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?

Informs public instead of police chief about efforts, requests following violence ending in deaths of two men

Also suggests possibly “restricting access” to the city’s two high-crime neighborhoods, a “curfew”, asking “governor to send the National Guard“

“There are gang overtures to this 100%. But I do think there are other motives,” – Interim Chief Brian Addington who has already requested help from DA, CHP.

“We can’t say for sure it’s gang related. I’m sure it probably plays a factor. That’s something we’re still investigating.” – Investigations Lt. Desmond Bittner

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on his official Instagram account on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe said the spate of recent shootings in the city are due to a gang war. As of Sunday morning, there have been 14 shootings this month, two that resulted in the deaths of two young men, ages 20 and 18, and are now being investigated as homicides, and one of businesses and a vehicle. The mayor made the announcement while standing alone at the podium inside the Council Chambers and reading from prepared remarks. He’s asking the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, regional law enforcement partners and CHP to help the City’s depleted police force which is currently down 40 sworn officers from 115 approved by the council. Hernandez-Thorpe also said, “if the violence does not subside,” he is “calling on the governor to send the National Guard”.

In his announcement he said, “My fellow Antioch residents, I’m Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe. No resident should live in fear. Absolutely no one. Especially in the city of Antioch. Unfortunately, residents in the Sycamore corridor and off of Cavallo Road have experienced an unprecedented level of gun violence as a result of a man who was killed on September 2nd.” However, the individual shot on September 2nd died of his injuries while in the hospital on Sept. 5th. (See related articles here and here)

“Those communities have experienced over two weeks, two weeks of unnecessary shootings. We believe that the shootings are retaliatory in nature and are being investigated as gang-rivalries,” the mayor stated. “As a result of the violence, we’ve added extra patrols to the Sycamore community at undisclosed times.”

“Since this appears to be retaliatory in nature, yesterday, another individual was a victim of gun violence around Cavallo Road,” Hernandez-Thorpe continued. (See related articles here and here)

“These gangs, let me be very clear. These gangs have no regard for human life, they have no regard for law enforcement, and they have no regard for you or me,” he stated. “Therefore, I’m calling on the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office to support the Antioch Police Department, through the Safe Streets Task Force. We need your help, both immediately and for long-term eradication of these gangs.”

“We also need to hold these gang members accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

“I’m also calling for mutual assistance from our regional law enforcement partners so that we can continue to add more patrols to both the Sycamore and Cavallo Road.

“Lastly, I’m calling on Governor Newsom for more CHP support to again, support our efforts in Cavallo Road and in the Sycamore corridor.

“Since the start of the wave of gun violence, I’ve been in constant communication with the Antioch police chief and Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker who represents both these communities.

“I’m also in constant communication with local leaders and faith leaders who I will be meeting with tomorrow to see if we can develop community-led solutions to some of these challenges and to reassure the public that we’re working on this.

“If the violence does not subside, I will continue to push for tougher action and tougher measures to end the violence. That will include restricting access to the Sycamore community and restricting access to Cavallo Road.” However, the most recent shooting, which injured a man and a woman on Sunday morning, occurred in the parking lot of the Antioch Square shopping center located on the corner of W. 18th and A Streets. (See related article)

The mayor also proposed “a curfew and calling on the governor to send the National Guard so we can bring an end to the gun violence.”

“I can’t reiterate that no community, no resident in the city of Antioch should live in fear. We will work hard to bring an end to this violence,” he concluded.

In addition to the 13 shootings of individuals in September resulting in two deaths, a 14th shooting occurred Saturday night of businesses and a vehicle on Sycamore Drive. (See related article)

Regarding the Safe Streets Task Force the Contra Costa DA’s Office shares, “In collaboration with the FBI, the Office has formulated a countywide task force to fight violent crime on a countywide basis. The task force includes several FBI agents, investigators from the District Attorney’s Office, and officers from the Pittsburg, Antioch, and Richmond Police Departments, and the Sheriff’s Office. This task force will operate throughout the county in innovative ways to reduce violent crime.”

Ogorchock Not Aware of Gang War or Mayor’s Announcement, Barbanica Said He Knew, Wanted Chief to Provide Proper Information

Asked if she was aware of the mayor’s announcement, District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said, “I had no idea. I don’t know this is a gang war.”

District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica said he was aware, but the former police lieutenant shared, “Do I have some information about the shootings? Of course. There’s a reason I haven’t gone public with it. I want to be very careful…I want it coming from the police department because they know what they can and can’t release and to not interfere with the investigations.”

“I told the mayor the general public needs to understand what’s occurring, here,” he continued. “There are people out there in fear and we need to calm down the fear and have the police department let the public know. What does he do? He goes out and does his own press release. That’s not how it’s done.”

“As politicians we’re given information prior to it going to the public,” Barbanica stated. “I’m not going to comment on a gang war or anything, because I don’t want to interfere with the investigations.”

“If the police department has information they want to share that’s fine,” the councilman continued. “Not a local politician who doesn’t have all the information. The last thing we want to do is hamper an investigation by releasing the wrong information. I’m all for the public being informed but by the right source, with what is deemed appropriate for the public to know at this point. It’s a balancing act.”

Questions for Hernandez-Thorpe

Questions were sent to Hernandez-Thorpe was Monday morning asking who told him that the recent shootings are part of a gang war and when did you learn it, if the information was shared with all the council members and if has contacted District Attorney Diana Becton about the matter and what shared in his announcement.

The mayor was also asked if he still believes the shootings from this gang war are due to a lack of jobs for the individuals involved, as he mentioned in a TV news interview last week.

He did not respond prior to publication time.

Questions for City Manager, Police Chief

In addition, a link to the mayor’s Instagram video and questions were sent to Acting City Manager Kwame Reed and Interim Police Chief Brian Addington asking to confirm what Hernandez-Thorpe announced, that the shootings are part of a gang war. 

They were also asked where he obtained his information, when was it shared with him, and if it was also shared with all the council members. The two city staff leaders were also asked if they knew Hernandez-Thorpe was going to announce it and did they want the public to know that information.

Finally, they were asked what can be done with the DA’s Office and the Governor’s office to help.

Police Chief Says More Officers Assigned to Sycamore Area, Has Asked CHP, DA’s Task Force for Help

In response, Addington said, “It’s no secret that we’ve been in contact with the CHP and they’ve sent in patrols three times. We post it every time on our social media. They’ve come out three different days and worked a 10-hour shift. I believe it’s been six CHP Officers. But they haven’t been able to send anyone out for the past couple months. So, I reached out to them to let them know we’ve had several shootings and asked for their assistance.”

“They’re also doing this in Oakland and San Francisco,” he added.

Asked about the Safe Streets Task Force, the chief said, “That’s always been an option. It used to be the FBI’s but now it’s run by the DA’s office. I’ve been in contact with them on Friday and on Sunday.”

“They’re move of an investigative task force. Due to staffing levels, we haven’t been able to have an Antioch officer assigned there. So, we’re looking to do that.

“I don’t want to say the DA’s office doesn’t work collaboratively with us on these violent crimes because they do,” Addington stated. “We just are asking what else they can do. If we assign one of our investigators to their task force, what else does that bring. They said, it brings additional investigatory resources.”

Asked about additional information on the shootings the chief said, “Anything official on the cases will come from the police department. There are gang overtures to this 100%. But I do think there are other motives. We’re actively investigating and making progress. This information changes as we investigation. These are all very fluid. We corroborate and eliminate information pretty rapidly in these investigations.”

“The officers that we have assigned to Sycamore on Friday have already reduced the shootings, there,” he said. “We’ve had meetings with our faith-based leaders, as well.”

“If the community has any information about the shootings, please contact Detective Cox,” the chief added. His contact information is (925) 481-8147 or by email jcox@antiochca.gov.

Addington said the police department will provide more information about the shootings Monday afternoon.

Department Staffing Update

About department staffing and the addition of sworn officers he shared, “We’re doing everything we can to get things under control. We have seven new officers in the Field Training right now, and some of them are laterals. Our numbers are improving but it takes time. We have 17 total in or are scheduled to go to the academy. I guarantee we will have more who will go before the academies start.”

UPDATE 1: During the press briefing Monday afternoon, Lt. Desmond Bittner said, “I can’t say for certain that all the shootings are related to the initial homicide Elijah Scales that happened on September 2nd. But we believe that they’re related, not all of them. They’re still under investigation, all of them. We haven’t made any arrests on them. We can tell  you…the shooting that occurred at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, that one is not related in any way.”

“And then the shootings that happened this past weekend…on Cavallo and Sunset, that we do not believe is related to anything from the Sycamore corridor from the Elijah Scales shooting,” he continued. “The same for the shooting that occurred on East 18th Street and A, that’s not related, either…to anything on the Sycamore corridor.”

“The shooting that happened the other night (Saturday) in the 1100 block of Sycamore…at least 17 rounds fired, nobody was struck,” Bittner stated. “Three of the businesses were hit by gunfire.”

“We did have a shooting on Cavallo. This was the 16th, I believe,” the lieutenant continued. “A male was shot at a memorial location for Elijah Scales. The last we were aware he was still in critical condition and that’s still under investigation.”

Asked for an update on the man shot at the shopping center on Sunday Bittner said, “He’s still in critical condition. That’s still under investigation.”

Asked by another reporter, “are we talking about feuding groups of gangs,” the lieutenant responded, “It’s hard to say. We can’t say for sure it’s gang related. I’m sure it probably plays a factor. That’s something we’re still investigating.”

Asked for any message he wanted to put out to the public Bittner said, “My message is pretty similar to what the chief said last week and that this isn’t going to be tolerated, and everybody deserves to live in a safe community, and we just want to keep things as safe as possible and all this needs to stop. So, we’re going to do all we can to make sure this comes to a stop.”

Asked by another reporter if Elijah Scales was known to the police for any previous criminal activity, he said, “Not that I’m aware of.”

Asked about the man who was shot at Scales’ memorial Bittner said, “I think he was in his late- to mid-40’s and he was an associate of Elijah Scales’ family.” Asked if the shooting was a drive-up, drive-by or walk-up the lieutenant responded, “I believe it was a drive-by.”

“All our officers on the patrol level are doing a great job responding quickly conducting thorough investigations,” Bittner stated. “And then if it rises to the level of where our investigators come out, our investigators are doing the same thing. Every case like this, every shooting we take seriously. We do very detailed, thorough investigations. We do all we can to try and identify the people responsible.”

Asked what he would say to residents who might be concerned or are scared the lieutenant responded, “I’d say try to be vigilant. If you see something that doesn’t look right, notify the police. If you do hear gunfire, do the right thing, call the police and let us know. Be a good witness.”

Bittner was also asked for any motive for the shooting on Sunday and said, “At this point we’re still working on it. We don’t have a motive identified.”

Asked about the suspects who were seen walking away from the scene the lieutenant said, “I believe we have some strong leads as far as suspects, vehicles and so forth. So, that case is looking good. I’m pretty confident we’ll get it resolved.”

Addington also added, the shooting of the “18-year-old on Cavallo was an isolated incident, the shooting at Rite Aid (on Sunday morning) is unrelated” to the others and “one of the shootings had a domestic aspect to it.”

About the other shootings Addison added, “It’s a turf issue.” (See related article)

Please check back later for any other updates to this report.

Plan must include improvements to safety for riders and Amtrak staff, preventing homeless encampments, financial commitment

“Antioch needs to make a commitment,” Supervisor Diane Burgis

“Don’t drop the stop” residents repeated

Only about 40 round-trip riderships a day from the Antioch-Pittsburg stop

“We weren’t invited by the city council…to make a presentation or we would have done so…there haven’t been any calls to action by the owner of the station” meaning the City of Antioch,” SJJPA Executive Director Stacey Mortensen.

By Allen D. Payton

During the meeting of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA), which governs the Amtrak system to and through Antioch, on Friday, September 20, 2024, the Board of Directors received a presentation on a proposed plan by Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe to keep the station open and heard an earful from Antioch residents and others. Many repeated the slogan, “Don’t drop the stop.” Only three of the board members were in attendance in the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chambers in Martinez, including Vice-Chair and Merced County Supervisor Rodrigo Espinosa, Contra Costa District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis and Tracy Mayor Nancy Young. Burgis represents portions of Antioch on the Board of Supervisors. The other SJJPA board members participated online via Zoom. (See meeting video)

As previously reported, the SJJPA Board voted to decommission the Antioch station during their March 24, 2023, meeting. It wasn’t until July this year that the Antioch City Council responded with a letter requesting the board change their vote and it wasn’t until last week that the mayor said he had a plan to address the SJJPA’s concerns with safety and homelessness at and near the station.

Closure of the Antioch station is now planned for mid- to late-2027, according to SJJPA staff. So, there’s time for a plan to be approved by the city council, which is expected to hear about it, next month, and to be implemented. That should give the SJJPA Board what they need to then go to BNSF Rail, which owns the rail line in and through Antioch, to request an exception to their rule requiring a six-mile distance between stations. The planned new Oakley Amtrak station is less than that distance from Antioch’s which gave the board another reason to close it.

“The lack of visible evidence by the City to improve the situation over the years, and the comments by the Amtrak Inspector General…made it difficult to not make a decision.” SJJPA Executive Director Stacey Mortensen

SJJPA Executive Director Says Issue Dates Back Almost 15 Years, There’s Been No Plan from City

SJJPA Executive Director Stacey Mortensen opened with a presentation on the history of the station and the reasons for the board’s decision for its decommissioning. She shared a system map showing the Amtrak San Joaquins routes and said, “some of these stations are in areas dealing with the same issues as Antioch,” including homelessness and crime.

“They have gone on for almost 15 years,” she stated. “They’ve gone on through different city councils, different mayors, different city managers, different staff. I would be hopeful to keep the station opened.”

“These discussions have been occurring long before the authority existed,” Mortensen continued. “They went on so long.”

Speaking of the lack of communication between the authority and the city and other agencies she said, “They can’t find a neat path of communication…by any of the communities,” referring to no email or paper trail as reported by the Herald from multiple public records requests. “We weren’t invited by the city council or any of the entities to make a presentation or we would have done so,” she added.

“The City of Antioch owns the station property,” Mortensen explained. “They have a long-term lease with the BNSF. A little over 80% of the passengers are heading east. It’s been asserted Antioch residents would lose their only access to jobs in the Bay Area. But Antioch residents have access to eBART. Granted it does not go into the Valley.”

She mentioned ridership is “about 40 round trips a day. Intercity ridership is different,” and “The six-mile spacing. That is true. However, the trains switch to the UP route just outside of here, in Martinez. They deal with spacing on a case-by-case basis. That track is governed by UP criteria.” Mortensen was referring to the shorter distance between the Oakland and Emeryville stations that she was asked about by the Herald.

Speaking of last year’s board meeting at which they voted to decommission the station she said, “The Board gave Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe an opportunity to give a presentation. The lack of visible evidence by the City to improve the situation over the years, and the comments by the Amtrak Inspector General…made it difficult to not make a decision.”

Tamika Smith has spent time over the past few years…trying to seek a solution,” Mortensen added before turning over the presentation to her.

“Over 10 years ago, about 15, Amtrak staff did meet with Antioch staff…and the words were, ‘rip out the platform’,” Smith stated. “The wheelchair lift was broken into and stolen, twice. The new one has been installed. But the homeless have defecated on the handle. The hazmat team has to be called out” to clean it up before being used.

She mentioned a “Lack of response by the Antioch Police department” and said, “representatives have met with different city managers. We met with the interim city manager and interim chief of police. During that meeting we agreed to anything that Antioch can do to make the station safer for passengers…and more importantly Amtrak staff.”

Mortensen responded saying, “There was no plan presented to staff at that time. We were very disappointed there was no plan to report out and present to you, today.”

“All of the calls for action…have been really been to protest the decision. That is understandable,” she continued. “But there haven’t been any calls to action by the owner of the station. There was a letter from the City of Pittsburg supporting keeping the station open. The Board left a lot of doors open in the decommissioning option. But all those options include keeping the Antioch station safer.”

Mortensen stated, “the goal was a future with an Antioch station open.”

Mayor Young read a statement from Chair and Sacramento County Supervisor Patrick Hume, who was absent from the meeting.

“This board made the decision to open a new station in Oakley,” she read. “If certain steps were taken…heighten security for the safety of the passengers..we could then ask for an exception to BNSF on the spacing between the stations.”

“Any suggestion that an action has been undone…is inaccurate,” Hume’s statement continued. “We look forward to working with all parties.”

“I would have to echo many of what he said, here,” Young stated. “We made it clear…we’re not making a decision to not open Oakley. But we’re looking at opportunities to save…the station in Antioch.”

“We stressed the partnerships we have in other cities which keeps the stations open,” she continued. “So, we’re looking to Antioch to provide the answers…and number one the safety of the ridership but also the employees.”

“I’m very sensitive to those who are homeless. But we want to make sure we’re looking at options…to make that area safe,” Young said. “We asked if the City of Antioch would be open…to putting together a plan to keep the station open. I’m still hopeful. But it takes partnership.”

“There is possibility that there is something we can do to work out a solution…to go talk to BNSF so they can work out the spacing…and that we can salvage that and not continue with the decommissioning,” she added, concluding her remarks. That received a round of applause.

“(Acting City Manager) Kwame and myself do not have the authority to approve a plan. The city council has felt cut out by this process. That’s why I’m bringing it back to council,” – Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe

Mayor Presents Proposed Plan with List of Solutions

Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe then provided his presentation saying that the meeting was “certainly not the same as we had last year. This time we have the city of Antioch, here.” Speaking of the board’s vote and matters surroundin it he said, “There’s no sense in arguing over spilled milk.”

“I don’t know what meeting you had with the chief and Kwame. But our agreement was for me to come here today to present a plan,” he stated. “Kwame and myself do not have the authority to approve a plan. The city council has felt cut out by this process. That’s why I’m bringing it back to council but not at the next meeting because myself and Councilwoman Torres-Walker would be absent. So, it’s going to be on the agenda for the meeting in October.”

The mayor then read from the proposal which include, “Increase security presence,” during specific hours of the day. “Create a faire-only zone…to ensure only people who are supposed to be there.”

“Consistent enforcing of no encampment in the landscaping area,” the mayor continued.

“To show that photo from years ago…take a picture, today,” he complained to the SJJPA staff. (However, the Herald photos taken on July 4, 2024 – above – show a homeless resident’s tent in the landscaped area of the station and homeless residents sitting on the concrete bench).

The list also includes, “Decorative fencing around the landscape area to make it more difficult” for a homeless encampment there, the mayor shared.

“Please stop suggesting we haven’t been working on our train station,” Hernandez-Thorpe stated raising his voice.

Speaking of the homeless residents at or near the station he said, “We literally took those and put them in your hotel, Diane, in Pittsburg,” referring to the Delta Landing transitional housing facility at the former Motel 6 on Loveridge Road.

When asked by the acting SJJPA board chair if there were any other officials in the audience who wanted to speak, Hernandez-Thorpe said a representative from Congressman John Garamendi’s office was there and the congressman opposed the closure. But that person did not speak to the board. Antioch District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica was also in attendance but did not speak during the meeting.

Public Comments Include Complaints of Being Excluded from Process, Accusation of Racism, False Allegations

The SJJPA board members then heard comments from about 25 Antioch residents and others opposed to the Amtrak station’s closure many repeating the slogan, “Don’t drop the stop.”

Pittsburg resident Nicole Errington said, “I find it very offensive that homeless people are being blamed for what’s happening there,” and then read the letter from the Pittsburg City Manager Garrett Evans mentioned by Hernandez-Thorpe.

A woman representing ACCE Antioch (Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment Action) said, “ACCE met with Diane Burgis team. She had no idea what we wanted to meet about. There’s been talks about this being in the works for the past 15 years. Everything’s being blamed on our new mayor, but he’s been making changes. He’s only been there for four years.” (Actually, Hernandez-Thorpe has been on the council for almost eight years).

“I find it very interesting that the community was not made aware. I find it interesting the blame of crime,” she continued. “You keep talking crime but where’s the actual numbers, please? Be nimble and keep the station opened.”

Eddie Gums, vice chair of ACCE Antioch, spoke about, “Amtrak employees being assaulted. That makes no sense. I ride the train regularly. It’s a joke. It comes down to being racist. In 15 years, you haven’t done anything to make things better. The root of the problem is the money…you want to take away from Antioch…to take away from the homeless. Oakley doesn’t care about the train. The game is over. When we fight, we win.”

Tashina Garrett, chair of ACCE Antioch said, “I’m here because of Ms. Burgis, Ms. Smith, all these people who want to share these lies. We finally had a meeting with Ms. Burgis. She tried to put things off on Ms. Smith. But we couldn’t have a meeting with her.”

“Ms. Mortensen, ‘who was in discussion about the station decommissioning? Why isn’t Amtrak helping out with the policing of the station as they do all others?’” she asked. “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired of Antioch being blamed…of Mayor Thorpe being blamed.”

Garrett mentioned during last year’s meeting that “Diane Burgis said, ‘Oh, yeah, this has been in the works for 10 years.’ Who are the people who made this decision?” She asked if it was, “Mike Barbanica who is running for Supervisor of Contra Costa County? Is it Back the Blue?” (Barbanica has only served on the city council for four years).

Another speaker said, “I heard of all these meetings with city staff, city council members, the chief of police. But where were the meetings with the public?”

“I’ve had the opportunity to compare crime for all the stations along the route,” a member of the Transbay Coalition said. “Antioch doesn’t stand out. Oakland-Jack London Square…is more affected by violent crime. Antioch is more affected by vehicle break-ins.”

Transbay Coalition. “Ultimately, the data are not there to support the crime at the Antioch station is enough to close the stop.”

Resident and homeless advocate Andrew Becker was the final member of the public to speak saying, “Amtrak came to Antioch in the ‘80’s but came to the United States in the ‘70’s. The San Joaquins line…doesn’t affect our community currently. In 1971 Amtrak decided to discontinue the San Joaquins line and move over to the Capitol Corridors.”

“State leaders took action and in 1974 to bring back that line. Why was there no stop in Antioch until the ‘80’s. Antioch used their redevelopment money to redevelop that site. There was siding there. In the 90’s the station facility was put in for space for a ticket agent, but it was never staffed. That’s Amtrak’s commitment to our community.”

“When Amtrak came to Antioch there were 40,000 residents. Now there are over 115,000 residents. Antioch has 40 census tracts, 17 of them are low-income.”

“We are disconnecting communities,” he stated.

“I do think the component of having city council buy-in and backing it up with a budget…that’s what will move things along.” – Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis

Board Member Comments.

Burgis spoke first saying, “In March of 2023 I attended my first meeting of the SJJPA and this issue came up and I spoke of this being a difficult situation and that if they were going to go forward with this, I would support Antioch…whether it was technology, finding some way.

I know people need a bad guy and I’ll take that if that’s my role.

The problem is in those 18 months I’ve asked staff several times ‘have you heard from Antioch.’” They did not say, ‘what do we need to do to fix this.’”

“I think what Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe recommended…is a good start. But the reason staff wanted to meet with city staff was for brainstorming…to talk about keeping the station opened or reopening it.”

“The next step is for the city council to be supportive if that and for them to fund it,” she continued.

“You’re right, Antioch is beautiful. Downtown is a wonderful place to bloom, and I support that. But we need to…we don’t want to leave people behind.”

“I’ve met with ACCE many, many times. So, if there was a misunderstanding, it’s because there’s a lot of issues I’ve met with ACCE about,” Burgis said.

“There’s no plans. She’s correct. We don’t have any solutions. We need commitments,” she continued. “We’re all ready to lean in. But it’s just what has been communicated is Antioch needs to make a commitment. I feel very encouraged about what Lamar has presented. I’m looking forward to it being voted on by the city council and funded.”

Board member Mayor Young of Tracy said, “We’re here, now, at this point, for solutions. My first meeting ever hearing about this was last March, as well. The discussion was about decommissioning.”

“We’re here as a board that deals with a whole rail line, not just one station,” she continued. “We sit on multiple transportation boards and we’re fighting for our communities, all the time.”

“What I petition for you all is that you’re working as passionately and diligently within Antioch,” Young said. “We have very current safety concerns. There are different places that have issues. But this right here focuses on Antioch. We’re at a starting point of solutions. The bottom line is you want to keep your stop in Antioch.”

“We want to make sure we’re on the same page as solutions,” she continued. “Believe me we’re hearing from the community. We’re not going to get into your own personal things with your city. What you do to help support that station…when you stand up for your area…you all have to be that powerful voice where it matters for your city.”

“Help us help you. Encourage the plan. Because this is going to save our station,” Young stated. “Then we’ll have something to go to BNSF.”

“We’re here because we hear you. The faster you get things done…let’s get things done, together. Support your own city. Make sure people aren’t defecating on the handle so they don’t have to call out the hazmat team. Help us help you,” she reiterated.

Board member and Stanislaus County Supervisor Vito Chiesa said, “I appreciate him going to take it to council. I think that was the understanding when he met with Chair Hume and Member Young. I’m a party to most of these decisions along the way. It boils down to me as a safety issue. For us to do otherwise without a commitment…Supervisor Burgis has said it once, twice to me, she wants to keep the station open. You have my commitment to listen. We want to keep the station open. The question is, ‘can we keep the station open?’ Help me help you.”

“Your voices were heard, today,” said acting Board Chair Espinosa. “I ran for this board to protect my community in Hanford. It takes an elected official to promote your city. If you can prove to us you have ridership that meets the demand, we’ll keep it open.”

Board member and Madera County Supervisor Leticia Gonzalez said, “I echo all of the comments. I am committed. I actually spoke to Mayor Lamar Thorpe on March 23rd. I was recently assigned to this commission. Safety is of major concern to all us. I am committed to working toward a solution for all of us.”

Conclusion: Formation of Working Group, Commitment from City Council

In an attempt to wrap up discussion on the matter, Mortensen then said, “We wanted to hear everything you shared, today. It’s welcome. The fight is needed. Moving forward we are committed…always being future focused is our motto. I will propose something to you…if you are comfortable. Everyone wants to go out of here with an active path. Would you consider setting up a committee…with a member of this board or whatever number you think, a member from the Antioch City Council, the Pittsburg City Council and member of the public? It’s just a thought to ensure further dialogue. If we could do it, together, fight it out, together, realize what we could do, together.”

“I think that’s a great idea. I would recommend that,” Burgis said.

Young also supported the proposal.

“OK. I will take that direction,” Mortensen responded.

“He can do his own plan. You would have a multi-disciplined group…in concert with that plan. It will take the council a couple meetings to hear a concept.”

Hernandez-Thorpe said, “I was under the impression I was going to get feedback from this board today on this plan. I’m all for the committee. But I want to stay focused on what I came here for. This is my proposal. I’m here for this.”

“They also want Amtrak involved. We can give so much input. But it’s really coming from the operators,” Burgis said.

“I know you need to understand if that’s a good enough plan to go forward with something,” Young said.

Smith said, “I would recommend we reconvene a meeting with your chief and the Amtrak Inspector…because what you presented today was more than what we heard earlier this week.”

“Just to make sure. We’ll have the meeting then I will present this to the council,” Hernandez-Thorpe asked.

“Yes,” SJJPA staff responded.

“I like the committee idea because it creates an institutional structure,” the mayor said. “I doesn’t have to be formal.”

“I do think the component of having city council buy-in and backing it up with a budget…that’s what will move things along,” Burgis stated.

“To keep the station open if we have to make investments, that’s what we’ll do,” Hernandez-Thorpe said. “I understand the public feels they’ve been misled. Trust is always going to be an issue.”

“I’d like to envision…that we are putting more people on trains and that they are using it to go to work, and more people are going west…to keep more people from cars on the road,” Burgis added.

“As you’re investing…for the community to invest in this treasure you’re trying to develop in downtown,” Young shared.

“I asked for a delay in decommissioning the station so we could present a plan,” the mayor responded. “Now, we have the opportunity to present a plan. It will include investments, as well.”

The SJJPA board then moved on to other business on the meeting agenda.

Following the meeting, Hernandez-Thorpe was asked for a copy of his proposed plan which he will be presenting to the city council next month. In addition, questions were sent to both Acting City Manager Kwame Reed and Interim Police Chief Brian Addington asking for details from their meeting with Smith. None of them responded prior to publication time.

UPDATE 1: Later, Chief Addington said he and Reed met with Smith via Zoom on Tuesday, Sept. 17th and that he spoke with her about the need for increased safety, with possible private security at and near the station. For any other matters discussed during their meeting he left up to the city manager to share.

(See related articles here and here)

Please check back for any additional updates to this report.

Blame mainly rests with San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority staff and board members

Antioch Public Works Department staff knew of closure in spring 2022 five months before city manager and mayor, but failed to inform them or other councilmembers

Former Antioch CM Con Johnson claims he informed Hernandez-Thorpe six months before SJJPA Board vote, says mayor directed him to not tell any councilmembers, neither informed public

SJJPA staff now says, “decommissioning is some 2.5 to 3 years out” instead of the end of 2025 and it’s “too early to coordinate options with regional transit agencies.”

Mayor to present plan to keep station opened at Friday SJJPA Board meeting before council has seen or approved it

By Allen D. Payton

On May 22, 2024, a rally was held at the Antioch Amtrak station location at 100 I Street at the corner of W. First Street, along the waterfront in the City’s historic Rivertown District, by community members affiliated with Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) Action and other organizations and attended by Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, to raise awareness about the impending closure. The councilwoman, in whose district the station is located, was quoted in a Local News Matters report saying, “I think someone needs to own up to this. I think somewhere the ball was dropped,” without naming anyone.

In an effort to both understand what occurred, who caused it and how to reverse the decision to close the Antioch-Pittsburg San Joaquins Passenger Stop, as it is officially known, a months-long investigation by the Herald resulted in the first article entitled, “Whodunnit? No proof any city staff member approved Antioch’s Amtrak station closure” was published in July. This article serves as a follow up, includes further research and reveals Torres-Walker is correct that “the ball was dropped” and it was mainly due to a lack of communication by the staff and board of directors of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA), which governs the Amtrak San Joaquins Passenger Rail service between Bakersfield and Oakland and runs through Antioch. They failed to adequately inform the City of Antioch staff and council and the Tri Delta Transit staff and board.

In addition, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe and then-City Manager Cornelius “Con” Johnson also dropped the ball by not informing the council members or the public prior to the vote on March 24, 2023, by the SJJPA Board of Directors to decommission the station, preventing Antioch and other East County residents from knowing about the vote and providing them the opportunity to speak out against it. The mayor repeatedly blamed former Antioch City Manager Ron Bernal, his opponent in the current mayoral election, for approving the closure, which the Herald’s first article on the matter proved to be false.

Finally, someone in the Antioch Public Works Department knew about the station closure in spring 2022 and dropped the ball by failing to either inform the city manager or council members at that time five or six months before Johnson was first informed of the impending SJJPA Board vote the following spring.

SJJPA Spokesman Claims “Discussions Regarding…Challenges in Antioch Began in 2017” City Staff Not Informed of Closure Until Fall 2022

According to the news report about the May 2024 rally, “David Lipari of the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission, which works in collaboration with SJJPA, said discussions regarding the challenges in Antioch began in 2017.”  Yet, nowhere in any documentation provided in response to Public Records Act (PRA) requests to the SJJPA, City of Antioch, Tri Delta Transit and a federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Amtrak, does it show any member of the Antioch City Council or staff knew about the proposed closure until January 2023.

Further research revealed the first time SJJPA staff informed any Antioch city manager of the station closure or decommissioning was in September 2022, during the first of three meetings between SJJPA Director of Rail Services, Tamika Smith, and then-City Manager Cornelius “Con” Johnson.

Johnson, in turn, informed Hernandez-Thorpe following that meeting and in January Johnson and then-Antioch Police Chief Steve Ford were preparing a presentation for the SJJPA Board meeting on January 25, 2023, after the mayor told Johnson he should provide it. That presentation and the proposed vote to close the station were postponed until the regular board meeting on March 24, 2023. But with Johnson being placed on administrative leave the week before, as previously reported, the mayor provided the presentation instead.

SJJPA Staff First Discussed Closure in 2021

That’s all in spite of the fact the first record of a discussion about a possible Antioch station closure was in emails between SJJPA Executive Director Stacey Mortensen and her staff members in June 2021. One of those emails revealed that a previous discussion of a possible closure had occurred, so, at least one or more of the SJJPA staff members knew closing the Antioch station was a possibility.

It’s also in spite of the fact that at that time SJJPA staff knew the policy of BNSF rail, which owns the tracks, was to not have stations too close together and that the location of the planned station in Oakley, just six miles away, was too close. Thus, another station had to be closed. Since problems continued at and around the Antioch station, including assaults on train conductors, calls for service to the Antioch Police and Amtrak Police for other crimes, fare evasion and homelessness, the Antioch-Pittsburg stop was an easy target.

Questions for SJJPA Executive Director Go Unanswered

Questions were emailed to Mortensen on August 19, 2024, asking the following: “Why did your agency not inform Tri Delta Transit about the possible decommissioning, whose board was voting for improvements to support the opening of the Oakley Station, and that it required the closure of the Antioch Station?

With whom did your staff, specifically then-Senior Planner David Ripperda, then-Director of Capital Projects Kevin Sheridan and/or SJJPA spokesman David Lipari discuss the closure of the Antioch station prior to your emails in June 2021?”

She was asked to provide copies of those communications and if they were by virtual meetings or phone calls, please include her and/or her staff’s notes from them and any and all emails about the Oakley and/or Antioch stations with BNSF.

Mortensen was shown the three emails about the matter between her and Ripperda, copied to other staff members and asked, “Did you ever find out ‘where the conversation with BN went after that’? What was the outcome? Did any member of your staff ever communicate in any way with any members of the City of Antioch Public Works Department between June 2021 and May 2022 about the decommissioning of the Antioch station? If so, what was said and how was it communicated?

She was informed that while the Herald was not provided with copies of any email communications about the closure of the station with anyone in that city department, it appears during that time period someone in that department was made aware of the possible station closure. That’s because language referring to the Amtrak station in previous years’ 5-Year Capital Improvement Program budgets, was removed for the 2022-27 CIP presented as a Draft to the city council in May 2022. But the Public Works Director at that time no longer works for the City of Antioch.

Mortensen was reminded that the staff report for the agenda item for the vote included misinformation that a previous Antioch city manager approved the decommissioning, which caused a political firestorm in Antioch because that former city manager, Ron Bernal, is now running for mayor against the incumbent who assumed he was the person to which Tamika Smith referred in her staff report. She was then provided with a link to the previous Herald article about the Antioch station decommissioning and it was pointed out to her that Smith never mentioned Bernal’s name and it was only mentioned by the mayor.

Mortensen was also reminded that her board members were never provided any documentation supporting the claim that a previous city manager or any City of Antioch staff member approved the closure, nor were given council direction to support it, before the board voted.

She was then asked, “why wouldn’t any of the board or your staff members question that, ask if that city manager was directed to support the decommissioning by the council and ask for the City of Antioch to provide a copy of the council resolution supporting it, before the board vote? Had they known the facts might one of them have voted differently and the decommissioning not move forward, since it only passed by the minimum number of votes?”

Mortensen was then reminded about the emails between Bernal and her following the March 24, 2023, board meeting in which he both denied ever approving the decommissioning and asking for Mortensen to correct the record. In her email response to him she wrote, “My understanding from the various parties was that the City had reluctantly agreed to the closure if the new landscaping and improvements (associated with the building removal) was not maintained and passenger and train crew safety issues did not improve. Somehow that did get attributed to you over the last couple years and if that is not accurate, I most certainly want to correct the record.” 

Yet, there is no written record to support that “understanding” provided in response to the Herald’s PRA requests. Mortensen was asked if she does have it to provide it.

She was then asked, “at a subsequent SJJPA board meeting did she ‘correct the record’ by issuing a public apology to Bernal and announcing that the information in the staff report was incorrect? If so, please provide the date of the board meeting at which it occurred and a link to the video. If not, will you do that at the board meeting on Sept. 20th in Martinez?”

It was pointed out to Mortensen in the Herald article, that Bernal says he only approved the demolition of the building at the station and there are records of that, and that it was the current Oakley City Manager who approved the decommissioning of the Antioch station, and that it appears her staff misunderstood and confused the two matters of the demolition and the decommission.

Mortensen was then asked regarding the matter of one of the reasons for closure, “why is BNSF claiming a six-mile distance between stations as their reason for the Antioch station closure when the Emeryville and Oakland stations are less than five miles apart?”

Because it appears there has been a serious lack of communication between SJJPA staff and the affected agencies regarding both the closure of the Antioch station and opening of the Oakley Station and there’s been significant turnover in both her staff and City of Antioch staff over the past few years, Mortensen was asked, “Who specifically on your staff is responsible for communicating with the other agencies about the closure of the Antioch station and the opening of the Oakley station? Do you have copies of any communication with Amtrak and/or BNSF about the two stations before or since the board vote? Do you have a copy of the BNSF policy about their distance requirements between stations? If so, she was asked to please provide them.

SJJPA Staff Member Responds Instead

Rather than answer the questions, Mortensen had Ariana Talosig, the Administrative Analyst for the Board and Committee respond. She wrote, “As stated in prior emails, we have reviewed our files and provided documentation in our possession regarding the decommissioning of the Antioch Station and a statement of the Agency’s position concerning the same.  In response to your specific question regarding outreach to transit agencies serving the area, because decommissioning is some 2.5 to 3 years out, it is too early to coordinate options with regional transit agencies.”

In addition, that same day, Talosig wrote, “The following is in response to your public records request dated June 15, 2024, for the following: “PRA request and additional questions on the closure of the Antioch Amtrak station.”

Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, SJRRC has located no additional records responsive to your request.

SJRRC will now consider your request closed. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the undersigned.

Thank you.”

Request for Copies of Notes from Virtual Meetings, Phone and Conference Calls Go Unfulfilled

In response because the original PRA request was for communications between agencies, not copies of notes of virtual meetings, and phone or conference calls Talosig was emailed the following: “While there may not be any additional emails to fulfill my request, perhaps there are notes by SJJPA staff from phone calls or virtual meetings with City of Antioch staff about the closure, specifically with anyone in the City’s Public Works Department and more specifically with Scott Buenting, and between June 2021 and May 2022, or any other agency staff member, including Amtrak and BNSF.

Please check with former Senior Planner David Ripperda, former Director of Capital Projects Kevin Sheridan and SJJPA spokesman David Lipari if they had any conversations like that. 

Also, it would be appreciated if you can please find out to whom Mr. Ripperda was referring when he wrote ‘discussions about closing Antioch’ in his June 25, 2021, email to Ms. Mortensen.”

More Questions for SJJPA Staff Go Unsanswered

In addition, on August 21st, Talosig was asked many of the same questions posed to Mortensen and a few new ones. She was asked, “Are you claiming that no member of the SJJPA staff took typed or handwritten notes from virtual meetings or phone or conference calls when speaking with anyone else about the possible closure of the Antioch Amtrak station? How does your staff and organization operate, based on memory? Surely that’s not the case.

If you have no records of notes on any communications with anyone on the City of Antioch staff (or any other agency) prior to the emails between Tamika Smith and then-City Manager Johnson in August 2022, about the closure of the Antioch station, even though your top staff claimed to have discussed the matter prior to the emails dated June 25, 2021, then please find out among whom those discussions were held for which they took and kept no notes and left them in the files of the authority. 

Also, what you shared is different than what was previously shared by Manager of Administration Jaclyn Miramontes who wrote, “The estimated date for Oakley is Q4 of 2025” which is a year away, not “some 2.5 to 3 years out.” Has the date since been changed? If so, when and by whom?

Finally, Talosig was asked, “why on such a major issue, did your agency staff not inform the local media in Antioch about the impending board vote at least a week before the meeting so the public could have been informed and could have spoken on the matter during public comments? Will you now adopt that as a policy and practice for the future for communities affected by board votes?”

Talosig responded on Aug. 27th with a few more documents showing emails between current Acting City Manager Kwame Reed and Tamika Smith from Jan. 26th this year. She provided information in response to a question asked during a recent Antioch City Council meeting about the wheelchair lift writing it, “is in place and has been for months, it was previously stolen but is now in place and ready for use. Reed responded by asking her for a time “to discuss the parameters around the decision to close the station.”

But nothing showing any additional documentation about the station closure, who knew about it when and to whom anyone from the SJJPA spoke about it.

Talosig again wrote, “SJRRC will now consider your request closed. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the undersigned.”

She was asked to follow up with Mortensen to obtain answers to the questions posed to her but there has been no further response.

December 2021 Email Thread Shows Discussion of Double Tracking Between Martinez and Antioch

However, one new email thread dated December 13, 2021, was provided in response to the Herald’s latest PRA request to the SJJPA. It shows a brief conversation between then-Senior Planner Paul Herman and Daniel Hartman, a Project Manager at AECOM, an infrastructure consulting firm.

Herman wrote, “We are in discussions with BNSF about the upcoming TIRCP application and I wanted to get a preliminary cost estimate from you for a potential project we are looking at to open up additional double tracking between Martinez and Antioch for the San Joaquins. The project would include a new universal crossover track at CP West Pittsburg between BNSF Stockton Sub and UP Tracy Sub and upgrading of the UP Tracy Sub track from Port Chicago to CP West Pittsburg. The UP track I believe needs PTC and to be upgraded from 40mph to 79mph. This isn’t an urgent item, but I wanted to get it on your radar now so that we can have this information ready in January. If you have some time later this week it may be good for us to do a quick 30 minute session looking at the location and talking the request through.”

TIRCP refers to the California State Transportation Agency’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program. PTC stands for Positive Train Control systems which, according to the Federal Railroad Administration, “are designed to prevent train-to-train collisions, over-speed derailments, incursions into established work zones, and movements of trains through switches left in the wrong position.”

But only double tracking east to the future Oakley station could help keep the Antioch station open.

Amtrak Has No Documentation of Discussions on Station Decommissioning

On July 25, 2024, an Amtrak FOIA Officer responded to the request on July 10th for copies of any and all communications between Amtrak staff and the following agencies / company regarding the closure / decommissioning of the Antioch Amtrak station between January 1, 2019 and March 30, 2023: San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority, including Stacey Mortensen, David Riperda, Tamika Smith, David Lipari, Paul Herman, Autumn Gowan, Kevin Sheridan, and any others, plus, the City of Antioch, City of Oakley and BNSF Railway. (Date Range for Record Search: From 1/1/2019 To 3/30/2023). 

Rebecca Conner, Manager, Records and Information Management wrote, “We have no records responsive to this request.  Amtrak does not own the station in question.”

A new FOIA request was then submitted on Aug. 19, 2024, asking for copies of any and all communications between Amtrak staff and the following agencies / company regarding the Oakley Amtrak station between January 1, 2019 and March 30, 2023: San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority, including Stacey Mortensen, David Riperda, Tamika Smith, David Lipari, Paul Herman, Autumn Gowan, Kevin Sheridan, and any others, plus, the City of Antioch, City of Oakley and BNSF Railway.

There had to have been at least some communication between Amtrak Police and SJJPA staff prior to their board meeting on March 24, 2023, because the SJJPA staff report and presentation on the item regarding the closure of the Antioch station included information on Amtrak Police calls for service at the Antioch station.

Conner was also asked, “Are you claiming Amtrak was never made aware of the station closure before the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority board voted for it on March 24, 2023? Which Amtrak staff members currently work with the SJJPA on the San Joaquins line that serves Antioch? Which staff members worked with them in 2021?” She was reminded that Tamika Smith worked there as the Senior Director, State Supported Services through March 2021 and was asked to provide their contact information, as well.

Conner responded on Aug. 21st, “We do not release names of staff members below the Executive Vice President (EVP) level. You are welcome to file an appeal, but I searched Amtrak for the responsive records and was told what I told you.”

She was then asked, “Even to the media? Are they not allowed to speak with someone from the media?” Conner was then asked to speak with those staff members to determine which of them communicated with SJJPA staff and City of Antioch staff and provide what was discussed and when.

She was also asked, “Do you still have access to Tamika Smith’s emails from when she worked there? Are you required to save email communications from previous staff after they no longer work for Amtrak?”

Because it’s important for both the public, as well as our local and federal elected officials to know, Conner was then asked to find out and ask those who did and/or do work with SJJPA, “Are you claiming Amtrak was never made aware of the Antioch station closure before the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority board voted for it on March 24, 2023?”

She was asked how and to whom to file an appeal and if Amtrak will have a representative at the Sept. 20 meeting of the SJJPA Board to answer questions from the public and/or board members.

Additional Information Requested

Later, the following was added to the second FOIA request: “any notes, written or typed, from any virtual meetings and/or phone or conference calls with any of the following, discussing either the Antioch station or Oakley station between January 1, 2019 and March 30, 2023: San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority, including Stacey Mortensen, David Riperda, Tamika Smith, David Lipari, Paul Herman, Autumn Gowan, Kevin Sheridan, and any others, plus, the City of Antioch, City of Oakley and BNSF Railway.”

Conner responded on Aug. 22nd, “I sent you the only information we have on the Antioch closing” and suggested I communicate further with Olivia Irvin, Senior Public Relations Manager for Amtrak. She responded on Aug. 26th requesting the questions be sent to her. However, an email to her from the Herald with questions to Irvin hoping for a response before this Friday’s SJJPA Board meeting was discovered in this reporter’s Drafts folder on Wednesday night, Sept. 18. Nevertheless, the same questions posed to Conner were sent to her at that time.

Antioch Public Works Department Staff Knew of Closure by May 2022

According to current Acting Public Works Director Scott Buenting, someone informed him by May 2022 that the station was planned to be closed. That’s why the justification for the grant funding sought for the L Street Improvements project in the annual City of Antioch Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget for that year was changed. The language that had been included in previous years’ budgets referring to the Amtrak station was removed from the 2022-27 Draft CIP presented to the city council that month.

That year’s CIP was approved the following month by the council members without the language change for the L Street improvements being mentioned by either staff nor questions asked about it by the council members, during the May 24th meeting when the Draft 5-Year CIP was first presented nor during the June 14, 2022, meeting when the council adopted it.

Buenting was the Project Manager for the L Street Improvements project, and his name was listed on the project’s detail sheet in each year’s CIP since 2018. Then-Public Works Director John Samuelson’s name did not appear in any emails from the PRA request responses, but Buenting’s name did appear, dating back to the discussions of the station building demolition in 2019.

The agenda item, #SM-1, for the May 24, 2022, council meeting, for which District 2 Councilman and then-Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica was absent, reads, “It is recommended that the City Council review and provide feedback to staff regarding the draft 5-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2022-2027.”

When asked by Hernandez-Thorpe about the L Street Improvements project being partially funded, Buenting said, “we do have some grant funding. We will be moving forward with a portion of this project.” In response to the mayor asking, “So, we’re still $9 million short?” Buenting replied, “Yes.” Hernandez-Thorpe then said, “A decade later and we’re still talking about grants.” Buenting responded, “We are somewhat limited to the types of funding we can use for these projects. Grants are the best way to go. But I’m sure we can look into providing some additional options.”

But there was no mention by Buenting or Samuelson, who was in attendance at the meeting, nor were there any questions from the mayor or city council members about the language change in the CIP, eliminating the Amtrak station as justification for the L Street Improvements project grant funds.

(See the 44:00 mark of council meeting video)

During the June 14, 2022, meeting, with the mayor absent and no discussion among or questions from council members, the CIP, item 7 on the agenda, was adopted on a 4-0 vote. (See 3:47:15 mark of council meeting video)

Samuelson, who now works for the City of Pittsburg, did not return phone calls about the matter.

Informed in Spring 2022 at Least Five Months Before City Manager Informed

However, after multiple efforts, when finally reached on Thursday, Sept. 19th, Buenting was asked if the language was changed due to the requirement that the grant funding was no longer tied to transit or if he was told the station would be closing. He explained that the change in the project justification language in the 2022-27 CIP for the L Street Improvements project was due to being informed of the Amtrak station’s impending closure.

“A lot of these conversations I wasn’t privy to,” Buenting stated when asked when he was informed and by whom. “I know that I heard that the Amtrak station was going to close in a meeting somehow. I know it wasn’t from the SJJPA. But I had knowledge of it, and I tried to clean things up in the CIP. I don’t remember when I heard the information.”

“There is a path to transit associated with this,” Buenting continued. “There is the ferry stop. We have transit with TriDelta. That’s what I was making my changes to.” So the grant funding for the L Street Improvements will still meet the requirement that it be tied to transit.

Asked if he would look in his and the department’s files for any notes from any phone or online meeting conversations about the Antioch station closure between June 2021 and May 2022 he responded, “I’ll look and the information will probably be with the city engineer at the time.” (That was Samuelson).

“I know it wasn’t me who had the conversation. I do not recall where I got it,” Buenting reiterated

Johnson Says He Immediately Informed Hernandez-Thorpe in Fall 2022, Says Mayor Directed Him to Not Tell Any Councilmember, Especially Barbanica and Ogorchock, Called them “Racist Karens”

But it wasn’t until September 2022 that then-City Manager Cornelious “Con” Johnson was informed of the Amtrak station closure by SJJPA staff. Following publication of the Herald’s first article about the closure, when did city staff know about it and who approved it, questions were emailed on Thursday, July 18, 2024, to the five council members and Con Johnson:

The councilmembers were asked, “when did you learn the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority was going to vote on closing the Antioch Amtrak station at either their January or March 2023 board meeting?”

Johnson was asked, “did you inform the other four council members at the time you informed the mayor after learning of the proposed closure by Tamika Smith of the SJJPA in September 2022?

Hernandez-Thorpe was asked, “once you learned of it from Con, did you inform the other council members or ask him to do so?”

The councilmembers were also asked, “were you aware that Con and Chief Ford were preparing a presentation for the SJJPA Board meeting in January 2023 and Were you aware the mayor was going to give the presentation at their March 2023 meeting?”

Johnson responded, “Once the SJJPA representative, Ms. Tamika Smith, notified me in September, I immediately contacted and informed Mayor Thorpe. In this matter, Mayor Thorpe was responsible for informing the remaining council members.”

“According to Mayor’s Thorpe’s strict directive to me and other department heads, all administrative matters had to go through and be approved by Mayor Thorpe,” the former city manager continued. “Mayor Thorpe directed me not to notify any council member, especially Councilmembers Michael Barbanica and Lori Ogorchock, who he referred to as ‘racist Karens’ without first seeking his approval. However, it was always my position to notify all the council members in accordance with city ordinances. Mayor Thorpe inferred, meddled and undermined the city manger’s responsibility on a daily basis.”

“In the SJJPA Amtrak closure matter, I informed and updated Mayor Thorpe on all administrative activities,” Johnson stated. “Mayor Thorpe was the sole arbiter, and he exclusively decided what information I should forward to the other city council members.”

“In the matter of council notifications, I don’t know if Mayor Thorpe later notified the other council members as requested by me on the SJJPA tentative decision to close the Antioch Amtrak station,” Johnson shared. “As previously stated, I notified Mayor Thorpe and City Attorney Thomas L. Smith during our weekly face-to-face meetings.”

“On March 17, 2023, the council unanimously voted to place me on administrative leave without either cause or justification. All city manager’s responsibilities were then transferred to the Community Development Director, Forrest Ebb,” the former city manager continued. “While on administrative leave, I was prohibited from making contact with the mayor, city council, city department directors and city staff. Mayor Thorpe, at no point or time, notified or informed me he was going to take over the responsibility of facilitating the previously scheduled presentation at the SJJPA Board meeting on March 24, 2023.”

“It is equally important that Mayor Thorpe was not authorized to give such a presentation because it was the sole responsibility of the city manager, since this matter was an administrative function,” Johnson added.

Only Ogorchock and Barbanica responded.

At Least Two Councilmembers Uninformed of Impending Station Closure Vote, Say They Found Out Through Rumor

Ogorchock responded, “I had no forewarning of the closure of the Amtrak station in Antioch.  I received an email just before the SJJPA’s meeting and happened to open it and saw that our station was on the agenda for closure.  I was in Mexico and logged into the Zoom meeting and listened to the portion of the meeting discussing our closure. Since I was not informed prior to this meeting I was not prepared to comment on this item.  Plus, being out of the country my network was not stable.”

“I had no idea any of this was happening. We were, at least I was, not aware of any presentation that Lamar was planning on giving,” she added.

When reached for comment, Barbanica said, “Con never told me. I’ve been trying to think back of how I learned of it. I know it was not from the city manager, at the time. He did not reveal the information to me. It wasn’t Lamar. If anything, it was mentioned in open session. I think it was an off the cuff comment. Con didn’t tell me about it, nor Lamar told me before I learned more about it through city gossip, not through city channels that it had occurred.”

“I don’t recall Lamar ever reaching out to me,” the District 3 councilman reiterated. “I do remember Lamar mentioning it in public. But that was after it was out to the public. I was never informed by the city or the mayor, anything formal this was occurring. As I recall, when I learned of it initially was through public rumor.”

More Questions for Hernandez-Thorpe Go Unanswered

Johnson’s emailed response was then sent to Hernandez-Thorpe with questions about. The mayor was asked if what the then-city manager said is correct that he immediately notified Hernandez-Thorpe after learning in Sept. 2022 from SJJPA’s Tamika Smith of the proposed closure of the Antioch Amtrak station. The mayor was also asked if what Johnson is also claiming correct that Hernandez-Thorpe directed him to not tell Barbanica and Ogorchock and if he referred to them as “racist Karens” as the reason given the city manager to keep the two council members uniformed.

The mayor was then asked if, as Johnson is claiming, he decided what information the city manager should forward to the other city council members about the Amtrak station closure and other matters, and if Hernandez-Thorpe had given Johnson and other department heads a ‘strict directive’ that all administrative matters had to go through and be approved by the mayor.

Informed that both council members said that he never informed them of the proposed Antioch Amtrak station closure and about the presentation he was preparing to make to the SJJPA Board of Directors, the mayor was asked why not and again, why he didn’t inform the public about it so they could attend the meeting either in person or online to speak against the closure.

But Hernandez-Thorpe did not respond.

Mayor Now Claims He Has Assurances from Board Chair & Member to Keep Station Open, Will Present Plan

As previously reported, last week, Hernandez-Thorpe posted an announcement on his campaign website that he had found a “Path Forward to Keep Antioch Amtrak Station Open” following a September 9th meeting with the chair and a member of the board. However, SJJPA spokesman David Lippari said the “discussion…does not alter the SJJPA board decision” last year to decommission the station.

In his announcement, the mayor wrote, “My office and city staff will develop a plan that I will present to the SJJPA on September 20, 2024, and to the City Council in early October.”

Lippari shared that a, “An information item regarding the Antioch Station has been agendized for the SJJPA board meeting on September 20, 2024.” That agenda item is number 5, listed as Information and entitled, “Antioch Station History and Update,” which will be provided by SJJPA Executive Director Mortensen.

At Least Two Councilmembers Not Informed of Proposed Plan to Keep Station Open

The other four council members were asked on Thursday, Sept. 19th if the mayor or Acting City Manager Reed had informed them of the proposed plan to keep the Amtrak station open. Only Ogorchock and Barbanica responded and both said, “No”.

SJJPA Board Meeting

The joint powers authority Board of Directors meeting will be held this Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Contra Costa County Administration Building in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, 1025 Escobar Street in Martinez. The public will have the opportunity to speak. See the complete meeting agenda packet. To watch the meeting via Zoom, please see instructions, here: SJJPA September 20, 2024 Board Meeting – San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Will present City’s plan to SJJPA Board of Directors during Friday morning meeting in Martinez

SJJPA staff says “discussion…does not alter the SJJPA board decision” to decommission station

By Allen D. Payton

As previously reported, last year, the Board of Directors of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority which oversees the operation of the Amtrak line that runs to and through Antioch voted to decommission the station. Last week, Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe posted an announcement on his campaign website that he had found a “Path Forward to Keep Antioch Amtrak Station Open” following a September 9th meeting with the chair and member of the board. However, SJJPA spokesman David Lippari said the “discussion…does not alter the SJJPA board decision” last year to decommission the station.

The announcement reads, “After a great meeting with the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) and the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), I’m happy to announce that the Authority and Commission have assured me that we are now on a path to keeping the Antioch Amtrak station open.

Although I am optimistic, we must continue to support keeping the station open. I want to thank SJJPA Chair Pat Hume and SJRRC Chair Nancy Young for visiting the Antioch station yesterday and meeting with city staff and me regarding this important matter. 

My office and city staff will develop a plan that I will present to the SJJPA on September 20, 2024, and to the City Council in early October.”

Questions for Mayor, Acting City Manager and SJJPA Staff

Questions were sent to both the mayor and Acting City Manager Kwame Reed about the meeting and for details of the proposed plan asking. They were asked which city staff members were in the meeting and what assurances were given by Directors Hume and Young.

Neither the mayor nor Reed responded prior to publication time.

SJJPA staff were also asked to verify what the mayor shared and for the details of the assurances provided by the board members.

SJJPA Says No Change to Station Closure Plans

In response, Lipari, the SJJPA’s Director of Passenger Experience and Communications, provided the following “statement related to ongoing discussions with the city of Antioch: The SJJPA and the City of Antioch had a recent discussion regarding the future of the Antioch Station. The discussion, which included some members of the SJJPA board leadership and executive team, does not alter the SJJPA board decision but was focused on topics of safety at and around the station. An information item regarding the Antioch Station has been agendized for the SJJPA board meeting on September 20, 2024.”

The agenda item is number 5, listed as Information and entitled, “Antioch Station History and Update”, which will be provided by SJJPA Executive Director Stacey Mortensen.

That information was provided to the mayor and Reed in a further effort asking them to provide what assurances they were given about keeping the station open during last week’s meeting.

The joint powers authority Board of Directors meeting will be held this Friday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Contra Costa County Administration Building in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, 1025 Escobar Street in Martinez. The public will have the opportunity to speak. See the complete meeting agenda packet. To watch the meeting via Zoom, please see instructions, here: SJJPA September 20, 2024 Board Meeting – San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority.

In July, the Antioch City Council voted to adopt a resolution and send a letter to the SJJPA Board opposing the station closure. Friday will be the first opportunity to hear from the board members following receipt of the Council’s letter and for them to hear from the public since their vote to decommission the station and to discuss the City’s proposal to keep it open.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Will be paid $263,880 per year plus benefits

Accusations of racism fly during contentious public comments

“If she was smart, she wouldn’t come because I wouldn’t want to serve none of you all,” Councilwoman Torres-Walker

“What’s wrong with waiting 70 days?” – Councilman Barbanica

“We’ve absolutely done our due diligence.” – Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe

“I basically feel she’s a bright, intelligent woman but I don’t believe she’s qualified for this position.” – Councilwoman Ogorchock

“I was impressed with her knowledge and connections to federal dollars. I’m for all women and all people of color who are pushed to lower positions.” – Mayor Pro Tem Wilson

Also approves $296 per month pay raise for councilmembers, City Treasurer, Clerk after November election

By Allen D. Payton

With just 70 days remaining until the November election during which two new council members will be elected and possibly a new mayor, the Antioch City Council voted 3-2, last night, Tuesday, August 27, 2024, to hire City of Seattle Deputy Director of Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety, Bessie M. Scott as the new city manager with a two-year contract. She will be paid an annual salary of $263,880. (See council meeting video)

Before adjourning to Closed Session to discuss hiring the new city manager, the council, with District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker absent for the roll call, heard from four members of the public about the appointment. Two spoke in favor and two against the hiring of Scott. They referred to articles and comments about several of her controversial and racially divisive comments on social media over the past several years. (See related article)

As expected, the council majority of Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe, Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson and Torres-Walker, who arrived later and in time for the public discussion and vote, approved Scott’s contract, while District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock and District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica, who are not running for re-election in November, voted against.

Future Council Pay Raise

In addition, the council approved on a 4-1 vote, with Ogorchock opposing, an 18.45% pay raise or $296, from $1,604 to $1,900 per month, for a total of $22,800 per year, which will go into effect after the November election. It will benefit the two current councilwomen, and possibly three new council members. The pay raise also applies to the City Clerk and City Treasurer, as well.

Before the vote Ogorchock said, “There are a lot of cities out there that this is volunteer for them. FYI, it is not a stipend, this is a salary.”

“In this city we’ve gone years and years without a pay raise, even with cost increase, fuel costs,” Barbanica argued. “My recommendation is to go with it each cycle. It had been ignored by council for so many years because they were afraid of giving themselves a pay raise. But we’re not giving ourselves a raise. We’re giving the next council a raise. I’m not here, whoever is here you deserve it.”

“Thank you, again Councilmember Barbanica. I am not independently wealthy or retired, so I appreciate the raise,” Torres-Walker said with a laugh.

Public Comments

The first person to speak before Closed Session was resident Mark Jordan, who read form prepared remarks, which he later provided a copy of to Herald. He said, “Now, in the past we’ve had city managers that were a poor fit for Antioch, or who did a less than stellar job; but once again we have you all proposing another individual for city manager who is totally unqualified for the job.

As you well know, during the past few years Antioch has gone through several interim, acting and full-time city managers.  Shouldn’t it be someone who is very well qualified this time?  Someone; who has experience? Someone; who knows our community? 

Unfortunately, today we find ourselves somewhere between a laugh and a tear. We, all of us in Antioch, need a major step toward healing.

This selection gives our city an opportunity to move past the havoc and divisive battles of the past four years.  A chance to start again: with a city manager who can bring a positive way forward and begin to unify our city.

But that is not what you offer our city today.  What we need to be discussing tonight is a positive future for Antioch. 

We had a perfectly qualified assistant city manager that was overlooked and who left Antioch.  Really that was a tragic, great loss for Antioch.

So, as we discuss a new city manager today our city is absent not only the city manager, assistant city manager, economic development director, public works director and police chief; and I could go on and on. 

Antioch cannot continue with the chaos of unfilled positions.  We must blend the old with the new in an effort to unify our community. We need a full-time, experienced individual who can help guide us to mend the wounds we have self-inflicted upon our city of Antioch.

Antioch cannot truly prosper unless we join together and make a selection for all of the citizens of Antioch.  This hire should not be made some 69 days before the election and potential change in council members; but should be made by the incoming members; whoever they may be. 

Even if that requires starting over at step one and beginning fresh.

It is time for everyone to stop being part of Antioch’s self-imposed problems and to become part of Antioch’s next positive chapter. Thank you.”

He was followed by Antioch Police Oversight Commission Member Leslie May saying, “It is time for us to move forward.” She spoke of the police department’s racist text message scandal.

“It’s time we have people in place that can do the job who are well-qualified,” May continued. “She was vetted by an…outside agency. She was chosen as…one of the best of the applicants. To go through this to try to denigrate a woman’s character…you’re really running a thin…legal line.”

“You’ve never laid your eyes on her so, you don’t know what she’s about. You need to get over it,” she added.

She spoke of the “old boys club” and people with “white colored hair, blue eyes…” who opposed the appointment.

The next person to speak, resident Melissa Case, said, “I have reached out to Bessie, respectfully but she did not respond. I don’t care if you hire someone one day before the election if they’re a good fit for our city. The goal is to not further divide.”

“I also reached out to councilmembers to ask about the background check,” she continued. “We’ve had a non-experienced city manager, Con Johnson. How did that work out?”

“It was her Tweet she wrote against mothers,” Case stated. “When you come attacking a certain part of the community…I don’t think that’s right for Antioch. I feel like this is a very significant step backwards…who seems like she’ll perpetuate the division.”

She then spoke of the need to heal the community before concluding her comments.

The final speaker during public comments prior to the Closed Session was resident Devin Williams, who said, “Regardless of the upcoming election, you’ve been elected by the people and have the authority to hire a city manager. You have an opportunity to bring a qualified individual who has gone through a rigorous process. Some past comments made by Ms. Scott should not overshadow her qualifications.”

The meeting began at 5:15 p.m. and the council then adjourned at 5:29 p.m. into the closed-door meeting during which they discussed hiring Scott as city manager for two years and negotiating her salary and benefits, one lawsuit, a possible lawsuit and the performance evaluations for both Acting City Manager Kwame Reed and City Attorney Thomas L. Smith.

There was no reportable action from Closed Session. But the vote to actually hire Scott occurred later during the final item the council dealt with on the meeting agenda.

Public Session Public Comments Get Contentious

During the public session discussion and vote on the city manager appointment, City Human Resources Director Ana Chavez asked the council to “appoint the city manager candidate and discuss the salary and authorize me to sign the agreement or contract.”

During public comments one woman said, “Some of our white counterparts have an issue with her being Black. If you have a problem with African Americans, Blacks being on council, it’s just the beginning. If we have to keep our comments to make you comfortable…I’m standing in the gap for Ms. Bessie…on your white privilege, she is not by herself. To you all thugs, computer thugs. You all want to bring back hanging to Antioch. We’re standing on our principle and we’re not going anywhere. If you’re not comfortable, go somewhere and pray. If all you can see is the color of this lady’s skin, you’re miserable.”

Sandra Wilson said, “I have been a resident of Antioch for over 30 years and…this is the first time I’ve been to the city council meetings. I’m a member of Fellowship Church…which is Black, white, old, young. When I heard you were going to hire someone with the social media posts…It was a red flag for me. If she truly said the things and posted the things she did, there’s racism on her part. There isn’t room in this city for any racism. I would ask if you would vet this more.”

She then mentioned current Acting City Manager Kwame Reed and said, “I would suggest you give it to him.”

Eric Wunderly said, “I’m a longtime resident of Antioch and first time speaking I want to voice my opposition to appoint someone to the city manager position so close to the election an should wait until after the election.”

Eileen Bethany said, “The City of Antioch has had five city managers in the past three years. We have 39 million people in California. Why can’t we find someone here? Why are we paying relocation fees? Something went wrong

It would seem prudent, since there needs to be synergy between the mayor, the council and city manager. Wouldn’t it be more pragmatic to wait until a new mayor or Mr. Thorpe is renewed, in place?”

“The different posts that I’ve seen printed that this particular candidate has made are explosive. I think you should wait,” she said.

Leslie May spoke again, “Why don’t we wait until a white mayor is elected? Ron Bernal is going to get elected. We see what you write. Let’s just call this what it is. This is a race race. We do not want a Black mayor. We want old Antioch back. They’re going to get rid of Bessie Marie Scott. So, you guys talk too much. You give out your game plan.”

Mary Lutz spoke next defending the social media comments by Scott saying she should be “free from unjust scrutiny and bias.”

Resident Dr. Jeffrey Klinginger was one of the few who spoke against hiring Scott saying, “Since 2022…Antioch has seen a parade of city managers. 969 days. Now with only 70 days until the next election and the inevitable change in the city council you want to handicap the city council, now? The future city council might have issues with Ms. Scott’s qualifications who is without even assistant city manager experience. I’m sure she will in time reach the level of expertise. But not today. Antioch has serious challenges ahead. This is no place for a rookie city manager and on the job training. I fear you’re setting her up for failure…and let the new city council select the new city manager. I’m sure Mr. Reed can manage for a few more months.”

During his comments Gavin Payton, a youth leader for the NAACP East County Branch, asked for members of the NAACP to stand up and several people did.

Dr. Kimberly Payton followed her son’s comments saying, “In reflection upon what other people have said…whenever this council tries to get progressive and move the city forward…there’s always a threat of the white cloud riding in. What difference does it make if this person went through the process is white or Black and is qualified? She has more than enough experience. She has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. It’s time out for white privilege.”

An argument among audience members had to be gaveled down by the mayor.

Another woman said, “I just came here to speak on this because of all the people on keyboards, because she said something about Karens and Larrys. But it’s our truth. Yes, I’m going to call you a Karen, because you treated me like that. Yes, I’m going to call you a Larry. When she wrote her comments on her blog that’s her truth. You cannot just put everyone in a box. I mean get a grip. It’s 2024.”

Gigi Crowder spoke next saying, “I didn’t expect for any Christians to come up here and not understand people should belong. African Americans are not given the power…to be racists. I will never go and read anything on Next Door.”

“We’re going to call it what it is. Speaking truth doesn’t make you racist,” said another woman. “Like you tell us all the time, get over it.”

“Don’t listen to the nonsense,” she said to the council members.

Resident Andrew Becker spoke next saying, “People come up and say, ‘you’re not experienced, you’re experienced, I don’t think you have enough experience, you need more experience.’ But has anyone talked to people this person has helped in her community. If you can find success in another region like Seattle, I think you need to bring that success to you.”

“I do not support racism. I do support growth and welcome to Antioch,” he concluded

Lynette Hart spoke last during public comments saying, “From a Human Resource standpoint I want to talk about best practices. The job description has not been updated since 2014. I suggest you have a community panel when you have interviews…to make it a more fair and transparent process.”

Council Discussion Gets Heated

Barbanica was the first to speak during council discussion of the hiring. He said, “I have participated in all of the interviews during this process, and I’ve worked with Acting City Manager Reed for the past year and a half and he’s done everything I’ve asked of him.”

“I think it’s a bad business decision when we know we have three positions…in 70 days this vote goes down,” the councilman continued. “A month and a half ago, I called the mayor…and I asked that he keep City Manager Reed in the position, and we wait until the new council is seated. Then if this person is the best for the position, then fine.”

“If we continue on with the process and bring someone in and 70 days and the direction or personnel on this council change, then as they’re seated, we may look at a change in the city manager position. Nobody wants that. It could be costly. We would be paying a severance,” Barbanica stated. “What is wrong with waiting 70 days? It’s a smart business decision. Leave City Manager Reed in his current position. It’s a very bad business decision this close to an election. If they decide to make a change it will cost taxpayer money…all of us.”

“If the council passes this tonight when will the new city manager start? Two weeks, a month? 30 days before the election?” he asked. “Leave Manager Reed in place.”

“I prefer to do the job I was just re-elected to do,” Torres-Walker stated, speaking next. “There was a…process. There were multiple candidates.”

Then directing her comments at Barbanica she said, “It would be a violation of conversations that happened in a Closed Session.”

“Anything talked about was anything talked about outside of Closed Session,” he responded.

“There was a process. There was only one person who dropped out,” Torres-walker continued. “It was a public, transparent process because we pushed out a community survey and nobody said they don’t want a Black person. You just didn’t engage.”

However, this reporter never knew of or saw any community survey about hiring a new city manager, nor was any announcement about one provided by the City to promote to the Herald’s readers.

“To say this individual is not qualified because you don’t like their opinion…This didn’t have to be divisive,” the councilwoman said.

“If she was smart, she wouldn’t come because I wouldn’t want to serve none of you all,” Torres-Walker exclaimed raising her voice. “Black people and other people of color can be anti-Black.”

She then claimed former city manager, and current candidate for mayor, Ron Bernal said at his campaign kick-off event, “We are at war, and we need to infiltrate the community…that means armed conflict.”

The councilwoman was later asked if she had a copy of a video of Bernal’s speech or if someone told her he said that. Bernal was asked if he said that and, if so, what he meant by it.

Torres-Walker the claimed some people who opposed the hiring of Scott believed, “If you’re not the respectable negro…then we don’t need you, here.”

“There aren’t a lot of Black people nationally who are city managers. There aren’t a lot of women city managers,” she continued. “If you’re going to bring someone who is not from the internal, entrenched corruption of city hall…Do you know what Kwame Reed was told his job was? To keep the boat afloat?”

“I’m not saying everyone here is saying that. No, I don’t think every white person is racist. But I know a racist when I see one,” Torres-Walker concluded.

“I’m sorry. You all look alike,” Hernandez-Thorpe then said jokingly after calling on Wilson while Ogorchock had requested to speak next, at which Torres-Walker laughed.

“It has been a long tedious process,” Ogorchock stated. “I basically feel she’s a bright, intelligent woman but I don’t believe she’s qualified for this position. Could she be an assistant city manager? Absolutely. But I don’t think going straight to a city manager position is right.”

Wilson spoke next about, “The lack of women and women of color who are city managers. I hear constantly, ‘you’ll make a great assistant city manager.’ I had the opportunity to have a follow up conversation with Bessie and I was impressed with her knowledge and connections to federal dollars. That’s what impressed upon me something that has never happened. I’m for all women and all people of color who are pushed to lower positions.”

However, when she and the council had the opportunity to promote then-Assistant City Manager Rosanna Bayon Moore, Hernandez-Thorpe, Torres-Walker and Wilson, instead chose to hire Con Johnson as city manager.

“Thank you everybody for your comments and I’m not going to look at these comments and I never will,” the mayor said.

He then spoke of his opponent in the mayor’s race saying, “The last conversation I had with Ron Bernal was with Monica Wilson…we decided to part ways…because we could not rein in the police department. As we moved on, we hired an interim city manager, Con Johnson who was qualified.”

“I can’t get into the reasons why he’s no longer the city manager, it’s because of some of the nonsense in City Hall and the nonsense in the police department,” the mayor continued. “Forrest Ebbs never wanted to be the city manager. That’s the same conversation I had with Kwame Reed.”

However, Reed was one of the applicants for the permanent city manager position.

The mayor was later asked what he meant by the first sentence of that latter paragraph regarding “nonsense” and if he was referring to Bernal or Johnson. He was also asked if his and Wilson’s meeting with Bernal to discuss his employment violate the Brown Act as it was not done in Closed Session with the other councilmembers present. Hernandez-Thorpe was also asked if what he said publicly about the two former city manager violate their rights as city employees. City Attorney Smith was also asked the same questions. However, he is out of the office until Tuesday, Sept. 3, so the questions were sent to the department’s assistant city attorneys. Bernal and Johnson were also asked similar questions.

Speaking of Barbanica’s position on opposing the hiring of Scott, Hernandez-Thorpe said, “It was in the context of, ‘I have these concerns, Mr. Mayor, about this candidate. I went to Seattle and met with a host of representatives and most of them were white women. Everything I’ve heard in this room doesn’t even come close to who this woman is. She brings people together…that was what recommendations said.”

“Councilman Barbanica had the opportunity to come with me, but he decided not to,” the mayor said.

“I went above and beyond to make sure we’re picking the right person,” he continued. “We’ve absolutely done our due diligence. If you’ve heard it any other way, you’ve got it wrong.”

“Let’s clear some things. Mr. Mayor you asked me to go with you and I said, ‘I’ll try to arrange my schedule’ and I asked you to call me to tell me when you planned to go. I’m still waiting for that call. But none of this stuff had even come up. So, what I did instead, I got on the phone with Bessie and the city attorney on the phone and did a second interview.”

“You absolutely had other concerns, Mike,” the mayor stated.

Barbanica interrupted him.

“Let me speak. I heard you, you’ll hear me,” Hernandez-Thorpe said.

“First off, don’t talk to me that way,” Barbanica shot back.

City Attorney Smith then interjected and warned them not to share what was said in Closed Session in violation of the Brown Act state open meeting law.

“You then said we should all resign,” Hernandez-Thorpe stated.

“After the Grand Jury report came out, yes, I did,” Barbanica responded.

Torres-Walker then moved approval of appointing Bessie M. Scott as city manager with a Step B salary of $263,880 annually and moving expenses of up to $20,000, seconded by Wilson. The motion passed 3-2.

The council then voted to table the remaining items on the agenda until a future meeting, including responding to the Civil Grand Jury report and to adjourn the meeting shortly after 11:00 p.m.

All five council members were later asked if they had seen the questions in the survey and the responses and to provide a copy of each. They were also asked why Scott wasn’t in attendance at the meeting for the public to meet her before their vote and informed that the city manager hiring process in the late 1990’s included a public interview session with the candidate during a council meeting. City Attorney Smith and HR Director Cortez were asked how many candidates applied, how many were interviewed by the council and how many had withdrawn from the process, and how many responses did the survey receive and how did it guarantee only Antioch residents participated. They were all also asked for Scott’s start date.

UPDATE 1: Regarding her comment about Bernal Torres-Walker responded, “A concerned citizen sent me a link from Ron’s Facebook page so you should find it there. I was surprised to hear this kind of rhetoric because it doesn’t scream unity to say this election is going to be a war given the definition. My question is what did he mean?”

She also said, “As for the survey, it was published months ago on the city’s website and over social media, and the results were viewed by the council.”

UPDATE 2: The councilwoman, known for her own long-winded, bombastic diatribes from the dais, including during last night’s meeting, was referring to and ironically twisting the battle-themed campaign rhetoric stated in a video posted on Bernal’s campaign Facebook page on March 9th of his speech during the kick-off event earlier this year. In greater context he said, “Our campaign motto was chosen carefully which is ‘Change Starts Today’ and I want people to know that as we go out into this community, because it’s going to be a war and we’re going to infiltrate Antioch, I want people, I want to first of all, I want to listen to what people have to say. I want to hear their concerns, I want to hear their problems and want to see what we can do to help, immediately. But then before we tell them what we’re going to do about changing this city, but I want people to know they’re going to have hope. That’s the main thing that I think is missing in Antioch right now, is people cannot hope for a better tomorrow. I want to see our city be a place that can be safe. I want us to hold our heads high and be proud that we’re from Antioch.”

Please check back later for any additional updates to this report.

By Allen D. Payton

Adding to the tenant protections previously passed, during their meeting on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, on a 5-0 vote, the Antioch City Council approved a Just Cause Eviction ordinance limiting the ability of landlords to evict tenants except for specific reasons and, if they do, the landlord must give notice to both the tenant and the City and pay for the tenant’s relocation costs. The ordinance was negotiated between representatives of tenants, community organizations, the apartment owners’ association, city council and staff members.

According to the city staff report on the item, State law requires “just cause” for a landlord to evict a tenant who has continuously and lawfully occupied a residence for at least 12 months. The California Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (“TPA”) limits rent increases and places restrictions on landlords’ ability to evict tenants, unless the eviction is as a result of a “just cause” that is defined by state law. The TPA also imposes certain notice and language requirements, “Just cause” includes “at-fault” evictions for wrongful or malicious conduct by tenants and “no-fault” evictions, such as when a property owner or their immediate family move into an otherwise occupied unit, remove a unit from the rental market, or when a landlord intends to demolish or “substantially remodel” a unit.

The city’s ordinance extends the time to 24 months after eviction for the former tenant to have first-right-of-refusal be offered from the landlord to rent the unit, again, without an increase in rent more than the allowable increases under state law and city ordinances.

In addition, under the City’s ordinance, if the tenant hasn’t done anything wrong, but the landlord is asking them to move out, then they must both notify the city and pay for the tenant’s relocation costs, in an “amount equal to two times the Tenant’s monthly rent in effect when the Landlord served the notice to terminate the tenancy.”

The city staff report claims the ordinance will require an additional city staff member and “increased future workloads for the City Attorney’s Office related to new inquiries and requests for services from tenants and landlords.”

For the public hearing there was only a proponent to speak in favor of the ordinance, but no opponent to speak against it. The proponent, an attorney, said, “Under Antioch’s new ordinance, everyone has just cause for eviction protections,” speaking specifically of renters.

Several members of the public spoke in favor of the ordinance, including representatives of ACCE Action and Rising Juntos Antioch and two council candidates in District 3, Addison Peterson and Antwon Webster.

During council member discussion of the ordinance, District 1 Councilwoman Torres-Walker said, “Now everyone in Antioch is covered.”

“Thank you all for pushing us,” Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson said. “We finally made it, but we have to keep on keeping them honest.”

Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe thanked, “the attorneys and everyone who participated in the meetings. This is a big deal for the community.” He mentioned it took almost four years to get the ordinance developed and adopted.

Following council discussion, the ordinance passed on a unanimous vote.

The audience erupted with cheers and shouts of, “Si, se puede” which means, “yes, we can.”

See City of Antioch Just Cause Eviction ordinance.