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Torres-Walker absent again; Wilson also absent

Ogorchock calls for investigation into, termination of City’s PIO

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch City Council, with Mayor Pro Tem Torres-Walker was absent for a second meeting in a row and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson was also absent, approved about $50,000 in grants to community groups and supported pursuing an electric car sharing program. In addition, along with the city manager and city attorney, the council members offered their farewell remarks to Assistant City Manager Rosanna Bayon Moore who is leaving Antioch for her new position as Piedmont City Administrator.

City Clerk Ellie Householder was also absent and explained the reason by posting an announcement on her official Facebook page earlier in the day.

“Hello everyone. My beloved dog, Sheena, is very sick. And thus, I will not be at tonight’s City Council. Thank you for everyone’s kindness and compassion during this difficult time,” she wrote.

Ogorchock Calls for Investigation, City’s PIO to Be Let Go

During Council Committee Reports and Communications, District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock shared concerns about the City’s public information officer, Rolando Bonilla, and him sending out a press release with information falsely attributed to Police Chief Steve Ford. (See related article)

“I would like to ask for an investigation. Who wrote the letter and how it was presented to (City Manager) Con Johnson,” she said. “If he is not let go, he needs to be.”

Approves 2022-2023 Civic Enhancement Grant Program Awards

During the Consent Calendar portion of the meeting the council approved on a vote of 3-0 almost $49,715 in grants to nine community organizations from the 2022-2023 Civic Enhancement Grant Program out of a budget of $50,000. According to the staff report the program is designed “to support community events and improvement projects that originate with nonprofit organizations in Antioch. It is the City’s goal to assist nonprofit organizations by creating and implementing a grant program to fund civic events and enhancement projects in an objective and efficient manner. At their February 16, 2023 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission Parks and Recreation Commission voted to recommend that all applications be funded in full.”

The grants ranging in size from $2,500 to $10,000 were approved for Be Exceptional, Cancer Support Community, Delta Veterans Group, Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa, Love Never Fails, Antioch Historical Society, Contra Costa Family Justice Alliance, Antioch Rotary Club and The Drama Factory.

Supports Pursuing Electric Car Share Program

Also, during the Consent Calendar, the council approved a resolution in support of a Clean Mobility Options Program Voucher Application in order to establish an Electric Vehicle Car Share program in Antioch.

“Why is this a Consent Calendar item?” asked resident Andrew Becker among other questions.

“One of the questions after reading this, who’s going to oversee this program,” Ogorchock asked. “We haven’t had a presentation on it. On the pricing…$35 a day. Who’s going to oversee the liability? Who’s going to oversee the charging stations?”

Richmond Community Foundation is taking the lead on applying for this if we get approval, today,” said Julie Haas-Wajdowicz, Environmental Resource Coordinator. “Phase II that’s where we will get the details. That’s why the staff presentation is vague. Ultimately…Richmond, they are one of the first jurisdictions to bring this online. It is a very expensive insurance coverage to ensure the city is not liable. NeoCar will be the one maintaining the vehicles and the charging stations.”

“Then, I will wait for Phase II,” Ogorchock said and then moved approval of the proposed resolution which passed 3-0.

Praises for Outgoing Assistant City Manager

During the meeting Thorpe spoke about Assistant City Manager Bayon Moore who starts her new position April  6, saying, “She’s been heavily involved in all the homeless efforts in the city.”

Speaking of the Executive Inn he said, “Rosanna has carried that on her shoulders as if it was her own child.”

“I wanted to acknowledge Rosanna for her hard work. We wouldn’t be having these discussions, tonight without her,” Thorpe continued. “We lost our Unhoused Resident Coordinator to another city…and it was Rosanna who was out there getting motel vouchers…” Thorpe continued. “It was Rosanna on the weekend out there talking with out unhoused residents. There are people because of Rosanna who have permanent housing, now.”

“I really want you to know, Rosanna, you’ve transformed people’s lives,” he continued. “I know it’s been a wild ride. I want you to know you’re appreciated, and we’ll really miss you. I know you’ll be back when we cut the ribbon for the Executive Inn.”

He then asked for “a round of applause for our outstanding assistant city manager” which the councilmembers, staff and audience members in attendance provided.

“We’ll probably do something for her, later,” he added.

At the close of the meeting others offered their accolades for and comments to Bayon Moore, as well.

“You really helped,” Barbanica shared. “It didn’t matter if I called you at 10 you took my call.”

“The thing I most admired about working with you, you were never intimidated by anyone. Thank you for everything…you’ve been phenomenal to work with. Good luck to you.”

“Thank you, Rosanna. I know you hate this part. I’m going to miss you,” Ogorchock said. “You are a huge asset to this city. You don’t have a clue how much of an asset you are to this city. We’re going to miss you very much.”

“I want to on behalf of the City, Rosanna has been a great partner,” said City Manager Con Johnson. “She’s tenacious in her focus. She’s a very strong leader. You’re going to make a great city administrator.”

“It was a pleasure working with you. I’m going to miss you. I look forward to all the great things you’re going to do for the City of Piedmont,” said City Attorney Thomas L. Smith.

Previously, when asked for comment about her time with the City and departure, Bayon Moore wrote, “I am grateful to the City for the experience these last two years in Antioch and the opportunity to work alongside dedicated staff who ensure public services are reliably delivered. More than anything, I have enjoyed our shared purpose endeavoring to meet community needs.”

 

 

 

 

TreVista Senior Living, partnered with the Berkley YWCA and Antioch Senior Center brings a 2023 Digital Literacy Workshop Series to local seniors. The first one will be held on Wednesday, March 22. ~~ CLICK HERE TO RSVP ONLINE 

Celebrate Antioch Foundation and the Rivertown Merchants announces their 2023 list of events in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown in beginning in April. Some events will be hosted by or with other community partners. Download, print and post this flier on your refrigerator or save it in your phone’s photo album and add the list below to your calendar as reminders! To participate or for more information visit www.celebrateantioch.org or www.facebook.com/antiochrivertown.

Partnership with Zencity will use ongoing surveys to better understand local concerns, priorities, and trust in public safety officers

By Allen D. Payton

After learning of and taking what’s labeled on Facebook as the “Antioch Winter Survey” on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, this reporter asked Antioch Police Lt. Michael Mellone if it was from the police department or the city manager’s office.

In response, Mellone issued the following press release:

“The Antioch Police Department is launching a new public survey tool to better understand local concerns, attitudes, and trust in their police officers. The tool will enable the Department to more holistically understand local neighborhood safety issues and enhance their responsiveness to community priorities. This is the latest effort by the Antioch Police Department to convey a strong commitment to transparency and community outreach initiatives.

“In this first of its kind survey, we are showing a dedication to work in partnership with our community by gauging their feelings about safety and our delivery of police service. This partnership with Zencity will be a great step toward understanding the needs and concerns of those we are privileged to serve. The Antioch Police Department is committed to fair, ethical, best practice policing, which includes building trust and legitimacy with our community, and leveraging technology to assist in those efforts” said Police Chief Steve Ford.

“I applaud forward-thinking leaders who understand that effective public safety in 2023 requires building trust with the community they serve as part of an overall effort to reduce crime,” said Eyal Feder-Levy, CEO of Zencity.

Zencity is proud to support the critical work the Antioch Police Department is doing to understand and prioritize the needs of community members.

The launch of the new public safety survey is in partnership with Zencity, the community input platform used by local governments to hear from more residents and get meaningful and actionable insights. Zencity works with hundreds of municipalities across the U.S., including Chicago, Phoenix, Seattle and San Diego, on issues ranging from public safety to American Rescue Plan Act implementation.

Beginning February 24, 2023, the survey will gather responses from community members in English and Spanish. The survey will appear through the use of digital ads in various locations such as social media platforms. Based on responses, the survey will measure satisfaction on feelings of safety and trust in police while also identifying key concerns community members want the Police Department to address.

In under five minutes, Antioch residents can help the Police Department know how they feel. Questions asked include:

• When it comes to the threat of crime, how safe do you feel in your neighborhood?
• To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? In general, the police in my area…
• Treat everyone fairly regardless of who they are.
• Provide the same quality of service to all individuals.
• Would treat you with respect if you had contact with them for any reason.
• Treat local residents with respect.
• Are approachable.
• Listen to and take into account the concerns of local residents.
• How much access to information does the Antioch Police Department make available to the public about crime and arrest patterns in the community?
• What is the number one issue or problem on your block or in your neighborhood that you would like the police to deal with?
• Please provide specific details about this issue or problem. Location information can be acted on (ex. street / park / shopping center / school).

In keeping with the Department’s commitment to transparency and accountability, the survey results will be shared with the public as they become available.

Survey Methodology

Zencity’s community surveys incorporate voices from every corner of the community. To do so, Zencity sets response targets based on U.S. Census data about the municipality. Zencity ensures the security and privacy of its data and survey respondents. Survey responses are anonymous unless a respondent chooses to share their email address for follow-up purposes. Regardless, survey responses are kept confidential. Zencity does not collect a respondent’s name, address, or any other personal identifying information. Zencity’s weighting accounts for the responses of every single person who answered a question. The responses give a proportional voice to all demographics (e.g., by age, sex, race, education level, and income level) based on the makeup of the municipality.”

By Harlo Pippenger, Consultant, San Francisco Bay Ferry

San Francisco Bay Ferry is proud to sponsor the 6th Annual Black Joy Parade in Oakland, a hyper-positive celebration of the Black experience and community during Black History Month. Visit their booth at the festival to learn more about getting around the Bay Area and California by ferry.

San Francisco Bay Ferry offers daily service connecting San Francisco to Oakland’s Jack London Square, a short distance from the Black Joy Parade and Festival.

WHAT: The Black Joy Parade is an annual event featuring a festival and procession that brings together the community to highlight Black joy past, present, and future. The parade includes live music, art, vendors of all kinds, food, games, sponsor activations, dance, and more.

WHO: Black Joy Parade, sponsored by San Francisco Bay Ferry

WHEN: Sunday, February 26, 2023. Parade starts at 12:30pm, festival starts at 12pm.

WHERE: Downtown Oakland, CA. The parade begins at 14th and Franklin Streets in downtown Oakland. Festival entrance is at 19th and Franklin Streets.