See official election results

“I’m just grateful for everybody that has made this a victory that we can all be proud of… thank you very much for this wonderful journey and it’s just beginning” – Mayor-elect Ron Bernal

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch Mayor-elect Ron Bernal and Councilmen-elect Louie Rocha and Don Freitas are inviting the public to their oaths of office ceremony on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, inside the Council Chambers at City Hall. In addition, new City Clerk Melissa Rhodes and City Treasurer Jorge Rojas, Jr. will also be sworn in that night.

On November 20th, Bernal posted on his campaign Facebook page both an announcement of his “Swearing-in ceremony” and a brief video in which he said, “Hey, Antioch. Ron Bernal, here. I just want to thank everybody for this amazing campaign that we’ve been on for the past 10 months. The support, the people that have volunteered and helped with this campaign has been really humbling and I’m just grateful for everybody that has made this a victory that we can all be proud of and all take credit for.”

“So, I want to invite you all out on December the 10th, Tuesday night to the swearing in for myself, for the new council members and for our new treasurer and city clerk,” he continued. “Again, thank you very much for this wonderful journey and it’s just beginning.”

According to the Official Results from the Contra Costa County Elections office, Bernal defeated incumbent Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe by more than a two-to-one margin, 25,791 votes or 61.98 percent of the vote to 12,783 or 30.72 percent. The third candidate in the race, Rakesh Christian garnered 3,041 votes or 7.31 percent of the vote.

District 2 Council

On his campaign Facebook page on Nov. 18, Rocha posted a photo of the three council election victors with a brief invite. He wrote, “Swearing-in ceremony for Mayor Ron Bernal, City Council Members Don Freitas and I will be held at the Antioch City Council meeting on Tuesday December 10, 2024 @ 7 p.m. Please show your support by attending the open public meeting.”

In his race for the District 2 Council seat Rocha defeated his opponent with 5,261 votes or 57.81 percent of the vote to Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Dominique King’s 3,841 votes or 42.2 percent.

District 3 Council

I his race for the District 3 Council seat Freitas defeated his two opponents with 5,735 votes or 49.19% of the vote to newcomer Addison Peterson’s 3,391 votes or 29.09 percent, and Board of Administrative Appeals Vice Chair Antwon Webster’s 2,532 votes or 21.72 percent of the vote.

Mayor Pro Tem

Although Freitas received the most votes in the two council races, because Rocha received the highest percentage of the vote, he will be elected by his fellow council members as the Mayor Pro Tem for 2025, according to the city’s ordinance after it was changed a few years ago. Freitas will have the position in 2026.

City Treasure and Clerk

In the City Treasurer race, newcomer Rojas defeated his two long-time, local officeholder opponents with 14,602 or 37.56 percent of the vote to current District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock’s 12,290 votes or 31.61% and former Mayor and City Treasurer Jim Davis’ 11,986 votes or 30.83% of the vote. Rhodes was the only candidate for Antioch City Treasurer and garnered 33,089 votes.

Council Meeting Details

The Antioch City Council’s regular open session meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown. The meeting can also be seen via livestream on the City’s website at https://www.antiochca.gov/government/city-council-meetings/live/ or viewed on either Comcast local cable channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99.

Made by estranged wife during divorce proceedings

Leak exposes City to lawsuit

“This is unfortunate. This is a private, personal matter and has nothing to do with Chief Ford’s past performance” – former City Manager Con Johnson who hired Ford.

By Allen D. Payton

An article by the East Bay Times published Tuesday, December 3, 2024, revealed an administrative investigation of possible misconduct by former Antioch Police Chief Steven A. Ford with a subordinate city employee during his brief tenure in the position. Ford was hired as interim police chief in April 2022 and was appointed to the permanent position that October. He retired from the position effective August 11, 2023.

An email from Ford’s estranged wife, Julia, who is pursuing a divorce, was sent to District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker about the allegations, who in turn informed City Manager Bessie Scott who then began an investigative process. It was confirmed today, Thursday, December 5, that the email referred to in the Times article was sent by Scott only to Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe after he asked her to put in writing details about the matter.

Rumors have circulated recently that Ford was hoping to be hired again as Antioch’s police chief following the election of the new mayor and council members. He endorsed Ron Bernal for mayor and attended an election night party in Antioch where all three candidates and their supporters celebrated.

“Scott’s email is dated Nov. 27, roughly two weeks after Ford’s estranged wife on Nov. 12 emailed city officials accusing Ford of ‘dating someone who worked in Antioch’ last year,” the Times article reads. It also claims that in her email Scott wrote she reported the allegations to the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), as required by state law (see below).

In Ford’s retirement announcement on July 19, 2023, just two days after another Times article revealed additional racist text messages among the department’s officers including one referring to him, Ford wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I forward this email to inform that I will be retiring as of August 11th. My time here has been both a tremendous opportunity and quite challenging. What is most meaningful to me are the relationships I have forged. I’m grateful for the way you embraced me and the changes we made. I firmly believe with your help and determination this organization is poised to move forward in a very meaningful way and evolve where anyone would want to work.”

The Times article is based on the reporter’s claim of an internal email by City Manager Bessie Scott dated Wednesday, Nov. 27, that he obtained, which mentions the administrative investigation for which “an outside investigator” has been hired. It also reports that Ford is currently in the midst of a divorce and that the “proceedings began around the time of his resignation.”

As previously reported, Ford’s wife was a 26-year veteran of the San Francisco Police Department at the time of his oath of office ceremony in April 2022 and she joined her husband at the podium to pin him with his new chief’s badge. 

Former City Manager Con Johnson Shares Concerns About Investigation

Former Antioch City Manager Cornelius “Con” Johnson, who worked with Ford during their time in the San Francisco Police Department, hired him for the top cop position in Antioch.

When reached for comment Johnson said, “This is unfortunate. This is a private, personal matter and has nothing to do with Chief Ford’s past performance. I understand Tamisha received an email from his estranged wife with accusations against the chief.”

“There’s not even a victim,” the former city manager continued. “I’ve never heard of an investigation into a personal matter. We’re still talking about a ghost. We don’t know who the accuser is or if that’s been verified or confirmed. Normally the person would be named. We’ve seen this in other departments. This, here, is a hit piece, a scare campaign to undermine the chief’s performance with the City of Antioch.”

“The facts that have been printed are this complaint came from his estranged wife about possible accusations,” Johnson stated. “I’d just like to caution people to not jump to conclusions until all the facts are in and give the chief the presumption of innocence. It all stems from a divorce process. This is between him and his wife.”

“The City does not have the authority to investigate a former city employee. I’m perplexed. I’ve never heard of an investigation of a former employee,” he added.

Asked about the possibility that the leaked email exposes the City to a lawsuit by Ford, Johnson said emphatically, “Absolutely. Because what ends up happening is, personnel matters are private and this should never have been leaked to the press in the first place and they don’t have the authority.”

“The city manager answers to all city council members. This is an unorthodox way to release information,” he continued. “If all of the council members have not been briefed about this matter, it’s inappropriate in and of itself. The city manager has the legal requirement and responsibility

“It’s very disturbing that two of the council members didn’t know about this and found out about it through the press. That’s completely inappropriate,” Johnson added.

Efforts to reach the former police chief for comment were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

Questions for City Staff, Mayor, Two Council Members Go Unanswered

Questions were sent Tuesday morning to City Manager Bess Scott, City Attorney Thomas L. Smith, Human Resources Director Ana Chavez and the five current council members. They were asked to whom the internal email dated Nov. 27 referenced in the article was sent, and if it was Cortez and Smith. They were also asked who is conducting the administrative investigation into the allegations against Ford.

They were asked if the council members were sent the email or informed of it before the article was published and if so, which council members.

They were also asked if they know who leaked the email to the Times’ reporter, if any of them had done so and if an investigation has been commenced to determine who leaked it.

A copy of the email was also requested to be sent to the Herald.

No responses from the city staff members were received prior to publication time.

Two Council Members Say They Didn’t Receive Email

Asked if they received the email both District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock and District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica said they did not nor know about it before the article was published.

“Nor have I seen the email,” Barbanica added.

However, both of them said it was a personnel matter, and they shouldn’t have been apprised of a former employee.

“Since it’s a former employee and an HR issue I shouldn’t have notification. Unless there was legal action,” Ogorchock responded.

Ford is “an ex-employee who doesn’t and never did answer to the council,” Barbanica stated. “We’re not apprised of every internal investigation that occurs.”

Hernandez-Thorpe and Councilwomen Torres-Walker and Monica Wilson were also contacted separately with the same questions. Additionally, Torres-Walker was asked about the email she received from Julia Ford. But the mayor and two other council members did not respond prior to publication time.

Hernandez-Thorpe Questioned Without Response

Hernandez-Thorpe was asked separately why he found it necessary to send the city manager’s email about the matter to the media and if it was to derail Ford’s chance to return as police chief. The mayor was also asked if it was a revenge move of payback against Ford and what had happened between the two of them since the mayor had heaped praise on him during his grandiose oath of office ceremony when Ford was first appointed as Antioch’s interim police chief.

During that ceremony, Hernandez-Thorpe said about Ford, “Today, marks a new day for the Antioch Police Department and for our city, 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.” (See related article)

Finally, the current mayor, who was recently soundly defeated for re-election and whose last day in the position is next Tuesday, was asked, “Doesn’t your action now expose you and the City to a lawsuit by Steve potentially costing the City taxpayer dollars to pay for outside legal counsel?” and “Is this how you want to leave your position?”

He did not respond to the additional questions prior to publication time.

Public Records Act Requests

A Public Records Act request was made by the Herald for any and all emails from Nov. 27 through Tuesday, December 3, 2024, by and between Scott, Smith, Cortez and Interim Police Chief Brian Addington, any other City of Antioch staff member and any council member, and any email communication by any city council and/or staff member with anyone at the East Bay Times or San Jose Mercury News regarding the allegations against Ford.

They were also asked on Wednesday, Dec. 4 to include any and all emails from council and City staff members to their own personal email accounts and to anyone else about the matter with Ford.

Finally, the four were asked if the release of the email by someone on the council or city staff to the media or anyone else about a former city employee, especially a sworn police officer expose the city and that individual to litigation by Ford.

Investigations of Police Misconduct Required by State Law

According to an article on the Police Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) Legal Defense Fund website by Mike Rains, of law firm Rains, Lucia, Stern, St. Phalle & Silver, California state law, known as Senate Bill 2 (SB-2), requires the reporting and investigation of accusations about police misconduct. Rains serves as the attorney for the Antioch Police Officers Association, of which police chiefs are not allowed to be members.

The “new law establishes a requirement that peace officers in California be ‘certified’ by POST, to serve in that capacity, and provides a new mechanism by which POST may review an officer’s alleged commission of ‘serious misconduct.’ Of major significance is the ability of POST to now make a determination on whether to suspend or revoke the officer’s certification,” he wrote.

“Beginning January 1, 2023, pursuant to section 13510.8(c)(1), law enforcement agencies are responsible for the completion of investigations of “serious misconduct” even if the officer has resigned employment,” Rains’ article continues.

The article further shares, “Penal Code section 13510.9(a)(2) requires an officer’s employing agency to report to the Commission any complaintorallegation made against an officer that could result in suspension or revocation of an officer’s certification…any findingorrecommendation by a civilian oversight entity, including a civilian review board, civilian police commission, police chief or civilian inspector general, that an officer engaged in conduct subject to suspension or revocation” and “the final disposition of an investigation that determines an officer engaged in conduct that could result in suspension or revocation of certification, regardless of the discipline imposed.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Including hiring search firm for police chief recruitment, giving authority to Planning Commission to approve tentative maps, commission appointments

Also, Climate Action and Resilience Plan, lawsuit by Antioch Police Officers Association

By Allen D. Payton

Just two weeks before a new council majority is seated, with Antioch’s new mayor and two members to be sworn in, defeated Mayor Lamar Hernández-Thorpe has placed a variety of major issues on the agenda for the current council to decide during their “lame duck” meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. A lame duck government meeting occurs whenever an elected board meets after its successors are elected.

Prior to the regular session at 7:00 p.m., the council will hold a Closed Session beginning at 6:00 p.m. to discuss a significant exposure to anticipated litigation and two lawsuits, one by the mother of a man who died following interactions with police and one by the Antioch Police Officers Association.

The one issue that is the responsibility of the current council is their response to the scathing report from the Civil Grand Jury, from earlier this year. But the other major issues the current mayor has placed on the agenda include hiring a search firm for recruiting a permanent police chief, giving authority to the Planning Commission to approve tentative maps, appointments of two members to the Planning Commission, one to the Parks and Recreation Commission and two to the Police Oversight Commission, all of which could be left to the new mayor and council majority to decide.

The council will also consider giving a city-owned parcel on E. 18th Street to Con Fire for a new station, directing city staff to discuss with the county the use of a 4.7-acre city-owned lot on Delta Fair Blvd. for homeless shelter, and adopting a Climate Action and Resilience Plan.

The council will also consider under item #15 potential upgrades to the Antioch Amtrak Station to help keep it from being closed or decommissioned in the next two to three years as is the current approved plan of the San Joaquins Joint Powers Authority which oversees the Amtrak service in and through Antioch. Finally, under item #15, the council will consider allocating $60,000 for a Chinese Commemoration Public Art Project in the area of Rivertown which was the City’s Chinatown in the 1800’s.

Response to Grand Jury Report

Under agenda item #1, carried over twice from previous meetings, the council will consider, “Approving an addendum to specific Findings and Recommendations identified in the Grand Jury Noncompliance letters dated October 3, 2024 in response to the Findings and Recommendations resulting from the 2023-2024 Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury report of June 12, 2024 entitled: “Challenges Facing the City of Antioch” Addendum; and 2) Authorizing the Mayor to sign and submit it to the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury.”

Hiring Search Firm for Police Chief Recruitment

Under the Consent Calendar item #6L, the council will consider hiring executive search firm Bob Hall & Associates to recruit a permanent police chief. According to the city staff report, in September, the City issued a Request for Qualifications to attract qualified recruitment firms capable of conducting a nationwide search. The Human Resources Department contacted 29 firms and of those contacted, seven firms submitted applications.

On Oct. 31st, City staff and a representative from the Antioch Police Oversight Commission evaluated and ranked the applications based on the firms’ experience, proposed recruitment strategies, cost effectiveness, commitment to diversity and ability to meet the City’s timeline and goals. Two firms were identified as the closest matches to the criteria and were interviewed, during which they outlined “their strategies and processes for engaging the community and fostering trust between the Police Department and community members.” Bob Hall & Associates was ranked the highest and selected.

The Huntington Beach-based firm’s most recent police chief recruitment effort was in the City of Vallejo. According to the company’s LinkedIn profile, it’s founder and namesake, Bob Hall, passed away “on July 12, 2024, after a 5-month battle with cancer.”

UPDATE: Interim Chief Brian Addington said he was part of the decision-making process in selecting the firm and that it was Commission Chairperson Porsche Taylor as the member who participated, as well. He said he feels very confident in the search firm and that both finalists had the needed experience.

In addition, Rachel Hall, the firm’s Recruitment Manager, shared, “Bob Hall & Associates was founded in 2019 and we will be dedicating a specialized team to the Antioch Police Chief recruitment.”

Allowing Planning Commission Approval of Tentative Maps

According to the city staff report for agenda item #7, “In order to streamline Antioch’s development review process and make it more consistent with neighboring jurisdictions and the goals of the Housing Element, this proposed ordinance (“Ordinance”) amends AMC (Antioch Municipal Code) Title 9, Chapter 4, Articles 1 and 3 to assign the Planning Commission the sole authority to approve Tentative Maps as the Advisory Agency in compliance with the Subdivision Map Act, while designating the City Council to act as the Appeals Board for Tentative Map decisions and to continue approving Final Maps.”

Meeting Information

The regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown. The meeting can also be seen via livestream on the City’s website or viewed on either Comcast local cable channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99. See the complete agenda packet.

See separate article about the City’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan. An effort to reach Mike Rains, the attorney for the Antioch Police Officers Association for more details about their lawsuit was also unsuccessful prior to publication time.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

By Marc Joffe

As if the $1 toll hike on January 1, 2025, is not enough, commissioners at the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) plan to approve a series of five fifty cent increases starting in 2026. By 2030, tolls on the Bay Area’s seven state-owned bridges will reach $10.50 for FasTrak users and $11.50 for drivers paying by invoice. Included in the increase are these four bridges with landings in Contra Costa County:

• Antioch (Senator John A. Nejedly) Bridge
• Benicia-Martinez (George Miller) Bridge
• Carquinez Bridge
• Richmond-San Rafael Bridge

Aside from toll hikes, motorists are facing a gasoline price increase arising from the California Air Resources Board’s recent imposition of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard. According to a research center at the University of Pennsylvania, LCFS could cost drivers up to 85 cents extra per gallon. And this is on top of California’s highly elevated fuel prices, driven by taxes that rise annually under SB1 (2018).

Despite increasing maintenance costs, the Bay Area bridges are quite profitable. BATA expects total revenue of $1.058 billion this year. The costs of operating the bridges, running FasTrak, and paying debt service are projected to total just $757 million, leaving $300 million to spare.

As BATA admits in its own FAQ on the toll increase, $3.00 of the current $7.00 toll is already being siphoned off for purposes other than bridge operations, maintenance, and seismic safety (this will increase to $4.00 of $8.00 on January 1). For example, almost $6 million is diverted annually to the Transbay Joint Powers Authority to operate its empty bus terminal and to pursue its hopeless plan to bring high-speed rail trains into the Salesforce Transit Center. Bridge toll money is also being used to subsidize Bay Area ferries, SF Muni, AC Transit, Golden Gate Transit, and the NAPA Vine bus service.

The toll hike on the Antioch Bridge is especially egregious. BATA is charging the same tolls on all its bridges despite their vastly different lengths. The Bay Bridge is 8.4 miles long while the Antioch Bridge is just 1.8 miles long. Also, unlike all other Bay Area bridges, the Antioch Bridge has just one lane in each direction.

And then there is the question of income. While many Bay Area drivers are wealthy enough to easily absorb the toll hike, that is less true of people living near the Antioch Bridge. According to Census Reporter, Antioch’s per capita income is only 56 percent of the average for the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metro region. Rio Vista, the first sizable community on the north side of the bridge, clocks in at just 67 percent of the metro area’s income per person.

At minimum, BATA should exempt the Antioch Bridge from its planned toll hikes. But better yet, the Authority should shelve its entire toll increase plan, stop siphoning off toll money for other purposes, and live within its means.

Marc Joffe is President of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association.

Until Dec. 18

Board considering increasing to as high as $11.50 to pay “exclusively for bridge preservation and operations” in spite of three voter-approved $1 increases

“A Thanksgiving/holiday season decision is a hide the ball strategy. Not good.” – State Senator Steve Glazer

By John Goodwin & Rebecca Long, MTC

November 20, 2024 update: The public comment period on the Bay Area Toll Authority’s proposed toll increase and HOV policy changes is extended through the end of public comment heard on the agenda item for BATA’s December 18, 2024 meeting.  All public written and oral comments provided through that time will be incorporated into the record. However, in order for comments to be summarized and published in the agenda packet and distributed in advance of consideration of this item at the December 11, 2024, BATA Oversight Committee meeting, they must be submitted by 5 p.m. December 3, 2024. 

BATA — which is required by state law to fund projects to preserve and protect the Bay Area’s seven state-owned toll bridges — today heard again a proposal for a toll increase that would be used only to pay for the maintenance, rehabilitation and operation of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward bridges. If approved by BATA at its December 18 meeting, the toll increase would be phased in over five years, beginning Jan. 1, 2026. 

The toll increase proposal includes a tiered rate structure aimed at encouraging more customers to pay electronically with FasTrak® toll tags, as this form of payment carries lower administrative costs than payment through a license plate account or returning payment with an invoice received by mail. Under the proposal, customers would pay a premium for using a pre-registered license plate account or for invoiced tolling. To give customers ample time to sign up for FasTrak, this premium would not begin until 2027. 

The proposed toll hike is separate from the $3 increase approved by Bay Area voters in 2018 through Regional Measure 3 to finance a comprehensive suite of highway and transit improvements around the region. The first of the three $1 Regional Measure 3 toll increases went into effect in 2019, followed by another in 2022. The last of the RM 3 toll hikes will go into effect Jan. 1, 2025, bringing the toll for regular two-axle cars and trucks to $8.

The proposal heard today by BATA calls for tolls for all regular two-axle cars and trucks to increase to $8.50 on Jan. 1, 2026. Tolls for customers who pay with FasTrak tags would then rise to $9 in 2027; to $9.50 in 2028; to $10 in 2029; and then to $10.50 in 2030. Tolls for customers who use a pre-registered license plate account would rise to $9.25 in 2027; to $9.75 in 2028; to $10.25 in 2029 and to $10.75 in 2030. Invoiced tolls would rise to $10 in 2027; $10.50 in 2028; $11 in 2029; and $11.50 in 2030. The Golden Gate Bridge has used a tiered pricing schedule since 2014. Golden Gate Bridge tolls by July 2028 will range from $11.25 for FasTrak to $11.50 for license plate accounts to $12.25 for invoice customers.

Under the proposed toll increase, tolls for large freight trucks and other vehicle/trailer combinations with three or more axles would rise by 50 cents per axle each year from 2026 through 2030. 

“I’m sensitive to the overall cost of living in the Bay Area,” acknowledged Napa County Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza, who also serves as chair of both BATA and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). “Working families really feel the impact, not just in transportation but back at home with utilities, groceries, children. This one is hard. But it’s the right thing to do.”

BATA and MTC invite members of the public to weigh in on the proposed toll increase during a comment period that begins Monday, Nov.4, and continues through the end of BATA’s Dec. 18 meeting. Comments may be sent via email to info@bayareametro.gov. As part of its regular November meeting, BATA today held a public hearing in San Francisco to receive testimony about the proposal from Bay Area residents, businesses and other interested parties. 

Today’s presentation by BATA and MTC staff also proposed updates to the policies for high-occupancy vehicles on approaches to the Bay Area’s state-owned toll bridges. These updates would take effect Jan. 1, 2026, concurrent with the proposed toll increase. BATA’s  existing toll schedule allows vehicles with three or more occupants (HOV 3+) a discounted toll, with a two-person (HOV 2) occupancy requirement for half-price tolls at the Dumbarton and San Mateo-Hayward bridges. BATA and MTC staff propose to establish a uniform three-person occupancy requirement for half-price tolls during weekday commute periods at all seven bridges. Carpool vehicles at all state-owned bridges must use a dedicated carpool lane and pay their tolls with a FasTrak Flex toll tag set to the ‘3’ position to receive the 50 percent discount available weekdays from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The proposed carpool policy changes also would allow vehicles with two occupants and a switchable FasTrak Flex toll tag set to the ‘2’ position to use the carpool lanes on the approaches to the Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward bridges. These two-occupant vehicles would not receive the 50 percent carpool discount but would be able to use the carpool lanes to save time traveling through the toll plazas. Use of the carpool lanes on approaches to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge still would require a minimum of three occupants.

The new carpool policy proposals are designed to improve safety on the toll bridge approaches by minimizing ‘weaving’ between lanes and to increase person-throughput by prioritizing access for buses and carpools. The policy change also would optimize lane configurations as now-obsolete toll booths are removed as part of the coming transition to open-road tolling.  

BATA, which is directed by the same policy board as MTC, administers toll revenues from the Bay Area’s seven state-owned toll bridges. Toll revenues from the Golden Gate Bridge are administered by the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, which joined with BATA to operate a single regional FasTrak customer service center in San Francisco. MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.

In response to a post of the link to this press release on X/Twitter on Wednesday, Nov. 30, State Senator Steve Glazer, who represents most of Contra Costa County, protested the proposed toll hikes writing, “Why was this need not identified and incorporated during the last toll increase in 2018? You don’t buy a boat and a new car when you don’t have the $ to fix the roof! A Thanksgiving/holiday season decision is a hide the ball strategy. Not good.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Lewis announces scholarships for 2 students, grants for 2 staff members from personal funds

By Allen D. Payton

During the regular meeting of the Antioch School Board on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, Area 3 Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis and Area 4 Trustee Gary Hack offered farewell remarks as the next meeting will be for the new board members to be seated. That will be Olga Comos-Smith in Area 4 who defeated Hack in his run for a fourth term on the board and is expected to be Dee Brown who continues to lead Scott Bergerhouse in Area 3, replacing Lewis.

Lewis was elected in 2020 in his second run for the board. At one point Lewis was considered a possible candidate for Mayor of Antioch or city council. He also chose not to seek either of those positions. Hack previously served from 2010-14, then lost for re-election and came back in 2016 and won two consecutive terms.

In a post on Lewis’ official Facebook page Wednesday night he wrote, “Tonight is bittersweet. While I decided not run for re-election, I am saddened by the realization that I will no longer be a school board member. The past 4 years have been filled with many ups and downs, joys and stresses. I have lost a lot, but have learned a great deal. I want to thank the community who believed in me enough to elect me, and I hope my service lived up to your expectations. I look forward to continuing to work with the school district and am excited for the future of our community.” He tagged it with #TrusteeLewis  #AntiochUnifiedSchoolDistrict  #loveofcommunity

About Hack, Acting Superintendent Dr. Rob Martinez said, “He has served as president three times. He has brought tremendous years of service to the district and we’re very grateful for his time on the board, for the work that he has done for the children of this community.”

Martinez said about Lewis, “We’re also recognizing Dr. Clyde Lewis. He has served as president for one time and as vice president for one time and, again has made a focus of working to expand opportunities for many of our students in relation to their technical skills, career and technical, having opportunities to grow.”

“We thank you both your tremendous leadership,” the superintendent added. “We would all like to thank you and appreciate your service to the board.”

Each were then presented with their official photos that hung on the wall inside the District offices.

Hernandez said, “If there’s one thing that I respect more than anything about both of these people up here, it’s that they’re both up here doing the work. It really does take an extra step of leadership to step into the area and try to do what’s best for students.”

“So, I appreciate you being up here,” he continued. “I appreciate all the years that you’ve given to the school district, to our students, here. I appreciate the ideas you brought forth, the perspective that you bring and I hope you continue to share that with the community.”

Board Vice President and Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha spoke next saying while looking at Lewis, “One of things I find amazing is your knowledge and what I’ve always said to him, ‘you should be a professor.’ He should be at the college level. He just has that ability and knowledge. And I look forward to the ROTC because you brought it forward and I think that’s a wonderful thing for our district. I admire you and I thank you very much. It’s nice to get to know your fellow person because. I’m happy to have known you and to be with you and I don’t want to lose track of you.”

“And then Gary, over there, we go back so many years,” she continued having mentioned Hack was a teacher at Sutter Elementary where her son attended. “A lot of you don’t know but he’s my deacon at my church. So, he has so many hats that he wears. It’s just one of those things where we built a relationship and we don’t have to say much to each other because we already know. Thank you very much, Gary.”

Area 2 Trustee Dr. Jag Lathan spoke about her colleagues last saying, “I just want to thank you all, both Trustee Hack and Trustee Dr. Lewis for your work. This not easy work at all. But it’s really good work and I hope that you both have some really good time off and you can enjoy in other ways service to our students. So, thank you.”

Hack’s Parting Comments

Trustee Hack was the first of the two departing board members to speak saying, “Actually, it surprises me that as time goes by I came to Antioch when I was in my mid-twenties. I had hair and a beard. And I moved to this brand new elementary school called Sutter. That’s where I spent a lot of my life. I just loved teaching. I love that age of kids.”
Pointing toward Rocha he said, “Mary’s one of the first parents I ever ran into not that I’ve known her this long. But it’s this experience. I did the union stuff, I did the bargaining stuff. I got into all that stuff. But the reality is just the kids.”

“I still love going to activities at schools and seeing the kids do spelling bees or play football, or do whatever they do,” Hack continued. “I said, ‘you know? Education. Fantastic.’ And I’m just lucky to be in that situation for so many years.”

Lewis Offers Farewell Speech

During his public comments at the beginning of the Board meeting Lewis said, “I have a prepared speech because I’m kind of a nerd that way. “He then said, “Good evening, everyone. This is my final school board meeting, and I want to take a moment to reflect on my time serving this community.

When I initially ran for this position eight years ago (actually he ran six years), I did so to be a voice for students, teachers, staff, and families. I wanted to ensure our schools had the resources and support they needed to provide an excellent education for all. Looking back, I am proud to say we have made great strides in achieving that vision.

Together, we have increased funding for classroom supplies, upgraded technology in our schools, and expanded mental health resources for students. We have also worked hard to strengthen relationships with our teachers’ union, custodial staff, and administration – recognizing that a collaborative approach benefits everyone.

Most importantly, we’ve kept students at the center of every decision. Their success has been and will always be the driving force behind the work we do.

As a final gesture, I’m honored to announce that a few scholarships are being awarded today. As I have mentioned, I lost a close personal friend in my senior year of high school. This friend had everything needed to make it. He was smart and had interpersonal skills and ambition. He did not get the chance to receive this type of scholarship, so I would like to honor his legacy by supporting a young person whose teachers believe he would use these funds as a springboard to a bright future. While I recognize these funds will not eliminate all college costs, I hope they can help. Also, during my board tenure, I lost my mother. The second scholarship to be in her honor. She worked tirelessly as a campus security during her career, in addition to all the effort she put into raising my siblings and me. To honor her legacy, I am giving a small scholarship to our hard-working staff. Lastly, I would like to give a small scholarship to our hard-working teachers, who develop the minds of our young people, which is noble beyond words. In sum, the scholarship breakdown will be:

• Two (2) $200 scholarships for graduating seniors
• A $100 scholarship for an outstanding teacher
• A $100 scholarship for a deserving member of our custodial staff

These scholarships are a small way to recognize the incredible contributions of our students, educators, and support staff. They are the lifeblood of our district, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to serve alongside all of you.

Thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of Antioch’s youth. I know the district will continue to thrive under the incoming board’s leadership. It has been a privilege to be part of this journey, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.

God bless Antioch Unified School District, and may we continue to shape the next generation of leaders.”

Details on Scholarships

On Thursday, Nov. 14, Lewis posted again providing more details about the scholarships, two in honor of a friend who died while they were in high school and his mother, who passed during his term on the school board.

He wrote, “As I mentioned last night, as a final gesture, I’m honored to be in position to offer a few final scholarships. When I was a senior in high school, I lost a close personal friend. This friend had everything needed to make it. He was smart, had interpersonal skills and ambition. He did not get the chance to receive this type of scholarship, so I would like to honor Tracey Kareem Smith’s legacy by supporting a young person that their teachers believe would use these funds as a springboard to a bright future. While I recognize these funds will not eliminate all college costs, I hope they can help.

“Also, during my board tenure, I lost my mother. I would like the second scholarship to be in her honor. She worked tirelessly as a campus security during her career, in addition to all the effort she put into raising my siblings and me. So, to honor the legacy of Jamesetta Watson, I would like to provide a small scholarship to our hard-working staff.
“Lastly, I would like to provide a small scholarship to our hardworking teachers, who aid in the development of our young people, which is noble beyond words.”

At the end of the meeting Lewis said he plans to distribute the scholarships at the end of the school year.

Asked later if the funds were left over from his campaign account, Lewis said, “they’ll be out of my own pocket.”

Final Comments

“I’m still going to continue to do the work and be in the community. So, thank you all for having me these last four years,” he added.

“It’s been fun. Six decades since I entered this district,” Hack stated. “I’m still here and next board meeting I may be out there watching you.”

Board President Antonio Hernandez, who was re-elected with no opposition to the Trustee Area 1 seat in the Nov. 5th election, then offered final coments about his departing colleagues, “I want to end my comments by saying how important school boards are and how underappreciated they can be. I know there’s a lot of work and time spent.”

“We make a lot of really important decisions here and over the past four years, Trustee Lewis, Trustee Hack you all helped make really, really, very valuable decisions and again, very often so overlooked,” he continued. “But there’s a lot of power, there’s a lot of trust, a lot of responsibility to the community, there.”

“So, again appreciate the time you all served here, on the board,” Hernandez added.

Hack is a retired teacher from the district and the former president of the Antioch Education Association, the local teachers’ union. Dr. Clyde Henry Lewis, Jr. will continue working as an Executive Coach through his business, Onessis International, and as a part-time Faculty Lecturer at U.C. Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.

Approve double-time for Antioch Police officers as part of Violence Reduction Initiative

New city manager withdraws request for second assistant city manager position

Agree to move forward proposed Sycamore Square police substation

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Antioch City Council agreed to spend $1.3 million on improvements to the police department and Animal Services. It was the second to last regular meeting for both Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock, as well as District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica, who was absent due to a family medical emergency. The council also approved double-time pay for Antioch Police Officers who choose to work extra hours to supplement the currently depleted force, voted to accept the $6.8 million state grant to clear out homeless encampments, agreed to pursue leasing the lot on Sycamore Drive to develop something there in the long-term and a community garden in the meantime, as well as directed staff to pursue leasing space at the Sycamore Square shopping center for a possible police substation.

Before public comments and council discussion on the budget-related item, it was announced City Manager Bessie Scott, who was also absent, withdrew her request for a second assistant city manager position, and would be brought back at a later, more appropriate time, according to Economic Development Director Kwame Reed who was sitting in for her during the meeting.

Budget Savings and ARPA Funds Allocation

The $1.3 million were from item #10 on the agenda entitled, “Appropriating Expenditures for Encumbrances and Project Budgets Outstanding to the 2024/25 Fiscal Year Budget and Approving Other Amendments to the 2024/25 Fiscal Year Budget.”

For the use of the remaining one-time federal ARPA funds for COVID relief which have to be allocated or contracted for by Dec. 31st, the council, instead of using it to help local need meeting organizations in the amount of $25,000 each as suggested by Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe they instead moved them to the General Fund to pay for government services.

District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker wanted instead to “Go through a grant making process then those organizations could apply,” she said. But Mayor Pro Tem and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock supported transferring the funds to the General Fund for future use by the next council.

The council than approved that on two motions which passed 4-0.

Approve Double-Time Pay for Antioch Police Personnel in Violence Reduction Initiative

After approving the Violence Reduction Initiative last month, allocating up to $500,000 for overtime pay and costs for the assistance of police and equipment from outside agencies, under item #11 the city council approved “a resolution authorizing the Chief of Police to pay double the standard hourly wage (“double-time”) to Antioch Police Department Sergeants, Corporals, Officers, Community Service Officers, and Dispatch personnel for working extra shifts in designated areas of the City to reduce violence.”

“I do think we need to approve that. But we can’t rely solely on outside officers,” said Interim Police Chief Brian Addington. “Nobody knows this area…better than our Antioch Police Officers.”

“These officers would be over and above the regular patrol officers,” he stated. “We don’t want our officers overworked and working fatigued. I’m not asking for any more money. You already allocated $500,000. I believe that will be sufficient. I believe it would benefit us all as a community we spend these funds up front…rather than after the fact. It is a short-term solution. We need a wholistic approach. We need to work with our faith-based organizations, our community-based organizations.”

Torres-Walker flipped her position from the previous vote on the initiative saying, “I do support this…knowing officers will be well-rested. Because I’ve been told by other chiefs that it would be difficult to provide their officers. I’m going to go ahead and support this.”

Following the motion by Ogorchock and seconded by Torres-Walker, it passed 4-0.

Accept $6.8 Million State Homeless Encampment Cleanout Grant

The council also adopted “a resolution accepting the Department of Housing and Community Development Division of Housing Policy Development (HCD) Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF)” Round 3 award in the amount of $6,812,686. The proposed project will clear out a homeless encampment located near the intersection of Sunset Drive and Devpar Court. As one of the City’s two large encampments, it has been prioritized for resolution due to the vulnerability of its 30-40 residents and the hazardous conditions present at the site.

“I understood the site was not selected,” Ogorchock stated and asked about the Economy Inn.

“When we first wrote the grant we were looking at a couple options and no one said they were interested except Economy Inn,” said Tasha Johnson, Director of the Public Safety and Community Resources Department.

The council approved the motion to accept the grant on a 4-0 vote.

Approve Rescinding City Attorney Oversight of City Clerk’s Office

Under agenda item #13, the council approved outgoing City Clerk Ellie Householder recommendation to rescind a previous resolution, “Approving the City Clerk’s Request for the City Attorney to Provide Managerial Oversight of the City Clerk’s Department in Cooperation with the City Clerk.”

“This resolution will transfer back the responsibility to the city manager,” said City Attorney Thomas L. Smith.

The motion to approve passed on a 4-0 vote.

Lease of Lot on Sycamore Drive

The council also considered, at Torres-Walker’s request, leasing the vacant property across from the Sycamore Square shopping center on the corner of Sycamore Road and L Street, or space in the center.

According to resident and former councilman Ralph Hernandez, the empty lot was formerly the location of a gas station. He questioned whether it was cleaned up and for the council to consider any environmental hazards.

Resident and affordable housing advocate Andrew Becker said, “That lot has an R-20 zoning designation. So that city has plans for housing on that property.”

“That lot definitely does need some funding put into it. Not City of Antioch General Fund. That property is in an Opportunity Zone. It’s in one of the lowest income areas of the city. You submit it to the state…you go to the front of the line,” he stated. “You land-lease this property. You create a viable development plan and you target those funds and I’m happy to help along the way.”

“Before we buy the property, we made sure it was clear,” said the lot owner named Mike. “There was a gas station there in 1974.”

Torres-Walker then said, “I connected Andrew to Mike. In order to do things like that you have to show interest as the City to move forward. Even Mike said, ‘we could lease this lot for a dollar.’ After 30 years this city would finally be willing to invest in their community.”

“There’s nothing to vote on tonight. We either have to put up or shut up and stop complaining,” she added.

“It’s not been closed since 1974,” Ogorchock pointed out.

“I didn’t say it’s been 30 years since it was a gas station. I’m saying it’s been 30 years of neglect,” Torres-Walker responded.

“I think this is something that could be a land-lease,” Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson stated. “I definitely want to hear more about this.”

Hernandez-Thorpe mentioned a “community garden there. The long-term plans are the long-term plans. In the meantime, a community garden is what she’s asking for.”

Lease of Space at Sycamore Square for Police Substation

Regarding a police substation inside a space at the Sycamore Square shopping center Torres-Walker explained, “A police substation is not a mini police station.”

“In fairness to Mike, he already reserved the space two years ago,” Hernandez-Thorpe stated. “This is not a new idea. The unfortunate circumstances of what happened made it difficult.”

Commissioner Leslie May said, “I think that would be a good idea as long as the Community Engagement Committee of the Police Oversight Committee could be in there working.”

Ralph Hernandez said, “I just don’t see it. The community already has security in the Contra Loma Estates, the cameras there and you still have the violence. It’s an illusion…that’s going to create some kind of security for the community. “How many police buildings are patrolling and keeping our city safe?” he asked. “You’re not going to get more safety by having a substation.”

“I like her idea, of having a community room with non-police,” he continued referring to Ms. May’s idea. “I know what’s going on there. You just don’t know the game, there.”

Another resident, who the mayor referred to as Ms. Smith said, “I was born and raised in Antioch on the old Sycamore, William Reed Drive. I’ve noticed since we have patrol officers sitting over there in Sycamore Square, I feel safe. It’s not an illusion.”

“The bullets started flying. A shell casing was found in a neighbor’s yard. Real estate agents were showing a house then the 50 shots,” she stated. “I’m all for the substation. When the police are there, it’s quiet. Sycamore has always been bad. It’s never been this bad.”

Increased policing is not the intent, here. It’s not going to solve the community’s problems. Increased presence,” Andrew Becker said. “It’s to provide a space to show that community they’re not forgotten. That the City is invested in them 24/7. Be more ambitious. Be more bold.”

He then suggested pursuing federal grant funds for electric vehicle charging stations at the shopping center to attract people to it.

“This is a step in a process of steps that have already been taken,” Hernandez-Thorpe stated.

“This is not giving up on community-based violence solutions,” Torres-Walker said. “Antioch’s never done that before. The approach has been police response, police response, police response. What I would like is for the city manager and the police chief to meet with the owner of Sycamore Square…what can we do in three months, what can we do in six months.”
“We’re all agreeing with the direction? Is the direction clear?” Hernandez-Thorpe asked.

Property owner Mike said, “When the police show up it was better. I do everything that I’ve been asked. I’ve been trying to help the community. This is something beyond, out of my hands. If we can work together.”

“The security guards don’t feel safe. These are armed security guards,” Torres-Walker stated. “The HOA feels so safe…they move to…Brentwood. We need to do something.”

Council Communications

During the Council Communications portion of the meeting, Torres-Walker said she wanted to bring back to a future meeting a discussion of, “What is the mayor’s office and how do we get rid of it?” She also asked, “To change the name of the Mayor’s Apprenticeship Program to something more suitable for sustainability.”

“You do realize all that sounded like a dig towards me,” Hernandez-Thorpe said.

“It’s not a dig. I just want to have a discussion about it,” Torres-Walker responded with a laugh.

“The $20,000 for each council members’ districts. We need to have guidelines on them,” Ogorchock then requested.

The council then voted to adjourn the meeting at 11:23 p.m.

Double-time pay for Antioch cops, Sycamore Drive land lease for possible police substation, potential upgrades to Amtrak Station to stave off closure

Fiscal Year ends with $3.5 million surplus, mainly due to vacant position savings, mostly in police dep’t

Will respond to Grand Jury report noncompliance letter

City awarded $6.8 million grant to clear homeless encampments

By Allen D. Payton

During tonight’s Antioch City Council meeting, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the mayor and two members who will no longer be on the council as of early December, will, along with the other two members, consider multiple items, including adding a second assistant city manager at a cost of over $425,000 per year, even though the current position is still vacant.

Under agenda item #’s 15 and 16, at the request of District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, the council will consider leasing the vacant property across from the Sycamore Square shopping center on the corner of Sycamore Road and L Street, and space in the center for a police substation, even though the Antioch Police Facility is just one mile away.

In addition, under agenda item #1, the council will consider upgrades to the Amtrak Station to avoid its decommissioning. According to the staff report, “the fiscal impact is unknown at this time until direction on this item is provided.”

Those are in spite of the fact the City is facing double-digit deficits over the next three years, and federal funding for a variety of current projects and programs, including the Opportunity Village, homeless hotel, runs out at the end of December. However, the council will receive good news in the form of a net surplus of $3.5 million for Fiscal Year 2023/24 that ended on June 30th which will reduce those future fiscal year deficits.

Budget Adjustments – Agenda Item #10

That good news comes in the form of the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Unaudited Closing Numbers.  According to the staff report, “Fiscal Year 2023/24 closed on June 30, 2024. Revenues exceeded expenditures by $8,862,934, however, $5,358,842 of this ‘excess’ is from encumbrances and project budgets unspent as of June 30th being rolled over into FY25…for a realized net surplus of $3,504,092. This amount is being set aside in the Budget Stabilization Fund at June 30, 2024, leaving a General Fund reserve balance of $43,258,769 and a balance in the Budget Stabilization Fund of $41,131,470 as of June 30, 2024.”

The report also shows FY2024 Revenues were $2,371,877 higher than projected due mainly to $1.36M in additional interest income from the high interest rate environment of the City’s investment portfolio. Expenditures were $11,726,745 less than projected. Yet, a large amount was due to $4,866,210 in salary savings from all unfilled positions, of which $3,554,451 was in the police department due to its understaffing.

During discussion of item #10 entitled, “Appropriating Expenditures for Encumbrances and Project Budgets Outstanding to the 2024/25 Fiscal Year Budget and Approving Other Amendments to the 2024/25 Fiscal Year Budget” the new city manager is requesting a second assistant city manager. According to the city staff report for the item, “The estimated annual salary and benefit cost of the position at Step E is $425,494, with the budget impact and amendment required for 6 months of $212,747.”

The current assistant city manager position is vacant, as Parks and Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger is no longer serving as the Acting Assistant City Manager.

Response to Civil Grand Jury’s Noncompliance Letter – Agenda Item #2

In response to Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe’s letter dated Sept. 11, 2024, responding to the Civil Grand Jury’s investigation report issued earlier this year, entited, “Challenges Facing the City of Antioch”, the Grand Jury rejected the council’s response. In two letters dated Oct. 3, 2024, and received by the City on Oct. 7, Foreperson Ed Sarubbi wrote in the first, “The Grand Jury…finds that it does not comply with the requirements of Section 933.05 of the California Penal Code in the following respects: Response to Findings 6 and 13: A response of ‘The City disagrees with this finding requires an explanation.’ The Grand Jury requests that you resubmit your responses in its entirety within 10 days of the date of this letter, following the directions in the original letter of transmittal.”

In the second letter, Sarubbi requested the same writing, “Response to Recommendations 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5: A response of ‘The City agrees with this recommendation’ is not a valid response.” He’s asking for the mayor to resubmit the council’s responses to those recommendations, also within 10 days.

The City is already out of compliance as a draft response letter was written and dated in October, but the council has yet to approve it, as the matter was not placed on the agenda until the Oct. 22nd meeting and then was continued to tonight’s meeting.

Double-Time Pay for Antioch Police Personnel in Violence Reduction Initiative – Agenda Item #11

After approving the Violence Reduction Initiative last month, allocating up to $500,000 for overtime pay and costs for the assistance of police and equipment from outside agencies, under item #11 the city council will consider adopting “a resolution authorizing the Chief of Police to pay double the standard hourly wage (“double-time”) to Antioch Police Department Sergeants, Corporals, Officers, Community Service Officers, and Dispatch personnel for working extra shifts in designated areas of the City to reduce violence.”

State Homeless Encampment Cleanout Grant – Agenda Item #12

More good news on the agenda includes the council considering adopting “a resolution accepting the Department of Housing and Community Development Division of Housing Policy Development (HCD) Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF)” Round 3 award in the amount of $6,812,686.

According to the city staff report for the item, #12, “The proposed project in Antioch aims to address a significant encampment located on wooded land near the intersection of Sunset Drive and Devpar Court. As one of the City’s two large encampments, it has been prioritized for resolution due to the vulnerability of its 30-40 residents and the hazardous conditions present at the site.”

City Attorney Oversight of City Clerk’s Office – Agenda Item #13

Under agenda  item #13, outgoing City Clerk Ellie Householder is recommending that the city council adopt a resolution rescinding Resolution No. 2022/167, “Approving the City Clerk’s Request for the City Attorney to Provide Managerial Oversight of the City Clerk’s Department in Cooperation with the City Clerk” that had previously been approved.

Council Meeting Details

The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. with a Closed Session on two lawsuits the City is facing, followed by the Regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown. The meeting can also be seen via livestream on the City’s website or viewed on either Comcast local cable channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99. See the complete agenda packet.