“This victory belongs to our entire community, and I am committed to working tirelessly to create a safer, more prosperous, and united Antioch for all of us.” – Mayor-elect Ron Bernal in declaring victory

“I want to bring back the pride for the residents of our community,” – Louie Rocha

“The citizens…have had enough.” – Don Freitas

191,700 unprocessed ballots remaining to be counted in Contra Costa as of 12:43 p.m. Wednesday

By Allen D. Payton

With the processing of as many as 90,000 ballots remaining in the county, the elections of the new Antioch mayor and council members appear to be secure, with the sizeable leads they’ve amassed over their opponents. As such, Ron Bernal’s campaign declared victory, while both Districts 2 and 3 council candidates, Louie Rocha and Don Freitas, shared their appreciation and thoughts about the future.

Bernal Declares Victory in Mayor’s Race

When reached for comment Bernal said, “I just want to thank the Antioch voters and community for their overwhelming support, and I look forward to working together for a better Antioch.”

 “I am truly honored by the overwhelming support from the people of Antioch,” he continued. “This victory belongs to our entire community, and I am committed to working to create a safer, more prosperous, and united Antioch for all of us. Thank you to everyone who put their trust in me—now, let’s get to work and make Antioch the city we know it can be. I look forward to collaborating with our residents, community leaders, and businesses to bring positive change to our city.”

With the slogan, “Change Starts Today,” Bernal focused his campaign on the need for change and addressed key issues impacting the community, including the crime and homelessness crises, economic revitalization, community unity, and an end to divisiveness.

In its endorsement of the former Antioch city manager the Herald said, “Bernal offers a calm, mature, respectful, responsible alternative with decades of leadership experience inside City Hall to help guide Antioch in the top position on the city council. Bernal will help lead Antioch away from the impending double-digit deficits projected for the next three fiscal years.”

“Antioch residents deserve a mayor who will put the city’s interest ahead of personal political ambitions and self-promotion,” said the San Jose Mercury News/East Bay Times in its endorsement of Bernal. “He would work to staff-up Antioch’s badly depleted police force.”

“This election was a loud statement from Antioch residents that they are ready for positive change,” Bernal said. “I’m committed to fostering transparency, rebuilding trust in our local government, and creating opportunities for everyone in our city. I’m excited to roll up my sleeves, get to work, and make progress on the issues that matter most to our community.”

Rocha Feeling Confident with Results Says “Voters…Have Spoken”

When reached for comment about the election results, Rocha said, “I know votes are still coming in so, it’s not over yet. But I’m feeling good about my position with the percentage and number of votes in District 2.”

“I’m excited and motivated and hopeful we can make a difference for all of Antioch, as change agents,” he continued. “I think the voters, not only in District 2 but across the city, have spoken that they want a change in leadership. That was the vibe in the overall message I received from residents.”

“The biggest complaint was from people who couldn’t vote for me,” Rocha stated. “They didn’t like the district process and still wanted a sign to show their support.”

“We just had our 45th reunion (for the Antioch High Class of 1978). There were a number of alumni who offered their support. It was amazing how many classmates knew I was running,” he shared. “They said, ‘I wish I could vote for you, brother. It hurts when we hear the negative information about Antioch’ and they want to have it a place we can be proud of, again.”

“I grew up here and I’m still proud to be from here and I want to bring back the pride for the residents of our community,” Rocha added.

Freitas Offers Thanks, Wants to Immediately Work on City Budget

“I just want to thank the Antioch voters and community for their overwhelming support, and I look forward to working together for a better Antioch,” Freitas said when reached for comment.

“I’m thinking the voters of Antioch dramatically indicated they don’t like the policies of Lamar Thorpe and the other two council members,” the former mayor continued. “Each one of us won more than two to one. It’s extraordinary. The citizens, very quiet citizens, have had enough. They’re expecting us to perform to turn this horrible situation around and I think we’re up for the challenge.”

About Bernal, Freitas said, “He has a good solid background. He has good instincts. He’s one of the most qualified council members or mayors we’ve had. He knows how government works. That’s what all three of us have to offer.” “Were heading for bankruptcy and poor Dawn Merchant (the City’s Finance Director) has been telling the council that for years,” he continued. “We have got to focus page by page, item by item on the budget. We have to be fiscally responsible and make sure the funding is there forever. The problem is it’s all backed by ARPA (federal COVID-relief) money. The Opportunity Village homeless hotel is a mess. I am an advocate for transitional housing and wrap-around services. But they’re spending millions and there’s no plan to finance it in the future. I hope Ron and the city council are willing to look at the budget like that.”

“Lamar said, ‘we’re never going back’,” Freitas stated. “But we were fiscally responsible, and we were accountable. We worked collaboratively. We had community meetings on a Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at El Campanil Theatre. We filled up the whole place with several hundred people and when people asked questions, at the next meeting we provided the answers.”

“I don’t want to debate the past. We were elected to find solutions and move forward in a positive fashion. That’s the expectation of the community,” he added.

Estimated Number of Unprocessed Ballots in County

Although, according to the Contra Costa Elections office, the estimated number of unprocessed ballots as of 12:43 p.m. on Thursday, total 191,700, those in Antioch are not expected to change the outcomes in the races for mayor and city council.

Ballots voted at a voting location – 200

Vote-by-mail ballots received on or before Election Day – 170,000

Vote-by-mail ballots received after Election Day – 6,500

Provisional ballots – 6,000

Conditional Voter Registration Provisional ballots – 6,000

Other (In Review, Damaged) – 3,000

Total – 191,700.

That’s over 101,000 more ballots than the estimated unprocessed ballots figure provided earlier Wednesday.

The next results update is expected at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8. The Elections office has 28 days to certify the election. Then at the following council meeting on either the first or second Tuesday in December, the change in leadership will occur with the new officials being sworn in.

For additional mature, respectful, responsible and experienced leadership

By Allen D. Payton, Publisher

After endorsing former Antioch City Manager Ron Bernal for mayor, yesterday, he’s just one of the three pieces needed to complete the puzzle that will provide our city with a new, common-sense direction. We also need former Antioch High School Principal Louie Rocha elected in District 2 and former Mayor and Councilman Don Freitas elected in District 3 to join Bernal in providing mature, respectful, responsible and experienced leadership with a new council majority.

Do I always agree with Rocha and Freitas? No. But on the major issues of dealing with crime by increasing our police force, helping grow our economy with well-

District 2 – King’s Dishonesty Disqualifies Her, Rocha is Right Choice for Council

In the race for the District 2 Council seat, which is being vacated by incumbent Mike Barbanica who is running for County Supervisor, I was willing to give Dominique King a chance, this year, after her failed campaign for school board against Rocha’s mother, Mary in 2022, in which she aligned herself with Councilwomen Monica Wilson and Tamisha Torres-Walker and the local, far-left, progressive wing of the Democratic Party, and was backed by Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe.

But I became quickly disappointed in her for starting off the campaign claiming to be something she’s not. In an effort to compete with Louie Rocha’s education bona fides, having 17 years of experience as the principal of Antioch High School, King is using the term “Educator” for her ballot designation, even though she hasn’t earned a four-year college degree, doesn’t have a teaching credential and isn’t a teacher at any school. She says that’s due to the fact she and her husband through their Lean In With The Kings marriage and family counseling business, she “educates” their clients. But just because the City Clerk granted her the right to use the term by making up an entire new definition for the word not found in any dictionary, King didn’t have to do that. She could have simply been honest and instead listed herself as an “Educational Advocate” and “Businesswoman”, which are both true.

Then, on the Form 460 finance statement for the period of July 1-Sept. 21, for King’s loan to her campaign, she didn’t show her and her husband’s business but instead, shows her occupation as “Columnist, Clayton Pioneer Newspaper,” which is very part time, as King has only written nine columns this year. Knowing the publisher, I guarantee you King isn’t earning a full-time salary from that local newspaper.

So, King’s stretch of the truth, which, frankly, is just a desperate act of dishonesty, is an automatic disqualifier as far as I’m concerned. But her alliances and views just make things worse. My fear if Dominique is elected is that she would merely continue helping lead Antioch on the same path it’s on, most likely siding with the two councilwomen who remain in their positions for the next two years until their terms are up.

As for King’s opponent, another first-time candidate for public office like Bernal, Louie Rocha, brings with him years of experience hiring and managing employees, dealing with budgets and all kinds of challenges, including interacting with the police department, as well as his community service, all while working collaboratively with others to achieve collective success. He truly has made a difference in Antioch and wants to continue to do so, this time, on the council.

Rocha’s slogan of “Focused on Our Future” is what we need for council members to do instead of the divisiveness of the past four years and Antioch’s history, to redirect the City from the path it’s currently on. His platform highlights the key priorities that need work and in correct order: Public Safety – “Hire Chief of Police, Restore police officer staffing, Reduce violent crime and Increase traffic enforcement;” Leadership & Governance – specifically, “Hire…other city leadership positions” and “Model civility, respect and integrity;” Economic Development – “Support local businesses, Grow new business development and Rebuild closed business buildings;” and Community Services, specifically, “Provide necessary resources to our unhoused community.”

Asked to clarify what he means by “Rebuild closed business buildings” Rocha said, “When businesses close up and leave their buildings they get boarded up and become blighted and attract homeless and others. We need to work to attract new businesses to fill the vacant buildings.”

Named after his father, Louis, Sr., the former principal has lived in Antioch for 55 years where he grew up and graduated from Antioch High, has a college degree, is married to Tammy who, together have twin adult sons. One son, Ruben is working with him on the campaign, and the other, Louis, III who, with his wife Ischia, made Jr. a grandfather of four, and they live in Florida.

Rocha says what we all know is true: “Decisions made today will determine the future of our beloved community. I’m committed to restoring city leadership and law enforcement staffing. I will focus on solutions to create a safe, healthy and inclusive community for all of our residents and businesses. Let’s move forward together and focus on our city’s future.”

From getting to know and working with him some over the past three decades, I know Rocha can and will do that for Antioch. That’s why endorsing him for City Council in District 2 is like the slogan in the Capital One Bank commercials, “the easiest decision in the history of decisions.” (No, the Herald wasn’t compensated for that mention – although it’s not a bad idea!). Seriously, please join me in doing the same when you vote in next Tuesday’s election.

To learn more about Rocha and his campaign visit https://louierocha.org.

District 3 –Webster Must Decide Which Side He’s On, Peterson’s a Possibility for Public Administration, Freitas for Antioch’s Future

In the race for the District 3 council seat, from which incumbent Lori Ogorchock was gerrymandered out, I know two of the candidates, Don Freitas and Antwon Webster, and have enjoyed getting to know about the third, Addison Peterson during the campaign. All three offer some good ideas and different life experiences. But I had to make a choice.

I endorsed Webster for the same seat in 2020 and he has an impressive background both in the military, as an Air Force veteran, and his work with the Army Corps of Engineers, as well as his ownership of a business in Houston, TX focused on management consulting, engineering and general subcontracting.

Webster has also served the community as a member of the City of Antioch Board of Administrative Appeals, for which he currently serves as vice chair, and serves as president of the Antioch-Chichibu Sister City Organization. He is also founder of the non-profit EastBay Forward Economic Development Association and is the former president of Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch.

Plus, I like and agree with all of his platform. But my main challenge with Webster, as I have expressed to him, is he can’t seem to pick a side and is still wanting and willing to ally himself with the current mayor. So, should Antwon get elected, I don’t know on which side of the major issues he will end up nor how he will vote. That unpredictability is unsettling at a time that we need a new, dependable council majority and direction for our City.

As for Peterson, I appreciate the fact that he responded to and answered all of my questions about himself, his background and campaign platform. He has a compelling life story having been homeless as a child. While Peterson is new to the community, I don’t have a problem with that, as I only lived in Antioch three-and-a-half years before being elected to the city council, and as the top vote-getter, making me mayor pro tem from my first council meeting, and acting mayor during my second meeting, since Antioch’s mayor at the time, Joel Keller, had just been elected to the BART Board half way through his third term. Plus, at age 31, I was also the youngest council member in the county. So, his age and time as a resident in our city are not issues for me.

He also has a background in both government and non-profit organizations, currently working to represent farmers in California, which is a good thing. Plus, he’s educated with a Master’s in Public Administration.

My challenges with Peterson are his alliances and being backed by organizations such as the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) Action, which pushed for the unnecessary, citywide rent control policies and ordinances passed by the council, and is heavily backed by Democratic Party organizations, including the Marsh Creek Democratic Club which is also backing King and Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe. I have a serious challenge with any candidate injecting partisan politics into local, non-partisan office. Plus, his views align with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, like Wilson and Torres-Walker. So, my concern is he will perpetuate the policies of the current council majority which has led to the city facing double-digit deficits in the next three fiscal years.

Plus, he wouldn’t commit to supporting the upscale housing in the Sand Creek area which are needed to complete Antioch’s housing mix and to attract business owners who will bring with them well-paying jobs for our residents to help them get out of the commute, each workday.

The other challenge I have with Peterson is, after multiple requests, he refused to provide me with his phone number, forcing me to only communicate with him via email. That’s frustrating for both a reporter and a constituent, as I live in District 3.

I wish Addison well in his future endeavors, but don’t think they should include serving on the city council, right now. My hope is he works in the private sector to gain more of an understanding of what it takes to create jobs and wealth, and the challenges businesses face with government regulation and taxation before running again. With his education and experience, perhaps, instead, he should consider a role in city management, rather than elected office. I hope we can still have the in-person meeting that we planned, for which I unfortunately, ended up being sick and had to reschedule but ran out of time.

My choice in the District 3 race is Don Freitas, Antioch’s former councilman and two-term mayor, who I have known for 30 years, since I first ran for and was elected to the city council seat his wife held and chose to vacate. He was, in turn, elected to my seat in 1998 when I chose to run for State Assembly instead. He also took my place on the East County and countywide transportation boards where he continued the work we had begun and helped complete the widening of Highway 4, as well as fund and build the State Route 4 Bypass / extension to Balfour Road in Brentwood, which included the new overpass and interchange with Highway 160 which travels north to the Senator John A. Nejedly-Antioch Bridge.

So, Freitas and I never served together, and Don and I haven’t always agreed on the issues. In fact, in 2008, I ran a write-in campaign for mayor to defeat him, because Jim Davis, who I was supporting, was running for a third time for mayor against Freitas but with an ineffective campaign. So, I jumped in, spent about $30,000 and beat up on Freitas’ record as mayor and garnered 8.5 percent of the vote, helping Davis win by just 1.5 percent.

But fortunately, Freitas didn’t go away and continued to be involved in the community. He came back four years later and ran for mayor again, even though I had encouraged him to instead run for council to demonstrate he’d learned some things about being more pro-business while out of office. But he lost that year to both Wade Harper who was elected, and the late Councilman Gary Agopian.

Since then, Freitas has continued to be involved in the community, primarily with the Antioch Historical Society, which I appreciate. While we still don’t see eye-to-eye on every issue, and over the years we have put our differences aside, worked together in some ways to benefit the community, we do agree on the main ones which he has outlined in his campaign. Freitas says, “My Top Priority: Provide essential services to residents. Protecting residents starts with a cultural change in our police department and filling patrol officer positions.” I agree. The other priorities of his campaign platform include filling the “budgeted, vacant City staff positions.” Plus, Freitas wants “a completely transparent public accounting of funds” and to “conduct a thorough financial audit.” That must be done to address the structural, annual budget deficit the City is facing.

Don not only brings with him his years in both government as the County’s Clean Water Manager and as an elected official, first as a Board Member for the Contra Costa Water District, but also the strength to stand up for what needs to be confronted, and the experience and results to get things done.

On his campaign website he writes, “Many issues in Antioch are not being addressed and citizens are demanding positive change. Residents are tired of the chaos that’s occurred during the past several years. The chaos has divided us – not unified us. Residents are frustrated with: dangerous and illegal sideshows, violations of public meeting laws by our elected officials, increased homelessness, police misconduct, and a revolving door of city staff departures that have deteriorated public services to citizens.” I completely agree.

The life-long Antioch native and resident whose father was a Contra Costa Deputy Sheriff, Freitas is married to former Antioch Councilwoman Cathryn Freitas, and they have one adult son, Patrick. Don is a graduate of U.C. Davis with a major in Political Science/Public Service.

Finally, he shares, “I want to be the change we need to turn our city around. Let’s be proud to call Antioch home.” I too want to be proud to call Antioch home, once again. Don’t you? If so, please join me in supporting and voting for Don Freitas for Antioch City Council in District 3.

To learn more about Freitas and his campaign visit https://freitasforantioch.org.

Bernal, Rocha and Freitas Must All Be Elected

To summarize my endorsements for Antioch’s council leadership, with the elections of Ron Bernal as mayor and Louie Rocha in City Council District 2 and Don Freitas in District 3, Antioch can and will have a new majority of mature, respectful, responsible and experienced leadership, providing our city with the common-sense direction it so desperately needs.

In Wednesday TV news interview about new Violence Reduction Initiative; Bernal says, “No” he didn’t know about police scandals

Although scandals occurred while he’s been on the council since 2016 and mayor since 2020 Hernandez-Thorpe won’t accept any responsibility

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe who is seeking re-election to a second term in the position, and third term on the council, lashed out at his opponent, former city manager Ron Bernal on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, during a Bay Area TV news interview. He posted a video of the interview on his official Facebook page.

The KTVU interview was about the Violence Reduction Initiative approved the by city council the previous night providing up to $500,000 for help from outside agencies at a cost of up to $200 per hour for their officers and equipment. The plan is to supplement the effort of the Antioch Police Department specifically focusing on the City’s highest-crime areas of Sycamore and Cavallo Roads following a rash of 15 shootings in September, most of which occurred in those parts of town and results in the deaths of two young men.

During the interview the mayor blasted Bernal claiming he was responsible for the current crime which he blamed on the lack of officers due to the two scandals involving officers from both the Antioch and Pittsburg Police Departments that were investigated by both the Contra Costa DA’s Office and FBI. Hernandez-Thorpe said, “The former city manager left us with this mess.”

The scandals started with the selling of steroids and one officer taking tests so other officers could pass college courses to obtain greater pay and the initial investigation uncovered racist and offensive texts being sent by six officers but received by many more. The investigations resulted in 35 Antioch officers being placed on leave and ultimately, 10 officers being terminated. (See related articles here, here and here)

The texting occurred in 2019, 2020 and 2021 while Hernandez-Thorpe was on the city council having been elected in 2016 and during his first year as mayor, and when Bernal was city manager, having been first hired interim city manager then promoted to the permanent position both in March 2017. The mayor called for the firing of all the officers investigated for the text scandal in May 2023 and again the following month. 

The KTVU reporter challenged the mayor asking him if he was elected in 2020, but she failed to ask him how long he’s served on the council. Hernandez-Thorpe’s first term as a council member began in December 2016 and included the time period of both police scandals.

The police chief at that time, Tammany Brooks, who was hired in May 2017, said he was unaware of the texts that were shared among officers’ personal cell phones, not their department-issued phones. In October 2021, Brooks retired from Antioch and took a new position with the Boise Police Department. Bernal retired at the end of December 2021.

It wasn’t always chilly between the mayor and Bernal. Following Bernal’s announcement of his retirement, Hernandez-Thorpe heaped praise upon him saying, “Ron is an impeccable human being, filled with compassion, understanding, and love. This has been demonstrated time after time in his relentless support and desire to house our unhoused neighbors, provide Antioch youth with new paths filled with opportunity, and much, much more.  Ron has been a friend, confidant, and advisor.  While Ron will be missed in his capacity as city manager, he and his wife will continue to be Antioch residents and neighbors to many of us.” (See related articles here and here)

This is the second time Hernandez-Thorpe has accused Bernal of something that occurred while both were serving in their respective positions. Earlier this year the mayor accused the former city manager of approving the decommissioning of the Antioch Amtrak station, which was later proven false. Bernal, with Hernandez-Thorpe’s knowledge, only approved the demolition of the building at the station. (See related article)

Questions for Hernandez-Thorpe Go Unanswered

Questions were sent Thursday morning to the mayor asking the following:

“If you’re going to blame the former city manager, who was hired in March 2017, shouldn’t you also accept at least part of the blame since you were one of his bosses and were on the council at the time?

Did you know about the texts being sent among the officers? 

Since Chief Brooks was hired in May 2017 in your first year on the council and who said he was unaware of the texts as they were sent using the officers’ personal cell phones and that’s not something the department has oversight of, how could you expect the city manager to know of the texts? How could you or any of the council members be aware of them, either?

Since you twice called for the firing of all 35 officers on paid leave during the two investigations, most of whom only received the texts but didn’t send any, which if that had happened would have further depleted the number on the Antioch force by another 25 sworn officers, shouldn’t you take responsibility for contributing to the atmosphere that’s kept officers from wanting to come to work for our city?

As the mayor and one of five council members, do you accept any responsibility for the current crime problems, specifically the recent rash of 16 shootings in Antioch and lack of police officers on the force?

Do you think it’s appropriate to be campaigning during a TV interview about a new City effort to address the current increase in shootings in Antioch’s highest crime areas instead of focusing on the solutions?”

The mayor was also asked to share anything else about the matter.

But multiple attempts to reach Hernandez-Thorpe and his campaign consultant were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

Bernal Says He Didn’t Know About the Police Scandals

In addition, Bernal was also asked questions about Hernandez-Thorpe’s accusations. He was asked:

“Did you know anything about the racist and offensive police texts while you were city manager?

Did you know anything about the use of steroids by some officers?

Were you aware of any reports from within the department that some officers were paying another officer to take tests for them to pass college courses in order to increase their pay?”

Bernal was also asked if he had any other comments about the matter.

Although his campaign consultant, Matt Shupe, responded, “Were not going to engage on any of these Lamar issues/topics/stories” and shared Bernal had also been interviewed by KTVU on Thursday, the candidate later responded simply with, “No, no and no. I have no further comment.”

The election is November 5th and whichever of the three running for mayor, including second-time candidate Rakesh Christian, is victorious will serve for a four-year term.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Over $65,000 for research, polling, website and mailer saying Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe is “Unfit for Leadership”

By Allen D. Payton

A direct-mail hit piece arrived in Antioch residents’ mailboxes on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, against Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe saying he’s “Unfit for Leadership” and “Not Right for Antioch”. It was paid for by the California Real Estate Independent Expenditure Committee – California Association of REALTORS with the National Association of REALTORS® and California Association of REALTORS® as the “Committee’s Top Funders”.

According to the campaign finance report known as a Form 496, available through the Antioch City Clerk’s website, as of Oct. 8, 2024, the opposition campaign had spent $65,328.50 to defeat the incumbent, of which $40,000.00 paid for the mailer and a website, $17,312.50 for polling and $8,016.00 for research. (See CA Realtors Form 496)

Before independent expenditure committees spend money to support or oppose a candidate or ballot measure, they will pay for research and then a conduct a poll or survey of likely voters to determine the level of support or opposition, and what issues they should highlight in a campaign to achieve their goals.

The mailer highlights the mayor’s $350,000 sexual harassment claims settlement by the County in September 2022 and shows newspaper headlines and quotes from articles and editorials of his “intolerable misogynistic behavior” and include comments that, “He must resign” and “For the sake of the city, Thorpe should step aside.”

The mailer provides a website address of www.unfitforleadership.com which offers more details about Hernandez-Thorpe’s controversial behavior during his term as mayor with sub-headers of Sexual Harassment, Illegal Meetings, Selling His Office and Drunk Driving. The website shares information about the mayor’s political affairs consulting business, El Sereno Strategic Group, which, according to Bizpedia he formed on January 24, 2022. The company’s website includes a photo of Hernandez-Thorpe sitting in the Mayor’s Office at Antioch City Hall signing a City of Antioch certificate for someone and other photos from his official duties, including from some of his many press conferences.

One premise of the opposition campaign website is that the mayor is “Trading On His Political Relationships… ‘cultivated’ while an elected official in Antioch should be used to benefit the Citizens of Antioch, not reserved for paying clients.”

Questions for Hernandez-Thorpe Go Unanswered

Hernandez-Thorpe was asked if he’d seen the mailer and website and had any comments about them. He was also asked about his business website and why he’s using photos from his official duties, specifically from inside the Mayor’s Office at City Hall to promote his company. Hernandez-Thorpe was also asked if he thinks it’s appropriate and doesn’t it create the appearance that the mayor is mixing his elected duties with his business activities. Most importantly, the mayor was asked if he does any business with any client who has had dealings with the City of Antioch and/or has been before the city council for a vote.

Multiple efforts to reach the mayor and his campaign consultant were unsuccessful prior to publication time on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

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UPDATE: Up to $500,000, but only includes up to $200 per hour for outside agency officers and equipment costs, no double-time for Antioch Police officers

“This is a temporary measure. It is not a forever thing,” – Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe

“…we already have an understaffed, overworked police department,” – District 1 Councilwoman Torres-Walker in whose district all but one shooting occurred as her reason for opposing the double-time pay for Antioch officers.

Reverses tobacco retailer ordinance now allowing them to be sold or inherited

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the Antioch City Council, with District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica absent due to illness, voted 4-0 to approve a Violence Reduction Initiative with a budget of up to $500,000 and offering up to $200 to cover the costs of police officers and equipment from outside agencies, but not to offer Antioch’s officers double time, for now. Then, to ensure “Opportunity Lives Here” in Antioch, again for tobacco retail owners, the council barely passed on a 3-0-1 vote revision to the ordinance adopted in 2017 banning the sale or transfer to heirs of their businesses in the city as of Jan. 1, 2023. It was also the first council meeting for new City Manager Bessie Mae Scott who started on Monday.

Approve up to $500,000 for Violence Reduction Initiative, Pay up to $200 per Hour but Only for Outside Agency Personnel

Following public comments that questioned the expenditure of the funds for the Violence Reduction Initiative proposed in response to the rash of 15 shootings in September, mostly in the Sycamore corridor, District 1 Councilwoman Torres-Walker, in whose district all but one of the shootings occurred, was the first member to weigh in on the issue. (See related article)

According to the city staff report, the proposal had three parts: “1) Authorizing the payment of double-time for Antioch Police Officer’s Association Members for working extra shifts in designated areas of the City to reduce violence as directed by the Chief of Police or his/her designee; 2) Authorizing the City Manager to enter into agreements, approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office, to pay regional municipalities $200 per hour to send officers to work shifts in designated areas to reduce violence; and 3) Allocating up to $500,000 to fund this violence reduction initiative.”

“The double time for officers is for them to come in on their days office…to incentivize them…is what the double-time authorization is for,” the councilwoman stated “I don’t necessarily support the double-time. But I do support the use of outside support. What this really is to increase police presence in communities that need it most.”

Torres-Walker then went on another of her diatribes about her views on policing and public safety saying, “Had we invested up front in prevention of violence we wouldn’t need to invest in police” and if you want accountability, you’re not anti-police. “You don’t have to pander to Back the Blue, very dangerous individuals. You don’t want to be attacked by people who are very pro-police,” taking a swipe at a local police support Facebook group.

Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson then asked Antioch Police Captain Joe Vigil about double time versus outside agencies.

“The idea of having a balanced approached of having a bit of both…to supplement our police staffing,” he responded. “The whole point of this was to incentivize the officers to come in on their day off.”

“So, we don’t even know if any agency is going to help,” Wilson stated.

“No. We do. We have one and we have two in the works,” Hernandez-Thorpe interjected.

Ogorchock asked, “There will still be forced overtime?”

“It’s built into the schedule,” Vigil stated.

“Should we offer this to our officers before offering it to outside agencies?” she asked.

“Correct,” he said.

“It’s up to $500,000, correct?”

“Correct,” he responded.

“It’s being allocated as it’s being used, correct?” the councilwoman continued.

“Correct,” Vigil stated.

“Our officers are already working toward overtime, correct?” Torres-Walker asked.

“Correct,” the Police Captain said.

“This will be managed…to make sure people aren’t too tired,” the District 1 Councilwoman stated. “We aren’t obligated to offer overtime. But we could use money to bring in outside support.”

“This doesn’t have to be offered to our officers, first. I heard you say that, but I don’t think that’s accurate,” the mayor stated.

“No. It’s not. I apologize for the confusion,” Vigil responded. “There would be a schedule put out and built.”

“The main focus of this is outside agencies,” Hernandez-Thorpe stated. “I know it’s both. But the primary purpose that the chief has been working on is outside agencies. Our officers are already working overtime.”

“Since we already have an understaffed, overworked police department then we wouldn’t be discussing number one, but only number two and three (of the proposal),” Torres-Walker pointed out.

“But this is for the areas we’ve been talking about. They are doing overtime,” the mayor said.

“Some people are not coming in on their day off,” Torres-Walker stated.

“That’s the point of the incentive,” Hernandez-Thorpe explained.

“That would make (section) one moot because they’re already working toward overtime from the direction of the police chief. They’re just not coming in on their days off,” the councilwoman reiterated.

“My goal has always been the outside agencies. That’s the chief’s goal. What I hear the captain saying is for officers to come in on their days off, is that correct?” the mayor asked.

“I don’t support the double-time, but I do support incentivizing outside agencies,” Torres-Walker repeated.

“They already do get the overtime. We’re authorizing double-time,” Vigil shared in response to a question by Hernandez-Thorpe.

“While we may get outside agencies it doesn’t mean we’ll get every single day outside agency support,” the mayor explained. “This is a temporary measure. It is not a forever thing and I think…we’re not just talking about Sycamore, we’re talking about 18th and Cavallo. So, we’re talking about other hot spots in the community, and we don’t want it to spill over.”

“Whatever direction ya’ll want to go in, I’ll support,” Torres-Walker then said. “It’s not additional people. It’s maybe two people, three people.”

“Yes. Two, four,” Vigil responded.

“It’s not in addition. We’re still understaffed,” the councilwoman reiterated. “So, we can temporarily deter violence, then we’re over policing in one neighborhood and under policing in another neighborhood. I will just be interested to see what the results will be.”

“So, if are they coming in with their vehicles are they using our vehicles?

“These are not full shifts, they’re partial shifts around certain days and times,” Vigil said. “We do not reimburse them for after they leave…just for when they’re here and their equipment.”

Ogorchock then moved approval of the funding of up to $500,000 to fund double-time for both Antioch and outside agency officers.

“I get the council’s concerns about the officers’ overtime. We can either vote on these individually or set a parameter around the use of overtime,” the mayor then offered.

“I think it would be easier to vote on them separately,” said City Attorney Thomas L. Smith.

Ogorchock then withdrew her motion. “I still have concerns about the unions and our officers and how it has to be offered to them, first. I have a hard time dealing with the rest of it.”

“It’s not an issue,” Hernandez-Thorpe said. “The outside agencies, I really need the council to support this.”

Wilson then made a new motion to only approve the double-time for officers from outside agencies up to $200 per hour and spending up to $500,000. Torres-Walker seconded the motion.

“So, the goal is, you, mayor is going to go talk to the chief?” Torres-Walker asked.

“The city manager,” the mayor stated.

She will go talk to the chief about the issue of overtime for Antioch’s officers, Torres-Walker explained.

The motion then passed 4-0.

Tobacco Retailer Ordinance Revision

After voting on August 8, 2017, to not allow owners of tobacco retail businesses in Antioch to sell or transfer them to their heirs, the Antioch City Council reversed course during their Tuesday meeting. With very few public comments on the matter and although Barbanica had pushed the issue and the council members proposed postponing the item until he could be in attendance, the council went ahead and barely passed the revisions to the ordinance on a vote of 3-0-1, with Wilson abstaining.

During discussion on the item, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe said he was on the council in 2017 when the council voted for the original ordinance, as was Wilson and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock. The ordinance passed at that time on a 3-0 vote with Hernandez-Thorpe and Wilson absent from the meeting. It prohibited new tobacco and paraphernalia retailers from opening in the city and those that were legally established prior to the adoption of the ordinance could not be sold or transferred after January 1, 2023. (See related article)

The mayor said the council voted for it because of the problems with youth buying tobacco products and crime at or near the business. But he said to a few of the business owners in the audience, “I’ve been to your business. It’s not a crime hub. But there are some that are in crime hubs.”

District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker said she was never in favor of preventing business owners from selling or passing them on to their heirs. Although Wilson said she thought her colleague made a good point about the business owners wanting to create generational wealth, she nevertheless would not support the revision to the ordinance.

Says he’ll show up at suspects’ sentencing hearings, but no arrests have yet been made

“We suspect there are some gang undertones. Our detectives are still trying to flush that out to see how much of that is accurate.” – Antioch Police Captain Joe Vigil

“There’s a difference between turf wars and gang wars and…I think it’s turf.” – District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker

“We haven’t had any more shootings,” since additional patrols began in the Sycamore are last Friday – Interim Police Chief Brian Addington.

“We don’t need to put a Band-Aid on the issue. We need to fix it…We need to find solutions together. Not individually…” – District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock

By Allen D. Payton

Without any arrests yet of suspects in the 14 shootings that have plagued the Antioch community this month, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe held a press conference on Wednesday repeating much of what he said in a recorded announcement, Sunday on his official Instagram account, that they’re being investigated as gang-related. That’s in spite of Antioch Police leaders saying on Monday they don’t know for sure the shootings are gang-related, they might be and four of the shootings are unrelated to the first shooting on Sept. 3rd that resulted in the death of 20-year-old Elijah Scales two days later while in the hospital.

However, unlike Sunday’s announcement in which the mayor can be seen standing alone behind a podium inside the Council Chambers, Antioch Police Captain Joe Vigil joined him on Wednesday to answer questions from the media. But he did not provide any prepared remarks.

During the press conference, Hernandez-Thorpe said, “I’m angry. Residents are angry and residents are demanding answers. Regardless of where you live in this city, if you live in the hills or you live in Sycamore, everybody in this community deserves peace and tranquility.”

However, again refuting the mayor’s claim that the shootings are being investigated as gang-related, Vigil would only say, “We suspect there are some gang undertones. Our detectives are still trying to flush that out to see how much of that is accurate.”

Hernandez-Thorpe repeated some of what he said on Sunday, that he wants more patrols in the Sycamore corridor, which Interim Police Chief Brian Addington said on Monday had already begun last Friday. The mayor also said he wanted support from partner agencies in the region and will push for more funding, specifically $100,000 in police overtime to cover the costs for help from one of those agencies that he didn’t name, and offered one new proposal, a permit parking program in the Sycamore area to reduce drug activity there.

About the outside assistance Hernandez-Thorpe said, “One agency has taken us up on that offer. We’re excited. I’m not prepared to announce what agency it is. But we will be working to finalize those details.”

Earlier on Wednesday Addington said he would not attend the press conference as he would be at the Contra Costa County Chiefs meeting at the same time. Vigil reiterated that saying, “The chief is at the county chiefs meeting, right now echoing that sentiment to the other county chiefs for assistance to address this regional problem.”

Chief Says Response, Including Additional Patrols Appears to Be Working

Addington also earlier shared some good news on the matter saying that the response including the additional patrols appears to be working and, “we haven’t had any more shootings.” Vigil pegged the timeframe for the calm at 72 hours.

The tough-talking mayor, who is running for re-election in November, also said, “Let me speak very clear to the people who have been wreaking havoc on our community. We are going to find you. We are going to hold you accountable, and you will pay the price for what you have done. And the day you find yourself in court I will be right there at your sentencing hearing to ensure they lock you up and put you away for a long time.”

However, there was no talk this time nor during his Sunday announcement attributing the cause of the shootings to the lack of jobs, as Hernandez-Thorpe stated in a KTVU FOX2 news interview on Sept. 17th.

Although the investigations have not yet resulted in any arrests Vigil said, “There is a lot of information out there that they’re compiling, putting together, trying to get cases ready to present to the D.A. to move forward with arrests and accountability.”

In an interview by ABC7 News following the press conference, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker who represents the Sycamore area also refuted the mayor’s claim that the shootings are gang-related. She said, “There’s a difference between turf wars and gang wars and what I think we’re dealing with, here in the city of Antioch, right now is not, is not, I think it’s turf” reiterating what Chief Addington stated on Monday.

“You have this level of conflict because there are people who are trying to maintain control of their territory,” she continued. “And I think it’s unfortunate that the City of Antioch didn’t address these issues years ago.”

In a separate interview by KTVU FOX2 District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said, “We need to fix the problem. We don’t need to put a Band-Aid on the issue. We need to fix it and find a way to keep that area safe. We need to find solutions together. Not individually, together and we need to work with the community in that area.”

On Monday, and Investigations Lieutenant Desmond Bittner answered questions of two media sources, including the Herald in which he shared more details about the shootings and that four of the five most recent shootings were unrelated to the others in the Sycamore corridor. (See related article and Facebook Live video)

Help make a difference in your city

Deadlines: Sept. 27 & Oct. 25

The City of Antioch urges residents to become involved in their local community! One way to do so is to serve on the various Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Any interested resident is encouraged to apply for the vacancies by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline below.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

EXTENDED Deadline: Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at 5:00 PM

Two (2) vacancies, expiring June 2025

Three (3) vacancies, expiring June 2027

One (1) Chamber of Commerce vacancy, expiring June 2027

This Commission advises the city council on proposals and programs to help develop, retain, expand and attract businesses in and to Antioch and create jobs in the city. Commissioners hold one public meeting each month and work with the Economic Development Director.

PLANNING COMMISSION

Deadline: Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at 5:00 PM

Two (2) vacancies, expiring October 2028

The Commission reviews and makes recommendations to the City Council on the physical development of the City: all provisions of the General Plan, land use, and zoning as specified by the Zoning Code, and as set forth in the State Government Code and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Commission also reviews site plans, architectural design, signs, or other exterior design features of new and remodeled buildings.

Commissioners hold two public meetings each month and work with City Planning Staff.

To be considered for the vacancy positions listed above, please fill out an application available on the City’s website at www.antiochca.gov/government/boards-commissions. Printed applications are also available at Antioch City Hall, 200 H Street in Rivertown.

Please return the completed application by the deadline date listed above, by email to: cityclerk@antiochca.gov.

You can also drop off the application (Attn: City Clerk), in the water billing drop-off box outside Antioch City Hall. The mayor will nominate those he chooses to the city council for a public vote during one of their meetings.

Was not provided to local media to promote and share with readers

Scathing comments directed at council

City staff provide questions, responses but won’t say how they guaranteed only Antioch residents participated, stats on hiring process, nor when Bessie Mae Scott will start, Ogorchock says Monday, Oct. 7th

By Allen D. Payton

During the council meeting on August 28, 2024, when the new city manager, Bessie Marie Scott was hired on a 3-2 vote, District 1 Councilmember Tamisha Torres-Walker said a survey had been taken as part of her argument that the hiring process had been transparent to the public. After waiting for three weeks to obtain information about the public survey the City of Antioch conducted, Human Resources Department Director Ana Cortez provided the details. They include the questions, responses and the number of participants provided through the Survey Monkey website. The greatest number of people who answered any of the six questions during the 10-day survey was just 21. The survey also allowed general comments to several of the questions, which included many that were critical of the mayor and the city council, and several complaints about the homeless, crime and lack of police. The responses were received between March 20th and 30th.

Following the council meeting that night, Cortez, City Attorney Thomas Lloyd Smith and members of his department staff were asked how many responses the survey received, how did it guarantee only Antioch residents participated, when and where was the public survey about the city manager position shared and for them to provide a copy of the questions and results. They were informed the Herald was not provided information about the survey so that it could be shared with our readers for greater participation.

They were also asked for Ms. Scott’s start date, how many candidates applied, withdrew from the process and were interviewed by the city council.

The questions were sent again on Wednesday, Sept. 18 and to Councilmembers Lori Ogorchock and Mike Barbanica asking for their assistance in obtaining the information and answers. The councilwoman responded simply, “Working on it”. On Thursday, Sept. 19, Cortez responded with the following: “Please see below the link to the survey for the City Manager search. You will find the questions that were asked and the results.”

Antioch City Manager Survey Results Link

Cortez also said, “The Survey was shared in our social media outlets – City of Antioch’s Facebook page, Instagram, and website.  The survey with a QR Code was posted outside the City Council Chambers and on the HR front door.” But it was not shared with any of the local media that covers the City of Antioch.

Of the six questions with preselected multiple-choice answers included in the survey, 21 people answered four, 16 answered one and 15 provided additional comments. Following are the questions and all of the responses:

Q1 Which type of leader should Antioch have as its City Manager? (Please prioritize most important as 1 and least important as 5. Select up to 5.) Answered: 21 Skipped: 0

Comments (7)

“They not be a yesman to Thorpe. We’ve seen Con Johnson fired for leaking to DA. Kwame is a yesman. FORD says he will come back if Thorpes not in office… so that tells me Thorpe did or asked Ford to be unethical. Thorpe dictatorship should not have an iota of say in this hiring.” 3/30/2024 06:46 AM

“Leader- lead by example” 3/25/2024 09:01 PM

“Not influenced by Mayor and City Council” 3/25/2024 03:01 PM

“They are not aligned with any one individual (mayor) and vote their own mind and their actions speak louder than their words.” 3/23/2024 02:02 PM

“Someone who is not scared to go against others in order to make things right. Someone who is not in bed with dirty politicians or dirty authority figures. Someone who will call out when wrong is wrong. Someone who will stand up and fight against the petty theft’s, vehicle and home burglaries juvenile violence.” 3/20/2024 04:06 PM

“We need someone that cares about the residents. Making care of our roads and infrastructure a priority.” 3/20/2024 02:12 PM

“Antioch is facing so many pivotal moments right now- will we continue to be viewed as the new dump of the east bay or can we make a comeback? A city manager will need to act quickly to solve the most pressing problems we are facing.” 3/20/2024 12:22 PM

Q2 Which three of the following management styles do you believe are essential for the City Manager to successfully lead Antioch? Please prioritize most important as 1 and leat [sic] important as 3. Select up to 3). Answered: 21 Skipped: 0

Comments (5)

“City directives by council members.. if they are illegal, Unethical the City manager should report such incidents to the DA office.l”  3/30/2024 06:46 AM

“Be involved with other agencies in the City- bridge the gap” 3/25/2024 09:01 PM

“Find a way to get the mentally ill people wandering our streets vandalizing our businesses removed so law abiding citizens feel safe on our streets.” 3/20/2024 02:12 PM

“Stand up to the current mayor and not follow in his destructive path the city is on.” 3/20/2024 01:21 PM

“Just lead strong!!! And be honest! We are desperate for a change.” 3/20/2024 12:22 PM

Q3 Which five of the following abilities and skills do you believe are most essential to perform the work of the City Manager? Answered: 21 Skipped: 0

Answer Choices	Responses
Skill in conflict resolution and collective bargaining experience	71.43% 15
Skill in City finance	66.67% 14
Experience working on racial equity issues	14.29%   3
Ability to work with a City Council that sometimes have differing opinions and perspectives	66.67% 14
Ability and desire to really listen	52.38% 11
Ability to recruit and develop a diverse workforce	19.05%   4
Ability to work together and openly with members of the community	42.86%   9
Ability to build  diverse teams within the organization	23.81%   5
Ability to remain focused on the City’s long-term goals	61.90%  13
Ability to challenge the status quo and view issues through a racial equity lens	14.29%   3
Other (please specify)	28.57%   6

Responses

“Ability to stand up and not allow a councilmember or mayor to wrongfully influence or threaten them.” 3/30/2024 07:49 AM

“Equity is just a term to not treat people Equal. I want a person who doesn’t use the race cardvas [sic] an excuse. Buy lifts up ALL citizens of Antioch.” 3/30/2024 06:46 AM

“Ability to recognize, retain great employees and promote.” 3/25/2024 09:01 PM

“All of the above.” 3/22/2024 09:01 PM

“Listen to all of the community no matter what race they are.” 3/20/2024 02:12 PM

“Someone who can focus on the task right now. Yes, the long-term goals, but we have so many urgent immediate problems to solve. Someone who can get to work quickly and make immediate changes for the better.” 3/20/2024 12:22 PM

Q4 What are the top three positive trends you see in Antioch that the next City Manager will encounter upon starting in their new role? Answered: 16 Skipped: 5

Answer Choice 1 (16 responses)

“Open mind.” 3/30/2024 08:41 PM

“Getting a new mayor.” 3/30/2024 09:04 AM

“Residents determined to see the city succeed.” 3/30/2024 07:49 AM

“Do not be a yes man to Thorpe.” 3/30/2024 06:46 AM

“Future planning.” 3/28/2024 05:08 PM

“New mayor.” 3/25/2024 11:27 PM

“Hopefully the transition of a new mayor.” 3/23/2024 02:02 PM

“Hiring qualified employees at all positions.” 3/22/2024 09:01 PM

“Hopefully new Mayor and council.” 3/21/2024 08:00 AM

“The developer, Sean McCauley.” 3/20/2024 07:45 PM

“A growing community.” 3/20/2024 04:06 PM

“Police staff strengthened.” 3/20/2024 02:21 PM

“There are no positives right now.” 3/20/2024 01:21 PM

“Homeless and their destruction.” 3/20/2024 12:22 PM

“Current mayors term being up soon.” 3/20/2024 11:06 AM

“Clean up the trash from the homeless.” 3/20/2024 09:25 AM

Answer Choice 2 (12 responses)

“Visionary.” 3/30/2024 08:41 PM

“New council members.” 3/30/2024 09:04 AM

“Treat people Equal.” 3/30/2024 06:46 AM

“Working with all department heads.” 3/28/2024 05:08 PM

“City folks ready for a change.” 3/25/2024 11:27 PM

“Hopefully the transition of a new dynamic city council.” 3/23/2024 02:02 PM

“Not to hire friends of elected people.” 3/22/2024 09:01 PM

“Community Events throughout the City.” 3/20/2024 07:45 PM

“New Mayor in 2025” 3/20/2024 02:21 PM

“Trash!!!!! Everywhere. Antioch is called the new dump.” 3/20/2024 12:22 PM

“City cleaning up homeless encampments.” 3/20/2024 11:06 AM

“Stopping the side shows.” 3/20/2024 09:25 AM

Answer Choice 3 (11 responses)

“Positive growth in equity for every citizens.” 3/30/2024 08:41 PM

“Get Police staffing levels back up.” 3/30/2024 09:04 AM

“Be the best qualified for the job, not hire due to skin one.” 3/30/2024 06:46 AM

“Forecasting budget.” 3/28/2024 05:08 PM

“Future growth.” 3/25/2024 11:27 PM

“Developing a better public persona and face for city of Antioch.” 3/23/2024 02:02 PM

“Safe Streets (speed bumps).” 3/20/2024 07:45 PM

“New council members in 2025.” 3/20/2024 02:21 PM

“Rebuilding the run down, boarded up, sad looking shopping centers and streets.” 3/20/2024 12:22 PM

“Police being fully staffed.” 3/20/2024 11:06 AM

“Getting the police department back up and running right. Backing the new police chief.” 3/20/2024 09:25 AM

Q5 What are the top three challenges you think will face the new City Manager? Answered: 21 Skipped: 0

Answer Choice 1 (21 responses)

“City Council.” 3/30/2024 08:41 PM

“Lamar Thorpe Hernandez.” 3/30/2024 09:04 AM

“the mayor.” 3/30/2024 08:57 AM

“Worst crime city has ever encountered.” 3/30/2024 07:49 AM

“Working with corrupt city council’s members.” 3/30/2024 06:46 AM

“Transition.” 3/28/2024 05:08 PM

“City council.” 3/25/2024 11:27 PM

“Violence in community.” 3/25/2024 09:01 PM

“Homelessness.” 3/25/2024 03:01 PM

“Bad representation on the city council.” 3/23/2024 02:02 PM

“Stop the racism that the black residents create.” 3/22/2024 09:01 PM

“Budget restrictions.” 3/21/2024 08:00 AM

“Reckless driving.” 3/20/2024 07:45 PM

“Not enough police staff.” 3/20/2024 04:06 PM

“Homeless.” 3/20/2024 02:21 PM

“Homelessness.” 3/20/2024 02:12 PM

“Thorpe.” 3/20/2024 01:21 PM

“Lamar Thorpe and his oppressive nature to others.” 3/20/2024 12:22 PM

“Member of the city council.” 3/20/2024 11:06 AM

“Deal with a dysfunctional city council.” 3/20/2024 09:49 AM

“The mayor and his groupies.” 3/20/2024 09:25 AM

Answer Choice 2 (21 responses)

“Police Officers Association.” 3/30/2024 08:41 PM

“Tamisha Walker Torres.” 3/30/2024 09:04 AM

“people caring more about the criminals than the law abiding citizens.” 3/30/2024 08:57 AM

“Lack of folks wanting to work for the city of Antioch due to current leadership.” 3/30/2024 07:49 AM

“Dealing with Antiochs deficit spending in a responsible way.” 3/30/2024 06:46 AM

“If he’s an outsider familiarity with us.” 3/28/2024 05:08 PM

“The police department.” 3/25/2024 11:27 PM

“Youth challenges.” 3/25/2024 09:01 PM

“Crime.” 3/25/2024 03:01 PM

“Homeless haven of east bay.” 3/23/2024 02:02 PM

“Implement Rank Choice Voting.” 3/22/2024 09:01 PM

“Homelessness.” 3/21/2024 08:00 AM

“Loitering: contributing to majority of theft in the neighborhoods.” 3/20/2024 07:45 PM

“Huge rise is petty crimes, burglaries of homes and cars, juvenile delinquency.” 3/20/2024 04:06 PM

“Crime.” 3/20/2024 02:21 PM

“Crime.” 3/20/2024 02:12 PM

“Wilson.” 3/20/2024 01:21 PM

“Not having the freedom to clean up the city (too much red tape and not enough support).” 3/20/2024 12:22 PM

“People who don’t care about the state of the city.” 3/20/2024 11:06 AM

“Deal with a community that is not proud of its city anumore [sic].” 3/20/2024 09:49 AM

“The crime.” 3/20/2024 09:25 AM

Answer Choice 3 (19 responses)

“Back the Blue advocates.” 3/30/2024 08:41 PM

“Lack of Police.” 3/30/2024 09:04 AM

“Homeless.” 3/30/2024 08:57 AM

“A Mayor who continually ‘strong arms’ the City Manager.” 3/30/2024 07:49 AM

“Dealing with policies presented to council that is not good for the whole of Antioch.” 3/30/2024 06:46 AM

“Staffing city office with decent people.” 3/25/2024 11:27 PM

“Economy in Antioch.” 3/25/2024 09:01 PM

“Businesses leaving.” 3/25/2024 03:01 PM

“Economic development of a dying city.” 3/23/2024 02:02 PM

“Business closures.” 3/21/2024 08:00 AM

“Homelessness.” 3/20/2024 07:45 PM

“Homelessness and city up keeping.” 3/20/2024 04:06 PM

“Blight.” 3/20/2024 02:21 PM

“Economic development.” 3/20/2024 02:12 PM

“Walker.” 3/20/2024 01:21 PM

“The city council not supporting the new city manger [sic].” 3/20/2024 12:22 PM

“Crime.” 3/20/2024 11:06 AM

“Deal with money being wasted.” 3/20/2024 09:49 AM

“Finding good people to work for the city.” 3/20/2024 09:25 AM

Q6 Do you have any other comments related to the recruitment for Antioch’s next City Manager? Answered: 15 Skipped: 6. Following are the 15 responses:

“We need a woman in this position.” 3/30/2024 08:41 PM

“pretty bad when I can’t see anything positive that this city council and mayor has done,” 3/30/2024 08:57 AM

“we have a corrupt City council, that have conspired to gerrymander, that don’t care about Brown Act Violations. Good freaking luck.” 3/30/2024 06:46 AM

“Some people can have the ambition and desire to make the city anew without a college degree. We have all seen the past folks with a degree it doesn’t mean nothing. Find someone willing to grow and learn with the community and some experience but is passionate about the job. That makes a difference.” 3/25/2024 11:27 PM

“I want someone who will be able to bring someone that can work with the community. Gap or bridge the City with other agencies in the community to help our youth, elder community, single moms, by bringing jobs, create programs for youth, community, sustainability grants to continue growing our city. We need to turn around Antioch. Antioch is becoming a hard community to live where all you see and hear about in the news is crime, death. We want to be able to have someone that can hear the community’s needs and make something happen.” 3/25/2024 09:01 PM

“Get someone who has experience with turning around a blighted and dying city. Someone who will not be influenced by the Mayor or the City Council but will just do what is right and be tough. All of the innovative programs and projects don’t matter because our city is overrun by gun violence, gang violence, drug dealing, sideshows, idiots racing through the streets on dirt bikes, shoplifting, burglary, and homeless camps everywhere! Businesses are leaving, good citizens are leaving, we are going to leave if the Mayor is reelected because he’s a bully and people can’t get things done at the City, Find a mature and tough, experienced, city manager of ANY race and ANY gender; just someone who knows how to fix these problems that are literally killing our beautiful city, don’t listen to the idiots in the city council, just tell them to pipe down and get Antioch back on its feet!! Pittsburg did it, we can too.” 3/25/2024 03:01 PM

“Good luck!” 3/23/2024 02:02 PM

“Antioch has become a hot mess. The new City Manager will have his work cut out for him. Hopefully he will get to work with a new mayor and city council that will have the city in their best interest both economically and financially. Money needs to be spent wisely and Antioch needs to be cleaned up.” 3/21/2024 08:00 AM

“This City used to feel like home and now it’s just where I live. It’s so sad to see the deterioration of this once beautiful family oriented community.” 3/20/2024 07:45 PM

“If we could please recruit someone who isn’t scared to go against the grain. Someone who isn’t a yes man. Someone who has a vision for Antioch and wants to charge those that contribute to torment of the residents. Someone who reinforces the police department and wants the best for the department to flourish and serve its residents. Someone who will utilize funds to clean the city up and make it was it was 20 years ago. Someone who will bring businesses back to life and encourage tourism. People are moving out of Antioch because of the violence and no follow through of crimes by our DA’s office. We need someone who isn’t scared and stands up against anyone in the wrong. Be a voice for us long time Antioch residents.” 3/20/2024 04:06 PM

“First and foremost we need a Mayor that stays in his own lane so the City Manager and City staff can do their jobs.” 3/20/2024 02:12 PM

“We have all been waiting a very long time. We feel broken, tired, frustrated and hopeless. Let’s hope this doesn’t end up another dead end and disappointment.” 3/20/2024 12:22 PM

“Would prefer someone not associated with any member of the current council” 3/20/2024 11:06 AM

“Be tough and not be intimidated by anything or anyone” 3/20/2024 09:49 AM

“Some one that has common sense” 3/20/2024 09:25 AM

More Questions for City Staff

Because no answers to the other questions posed to Cortez, City Attorney Smith and his staff, they were again asked the same as well as some additional questions. Those included, “Since it doesn’t show any details about the residency of the participants how did the survey ensure only Antioch residents participated? Did they have to provide their home address or mark a box confirming they are an Antioch resident? Who developed the questions?”

“Is a total of 21 participants an adequate sampling out of approximately 115,000 residents in Antioch? How many responses were you hoping for? Did the city council direct you to conduct the survey? When? Was it during public or closed session?

Finally, they were asked, “Since so few people participated, do you think in the future it would be best to send out an announcement with a link to the survey to the local media to inform the public so more people will know about it?”

But they did not respond.

When asked later for the new city manager’s start date, Ogorchock said, “October 7th is what she shared with us.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

OTHER UNRELATED QUESTIONS FOR THOMAS RE Former City Employees and Comments Made About Them by Councilmembers Following Separation of Employment

Thomas, regarding the comments by the mayor about both Ron Bernal and Con Johnson in which he disclosed some information regarding their employment and separation, did what he say violate their rights?

Can councilmembers speak publicly about former city employees and things that were said and done while they were still employed with the City or the reasons for their separation from employment?