By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting, sans Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe, the Antioch City Council heard about two proposed new-home developments, one in the Sand Creek Focus Area and one on the far north side of the city. The mayor was in Washington, D.C. for the annual American Public Transit Association Legislative Conference, representing Tri Delta Transit for which he currently serves as chair.

Not all of the council members were supportive of the Richland Communities – Leung Property project adjacent to The Ranch development but all four offered enthusiastic support for the DeNova Homes’ Rancho Meadows project.

435-Home Leung Property Project in Sand Creek

Kyle Masters with Richland Communities spoke about the proposed 160-acre project on what’s known as the Leung property in the Sand Creek area across Deer Valley Road and south from the Kaiser Antioch Medical Center. (See Agenda Item 6)

The developer is proposing 435 units which includes 50 conventional single family detached units, 385 clustered single family detached residential units, and 159 row townhomes, according to the staff report and developer’s presentation.

“We’re looking at it more as an extension of our project, The Ranch project,” which is located just to the north. The first phase of that 1,100-home development was approved by the council last June. The proposed project is labeled, The Ranch – Phase 4.

“This provides more of a range of housing,” Masters continued. “A price point we may not have seen out there in Sand Creek. We see this as a second phase to The Ranch project.”

He said the project will, “provide a more affordable community. Lowering the entry point to homebuyers.”

During council discussion, District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica shared of his displeasure that neither developer had reached out to him prior to the council meeting.

“I really wish someone would have picked up the phone. But that didn’t occur. I learned of them by pulling up the agenda on Friday afternoon,” he stated. “So, developers, please communicate with us. Give me a call, so we have time to go over them and see how the developments will affect the community.”

Both District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock and and Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson, who chaired the meeting, spoke of the desire for inclusionary housing. District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker wanted to update the City’s General Plan which was last updated in 2003 before approving more housing in the Sand Creek area.

“The council adopted a housing element in 2023,” Acting Community Development Director and City Planner Steve Scudero responded. “We are almost to the point to bring a contract to hire a consultant to develop that (inclusionary housing) ordinance.”

“I live in a development that’s cluster housing. If you can figure out a way to make garbage service work, because it’s not working in my neighborhood,” Wilson shared.

“When I talk about inclusionary housing it doesn’t have to be there. It could be a credit for somewhere else,” Ogorchock added.

Asked by Wilson about not seeing any single-story homes in the plan, Masters responded. We’re just not at that level of detail, yet. We’re probably two to three years before coming back to you with this.”

“Most people are hoping we won’t be here, by then,” Torres-Walker responded. “But we’ll see what happens.”

143-Home Project with 6 Affordable Rental Units in Northeast Antioch

The other project proposed by DeNova Homes, is for a 143-home development off Vineyard Drive north of E. 18th Street. It includes six affordable rental units working with Yellow Roof Foundation. (See Agenda Item 7)

According to the city staff report, the residential development consists of 137 single family detached homes on approximately 2,600 square foot lots and six renter-occupied homes on 4,200 square foot lots designed for people who are at risk of being unhoused. The non-profit foundation is proposed to own and manage the six rentals.

Trent Sanson of DeNova Homes spoke during the presentation and responded to the councilmember’s questions.

Resident Andrew Becker, who usually opposes market-rate housing developments, spoke in support of the project.

During the council discussion Ogorchock spoke first saying, “I truly like the project. I think the lots are way small on this one. I think the park’s small. I’d like to see a bigger park. I’d also like to see a community garden.”

Agreeing with Torres-Walker, she said, “We have to have bathrooms in our parks.”

“I’m happy with Yellow Roof coming to town,” Ogorchock continued.

“I’d like to see walkability and trails,” she added.

Torres-Walker also liked Yellow Roof’s participation and hoped the homes would provide for transition into home ownership.

She advocated for larger sized back yards.

“I’m not a big supporter of gated communities,” Torres-Walker continued. “You can’t have a public park in a gated community. If it is, then you might want to rethink it being a gated community.”

“Is it affordable. I could be like everyone else saying you need a better paying job. People saying, ‘we need housing for all income levels. There has not been enough housing for low-income working families.

“15-minute cities. We use to live in those communities until we were pushed out with increasing rents,” Torres-Walker stated. “I just hope it actually has a pathway to home ownership.”

“I like the location…the fact that we’re doing this, that you put Yellow Roof in there,” Barbanica stated. “When a developer steps and does that and puts six units in there with ADU’s the money has to come from somewhere, either market-rate homes or smaller lots.

“You’re taking six units and saying, ‘come in here and pay whatever you can afford,’” he continued. “I do appreciate the fact that you are doing this in Antioch.”

“A little bit larger lots, if you can,” Barbanica added.

“They did call me, because it’s in my district…for the record,” Torres-Walker interjected.

“The individuals that go into these houses with lower rents, part of the money is set aside for them to get into home ownership,” Wilson inquired.

Confirming what she said, Sanson shared, “We try to keep it to a three-year program so people can get their financial affairs in order. We want to help more and more people that we can. Then they graduate on to home ownership.”

“I love that program but if you could add a couple more affordable units,” Wilson added. “I can support this project.”

Sanson then stated his company will work with city staff and include what was shared by the council members to finalize the project plan. Once ready, it will then be heard by the Planning Commission before returning to the council for a final vote.

Instead of former Rivertown Resource Center after evicting 16 non-profit tenants two years ago

Will also discuss developing just-cause eviction ordinance to further protect renters, rally in support of ordinance to be held before the meeting

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting Tuesday, March 26, 2024, the Antioch City Council will consider spending $1.83 million to purchase the former PG&E building at 800 W. 2nd Street in downtown Rivertown, across from City Hall, for the new, Public Safety and Community Resources Department. In addition, the council will consider developing a just-cause eviction notice for renters.

Purchase of Former PG&E Building

According to the city staff report on agenda Item 5, if the council purchases the former PG&E building the City will use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to purchase the building. Staff is recommending the budgeted ARPA funds for the Public Safety and Community Resources Department building be used to complete purchase the property.

The department was originally planned to locate in the former Rivertown Resource Center on W. 10th Street which housed 16 non-profit organizations that were all evicted in 2022.

Questions were emailed to the mayor, council members, acting city manager and the city attorney asking why the city is purchasing the building instead of using the former Rivertown Resource Center, why take it off the tax rolls instead of allowing someone in the private sector to purchase it and use it for a business to attract more people to Rivertown, and will it only be used for the new department or will it also be used for city council members’ offices.

“I have no knowledge of it being used for city council offices. That would be news to me,” District 2 Councilmember Mike Barbanica stated. “If we obtain the building, no final decisions have been made about who is going in there.”

Asked why the city needs it he said, “Once we replace the 90-plus employees that we’re down, right now there isn’t office space for them inside City Hall. The room is definitely need it.”

No one else responded prior to publication time.

3/26/24 UPDATE: Acting City Manager Reed said the City has not sold the W. 10th Street building and Assistant Fire Chief Traci Dutter, Con Fire has expressed interest in purchasing it to expand Station 81 which is located next door. But they were waiting to hear back from the City.

Planned to Improve and Use Former Rivertown Resource Center Building

Last year, during their meeting on March 28th, the council gave direction to City staff to pursue a $9.7 million improvement plan for the building, including adding another floor. The 15,300 square-foot facility would have included a mini-plaza, event space, conference rooms and classrooms for residents to use.

Just-Cause Eviction Ordinance Discussion

Under Item 4, the council will receive a staff report on just cause eviction ordinances from other cities, provide feedback to staff and direct staff to either prepare a just cause eviction ordinance for the City of Antioch or take no further action.

The ordinance would be in addition to the tenant anti-retailiation, harrassment ordinance the council adopted last August.

Before the meeting a rally in support of an ordinance will be held at City Hall, organized by a variety of groups.

The regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 200 H Street in downtown Rivertown. The council will first hold a special meeting at 5:00 p.m. for a workshop on eminent domain entitled, “Property Acquisitions: The Condemnation Process” by an attorney from the law firm BBK. That will be followed by a Closed Session to discuss two lawsuits against the City and recruitment of a new city manager. See the complete meeting agenda.

The meeting can be viewed live on Comcast channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99, or live stream on the City’s website.

Part of National #SaveLunch initiative to help fight senior hunger, isolation in Antioch across Contra Costa County, and country

By Skylar Schaefer, Communications Specialist, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region

Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe joined Meals on Wheels Diablo Region for Community Champions Week 2024 to bring attention to the important work the nonprofit does for older adults in the Antioch community. The mayor participated in a Young at Heart Fall Prevention exercise class and encouraged the participation of nearly 20 seniors!

The mayor had an opportunity to see the impact Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has on Antioch’s older residents when he participated in a ‘Young at Heart’ Fall Prevention exercise class as part of the #SaveLunch initiative. Led by Meals on Wheels America, this nationwide initiative is designed to rally communities around our senior neighbors and protect the essential services that enable so many to remain healthy and independent at home. Across the country this week, Meals on Wheels programs have enlisted elected officials, community influencers and other prominent figures to deliver meals, speak out for seniors and raise awareness for the power of Meals on Wheels. Mayor Thorpe joined a class of roughly 20 seniors at the Antioch Senior Center and learned exercise techniques to improve strength and balance at any age!

“Last year, MOW Diablo Region delivered over 700,000 meals! That is 100% increase since before the pandemic and we are on track to deliver even more this year,” said Sherry Nadworny, MOW Diablo Region Director of Development & Community Relations. “This is an important time for our elected officials to see the impact of our work as federal Covid-stimulus funding will end in September. MOW Diablo Region is committed to keeping our seniors nourished and more connected to our community through this challenging time and beyond.”

As a full-service organization, we at Meals on Wheels Diablo Region are dedicated to addressing all the needs of the seniors we serve. In addition to meal delivery, we provide exercise and fall prevention classes, home safety modifications, elder abuse prevention, and much more. MOW Diablo Region is the only Meals on Wheels that delivers both meals and services to seniors in Contra Costa County.

National #SaveLunch efforts in March will commemorate the historic day in March of 1972 when the Older Americans Act was amended to include a nutrition program for Americans 60 years and older. More than 50 years later, 12 million older Americans are still threatened by or experience hunger, and one in three seniors feels lonely. That is why Meals on Wheels programs from across the country are joining forces to raise awareness and support to ensure we can continue to address food insecurity and malnutrition, combat social isolation, enable independence and improve health for decades to come.

“We commend all of our 2024 Community Champions for stepping up to ensure that Meals on Wheels is there for all of our senior neighbors in need,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “In the face of soaring demand and costs that surpass our current resources, we need to come together as communities to bridge the gaps. We can’t do it alone – it takes all of us to save lunch for our seniors.”

For more information on how you can volunteer, contribute, or speak out for the seniors in Antioch and around Contra Costa County this March, visit mowdiabloregion.org.

About Meals on Wheels Diablo Region:

For more than 50 years, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has improved the lives of vulnerable seniors in Contra Costa County by delivering nutritious meals and supportive services that allow seniors to remain in their homes safely and with dignity. Programs include home-delivered meals, Breakfast Bags, Grocery Bags, Fall Prevention, Cafés, Care Management, Friendly Visitors, Health and Wellness, and more.

About Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. By providing funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time.

During special meeting; Ogorchock, Barbanica will not attend citing scheduling conflicts

By Allen D. Payton

During a special meeting called by Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe for Tuesday, March 19, 2024, the Antioch City Council, on a possible a ceasefire resolution for the Israel-Hamas War as proposed by District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker. (See meeting agenda)

The council’s consideration follows requests by members of the public during recent Antioch Council meetings at which Torres-Walker, some speakers and members of the audience could be seen wearing black and white, fishnet pattern scarves known as keffiyehs. They have become a national symbol of pro-Palestinian activists in the Israel-Palestine conflict dating back to the 1936–1939 Arab revolt against the British. Former Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian National Authority (PNA) leader Yasser Arafat could regularly be seen wearing one.

This is perhaps the first time ever the council will delve into international matters and possibly give direction to the president and representatives in Congress. One idea is to tell the Biden Administration to not spend any tax dollars generated in Antioch on weapons sent to Israel.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the council will receive public comments, discuss the matter and provide direction to city staff on a possible proposed resolution.

Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said she would not attend as she only learned of the special meeting in a text from Acting City Manager Kwame Reed over the weekend and had already made other plans. Councilman Mike Barbanica will also not be in attendance as he also has a scheduling conflict, which he said he told the mayor last Monday.

The agenda was just issued on Monday afternoon, March 18, 2024, complying with the 24-hour minimum notice requirement.

It also follows the Richmond City Council’s 5-1 vote last October to condemn Israel and support the “Palestinian People of Gaza”. Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia opposed the resolution writing, “The passage of any resolution, regardless of attempts to amend it, will only contribute to the divisiveness.” It also follows a requested resolution by members of the public and the Brentwood City Council last November, but it has not been placed on a meeting agenda, as of yet.

The Antioch Council meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street.

Originally intended to fly all February in honor of Black History Month

By Allen D. Payton

During their Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, meeting the Antioch City Council voted unanimously to display the Pan-African Flag at City Hall. The council then took a break and raised the flag on the City’s flagpole in recognition of Black History Month in the City of Antioch. However, before voting on the resolution, the council added an amendment to the motionto fly the flag until Juneteenth on June 19th, 2024. The flag had previously been displayed on the council dais during their Feb. 13th meeting.

Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe, Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker were dressed in African-style clothing. Earlier that day, during the ceremonial oath of office for new Interim Police Chief Brian Addington, the mayor shared he was wearing a Dashiki from Nigeria for the occasion later that evening. District 1 Councilman Mike Barbanica later said that the mayor provided him and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock with African-style scarves to wear during the council meeting.

According to the city staff report on the agenda item, “The City received a request from Antioch ACCE (Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment) to fly the Pan-African Flag, also known as the Afro-American Flag and the Black Liberation Flag, at Antioch City Hall.

The Pan-African Flag is a tri-color flag consisting of three equal horizontal bands, which are red, black, and green. The three colors on the Pan-African Flag each have a symbolic meaning:

Red represents the blood that unites all people of Black African ancestry and that was shed for liberation.

Black represents people whose existence as a nation, though not a nation-state, is affirmed by the existence of the flag.

Green represents the abundant natural wealth of Africa.

The Pan-African Flag was adopted by the UNIA (Universal Negro Improvement Association) at a conference in New York City in 1920.”

The flag is also referred to as the Marcus Garvey flag after the Jamaican political activist, and founder and first President-General of the UNIA. According to the history of the flag on the UNIA website, “Alternatively, it has been explained by journalist Charles Mowbray White that Garvey proposed the colors for the following reasons: ‘Garvey said red because of sympathy for the ‘Reds of the world’, and the Green their sympathy for the Irish in their fight for freedom, and the Black- [for] the Negro.’”

Before the council’s vote on the resolution, a group of residents representing ACCE gathered with Tashina Garrett who spoke during public comments and offered additional historical information about the flag.

“It was created to represent the people of the African diaspora and to symbolize Black liberation in the United States,” she said. “As flags symbolize the union of governance, people in territory, this flag was created to give Black people in America and the world over the symbol that unifies the diaspora. The red which symbolizes our blood that was shed. The black symbolizes those bodies that were beat and burned and everything else. And the green represents the land that was stolen. I appreciate you guys giving us the opportunity to even fly this flag.”

Thorpe said flying the flag would not preclude other flags from flying at City Hall and explained why it wasn’t flown until the last three days of Black History Month.

“This request came in from ACCE Antioch and they did submit it in a timely fashion. It should have been flown the entire month of February. The mayor messed up,” he stated. “Because we had a new process. I assumed it was an administrative process and we looked at the policy, again and I said, ‘Thomas (City Attorney Smith), you need to review this and send it to council. So, it came on to this meeting.”

He then made the request to fly it through June saying, “That’s my request for dropping the ball and making it up to ACCE Antioch.”

As Wilson was making a motion to fly the flag, Thorpe asked it be flown through the end of May. Someone in the audience suggested flying it until Juneteenth and Wilson changed her motion to include that. Barbanica seconded the motion and without further comments by council members it passed 5-0.

The council then took a brief recess to raise the flag on the pole outside City Hall.

(See 28:30 mark of council meeting video)

The council unanimously passed the following:

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANTIOCH DIRECTING STAFF TO FLY THE PAN-AFRICAN FLAG AT ANTIOCH CITY HALL THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2024 IN RECOGNITION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

(with the amendment to display the Pan-African Flag until Juneteenth 2024)

WHEREAS, in 1920, the Pan-African Flag, also known as the Black Liberation Flag and the Afro-American Flag, was adopted by the UNIA at a conference in New York City;

WHEREAS, the Pan-African Flag is a tri-color flag consisting of three equal horizontal bands, which are red, black, and green;

WHEREAS, the three colors on the Pan-African Flag each have a symbolic meaning: Red represents the blood that unites all people of Black African ancestry and that was shed for liberation; Black represents people whose existence as a nation, though not a nation state, is affirmed by the existence of the flag; and

Green represents the abundant natural wealth of Africa;

WHEREAS, many of the residents, students, employees, and business owners within the City of Antioch who contribute to the enrichment of our City are a part of the African American community;

WHEREAS, African Americans serve as leaders in all professional fields, make contributions that strengthen the fabric of American society;

WHEREAS, African Americans should feel safe to learn, grow, work, and enjoy their lives without the fear of discrimination, harassment, or hate crimes;

WHEREAS, the African American civil rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done within our nation;

WHEREAS, the Pan-African Flag, also known as the Black Liberation Flag or Afro American Flag, has been used since the 1920’s as a symbol of freedom and unity;

WHEREAS, flying the Pan-African Flag at City Hall throughout the month of February further symbolizes the City’s celebration of diversity and support for the African American community;

WHEREAS, the Pan-African Flag has been raised around the world as a symbol of freedom, unity, inclusion, belonging, and hope for members of the African American community;

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch will be offered a Pan-African Flag by residents of its community who request to fly the flag at City Hall during Black History Month; and

WHEREAS, the City Council is open to considering similar requests to fly flags celebrating the efforts of other nationally recognized civil rights movements that strive for equal rights and equal protection under the law for groups that have historically endured and sought to overcome unlawful and unjust discrimination within our country.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Antioch hereby resolves as follows:

1. The Acting City Manager or designee is directed to fly the Pan-African Flag, also known as the Black Liberation Flag and the Afro-American Flag, at City Hall throughout the month of February 2024 in recognition of Black History Month in the City of Antioch.

2. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and adoption.”

According to the City staff report, the flag was provided to the City by residents of the community.

Barbanica, Ogorchock want fines for spectators, greater penalties included

“This is doing really nothing. It is absolutely useless.” – Councilman Barbanica.

“I want this stronger. I’m not going to vote for it, this time.” – Councilwoman Ogorchock

“Yes, this is kind of a weak ordinance,” Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson

“You know how you get people? You hit them in the pocket…and hit hard.” – Police Oversight Commissioner Leslie May.

Public speaker says San Joaquin Co. Sheriff arrested 150 spectators, impounded 88 cars from sideshow.

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the Antioch City Council failed to approve the second reading to adopt an ordinance banning organizing or advertising street racing, sideshows and reckless driving exhibitions. With Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker absent and Councilmembers Mike Barbanica and Lori Ogorchock changing positions on the matter, no motion was made by the three council members in attendance to adopt the new ordinance. The council had previously voted 5-0 to approve it at their Feb. 27, 2024, meeting, but the two councilmembers wanted a stronger ordinance with fines for those who attend sideshows and greater penalties. However, during the Nov. 14, 2023, meeting, the council majority opposed making it illegal to be a spectator at a sideshow.

District 2 Councilman Barbanica was the first member of the council to speak on the matter Tuesday night, under Item I on the Consent Calendar saying, “Yes, I voted for this when it came out initially. But it’s been no secret that I don’t think this goes nearly far enough. This is just a feel-good thing. The reality of it is, is our police department’s not truly going to be able to sit there and track down who organizes a side show. It could have been much more effective, a tool that was used much more effective if, in fact, we would have allowed our officers to cite. But unfortunately, there wasn’t an appetite for that. I think this is, it’s better than nothing but it’s pretty close to nothing. As we move forward with it, don’t expect to see a lot of citations issued for organizers, because the reality of it is determining who organizes something, how it’s put together is extremely difficult. So, it’s a tool on our books that we can all go, ‘woo, we did something’. We did almost nothing, here.”

District 3 Councilwoman Ogorchock agreed with her colleague saying, “I’m very frustrated with this ordinance, also. At our last council meeting when this was discussed I did vote for it because this is a beginning, it’s a start. But I was hoping the start would actually evolve into something.”

She then took City Attorney Thomas L. Smith to task stating, “I’m disappointed, right now, with the city attorney because I had a conversation with him, requesting that he reach out to other cities to find out what their ordinances were regarding the sideshows. Some of them have stricter ordinances than we have. I wanted it to go out across California to find out who else was doing different things within the state of California on this very specific issue.”

“Another part of the conversation was, we as a city, as we did with the rent control, we can make stricter ordinances of what the state makes,” Ogorchock continued. “This doesn’t mean anything, to me. This is just like a piece of paper saying we’ve got this ordinance. So, I want this stronger. I’m not going to vote for it, this time. It can’t pass, tonight. But if it comes back at another time it can pass at another time. But until we get some teeth behind this thing and make it to where these people are punished then I’m not going to vote for it just to have paper and say we have an ordinance. I’m not going to do it.”

During public comments, Leslie May, a member of the new Police Oversight Commission, said, “My goodness, I agree with Lori. This needs to have money. We need to put more money. You know how you get people? You hit them in the pocket…and hit hard.”

She also mentioned finding on Facebook “a link where these people are setting up sideshows. I called the mayor’s office. I think I got a call back from the police department and I told them where one big organizer was, located by Costco. They told me they couldn’t do anything about it.”

“The next time you rewrite this, you give the public a number directly into the police department to let them know and send a screenshot to let them know they’re planning this…so the police department can be prepared,” she added.

“Yes, this is kind of a weak ordinance,” Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson who chaired the meeting. “But I err on the side of I’d rather see something pass as a start. But this is probably going to be coming back.”

City Attorney Smith then said, “The discussion we had, previously was about misdemeanors and in fact, what we said was the misdemeanor was capped at $1,000 or six months in prison.” He then read from state law allowed either or both. “That’s what we have,” he added.

“What we did with the ordinance was, we found a gap,” Smith continued. “That was around the advertising as we noted in the ordinance, and we created a separate opportunity where we could apply that fine at the misdemeanor level. So, when we talked about the potential of what could happen to people who engage in sideshows, this ordinance provides an additional layer above and beyond what already exists. This is an additive tool. This is not something that is complete in terms of what the police officers have available to them when they encounter sideshows.”

Ogorchock responded saying, “Let’s talk about the misdemeanor. That’s the misdemeanor they get for driving. This is the misdemeanor for organizing. When we look…under remedies and penalties for rent control, we’ve added penalties to the rent control that the state had and we added more. We increased those fines. We’re not increasing anything, here.”

“It’s one of the things you and I talked about,” she said to Smith. “And I asked for another way to put more teeth behind this and to find out from other cities what other cities are doing.”

“We can put some teeth behind it and increase it. We can’t go lower than what the state says. We can increase it and that’s what I’m asking for,” Ogorchock reiterated.

Barbanica later said, “So, I actually had called…and hosted the meeting and Ms. May was in the meeting with me and she brought up the fact that we need to hit them in the pocketbook. While sitting in that meeting, I sent an email to the city manager and the mayor saying I want an ordinance brought in front of the council where we can actually cite people for attending these sideshows and there’s a financial penalty associated with that.”

“This has fallen way short of that,” he stated. “And each meeting I’ve pushed for let’s beef this up much more than it is. I can’t in good conscience just pass something just because, well, we want to say we did something. We want to hit the press tomorrow saying we did something. This is doing really nothing.”
“Having this in addition to an ordinance that we can hit folks in their pocketbook when they’re out there destroying city property, and so on, I would be all for that,” Barbanica continued. “But all this did was just weaken this thing down. It is absolutely useless. You’re not going to hear a motion or a second coming from me, tonight on this.”

Ogorchock offered her final comments on the matter stating, “At the last council meeting, it was talking about having to reimburse for services that have to go out and take from other areas of town. The instance that I brought up was there were two firetrucks that couldn’t get to calls, because of these sideshows. So, whoever organized the sideshow actually stopped our first responders. So, they need to be fined for the diminishing of our services or paying back for our services.”

Public Speaker Says San Joaquin Co. Sheriff Arrested 150 Spectators, Impounded 88 Cars from Sideshow

Wilson re-opened public comments on the item with both in favor of fines for spectators.

Resident Andrew Becker said, “I agree with the comments made. If you’re concerned about being fined at a sideshow don’t be at a sideshow.”

Another member of the public, Eddie Gomes with ACCE, spoke of what is done in San Joaquin County. “Sheriff Patrick Winthrop, and he arrested 150 people. It was on video. Had the buses. Took all their cars. 88 cars. They don’t get them back.”

“I mean, you want to hit them in the pocket, have them kids driving their mama’s car and get it taken,” he continued to applause from the audience. “Laws can have law enforcement and getting on the internet and finding out where it’s going to happen, beforehand. I wouldn’t say a word. I would just show up just like the sheriff with the buses, take them away.”

Following the final comments from the public, Wilson asked, “Is there a motion?” Barbanica responded, “No, there is not.”

Since none of the three council members made a motion to adopt the ordinance, Wilson stated, “So, it dies without a motion.”

Barbanica then said, “I apologize to the city staff for the work you put into this. I know this had to be a lot of work. But I was pretty clear along the way where I wanted to go but I understand your position.”

(See council meeting video beginning at the 1:16:00 mark)

To two former Antioch residents posthumously, three Pittsburg residents and one Oakland resident

By Allen D. Payton

During Antioch’s Black History Month Closing Celebration, this evening, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe will present a Key to the City to each of “six deserving individuals who have significantly impacted our community,” according to the Eventbrite invitation. “This prestigious honor recognizes their outstanding achievements and dedication.”

The recipients include two former Antioch residents who have passed away, Antioch’s first African American councilmember, the late Hon. Reginald “Reggie” Moore and the late Dietra King, co-owner of Dad’s BBQ and owner, broker of Hearts Realty. In addition, three Pittsburg residents, Board of Supervisors Chair Federal Glover, local civil rights and community activist Willie Mims and NAACP East County Branch leader and Building Black Political Power PAC President Frances Green will also receive a Key to the City.

Finally, a sixth Key to the City will be presented to Oakland resident Shamawn Wright, Founder of the non-profit Bridge Builders to the New Generation which has an office inside the East Family Justice Center in Antioch and serves Antioch youth.

The mayor chose each of the recipients and has said in the past that it doesn’t require council approval.

The event will be held at Delta Bay Community Church, 1020 E. Tregallas Road in Antioch. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the program begins promptly at 7:00 pm. A special reception with music and hors-d’oeuvres will follow the program.

“They’ve been a massive failure…They have no credibility with anybody because they take on the role of being anti-police…It gives them a forum. They enjoy it. They get to grandstand.” – APOA attorney Mike Rains

“We look forward to the opportunity to work with the new Oversight Commission” – APOA VP Sgt. Loren Bledsoe

By Allen D. Payton

In response to the appointment of the seven members to the City of Antioch’s new Police Oversight Commission this past week, Antioch Police Officers Association attorney Mike Rains, who says his firm represents about 180 police associations throughout California, shared his extensive thoughts and concerns about the commission, the city’s government and police department.

“I didn’t know the people who they appointed. I guess, knowing it’s Antioch, they’re not going to appoint anyone who will be fair to police,” he stated. “It’s meaningless, ritualistic crap. That’s all you can say about this new commission.”

“I’ve been dealing with civilian review of police for 40 years. Antioch is no different. It can be effective and can work but only if those who sit in review of the police actions are fair and objective in evaluating the evidence. But what has happened, almost everywhere, is selecting people to the position who have an agenda,” Rains stated. “They think they sit on the panels to be advocates for their own personal agenda. They’ve been a massive failure.

They have no credibility with anybody because they take on the role of being anti-police.”

Says Oakland Police Commission Decisions Overruled Most of the Time

During his arguments in favor of forming the new commission, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe mentioned the police commissions in San Francisco and Oakland as examples. Rains shared his experiences with one.

“Take a look at the Oakland Police Commission. They’re in complete disarray. Nobody pays attention to them. City officials overrule them most of the time,” he stated. “In the few cases the city officials succumb to the pressure, and discipline was imposed, we took them to arbitration, and it was overturned because it was unfair, and no arbitrators would uphold them.”

“Like in Berkely, they’ve had the same model,” Rains shared. “It gives them a forum. They enjoy it. They get to grandstand. It gives them their one day of glory in a hearing.”

Antioch’s Commission Only Advisory

But unlike the police commissions in the larger cities in the Bay Area and elsewhere, which are charter cities, because Antioch is a general law city, as previously reported, the Police Oversight Commission does not have the same powers and can only serve in an advisory role to the city council. Rains called it, “A meaningless process.”

“As if any of these folks know about police policy. It’s going to be their personal philosophy without any knowledge at all of what universally is accepted for police practice,” he continued. “I’m sure it’s going to be a joke. Everything coming out of Antioch is, right now.”

About the City Government & Mayor

Rains then turned his attention to how the city’s government is being operated.

“The city is severely mismanaged, and they keep running it into the ground,” he stated. “It’s indicative of what Mayor Thorpe has been doing. The mayor won’t let the police chief run the department and that’s how it’s been since Chief Ford was there.”

“Lamar Thorpe and his cronies, they can’t run it. That’s what’s causing the disfunction,” Rains continued. “They continue to do this crap and think these little ‘show and tells’ like this police commission thing will show they’re competent. But they’re incompetent. Instead of hiring competent department heads to run the city.”

“It’s sad for the people of Antioch,” stated Rains, who doesn’t’ live in the city. “They need to vote out all these people and elect people who are smart and care and don’t have a personal agenda that will dominate their decision-making.”

About the Police Department

He then spoke about the police department where his clients, the members of the APOA work.

“I feel sorry for the cops who work there, still,” Rains shared. “I think they should just leave en masse because of the lack of leadership at all levels in city hall. They need to let the police chief do his job.”

“My office represents over 180 police associations in the state and Antioch is the only one where the police chief has been deprived of running his own department,” he stated. “It’s being run by the city attorney, the mayor and possibly the acting city manager, and the human resources director. Why would anyone want to work there?”

When pointed out that the mayor claims 16 new sworn officers have been recruited to the department since the council approved the hiring incentive package Rains said, “They’re probably not going to be able to retain officers. I think officers, if they come there, it doesn’t take them long to see what’s going on, because the city is running it into the ground, and they want out. There are other departments that are competent with competent leadership and they’re going to go there.”

“The public needs to know the mayor and the city attorney, his ally, have done the people a disservice in the way they’ve run that place into the ground,” Rains added.

APOA Willing to Work With New Commission

APOA Vice President Sgt. Loren Bledsoe offered a different response to the formation of the commission and appointment of the seven commissioners. When asked for comment he wrote, “We look forward to the opportunity to work with the new Oversight Commission to develop strategies to improve public safety. As a strong believer in the concepts of 21st Century Policing, I look forward to this opportunity and hope it will only strengthen relationships with the community.”

Hernandez-Thorpe, Smith Offered Opportunity to Respond

An email was sent to both Hernandez-Thorpe and City Attorney Smith Saturday afternoon with a link to the article offering each the opportunity to respond to Rains’ claims. Neither had responded as of Saturday night.

UPDATE 1: Rains Commends APOA’s Comments

However, after reading the article, Rains shared additional comments saying, “After seeing the comments by Loren Bledsoe, I commend him for extending an olive branch to the new commission and indicating the POA’s desire to work in a cooperative fashion with them.”

“As the attorney for the association, I do not have the same optimistic view that a cooperative and harmonious relationship can be established,” Rains continued. “But if anybody can do it, Loren Bledsoe can on behalf of the association, And I commend him for his comment and his attempt to work things so that the commission can function objectively and effectively and make the lives of the citizens of Antioch better and to make the working lives of the cops in Antioch better, as well.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.