Will be paid $263,880 per year plus benefits

Accusations of racism fly during contentious public comments

“If she was smart, she wouldn’t come because I wouldn’t want to serve none of you all,” Councilwoman Torres-Walker

“What’s wrong with waiting 70 days?” – Councilman Barbanica

“We’ve absolutely done our due diligence.” – Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe

“I basically feel she’s a bright, intelligent woman but I don’t believe she’s qualified for this position.” – Councilwoman Ogorchock

“I was impressed with her knowledge and connections to federal dollars. I’m for all women and all people of color who are pushed to lower positions.” – Mayor Pro Tem Wilson

Also approves $296 per month pay raise for councilmembers, City Treasurer, Clerk after November election

By Allen D. Payton

With just 70 days remaining until the November election during which two new council members will be elected and possibly a new mayor, the Antioch City Council voted 3-2, last night, Tuesday, August 27, 2024, to hire City of Seattle Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety, Bessie M. Scott as the new city manager with a two-year contract. She will be paid an annual salary of $263,880. (See council meeting video)

Before adjourning to Closed Session to discuss hiring the new city manager, the council, with District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker absent for the roll call, heard from four members of the public about the appointment. Two spoke in favor and two against the hiring of Scott. They referred to articles and about several of her controversial and racially divisive comments on social media over the past several years. (See related article)

As expected, the council majority of Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe, Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson and Torres-Walker, who arrived later and in time for the public discussion and vote, approved Scott’s contract, while District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock and District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica, who are not running for re-election in November, voted against.

Future Council Pay Raise

In addition, the council approved on a 4-1 vote, with Ogorchock opposing, an 18.45% pay raise or $296, from $1,604 to $1,900 per month, for a total of $22,800 per year, which will go into effect after the November election. It will benefit the two current councilwomen, and possibly three new council members. The pay raise also applies to the City Clerk and City Treasurer, as well.

Before the vote Ogorchock said, “There are a lot of cities out there that this is volunteer for them. FYI, it is not a stipend, this is a salary.”

“In this city we’ve gone years and years without a pay raise, even with cost increase, fuel costs,” Barbanica argued. “My recommendation is to go with it each cycle. It had been ignored by council for so many years because they were afraid of giving themselves a pay raise. But we’re not giving ourselves a raise. We’re giving the next council a raise. I’m not here, whoever is here you deserve it.”

“Thank you, again Councilmember Barbanica. I am not independently wealthy or retired, so I appreciate the raise,” Torres-Walker said with a laugh.

Public Comments

The first person to speak before Closed Session was resident Mark Jordan, who read form prepared remarks, which he later provided a copy of to Herald. He said, “Now, in the past we’ve had city managers that were a poor fit for Antioch, or who did a less than stellar job; but once again we have you all proposing another individual for city manager who is totally unqualified for the job.

As you well know, during the past few years Antioch has gone through several interim, acting and full-time city managers.  Shouldn’t it be someone who is very well qualified this time?  Someone; who has experience? Someone; who knows our community? 

Unfortunately, today we find ourselves somewhere between a laugh and a tear. We, all of us in Antioch, need a major step toward healing.

This selection gives our city an opportunity to move past the havoc and divisive battles of the past four years.  A chance to start again: with a city manager who can bring a positive way forward and begin to unify our city.

But that is not what you offer our city today.  What we need to be discussing tonight is a positive future for Antioch. 

We had a perfectly qualified assistant city manager that was overlooked and who left Antioch.  Really that was a tragic, great loss for Antioch.

So, as we discuss a new city manager today our city is absent not only the city manager, assistant city manager, economic development director, public works director and police chief; and I could go on and on. 

Antioch cannot continue with the chaos of unfilled positions.  We must blend the old with the new in an effort to unify our community. We need a full-time, experienced individual who can help guide us to mend the wounds we have self-inflicted upon our city of Antioch.

Antioch cannot truly prosper unless we join together and make a selection for all of the citizens of Antioch.  This hire should not be made some 69 days before the election and potential change in council members; but should be made by the incoming members; whoever they may be. 

Even if that requires starting over at step one and beginning fresh.

It is time for everyone to stop being part of Antioch’s self-imposed problems and to become part of Antioch’s next positive chapter. Thank you.”

He was followed by Antioch Police Oversight Commission Member Leslie May saying, “It is time for us to move forward.” She spoke of the police department’s racist text message scandal.

“It’s time we have people in place that can do the job who are well-qualified,” May continued. “She was vetted by an…outside agency. She was chosen as…one of the best of the applicants. To go through this to try to denigrate a woman’s character…you’re really running a thin…legal line.”

“You’ve never laid your eyes on her so, you don’t know what she’s about. You need to get over it,” she added.

She spoke of the “old boys club” and people with “white colored hair, blue eyes…” who opposed the appointment.

The next person to speak, resident Melissa Case, said, “I have reached out to Bessie, respectfully but she did not respond. I don’t care if you hire someone one day before the election if they’re a good fit for our city. The goal is to not further divide.”

“I also reached out to councilmembers to ask about the background check,” she continued. “We’ve had a non-experienced city manager, Con Johnson. How did that work out?”

“It was her Tweet she wrote against mothers,” Case stated. “When you come attacking a certain part of the community…I don’t think that’s right for Antioch. I feel like this is a very significant step backwards…who seems like she’ll perpetuate the division.”

She then spoke of the need to heal the community before concluding her comments.

The final speaker during public comments prior to the Closed Session was resident Devin Williams, who said, “Regardless of the upcoming election, you’ve been elected by the people and have the authority to hire a city manager. You have an opportunity to bring a qualified individual who has gone through a rigorous process. Some past comments made by Ms. Scott should not overshadow her qualifications.”

The meeting began at 5:15 p.m. and the council then adjourned at 5:29 p.m. into the closed-door meeting during which they discussed hiring Scott as city manager for two years and negotiating her salary and benefits, one lawsuit, a possible lawsuit and the performance evaluations for both Acting City Manager Kwame Reed and City Attorney Thomas L. Smith.

There was no reportable action from Closed Session. But the vote to actually hire Scott occurred later during the final item the council dealt with on the meeting agenda.

Public Session Public Comments Get Contentious

During the public session discussion and vote on the city manager appointment, City Human Resources Director Ana Chavez asked the council to “appoint the city manager candidate and discuss the salary and authorize me to sign the agreement or contract.”

During public comments one woman said, “Some of our white counterparts have an issue with her being Black. If you have a problem with African Americans, Blacks being on council, it’s just the beginning. If we have to keep our comments to make you comfortable…I’m standing in the gap for Ms. Bessie…on your white privilege, she is not by herself. To you all thugs, computer thugs. You all want to bring back hanging to Antioch. We’re standing on our principle and we’re not going anywhere. If you’re not comfortable, go somewhere and pray. If all you can see is the color of this lady’s skin, you’re miserable.”

Sandra Wilson said, “I have been a resident of Antioch for over 30 years and…this is the first time I’ve been to the city council meetings. I’m a member of Fellowship Church…which is Black, white, old, young. When I heard you were going to hire someone with the social media posts…It was a red flag for me. If she truly said the things and posted the things she did, there’s racism on her part. There isn’t room in this city for any racism. I would ask if you would vet this more.”

She then mentioned current Acting City Manager Kwame Reed and said, “I would suggest you give it to him.”

Eric Wunderly said, “I’m a longtime resident of Antioch and first time speaking I want to voice my opposition to appoint someone to the city manager position so close to the election an should wait until after the election.”

Eileen Bethany said, “The City of Antioch has had five city managers in the past three years. We have 39 million people in California. Why can’t we find someone here? Why are we paying relocation fees? Something went wrong

It would seem prudent, since there needs to be synergy between the mayor, the council and city manager. Wouldn’t it be more pragmatic to wait until a new mayor or Mr. Thorpe is renewed, in place?”

“The different posts that I’ve seen printed that this particular candidate has made are explosive. I think you should wait,” she said.

Leslie May spoke again, “Why don’t we wait until a white mayor is elected? Ron Bernal is going to get elected. We see what you write. Let’s just call this what it is. This is a race race. We do not want a Black mayor. We want old Antioch back. They’re going to get rid of Bessie Marie Scott. So, you guys talk too much. You give out your game plan.”

Mary Lutz spoke next defending the social media comments by Scott saying she should be “free from unjust scrutiny and bias.”

Resident Dr. Jeffrey Klinginger was one of the few who spoke against hiring Scott saying, “Since 2022…Antioch has seen a parade of city managers. 969 days. Now with only 70 days until the next election and the inevitable change in the city council you want to handicap the city council, now? The future city council might have issues with Ms. Scott’s qualifications who is without even assistant city manager experience. I’m sure she will in time reach the level of expertise. But not today. Antioch has serious challenges ahead. This is no place for a rookie city manager and on the job training. I fear you’re setting her up for failure…and let the new city council select the new city manager. I’m sure Mr. Reed can manage for a few more months.”

During his comments Gavin Payton, a youth leader for the NAACP East County Branch, asked for members of the NAACP to stand up and several people did.

Dr. Kimberly Payton followed her son’s comments saying, “In reflection upon what other people have said…whenever this council tries to get progressive and move the city forward…there’s always a threat of the white cloud riding in. What difference does it make if this person went through the process is white or Black and is qualified? She has more than enough experience. She has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. It’s time out for white privilege.”

An argument among audience members had to be gaveled down by the mayor.

Another woman said, “I just came here to speak on this because of all the people on keyboards, because she said something about Karens and Larrys. But it’s our truth. Yes, I’m going to call you a Karen, because you treated me like that. Yes, I’m going to call you a Larry. When she wrote her comments on her blog that’s her truth. You cannot just put everyone in a box. I mean get a grip. It’s 2024.”

Gigi Crowder spoke next saying, “I didn’t expect for any Christians to come up here and not understand people should belong. African Americans are not given the power…to be racists. I will never go and read anything on Next Door.”

“We’re going to call it what it is. Speaking truth doesn’t make you racist,” said another woman. “Like you tell us all the time, get over it.”

“Don’t listen to the nonsense,” she said to the council members.

Resident Andrew Becker spoke next saying, “People come up and say, ‘you’re not experienced, you’re experienced, I don’t think you have enough experience, you need more experience.’ But has anyone talked to people this person has helped in her community. If you can find success in another region like Seattle, I think you need to bring that success to you.”

“I do not support racism. I do support growth and welcome to Antioch,” he concluded

Lynette Hart spoke last during public comments saying, “From a Human Resource standpoint I want to talk about best practices. The job description has not been updated since 2014. I suggest you have a community panel when you have interviews…to make it a more fair and transparent process.”

Council Discussion Gets Heated

Barbanica was the first to speak during council discussion of the hiring. He said, “I have participated in all of the interviews during this process, and I’ve worked with Acting City Manager Reed for the past year and a half and he’s done everything I’ve asked of him.”

“I think it’s a bad business decision when we know we have three positions…in 70 days this vote goes down,” the councilman continued. “A month and a half ago, I called the mayor…and I asked that he keep City Manager Reed in the position, and we wait until the new council is seated. Then if this person is the best for the position, then fine.”

“If we continue on with the process and bring someone in and 70 days and the direction or personnel on this council change, then as they’re seated, we may look at a change in the city manager position. Nobody wants that. It could be costly. We would be paying a severance,” Barbanica stated. “What is wrong with waiting 70 days? It’s a smart business decision. Leave City Manager Reed in his current position. It’s a very bad business decision this close to an election. If they decide to make a change it will cost taxpayer money…all of us.”

“If the council passes this tonight when will the new city manager start? Two weeks, a month? 30 days before the election?” he asked. “Leave Manager Reed in place.”

“I prefer to do the job I was just re-elected to do,” Torres-Walker stated, speaking next. “There was a…process. There were multiple candidates.”

Then directing her comments at Barbanica she said, “It would be a violation of conversations that happened in a Closed Session.”

“Anything talked about was anything talked about outside of Closed Session,” he responded.

“There was a process. There was only one person who dropped out,” Torres-walker continued. “It was a public, transparent process because we pushed out a community survey and nobody said they don’t want a Black person. You just didn’t engage.”

However, this reporter never knew of or saw any community survey about hiring a new city manager, nor was any announcement about one provided by the City to promote to the Herald’s readers.

“To say this individual is not qualified because you don’t like their opinion…This didn’t have to be divisive,” the councilwoman said.

“If she was smart, she wouldn’t come because I wouldn’t want to serve none of you all,” Torres-Walker exclaimed raising her voice. “Black people and other people of color can be anti-Black.”

She then claimed former city manager, and current candidate for mayor, Ron Bernal said at his campaign kick-off event, “We are at war, and we need to infiltrate the community…that means armed conflict.”

The councilwoman was later asked if she had a copy of a video of Bernal’s speech or if someone told her he said that. Bernal was asked if he said that and, if so, what he meant by it.

Torres-Walker the claimed some people who opposed the hiring of Scott believed, “If you’re not the respectable negro…then we don’t need you, here.”

“There aren’t a lot of Black people nationally who are city managers. There aren’t a lot of women city managers,” she continued. “If you’re going to bring someone who is not from the internal, entrenched corruption of city hall…Do you know what Kwame Reed was told his job was? To keep the boat afloat?”

“I’m not saying everyone here is saying that. No, I don’t think every white person is racist. But I know a racist when I see one,” Torres-Walker concluded.

“I’m sorry. You all look alike,” Hernandez-Thorpe then said jokingly after calling on Wilson while Ogorchock had requested to speak next, at which Torres-Walker laughed.

“It has been a long tedious process,” Ogorchock stated. “I basically feel she’s a bright, intelligent woman but I don’t believe she’s qualified for this position. Could she be an assistant city manager? Absolutely. But I don’t think going straight to a city manager position is right.”

Wilson spoke next about, “The lack of women and women of color who are city managers. I hear constantly, ‘you’ll make a great assistant city manager.’ I had the opportunity to have a follow up conversation with Bessie and I was impressed with her knowledge and connections to federal dollars. That’s what impressed upon me something that has never happened. I’m for all women and all people of color who are pushed to lower positions.”

However, when she and the council had the opportunity to promote then-Assistant City Manager Rosanna Bayon Moore, Hernandez-Thorpe, Torres-Walker and Wilson, instead chose to hire Con Johnson as city manager.

“Thank you everybody for your comments and I’m not going to look at these comments and I never will,” the mayor said.

He then spoke of his opponent in the mayor’s race saying, “The last conversation I had with Ron Bernal was with Monica Wilson…we decided to part ways…because we could not rein in the police department. As we moved on, we hired an interim city manager, Con Johnson who was qualified.”

“I can’t get into the reasons why he’s no longer the city manager, it’s because of some of the nonsense in City Hall and the nonsense in the police department,” the mayor continued. “Forrest Ebbs never wanted to be the city manager. That’s the same conversation I had with Kwame Reed.”

However, Reed was one of the applicants for the permanent city manager position.

The mayor was later asked what he meant by the first sentence of that latter paragraph regarding “nonsense” and if he was referring to Bernal or Johnson. He was also asked if his and Wilson’s meeting with Bernal to discuss his employment violate the Brown Act as it was not done in Closed Session with the other councilmembers present. Hernandez-Thorpe was also asked if what he said publicly about the two former city manager violate their rights as city employees. City Attorney Smith was also asked the same questions. However, he is out of the office until Tuesday, Sept. 3, so the questions were sent to the department’s assistant city attorneys. Bernal and Johnson were also asked similar questions.

Speaking of Barbanica’s position on opposing the hiring of Scott, Hernandez-Thorpe said, “It was in the context of, ‘I have these concerns, Mr. Mayor, about this candidate. I went to Seattle and met with a host of representatives and most of them were white women. Everything I’ve heard in this room doesn’t even come close to who this woman is. She brings people together…that was what recommendations said.”

“Councilman Barbanica had the opportunity to come with me, but he decided not to,” the mayor said.

“I went above and beyond to make sure we’re picking the right person,” he continued. “We’ve absolutely done our due diligence. If you’ve heard it any other way, you’ve got it wrong.”

“Let’s clear some things. Mr. Mayor you asked me to go with you and I said, ‘I’ll try to arrange my schedule’ and I asked you to call me to tell me when you planned to go. I’m still waiting for that call. But none of this stuff had even come up. So, what I did instead, I got on the phone with Bessie and the city attorney on the phone and did a second interview.”

“You absolutely had other concerns, Mike,” the mayor stated.

Barbanica interrupted him.

“Let me speak. I heard you, you’ll hear me,” Hernandez-Thorpe said.

“First off, don’t talk to me that way,” Barbanica shot back.

City Attorney Smith then interjected and warned them not to share what was said in Closed Session in violation of the Brown Act state open meeting law.

“You then said we should all resign,” Hernandez-Thorpe stated.

“After the Grand Jury report came out, yes, I did,” Barbanica responded.

Torres-Walker then moved approval of appointing Bessie M. Scott as city manager with a Step B salary of $263,880 annually and moving expenses of up to $20,000, seconded by Wilson. The motion passed 3-2.

The council then voted to table the remaining items on the agenda until a future meeting, including responding to the Civil Grand Jury report and to adjourn the meeting shortly after 11:00 p.m.

All five council members were later asked if they had seen the questions in the survey and the responses and to provide a copy of each. They were also asked why Scott wasn’t in attendance at the meeting for the public to meet her before their vote and informed that the city manager hiring process in the late 1990’s included a public interview session with the candidate during a council meeting. City Attorney Smith and HR Director Cortez were asked how many candidates applied, how many were interviewed by the council and how many had withdrawn from the process, and how many responses did the survey receive and how did it guarantee only Antioch residents participated. They were all also asked for Scott’s start date.

UPDATE 1: Regarding her comment about Bernal Torres-Walker responded, “A concerned citizen sent me a link from Ron’s Facebook page so you should find it there. I was surprised to hear this kind of rhetoric because it doesn’t scream unity to say this election is going to be a war given the definition. My question is what did he mean?”

She also said, “As for the survey, it was published months ago on the city’s website and over social media, and the results were viewed by the council.”

UPDATE 2: The councilwoman, known for her own long-winded, bombastic diatribes from the dais, including during last night’s meeting, was referring to and ironically twisting the battle-themed campaign rhetoric stated in a video posted on Bernal’s campaign Facebook page on March 9th of his speech during the kick-off event earlier this year. In greater context he said, “Our campaign motto was chosen carefully which is ‘Change Starts Today’ and I want people to know that as we go out into this community, because it’s going to be a war and we’re going to infiltrate Antioch, I want people, I want to first of all, I want to listen to what people have to say. I want to hear their concerns, I want to hear their problems and want to see what we can do to help, immediately. But then before we tell them what we’re going to do about changing this city, but I want people to know they’re going to have hope. That’s the main thing that I think is missing in Antioch right now, is people cannot hope for a better tomorrow. I want to see our city be a place that can be safe. I want us to hold our heads high and be proud that we’re from Antioch.”

Please check back later for any additional updates to this report.

More events statewide Sept. 7-15

Join the “Find 30 Species for CA 30×30” Biodiversity Week Challenge!

By Mt. Diablo State Park staff

Did you know over 600 species of plants grow on Mount Diablo? We are part of what makes California a #biodiversity hotspot with 32% of all #nativeplants found in the U.S.!

Join us on California Biodiversity Day, Saturday, September 7th, for a guided hike to celebrate California and Mount Diablo’s biodiversity. We’ll visit the park’s Coulter pines, discover why they are also called big-cone pine, and learn about the challenges they are facing. Our acting Natural Resources Manager for the District will be on hand to share how we are trying to both help the trees and enhance biodiversity in the area with methods including prescribed fire.

You can be part of the effort too by participating in the day’s bioblitz to record what is living in the area now so we can see what changes later. If you’d like to do this, no special knowledge is required, just bring a phone or camera and download the iNaturalist app.

From 9am-noon on Saturday, September 7. Meets at the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center located in Mount Diablo State Park at the south end of Mitchell Canyon Road in Clayton. Fee: $6 per vehicle, $5 for seniors. Pay with check or exact change or pay digitally by scanning the QR code by the entrance sign. Bring your curiosity, plenty of water, and wear sturdy shoes.

California Biodiversity Day Events

From September 7–15, join in one or more of the many California Biodiversity Day events being held across the state! Get outside and explore the nature around you—in your backyard, neighborhood, local parks, and open spaces—and share your findings on iNaturalist. No matter where you are in California, you can discover and celebrate nature and contribute to our understanding of where plants and animals are found!

As a global biodiversity hotspot, California has an immense array of nature to explore. We’ve compiled a few resources to guide folks in learning more about the nature around them, while contributing valuable data that can be used to answer important local conservation questions. 

Help celebrate California’s biodiversity and help inform the state’s 30×30 initiative by taking a closer look at nearby nature and documenting your finds on iNaturalist! Explore the nature around you however you choose, whether that’s visiting the coast, enjoying a long hike, walking to a nearby park, observing the birds outside your window, or looking for spiders under your couch.

Join the “Find 30 Species for CA 30×30” Biodiversity Week Challenge!

September 7 – 15, the California Natural Resources Agency is putting forth a challenge for California Biodiversity Week: can you find and document 30 species in California?  

Participating is easy!

1. Download the iNaturalist app & make an account.
2. Join the “Find 30 Species Challenge” project(look in the upper right corner of the “About” section for the Join button).
3. September 7- 15, find and photograph 30 (or more!) wild plants, animals and fungus anywhere in California.
4. Learn more as your observations are identified.

By joining the project, any observations you make in California from September 7 to 15 will automatically be added to the project and will help inform the California 30×30 initiative.

Make observations in your neighborhood, in your local park, while out hiking… or join in one of the many events being held throughout California during California Biodiversity Week.

Spread the word! Use the hashtag on social media #CABiodiversityDay. For more information visit Find 30 Species Project.

Other ways to explore California’s Biodiversity

• There are events and activities being held around the state for California Biodiversity Week! Check out the California Biodiversity Day website to find a bioblitz to participate in, a talk to attend, or a nature walk to join!
• Try to get bingo with these California Biodiversity Bingo sheets you can download and play with your family, friends, and community! 

Background

Established in 2018, California Biodiversity Dayis part of California’s first  Biodiversity Initiative  to safeguard the state’s natural heritage in response to the growing loss of biodiversity across the state. In 2020, a groundbreaking Executive Order was signed to protect 30% of California’s lands and waters by 2030, known as  California 30×30 . Together, these initiatives protect biodiversity, build resilience to climate change, and ensure equitable access to nature for all Californians. By participating in California Biodiversity Day, you can connect with the nature around you while also contributing to these important conservation goals.

For more information visit California Biodiversity Day | California Academy of Sciences and for list of events visit California Biodiversity Day.

#CABiodiversityDay #bioblitz 

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Against son of opponent in 2022 school board race

Announces endorsements of former State Superintendent Tom Torlakson, Contra Costa County Building and Construction Trades Council, local unions

Uses “Educator” title in approved ballot designation without 4-year college degree, teaching credential or saying where she teaches

By Allen D. Payton

After unsuccessfully seeking a seat on the Antioch School Board in 2022, this year, current Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Dominique King has switched to running for the Antioch City Council in District 2, instead. She both formed her committee and based it in San Jose, where her treasurer is located, and filed her intent to run last September, then King began raising funds in November. Launching without a public announcement other than on her campaign’s Facebook page, she held a campaign kickoff in May. King’s ballot designation is Businesswoman, Educator, Consultant and the campaign theme is “Moving Antioch Forward Together”.

However, while she is a volunteer educational advocate for families, King doesn’t have a four-year college degree or teaching credential, which are required to be a teacher in California, nor will say where she teaches. King also won’t say to what position she currently holds that the title of “Consultant” refers.

Asked why she switched her focus from education to city issues, King said, “While the responsibilities of the school board and city council differ, my life experiences, deep community involvement, professional background, and widely available data reveal the intrinsic connection between challenges in our educational system and broader societal issues such as public safety, housing instability, economic disparity, infrastructure challenges and the erosion of community connectedness. Addressing these interconnected problems is central to my daily work within the community. I am running for Antioch City Council, District 2, to address these challenges through collaboration, budget-consciousness, transparency, and an inclusive approach to move Antioch forward together.”

On Friday, Aug. 16, King’s campaign issued the following announcement of her major endorsements as well as other information about the candidate:

“Since her campaign kickoff in May, Dominique King has garnered broad support from across the city and the county that includes elected officials, community leaders, working families, advocates, and small business owners. King has also raised almost $25,000. With growing support from all sides of Antioch and the county, Dominique King is honored to officially announce the endorsements of former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, former City of Antioch Chief of Police Steven Ford, Contra Costa County Building and Construction Trades Council, labor affiliates: IBEW Local 302, Boilermakers Local 549, Iron Workers Local 378, UA Plumbers, Steamfitters Local 159, SEIU-UHW and many more listed on her website.”

“I am pleased to endorse Dominique King for the Antioch City Council. She has a clear vision for our community combined with extensive positive energy,” said Torlakson. “She has a deep passion for public service and for helping our youth and families. Dominique’s leadership skills will help us greatly during these challenging times.”

The press release continued, “This endorsement from Torlakson, who started his public service on the dais of the Antioch City Council, shows the campaign is building strong momentum towards November.

“King’s priorities include public safety, economic growth, housing, infrastructure, and community engagement,” here announcement shared. “As a proactive and compassionate leader, she is committed to working tirelessly to create a safer, more equitable, and prosperous future for all members of the community.”

“Be a part of Moving Antioch Forward Together this November and join the movement!”

Community Service

“King currently serves as Chair of the Antioch Parks and Recreation Commission, where she has been busy taking on an array of issues, including working on the Rivertown Community Space, a project instrumental in beginning the efforts to revitalize the historic downtown area,” her campaign press release continued. “For the last seven years, King has volunteered and supported Antioch families through educational advocacy by helping families with children who need additional educational support, including children with special needs. She is also a board member for the Delta Learning Center in Antioch and established the first Antioch group of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.”

Education, Business and Work Experience, Family

According to her LinkedIn profile, King earned an associate’s degree in psychology from Los Medanos College and since June 2022 has been Chief Information Officer for the Oscar Grant Foundation, the organization named for the young man shot and killed by BART Police on New Year’s Day 2009. King shared that she is his mother’s goddaughter. About the organization she shared, “The foundation operates in the East Bay and collaborates with other organizations throughout Contra Costa County.”

In addition, since 2019, King and her husband Kenneth, an Alameda County Deputy Sheriff, have owned Lean In With The Kings, in which their “mission is to educate couples and families on how to foster healthy relationships.” She also continues to write as a columnist for the Clayton and Concord Pioneer newspaper, which is how she lists herself on the campaign finance report. (See below)

King says she and her husband chose Antioch and its community to raise their three children including two currently in the Antioch Unified School District.

Questions Go Unanswered, Won’t Say How She’s Considered an Educator, Consultant

Kiing was asked how she is considered an educator, where she teaches without a four-year degree and a teaching credential, and where she performs the volunteer work mentioned in her campaign’s press release and if that’s done at the Delta Learning Center. She was also asked to which position on her LinkedIn profile does the title consultant refer.

Without answering the questions directly, King responded, “My ballot designation was reviewed and approved. I trust that if I had not met the necessary requirements during the local and county election review process, my designation would have been rejected. My role on the Delta Learning Center Board is distinct from my independent work as an educational advocate.”

King was asked again on Friday afternoon, Aug. 23, how she can be considered an “Educator” and where does she teach, since she doesn’t have a four-year degree nor a teaching credential, or if her teaching is done through the Lean in With the Kings business.

The dictionary definition was shared with her of, “a person who provides instruction or education; a teacher” and that the NEA has a Code of Ethics for Educators, which are for their members who are credentialed teachers. – Code of Ethics for Educators | NEA  The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has Educator Rules of Conduct and Responsibilities. www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/rules-of-conduct 

Finally, King was informed that according to EdSource.org to be a teacher in California and “To earn a preliminary teaching credential a teacher must have:

• A bachelor’s degree.
• Completed an accredited teacher preparation program.
• Completed 600 hours of student teaching.
• Been fingerprinted and passed a background check.
• Taken required tests or completed university-approved coursework.
• Completed a course or passed a test on the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution.
• Earned a recommendation from their teacher preparation program.”

So, while the use of the term for her ballot designation may have been approved, if she hasn’t done what is listed above isn’t it misleading to the voters.

King was also asked again about the major for her Associates degree from LMC, if she you changed it from International Business, as was included in the article about her 2022 campaign, to Psychology, as it shows on her LinkedIn profile, and if so, when did she change it and when did she earn her AA.

Finally, King was asked again on Friday, August 23rd which position on her LinkedIn profile refers to her ballot designation title of “Consultant”, if it’s a paid or volunteer position, and does it apply to what was written in her press release: “For the last seven years, King has volunteered and supported Antioch families through educational advocacy by helping families with children who need additional educational support, including children with special needs.” She was given one more opportunity late Sunday night, Aug. 25th to respond by noon, today, Monday, August 26th. But she did not respond prior to publication time at 5:55 p.m.

Campaign Finances Show Help from Husband, One Union, Business Owners, Activists, Politicians

Although her campaign claims to have raised $25,000, King’s Form 460 finance reports show she raised $5,342 last year and $12,683 for a total of $18,025. King’s largest contributors include $5,000 from her husband, $2,000 from International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 302 Community Candidates PAC; $1,000 from political campaign consultant Melody Howe Weintraub of Lafayette, listed as the consultant, owner of Winning Results; $700 from Gigi Crowder of Antioch, listed as the Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness Contra Costa and $500 from Best Consulting, LLC in Walnut Creek.

In addition, King received $350 from Antioch School Board Area 2 Trustee Dr. Jag Lathan, $250 from Brentwood Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza, $198 from Antioch Police Oversight Commissioner Harry Thurston, plus, $300 from Frank Sterling, $150 from Devin Williams and $125 from Patricia Granados all of whom speak regularly during public comments at most council meetings; and $100 each from Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson, former Antioch City Manager Cornelius “Con” Johnson and Antioch School Board Area 4 Trustee candidate Olga Smith. King also raised $2,535 in contributions of less than $100 and loaned her campaign $300.

Of the contributions of $100 or more, not including the funds from her husband and from the IBEW, totaling $8,160 as of June 30th, King received $3,836 or 47% from within Antioch and $4,324 or 53% from outside the city.

As of June 30th, King’s campaign had spent $7,893.84 leaving her with an Ending Cash Balance of $9,292.06. Most of her Payments Made were to businesses outside of Antioch and the largest expenses were $2,650 to Eldridge Political Partners in San Jose, of which President and Founder Jordan Eldridge is serving as her campaign treasurer; $2,500 to Iconic Strategies, Inc. of Hayward for consulting; $1,200 to Sumthing Antioch restaurant for a fundraiser, and $1,000 to Kingdom Graphix in Antioch.

Other than one minor mistake in the Per Election To Date total for the contributions from Jag Lathan, which doesn’t change the totals, King’s campaign finance reports are accurate and comply with legal disclosure requirements. She responded, “I will work with my campaign treasurer to review and either verify or correct the Per Election To Date total to accurately reflect a donor’s contribution.”

King was asked if she had raised an additional $7,000 since the end of June, if so, from whom were the major contributions received, if they were from some of the unions that have endorsed her, as well as for the amounts. Finally, she was asked to provide the names and amounts for contributions of $500 or more since June 30th. She responded, “Additional funds were raised, including contributions from personal funds, individual donors and endorsing unions.” See Form 460 reports for 0101-12312023 and 0101-063023.

For more information about King’s campaign visit www.dominiqueking4antioch.com or email votedominiqueking@gmail.com.

As previously reported, King faces one opponent in the race, former Antioch High School principal Louie Rocha, whose mother is Antioch School Board Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha. The election is November 5th.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

By Allen D. Payton

During a ceremony at the Antioch Police Facility on Monday, August 26, 2024, Interim Chief Brian Addington administered the oath of office to new Captain Joe Vigil and the department’s new Officer Michael Roy, Jr., a lateral hire from the Oakland Police Department.

In the past two years, Vigil has served in both an acting capacity for the position and as acting police chief, prior to Addington being hired earlier this year.

“As we continue to work on rebuilding our police department it brings fresh opportunities,” the chief said.
About Vigil and Roy he said, “They had the love support and continued encouragement from their families and co-workers to get them to this point.”

Addington then read from prepared remarks about each of the two men:

Captain Joe Vigil

Captain Joe Vigil (pronounced “vee-hill”) is a dedicated law enforcement professional with 25 years of distinguished service. Throughout his career, he has served with the Sacramento, Richmond and Antioch Police Departments, contributing his expertise and leadership to various roles. Captain Vigil has been an instructor in multiple disciplines, coordinated extensive training programs, and successfully led numerous units as an experienced investigator. He has also earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Cal State Long Beach. 

 Over the past year, Captain Vigil has overseen the Support Services Bureau, where he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision. His commitment to professional development is further evidenced by his recent completion of the Commission on Police Officers Standards and Training’s (POST) Command College, positioning him as a leader prepared to meet the complex challenges of modern policing.

For over a year, he served as the acting Captain and Acting Police Chief. August 2023 through February 2024 – acting Chief. This was an incredibly challenging assignment, but it truly highlights his unwavering character and deep commitment to serving the community and our department with dedication and integrity. His willingness to tackle such difficult tasks exemplifies the kind of leadership and resilience that inspires us all.

Beyond his professional achievements, Captain Vigil has been married for almost twenty years and has three beautiful children. He is well-rounded and enjoys reading, cycling, and cherishing time with family and friends.

A fun fact about Captain Vigil is his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he would train every day if he could.

“Less than one percent of our profession graduates from POST Command College,” Addington also shared.

Vigil had his father, Joe Vigil, Sr., who he referred to as “Pops” pin the new Captain’s badge to his uniform.

He said, “I’m not a man of a lot of words, so, I’ll keep it short and sweet. First and foremost, I want to thank my family, all the admin, here, Chief, everyone on the city side. Believe it or not, everyone in this room at some point or another I’ve had the obligation and opportunity to work with have helped me get here, good, bad or indifferent and I’m truly grateful for each and everyone of you. Thank you very much.”

Michael Roy, Jr. – Lateral Police Officer

Michael was born in Stockton, California, where he grew up. During high school, he played football and wrestled. Before becoming a police officer, Michael was a commercial truck driver.

Michael is a lateral police officer with almost two years of experience with the Oakland Police Department, where he served with distinction.

Michael is married, and he has a beautiful two-year-old daughter.

Fun Fact: He loves lifting weights and spending time with his family and is a huge 49ers fan.
Roy asked his best friend Will Wynhamer to pin on his badge.

He also offered a few words saying, “I’m 27 years old. I’m very happy that you’ve given me this opportunity. I want to bridge the gap between civilian and law enforcement.”

Oath of Honor

The two men were then administered the International Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Oath of Honor by Addington, committing themselves to the “highest ethical standards in law enforcement” he said. That was followed by a reception and photos with family and friends.

Addington later shared that he expects to swear in two more officers in about two weeks.

The Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame who are celebrating its 17th year of distinguished athletes, will induct its Class of 2024 on October 5th at Lone Tree Golf Course & Event Center in Antioch. The Hall of Fame Gala starting at 5pm will honor 13 talented individual athletes, one former coach, one community leader and one outstanding team.

This year’s inductees (including the high school they attended and their graduating year) are Bob Garrison, All-Around Male Athlete (Antioch 1996); Jasmine Cox, All-Around Female Athlete (Deer Valley 2008); Jenna Carvajal, Individual Female Athlete, Cross Country (Deer Valley 2005); Sheena Wellman, Individual Female Athlete, Swimming (Deer Valley 2001); Kendra Rowland, Individual Female Athlete, Volleyball (Deer Valley 2007); Carrie Tucker, Individual Female Athlete, Swimming (Antioch 1993); Taiwan Jones, Individual Male Athlete, Football (Deer Valley 2007); John Murphy, Individual Male Athlete, Football (Antioch 1986); Trevor Graifman, Individual Male Athlete, Diving (Antioch 2008); Josh Winfield (posthumous), Individual Male Athlete, Track & Field (Deer Valley 2008); Jason Stephens, Individual Male Athlete, Swimming (Antioch 1994); Ben McCorriston, Individual Male Athlete, Wrestling (Antioch 2005); Gerald Circo, Individual Male Athlete, Special Recognition (Antioch 1962); Rich Woods, Outstanding Coach, Football (Deer Valley 2004-2015); Gordon Gravelle, Community Leader; 2004-2005 Antioch Boys Wrestling Team, Outstanding Team.

A limited number of tickets are now on sale to the public. The price for each ticket is $90. Tickets can be purchased on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1pm – 4pm in the museum office located at 1500 West 4th Street in Antioch. Or by calling (925) 238-0565 or email us at sportslegends@comcast.net. Visit us at www.antiochsportslegends.com

This dinner event sells out! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to support this year’s ‘Best of the Best’ athletes from Antioch and Deer Valley High School.

Complete bio’s and pictures will be unveiled on Saturday, October 5th along with the display cases inside our museum featuring our inductees’ sports history journeys.

CONGRATULATIONS to all of our Class of 2024 athletes!

Presented by the CA Office of Traffic Safety, CA Department of Transportation & iHeart Media

Entry deadline: Aug. 29

WHAT: The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are teaming up with iHeartMedia to announce a statewide contest for a chance to win up to $500 in cash gift cards and prizes. To enter, participants will share with us how they are a traffic safety champion and make a commitment to safe road behaviors. This contest is only open to individuals who are legal U.S. residents of the State of California. Any participants ages 14 and up can enter the contest. For participants under the age of 18 years old, a parent/guardian must sign the registration form.

WHY: Twelve people are killed on California roads every day. The roads are shared by drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, electric scooters, and other mobility assistance devices such as wheelchairs. When we’re on the road, every action we take gets us to a safer place. Safe roads depend on all of us. The objective is to encourage others to share how they watch out for one another as we start a movement for safer roads together.

WHEN: Contest and submission period: Now through 11:59 p.m. PDT on August 29, 2024.

Winner notification: September 2024/Public Winner Announcement: September 2024.

WHERE: Visit the Go Safely California website for more details and to enter today! https://gosafelyca.org/safer-roads-contest/

WHO: The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS)

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

*All prizes courtesy of iHeartMedia

For two-year term, an assistant city department head from Seattle, with no experience as city manager or assistant city manager

“Let’s just keep it real, there is no such thing as fair when the social construct we live in was created by white people for the benefit of white people only- to the detriment of every one else” – Antioch City Manager candidate finalist Bessie Marie Scott on Facebook

“We’re 70 days from an election as of Tuesday and this should not be decided by this council…There were some qualified candidates that along the way removed themselves from the process.” – Councilman Mike Barbanica

By Allen D. Payton

With just 70 days to go before the election, during their meeting on Tuesday night, August 27, 2024, the Antioch City Council will consider voting to hire a new city manager, and without first introducing the candidate to the public. After violating the state Brown Act open meeting law by first, discussing then, voting to direct staff to hire the executive search firm during Closed Session earlier this year, according to an attorney with the First Amendment Coalition, the city council interviewed fewer than 10 candidates for the position following a nationwide search.

City Manager Candidate Bessie Marie Scott

According to the city staff report for the agenda item, #9, the council’s candidate of choice for city manager is Bessie M. Scott who has not previously worked as a city manager or assistant city manager for any other city. According to both the report and her LinkedIn profile, she is currently the Deputy Inspector General for Public Safety for the City of Seattle, Washington and has served in the position since April 2023.

Before being chosen as the finalist, she, along with other applicants, were introduced to the City’s department heads, according to District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica.

According to the department’s website, “The City of Seattle Office of Inspector General (OIG) was established to ‘help ensure the fairness and integrity of the police system as a whole in its delivery of law enforcement services by providing civilian auditing of the management, practices, and policies of the [Seattle Police Department (SPD) and Office of Police Accountability (OPA)] and oversee ongoing fidelity to organizational reforms implemented pursuant to the goals of the 2012 federal Consent Decree in United States of America v. City of Seattle, 12 Civ. 1282(JLR).’”

Prior to her current position, Scott worked for a little over three years for the Public Defender Association in Seattle, first as Chief of Staff then as Co-Executive Director of Operations. Prior to that, for a little over two years, Scott worked for the Seattle Community Police Commission, first as Policy Director then as Interim Executive Director. Her longest tenure was for six-and-a-half years for the Seattle Housing Authority where she worked, first, as the Senior Paralegal and Public Records Officer in the Legal Department. That was followed by a position as Senior Policy Analyst for the Office of Policy & Strategic Initiatives, then finally as Strategic Advisor for Rental Assistance Programs.

The staff report also shares, “She has public sector experience in various areas such as public safety, housing programs and municipal policy administration. In her current role, she ensures consistent policy interpretation across all functions of public safety, including Audits, Investigations, Policy and Standards and Compliance.

Accomplishments

More specifically, according to the city staff report, “Some of her career accomplishments include: Managed a Home from School Program, which was a pilot initiative that paired a Housing Choice Voucher with a family experiencing homelessness and living in a shelter near a school in Seattle. The program was a success and housed over 250 families in the first year.” She also “Managed a grant funded Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) Statewide Fair Housing Test Program.”

The proposed agreement does not yet include salary and benefit amounts as those will be finalized during negotiations at the Closed Session meeting on Tuesday night.

Honors

Scott was honored with the 2021 Changemaker of the Year Award from Voices & Visions, University of Washington, Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, in February 2021. The announcement on the college’s website for this year’s honorees and celebration, shares details about the award offers three phrases, Collective Wisdom, Brave Leadership and Rigorous Action. The description reads, “Amid the turbulence and challenges we see day-to-day, join us to celebrate leaders catalyzing positive change in our communities and public systems.  This moment calls for courageous leadership and rigorous action. Join us for an evening of discussion, discovery, and community.  Your participation helps raise critical funds to support the mission of the Evans School, fueling our ability to inspire public service and democratize public policy.”

Education

Scott earned an Executive Master of Public Administration – EMPA in 2020 from the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, University of Washington and took a Public Policy Analysis course in 2003 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She earned her undergraduate Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Law and Society/ Philosophy, with an emphasis in Criminal Justice/ Ethics and Public Policy from UC Santa Barbara in 2003.

If hired, Scott will be the City’s first African American female city manager.

Scott’s Controversial Social Media Posts

But the prospective city manager’s social media posts and comments are already causing a stir, as some of them include racially charged comments by Scott dating back to 2018 and more recently, advocacy for such matters as a “Free Palestine”.

X/Twitter Posts and Comments

In a reply to a Twitter/X post on Aug. 30, 2018, by Franklin Graham, son of Rev. Billy Graham, which reads, “Our nation is in trouble—and it’s because we have taken God out of everything. Follow if you agree,” Scott wrote on Oct. 5, 2018, “Please stop. You abandoned God a long time ago by supporting racists and bigots who help you preserve your whiteness. Stop using GOD to justify your ugly ways. See you in hell!”

A post on her Twitter/X account (https://x.com/bethalightmarie) on June 3, 2019, she wrote, “I’ve never hated a character @FelicityHuffman more. Life imitates…that white women are the problem…in real life. Because also who raises white men? #Beckydoes #thatswho #whitewomendobetter #ShameOnYou #CentralParkFive #reidtechnique #f—kkktrump (redacted by the Herald) @realDonaldTrump.”

In a February 16, 2020, post, in response to another post Scott wrote, “White parents just don’t know/care about what we go through worrying about our children being treated any kind of way due to their skin color. Sad. Infruriating. Unfair” and the word America with “kkk” in the middle as “amerikkka”.

A post on Jan. 6, 2021, reads, “You know what’s standing out to me more than these clever memes about today? The White silence on my timeline. #Allies What say you? I need some #Reparations #AccountabilityNow.”  

Facebook Posts and Comments

A post on March 31, 2019, on Scott’s personal Facebook page (www.facebook.com/bmariescott) of an article entitled, “What Happens When Poor Kids Are Taught Society Is Fair,” she wrote, “Let’s just keep it real, there is no such thing as fair when the social construct we live in was created by white people for the benefit of white people only- to the detriment of every one else and is upheld by systemic and institutional racism which is codified in law, carried out through disparate policy implementation and enforced and upheld by a justice system that acts as a gatekeeper for the halls of power. These are indisputable facts. Convince me otherwise, I’ll wait.” #spotthewhitelie #callitbyitsname #racism

In a July 4, 2019, Facebook post writing, “Siiiiigh” in response to an article entitled, “How to Celebrate the 4th of July When America is a Constant Disappointment” with the sub-headline which reads, “If you feel like patriotism is morally repugnant right now, you’d be correct.”

In a Facebook post on July 5, 2019, of an article with a list of “15 Books Every American Needs to Read to Get the Full Story of Our Nation which included, “Transgender History – The Roots of Today’s Revolution” she wrote, “Some light Summer reading”.

A June 6, 2022, she posted on Facebook about being “the angry black woman”, “To [sic] many times to count.”

One of her more recent and innocuous posts was on Dec. 31, 2023, and reads: “The aftermath. 2023. Feeling so blessed and incredibly grateful to my tribe. My camera roll is wild- so much good stuff! Going forward into 2024 with a humble spirit and a full heart knowing that there is much work to be done if we are to be in our humanity. Free people read freely. Oppression is the root cause of conflict. Everyone should have access to housing and healthcare. Water rights for all. Free Palestine.

And the list goes on. I hope we all love harder in 2024. Happy New Year to you!”

Only Barbanica Responds to Questions for City Council Members

All five councilmembers were asked via email Friday night why they would you hire someone without first introducing the candidate to community leaders, including those from city commissions, the Chamber of Commerce and non-profit organizations as has been done in the past, to get input from them before you vote.

They were also asked if there were no other candidates who have experience as a city manager or an assistant city manager for other cities.

The councilmembers were asked before narrowing down their choices to Ms. Scott, if they were aware of her rather controversial remarks on her own social media pages. Some of the comments above were shared with the councilmembers.

They were then asked if she is really the best candidate and the best fit for Antioch city manager out of those they interviewed. Finally, the councilmembers were asked, if they you really think someone so racially divisive is the right choice for Antioch city manager especially after our community has just gone through the upheaval from the racist text scandal caused by some of our police officers.

Barbanica responded, “My position has been all along this should have been a public hiring. There should have been full transparency as the public needs to be apprised of the progress of the hiring all along. I said that publicly so the public could be made aware of who we were considering. The public went from knowing absolutely nothing about it to one day saying we have a final choice and we’re hiring a city manager and offering a person the job.”

“The public wasn’t aware we had a pool of applicants and that we had narrowed it down, where we were in the progress, and if we’re doing interviews. At one point all the department heads were allowed to do a meet and greet with multiple applicants. The public should have been made aware, so it didn’t come as big surprise.”

“Yes, that should have occurred,” referring to meetings between the final applicant and community leaders before the vote.

“This council should not be making the decision. This should be pushed out to the next council after the election. We have three seats that are up for election,” Barbanica continued. “We’re 70 days from an election as of Tuesday and this should not be decided by this council. It’s very likely that the overall direction of this council could be changing, depending on what the voters decide.”

Asked about the experience of other applicants he said, “There were some qualified candidates that along the way removed themselves from the process.”

“I have supported and continued to support leaving Kwame Reed in that position until the next city council is seated,” Barbanica stated. “At least bring him on as the interim city manager for the next couple of months and let the next council decide if they want to continue with him or start this search over.”

“I’m looking forward to hearing public comments on Tuesday night before I make my final decision,” he added.

When reached for comment, District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said, “I will comment after Tuesday’s meeting and not before, because the vote hasn’t been disclosed and would be a Brown Act violation.”

Additional efforts to reach Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

Meeting Times and Location

The Tuesday night meeting inside the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 200 H Street, begins with a Closed Session at 5:15 p.m. during which the council will discuss the appointment of the new city manager. The public will have the opportunity to speak during public comments on the items they will be discussing prior to the council adjourning into their closed-door meeting. The council members will also discuss an existing lawsuit and anticipated litigation followed by the performance evaluations of both Acting City Manager Reed and City Attorney Thomas L. Smith.

The regular meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. City Council meetings are televised live on Comcast channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99, or live stream on the City’s website. See the full agenda packet.

Memory of local cyclist Joe Shami inspired community to improve safety for bicyclists and motorists      

Paid for with public and private funds

By Annette Majerowicz, Communications Consultant, Full Court Press Communications for the California State Parks Foundation

Mount Diablo, CA – California State Parks Foundation, on Friday, celebrated the completion of 22 new bike turnouts at Mount Diablo State Park. There are now a total of 67 bike turnouts in the park. Bike turnouts allow bicyclists, who move at slower speeds as they pedal uphill, to pull out of the main traffic lane into their own lane so that vehicles can pass safely. 

The new turnouts were inspired by the memory of Joe Shami who was a passionate advocate for increasing safety for bicyclists and cars at Mount Diablo State Park. Known by locals as “The Legend of Mount Diablo,” Joe’s passion for Mount Diablo State Park and cycling was exemplified by over a decade of weekly trips up the mountain well into his 80s. 

“Tragically, Joe was struck and killed by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in Lafayette,” said Randy Widera, Director of Programs of the California State Parks Foundation. “Although he is not with us today, Joe left a special gift in his will to California State Parks Foundation. This gift helped make these additional bike turnouts on Mount Diablo possible. We know Joe would be pleased that his generous gift is making Mount Diablo safer for bicyclists to enjoy.” 

California State Parks, California State Parks Foundation, and Mount Diablo Cyclists partnered to build the new bike turnouts. A total of $927,000 was raised for the project.

For many years, cycling at Mount Diablo State Park has been a popular — but dangerous — activity. From 2010 to 2014, there were an average of 23 car and bike collisions per year. According to California State Park officials, this also frequently resulted in road rage showdowns between drivers and riders. After the first turnouts were created, collisions dropped to three accidents in two years, and road rage significantly diminished.  

In an incredible show of dedication to this work, California State Parks allocated the same amount as Joe’s gift from the department’s annual roads allocation funding to this project. Taking this initial funding as a challenge, a passionate group of volunteers comprised of Alan Kalin, Mark Dedon, and Ted Trambley spent four months doing outreach in the park and at Peet’s Coffee in Danville with locals, cyclists, and visitors to raise additional funds.

“The new bike turnouts on Mount Diablo are a testament to Joe Shami’s inspirational life,” said Mark Dedon, Mt. Diablo Cyclists leadership team member. “The community understands the importance of the new turnouts for the safety of both bicyclists and motorists. People we spoke with were happy to contribute to make these turnouts a reality.”

Through their efforts and with the support of California State Parks Foundation, they inspired over 300 individuals, organizations, and companies to donate the additional funding needed to make the bike turnouts possible. (See brief bike turnout video)

California State Parks Foundation, an independent, member-supported nonprofit with over 50 years of history, is dedicated to protecting and preserving the California state park system for the benefit of all. We work in parks and in Sacramento with partners, park staff, and policymakers to address the challenges parks face. To make real and lasting change we are working to build a movement of people who enjoy and advocate for their parks now, and for future generations. Learn more at www.calparks.org, or find California State Parks Foundation on Facebook, or Instagram and Twitter (@calparks).

About Mount Diablo State Park

Located in the San Francisco Bay Area to the east of Walnut Creek, people have been drawn for generations to Mount Diablo for its spectacular views from the summit which extend over 100 miles in all directions on a clear day. Visitors have been attracted by the complex geology that has created amazing rock formations such as the “wind caves” at Rock City, and by the mountain’s variety of habitats which are home to over 600 species of plants and an amazing array of wildlife such as butterflies, bats and birds of prey, tarantulas, bobcats, lizards, snakes and deer.

In 2021 Mount Diablo celebrated its 100th year as a State Park. Though 100 years is a long history as a park, the importance of Mount Diablo was recognized long before that. For thousands of years Native Americans were the caretakers of this land. Many groups considered and treated the mountain as a sacred place and continue to do so today.

Since becoming a park in 1921, Mount Diablo has been protected as a natural area, and over the past 100 years the park has grown from only a few hundred acres to over 20,000 acres. Today it is a destination for those who would like to view wildlife and wildflowers, experience beautiful views, hike, camp, picnic, run, cycle, climb, ride horses, or gaze at the stars.