Team of 11 from Cornerstone Christian Center and School

“We sent our team to Niger to make much of the name of Jesus in that country and believe they are still doing that, and we are trusting in Him to bring them home, safely,” Principal Logan Heyer

By Allen D. Payton

A missionary team from Antioch’s Cornerstone Christian Center and School, led by Pastor and Superintendent Steve Miner has been stranded in Niger, Africa following a military coup.

In a post on her Facebook page on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, Hannah Gabrielle wrote, “My family is stranded in Niger Africa. The US government has evacuated part of its embassy staff but has been unhelpful in helping us get our family out! Help me spread the word. Share and pray. Whatever you can do. Email a congressman or senator. Call the local news. Anything helps. They are in a group of 15 US citizens ages ranging from 11 to 73.

On Friday, the team posted a photo from capital city Niamey, Niger, on the church’s Instagram page that reads, “Our Cornerstone Team has had an amazing week serving at Vie Abondante kids camp in Niger!”

A Sunday report by the Marine Corps Times confirmed her information about the U.S. Embassy that reads, “The Marine security guards stationed at the American embassy in Niger will remain there as the United States evacuates all but essential staff because of a coup in the country.”

A Wednesday, Aug. 2 post on X (formerly Twitter) by U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken reads, “Today, we ordered the temporary departure of non-emergency personnel and eligible family members from Niger. The U.S. is committed to our relationship with the people of Niger. The embassy remains open, and our leaders are diplomatically engaged at the highest levels.”

Logan Heyer, Principal of Cornerstone Christian School, said about the missionaries, “They were supposed to be back on July 29.”

He learned of the coup, early last week.

“I looked at an article in the news that there was a coup in Niger, and I heard about it on the 25th,” he stated. “The coup closed all the borders in Niger.”

The team left for their trip on July 20th.

“They were supposed to leave on Friday, July 28th to return,” Heyer shared.

Asked if any students are on the trip, Heyer said, “No. One former student, my daughter, Madison. My wife, Holly is also there and my father-in-law, Scott Wells. School starts again on Aug. 21st. No teachers. But our head pastor and school superintendent is over there, Steve Miner, with his wife, Maria.”

“There are 11 from our church and school, about 15 total,” he added.

“We have partnered with a missionary that lives there in the country,” Heyer explained. “They went to do a Vacation Bible School and get their school ready for the fall, too.”

This is the second time the team has gone to Niger.

“Pastor Steve has led two teams,” he added.

“It sounds like, from what I understand, the Royal Guard kicked out the president. It’s not targeted at Christians.

According to a July 27 report by NPR, “Soldiers in Niger have announced a coup, imposing a curfew and closing borders in a country that is a key U.S. ally in West Africa. The president of…Niger was removed in a coup late last night, local time, despite frantic diplomatic efforts to save his government.”

Asked about efforts to get the team out of the country Heyer said, “We saw online that Senator Ted Cruz got missionaries out from Niger – teenagers on a mission trip not from our group. But they met up with them. Their parents were very frightened, like we are. Senator Cruz was able to get them out of the country on an Italian plane. We saw that the Italians and French got people out.So, we contacted Senator Feinstein and Congressman Garamendi on Tuesday, and they have been pushing whomever at the State Department to get our people out.”

A KRON4 News report about the stranded missionaries, quotes Garamendi saying, “My team is working closely with the state department and the constituents to get them home safely. However, I cannot share additional details at this time due to operational security issues.”

According to a report by Reuters early Wednesday, Niger has reopened it’s borders with several neighboring countries “a week after a coup that has sent shockwaves across West Africa’s Sahel region, one of the poorest and most unstable in the world.”

‘The land and air borders with Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Libya and Chad are re-opened from today, August 1, 2023,’ junta spokesperson Colonel Amadou Abdramane said in a televised address.”

“We sent our team to Niger to make much of the name of Jesus in that country and believe they are still doing that, and we are trusting in Him to bring them home, safely,” Heyer stated.

Private prayer vigils are being held for the team, he shared.

Notice of Public Hearing published last Friday but not all council members were aware

By Allen D. Payton

Before starting the process to hire a new city manager, at the Antioch City Council’s August 8, 2023, meeting, they will consider taking on the authority to hire the next police chief. Last Friday, July 28, 2023, without all council members knowing of it, the City published in the East Bay Times a Notice of Public Hearing on a a proposed ordinance that “changes the organizational structure of the City’s administration by transferring, from the City Manager to the City Council, the authority to appoint, supervise, and remove the Chief of Police.”

Currently, as is done in most cities with a Council-Manager form of government, the city manager hires the police chief as well as all of the City’s other department heads.

The hearing follows the council majority’s direction to City Attorney Thomas L. Smith, during their April 11, 2023 meeting, to return with an ordinance to make the change. At that meeting, Mayor Lamar Thorpe, Mayor Pro Tem Tamisha Torres-Walker and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson all expressed support while both District 2 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock and District 3 Councilman Mike Barbanica said they opposed it.

Regarding next Tuesday’s public hearing, both Ogorchock and Barbanica said they were unaware of the notice.  Torres-Walker and Wilson were also asked via email late Monday afternoon if they were aware of the notice and public hearing.

State law only requires government agencies to publish a public hearing notice 10 days ahead in one newspaper of general circulation. But only those who subscribe to the print edition of the Times received the notice. There is currently no option on the City Clerk’s Office Antioch Notification System webpage on the City’s website to request public hearing notices by email.

Ogorchock said she was informed of the notice in the newspaper by a councilmember from another city in the county.

When asked if he was informed of the notification Barbanica said, “No, I was not. I am totally opposed to this. We should first hire a city manager and then let the city manager hire the new chief. I will hear input during the public hearing. But I have raised my opposition to this twice, now.”

“I would prefer that we are all noticed by the city attorney and city manager, that we don’t first get noticed by the media,” he added.

Thorpe who, along with the city manager, sets council meeting agendas and the notice was issued by City Clerk Ellie Householder and copied to City Attorney Smith. Thorpe was asked, “on such an important matter to the city, shouldn’t your fellow council members be informed of a public hearing without having to first learn of it from other council members in the county or the media? More importantly, shouldn’t more of the public be made aware of such a matter?”

Householder and Smith were asked why all council members weren’t provided with the notice so they didn’t have to learn of it from the media. An auto-response email from Smith shows he was out of the office Monday afternoon.

The complete notice reads as follows:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Antioch will hold a public hearing in the CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, City Hall, 200 H Street at 7:00 P.M. or thereafter on TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2023, on the following matter:

The proposed Ordinance changes the organizational structure of the City’s administration by transferring, from the City Manager to the City Council, the authority to appoint, supervise, and remove the Chief of Police.

Members of the public wishing to provide public comments, may do so the following ways:

1. IN PERSON – Fill out a Speaker Request Form, available near the entrance doors, and place in the Speaker Card Tray near the City Clerk before the City Council Meeting begins.

2. WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT – If you wish to provide a written public comment, please email the City Clerk’s Department at cityclerk@antiochca.gov by 3:00 p.m. the day of the City Council Meeting

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

If any person challenges the decision of the City in these matters in court, he or she may be limited to raising only those issues that were raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence, delivered to the City at, or prior to, the public hearing.

Copies of the documents relating to the draft ordinance are available for review at the City Attorney’s Office, 200 H Street, Third Floor, Antioch, CA, between the hours of 8:00am – 5:00pm. If you have any specific questions concerning these documents, you may contact the City Attorney’s Office at 925-779-7015 or CityAttorney@antiochca.gov. Written statements in favor of or in opposition to this matter, may be emailed to: cityclerk@antiochca.gov, or mailed to the City Clerk’s Office, City Hall, 200 “H” Street (P.O. Box 5007), Antioch, CA 94531-5007, prior to the hearing.

ACCESSIBILITY: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and California law, it is the policy of the City of Antioch to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability and require information or materials in an appropriate alternative format; or if you require any other accommodation, please contact the ADA Coordinator at the number or address below at least 72 hours prior to the meeting or when you desire to receive services. Advance notification within this guideline will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility. The City’s ADA Coordinator can be reached @ Phone: (925) 779-6950, and e-mail: publicworks@antiochca.gov.

/s/ ELIZABETH HOUSEHOLDER

ELIZABETH HOUSEHOLDER, City Clerk

Publication Date: 7/28/2023

cc: City Attorney’s Office

———————–

None of the other city council or staff members responded prior to publication time. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

2

ACCESSIBILITY: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and California law, it is the policy of the City of Antioch to

By Allen D. Payton

The constantly changing maneuverings in the City of Antioch staff leadership positions continued recently as the Herald learned, today, Wednesday, July 26, 2023, that Acting City Manager Kwame Reed has appointed Parks & Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger as Acting Assistant City Manager. In addition, during Tuesday night’s city council meeting, Mayor Lamar Thorpe mentioned Kevin Scudero as the Acting Community Development Director. Reed confirmed on Wednesday he had appointed Scudero, who is a Senior Planner with the City, to the position.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Scudero has worked for the City for 20 years, first as an Associate Planner beginning in July 2003, then in his current position as of June 2021.

Helfenberger said his appointment was effective June 26, the Monday after Reed was appointed by the city council to his position, in addition to his role as the City’s Economic Development Director. As previously reported, that was Forrest Ebbs’ last day as acting city manager, before he left for a two-week vacation. His final day as community development director was July 14.

According to Helfenberger’s LinkedIn profile, he has been in his current position with the City’s Recreation Department since February 2021. Previously, he worked for the City of Emeryville, first as Recreation Supervisor for almost four  years, then as the Recreation Manager from May 2014 until he was hired by Antioch.

“I’m happy to serve however I can best help the City,” Helfenberger said when reached for comment.

The three acting positions are in addition to Acting Public Works Director Scott Buenting and as of August 12, the appointment of an acting police chief following the retirement of current Chief Steve Ford on the 11th. The City is also currently without an assistant city attorney.

No photo could be found of the obviously camera-shy Scudero but an effort is underway to obtain one.

Will cost $1.4 million for Sycamore Dr., James Donlon Blvd. and West 10th St.; no roundabouts or other infrastructure included

By Allen D. Payton

During their Regular Meeting on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, the Antioch City Council will discuss approving traffic calming devices to several major roads in the city. At an estimated cost of $1,410,000, if approved, devices will be added to Sycamore Drive, James Donlon Blvd. and West 10th Street between A and L Streets. The matter is in response to requests from the public. But they will not include roundabouts as previously proposed, as there’s not enough room in the intersections and would require the purchase of private property.

The Sycamore Drive improvements requires an increase to the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Operating Budget of $425,0000 from the Gas Tax Fund.

Also, according to the City staff report, “the proposed improvements do not include any permanent infrastructure, such as concrete median islands, to provide the opportunity for all to try the improvements, first and allow flexibility for future modifications, if needed. Additionally, the proposed improvements are lower cost with shorter turnaround times, affording the City the chance to implement the improvements quicker in the near-term future.”

In addition, the report reads, “The intersections were studied to determine whether all-way stop signs or signalization were warranted and no intersection met all the warrants.”

The Regular Meeting in the Council Chambers at 200 H Street begins at 7:00 p.m. The meetings can be viewed livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99. See the agenda item details, here and the complete meeting agenda, here.

Barbanica wants public process in open session, says public lost confidence in last hire; Ogorchock says that’s the way it’s been done; mayor won’t say why it’s in closed session

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch City Council is scheduled to discuss the recruitment of a new city manager in closed session during their meeting on Tuesday night, July 25, 2023. The item on the agenda released on Friday, July 21, is number 3 and reads, “PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT – RECRUITMENT OF CITY MANAGER. This closed session is authorized pursuant to Government Code section 54957(b). It follows Closed Session item 2 which is the Performance Evaluation of the City Attorney.”

During the Regular Meeting, the council will discuss under item 4, a new ordinance Prohibiting Retaliation and Harassment of Residential Tenants, under item 5, changing the speed limit on

certain streets and under item 7, calming improvements for Sycamore Drive, James Donlon Blvd. and West 10th Street. (See following article) Under item 8, the council will discuss hiring an outside contractor for homeless encampment cleanup.

Questions were emailed shortly before 3:00 p.m. that day to City Attorney Thomas L. Smith and Mayor Lamar Thorpe asking why the matter is being discussed during closed session instead of in open session, assuming it’s about hiring a search firm. They were also asked if that’s the direction the council will be going, will the selection process be done publicly with a request for quote or request for proposal sent out to hire a firm to do the search.

Smith’s auto-response email showed he was out of the office that day and wouldn’t return until today, Monday, and for immediate assistance to contact his secretary, Rakia Grant-Smith. Questions were then emailed to her. No response had been received as of 4:00 p.m. Monday. So, the questions were sent again to them and the other four council members.

Ogorchock Says That’s How It’s Been Done While She’s Been on Council

In response, District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock wrote, “The agenda is always a surprise to me as it is for everyone else. I am not made aware of any items prior to receiving the agenda packet on Friday. As for the city manager, we, as council, need to start the conversation about next steps. Since I’ve been on council items for the city manager and city attorney have begun in closed session.”

Barbanica Wants Public Process in Open Session

“That’s what I asked to have happen,” said District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica referring to a video he posted on his official Facebook page and an email he sent to Acting City Manager Kwame Reed and City Attorney Smith last week. “I asked for an item on the next meeting agenda to authorize the council to start a search for the city manager.”

“I don’t see, generally, why it’s in closed session, unless there’s something I’m not aware of,” he stated. “It should be something we can take care of during regular session.”

“I confirmed the mayor set the agenda. The reason why that’s on there is so the council can talk privately,” Barbanica continued. “It doesn’t have to be in closed session. But it’s allowed. I told the city attorney I disagree with doing this in closed session. I want this done in open session because the public lost confidence in the last way the selection was made. That was done on a 3-2 vote. I did not vote for that, last time.”

“This appears to be non-transparent,” he stated. “I would like to see the public know what’s going on with who is saying what, how this is going down and what the discussion is.”

Other Agenda Items Requested by Barbanica

In addition to the city manager matter, in his email sent on Monday, July 17, Barbanica shared that he asked for two other items on Tuesday’s council meeting agenda. Those included a public presentation to the council by the police department on staffing levels, including patrol and every division, even the “sub-divisions” such as traffic being part of patrol. Finally, the councilman asked for the police department to present to the public how they are communicating information to the public through their PIO and to the press. Barbanica said he would like to understand the policy and where it came from.

No other responses were received. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

The Closed Session begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 200 H Street with opportunity for public comments before and the Regular Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. The meetings can be viewed livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99. See the meeting agenda, here.

July 29th in Brentwood

By Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

The Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls is partnering with California Women Lead to host a State of California Commissions Appointments Workshop on July 29.

The workshop will provide information on state and local commissions, the application process, and tips for strong applications. The Commission encourages participation of active community members seeking to learn about public governance, preparing for elected office, or aiming to make more significant community impact. Learn about the value of serving on boards and commissions and why there needs to be more women at the table.

Date and Location:

Saturday, July 29 – 11 am to 1:30 pm

Brentwood Library – 104 Oak Street, Brentwood

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/669132712957

The Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls was formed in 1984 as an advisory committee to the Board of Supervisors. The Commission provides information and advice to the Board relating to the health and welfare of women and girls in the County. The Commission strives to increase awareness of women’s and girls’ issues, celebrate achievements of local deserving women, champion opportunities for women and girls, and recommend legislative solutions at the city, county, state, and federal levels.

For further information about the California Commissions Appointments Workshop and the Contra Costa Commission for Women and Girls, please email cccwomenscommission@gmail.com.

Resigns effective July 14; no severance will be paid

“…in the best interests of the city it’s time to move on.” – Cornelius “Con” Johnson

By Allen D. Payton

Embattled Antioch City Manager Cornelius “Con” Johnson has submitted his two-week notice and resigned his position effective July 14th. That’s the same day Economic Development Director Forrest Ebbs will be leaving the City for a new position with Modesto. Johnson was placed on paid administrative leave on March 17 by a 5-0 vote of the council.

According to District 2 City Councilman Mike Barbanica, “This morning, Con Johnson resigned. He gave the City a two-week notice.” Asked if it was in writing, the councilman said, “yes”.

He also said Johnson will not be paid the one-year severance included in his contract. But he will continue to be paid his $22,000 monthly salary for the remaining two weeks.

Asked if the city will continue pursuing the investigations or legal action, Barbanica said, “No further action that I know of is anticipated. As of the 15th he will no longer be a city employee.”

A copy of Johnson’s resignation letter or email was requested from City Attorney Thomas L. Smith and Acting City Manager Kwame Reed. It was not received prior to publication time.

Johnson confirmed his resignation. Asked why, now, he said, “I want to move on. I think Antioch has suffered enough and in the spirit of stability and in the best interests of the city it’s time to move on.”

Later, Barbanica said, “I sent an email to the city attorney requesting to keep the special meeting for Monday, July 10th at 10 a.m. and that we add an agenda item to authorize the process to start immediately recruiting a city manager.”

UPDATE #2: Early Friday afternoon, Reed provided a copy of Johnson’s resignation letter. Addressed to the City’s Human Resources Director Ana Cortez, it reads simply, “NOTICE OF RESIGNATION. Dear Director Cortez, This correspondence serves as my two weeks official notice of resignation as the City of Antioch, City Manager. My last day of employment is Friday, July 14, 2023. Respectfully submitted, Cornelius H. Johnson” and signed by him. The letter was cc’d to the five council members.

The mayor and other council members were sent an email asking for comment.

UPDATE #1: Only District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock responded. She wrote, “Now that Mr. Johnson has resigned, we as council can move forward in hiring an interim city manager to begin the hiring process of a city manager. This is of the highest importance as we have several key positions that need to be filled in order to continue maintaining the city. I truly appreciate staff and all their hard work in multiple positions.” 

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

By Allen D. Payton

On Friday afternoon, Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe issued a statement of support for new Acting City Manager Kwame Reed, the City’s Economic Development Director, who was appointed to the temporary position that morning. In addition, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce also issued a statement of support for Reed. He was appointed on a 4-0 vote of the city council during a special, closed session meeting. (See related article)

In the post on his official Facebook page Thorpe wrote, “Earlier today, the City Council appointed Kwame Reed as the city’s acting city manager until further notice.

Mr. Reed has been with the city of Antioch for close to 5 years in the role of Economic Development Director. He has a public sector career that spans more than 28 years. For most of his career, he has worked for cities in Eastern Contra Costa County. He has a degree in City and Regional Planning from Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo.

I want to personally thank outgoing acting city manager, Forrest Ebbs for stepping up to hold the ship steady while the city navigated some unexpected changes.

Congratulations on Mr. Ebbs’ recent appointment as Deputy City Manager for the City of Modesto.

I want to assure Antioch residents, our city employees, and partners that the City’s leadership remains focused and UNITED on our top priority of increasing our overall quality of life and ensuring public safety. Antioch’s government continues to be open for business and working for the people.

I have personally been briefed by all of our department heads and they continue to assure me that they are committed to this mission and that they will continue moving forward with clarity, and a focus on delivering key services.”

On the Chamber’s Facebook page was posted the “Antioch Chamber of Commerce Official Statement regarding appointment of Kwame Reed as city’s acting city manager:

Earlier today, the City Council appointed Kwame Reed as the city’s acting city manager.

‘On behalf of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce Organization, I’d like to congratulate the City of Antioch on the outstanding appointment of Kwame Reed as the Cities Acting- City Manager. There is no doubt in my mind that Kwame’s tireless work on behalf of Antioch’s Enterprise & Commerce Community is unmatched and that he is ready to take on this important Leadership role during such a critical transition period for the City of Antioch,’ said Daniel Sohn, President/ CEO for the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.

Last year, the Antioch Chamber presented Mr. Reed with an award for his results-oriented work on behalf of Antioch businesses in his capacity as Antioch’s Director of Economic Development.” (See related article)

Reed began is additional duties on Friday afternoon, as Ebbs returned to his position as the City’s Community Development Director and was heading out for a two week vacation before ending his time with Antioch on July 14.