Although three council members have requested it, two last July

By Allen D. Payton

At the end of the Antioch City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022, District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock became the third council member in seven months to request Mayor Lamar Thorpe place the hiring of additional sworn police officers on a council agenda. The mayor is required by council policy to place an item requested by any council member on a council agenda within six months of the request. But the agendas on Jan. 23, Feb. 8 did not include an item for discussing and approving the hiring of more officers, nor does the council meeting tomorrow night, Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, causing Thorpe to be in violation of council policy.

Previous Requests for Hiring More Police

On July 17, 2021, following crime problems in the Sycamore Square Shopping Center, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker asked Thorpe to place on the next council meeting agenda the hiring of four additional police officers and to focus them on the Sycamore corridor. Earlier that same week, District 2 Councilman and now Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica told Thorpe he was calling for increasing the Antioch police force by 2.5% per year until the department reaches the state standard of 1.48 sworn officers per 1,000 population. That would add about three officers per year over the next two years above the 115 currently allocated in the budget and give the city 170 total sworn officers.

Recent Requests for Hiring More Police

Then during the council meeting on Jan. 23, Barbanica again asked Thorpe to place the hiring of more officers on the agenda for discussion and a vote.

In comments about last month’s double murder of a woman and her 15-year-old stepson who Torres-Walker knew, as previously reported, the councilwoman wrote, “This didn’t have to happen, but I guess politics matters more than people.” She was referring to Thorpe not supporting or placing her proposal on a council agenda of hiring four more officers for the Sycamore area of Antioch, where the double homicide occurred. (See related articles here and here)

On January 31, following the double murder, Ogorchock told the Herald, “on the Feb. 8 council meeting agenda, the mayor needs to place the hiring of more police officers as Mayor Pro Tem Barbanica requested at the meeting of Jan 23rd. This is not a political issue. It’s a matter of public safety. Our residents should come before any individuals’ political agenda. The safety of our residents should be the number priority of this council. Only the mayor can place items on the agenda and this needs to become his priority.”

During the Feb. 8 council meeting, Ogorchock pointed out that City Attorney Thomas L. Smith had previously stated three council members can place an item on a council agenda or call a special meeting to discuss a matter they support if the mayor refuses to place it on a regular council meeting agenda.

Thorpe said he disagreed with that viewpoint.

No Additional Police in This or Next Year’s Budgets

While Thorpe has argued in the past that he’s not for defunding police, he continues to prevent the funding of additional officers, in spite of large increases in revenue in both this and next year’s budgets.

This year’s budget, which includes an increase in revenue of $5.6 million to the General Fund which pays for police, and next year’s budget shows a projected increase of $8.7 million in revenue. But the hiring of additional police officers was not included. Instead, the council majority on a 4-1 vote approved the creation of a new Community Resources Department and the hiring of 17 other city employees, including seven long desired Code Enforcement Officers. (See related article)

As previously reported, during the Nov. 23, 2021, council meeting, Antioch Finance Director Dawn Merchant said the city council will have an additional $2.3 million to spend in this year’s budget, with over $2.5 million additional from sales tax, including over $1.5 million more from Measure W’s 1% sales tax revenues. Plus, there were $6,425,217 less in expenditures than projected for Fiscal Year 2021. But the council did not spend any of it on hiring additional police. (See related article)

Antioch Police Staffing Half of Statewide Average

Currently the Antioch Police Department is at 1.0 officers per 1,000 population, half the 2.0 officers per 1,000 statewide average and much less than the 2.4 officers per 1,000 nationwide average.

Thorpe uses opportunity to do a little campaigning at end of speech

By Allen D. Payton

During a ceremony on a clear, sunny afternoon current and former Antioch officials, community leaders and residents celebrated the 150th anniversary, or Sesquicentennial of the City’s incorporation on the actual date it occurred on Feb. 6 in 1872. It marked the official formation of the first city in Contra Costa County, as the Board of Supervisors approved Antioch’s Articles of Incorporation that day. (See related article)

The event was held in front of the Birthplace of Antioch monument at the foot of F Street, overlooking the river and near the BNSF rail line.

Antioch Parks and Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger welcomed the audience. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica spoke, thanking those in attendance, and offering his memories of the city during his life, including the celebration of the City’s Centennial in 1972.

The audience also heard brief speeches from those who represent the City, including current county Supervisor Federal Glover, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and staff representatives of Supervisor Diane Burgis, State Senator Steve Glazer and Congressman Jerry McNerney, honoring the City’s anniversary. DeSaulnier, Glazer’s and McNerney’s staff presented the council members with proclamations honoring the City’s achievement. The Board of Supervisors honored the City’s Sesquicentennial anniversary with a proclamation at their meeting on Feb. 1. (See related article)

During Glover’s speech, a train carrying rolls of steel and chemicals heading east to the U.S. Steel plant in Pittsburg passed by, which he said was a good thing and an example of the economic strength of Antioch and East County, which helped grow the town, first established in 1849 as Smith’s Landing.

He pointed out that February is Black History Month and mentioned the late, former Antioch Councilman Reggie Moore who was the city’s first African-American member, then spoke of former Mayor Wade Harper, who was in attendance, as the city’s first African-American mayor, and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson, who was the city’s first African-American female member of the council.

Joy Motts, president of Celebrate Antioch Foundation, the City’s partner in organizing this year’s celebration, spoke about the other events planned for throughout the year, highlighting the Independence Day celebration, which is the birthday of the renaming of the community to Antioch during the July 4th picnic in 1851.

Proclamation Adopted, Read and Signed

The proclamation celebrating the City’s Sesquicentennial and providing the history of the community, was then read by City Clerk Ellie Householder, as Mayor Lamar Thorpe was not yet in attendance. It was adopted by the Antioch City Council on Friday, Feb. 4 on a 3-0-2 vote, as both Barbanica and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker were absent. (See related article)

About 30 minutes into the event, Thorpe arrived and signed the proclamation, then apologized for his tardiness saying he was at the opening of a local church in their new building, and that it was appropriate since Antioch was named for the city in Syria, “where the followers of Jesus Christ were first called Christians. So, I thought that was a special honor and I didn’t want to miss that. I think that’s important, and it was important for them,” he said. “I am excited to be here.”

During his speech the mayor said, “I’m so excited to be the mayor during this important year. We’ve come a long way as a city. 150 years ago, the diversity that we see in this crowd, here today did not exist. As time has passed, we’re at a time where, we for the first time we have the first majority African-American council in the city’s history. A majority woman city council in the city’s history, and that’s been for some time.”

“As we continue for the next 150 years, it’s important to understand, as these changes occur, there’s always going to be some level of conflict, as that’s the process of maturation,” he continued. “It means we’re growing up as a city. We’re not the same city that we were 10 years ago when I moved here. We’re not the same city that we were when folks who grew up are. We’re a different city.”

“But it’s all good. It’s all good. Because as we continue to be a more progressive, open-minded city, more people come here,” the mayor said. “We continue to be the fastest growing city in the Bay Area. We are now one of the most racially diverse cities in the San Francisco Bay Area, certainly ethnically diverse. So, there’s a lot of heritage and experiences that we’re proud of.”

“A lot of us recognize the importance of our history, so I just want to share a few things that we will be doing in the City of Antioch,” Thorpe said. He then shared about the council’s plans to restore the Hard House, on W. 1st Street, the home of the first mayor of Antioch, Roswell Butler Hard, where the meetings for the first city council were held.

“The Hard House has sat empty for a long, long time,” The history of this city should not stay empty in some building,” he said to applause from the crowd. Thorpe reiterated that the council’s “vision, right now is for council offices, maybe on the second floor, and community space on the first floor, to ensure that the community has access. So, we want to restore that.”

Thorpe then spoke of the Antioch (Beede) Lumber Company yard, the empty lot bordered by W. 2nd, W. 3rd and E Streets and the council’s commitment “to ensure that remains a public space recognizing our history,” to an even greater applause.

Thorpe then turned it into a campaign speech, as he faces possible recall.

“This council, my colleagues, myself, we are committed to, of course, preserving history. But we’re also committed to ensuring that the change that is occurring now, continues,” he stated. “And our foot is on the pedal, and we’re not stopping. It doesn’t matter what the naysayers have to say. I will be here for another three years.” (See video)

Several photos were taken of Thorpe holding the proclamation, with current council members, all but District 1 Council Tamisha Torres-Walker who was not in attendance and elected officials, Sesquicentennial Committee and Antioch Historical Society leaders, former mayors and council members, and with city staff.

Thorpe later said a framed copy of the proclamation will be given to the Antioch Historical Society for their museum and another will be framed for City Hall.

A reception was then held at the Antioch Senior Center nearby, in which historic photos of the city and copies of the city council’s first minutes and By-Laws, adopted March 14, 1872, were on display. Sesquicentennial calendars were sold for $20 each as a fundraiser to support this year’s activities and hors d’oeuvres were served, catered by Girard’s Catering owned by Antioch resident Linda Jane. Antioch’s First Bylaws.March 14, 1872

Unfortunately, a copy of the City’s Articles of Incorporation could not be located in the City Clerk’s office prior to the event. But the search for a copy will continue and added here, once they are.

Torres-Walker was asked the reason for her absence. She responded simply, “I was with family.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Special redistricting workshop at 6:00 p.m. for public input and possibly choose final map

Map 91 drawn by member of the public; Map B drawn by council’s consultant

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting Tuesday night, February 8, the Antioch City Council will consider two final maps for redrawing the boundaries of the city council districts for the next 10 years. (See related article)

Of the two finalists, Map 91 was drawn and submitted by a member of the public using the online mapping tool on the City’s website and uses major streets and the canal as the dividers. The other, Map B was created by the consultants of Q2 hired by the council and keeps things much the same.

At the January 26 meeting, the council members were asked to winnow the 13 map alternatives were narrowed down to two. Mayor Lamar Thorpe and District 4 Council Member rejected all of the maps submitted by the public and supported Map B. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica, who represents District 2, and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock supported Map 91. District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker was the only member to offer support for two maps, initially Maps A and B. Then when no other council member supported Map A, she gave her support to Map 91 instead. Both maps were then advanced to Tuesday’s meeting for discussion and a possible vote to choose the final map.

Special Workshop at 6:00 p.m.

The council will hold a special workshop at 6:00 p.m. The staff report for the item reads, “It is recommended that the City Council receive public comment and select the Final Redistricting Map redefining the boundaries of all City Council electoral districts of the City.”

Regular Meeting

During the regular council meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. the council will hold the public hearing on redistricting, which is item 5.

The meeting can be viewed in-person in the Council Chambers at 200 H Street and are televised live on Comcast channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99, or live stream at www.antiochca.gov/government/city-council-meetings.

Public Comments

Members of the public wishing to provide public comment may do so one of the following ways (#2 pertains to the Zoom Webinar):

1. Fill out an online speaker card by 3:00 p.m. the day of the Council Meeting located at: , https://www.antiochca.gov/speaker_card.
2. Provide oral public comments during the meeting by clicking the following link to register in advance to access the meeting via Zoom Webinar: https://www.antiochca.gov/speakers

– You will be asked to enter an email address and a name. Your email address will not be disclosed to the public. After registering, you will receive an email with instructions on how to connect to the meeting.

– When the mayor announces public comments, click the “raise hand” feature in Zoom. For instructions on using the “raise hand” feature in Zoom, visit: https://www.antiochca.gov/raise_hand. When calling into the meeting using the Zoom Webinar telephone number, press *9 on your telephone keypad to “raise your hand”. Please ensure your Zoom client is updated so staff can enable your microphone when it is your turn to speak.

1. Email comments to cityclerk@ci.antioch.ca.us by 3:00 p.m. the day of the Council Meeting. The comment will be read into the record at the meeting (350 words maximum, up to 3 minutes, at the discretion of the mayor). IMPORTANT: Identify the agenda item in the subject line of your email if the comment is for Announcement of Community Events, Public Comment, or a specific agenda item number. No one may speak more than once on an agenda item or during “Public Comments”.

All emails received by 3:00 p.m. the day of the Council Meeting will be entered into the record or the meeting. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.

During special meeting, Friday on 3-0-2 vote

By Allen D. Payton

During a special and brief council meeting held Friday afternoon, Feb. 4, 2022, the Antioch City Council, on a 3-0-2 vote approved a proclamation honoring the City’s Sesquicentennial, or 150th anniversary of the day it was incorporated on Feb. 6, 1872. The milestone was celebrated yesterday. (See related article and more about the commemoration, later)

With Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker both absent, and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson attending via Zoom, the motion to approve the proclamation. When asked why he wasn’t there, Barbanica said he “had a prior engagement that I could not get out of and it was not a scheduled meeting but a special meeting.” When asked the same, Torres-Walker replied, “I had to work Friday.”

Another proclamation honoring Genesis Church-Antioch recognizing the opening of their new location on the corner of E. 18th Street and Woodland Drive, was also approved by the council. Genesis purchased the building from Golden Hills Community Church which housed their Antioch satellite campus. Both are part of the same Converge denomination, formerly known as the Baptist General Conference, which was founded by Swedish immigrants to America in the 1800’s in Illinois and Minnesota. Genesis Church-Antioch Proclamation 020422

Following is the Sesquicentennial proclamation: Antioch City Council Sesquicentennial Proclamation 020422

IN HONOR OF

THE SESQUICENTENNIAL OF THE CITY OF ANTIOCH’S INCORPORATION

FEBRUARY 6, 2022

WHEREAS, for thousands of years, native indigenous Bay Miwok Tribes such as the Julpun inhabited and thrived on the land now known as the City of Antioch. Each Bay Miwok Tribe knew its land and boundaries intimately and shared the land and its resources;

WHEREAS, Twin brothers William Wiggin Smith and Joseph Horton Smith were hired to build homes and businesses in the region and were offered land in exchange for the development of land owned by Dr. John Marsh.* Later Captain George Washington Kimball and his passengers landed at the foot of ‘F’ Street, on September 16, 1850, where a new community would begin at what is now an area just east of Downtown Antioch;

WHEREAS, the community was initially called Smith’s Landing, but on July 4th, 1851 was renamed after the Biblical town Antioch, modern day Turkey, in honor of Reverend Joseph Horton Smith, who died a year earlier and in recognition that many in the new community were disciples of Christ;

WHEREAS, the town of Antioch was formally incorporated on February 6th, 1872, with the original town limits being ‘A’ Street to the east, ‘L’ Street to the west, and 10th Street to the south;

WHEREAS, at the time of incorporation the early people of Antioch were of European nationalities, including Greek, Portuguese, English, Welsh, German, Italian, and French as well as people of Chinese, Japanese, South East Asian and African descent. Living up to its claim of being a Metropolis where “the Whole World is Invited”;

WHEREAS, Antioch being at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers was a deep-water shipping port that attracted paper mills, brick and glass factories, ceramics and distilleries. As well as an agriculture center for farmers and cattle ranchers;

WHEREAS, in 1878 the Empire Coal Mine Company, owned by CW Belshaw and Egbert Judson, built the Empire Railroad Company, transporting coal from Judsonville, West Harley, and Stewartsville, in what is present day Black Diamond Regional Park. This coal was shipped across the region, making it one of the primary energy sources at the time, thus fueling the industrial development of California including the Bay Area;

WHEREAS, in the 1940’s Midwestern, Mexican, and Filipino families came to California looking for work in agriculture, many of whom eventually joined the workforce in Antioch’s paper mill and glass factory;

WHEREAS, although global commerce was welcomed in Antioch, it is also true that historical discrimination in the form of “Sundown Ordinances,” racial housing covenants, redlining, and other forms of systematic oppression was also present in Antioch. Many of the effects of which are still felt by communities today;

WHEREAS, when our Nation went to defend freedom, Antioch residents fought in World War l, World War ll, Korean, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq wars. In support of the US Navy World War ll effort, Fulton Shipyard was the first San Francisco Bay Area company to garner an “E” for efficiency and production excellence while constructing auxiliary vessels;

WHEREAS, the Bald Eagle Bronze Monument, now at the Contra Costa Fair Grounds, is one of six World War l monuments along Victory Highway, America’s first transcontinental road when it was dedicated in 1926. The Antioch Bridge was named the “Golden Link” of Victory Highway, named for its significance in connecting the northern and southern parts of California and was the Country’s first toll bridge;

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch has grown and evolved from a town of agriculture to a town of industry, and is now the fastest growing city in the San Franciso Bay Metropolitan Area and continues to draw people from different parts of the world and today is one of the most racially and economically diverse cities in the Bay Area;

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch is now a community where “Opportunity Lives Here,” a statement that is shown in the City’s investments in its infrastructure like the first Brackish Water Desalination Plant in California, industries like medical services, retail and cannabis, racial reconciliation, and other community initiatives; and

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch now desires to commemorate the milestone of its Sesquicentennial through a series of events that will begin with the anniversary of its incorporation on February 6, 2022, and culminate in a community-wide celebration on July 4, 2022.

NOW, THEREFORE I, LAMAR A. THORPE, Mayor of the City of Antioch, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2022, as the “Sesquicentennial of the Incorporation of the City of Antioch”.

We celebrate our rich history as one of California’s oldest cities with a storied past and bright future.

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

_________________________________

 LAMAR A. THORPE, Mayor

The proclamation was signed by Mayor Thorpe during Sunday’s event celebrating the milestone.

Challenge to Second Paragraph of Proclamation

*This sentence is in question and being challenged. Former Antioch Councilwoman Elizabeth Rimbault, who helped write the book entitled Images of America – Antioch by the Antioch Historical Society said she is unaware of that as part of the Smith brothers’ history in Antioch. In addition, this reporter who researched multiple books in writing The History of Smith’s Landing which is on display inside Smith’s Landing Seafood Grille is also not aware of that claim. City Clerk Ellie Householder was asked to cite the source for it and if she perhaps misinterpreted what was written about the Smith brothers early time, here as they founded the community.

Why is redistricting so important?

Let the people choose their representatives, not the other way around

“It shouldn’t be in the hands of politicians” – Lamar Thorpe

New map doesn’t have to be based on current map; Council should choose maps drawn by members of the public

The Herald recommends Maps 508 (58 revised), 91 and 95 as best alternatives; consultant should also provide details for all publicly submitted maps

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting Tuesday night, Jan. 25, 2022, the Antioch City Council will consider narrowing down the number of redistricting maps they will consider to just two from the current map approved in 2018. So far, three maps were created and submitted by the consultant, Q2 Data and Research, based on input from the council members, which made slight adjustments to the current map. Q2 provided details for each of the four council districts showing specific streets in each of Maps A, B and C. In addition, members of the public have drawn and submitted n10 alternative maps but Q2 did not provide the same details for each of the four districts for those maps, numbers 34, 39, 49, 58, 87, 91, 95, 503 and now, 508 which is 58 revised. (See agenda item, here – ACC012522 – Redistricting)

Why Redistricting is So Important

Every 10 years, in the year following the Census when the new population figures are determined, district lines must be redrawn to comply with the spirit of one-person-one-vote as intended by the U.S. Constitution. Redistricting should be based on principles not politics. Redistricting is so important because how the new district boundaries are drawn will determine who can run for office and who the voters will elect to represent them.

Thus, we the people should be in control of redistricting, so we get to choose who represents us, rather than the elected officials choosing who it is they will represent. While it would be best to have no population percentage deviation between districts, as it is with redrawing congressional districts, which are required to have a difference of no more than one person, all other districts are legally allowed a maximum deviation of 5% from average.

“It Shouldn’t Be in the Hands of Politicians”

During the districting process in 2018, then-Mayor Pro Tem Lamar Thorpe said, “This is why I hate this process. It shouldn’t be in the hands of politicians.” But neither he nor any other council member proposed forming an independent citizens’ redistricting commission to redraw the council district boundaries, as both Brentwood and Martinez have done. (See related article) So the Antioch Council members will make the decision about their own districts and the public’s opportunity to have a say are during the public hearings on redistricting.

Fortunately, the council had Q2 create a redistricting page on the City’s website, provide an online mapping tool for the public to use to create their own alternative map, and Q2 posted each of the maps for the public to review. Plus, Mayor Thorpe has insisted on having all the maps included in each council discussion, as they were submitted by members of the public. (See Draft Maps and Public Map Submissions on that page)

New Map Doesn’t Have to Be Based on Current Map

At the Council’s Jan. 10th public hearing on redistricting, Karin Mac Donald, owner and Senior Researcher of Q2 said, “there is no law…that says you must start with the districts drawn in the last process.” So, the council can completely scrap the current map, which is based on the 2010 Census figures, and approve a completely new map, which must be based on the 2020 Census population of Antioch which grew by almost 13,000 residents during that time.

Redistricting Principles

During BART’s process, the consultant offered Key Points to Consider in Redistricting, which include:

“Traditional Redistricting Principles – Since decennial redistricting began in the late 1960s, traditional criteria and principles have developed. While the equal population of election districts is the overriding principle there are accompanying goals. In varying degrees, the criteria are compactness, continuity, respect for communities of interest, preserving political subdivisions, and the core of previous districts. All are not of equal weight and all are subordinate to an equal population. Care must be taken not to dilute the voting strength of minorities.

Compactness – Compactness refers to a districts’ geographic shape and how its interior is dispersed within its boundaries. A circle is a perfectly compact shape. In redistricting, the notion of compactness is difficult to evaluate because one begins with irregularly shaped borders and the political subdivisions may be irregular in shape. Geometric measures of compactness are often misleading because geographic features and relationships are more complex than simple geometry. The principle of compactness should be considered functionally and must compete with other criteria.

Continuity – Continuity requires that all parts of a district be connected. Districts can be drawn that are contiguous by way of water or a bridge. While crossing water is allowed it should be minimized as it makes it more difficult to respect communities of interest.

Preserving Political Subdivisions – An attempt should be made to minimize splitting cities and well-defined neighborhoods; and

Respect for Communities of Interest – Communities of interest are subjective and difficult to define. A community of interest has some common thread of shared interest. Those communities can be based on such diverse elements as geography, language, socio-economic-cultural interests, even transportation corridors. Race may be considered, but it may not be the sole reason for drawing a district in a particular manner.”

Use Common Sense, Follow State & Federal Law, No Consideration for Incumbency

Also, according to the BART redistricting process, “new districts should be drawn deliberatively and with common sense. Adherence to traditional redistricting principles and the federal Voting Rights Act will ensure fair and reasonable districts.”

The council must also follow the state’s FAIR MAPS Act when redrawing district boundaries, as Mac Donald pointed out, previously. But the council members do not have to consider to incumbency, in other words, where the current council members live. The Antioch School Board didn’t when they created their first district maps in 2018, resulting in two incumbents living in the same district. The same could occur with the council’s redistricting process when choosing a final map.

Council Should Choose Maps Drawn by Members of the Public

If the Council is going to “whittle it down the number of maps” as suggested by Mac Donald during the Jan. 10th public hearing, they should choose maps submitted by the public in order to reduce both the appearance of political influence and consideration of where incumbents live. Of the nine publicly submitted maps, I recommend that the Council choose among Maps 91, 95 and of course, 58, which I drew and submitted, as finalists.

The online mapping tool for the public only allows the creation of districts using Census Blocks, but the mapping software used by the consultants can be as specific as moving one house between districts. So, if the Council wants to make minor adjustments to any of the publicly submitted maps, Q2 staff can easily accommodate them.

Map 91 Analysis

Map 91 is a combination of the current council districts map and map 58 by connecting all three districts on the south side of Highway 4 to the freeway. However, this map connects District 4 to Highway 4 on the east side of the city, instead. The map also moves the Mira Vista Hills area from District 4 to District 2 which is one reason I like this map, plus the use of major roadways such as Lone Tree Way and Hillcrest Avenue, and the canal as common-sense dividing lines.

While District 4 is less compact than in other maps and looks kind of strange, like a fat seahorse, seated camel or short-necked and legged giraffe, it makes District 3 more compact than it is currently.

CORRECTION: It would be great if the six homes between Hillcrest Avenue and the canal, east of Wildhorse Road could be moved into District 3 instead of District 4, to eliminate the small section that looks like the aforementioned creature’s left ear. But, according to Jane Hood of Q2, Census Tracts cannot be divided and this time, compared to 10 years ago, there are fewer Census Tracts.

While the note beneath Map 91 in the staff report reads, “As drawn this map doesn’t have all census tracts assigned (See District 2)” that’s only the Contra Loma Reservoir in which no resident lives. Since fish don’t yet have the right to vote, adding that census tract won’t change any of the population statistics for that district.

The map also offers one of the lowest population deviations of all the publicly submitted maps. The greatest population deviation in Map 91 is just 1.72% between Districts 1 and 4, which is the least among the three final maps I’m recommending.

Map 95 Analysis

Of all but one of the public submissions, Map 95 significantly changes things from the current map by dividing the area north of Highway 4 between three council districts, numbers 1, 2 and 3, which is what I like best about this map. Although it goes against the argument made during the 2018 districting process that the residents north of Highway 4 wanted to have their own representative on the council, that hasn’t served that part of the city well, nor did it result in the election of a Hispanic council member, which is why the council switched to district elections in the first place, under threat of a lawsuit they were told they couldn’t win.

That’s in spite of the fact there are and/or have been Hispanic elected officials on both the city council and school board. Another fact is, after the school board switched to district elections, Antonio Hernandez was elected in 2020 to represent the current Area 1, which includes portions of both the north and south sides of Highway 4, giving the board two Hispanic trustees. The other, Trustee Mary Rocha, has not yet run in a district election, but lives in Area 5 and whose seat is up in November. (See current Antioch School Board Trustee Area Map)

The comment provided by the creator of Map 95 reads, “It results in three council members representing the waterfront instead of just one. It also serves to more unify the city between older parts and newer parts instead of dividing it like the current districts do with just one district north of Highway 4. It also combines the Mira Vista Hills area south of James Donlon Blvd. with the older areas north of James Donlon Blvd. and the newer area west of Somersville Road which is more of a Community of Interest.”

The move of the Mira Vista Hills area south of James Donlon Blvd. from District 4 to District 2 is another reason I like this map, plus the use of major roadways and the canal as common-sense dividing lines.

The note beneath Map 95 is that below Map 91 and for the same reasons dealing with not including the Contra Loma Reservoir in which no resident lives, unless there’s a secret Navy Submarine base in it that the public is unaware of.

The greatest population deviation in Map 95 is 8.24% between Districts 2 and 3, which is the most among the three finalists I support.

Map 58 Analysis

Except for District 1, Map 58 changes things significantly from the current map, connecting all the three other districts to Highway 4. It makes Districts 2 and 3 more compact and primarily uses the major roads of Lone Tree Way, James Donlon Blvd. and Hillcrest Avenue/Deer Valley Road to separate Districts 2, 3 and 4. As with Map 95 it also moves the Mira Vista Hills area south of James Donlon Blvd. from District 4 into District 2 which makes more sense.

While Map 58, as drawn, divides the homes in the same homeowners’ association along Prewett Ranch Road east of Deer Valley Road, between Districts 3 and 4, up to 992 residents in the older homes on the south side of the street can be moved from District 4 into District 3, and still keep District 3 within the 5% population deviation from average.

CORRECTION: It would be great if the dividing line for Districts 3 and 4 could be between the homes in the newer subdivisions in the Sand Creek area and the homes in the neighborhoods along Prewett Ranch Drive. But that would require splitting up a Census Tract.

The greatest population deviation in Map 58 is currently just 2.91%, also between Districts 2 and 3. However, if the homes on the south side of Prewett Ranch Drive are moved into District 3, the deviation would increase.

Map 508 (58 Revised)

A revised Map 58 was drawn and submitted Monday night, and is labeled #508, did part of that, by moving some homes on the south side of Prewett Ranch Drive east of Deer Valley Road from District 4 into District 3. In addition, Map 508 moves the homes on the south side of James Donlon Blvd. between Lone Tree Way and Tabora Drive, as well as the Contra Loma Reservoir area from District 4 into District 2.

The changes increase the population deviation to 8.75%. But that should be acceptable, as it leaves District 4 with the least current population, which again, is expected to have the greatest population growth with the new homes in the Sand Creek area over the next decade.

Public Hearing Tuesday Night, Jan. 25

The council meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. immediately followed by the public hearing on redistricting at 7:05 p.m. and can be viewed in-person in the Council Chambers at 200 H Street and are televised live on Comcast channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99, or live stream at www.antiochca.gov/government/city-council-meetings.

Public Comments

Members of the public wishing to provide public comment may do so one of the following ways (#2 pertains to the Zoom Webinar):

1. Fill out an online speaker card by 3:00 p.m. the day of the Council Meeting located at: , https://www.antiochca.gov/speaker_card.
2. Provide oral public comments during the meeting by clicking the following link to register in advance to access the meeting via Zoom Webinar: https://www.antiochca.gov/speakers

– You will be asked to enter an email address and a name. Your email address will not be disclosed to the public. After registering, you will receive an email with instructions on how to connect to the meeting.

– When the mayor announces public comments, click the “raise hand” feature in Zoom. For instructions on using the “raise hand” feature in Zoom, visit: https://www.antiochca.gov/raise_hand. When calling into the meeting using the Zoom Webinar telephone number, press *9 on your telephone keypad to “raise your hand”. Please ensure your Zoom client is updated so staff can enable your microphone when it is your turn to speak.

1. Email comments to cityclerk@ci.antioch.ca.us by 3:00 p.m. the day of the Council Meeting. The comment will be read into the record at the meeting (350 words maximum, up to 3 minutes, at the discretion of the mayor). IMPORTANT: Identify the agenda item in the subject line of your email if the comment is for Announcement of Community Events, Public Comment, or a specific agenda item number. No one may speak more than once on an agenda item or during “Public Comments”.

All emails received by 3:00 p.m. the day of the Council Meeting will be entered into the record or the meeting. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak.

 

 

“Local produced oil and gas will be replaced by foreign fuel imports which are significantly more harmful to the environment” – Bob Nunn, Sunset Exploration, owner of the drilling permits in Antioch

By Allen Payton

During their meeting Tuesday night Jan. 11, the Antioch City Council on a 5-0 vote approved a ban on oil and gas drilling, production and exploratory operations in the city in a stated effort to protect the health of residents and the environment. However, Bob Nunn, president of Sunset Exploration which owns permits and rights in Antioch, can still drill when he’s ready and says the action will actually harm the environment more. His company has the oil drilling site off Deer Valley Road south of Kaiser outside both the city limits of Antioch and Brentwood. (See related article) Antioch Oil & Gas Drilling Ban ACC011122

In addition, although he was not made aware of the council’s agenda item by staff or council members, Nunn sent an email to all five council members on Tuesday which pointed to a state report that shows importing oil and gas into California is worse for the environment by a factor of two-thirds than producing it locally.

According to City Attorney Thomas L. Smith, “presently there are no plans for oil or gas drilling in the city. There is a complete permit to allow gas and oil exploration, but that was put on hold.” The council action “will ban oil and gas drilling in the city with no apparent impacts,” he said.

Yet, neither Smith nor any of the council members mentioned the email sent by Nunn:

Sent: 1/11/2022 2:58:11 PM Pacific Standard Time

Subject: Item 9, 01-11-22 Antioch City Council agenda

Dear City Council Members

Re:   Introduction of Ordinance of Amending the Antioch Municipal Code Sections 9-5.3803 and 9-5.3834 to Prohibit Oil and Gas Drilling, Production, and Exploratory Operations as Permitted Uses in the M-2 and S Zones.

I have reviewed the above referenced Ordinance and do not object to the prohibition of future oil and gas permits in the areas referenced therein. However please be advised that my company, Sunset Exploration, Inc., currently has valid permits both within the City of Antioch and Contra Costa County that allow for future oil and gas activities and those rights remain unaffected by this proposed Ordinance.

Furthermore, I have attached a link below from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which conducts annual crude oil life cycle assessments that compares the environmental impacts of various oil fields in California as compared to the oil California imports. Currently California imports 90% of its natural gas needs and 63% of its crude oil needs. Any oil and gas California does not produce is imported. Ironically, the oil and gas we and others produce in this vicinity emits, on average, 1/3rd the amount of the carbon of foreign sources.

Prohibiting local oil and gas production does not affect the local or statewide demand, but it does increase rather than decrease the environmental impact of oil and gas production and use and does not achieve the stated goal of this Ordinance to reduce air emissions or provide any other environmental benefit.

Local produced oil and gas will be replaced by foreign fuel imports which are significantly more harmful to the environment.

Until we completely transition to 100% green energy sources, which California and the local community is not projected to do in the next two decades (and potentially far longer for heating and other utility needs), producing the cleanest fossil fuels available will have the least impact on climate change and the environment.

I recommend the City acknowledge that by adopting this Ordinance and prohibiting locally sourced oil and gas, it will result in the need to import more oil and gas, shifting the environmental impacts to other communities and causing an overall increase in impacts on the environment.

That is at least according to the California Air Resources Board.  Deer Valley Rd. oil production Comparison 011222

Sincerely
Bob Nunn

President
Sunset Exploration, Inc.

https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/lcfs-crude-oil-life-cycle-assessment

Following public comments, mostly from people outside of Antioch thanking the council for protecting residents’ health and the environment, District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson, who proposed the ban, made a motion to approve the ordinance.

District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica said, “I just wanted to note that property owners that could have been affected…didn’t show up. To me, that speaks volumes.”

“I’ve been on the front lines for many years on social justice and environmental justice and I can’t take any of the credit,” District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker said. “I would just like to thank the Antioch residents on the frontline…and council members who have been working on this since before me.”

“After this then, we will be requesting and bring forward…a resolution to ask the county to no longer engage in this,” Mayor Lamar Thorpe said.

The motion passed 5-0.

First one proposed for this summer at fairgrounds

“I know it will make Antioch a destination place” – Councilwoman Torres-Walker

By Allen Payton

During their meeting Tuesday night, a majority of the Antioch City Council members supported creating an ordinance to allow cannabis events in the city, including at the Contra Costa Event Park (county fairgrounds), in response to an application by CoCo Farms. They have a permit from the state to hold 10 events per year.

“This process came out of a need to answer that we can’t say no or yes to,” Mayor Lamar Thorpe explained. “This came as a result of a request of the state.”

During public comments J.R. Wilson said he was speaking on behalf of the Delta Veterans Group “in support…to allow temporary cannabis events.”

Longtime Antioch resident Tom Menasco also spoke in favor of the proposal.

“I would like to support and encourage you to do whatever it takes,” he said, mentioning benefits to the community, “Specifically taxation.”

“These are going to be money-making events,” Menasco stated. “In addition to that, non-profits will benefit from, when they do produce revenue, we will benefit. If we miss this opportunity Concord or someone else will take advantage of this.”

“It was our application to the state,” said Martin Wesley of CoCo Farms. “We’ve worked with the fairgrounds. It’s additional tax revenue and will bring additional people into Antioch. Security will be top of mind.”

“We have a state license to have 10 of these a year and we thought Antioch should be our first,” he added.

District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson asked, “Can this go to the cannabis committee so we can properly vet this?”

Thorpe spoke of a timetable.

“For the future, we have a committee,” District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson pointed out.

“I know I support this. I support process, period,” said District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker. “I know it will make Antioch a destination place. We’re constantly talking about how to get more revenue and get more people to Antioch as a destination.”

“It’s not saying we’re opening the floodgates, and it will be a yes or no,” Barbanica said. “If it is a yes, then.

“What is the timeline,” Ogorchock said.

“I believe the applicant’s event is coming up,” City Attorney Thomas L. Smith said.

“420” people in the audience could be heard saying.

“The week of 420 (April 20th) is out of the cards, to do it right,” Wesley said. “The earliest we could do this is July or August.”

“We just did one in Santa Rosa and they sold 50,000 tickets,” he added.

“There’s time to go back to the Cannabis Committee,” Wilson said. “So, I ask that it go back.”

“City Attorney, there’s no time in the process?” she asked.

“I didn’t say that,” Smith responded. “Whatever the council directs.”

“It’s a discussion item. Did you get direction?” Thorpe asked Smith.

“I believe I have direction,” Smith responded.

“So, we can make the July timeframe,” Thorpe added.

Questions for City Attorney

Questions were sent Wednesday morning to City Attorney Smith asking, if the council is required to approve a cannabis event in the city and/or at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds). In addition, since Prop. 64 which legalizes recreational marijuana use in California gives councils the authority to deny any and all cannabis businesses in their city, he was asked if that also applies to cannabis events, as they would be commercial activities, with ticket sales and on-site cannabis sales.

According to the Local Government Reference Guide to Prop. 64, under “Land Use: Proposition 64 includes multiple local-control provisions that respect local government police powers to: ban commercial cannabis activity, and regulate businesses through local zoning and land-use requirements, and/or business license requirements within their respective jurisdiction by ordinance. However, no local jurisdiction may ban: the consumption of cannabis within its jurisdiction, the allowance of up to six plants for personal use, or the transportation of cannabis through the jurisdiction.”

Finally, Smith was asked if the state Department of Cannabis Control authorize a temporary cannabis event within the city, such as at a park, even if the council opposed it.

Please check back later for updates to this report.

Torres-Walker stands for Pledge of Allegiance; mayor welcomes Con Johnson as interim city manager, finally refers to him as “retired San Francisco Police Lieutenant”

By Allen Payton

During a public hearing at the beginning of Tuesday night’s meeting, the Antioch City Council reviewed new maps submitted by members of the public, as well as the eight maps previously reviewed, including three drawn by the consultant and five submitted by members of the public. In a surprise to some residents watching, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker stood for the Pledge of Allegiance, for the first time since the council returned to holding in-person meetings.

“Since the last meeting we have had four new submissions,” said Karin Mac Donald, owner and Senior Researcher of Q2 Data and Research. “Two of the public submissions don’t meet the Fair Maps Act” due to “contiguity”. She was referring to Maps 39 and 49 reviewed by the council at a previous meeting.

See all maps on the City’s Redistricting webpage under Draft Maps and Public Map Submissions.

“You have one more mapping meeting on Jan. 25th,” she added. “It would be good to whittle down the number of maps” for consideration.

A fourth new map, #503, was submitted last night. (See related article)

During public comments, resident Harry Thurston, one of only two residents to speak, again advocated for Map B, as he had at a previous meeting.

Resident Sharon Johnson asked, “what is the reason for redistricting when you just did it two years ago? My neighbors and I are wondering.”

“If you’re going to do it…” she continued, then said she also supported Map B “because it keeps current neighborhoods together.”

“This process is required every 10 years. What we did last time was not redistricting but districting due to a lawsuit…based on the Census,” Mayor Lamar Thorpe explained

The current districts are based on the 2010 Census. The new districts will be based on the 2020 Census which includes a population increase of 15,000 residents.

During that process in which the council adopted the current districts in May 2018, Thorpe asked Consultant Mac Donald about the current process. “Will we see drastic changes in where the lines will be?”

She responded by saying, “I think that depends on what you wanted to do. There is no law…that says you must start with the districts drawn in the last process.”

Thorpe then stated, “So, we can start with a completely new…or go with what we have and try to adjust the lines accordingly.” (See related articles here and here)

Council Reviews New Maps Submitted by the Public

“I would like to see the new maps that were submitted,” said District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock.

Jane Hood of Q2 then reviewed the four new submitted maps 91, 95, 99 and 503.

She pointed out that the new map, #503 was incomplete, as it is does not include a small portion on the west side of District 2. “It should be included with District 2,” Hood stated.

Ogorchock asked to see Map 91, again, which Hood put up on the screen.

About Map 95 Hood then said, “You’ll see this changes things, a bit.”

She then presented Map 99 and provided the population deviation percentages and described the boundaries.

“The last submission we have was received last night, which is #503,” Hood said, then reviewed the district boundaries and population percentages.

“This process continues until February so there’s time to submit maps,” Thorpe said.

“Do you want me to include all those maps in the staff report?” asked City Attorney Thomas L. Smith.

“Yes, please,” Thorpe replied. He then asked to review the City’s current districts map and the last two maps that the council considered in 2018.

“This map was created through public engagement and by the elected officials,” he said about a map that the council did not approve, known as Quadrants C. As reported previously, that map used major thoroughfares on the south side of Highway 4 as the dividing lines, such as Putnam Drive, Lone Tree Way and Deer Valley Road, as well as the Delta DeAnza Trail on the west side of the city.

Thorpe then spoke about the current districts map.

“This map wasn’t created by any public officials or by any member of the public,” he said. “This map was created by the consultant. No lines were changed…it was literally the exact map created by the consultant. I point this out because there’s been some implications that lines were moved to accommodate one individual council member. That’s a bold-faced lie.”

“That map passed on a 3-2 vote,” Thorpe continued. “There was some interest particularly by Latino residents up north that they haven’t had representation. This process was fair…of the highest regard. This map is fair.”

However, the consultant drew the map after extensive input from both members of the public and city council during several meetings and special workshops, during the 2018 process. Also, at that time, Thorpe said he supported having two council members represent the north side of the freeway stating, “North Antioch deserves two council people.” But in an Op-Ed by him published the day before, he advocated for one district north of the freeway. Plus, Thorpe was one of the three council members, along with Wilson and then-Councilman Tony Tiscareno to approve the current map with just one council member representing that area of the city.

In addition, during the 2018 process for creating the current map, then-Mayor Sean Wright said, “When you gerrymander you draw crazy lines to make sure you have the people in your district. When drawing the lines, I went down the major thoroughfares. I didn’t look at which family is where. I’m in favor of Quadrants C going forward and Working Draft 1.” (See related article)

 

Barbanica then asked to see Map 58 and for the Q2 staff to “go over the boundaries?”

Hood then described the district boundaries and population deviation percentages from average.

“It’s just an easy map to follow,” Barbanica said.

Thorpe Introduces Interim City Manager Johnson as Retired Police Lieutenant

The mayor then closed the public hearing and began the introductions of new city staff members.

“It is my duty to introduce our new city manager. Con Johnson is here, today. He took the helm, officially by himself, last week,” Thorpe said. “He’s a retired San Francisco Police Lieutenant. Con, we welcome you.”

“I would just like to thank the mayor and entire council members for this opportunity to work for this wonderful city,” Johnson said.