Almost 60 vendors including Tesla, other employers, community service organizations

“Entry-level jobs for the younger people and careers for the older people” – organizer Yvette Williams

By Allen D. Payton

The City of Antioch and Antioch Police Department in collaboration with Back on Track Community Services cordially invite you to take part in a Free Community Day Back to School Event, tomorrow, Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Contra Loma Estates Park from Noon to 5 p.m.

It will be a jobs and resource fair with booths by employers and community service organizations. Plus, the event will include live entertainment, carnival rides, food booths and gas card giveaways donated by the participating employers, community resource agencies and non-profit organizations.

According to the announcement about the event, “the City of Antioch and the Antioch Police Department are committed to investing in our most vulnerable citizens who are un-housed and underemployed. This Community Day event promote the ongoing efforts of revitalization of the Sycamore Corridor, and to additionally uplift the citizenry and increase civic pride.”

Concord-based Back On Track Community Services is a non-profit 501(c)(3) multi-service organization dedicated to improving the lives of women, men and children who are underserved and under-employed. Back on Track uses harm reduction, viable-reliable community resources and peer mentoring to assist community members achieve their financial, housing and educational goals for a fulfilling life.

According to Back on Track’s Yvette Williams, she was hired by the city’s Interim Police Chief Steve Ford to organize the event. But a flier promoting the event was posted on the City of Antioch Recreation Department’s Facebook page just four days ago, not yet on the police department’s page.

This event will host numerous employers and social service agencies promoting career opportunities and viable community resource programs to our East County Community and surrounding areas. It will be held outside and is open to all community members and their families.

“We have almost 60 vendors that will be there with any kind of community-based service you can think of, including housing, health, on-site COVID testing and take-home tests, an optometrist providing free vision screenings, free bags of groceries, free backpacks,” she shared. “Employers will include Tesla, CalTrans, Tri Delta Transit and San Francisco MTA bus service.”

“Entry-level jobs for the younger people and careers for the older people,” Williams added. “It’s for anyone including those returning from prison.”

The event will also feature the following Community Outreach Opportunities /Activities:

• Free Hot Lunch for all Vendors/Community Members
• Live Music & Entertainment
• Many Free Activities for Children
• First 200 Participant’s to receive Free Backpack-School supplies
• Employment Opportunities
• Free Vaccines for COVID-19/ FREE COVID-19 at home test kits.
• Free Daily Childcare/Preschool Sign up
• Returning Citizens Employment/Housing Services
• Face Painting Artist
• Balloon Twisting – Glitter Tattoos Artist
• Employment Opportunities
• Now Hiring/Community Resource Table
• Guest Speakers
• Giveaways Hourly for Participants
• Free Pony Rides
• Free Haircuts – Urban Barber College / The League XS
• Free Bags of Groceries – to the first 100 Community Members
• Food Bank
• Voter Registration
• Vouchers for Eye Exam/One Pair of Glasses
• Sign up for Snap – EBT Benefits

In a post by District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker on her official Facebook page, she thanked the event’s partners and sponsors. They include The League XS Apprenticeship Academy of Cosmetology and Barbering, the only Antioch-based community partner; Richmond-based Safe Return Project, for which Torres-Walker is executive director,  Mobility LABs Learning and Action Bets, a project of New York City-based Robinhood whose local affiliate is Richmond-based RCF Connects, Concord-based Monument Impact, Oakland-based Makin Moves Motorcycle Club (which also sponsored the recent Antioch Juneteenth event and whose founder Ronald Muhammad contributed $500 to Mayor Thorpe’s campaign committee to defeat the recall), Stockton-based Balance Staffing, Oakland-based Tradeswomen, Inc., Sonoma-based Nelson Connects which has offices in Pleasanton, Fairfield and Fremont, and San Rafael-based Bay Area Community Resources (BACR).

An invitation was sent out by Williams with the APD logo and city’s Sesquicentennial logo to employers and organizations for them to participate in the event. 2022 Antioch Community Day EventBrite -invitation to participate

Asked if the Antioch Chamber of Commerce was asked to send out an invitation to their members who are hiring and might want to participate, Williams said she didn’t. Williams, who said she’s been organizing events since 1999, also organized an Employment, Health & Wellness Resource Fair sponsored by the city held at the Somersville Towne Center last October which included some of the same sponsors as tomorrow’s event.

Torres-Walker was also asked if an invite was sent to the Antioch Chamber of Commerce to eblast out to their members who are hiring and might have wanted to participate. In addition, since it is believed she proposed the event, Torres-Walker was asked who is paying for it, which city department or if the community partners and employers are each paying to rent a booth. Finally, she was asked to provide any other details about the event.

In response, Torres-Walker wrote, “The idea for the community day came from a conversation with the new chief and how he wanted to build some positive relations with the community. I suggested that APD work with a few community groups to put on something fun for families with resources.”

“It is my understanding that this event is funded by APD, and the chief is in the lead. I was at the first initial meeting, but I have been pretty hands off unless someone asked for my assistance,” she continued. “It’s a free event so no one is being charged.”

“I think that Chief Ford is committed to community policing and wants to use this event to build relationships with the community,” Torres-Walker added.

Questions were also sent to Ford and the department’s two captains asking for the costs of the event.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

You can’t miss our “RR Learning Center Taco Fundraiser” on Saturday August 13, 2022, from 5-7 p.m. at the Antioch Senior Center, 415 W. 2nd Street.

RR Learning Center offers a safe, clean and encouraging environment for students in our community and free, one-on-one tutoring and homework assistance for low-income children. Our goal is to bridge the academic gap left by the COVID-19 pandemic social distance learning and to assist and encourage low-income and disadvantaged families towards academic success.

We will have rapper ThatMathMagician, Ballet Folklorico “Asi Se Siente Mexico”, Taquizas Angel Gonzalez “Best Tacos In Town”, and Kyle Cicerello with his Homewrecker Monster Truck.

All funds will be used to employ more qualified tutors, buy supplies and continue to raise the standards of this great program.

If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rr-learning-center-taco-dinner-fundraiser-tickets-349977360707

We will also be selling tickets at the door. See you soon!

RR Learning Center is sponsored by Rey de Reyes Ministries at 512 W. 2nd Street.

 

Two-year motel lease agreement includes option to purchase

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting Tuesday night, July 26, 2022, the Antioch City Council will consider four major issues including approving a master lease with option to purchase of the Executive Inn for transitional housing for the homeless, a contract with a non-profit organization to operate the housing program at the motel, amending the ordinance on parking RV’s and boats on residential property, hiring a firm to design the proposed Rivertown park and event center on the former lumber company lot and rent stabilization. The latter will be dealt with during a study session before the regular meeting.

Another item of interest on the agenda is the approval of a new gas station, convenience store and car wash on Lone Tree Way at the corner of Vista Grande Drive across from the Cross Pointe Apartment complex.

See complete council meeting agenda by clicking here.

Rivertown Park & Event Center

Consent Calendar – Item M. RIVERTOWN COMMUNITY SPACE (P.W. 514-7) Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution: 1) Approving a Consulting Services Agreement with RHAA for the Rivertown Community Space Project in the amount of $350,000 for design of the former Antioch Lumber Company lot located between W. 2nd, W. 3rd and E Streets in historic downtown.

Homeless Motel Lease with Option to Purchase

Item 7. – UNHOUSED RESIDENT SERVICES – NON-CONGREGATE BRIDGE HOUSING SITE AT EXECUTIVE INN. The City Council will consider approving a master lease with Rudram LLC for the Executive Inn located at 515 East 18th Street with an option to purchase.

The two-year lease is estimated at $1,168,000 per year for a total not to exceed value of $2,336,000, to be paid from the allocation of $2.6M in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA funds) specified for this purpose by the City Council on April 12, 2022.

Support Services at Homeless Motel

Item 8. – UNHOUSED RESIDENT SERVICES – SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF ANTIOCH’S NON-CONGREGATE BRIDGE HOUSING PROGRAM LOCATED AT 515 EAST 18TH STREET. The City Council will consider authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with Bay Area Community Services (BACS) for supportive services associated with the City’s Non -Congregate Bridge Housing Program located at 515 East 18th Street.

The goals of the program are to 1) provide participants with a safe place to stay; 2) connect participants with community, mainstream, and personal resources based on individual need; and 3) assist participants in transitioning to more stable or permanent housing.

The total contract is not to exceed $2,563,990 over a two-year period to be paid from $3.1M in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA funds) for support services allocated by the City Council on April 12, 2022.

Amendment to RV and Boat Parking Ordinance

Item 5. – PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ANTIOCH MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES, INCLUDING RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY Recommended Action: It is recommended that the City Council introduce, waive the first reading, and read by title only the proposed amendment to the City’s Municipal Code regarding parking motor vehicles, including Recreational Vehicles, on residential property.

Rent Stabilization Study Session

Before the regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. the council will hold a Rent Stabilization Study Session at 5:30 p.m. The City Council will receive a presentation on rent stabilization and provide feedback and direction to staff.

According to the staff report, at the June 14 and June 28, 2022, City Council Study Sessions, extensive public comment was received in support for tenant protection policies including an anti-harassment ordinance, a just cause eviction ordinance and rent control policies. At the conclusion of public comment, the City Council expressed support to modify the “Tenant Protections” policy in the draft Housing Element.

The draft Housing Element proposes the following to address tenant protections: 5.1.9 Tenant Protections. Pursue the development of citywide tenant protection policies for consideration by the City Council. These policies would address, but not necessarily be limited to, anti-harassment, just cause eviction, Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA) and rent stabilization. The process would include inclusive public outreach with tenants, community-based organizations, landlords and other interested community members. The goal of this effort is to prepare and present an implementing ordinance for City Council consideration.

New Gas Station, Convenience Store and Car Wash

Finally, under Item 6. the council will consider approving a Chevron Gas Station at 5200 Lone Tree Way on the corner of Vista Grande Drive across from the Cross Pointe Apartments. The location is currently the site of an old barn and buildings remaining from Antioch’s farming days, and a home which will be demolished as part of the construction.

According to the staff report, the project site is approximately two acres and approximately one-third of the site to the west will remain undeveloped at this time. Additionally, the proposed project would include the widening of Lone Tree Way to accommodate a 270-foot deceleration lane taper along eastbound Lone Tree Way to the proposed 30-foot driveway.

The project requires approval of a General Plan Amendment to change the land use designation for the project site from Commercial Office to Convenience Commercial.

Public Comments

The public has the opportunity to address the City Council on each agenda item. No one may speak more than once on an agenda item or during “Public Comments”. Members of the public wishing to provide public comments, may do so in one of the following ways (#2 pertains to the Zoom Webinar Platform):

1. IN PERSON – Fill out a Speaker Request Form, available near the entrance doors, and place in the Speaker Card Tray near the City Clerk before the City Council Meeting begins.
2. VIRTUAL – To provide oral public comments during the meeting, please click the following link to register in advance to access the meeting via Zoom Webinar: https://www.antiochca.gov/speakers

▪ You will be asked to enter an email address and a name. Your email address will not be disclosed to the public. After registering, you will receive an email with instructions on how to connect to the meeting.

▪ When the Mayor announces public comments, click the “raise hand” feature in Zoom. For instructions on using the “raise hand” feature in Zoom, visit: https://www.antiochca.gov/raise_hand.

When calling into the meeting using the Zoom Webinar telephone number, press *9 on your telephone keypad to “raise your hand”. Please ensure your Zoom client is updated so staff can enable your microphone when it is your turn to speak.

Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. When you are called to speak, please limit your comments to the time allotted (350 words, up to 3 minutes, at the discretion of the Mayor). The City cannot guarantee that its network and/or the site will be uninterrupted.

3. WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT – If you wish to provide a written public comment, you may do so in one of the following ways by 3:00 p.m. the day of the City Council Meeting:

(1) Fill out an online speaker card, located at https://www.antiochca.gov/speaker_card, or

(2) Email the City Clerk’s Department at cityclerk@ci.antioch.ca.us.

Please note: Written public comments received by 3:00 p.m. the day of the City Council Meeting will be shared with the City Council before the meeting, entered into the public record, retained on file by the City Clerk’s Office, and available to the public upon request. Written public comments will not be read during the City Council Meeting.

Viewing Meeting

Antioch City Council meetings are held inside the Council Chambers at City Hall at 200 H Street. They are televised live on Comcast channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99, or via live stream at www.antiochca.gov/government/city-council-meetings/live/.

Once again, founder and organizer Claryssa Wilson, with family and friends will host the annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway. This year’s 10th Anniversary event will be held on Saturday, August 6 at Deer Valley High School from 10 am to 2 pm. Sponsors and donations are needed. Contact the 4evermefoundation@gmail.com to help.

By Angely Levis

There will be a candlelight vigil on Thursday, July 21 at 4:30pm honoring the life of 13-year-old Justin Nartea who was hit and killed by a minivan in Antioch on June 11, 2022.

The fatal crash happened in the area of Dallas Ranch Road and Prewett Ranch Drive. According to the Antioch Police Department, the minivan was traveling in the northbound lanes of Dallas Ranch Road when Nartea, crossed the roadway at a crosswalk. The teen devastatingly died despite the life-saving efforts of medics.

Since the accident, the Nartea family has gathered for prayers and will conclude the 40-day memorial with a celebration-of-life reception on Thursday July 21 at 4:30pm at 1804 Crown Peak Way in Antioch. The candlelight vigil will follow, commencing at 8pm at the Dallas Ranch Park.

Tickets available on Eventbrite: www.tinyurl.com/2p829pmj

Has his own Facebook page!

By Erin Pina, Furry Friends Pet Relief

This little boy is “Rico ‘Pocket Change’ Jones from the Yock”. We rescued him from the local shelter. The special thing about him is that he is about a 1 in 3,000, some say 250,000, but I have been playing it conservative. He is special because of his coloring. Many cat colors are sex linked traits. Which means that females carry certain colors and males tend to carry other colors.

Rico is a Torbie which is a cross between a Tabby and a Tortoiseshell – the coloring itself it not seen too often. They usually have tabby stripes with black, brown and red tortoiseshell markings. The tortoiseshell color is a female color, but not for our little boy.

He is about 10 weeks old and has his own Facebook page.  Rico talks about how special he is and all kinds of fun facts that go along with it, such as, you are just as likely to be drafted into the NBA as you are to find a cat like him. If you ever get to the PGA tour and hit a Hole in One, you have about the same odds as finding one like him.

Torbies are thought to bring good luck, wealth, and protect you from bad storms and even ghosts.

This amazing little guy will be available for adoption through our organization in about a week.

Anyone interested in adopting can put in an application on our website at www.furryfriendsfoodre.wix.com/fffr.

Furry Friends Pet Relief Program is a 501c3 non-profit. Tax ID: 47-2163583 and is located at 708 W. Second Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

“Helping those in need with their Furry Friends, keeping pets in their homes and out of the shelters.”