“the APOA is excited to work with the incoming council members”

The Antioch Police Officers Association would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the members of the City Council who are departing their positions. As we transition to a new chapter in our local government, we acknowledge their hard work and efforts.

Looking ahead, the APOA is excited to work with the incoming council members. We are optimistic about the new leadership and their commitment to prioritizing public safety in our city.

Given the findings of the recent Grand Jury report and the serious allegations of sexual harassment, it is clear that Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe’s tenure has been marked by controversial behavior that has negatively impacted our community. The APOA looks forward to a future under Mayor Ron Bernal, who we believe will bring a renewed focus on transparency, accountability and effective governance.

The APOA is dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance public safety, improve community relations, and ensure that our officers have the resources they need to effectively serve the public. We look forward to collaborating with the new council to implement strategies that will contribute to the overall safety and quality of life in Antioch.

We encourage the community to engage with their new representatives and participate in discussions that shape the future of our city. Together, we can build a stronger, safer Antioch for everyone.

APOA Board

Approve double-time for Antioch Police officers as part of Violence Reduction Initiative

New city manager withdraws request for second assistant city manager position

Agree to move forward proposed Sycamore Square police substation

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Antioch City Council agreed to spend $1.3 million on improvements to the police department and Animal Services. It was the second to last regular meeting for both Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock, as well as District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica, who was absent due to a family medical emergency. The council also approved double-time pay for Antioch Police Officers who choose to work extra hours to supplement the currently depleted force, voted to accept the $6.8 million state grant to clear out homeless encampments, agreed to pursue leasing the lot on Sycamore Drive to develop something there in the long-term and a community garden in the meantime, as well as directed staff to pursue leasing space at the Sycamore Square shopping center for a possible police substation.

Before public comments and council discussion on the budget-related item, it was announced City Manager Bessie Scott, who was also absent, withdrew her request for a second assistant city manager position, and would be brought back at a later, more appropriate time, according to Economic Development Director Kwame Reed who was sitting in for her during the meeting.

Budget Savings and ARPA Funds Allocation

The $1.3 million were from item #10 on the agenda entitled, “Appropriating Expenditures for Encumbrances and Project Budgets Outstanding to the 2024/25 Fiscal Year Budget and Approving Other Amendments to the 2024/25 Fiscal Year Budget.”

For the use of the remaining one-time federal ARPA funds for COVID relief which have to be allocated or contracted for by Dec. 31st, the council, instead of using it to help local need meeting organizations in the amount of $25,000 each as suggested by Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe they instead moved them to the General Fund to pay for government services.

District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker wanted instead to “Go through a grant making process then those organizations could apply,” she said. But Mayor Pro Tem and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock supported transferring the funds to the General Fund for future use by the next council.

The council than approved that on two motions which passed 4-0.

Approve Double-Time Pay for Antioch Police Personnel in Violence Reduction Initiative

After approving the Violence Reduction Initiative last month, allocating up to $500,000 for overtime pay and costs for the assistance of police and equipment from outside agencies, under item #11 the city council approved “a resolution authorizing the Chief of Police to pay double the standard hourly wage (“double-time”) to Antioch Police Department Sergeants, Corporals, Officers, Community Service Officers, and Dispatch personnel for working extra shifts in designated areas of the City to reduce violence.”

“I do think we need to approve that. But we can’t rely solely on outside officers,” said Interim Police Chief Brian Addington. “Nobody knows this area…better than our Antioch Police Officers.”

“These officers would be over and above the regular patrol officers,” he stated. “We don’t want our officers overworked and working fatigued. I’m not asking for any more money. You already allocated $500,000. I believe that will be sufficient. I believe it would benefit us all as a community we spend these funds up front…rather than after the fact. It is a short-term solution. We need a wholistic approach. We need to work with our faith-based organizations, our community-based organizations.”

Torres-Walker flipped her position from the previous vote on the initiative saying, “I do support this…knowing officers will be well-rested. Because I’ve been told by other chiefs that it would be difficult to provide their officers. I’m going to go ahead and support this.”

Following the motion by Ogorchock and seconded by Torres-Walker, it passed 4-0.

Accept $6.8 Million State Homeless Encampment Cleanout Grant

The council also adopted “a resolution accepting the Department of Housing and Community Development Division of Housing Policy Development (HCD) Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF)” Round 3 award in the amount of $6,812,686. The proposed project will clear out a homeless encampment located near the intersection of Sunset Drive and Devpar Court. As one of the City’s two large encampments, it has been prioritized for resolution due to the vulnerability of its 30-40 residents and the hazardous conditions present at the site.

“I understood the site was not selected,” Ogorchock stated and asked about the Economy Inn.

“When we first wrote the grant we were looking at a couple options and no one said they were interested except Economy Inn,” said Tasha Johnson, Director of the Public Safety and Community Resources Department.

The council approved the motion to accept the grant on a 4-0 vote.

Approve Rescinding City Attorney Oversight of City Clerk’s Office

Under agenda item #13, the council approved outgoing City Clerk Ellie Householder recommendation to rescind a previous resolution, “Approving the City Clerk’s Request for the City Attorney to Provide Managerial Oversight of the City Clerk’s Department in Cooperation with the City Clerk.”

“This resolution will transfer back the responsibility to the city manager,” said City Attorney Thomas L. Smith.

The motion to approve passed on a 4-0 vote.

Lease of Lot on Sycamore Drive

The council also considered, at Torres-Walker’s request, leasing the vacant property across from the Sycamore Square shopping center on the corner of Sycamore Road and L Street, or space in the center.

According to resident and former councilman Ralph Hernandez, the empty lot was formerly the location of a gas station. He questioned whether it was cleaned up and for the council to consider any environmental hazards.

Resident and affordable housing advocate Andrew Becker said, “That lot has an R-20 zoning designation. So that city has plans for housing on that property.”

“That lot definitely does need some funding put into it. Not City of Antioch General Fund. That property is in an Opportunity Zone. It’s in one of the lowest income areas of the city. You submit it to the state…you go to the front of the line,” he stated. “You land-lease this property. You create a viable development plan and you target those funds and I’m happy to help along the way.”

“Before we buy the property, we made sure it was clear,” said the lot owner named Mike. “There was a gas station there in 1974.”

Torres-Walker then said, “I connected Andrew to Mike. In order to do things like that you have to show interest as the City to move forward. Even Mike said, ‘we could lease this lot for a dollar.’ After 30 years this city would finally be willing to invest in their community.”

“There’s nothing to vote on tonight. We either have to put up or shut up and stop complaining,” she added.

“It’s not been closed since 1974,” Ogorchock pointed out.

“I didn’t say it’s been 30 years since it was a gas station. I’m saying it’s been 30 years of neglect,” Torres-Walker responded.

“I think this is something that could be a land-lease,” Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson stated. “I definitely want to hear more about this.”

Hernandez-Thorpe mentioned a “community garden there. The long-term plans are the long-term plans. In the meantime, a community garden is what she’s asking for.”

Lease of Space at Sycamore Square for Police Substation

Regarding a police substation inside a space at the Sycamore Square shopping center Torres-Walker explained, “A police substation is not a mini police station.”

“In fairness to Mike, he already reserved the space two years ago,” Hernandez-Thorpe stated. “This is not a new idea. The unfortunate circumstances of what happened made it difficult.”

Commissioner Leslie May said, “I think that would be a good idea as long as the Community Engagement Committee of the Police Oversight Committee could be in there working.”

Ralph Hernandez said, “I just don’t see it. The community already has security in the Contra Loma Estates, the cameras there and you still have the violence. It’s an illusion…that’s going to create some kind of security for the community. “How many police buildings are patrolling and keeping our city safe?” he asked. “You’re not going to get more safety by having a substation.”

“I like her idea, of having a community room with non-police,” he continued referring to Ms. May’s idea. “I know what’s going on there. You just don’t know the game, there.”

Another resident, who the mayor referred to as Ms. Smith said, “I was born and raised in Antioch on the old Sycamore, William Reed Drive. I’ve noticed since we have patrol officers sitting over there in Sycamore Square, I feel safe. It’s not an illusion.”

“The bullets started flying. A shell casing was found in a neighbor’s yard. Real estate agents were showing a house then the 50 shots,” she stated. “I’m all for the substation. When the police are there, it’s quiet. Sycamore has always been bad. It’s never been this bad.”

Increased policing is not the intent, here. It’s not going to solve the community’s problems. Increased presence,” Andrew Becker said. “It’s to provide a space to show that community they’re not forgotten. That the City is invested in them 24/7. Be more ambitious. Be more bold.”

He then suggested pursuing federal grant funds for electric vehicle charging stations at the shopping center to attract people to it.

“This is a step in a process of steps that have already been taken,” Hernandez-Thorpe stated.

“This is not giving up on community-based violence solutions,” Torres-Walker said. “Antioch’s never done that before. The approach has been police response, police response, police response. What I would like is for the city manager and the police chief to meet with the owner of Sycamore Square…what can we do in three months, what can we do in six months.”
“We’re all agreeing with the direction? Is the direction clear?” Hernandez-Thorpe asked.

Property owner Mike said, “When the police show up it was better. I do everything that I’ve been asked. I’ve been trying to help the community. This is something beyond, out of my hands. If we can work together.”

“The security guards don’t feel safe. These are armed security guards,” Torres-Walker stated. “The HOA feels so safe…they move to…Brentwood. We need to do something.”

Council Communications

During the Council Communications portion of the meeting, Torres-Walker said she wanted to bring back to a future meeting a discussion of, “What is the mayor’s office and how do we get rid of it?” She also asked, “To change the name of the Mayor’s Apprenticeship Program to something more suitable for sustainability.”

“You do realize all that sounded like a dig towards me,” Hernandez-Thorpe said.

“It’s not a dig. I just want to have a discussion about it,” Torres-Walker responded with a laugh.

“The $20,000 for each council members’ districts. We need to have guidelines on them,” Ogorchock then requested.

The council then voted to adjourn the meeting at 11:23 p.m.

Also, postpones Amtrak Station improvements, Grand Jury report noncompliance letter response

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Antioch City Council could not get three votes to approve water rates for the coming year. With District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica absent due to a family medical emergency, the remaining four members split 2-1-1 on the motion to increase rates and continue the current tiered rate structure. The structure means those residential customers who use more water pay a higher per gallon rate, effectively subsidizing the rates for those who use less water each month. Following the vote, during one of his final meetings on the council, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe acted like Pontius Pilate and washed his hands of it saying, “If the new council wants to take this up, they can take it up.”

In addition, the council postponed both the discussion on the Amtrak Station improvements as well as responding to the Grand Jury report noncompliance letter.

During public comments on the item #8 on the agenda, in which the council considered accepting the Water Utility Cash Flow Evaluation and Rates Study from Pavletic Consulting LLC dated August 2024, approving the Water Rate Schedule effective January 1, 2025, and amending the Master Fee Schedule to include the updated water rates, the few residents who spoke opposed the proposed rate increases, as well as the current tiered rate structure. If adopted, every rate across the board would increase each year through 2029.

“I hope you’ll hear me. I hope you’ll do something. Please, help,” said a woman who is a retiree living in a condo on a pension.

“We have a free water supply. We get to draw off the San Joaquin River. No one charges us for that. But then it goes through your meters,” a man said. “In the past few months I’ve seen an excessive amount. To have anything more…where it keeps going up 35, 50 cents a year. I’m a retired individual…for about 12 or 15 years. So, I don’t see my wages going up. It ain’t cutting it for us. Why should we have to sit there and put ourselves out to the point that we’re going to have to be giving up our vehicles…and other parts of our life because you’re putting us out.”

District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock asked for an explanation of tiers and the pre-1914 water rights. Based on the questions people asked earlier. People think we’re pulling water out of the river. Can you just explain why it happens that way?”

Acting Public Works Director Scott Buenting said, “Antioch has pre-1914 rights to the river…among the best in the state. But there are other things like permits and agencies that restrict how much water you can get at one time. However, there is electricity to pump it out of the river, there are facilities…chemicals and staff. There is plenty of costs to get it treated and to the tap.

“Rates are based on costs for service. We don’t make money off of it. The formula that goes into this proposal is for the cost of service,” Hernandez-Thorpe explained.

“I believe it was in 2015…that the council wanted a tiered rate,” said the consultant. “There’s virtually no city enterprise or special district, you cannot find an entity without tiered rates anymore. Except for Fresno. They’re the largest city with a uniform rate.”

“You’re the lowest by far. The only people in the state, there might be a handful in the Central Valley pumping the groundwater. That’s being taken away from them,” he continued. “The budget dictates the rate study.”

“What would happen if we just went to one tier?” Ogorchock asked.

“Revenue neutral. What happens is the rate goes up for lower-end users, from say, zero to 11 units. Everyone above that, their bills would go down,” the consultant explained. “That’s the general shift you would see. The folks at the low end, especially senior citizens…a uniform rate their bill would go up. The uniform rate is higher than the Tier 1 rate.”

“I didn’t know we had senior rates,” Ogorchock stated.

“I’m not aware there are senior rates. The City isn’t subsidizing rates,” Buenting stated.

Asked by Ogorchock about fluoride in the water and “if it’s dangerous,” Buenting responded, “I can look into that.”

“I don’t like tiered rates but I don’t want the uniform rate, either,” the councilwoman stated. She then made a motion to approve the pr

“If we did a flat rate, unfortunately, it’s going to negatively impact you,” Wilson said. I’m going to definitely second this.”

District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker said, “We could keep explaining…but it won’t keep people’s pockets from hurting.”

“The challenge with Antioch is…why they stay so low is because there are a lot of poor working people and seniors.

“I was not for this the last time so, I will not be for this tonight,” the mayor said.

The motion failed on a 2-1-1 vote.

“It does not pass,” City Clerk Ellie Householder stated. “With two yes and one abstention by Councilwoman Torres-Walker, one no by the mayor and Councilman Barbanica absent.”

“If the new council wants to take this up, they can take it up,” Hernandez-Thorpe stated. “As I said, I was against this from the start.”

Double-time pay for Antioch cops, Sycamore Drive land lease for possible police substation, potential upgrades to Amtrak Station to stave off closure

Fiscal Year ends with $3.5 million surplus, mainly due to vacant position savings, mostly in police dep’t

Will respond to Grand Jury report noncompliance letter

City awarded $6.8 million grant to clear homeless encampments

By Allen D. Payton

During tonight’s Antioch City Council meeting, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the mayor and two members who will no longer be on the council as of early December, will, along with the other two members, consider multiple items, including adding a second assistant city manager at a cost of over $425,000 per year, even though the current position is still vacant.

Under agenda item #’s 15 and 16, at the request of District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, the council will consider leasing the vacant property across from the Sycamore Square shopping center on the corner of Sycamore Road and L Street, and space in the center for a police substation, even though the Antioch Police Facility is just one mile away.

In addition, under agenda item #1, the council will consider upgrades to the Amtrak Station to avoid its decommissioning. According to the staff report, “the fiscal impact is unknown at this time until direction on this item is provided.”

Those are in spite of the fact the City is facing double-digit deficits over the next three years, and federal funding for a variety of current projects and programs, including the Opportunity Village, homeless hotel, runs out at the end of December. However, the council will receive good news in the form of a net surplus of $3.5 million for Fiscal Year 2023/24 that ended on June 30th which will reduce those future fiscal year deficits.

Budget Adjustments – Agenda Item #10

That good news comes in the form of the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Unaudited Closing Numbers.  According to the staff report, “Fiscal Year 2023/24 closed on June 30, 2024. Revenues exceeded expenditures by $8,862,934, however, $5,358,842 of this ‘excess’ is from encumbrances and project budgets unspent as of June 30th being rolled over into FY25…for a realized net surplus of $3,504,092. This amount is being set aside in the Budget Stabilization Fund at June 30, 2024, leaving a General Fund reserve balance of $43,258,769 and a balance in the Budget Stabilization Fund of $41,131,470 as of June 30, 2024.”

The report also shows FY2024 Revenues were $2,371,877 higher than projected due mainly to $1.36M in additional interest income from the high interest rate environment of the City’s investment portfolio. Expenditures were $11,726,745 less than projected. Yet, a large amount was due to $4,866,210 in salary savings from all unfilled positions, of which $3,554,451 was in the police department due to its understaffing.

During discussion of item #10 entitled, “Appropriating Expenditures for Encumbrances and Project Budgets Outstanding to the 2024/25 Fiscal Year Budget and Approving Other Amendments to the 2024/25 Fiscal Year Budget” the new city manager is requesting a second assistant city manager. According to the city staff report for the item, “The estimated annual salary and benefit cost of the position at Step E is $425,494, with the budget impact and amendment required for 6 months of $212,747.”

The current assistant city manager position is vacant, as Parks and Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger is no longer serving as the Acting Assistant City Manager.

Response to Civil Grand Jury’s Noncompliance Letter – Agenda Item #2

In response to Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe’s letter dated Sept. 11, 2024, responding to the Civil Grand Jury’s investigation report issued earlier this year, entited, “Challenges Facing the City of Antioch”, the Grand Jury rejected the council’s response. In two letters dated Oct. 3, 2024, and received by the City on Oct. 7, Foreperson Ed Sarubbi wrote in the first, “The Grand Jury…finds that it does not comply with the requirements of Section 933.05 of the California Penal Code in the following respects: Response to Findings 6 and 13: A response of ‘The City disagrees with this finding requires an explanation.’ The Grand Jury requests that you resubmit your responses in its entirety within 10 days of the date of this letter, following the directions in the original letter of transmittal.”

In the second letter, Sarubbi requested the same writing, “Response to Recommendations 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5: A response of ‘The City agrees with this recommendation’ is not a valid response.” He’s asking for the mayor to resubmit the council’s responses to those recommendations, also within 10 days.

The City is already out of compliance as a draft response letter was written and dated in October, but the council has yet to approve it, as the matter was not placed on the agenda until the Oct. 22nd meeting and then was continued to tonight’s meeting.

Double-Time Pay for Antioch Police Personnel in Violence Reduction Initiative – Agenda Item #11

After approving the Violence Reduction Initiative last month, allocating up to $500,000 for overtime pay and costs for the assistance of police and equipment from outside agencies, under item #11 the city council will consider adopting “a resolution authorizing the Chief of Police to pay double the standard hourly wage (“double-time”) to Antioch Police Department Sergeants, Corporals, Officers, Community Service Officers, and Dispatch personnel for working extra shifts in designated areas of the City to reduce violence.”

State Homeless Encampment Cleanout Grant – Agenda Item #12

More good news on the agenda includes the council considering adopting “a resolution accepting the Department of Housing and Community Development Division of Housing Policy Development (HCD) Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF)” Round 3 award in the amount of $6,812,686.

According to the city staff report for the item, #12, “The proposed project in Antioch aims to address a significant encampment located on wooded land near the intersection of Sunset Drive and Devpar Court. As one of the City’s two large encampments, it has been prioritized for resolution due to the vulnerability of its 30-40 residents and the hazardous conditions present at the site.”

City Attorney Oversight of City Clerk’s Office – Agenda Item #13

Under agenda  item #13, outgoing City Clerk Ellie Householder is recommending that the city council adopt a resolution rescinding Resolution No. 2022/167, “Approving the City Clerk’s Request for the City Attorney to Provide Managerial Oversight of the City Clerk’s Department in Cooperation with the City Clerk” that had previously been approved.

Council Meeting Details

The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. with a Closed Session on two lawsuits the City is facing, followed by the Regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown. The meeting can also be seen via livestream on the City’s website or viewed on either Comcast local cable channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99. See the complete agenda packet.

“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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