Householder elected president on 3-2 vote, Lewis elected vice president unanimously

By Anthony Dorado

During the Antioch School Board meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 16, Antonio Hernandez and Dr. Clyde Lewis took ceremonial oaths of office as the two newly elected trustees on the AUSD Board of Education. In addition, the board elected Trustee Ellie Householder as the new board president, Lewis as vice president, and Hernandez as liaison to the Contra Costa County School Boards Association. The Board also discussed plans to reopen schools in the fourth quarter of the current school year.

New Trustees Sworn In, Again

Hernandez and Lewis both took ceremonial oaths of office, as they were both sworn in formally in previous ceremonies. Hernandez stated that he is, “very excited to be here and to get to work.” He also expressed confidence in the diverse backgrounds of work and education that this Board brings to the community. Lewis thanked those who helped shape his educational development, his family, and expressed a similar enthusiasm about the work that lay ahead of them.

Members Elected to Board Positions

The Board also voted on the election of members to the assignments of President, Vice President, and Board Member Liaison to the Contra Costa County School Boards Association. While the election of Hernandez and Lewis to their respective assignments were straightforward and non-controversial, the election of Householder to Board President was not as smooth. Two public comments preceded the vote, both urging the Board to not consider Householder for the position

The first member of the public to comment complained that Householder had, “repeatedly used bullying tactics to get her way…,” and that she had, “violated numerous board policies, exhibited unacceptable behavior, and has verbally attacked other board members in meetings with her hateful remarks.” The speaker went on to express how Householder had used multiple social media accounts to encourage hate and violence and how she has encouraged students to act in like manner. Lastly, the speaker sought to reinforce her view by looking back to the protest Householder had engaged in outside of former Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Joy Mott’s residence in an effort to influence her vote on the acceptance of a DOJ COPS grant for additional School Resource Officers.

The second public speaker offered a sort of apology as they confessed that they had encouraged their family to vote Householder for Antioch City Clerk under the assumption that the appointment would disqualify her for participation on the board. The speaker went on to explain how they felt it was a total conflict of interest to see her as both the city clerk and a trustee on the school board as the Antioch City Council voted to rescind the DOJ grant for additional SROs. Householder had previously been censured by the Board in September on account of her not holding herself to the “highest standards of ethical conduct” for comments on social media.

Nevertheless, as the Board cast their votes, Householder was elected to president on a 3-2 vote, with Trustees Mary Rocha and Gary Hack voting against. In making his motion to elect Householder as board president, Hernandez mentioned her experience in distance learning and how that experience would be vital to the Board moving forward through this pandemic. Neither Rocha nor Hack voiced their reasoning behind the dissenting votes.

Plans to Reopen Schools

Trustee Anello brought forward a resolution to remain in distance learning through the end of the third quarter (April 16, 2021). While the Board unanimously voted in the affirmative on the resolution, it was not without concerns. Lewis expressed his concern with the mental health of students affected by the social isolation that has come about as an inevitable result of distance learning. Superintendent Stephanie Anello ensured the Board that training was underway district wide to provide emotional support for struggling students.

Associate Superintendent Christine Ibarra explained how all the secondary administrators partnered and were trained by the Sandy Hook Promise Initiative in the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System. This system would allow students or teachers to report signs and symptoms of depression and suicide and empower the teachers and police to partner together with the parents and students to give support. She also stated that surveys were being drafted and ready to be sent out to students, teachers, and parents inquiring into the success of distance learning and how they might improve.

A number of public comments were received and voiced in support of the decision to postpone reopening until April 16. Antioch citizen Amy Law said that she, “100% supports Anello’s plan to reopen schools in April.”

Other Matters

In other action, the Board approved the first interim report and the 2020-2021 budget overview for parents as well. The Antioch Education Association’s (AEA) initial contract proposal to AUSD and the initial proposal to the AEA were also approved.

 

 

 

 

But Hernandez’s probably requires a do over

By Allen Payton

On Friday, Dec. 11 during an online ceremony, Antonio Hernandez too his oath of office administered by Mayor Lamar Thorpe, to become a new Antioch School Board Trustee representing Area 1. (See Facebook video, beginning at 1:04:30) On Tuesday morning, December 15, in front of the Antioch School District offices and sign, Dr. Clyde Lewis took his oath, administered by Superintendent Stephanie Anello.

Following his oath, Hernandez said, “I’m so excited to be here and so excited the voters have given me this opportunity. I could not have imagined this is where I would be, today.” He then thanked his family who helped his campaign, as well as his campaign manager.

After the brief ceremony on Tuesday, Lewis said, “I want to thank the citizens of Antioch for electing me and I look forward to serving and supporting the students and community of Antioch in reaching it’s potential.”

One hiccup in the process is, according to former Antioch City Clerk Arne Simonsen who explained the need for last Tuesday afternoon’s oaths of office by the seven city officials, oaths of office must be done in person. In addition, Government Code Title 1, Division 4, Chapter 2, Article 4, Section 1362 reads “the oath may be taken before any officer authorized to administer oaths.” The question is the definition of “before” and if that requires in-person.

Assistant Contra Costa Registrar of Voters Scott Konopasek was asked if oaths of office are required to be in person or are allowed online, this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Contra Costa Elections Division oversees Antioch School Board elections. He responded, “The code anticipates oaths being administered in-person but that doesn’t take the pandemic into consideration.”

So, it appears Hernandez’ oath that Thorpe administered to him online during Friday’s Zoom event, does not qualify and Hernandez must get sworn in officially in person before Wednesday night’s school board meeting if he wants to participate in it.

An email to Hernandez, Thorpe and Anello was sent Tuesday evening asking if they can provide anything that shows online oaths of office are allowed. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

All six positions are ready to be filled, today; Questions to both elected officials and city staff ignored

Desalination plant budget increase by $50 million and contract on agenda

Discussion on roundtable meetings on racial injustice and police-community relations also on agenda

By Allen Payton

During the first and special meeting of the new Antioch City Council, tonight, Tuesday, December 15, at 6:00 p.m., they will consider rescinding the vote by the previous council of accepting a federal grant to help fund six police officers on Antioch middle and high school campuses. The three-year, $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) Hiring Program, along with matching funds from the Antioch School District, approved by the school board, earlier this year, would pay for the officer. (See related article, here)

The issue was a matter of controversy when the school board considered voting on the matching funds, with the first meeting being interrupted by a protest, including protesters pounding on the windows and door, and even breaking into the school district offices during the meeting. That meeting was abruptly ended and continued a few days later during which the SRO’s were approved on a 3-2 vote. (See related articles, here, here and here)

In an email sent Sunday night to Mayor Lamar Thorpe he was asked, “while you voted against accepting the grant, during the campaign you repeatedly stated you are not for defunding police. Yet, if you now vote to rescind the approved $750,000 grant to help pay for six police officers on Antioch middle and high school campuses, aren’t you in effect voting to defund police?” He did not respond prior to publication time.

In addition, during a campaign interview Walker said, “Right now, everyone deserves quality policing services. If we are always in opposition…it’s because we’re not talking to each other” referring to the police and community. She was asked since the intent of the SRO’s is to create community policing on the campuses, and develop communication and relationships between Antioch police officers and students, why would she not want the SRO’s on the campuses? Walker did not respond.

Questions About Who Can Place the Item On Agenda and Others Go Unanswered

Additional questions were emailed Sunday night to City Attorney Thomas Smith, City Clerk Ellie Householder and City Manager Ron Bernal including how does it work within both state law and Robert’s Rules of Order for a council member to bring back something for reconsideration that was already passed/approved/adopted by the council?

If a motion fails, it takes one of those who voted for the motion to bring back the item for reconsideration. They were all asked does the same apply to an item that was approved? Who requested the item to be placed on Tuesday’s agenda? Was it Mayor Thorpe and/or another council member? Finally, what is the deadline for the city to rescind the funds?

Instead of answering the questions, on Monday morning, Householder referred them to the city’s Public Information Officer (PIO) Rolando Bonilla writing, “I’m CC’ing the City’s PIO, Rolando, to this email. He can address your questions.”

The same questions were sent again to the same four plus Thorpe, Monday night. But still no response.

Bonilla has not responded to the questions either in the 24 hours since he received them.

However, it was learned Tuesday morning from an official who chose to remain anonymous, that it was Thorpe who requested the item be placed on the agenda.

The question remains, if it requires someone who voted for the motion to bring it back for reconsideration, that could only be Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock, because she’s the only remaining council member who voted for the grant, along with former Mayor Sean Wright and former Mayor Pro Tem Joy Motts, both of whom lost their bids for re-election.

Possible Open Meeting Law Violations

In  addition, it has been alleged that the state’s Brown Act open meeting law has been violated by both Mayor Lamar Thorpe and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Walker, for having serial meetings, which means speaking with more than one other council member about an agenda item before it’s discussed in public. It’s alleged that Thorpe spoke to both Walker and District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica. Walker is accused of also speaking to District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock, after she spoke with Thorpe.

Although Thorpe, along with Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson voted against the council’s approval of the grant also on a 3-2 vote, he claimed repeatedly during his recent campaign that he was not for defunding police. Asked if a vote to rescind was, in effect, defunding police he responded,

Asked if he had spoken to both Walker and Barbanica about the SRO’s before tonight’s meeting, Thorpe did not respond to multiple attempts to contact him for this report.

When asked if she spoke with both Thorpe and Ogorchock about the agenda items Walker responded, “I took the oath of office December 7th and have not talked to anyone concerning this or any matter before the council.”

However, the Brown Act applies to candidates who were elected beginning on Election Night. So, a follow up question was asked if Walker had spoken to any other council member about the SRO’s since Election Night. She did not respond as of publication time.

An attempt to reach Ogorchock, asking if she had spoken to Walker about rescinding the grant for the SRO’s, but she too did not respond as of publication time. Attempt to reach Barbanica, asking if he had spoken to Thorpe about rescinding the grant for the SRO’s, were unsuccessful before publication time.

Hiring Process Has Already Started, All Six Positions Could Be Filled, Today

The hiring process for the six SRO’s has begun, according to Antioch Police Chief T Brooks. He was also asked if any of the grant money had been spent, yet, and if there is a deadline for rescinding the grant.

“We’ve already selected all six SRO’s, because they were all police officers with us, already,” he stated. “So, basically the grant is to hire additional positions. I am authorized 115 officers. With the grant, that would raise my sworn authorized to 121 because I would have had to create new positions for it. I would be able to pay for the new officers by using the grant money to offset the costs. The remaining portion is being split 50/50 with the school district.”

“They were interviewed and the interview process involved members of the police department, staff of the AUSD, teachers union and students,” Brooks explained. “They were all selected and chosen for which school they were going to work at. We were just waiting for the schools to open.”

“None of the grant money has been spent, yet,” he continued. Regarding the deadline he said he didn’t know.

“The grants actually became effective July 1, 2020. But we haven’t started drawing on them,” Brooks shared. “So, we would be able to extend it on the back end. The COPS office, due to the pandemic would allow us to apply for extensions for use of the funding.”

The department was authorized by the city council to overhire by five additional officers, earlier this year, for a total of 120 sworn officers who are currently on the force. Plus, there is one prospective officer currently in the academy. So, all six positions could be filled, today.

Desalination Plant Budget Increase & Construction Contract

In addition, the council will consider increasing the budget for the brackish water desalination plant by $50 million to a total of $110 million and approve the construction contract of $86,689,000.

Roundtable Meetings on Racial Injustice & Police-Community Relations

Plus, the council will be asked to provide direction to city staff on getting back on track the planned Bridging the Gap community roundtable discussions on racial injustice and police-community relations. The city has hired a consulting firm to help facilitate the virtual meetings. According to the staff report on the item, three roundtable discussions are proposed to begin early next year with the topics of 1) Police Oversight, Accountability and Transparency; 2) Racial Disparities in Policing; and 3) Police-Community Engagement.

Making a Public Comment

The item is number 4 on the council’s agenda. For those wanting to submit a public comment to be read during the meeting, click here or email cityclerk@ci.antioch.ca.us prior to the Mayor announcing that public comment is closed, and the comment will be read into the record at the meeting (350 words maximum, up to 3 minutes, at the discretion of the Mayor). IMPORTANT: Identify the agenda item in the subject line of your email (i.e. “Public Comments” or a specific Agenda Item number).

For those who want to call in and speak live during the public comment period on the item, click here. 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. The meeting can be viewed via livestream on the city’s website, or on Comcast/Xfinity local cable Channel 24 beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Please check back later to any updates to this report.

 

 

By Allen Payton

The winners in the races for Antioch School Board, Antonio Hernandez in Area 1 will be taking his oath of office this Friday and Dr. Clyde Lewis, Jr. in Area 3 will be taking his oath of office next week.

When asked when and where he will be sworn in, and by whom, Hernandez responded, “I’ll be taking the oath of office on Friday, December 11th, during the same ceremony where many of the city officials are participating.” That will be ceremonial, as all of the city officials were sworn in on Tuesday.

“Mayor Lamar Thorpe will be swearing me in,” Hernandez added.

“There will also be a ceremonial oath of office during the next School Board Meeting on the 16th. Mayor Lamar Thorpe will be administering the Oath during that time as well,” he added.

Lewis will be sworn in at the school district’s offices on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 9:00 a.m. by Superintendent Stephanie Anello.

“Both Clyde and Antonio will have a ceremonial swearing in at their first Board Meeting on December 16th,” she shared, reiterating Hernandez’ comment.

The list of people authorized under California Education Code section 60 to administer the official Oath are as follows:

“The Superintendent of Public Instruction, Deputy and Assistant Superintendents of Public Instruction, secretary of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, members of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, county superintendents of schools, school trustees, members of boards of education, secretaries and assistant secretaries of boards of education, city superintendents of schools, district superintendents of schools, assistant superintendents of schools, deputy superintendents of schools, principals of schools, and every other officer charged with the performance of duties under the provisions of this code may administer and certify oaths relating to officers or official matters concerning public schools.”

 

Board unanimously re-appoints Tony Tiscareno to district Personnel Commission

Allen Payton

During the Antioch School Board meeting Wednesday night, Nov. 18, 2020, outgoing Board President Diane Gibson-Gray and Trustee Crystal Sawyer-White offered their good-byes and received messages of thanks for their service. Both lost their races for re-election, this year. (See related article)

Gibson-Gray is completing three terms for a total of 12 years on the board, and Sawyer-White is completing her first. The winners in the election, Antonio Hernandez and Dr. Clyde Lewis, Jr. will take their seats during the first board meeting on December 16.

“I would like to thank Trustee Sawyer-White for her four years of service and Trustee Gibson-Gray for her 12 years of service. We wish you the very best,” said Superintendent Stephanie Anello. “It’s sometimes a thankless position. I know both of you have faced some very difficult decisions during your terms. So, I commend you.”

That was followed by several public comments, almost all thanking Gibson-Gray for her work as a board member.

“I’m overwhelmed by the comments,” Gibson-Gray responded.

The board members spoke, next.

“I would like to say thank you to each of you for being on the board and all that you’ve done. I’m a better board member for you being on the board and the kids are better in Antioch,” said Trustee Gary Hack.

“I feel the same,” said Trustee Mary Rocha. “It’s hard because I haven’t been here, that long. I appreciate you, Crystal for your commitment to special education.

“To Diane, we’ve been together a long time. When we’re leaving a position, as I have, it seems something is lifted off our shoulders. Head Start, Antioch-Pittsburg Head Start wanted to thank you for all the time you’ve given…for the families in this community. We were able to expand thanks to you.

Trustee Ellie Householder then read from prepared remarks, “I want to start off by thanking President Gibson-Gray for her service of 12 years to our school district. We haven’t always seen eye to eye. But that’s the beauty of our democracy. I wish you the very best.”

“I am so incredibly thankful to Trustee Sawyer-White,” Householder said. “She then spoke of “her lifting up marginalized voices…and lastly her warmth and compassion.”

“Trustee Sawyer-White, I want to add that we didn’t always agree on items, but during the meetings I believe we always treated each other with dignity and respect,” Gibson-Gray shared. “I wish you all the best, sincerely.”

“I agree we didn’t always meet eye to eye but it’s always about the students,” Sawyer-White responded. “Your 12 years on the board are to be commended.”

Staff then shared their thanks to both board members.

That was followed by Sawyer-White’s final response.

“I want to thank my husband, my mom, my dad, my family members and the community members who supported me during my entire term,” she said, and then congratulated the winners in the election, Dr. Clyde Lewis and Antonio Hernandez. “I recommend you always stay true to yourself.”

“Our effort to seek transparency will not be in vain,” Sawyer-White continued. She said her term has been “rewarding, humbling and tumultuous.  Some of the incumbents continue to allow the superintendent to disregard her accountability at the detriment of best interests of AUSD students. Based on the California School Boards Association, Superintendent Anello should have had four performance reviews and currently there’s only been one from, for the last four years, each year.”

“Although I didn’t have the opportunity to serve as president, but I would publicly like to state, Trustee Householder should fill my shoes,” she added.

“After 12 years of service, I am leaving with more knowledge of how school boards work on all levels and many more friends,” Gibson-Gray said in her farewell remarks. She mentioned her last four years were difficult and “the last two being the hardest,” “having my personal character and values attacked. I can assure you I am not a racist.” She then referred to a previous comment by Householder about her age.

“To those who disagreed with my decisions, I apologize,” Gibson-Gray continued. “But every one of my decisions were in the best interest of the Antioch Unified School District. I’m proud to say I attended every graduation during my 12  years. Antonio Hernandez and Clyde Lewis will do a great job replacing myself and Trustee Sawyer-White. They are younger, enthusiastic and have ideas to be explored.”

“Like Elvis, I am leaving the building and the school board will be in good hands,” she concluded.

Gibson-Gray later responded to Sawyer-White’s comments about Anello’s performance reviews explaining, “She received a performance review each year as is required. Crystal wanted us to give her four performance reviews each year.”

Other Board Action

The board then discussed the re-appointment of former Antioch City Councilman Tony Tiscareno to the district’s Personnel Commission to a three-year term.

Rocha made the motion and Householder seconded it. She then asked to hear from Tiscareno. How are we going to move forward without having people talk?”

“We had interviews, the last time because it was an open seat,” said Assistant Superintendent Jessica Romeo.

The motion passed on a 5-0 vote.

Sandoval beating Enholm in college board Ward 5 seat; incumbent Gordon trailing former community college president Walters in Ward 2 seat;

Avila Farias leading incumbent in county Board of Education Area 3 race; incumbent Alleynne won’t claim victory yet in close race for Area 1

By Daniel Borsuk

Five-term Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors member Federal Glover won a sixth term of office on Tuesday, trouncing Contra Costa County Assessor Gus Kramer by almost two-to-one with 34,649 votes to 17,861 votes for Kramer, according to the latest update from the Contra Costa Elections Division.

Glover told the Herald: “I want to thank the people for this opportunity to serve. I have to recognize the hard work that the people on the ground put into my campaign.  I want to thank the people for their support for me over the years.”

Glover said he will work to provide the resources to “keep people safe from COVID-19.”

Over the upcoming four years Glover, a retired Dow Chemical worker who had served five years on the Pittsburg city council before starting his Board of Supervisors career, said he envisions the rollout of the Northern Waterfront Plan that will help ignite economic development along the county’s waterfront from Pinole to Oakley.

The supervisor said the recent announcement that Amazon will operate a 150,000 square foot operation at the Contra Costa Logistics Center in Oakley is a prime example of what the waterfront plan aims to create.  The Amazon Fulfillment Center will create more than 2,000 jobs.

Kramer, who is currently involved in a Superior Court case for “willful or corrupt misconduct for making unwelcome sexual comments to people in his office” told the Contra Costa Herald about his election defeat. “I wish Federal well.  I thought that the citizens of Contra Costa County deserved a choice and that I made that choice for them.”

The runoff election pitting Glover and Kramer was called when neither candidate mustered more than 50 percent of the vote in the March election when a third candidate, Martinez businessman and Planning Commissioner Sean Trambley also ran splitting the vote.

Sandoval Beating Enholm for Community College Board Seat Ward 5

In another election race, Fernando Sandoval in his second attempt is defeating two-term Contra Costa Community College District Board Ward 5 Commissioner Greg Enholm drawing 26,836 of the votes to 22,279 votes for Enholm.  Ward 5 includes Pittsburg, Oakley, and portions of Antioch, Brentwood, Byron, and Discovery Bay.

Sandoval, who campaigned for educational excellence and fiscal accountability, defeated the retired college professor Enholm. Sandoval said in a statement, “I’d like to acknowledge Greg Enholm for his service to the District.  I am grateful to all the voters and my supporters for helping me to achieve this victory!  I am excited to turn my policy platform of education equity, fiscal transparency, expansion of innovative online learning approaches and strengthening private/public partnerships into action. I plan to hold myself accountable to further these goals and to bring ‘Community’ back into the Community College District.  Our students, faculty, staff and residents deserve this type of leadership and I look forward to working with my fellow trustees to take our district to the next level of excellence.”

An enthusiastic Sandoval told the Herald he was happy with the results and thinks the gap in votes will be too much for Enholm to overtake him.

UPDATE: When reached for comment Enholm responded, “It is very clear to me that voters are expressing their frustration and even anger about colleges and schools not having in-person classes for students. Both College Board incumbents, both County Board of Education incumbents, and many school district (K-5, K-12, and high school) incumbents could lose when the final vote totals are released. None of us incumbents caused the pandemic and we all made difficult decisions to assure safety of our students, staffs, and visitors by minimizing the risk of illness or death from the coronavirus. The voters have the right to remove incumbents from office for any reasons they choose.”

Walters Beating Gordon for College Board Ward 2 Seat

Career community college professional Judy Walters of Martinez, won the Ward 5 seat to the Contra Costa Community College District, with 37,776 votes or 49.6 percent of the total votes cast for the seat held by incumbent Vicki Gordon of Martinez who has been on the College Board since 2012. She garnered 28,095 votes or 36.9%, so far.  John Michaelson also ran, collecting 10,270 votes for third place.

UPDATE: When reached for comment Walters responded Thursday night Nov. 5, “I am honored by the trust voters have placed in me to be their representative on the Contra Costa Community College Board.  As promised, I will lead with integrity and use my experience to ensure the educational excellence of our colleges while keeping student success at the core of my decision-making.”

Ward 2 encompasses Lafayette, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Martinez, Rodeo, Crockett, and parts of Alamo and Pleasant Hill.

County Board of Education Area 1 Race Too Close to Call

In the tight race for the Contra Costa County Board of Education Area 1 seat, incumbent Dr. Fatima Alleynne, had a narrow lead over challenger retired West Contra Costa Unified School District teacher Consuelo Lara, collecting 26,024 votes versus 25,586. “I do not feel comfortable claiming victory, as of yet,” she wrote in an email sent to the Herald. “Given the number of uncounted votes and how close the race is…I would prefer to wait for the process to conclude.”

The CCC Board of Education Area 1 includes Richmond, El Cerrito, Pinole, Crockett, and Hercules.

Farias Leading Incumbent Chavez for County Board of Education Area 3 Seat

In another County Board of Education race, AnaMarie Avila Farias was leading with 30,257 votes or 52.9 percent of the votes over incumbent Vicki Chavez with 26,871 votes for the Area 3 seat.  The Area 3 trustee represents Pacheco and parts of Clayton, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, and Walnut Creek. The former Martinez councilwoman, Farias had previously run unsuccessfully for Supervisor against Federal Glover in 2016.

Next Election Results Update Friday at 5:00 PM

The Contra Costa Elections Division is continuing to count the ballots that arrived by yesterday and will continue to arrive for as long as 17 more days including today. They have 28 days to finish the count and certify the election. So, final results may be as much as four weeks away. The next update of results is expected this Friday at 5:00 p.m.

 

By Allen Payton

In the race for Antioch School Board in Areas 1 and 3, both incumbents, Board President Diane Gibson-Gray seeking her third term, and Trustee Crystal Sawyer-White seeking her second, were trailing their first-place challengers. Newcomer Antonio Hernandez is in the lead in Area 1 by 240 voted with 1,579 votes to Gibson-Gray’s 1,339 and in Area 3 Lewis is ahead of Sawyer-White by 775 votes, as of the 11:44 p.m. Election Night update from the Contra Costa Elections office.

In a distant third place in Area 1 is Alexis Medina who dropped out of the race, but so far has 755 votes followed by another newcomer George Young with 548. In Area 3 former Antioch Planning Commission Chair Kenny Turnage is in third place with 1,167 votes trailing Sawyer-White by 657 votes.

Lewis posted on his Facebook Wednesday morning, “I was humbled to learn (this morning) that I had in fact won my race for Antioch School Board District 3, as last night I intentionally turned off all media and headed to bed by 8 30pm. Wow I’m still in shock.

I would like to begin today by thanking my family, friends, neighbors and community members for your wonderful support through this race. You are all awesome! This race was by no means a walk in the park.

It is said that a person is judged by their competition and both of you worked hard during this campaign and in that spirit, I would like to thank Ken Turnage II and Crystal White for a mostly clean race. I’m looking forward to working with everyone to bring the changes needed to support our kiddos, our schools and our community.

Now that the race is over and many on the campaign ran on creating unity, let’s keep that spirit and bring the supports needed to push #Antioch to where it needs to be.

Again, thank you for your support…now the work begins…

#TrusteeDrClydeLewis  #LetsGetToWork  #CommunityBuilding”

On his Facebook page on Wednesday morning, Turnage posted a congratulatory message to Lewis writing, “I would like to thank everyone who helped and gave support to my campaign it was very much appreciated. I would also like to congratulate Clyde Lewis on his victory in the School Board Race. I am sure he will do a good job for our students!” Turnage, in his humorous style later posted, “In true Mission Impossible fashion, this Facebook page will self destruct in 48 hours….Que(ue) Music!”

No message was posted by Sawyer-White on either of her Facebook pages nor did she call Lewis to concede the election or congratulate him. But Lewis said he did receive a call from Trustee Ellie Householder congratulating him.

Area 1 Race

Hernandez posted a semi-victory message on his campaign Facebook page Wednesday morning, writing, “We did it! The election night results are showing that when all is done I am likely to be the Antioch Unified School District Area 1 Trustee!

I am so thankful for all the support that I received. It’s not often that people like me run for local office. I grew up in low income household and was a first-generation college student. With 70% of our students on free/reduced lunch, I have been in the shoes of our students. I am excited to get to work on addressing the challenges that these students face and creating equity.

This race was not easy, it pushed me harder than I ever could have imagined. Thank you for making this such an exciting race Diane Gibson-Gray, Georgeyoung4change, and Alexis Medina. I know that we’ll continue to see your leadership and service here in Antioch, we’ll need it!

There are countless people to thank for this outcome including many family and friends, but I want to give a shout out to my campaign manager and political mastermind, José Parra.

Let’s get to work!”

Gibson-Gray posted a concession message to Hernandez on her Facebook page Wednesday morning writing, “Congratulations Antonio Hernandez Trustee Elect for AUSD District 1. Thank you everyone who provided friendship and support over the years. Diane”

In a post on his Facebook page Wednesday morning Young wrote, “Congratulations to Clyde Lewis (Area 3) and Antonio Hernandez (Area 1) for winning the school board race. I look forward to working with both of you over the next few years to make the needed changes in the Antioch Unified Schools.”

Next Update Friday at 5:00 PM

The Contra Costa Elections Division is continuing to count the ballots that arrived by yesterday and will continue to arrive for as long as 17 more days including today. They have 28 days to finish the count and certify the election. So, final results may be as much as four weeks away. The next update of results is expected this Friday at 5:00 p.m.

Invites Antioch residents to add their ideas to the list

Gabe Makinano, announced additions to his Vision 2020 for Antioch, including the new, long-planned library at Prewett Park, the completion of the 115-acre park and a concrete pad at the park  for the annual Big Chill outdoor ice skating rink.

“Antioch is the second largest city in the county, yet Brentwood has a nicer, larger library, and Walnut Creek has two libraries. So, it’s time we have a nice, new, large library for our residents, too,” Makinano said. “The location has been planned for the open land next to the Community Center at Prewett Park.”

“The addition of this library to our community will help with the education of our students and all residents,” he added.

Makinano wants to complete the 115-acre Master Plan for Prewett Park – the west side remaining land, from the parking lot to Deer Valley Road, including the library. He proposes requiring the new homes in the Sand Creek area and other parts of Antioch pay for it, like the Mello Roos District homeowners paid for the other portion of Prewett Park, including the Antioch Waterpark and Antioch Community Center.

“This is one of the city’s Community Parks and is supposed to serve the entire city,’ he said. “It needs to be completed. The Disc Golf Course can remain in that area. But there’s room for much more on the west side.”

Finally, Makinano wants the city to build a concrete pad to accommodate an annual outdoor Ice Skating Rink at Prewett Park on the eastern end near the Skate Park. He will work with Big Chill owners who are looking for a permanent location. The pad can be used for other, outdoor and tent covered events during the rest of the year.

“Let’s have more fun things to do for our kids and families, all year long, throughout the city,” he said.

Makinano’s vision includes a variety of items under the six areas he is focusing on during his campaign and will work on once elected: Increased Public Safety; Local, Quality Jobs; Improved Education; Housing for All; and a Revitalized Rivertown – Antioch’s Historic Downtown, and now, Parks & Recreation.

He will take his leadership skills, community connections and what he’s already been working on, along with the rest of the city council and staff to make the items in his vision a reality.

Vote Makinano for Mayor, the only candidate with a vision for a brighter future for Antioch and a plan to make it happen. To see his entire Vision 2020 for Antioch visit www.VoteGMakinano.com. If residents want to help add to the vision, they’re invited to email their ideas to Gabe at votegmakinano@gmail.com. If their idea is included in his Vision 2020, they will get the credit and have their name mentioned with their idea.