The City of Antioch is launching the Chief of Police Recruitment Online Community Forum, and your voice matters!
Date: March 3, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM Where: Online via Zoom
We’re looking for your input on the qualities and qualifications you want to see in our next Antioch Police Chief. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of our police department!
Join the meeting by scanning the QR code on the post or clicking here: Zoom Link
Your participation makes a difference—let’s build a stronger, safer Antioch together!
Contra Costa voters polled support two of three options; want potholes fixed on local streets, improved traffic flow and safety
Members of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)’s and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)’s Joint Legislation Committee heard, on Friday, Feb. 14, the results of a January 2025 poll of Bay Area voters conducted by Oakland-based EMC Research on options for a potential transportation tax measure that could avert deep service cuts by BART, San Francisco Muni, Caltrain and other transit agencies; and could spur implementation of the Bay Area Transit Transformation Action Plan to improve the customer experience for transit riders. State senators Scott Wiener of San Francisco and Jesse Arreguín of Berkeley last month introduced Senate Bill 63 to authorize placement of such a measure on the November 2026 ballot.
EMC Research, Inc. conducted the poll of 3,050 Bay Area voters to test support and overall attitudes regarding a potential transportation revenue measure, including a three-way split sample to test three different funding frameworks. They included the following:
Scenario 1A: A 10-year 1/2-cent sales tax focused on averting major transit service cuts and providing funding for Transit Transformation, generating at least $560 million annually and
Hybrid: A 30-year 1/2-cent sales tax plus $0.09 per building sq.ft. parcel tax including at least five counties and up to nine, providing a higher level of funding for transit operations in early years, funding for Transit Transformation, plus flexibility for local infrastructure priorities.
Variable Rate: ½-cent to 7/8-cent (0.875) sales tax for transit for 11 years, as proposed by San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, generating at least $640 million annually focused on transit operations with the goal of more fully addressing transit agencies’ operating funding needs. Note that this framework was included to maximize efficiencies and ensure “apples to apples” comparison of polling results. SFMTA is funding this portion of the poll.
The poll found that a majority (54%) of voters in the four counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco and San Mateo would vote yes on a half-cent sales tax to avoid major transit cuts to BART, Caltrain, Muni and AC Transit. It also found majority support (55%) in these four counties for a variable tax option that included a half-cent sales tax in Contra Costa, Alameda and San Mateo and a higher (0.875 cent) sales tax in San Francisco.
In Contra Costa County the results of 600 total voters polled, with 200 for each option, initially showed 53% support for Scenario 1A: 10-year 1/2-cent sales tax, 51% support for the Hybrid option and 54% support for the Variable Rate. But after hearing more information and opposition, 56% of Contra Costa voters opposed the Hybrid option, 53% supported the Variable Rate and just 51% supported the 1/2-cent sales tax.
“While it’s good to see most voters would support a measure of these types, support is well below the two-thirds threshold that would be required if MTC were to place the measure on the ballot,” noted MTC Commissioner and Pleasant Hill City Councilmember Sue Noack. “This means any near-term path would need to be via a citizen’s initiative, which would require a broad coalition to gather the needed signatures as well as strong campaign leadership.”
The poll results show transportation ranks comparatively low on the list of voters’ concerns when respondents were asked an open-ended question (affordable housing, drugs/crime and homelessness top the list) but awareness of the post-pandemic challenges faced by transit agencies is high, with over two-thirds of the voters polled saying Bay Area public transit needs more funding.
“Transit has an irreplaceable role in our region, being the only source of transportation for many essential workers, people of color, and working-class families,” added Senator Arreguín. “As we continue our recovery from the pandemic, securing funding to public transit is required to ensure a stronger, more resilient economy for all of us in the Bay Area.”
A third tax framework for which EMC Research polled Bay Area voters involved a measure that would be funded by a combination of a half-cent sales tax and a 9-cents per square foot parcel tax over 30 years to funds pothole repairs and highway improvements in addition to transit improvements. Support for this framework started at 51 percent but dipped to 44 percent after respondents heard opposing arguments.
MTC in December 2024 approved several policy provisions for inclusion in state legislation that would enable voters to consider a future ballot measure. These include requiring stronger oversight of transit agencies’ financial information and requiring transit agencies to adopt policies to help improve the transit customer experience as a condition for receiving new funds.
About MTC MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. The full presentation delivered to the MTC-ABAG Joint Legislation Committee may be accessed on the MTC website.
Three awards to be presented during luncheon including “Visionary Leadership” Award to Contra Costa DA Diana Becton
By Jennifer Adams, Senior Executive Assistant, President’s Office, Los Medanos College
Los Medanos College will host its 2nd Annual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Three people will receive the 2025 Los Medanos College MLK Awards: • “Visionary Leadership” Award – Diana Becton | District Attorney for Contra Costa County • “Beloved Community” Award – Kolette Simonton | Director of Recreation for the City of Pittsburg • “Emerging Leadership” Award – Annisha Geran | LMC Alumna, School Site Council Chairperson at MLK, Jr. Junior High School & School Site Council Vice Chairperson at Pittsburg High School The awards will be presented during the luncheon that day.
The “Visionary Leadership” Award recognizes a member of the eastern Contra Costa County community who embodies Dr. King’s strengths as a transformational, servant leader. Dr. King inspired others to shape the future articulated in his vision. He focused on the well-being, growth, and empowerment of others and the community he served. Dr. King said, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable … Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” This award recognizes local leaders who have demonstrated the courage to speak up when needed, to step up when no one else would, and to lift others whose efforts would serve the greater good.
The “Beloved Community” Award is inspired by the term popularized by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and is presented to a local resident who has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to service. As noted by The King Center, the “Beloved Community” is a global vision in which: all people can share in the wealth of the earth; poverty, hunger, and homelessness will not be tolerated; racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry, and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood; and love and trust will triumph over fear and hatred.” Recipients of this award demonstrate agape love, which Dr. King described as “understanding, redeeming goodwill for all” – a love “seeking to preserve and create community.”
The “Emerging Leadership” Award is given to an LMC student or alumna/us who exemplifies the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and, within the last year, has made a significant impact on the LMC campus or in the local community in the areas of advocacy and social justice. Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” – and these emerging leaders are already demonstrating that commitment to service.
RSVPs for the luncheon are no longer being accepted.
About LMC Los Medanos College is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. • The Pittsburg Campus boasts 120 acres, a lake, advanced library, science, math and student union buildings. • The Brentwood Center, which opened May 2022, is nestled on 17.5 acres along the rolling hills of the City of Brentwood. • The college offers more than 90 transfer and career-technical programs of study to help students achieve a lifetime of higher earnings. • Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. LMC is located at 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. The Brentwood Center is located at 1351 Pioneer Square.
Lori Ogorchock (source: 2024 campaign) and Mike Green (source: LinkedIn).
Lori Ogorchock, Mike Green are 2024 Citizens of the Year
By Allen D. Payton
The Antioch Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of the annual awards for 2024.
• Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement – Former Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock • Citizen of the Year for Most Impact- Mike Green • Small Business of the Year- Mike’s Pastry • Large Corporate Business of the Year – Travis Credit Union • Non-Profit of the Year – RCF Connects • Student of the Year – Mina Aljanaby, Dozier-Libbey Medical High School student
More details on each winner will be provided by the Chamber later.
An additional Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement will be posthumously to the late Jimmy Bean, a former business owner and community leader, who passed away in December. (See obituary, here)
All seven award winners will be honored at the Chamber’s Annual Gala at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center on Saturday, March 28. Tickets are $85 per person or $680 for a table of eight and are available on the Chamber’s website at www.AntiochChamber.com.
To be honored posthumously with Antioch Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement Award at annual Chamber Gala
Jimmy Gray Bean, born, October 12, 1939, in Pleasant Garden, N.C. passed away December 26, 2024, at age 85 in Antioch, CA. Jimmy is survived by his spouse Jane, children, Laura, Mark, Ken and Regina, plus eight Grandchildren: Danielle, Kris, Carl, Cheyenne, Nicole, Robbie, Brianna and Melissa, and seven Great Grandchildren: Anthony, Alexis, Aubry, Madison, Ashley, Magnum and Jordan. Jimmy dedicated his life to his family as well as his community.
He served in the National Guard in his home state of North Carolina then as a business owner and life-long member of the Antioch Lions Club as well as the Chamber of Commerce and Delta Advocacy. Jimmy owned the A Street Chevron station for many years. He also owned the Bridgehead Chevron Station and the Chevron Station near Somersville Towne Center.
He loved his family, golf, taking photos, wine, Elvis, celebrating accomplishments and assisting anyone in their time of need.
Friend Martha Goralka shared, “Jimmy was a life-long member of the Antioch Chamber of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce. He always paid his bill on time and when we suddenly had to close and volunteers had to make calls to see if members were willing to continue their membership, I was assigned to call Jimmy Bean. He said ‘yes, of course I want to continue,’ and paid immediately! My boss at the Daily Ledger, Bob Smith, always said Jimmy was an amazing man who put community first and was a self-made man. Bob thought very highly of Jimmy Bean.” She also mentioned that during the annual County Fair, Jimmy volunteered in the Lion’s Club beer booth.
Mike Green of the Delta Advocacy Foundation said, “Jimmy was one of our esteemed Spearhead members, alongside Leo Fontana, Jack Roddy and Gordan Gravelle. He was actively involved during the organization’s early years and played a significant role in its growth, eventually part of the organization becoming a million-dollar donor. His contributions were instrumental in all our major fundraisers. Jimmy ensured we had ice and that the Lion’s Club was available to help serve food and beer.”
“In honor of Jimmy and his dedication to the Lion’s Club, Delta Advocacy is purchasing a $9,000 vision assessment tool. This will enable the Lions of Byron and Brantwood to conduct vision screenings for elementary students in their communities.
“Without question, Jimmy’s life leaves behind a lasting legacy—an example for all of us to follow.”
According to friend George Boring, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce will be honoring Jimmy with the Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement Award at their annual Gala on March 28, 2025.
A celebration of the life and times of Jimmy Bean was held on Feb. 8, 2025, at the VFW Hall in Antioch. In lieu of flowers, donations can go to the Antioch Lions Club, P.O. Box 324, Antioch, CA 94509.
Help shape the future of Antioch’s Police Leadership! También en Español
By Antioch Police Department
The City of Antioch is searching for its next Police Chief, and we want your input! Join us for a Community Meeting to share what qualities and experience you believe are essential for our city’s next law enforcement leader.
Thursday, February 20, 2025 6:30 PM Antioch Police Department (Community Room) 300 L Street, Antioch
This is your chance to shape the future of public safety in Antioch—don’t miss it!
En Español
¡Ayuda a dar forma al futuro del liderazgo policial de Antioch!
La ciudad de Antioch busca a su próximo Jefe de Policía y queremos conocer tu opinión. Únete a nuestra Reunión Comunitaria para compartir las cualidades y la experiencia que consideras esenciales en el futuro líder de nuestras fuerzas de seguridad.
Jueves, 20 de febrero de 2025 6:30 PM Departamento de Policía de Antioch (Sala Comunitaria) 300 L Street, Antioch
¡Esta es tu oportunidad de moldear el futuro de la seguridad pública en Antioch—no te lo pierdas!
For ages 10-17 Meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 7:00-8:00 PM
By Jeremy Gamez
Antioch girls’ Scouting troop starting. This is part of Scouting America, not Girl Scouts. We have a meet-and-greet for girls who are interested in forming a girls’ troop. This is for females interested in Scouting This is for ages 10-17.
