Attended by other area police chiefs and officers, officials and Ford’s family and friends; nothing similar done for previous interim police chief Morefield; Thorpe lauds four African-American men as city leaders, says hiring process for permanent chief has begun

By Allen D. Payton

New Antioch Interim Police Chief Dr. Steve Ford was given his ceremonial oath of office Wednesday afternoon in front of a crowd of area police chiefs and officers, city officials, the D.A., Antioch residents, and his family and friends. It was held at 1:00 p.m. in the outdoor amphitheater of the Antioch Community Center at Prewett Family Park. Ford had already started in his new position on Monday, he shared.

City Clerk Ellie Householder who served as Mistress of Ceremonies, introduced Mayor Lamar Thorpe who offered his remarks, including a racially focused history of the city.

Thorpe’s Remarks 

During Thorpe’s remarks, he spoke of this year’s Sesquicentennial celebrating the 150th anniversary of the City’s incorporation in 1872 and the community’s early days.

“While global commerce was welcome, it is also true that discrimination in the form of sundown ordinances, racial housing covenants, redlining and other forms of systemic oppression were also present in our city. Many of these effects of which are still felt, today,” Thorpe stated. “Antioch has grown and evolved and is one of the fastest growing cities in the San Francisco Bay Area and continues to draw people from different parts of the world, making it one of the most racially and economically diverse cities in the Bay.” (See video of Thorpe’s complete remarks)

“Today, our city is proud that the majority of our elected officials, unlike in 1872, happen to be women,” he continued. “From our illustrious City Clerk Ellie Householder to our woman majority city council.”

“We’re also proud of the fact that we are a majority African-American city council,” Thorpe stated. “Two African-Americans which also happen to be Mexican. So, it’s not Tamisha Walker, it’s Tamisha Torres-Walker. My first language happens to be Spanish, not English.”

“I want to emphasize that we’ve never been here as a city, before, nor has any city in California, where the mayor, the city manager, the city attorney and now, our chief of police happen to be African-American men, defying every stereotype out there, about us,” he said.

Thorpe then spoke about police reform measures passed by the council, “that put our department on the path towards more accountability and transparency, more importantly, inclusion and opportunity.”

“Dr. Ford,” Thorpe started to say, but was interrupted by someone’s phone that stated, “I’m not sure I understand.”

In response, the mayor quipped, “I do. Transparency, body cameras, all that good stuff” to laughter from the audience.

“Dr. Ford,” he repeated and continued with his thought, “is a critical piece to helping us continue to get there.”

Thorpe then spoke of Ford’s experience with the S.F.P.D.

“Today, marks a new day for the Antioch Police Department and for our city,” Thorpe said. “Chief Ford is Mr. Police Reform and I look forward to his leadership getting us past our small divisions and towards a collective and shared vision for our future as a city.”

“So, congratulations, Chief Ford for joining us in the City of Antioch,” the major concluded.

Interim City Manager Con Johnson then spoke briefly and thanked former interim police chief Tony Morefield, who has returned to his position as one of two captains on the Antioch police force.

Ford’s wife, Julia, a 26-year veteran of the San Francisco Police Department joined her husband at the podium and pinned him with his chief’s badge. He then shared his own remarks, similar to those he made when he was announced by Thorpe on Feb. 23. (See related article)

Ford’s Remarks 

Ford said he wants “to be a catalyst for positive change. To be clear, I do not endorse concept of defunding policing services. However, I do embrace the approach to policing that best serves our entire community. Restoring and enhancing community trust is critical, right now, more than ever.” (See video of Ford’s remarks)

“No one is successful, alone. Put it another way, it takes a village,”

He thanked his mother who was in attendance, and his wife and four children who he said, “you’ve been my motivating force to be role model, someone you can look up to and be successful.”

“To Mayor Thorpe, thank you, sir for having the confidence in me to lead this organization. I certainly appreciate this tremendous opportunity,” Ford continued. “To our city council members, City Manager Johnson, thank you, as well for trusting me to lead this organization. It’s truly an honor I don’t take lightly.”

“To the dedicated men and women of this organization that being the Antioch Police Department, both sworn and professional staff, you have my full commitment to provide you what you need to stay safe, be well trained and feel fully supported,” he stated.

“To the city of Antioch, please understand this department is your partner in keeping this community safe, through a relationship built on mutual trust, credibility and transparency,” Ford added. “I look forward to bringing my extensive experience as a practitioner, as an academic and a researcher, to make these goals and aspirations a reality for this organization and our community as a whole.”

“I sincerely thank all of you for your presence, here, today. God bless,” he concluded.

Following Ford’s remarks, guests were invited to remain and enjoy some cake.

Why No Similar Ceremony for Morefield? Thorpe Says City “Caught Off Guard” by Brooks’ Departure Although Announced Six Weeks Prior, Process for Permanent Chief Begun

Following the ceremony Thorpe spoke to a few members of the media in attendance. He was asked why a similar ceremony wasn’t provided for Captain Tony Morefield when he became interim police chief, last fall.

“I think the unexpected departure by Chief Brooks may have contributed to that. I think we were all caught off guard,” Thorpe stated. “This one was more planned.”

However, Brooks’ retirement was announced on August 26, 2021, six weeks prior to his departure, in a press release issued by the Boise Police Department and published on this and other local news websites that day. Also, that day, District 2 Councilman and now, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica said, “I’m very sorry to see him go” during an interview with the Herald. The next day, Torres-Walker offered her congratulations to Brooks on his new position in a post on her official Facebook page with which she posted a photo with him. In addition, on Sept. 9, then-Antioch City Manager Ron Bernal officially announced Brooks’ retirement in a press release. At that time, Thorpe was quoted as saying, “I wish Chief Brooks all the best as he heads to Boise.”

Brooks’ last day as police chief wasn’t until October 9. (See related articles, here and here)

Also, after Wednesday’s ceremony, held nine weeks after Ford’s hiring announcement, Thorpe was asked if there were plans to move him into the permanent position as police chief.

“No. You know that one of our police reform measures is the hiring process,” Thorpe responded.

Asked if the council will start that process, this year or wait until the end of the year, the mayor stated, “no, we’ve started that process.” (See video of Thorpe’s interview)

One day after new interim chief started in his position

By Allen D. Payton

During the Antioch City Council meeting on Tuesday night, April 26, 2022, hiring incentives and over hire by four additional sworn officers recently proposed by Mayor Lamar Thorpe and newly appointed Interim Police Chief Steve Ford to address the lack of active sworn police officers on the force, received the greenlight from fellow council members. The proposals were made during a press conference by the two of them on April 4 and appeared on the council agenda one day after Ford started in his new position and the day before his oath of office ceremony. (See related article)

Thorpe to Work with Staff on Additional Hiring Incentives for Police Officers

Police Captain Tony Morefield provided a presentation on the department’s current incentive program for recruiting police officers. APD Recruitment Signing Bonus Incentives staff report ACC042622

“A structured bonus incentive, similar to what we have currently only at a higher rate,” Thorpe said, describing his and Ford’s incentive proposal. “I’m also proposing it for academy grads, or a housing down payment.”

“Increasing that, I think we’re talking about a tremendous amount of money. I’m willing to go along with the current incentive program,” Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica said. “I want people to work, here because they want to, not because they’re getting a signing bonus. I want people to live here, because they want to. Once their time period is up, they’re gone. I just think we should focus on retention.”

“I appreciate the vision of what is already in place…and that there’s already been an incentive program,” District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker said. “I’m not sure if this is something I can support over the long-haul as I have some of the same concerns as Mayor Pro Tem Barbanica.”

“My proposal is a temporary measure, not a permanent measure,” Thorpe said.

“That’s what I’m saying, a temporary measure,” Torres-Walker said.

“We have to do whatever we can to recruit officers,” Thorpe stated.

I wouldn’t mind looking at other incentives that are out there…what other communities are doing, as well,” District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson said.

“I’m concerned about hiring quality officers. I don’t want incentives…that will attract officers who will leave,” District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said.

“I also have a concern about officers who are already working here,” she continued. “We’re not incentivizing them to stay. I’d be looking at those possibilities.”

“If you’ll allow me to go back and work with the city attorney, our new chief and Captain Morefield and bring something back,” Thorpe said.

Both Torres-Walker and Barbanica said they could support that.

Ogorchock said she would support it if it included incentives for current officers.

“We need to look at that citywide. Human Resources is depleted,” Thorpe said. “I think the police department should be the focus.”

“I appreciate the direction to go back…and bring back a draft policy for us to look at,” he concluded.

Support Increasing Over Hire by Four More Officers to 10 Above 115 in Budget

Following another brief presentation by Morefield the council discussed Thorpe’s proposal to increase the over hire of officers from 121, as previously approved, to 125, which is 10 more than the 115 sworn police officers currently in the budget.  Over Hire Sworn Police Officers staff report ACC042622

Barbanica said, “I support that.”

“There’s no timeline. No end date,” Ogorchock said.

“The problem is when you commit to hire officers, you have to have the funds to pay for them,” City Attorney Thomas L. Smith said.

“I’m not for over hiring 10, I’m for hiring 10,” Ogorchock said. “Actual hired employees.”

“That’s not this proposal,” Thorpe pointed out.

“I heard 115, then in my check in…I heard we already have approval to hire 121 and we’d only be requesting four,” Torres-Walker said.

“Correct, we’re asking for over hire of 10,” Thorpe said. “We did this in 2020. If we didn’t have funding for it, it goes away.”

“I will support the over hire of 10,” Torres-Walker then stated. “Do we understand what the fiscal impact is?”

“We can go back and figure that out and come back with a policy,” Thorpe said.

“I would agree, I’d like to see the permanent number go up by 10,” Barbanica said. “I support this. But it takes a long time to hire a police officer. We’re not going hire them overnight. This is a good measure to start.”

“OK. So, I think the direction is clear,” Thorpe said concluding the discussion.

 

By Allen D. Payton

In his City Manager’s Bi-Monthly Update on Tuesday, April 26, Antioch Interim City Manager welcomed new Interim Police Chief Dr. Steve Ford whose hiring was announced by Mayor Lamar Thorpe during a press conference on February 23 without the knowledge of at least three other council members. (See related article)

Ford reportedly began his new position yesterday, Monday, April 25 and former Interim Police Chief Tony Morefield, who has held the position since former Chief Tammany Brooks’ retirement last fall, returned to his position as a Captain on the police force. Neither Thorpe nor Johnson ever answered the question why the change in interim police chiefs was necessary.

Ford had to complete his background check before his hiring could be finalized, which was expected to be done by Easter. Johnson inadvertently fired Morefield in an email to him and others, including all five council members and Ford, the day after Thorpe’s announcement. That was rescinded a short while later. (See related article)

Johnson’s message reads as follows:

“WELCOME CHIEF DR. STEVE A. FORD

‘Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.’ Publilius Syrus

As a former police officer, who honorably served 30 years in law enforcement and is currently serving the City of Antioch as its Interim City Manager, there is no greater honor and privilege than having both the benefit and opportunity of appointing a new Chief of Police. The Chief of Police is an iconic city figure who must be beyond reproach and possess impeccable personal character. With great humility, I would like to introduce Dr. Steve A. Ford as the City of Antioch’s newly appointed Interim Chief of Police. A very special thank you to Captain Tony Morefield who stepped in as Interim Chief of Police since October 2021.

Dr. Steven A. Ford, Ed.D, M.S., B.S., who recently retired from the San Francisco Police Department as a Commander, grew up in one of San Francisco’s crime-ridden and gang-infested communities, notoriously known at the time as the Ingleside-Oceanview district. His law enforcement background spans thirty-one-plus years with the San Francisco Police Department and has included assignments in Operations, Investigations, Administration, Special Operations-Homeland Security, and Professional Standards-Strategic Management Bureaus. Dr. Ford currently serves as faculty at San Francisco City College and San Francisco State University, where he instructs administration of justice courses and course work in the MPA program.

Dr. Ford holds an Associate of Sciences Degree from San Francisco City College, a Bachelor of Science Degree from San Francisco State University, a Master of Science Degree from California State University-Long Beach, and a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary’s College-California. Chief Ford has attended the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, Robert Presley Institute of Criminal Investigations, California POST Command College, California Police Chiefs Executive Leadership Institute at Drucker-Claremont Graduate University, POST Executive Development, San Francisco Leadership S.F. Chamber of Commerce, and San Francisco Police Department Leadership Development Institute.

Dr. Ford considers his leadership and professional philosophy to be that of a contemporary leader who values the profession’s history, is focused on current challenges, and has a vision for the future of policing. Please join Mayor Lamar Thorpe, the entire City Council, and me in welcoming our new Antioch Police Department Interim Chief of Police, Dr. Steven A. Ford, to our beautiful city, where Opportunity Lives.”

Challenges Ford Will Face

Ford steps in at a time the Antioch Police force is down 14 sworn officers to 101 from the 115 budgeted, and down 24 active sworn officers with five of them on paid leave pending the investigation by the Contra Costa DA’s Office and FBI. In addition, he will face an attrition problem that, according to Antioch Police Officers Association President Steve Aiello based on exit interviews of officers leaving the department, is due to the current council majority, specifically the mayor and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, and their attitudes toward and actions affecting the police department.

Ford and Thorpe recently proposed adding four more sworn officers to the current over hire figure of six, and a signing bonus for lateral and new academy graduates, including a housing allocation. Both items are on tonight’s (Tuesday’s) council meeting agenda for discussion. (See related article)

In addition, Ford begins his tenure in his new position at a time neither he nor any of the City’s other department heads are allowed to speak to council members or the media, by Johnson’s directive, without the interim city manager’s approval, presence or the presence of Johnson’s representative.

Editor:

(Note: Following is a letter to the editor which contains a copy of an article about the matter published by eastcountytoday.net)

A shooting broke out Wednesday morning in an apartment complex in the 3900 block of Delta Fair Blvd. in the City of Antioch that left multiple apartments struck by gunfire and families displaced.

The shooting occurred at approximately 9:15 am in the Delta View Apartments off Delta Fair Blvd and Fair view.

According to preliminary information, at least 3 apartments were struck by gunfire. A gas line was struck causing apartments to fill with gas. A water line was struck causing flooding.

Nothing has been released on the incident by Antioch Police, even after several requests have been made. On Friday, Antioch Public Information Officer Rolando Bonilla responded regarding the incident.

“FYI – no one was hit in this shooting so this is not something we would typically write a press release for.” 

No other information has been released by the City of Antioch even after four requests for information on the incident.

Editor’s note: Attempts at request for info on this incident:

• Two requests to Media Access Line
• email sent Wednesday at 2:45 pm
• email sent Thursday at 10:34 am
• email sent Friday at 1:46 am

The following was a statement released by Pastor Henry L. Dillihant III MSPH & Family

Date: April 21, 2022

On April 20, 2022 at approximately 8:30 am, several rounds of gunshots was fired. My wife’s sister’s house was hit as well as my house and gas main was struck by automatic rifle fire. I was called from my house to help my sister-in-law who was pinned down by gun fire. Several shooters/gang members took over the complex. While running to help my wife’s sister, passing a hail of bullets, GOD protected us, where we live turned into a war zone. I was able to retrieve them while her house was being shot into. We have had to leave our residence. We have not been back. There is some confusion on what’s going on here. Here is the situation:

• We are victims of violent crime
• We are victims of gang violence
• Our housing situation is not safe
• Family members have been traumatized and we need help
• Because of the gas main to our unit being directly hit by gun fire, that unit filled with gas and we had to leave with the clothes on our back.
• I was able to get some of my medication
• My sisters-in-law house was riddled with gun fire, her gas main was struck and water pipes hit as well causing flooding and damage to a lot of her property
• Our children suffered mental and physical damage due to the violence they witnessed and trying to remove them from the situation.
• We are all trying to cope with this situation mentally, as best we can knowing there are still active gang members and shooters living in this community.
• The management of this community, both the owners/facilities and parent services company have not reached out or returned telephone calls
• The management company has however done their best to stop us from receiving help from other agency’s and denying help to our families to be placed in a safer situation
• This is an on going dangerous situation, we have reached out to many people for help. And will do our best to keep everyone updated. There are other victims from this terrible situation, call the Antioch Police Department for assistance.

Please contact Ms. Nina Carter, community crisis specialist for information or to be of any assistance to the Dillihants and their family 1-800-377-0190.

Antioch Police: (925) 778-2441

Antioch Police Email: jstenger@antiochca.gov

Henry L. Dillihant, III, MSPH, M.H.Sc.

Antioch

 

 

 Seek public’s help identifying suspect and car

By Antioch Police Department

The Antioch Police posted the following on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, regarding the shooting death of an elderly woman identified as Amina Haji of Antioch, on Feb. 8, 2022. (See related article)

2/8/22 at 7 pm a shooting occurred at Canada Valley/Pinnacle View, Antioch. A subject in a silver Dodge Charger shot at a Honda sedan killing the passenger we are asking for assistance to identify the suspect/ car contact Detective Whitaker 925-779-6890 wwhitaker@antiochca.gov.

On Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022, at approximately 7:02 PM, Antioch Police Department dispatch received a call from a motorist, a 29-year-old male, who requested medical attention on Canada Valley Road near Pinnacle View Way, due to his 76-year-old female passenger having difficulties breathing. During rescue efforts, it was discovered the victim sustained at least one gunshot wound to her back.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Lieutenant Joe Donleavy #6011 Field Services, Antioch Police Department

On Sunday, April 17, 2022, at approximately 2:13 PM, Antioch Police Department officers were dispatched to James Donlon Blvd. near Silverado Drive on a report of a traffic collision involving a vehicle that struck a tree. Arriving officers located a Subaru with major damage crashed into a tree on the center median of the roadway. The sole occupant of the Subaru was pronounced deceased on scene by medical personnel. He was later identified as 26-year-old Steve Hernandez of Antioch. The preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of the Subaru was racing another vehicle at the time of the collision. It is unknown if drugs or alcohol were a contributing factor in the collision.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Broke into branch; CEO provides details; over $100,000 in damage to just front of the building; attempt at Bank of America branch on Lone Tree Way Sunday morning may be related

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on their Facebook page on Sunday, April 17, Delta Schools Federal Credit Union announced the attempted theft of the ATM at their Lone Tree Way branch, earlier that morning.

“Hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday. This happened this morning at 4 AM. So before you head over to use the ATM just wanted you to know Antioch’s finest decided to try and steal the ATM. They were not able to get anything just destroyed the front of the building and ATM. A huge thank you to Adam Wetzel from Next Level Solutions for answering the call at 6 AM and getting a crew out to shore up and secure the building. Give him a call 925-457-4966 for your construction needs. Twice he has come out and helped us in an emergency. Be safe out there. Thank you to Freedom Alarm for getting the police dispatched and out the office.”

When reached for comment Rob Greaff, CEO and President of the credit union said, “It was a comedy of errors watching it on the video. They almost ran over one of the guys three times.” “They were using a Gator-type recreational vehicle using a chain,” he continued. “It was a four-seater with a utility bed on the back. They had been planning this. They had chains, crowbars and even an extra gas can.”

The thieves also broke into the branch and caused more damage with a crowbar.

“They tried to get behind the teller window. But that’s bullet-resistant glass so it didn’t shatter. Then they left,” Greaff stated. “I’m downloading the surveillance camera videos and sharing them with Brentwood and Antioch Police.”

“I got the call about 4:10 AM,” he said. “The cameras showed they started in about 4:02 AM and made several attempts before finally breaching and causing the motion detector to set it off.”

“The B of A in Brentwood on Lone Tree was also hit Sunday morning, by the Carl’s Jr. at Shady Willow Lane,” he shared. “The police officers from Brentwood are waiting for photos from that incident to compare. The officer who showed up at our place said someone saw it flying down Lone Tree and that he was going to check the homeless encampments.”

“All they did was damage the entire front of the building after four attempts, and then damaged the inside and left us with a blood sample,” Greaff continued. “They cut themselves on something.”

“I was lucky to get someone to come out on an Easter Sunday morning. Otherwise, I would have had to stay here all day and night long,” he shared. “The good part is everyone is safe. Everything can be fixed and replaced. But a lot of damage. I don’t know the dollar amount. The gentleman who came out, who was only looking at the outside, said we’re looking at a minimum of $100,000 in physical damage. But that doesn’t include damage inside.”

The complete damage amount won’t be known until all the subcontractors provide him estimates.

“It makes you feel violated that someone can come in and do this and we know there hasn’t been any support to prosecute in the past,” Greaff added. “We don’t know if it will change. But if they aren’t dealt with, they’ll just keep doing the same.”

The credit union serves the financial needs of current and retired teachers and staff of Antioch and East County schools and any resident in the entire community.

“Any local resident can come in and open an account,” he shared.

The credit union has two branches located at 5123 Lone Tree Way in the Venture Commerce Center and at 701 W. 18th Street across from Antioch High School and both are open.

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

A new module for inmates who have mental illnesses has opened at the Martinez Detention Facility. This follows an 18-month remodel of a module which previously held 52 inmates. Now, it will house only 24 inmates who have mental illnesses. They will be supervised 24/7 by county health staff in addition to deputy sheriffs. The cells are all single-occupancy and include 5 cells for acute cases. There are also two private medical evaluation suites in the module.

“I am proud of this new module which is part of the jail modernization we planned many years ago,” said Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston. “Now, inmates who have mental illnesses will have a dedicated housing unit where they will receive mental health treatment, programming, and services, in addition to healthcare.

The new module has incorporated the latest technology and best practices for detention facilities. This includes state of the art software for managing the module, furnishings that will help prevent suicides and a design that allows for greater observation of the inmates. The new module also uses a biophilic design to create a calm environment, reduce stress, and is more conducive to therapy.

“This new module sets the standard for these types of detention facilities,” said Livingston. “This reflects the commitment of the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and Contra Costa County in serving the needs of inmates who are living with mental health issues.”