placed Public Works Director and City Engineer John Samuelson on paid administrative leave Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. Now, he is pursuing a reorganization of both the Public Works and Community Development Departments and asking for the council’s approval.

In an automated response to an email asking about the proposed traffic calming devices on James Donlon Blvd. and Sycamore Drive, Samuelson wrote, “Thank you for contacting the City of Antioch.  I have been placed on administrative leave and I do not know if or when I might return.  Please contact Public Works at publicworks@antiochca.gov if you need assistance.”

Now, Johnson is proposing the council consider reorganize both the Public Works and Community Development Departments and create a new Engineering Department with a new head. But there are no details on the costs nor on how the Community Development Department would be reorganized. (See Item 10)

Council Pay Raises

Even though the city council voted 4-1 in 2019 for a 70% increase in their monthly stipends from $941.20 to $1,600.04 per month, the current council members will consider another 15.8% increase or $252.21 for a total of $1,852.25 per month for the part-time policy makers. Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock was the only member to vote against the 2019 pay raise, while then Councilmembers Lamar Thorpe and Monica Wilson voted in favor. Councilmembers Tamisha Torres-Walker and Mike Barbanica weren’t elected until 2020 and the increase didn’t go into effect until January 1, 2021, after that year’s election.

But the new increase can’t go into effect until January 1, 2025. According to the city staff report, “State law would permit an increase to $1,852.25 per month effective January 1, 2025 by applying the allowed five percent increase for four years (on a simple, non-compounded basis).” (See Item 11)

Council Secretaries

In addition to Mayor Lamar Thorpe having his own office and one office for the other four council members inside City Hall – even though City Treasurer Lauren Posada didn’t have her own office and was still using a cubicle in the Finance Department until she was informed on Dec. 29 that she would have one, again*, – for the first time ever, the five part-time policy makers will vote on hiring three part-time secretaries to support them. Currently the city manager’s secretary supports the council members, but the proposal is to hire one for the mayor, one for councilmembers in Districts 1 and 4 and another for councilmembers from Districts 2 and 3. Thorpe has split it up that way so that if District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock vote against the expenditure, they won’t have a part-time secretary to support them. The estimated costs are $15,000 to $21,667 for one secretary, $30,000 to $43,334 for two and $45,000 to $60,000 for three secretaries if all three are approved. (See Item 12)

*UPDATE: Posada shared Tuesday afternoon that, tonight, she and her husband were moving her back into the first-floor office she previously shared with City Clerk Ellie Householder, who has had her own office on the third floor since the completion of reconstruction inside City Hall, last year.

The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown or can be viewed on Comcast channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99, or live stream at www.antiochca.gov/government/city-council-meetings.