Join us this Halloween for some fun at Antioch Wesleyan Church. We will have a bounce house, popcorn, trunks full of candy and time for you to come and enjoy.

Antioch Wesleyan Church is located at 2800 Sunset Lane in Antioch. For more information about the church, visit www.antiochwesleyan.com or the church’s Facebook page or call (925) 778-8056.

93rd stolen vehicle stopped on Wednesday; motor vehicle thefts already more than last year with two-and-a-half months remaining, continue to increase year after year

By Allen D. Payton

According to a Facebook post on the Antioch Police Department page, “Your Antioch Patrol Officers and CSO’s have been busy in October! In the first 19 days of this month, they have located 92 stolen cars and returned them to their owners! They made multiple ARRESTS of car thieves and are not slowing down!

We hear you, and we are working 24/7 to slow the uptick in car thefts in our area. Together we can tackle any problem!”

A 93rd stolen vehicle was stopped on Railroad Avenue near A Street and the driver was arrested on Wednesday, according to Captain Joe Vigil.

According to the APD Crime Statistics, so far this year, through September there have been 1,292 motor vehicle thefts in Antioch surpassing last year’s total. Plus, the 93 in October brings the total to 1,385.

That compares to 1,245 in 2023 when it increased by 91.5% over 2022 when 650 motor vehicle thefts occurred in Antioch and 552 in 2021.

By Chris Toler, Fire Captain, PIO, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Contra Costa Fire) is excited to announce the 2024 Contra Costa Fire Annual Open House. The media and community are welcome and encouraged to attend this family-friendly event to see Contra Costa Fire up close. Multiple live demonstrations are scheduled. The live demonstrations are designed to display many of the services provided by Contra Costa Fire. The public will also have access to fire engines, meet firefighters, learn how to be fire safe and have the opportunity to ask questions.

All attendees, please adhere to parking signage and instructions. Free parking for the event is being provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 2930 Treat Blvd. The church is located directly across the street from the training grounds.

WHERE: Contra Costa Fire Training and Safety Division, 2945 Treat Blvd., Concord

WHEN: Saturday, October 19, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

About Con Fire – Contra Costa Fire provides fire and emergency medical services to more than 770,000 residents in 12 cities (Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Lafayette, Martinez, Oakley, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Pablo and Walnut Creek) and 10 unincorporated areas across our expanded 553 square-mile jurisdiction. The District comprises 34 fire stations, 40 companies and more than 500 employees. Through our unique ambulance Alliance, the District delivers EMS and ambulance transport services to much of Contra Costa County. Contra Costa Fire remains dedicated to preserving life, property, and the environment.

Over $34K raised since last November, Rocha started his campaign in July

Most of King’s funds are from unions, most of Rocha’s are from within Antioch

By Allen D. Payton

In the fundraising battle for the Antioch City Council District 2 race on the November ballot, with one month remaining as of Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Dominique King has raised $34,574 compared to $22,912.13 for Louie Rocha. King started her campaign in Sept. 2023 and received her first reportable contribution last November while Rocha didn’t form his campaign committee until July and received his first reportable contribution on August 21st.

King’s Campaign Cash

King’s campaign cash contributions were $11,755 for the period plus, an additional $4,700 reported after Sept. 21st using a required Form 497, for a total of $16,455 raised this year. The total includes $777 in loans from herself. On the Schedule B – Part 1, Loans Received page of her Form 460 King lists herself as “Columnist, Clayton Pioneer Newspaper,” not as the owner of Lean In With The Kings, the business for which her three ballot designations apply as her primary profession and source of income, including the controversial term “Educator”, as previously reported. Add in the $5,342 that she raised last year, and it brings King’s total received to $34,574, placing her in first in the fundraising battle of all five council candidates, including the three in District 3. (See related article)

The Antioch Parks and Recreation Commission Chair’s largest contributions were $5,860 from the International Brotherhood of Boilermaker Iron Ship Builders Blacksmith Forgers and Helpers Local 549 which exceeded the state maximum contribution limits for council candidates in cities with no local campaign finance limits, and the state Fair Political Practices Commissions’ (FPPC’s) Rules by $360. As such, she will have to return that amount to be in compliance.

Like Addison Peterson in the District 3 race, King received $2,500 from Sander Straus of Lafayette, listed as retired, but according to InfluenceWatch.org, he is a “mathematician and financial investment consultant who is a major donor to Democratic Party candidates and…a major contributor to progressive-left immigration, social policy, and environmental organizations;” $1,500 from Operating Engineers 3 District 20 of Concord, $1,200 from Northern California Carpenters Regional Council Power in Sacramento, $1,000 each from Contra Costa United Working Families of Oakland and U.A. (Plumbers-Steamfitters-Refrigeration Union) Local 342 in Concord, and $500 each from Plumbing Industry Consumer Protection Fund in Martinez and Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund in New York, NY, which is the political arm of Moms Demand Action, of which King is a local member.

Of the $14,560 reportable contributions received by King’s campaign, only $100 was from within Antioch, $2,900 was from outside, $11,060 was from unions and $500 from a Political Action Committee (PAC).  She also received a total of $1,418 in contributions of less than $100 each.

King spent $12,268.20 during the period for a total of 19,951.90 this year. With the $210.14 spent last year that brings her total to $20,162.04 spent on King’s campaign through Sept. 21st.

Her campaign’s largest expenditures include $3,325.00 to Eldridge Political Partners in San Jose for professional services, covering her Treasurer Jordan Eldridge and Assistant Treasurer Vincent Hernandez, $2,500 to Iconic Strategies Inc. of Hayward for consulting, $1,688 to Budget Watchdogs and Voter Newsletter of Torrance and $918 to CA Slates in Long Beach all for slate mailers, $900 to Political Data Inc. of Norwalk, $772.86 to AABCO Printing of Concord and $750 to Borja Plus of San Leandro for walk piece design.

King, Eldridge and Hernandez were all asked about the International Brotherhood of Boilermaker’s contributions exceeding the limits, if she will have to return the $360 or if there is an exception for unions that are not apparent in the FPPC’s rules. They were also asked, if the rules do apply to unions, were they aware the second contribution received on August 22nd exceeded the limits, did the campaign “return…the portion in excess within 72 hours of receipt” as required and if they weren’t aware, did they return the $360 “within 14 days of receipt” to be in compliance.

The return of funds is not accounted for on King’s Form 460 for the period, so, they were asked if the amount does exceed the limits, will they now return the excess amount and submit a Form 460 Amendment.

Following no response from the candidate and her treasurers, the questions were then sent to King’s campaign consultant Crystal Araujo who responded, “Our treasurer has received your message and is looking into it. However, given the time of the season we need your patience.” Less than 30 minutes later Eldridge responded, “The contribution has already been refunded. It will show as such on next report.”

King had an Ending Cash Balance of $9,514.86 for the period. But with the additional $4,700 received after Sept. 21st and the return of the $360 that left her campaign with $13,854.86 remaining to spend. See King’s Form 460 0701-092124, Form 497 100124 and Form 497 100924

Rocha’s Receipts

King’s opponent, former Antioch High School principal, Louie Rocha received $17,912.13 during the period including $1,868.13 in nonmonetary contributions. He also received $5,000 after Sept. 21st for a total of $22,912.13 received during the campaign.

His largest contributions included the aforementioned $5,000 from Jessica Fernandez of Antioch, a Registered Nurse with Sutter Hospital, $3,000 from his mother Antioch School Board Trustee Mary Rocha’s campaign committee, $2,500 from Republic Services – Awin Management, Inc. of Phoenix, AZ, Antioch’s garbage company; $2,000 from former Antioch High track and field coach Michael Hurd of Antioch, listed as retired, in-kind contributions of $1,200 from My Legacy Matters, Inc. of Vallejo for postcards and $532.95 from Netbrands Media Corporation Houston, TX for yard signs; $500 from former Antioch High Athletic Director Steve Sanchez of Oakley, listed as retired and Earlene Lanter of Antioch, listed as self-employed with Jim Lanter, State Farm Insurance in Antioch. Rocha received $250 from City Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock’s 2022 re-election campaign committee and $150 from the councilwoman, as well as $250 from Don Freitas, both listed as retired.

Of the $17,647 raised in reportable contributions of $100 or more, he received $12,048 from within Antioch and $5,599 from outside the city. He received $897 total in contributions of less than $100 each.

The first-time candidate’s campaign spent $16,813.86 during the filing period and his largest expenditures were for $4,800 to Mesa Outdoor Billboard for Hwy 4 sign advertising, $3,712.52 to JB Services in Martinez for literature, $2,439.13 to My Legacy Matters, Inc. of Vallejo for signs and literature and $1,300 to Election Digest and Senior Advocate in Torrance, CA for slate mailers,

Rocha’s campaign had an Ending Cash Balance of $1,098.27 for the period plus, the $5,000 received on Oct. 15th leaving him with $6,097.27 remaining to spend. See Rocha’s Form 460 0701-092124 and Form 497 101524

Next Reports Due Oct. 24th

According to the California Secretary of State, the next reporting period ends on Oct. 19th and the candidates’ campaign committees must submit another Form 460 by Oct. 24th. All the campaign finance reports for mayor and city council candidates can be found on the City of Antioch Public Portal for Campaign Finance Disclosure.

The election is November 5th.

Including a fancy dress Pet Pawrade!

Join us for our Howl-O-Ween Pawty at Antioch Animal Services, Thursday, Oct 31st 3:00-6:00 p.m.

Extended adoption hours! Fancy dress Pawrade at 4:00 p.m. – bring your leashed dogs! 

The event will include music and treats (for furry and human kids), vendors, fun and games – animal related, a chance to talk to our staff, volunteers and rescue partners and shelter tours… is that a ghost or a husky?

Antioch Animal Services is located at 300 L Street next to the Police Facility. For more information visit Animal Services.

For Furry Friends Pet Relief, Saturday from 10-4pm, Pet and Kids Costume Contests

The event presented by Hot Rods 4 Paws and Celebrate Antioch Foundation will be held on W. 2nd and G Streets in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown Business District. The benefit for Furry Friends Pet Relief will offer fun for the whole family, with:

• Trunk or Treating
• Store to Store Trick or Treating
• Music
• Food
• Artisan Vendors
• Beautiful Automobiles!
• Pet Costume Contest 11:30am
• Kids Costume Contest 12pm

Free Entry and Parking! Come in costume and join the fun! To be an Artisan Vendor visit Rivertown Trunk or Treating Car Show – Celebrate Antioch Foundation.

Plus, continuing crisis response team, expanding ShotSpotter coverage area, park improvements, more; new city manager’s first meeting in role

By Allen D. Payton

During new City Manager Bessie Mae Scott’s first meeting in her position on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the second to last one before the election, the Antioch City Council will consider spending $500K for a Violence Reduction Initiative, voting to spend  $2.1 million to extend the crisis response team through next October, accept a $740,000 federal award to expand the City’s ShotSpotter coverage areas; continue the police officer recruiting incentive program and expand it to dispatchers; spending $1,577,200 for Marchetti Park Renovations and close to $337,000 for the new Jacobsen Park playground; discuss revisions to the overnight camping ordinance and adopting a community policing resolution.

Violence Reduction Initiative

According to the City staff report for the proposed Violence Reduction Initiative (item 10), following the 15 shootings in September that resulted in the deaths of two young Antioch men, the council is being asked to adopt a resolution “Authorizing the payment of double-time for Antioch Police Officer’s Association Members for working extra shifts in designated areas of the City to reduce violence as directed by the Chief of Police or his/her designee; 2) Authorizing the City Manager to enter into agreements, approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office, to pay regional municipalities $200 per hour to send officers to work shifts in designated areas to reduce violence; and 3) Allocating up to $500,000 to fund this violence reduction initiative.”

Police Officer & Dispatch Recruiting Incentive Program

The council will consider continuing the existing Police Officer Recruiting Incentive Program and introduce a $10,000 signing bonus for newly hired Police Dispatchers. (Item 1) They would be paid in two increments: $5,000 upon successful completion of the Dispatch Training Program and $5,000 upon successful completion of two (2) years of employment with the City of Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center. The council is also asked to authorize the necessary budget through June 30, 2025, of up to $350,000 to cover the program costs.

Community Policing Resolution Expands Definition, Scope

Under agenda item 3, at the request of District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, the council will consider adopting a Community Policing resolution as the “Operant and Dominant Policing Philosophy of the City of Antioch.”

It would change and expand the traditional definition of community policing which is the system of allocating police officers to particular areas so that they become familiar with the local inhabitants. It also expands on the 2012 report by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services which defines community policing as “a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies that support the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime.”

Instead, the Whereas clause at the end of Torres-Walker’s draft resolution includes the following proposed language:

“Community policing is a comprehensive philosophy that guides policy and strategy aimed at achieving more effective and efficient crime control, reduced fear of crime, improved quality of life, and improved police services and police legitimacy through a proactive reliance on community resources that seeks to change crime causing conditions. This assumes a need for greater accountability of police, elected community leaders, and the community in general, along with greater public share in decision-making through the identification of service needs and priorities and a greater concern for civil rights and liberties.”

Meeting Details

The Council meeting inside the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, begins with a Closed Session at 6:00 p.m. to discuss three legal matters including a lawsuit, a possible lawsuit and negotiations with Con Fire regarding property located at East 18th and Wilson Streets.

The regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. and can be viewed live on Comcast channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99, or live stream on the City’s website.

See the entire meeting agenda packet.

The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (CoCoTax) invites you to attend a Luncheon, Board and Members’ Meeting at Denny’s Restaurant 1313 Willow Pass Road, Concord, on Friday October 25, 2024, from 11:45 am to 1:10 pm.

Please register in advance on the CoCoTax website where you can pay online or bring cash or check on Friday and pay at the door-$25 for members, $30 for guests.

About Our Speaker: Debora Allen

Debora Allen was first elected to the BART Board of Directors in 2016 and re-elected in November 2020, representing eight cities in central Contra Costa County’s District 1. She leaves the BART Board at the end of this year having led the charge for improved fare gates, safe and reliable transit, and fiscal sanity.

In her lunch time remarks to CoCoTax, Debora will look back on her time on the BART board and discuss the transit district’s future.

Debora has over 30 years of financial and business management experience in both private and public sectors, primarily in construction and real estate industries. She received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (accounting) from CSU Sacramento and completed numerous continuing professional education courses in the areas of financial audit, taxation, accounting systems, institutional investing, and pension administration. She practiced as a Certified Public Accountant in California for almost 20 years and currently still holds an inactive CPA license.

Prior to election to BART, Debora spent decades volunteering on boards in youth sports programs, taxpayer oversight groups, and other non-profits including six years as a pension board trustee for the Contra Costa County Employees’ Retirement Association. 

Since 2016, she served on regional transportation boards including Capitol Corridor JPA, Contra Costa Transportation Authority, West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee, CCTA Accessible Transportation Strategic Policy Advisory Committee, and the Pleasant Hill BART Leasing Authority.  She has also served on several BART Board subcommittees.

For more information call (925) 289-6900 or email info@cocotax.org.