Plus, two large warehouse projects on E. 18th Street, more street sweeping

By Allen D. Payton

During their regular meeting tonight, Tuesday, October 24, 2023, the Antioch City Council will consider developing an ordinance that will make it illegal to be a spectator of a sideshow or street race. They will also vote on two new, large warehouse projects on E. 18th Street totaling over 870,000 square feet of space for distribution and storage. The council will also consider increasing street sweeping in the city under item 9. (See agenda packet)

Review and Consideration of City Ordinance Prohibiting Reckless Driving Exhibitions (“Sideshows”) and Street Racing

Under item 7., the council will consider pursuing a sideshow and street racing organizer and by-stander ordinance. According to the city staff report, “the existing penalties for drivers in sideshows and street races are extensive.” However, “State law currently does not address by-standers (spectators) at these events. The proposed ordinance would hold spectators accountable and prohibit them from being within 200 feet of sideshow or speed racing events.”

Both Mayor Lamar Thorpe and District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica have called for the ban. Thorpe did so a few years ago. The council had also discussed it earlier this year. But it wasn’t until Barbanica’s recent push that the mayor placed the matter on tonight’s meeting agenda.

“I requested it about three months ago in writing after meeting with Joy Motts and everybody downtown,” the councilman said. “On Aug. 2nd, I sent an email to the mayor, (Acting City Manager) Kwame (Reed) and (City Attorney) Thomas (Smith), saying I’m requesting it to come back within 90 days and to please consider the Pittsburg policy. Lamar responded back, ‘we gave direction to do this awhile back. Chief Ford was working on it but got distracted by other matters’.”

“I don’t really care who gets credit. I just wanted the ordinance in place,” Barbanica added.

E. 18th Street Warehouse Projects

Before the council members discuss a sideshow ordinance, they will consider approving two large warehouses for distribution and storage on E. 18th Street. If approved, the two facilities will have room for 259 truck trailer spaces.

Under agenda item 5., for the East Warehouse Project, according to the city staff report, “The applicant, DECA Company, is requesting approval of the proposed development of a 431,797-square-foot (sf) light industrial building for warehousing, distribution, and storage, including approximately 20,000 square feet of office space. The proposed project includes a total of 542 vehicle parking spaces and 140 truck trailer spaces. The project improvements would include, but would not be limited to, landscaping, circulation improvements, and utility installation.”

Under agenda item 6., for the West Warehouse Project, according to the city staff report, the applicant is requesting approval for an additional “442,111-square-foot (sf) light industrial building for warehousing, distribution, and storage, including approximately 20,000 square feet of office space. The proposed project includes a total of 406 vehicle parking spaces and 119 trailer truck spaces.”

The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 W. 3rd Street in historic, downtown Antioch. It can be viewed on Comcast Cable channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99 or via live stream on the city’s website.

One large quake last Wednesday, two more smaller quakes on Monday

By CA Department of Water Resources

News of yet another earthquake in the heart of the Delta in the last week is a serious reminder about the importance of modernizing and protecting water supply infrastructure. The quake on Wednesday, Oct. 18th measured 4.2 and was centered 5 kilometers southwest of Isleton.

Two more quakes measuring 2.9 magnitude and 2.5 mag, with epicenters 4 km southeast of Rio Vista, occurred on Monday, Oct. 23, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

In a report by CBS News last week, Austin Elliott with the USGS said that “a very large earthquake, centered near the Delta, would pose a particularly significant threat to both protective systems that the levees provide, as well as the water distribution and intake systems.”

He also said that “Larger earthquakes magnitude — five or six — would begin to produce liquefaction and damage some of the infrastructure and geotechnical work there.” And according to the USGS, there is a 72 percent chance of a 6.7 or greater magnitude earthquake occurring in the Bay Area by 2043.

The Delta Conveyance Project is meant to help the State Water Project guard against these seismic threats.

DWR has also invested millions of dollars to reinforce many Delta levees through the Delta Levees Special Flood Control Projects programs. Additionally, DWR has been planning for and strategizing how to address the earthquake risk and potential disruption to California’s water supply and has developed detailed plans to guide response and recovery efforts.

For more information on how the proposed Delta Conveyance Project would make California’s water supply more earthquake resilient, check out this digital article and these two in-depth videos (Part 1 and Part 2). 

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Allen D. Payton

On Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, the Antioch Sports Legends honored and celebrated 15 members and a team in this year’s class of inductees during their 16th annual dinner and ceremony. Founded by four organizers in 2006 as part of the Antioch Historical Society, they established a wing inside the Antioch Historical Museum that honors the city’s past athletes, teams, coaches and volunteers. The board recently incorporated as the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame, Inc.

This year’s class includes athletes Devon Almarinez, Matt Baugh, Clark Davidson, Erica Helms, Mason Hibbard, Ashley Hodges, Lynn Lohmeier, Eddie Loretto, Lisa Ma’ake, Cassie Mann, Eddie Miller, Bob Olds, and Andy Sample, the Antioch High School 1986-1987 Golf Team, Antioch High cross-country coach Mike Amorosa and Community Leader Recipient Joanne Bilbo.

Gary Bras served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening’s event. Following the dinner at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center, he introduced Board of Directors President Mike Hurd to welcome the honorees, their families and friends in attendance.

“This is your night, inductees. This is a night you’ll always remember. We’re excited to have you here,” he said. “They were voted on by past inductees.”

“It costs about $70,000 per year to run the Sports Legends program. Volunteers and contributions are welcome,” Hurd added.

Past inductees were asked to stand and given a round of applause. This year’s honorees were then introduced for a group photo, and individually presented with a plaque, and given the opportunity to share a few words. Golfer Bob Olds received the largest round of applause.

Following is the information about each Class of 2023 inductee and their photos provided in the event’s program:

Devon Almarinez, 2002 DVHS All-Around Male Athelete

Devon Almarinez was selected to the varsity soccer team his sophomore year which enabled him to compete alongside his older brother Sports Legends Inductee, Niles Almarinez. The two of them were instrumental in helping Deer Valley High Schools win its first North Coast Section Division 1 Soccer Team Championship over perennial powerhouse De La Salle in the NCS Championship Game.

Following the championship season, Devon decided to compete in cross-country, and track and field to improve his endurance for soccer. He won his first cross-country race at the Contra Loma Reservoir Meet which inspired him to continue to compete and train resulting in him being selected 1st Team All-Bay Valley Athletic League and Most Valuable Runner on the Deer Valley Cross Country Team.

Devon was a strong and fast runner who excelled in the 800 meters in track and field. He was undefeated his senior year in the 800 meters and placed 2nd at the North Coast Section Meet of Champions with a time of 1:55.17 that qualified him for advancement to the California Interscholastic Federation Track & Field Championships. At the conclusion of the season, he was selected 1st Team North Coast Section 3A and 1st Team All-BVAL in Track & Field.

As a senior, he was selected 1st team All-BVAL in all three varsity sports in soccer, cross country and track and field. He was honored as the 2002 Deer Valley High School Male Athlete of the Year and a member of the prestigious Contra Costa County Times Top 50 Male Athletes.

Following high school graduation, Devon earned an athletic scholarship to play soccer at the University of San Francisco. After completing his first year of soccer at USF, he decided to transfer to Saint Mary’s College to join his brother Niles on the Saint Mary’s College Soccer Team

Matt Baugh, 2004 DVHS Baseball

When Deer Valley reached the 2003 NCS championship game for the first time in school history, Coach Dennis Luquet chose junior southpaw Matt Baugh to start the game. Baugh did not disappoint, holding Clayton Valley to 1 run on 3 hits over 6 innings in the Wolverines’ 4-1 victory. His 10 wins that season tied the then school record, leading Deer Valley to a 23-8-1 record. Baugh was dominant that season with 96 strikeouts (3rd in school history) with an ERA of 1.96. His accomplishments that season were recognized by Cal-Hi Sports when they named Baugh to their All-State Underclassman team.

Baugh first opened the eyes of local baseball fans when he pitched a no-hitter against Ygnacio Valley as a sophomore. His 5 victories that year were a key contribution to the NCS-bound Wolverine team. Unfortunately, arm injuries shut down Matt after only 9 innings as a senior. When Baugh wasn’t pitching, he still played a big role for the Wolverines ending his career with a .319 batting average. His 15 wins are currently 5th in school history despite a shortened senior season.

Matt’s accomplishments earned him a scholarship to the University of Arizona. In his two seasons at Arizona, Baugh had a 2-1 record and 1 save. In the 2005 Pac-10 season, he had a 2.38 ERA and 1-1 record and led the Wildcats with 10 appearances. He transferred to USF for his final two years where he appeared in 27 games for the Dons, starting 22 times. He finished with a career mark of 8-5 with 98 strikeouts in 152 innings and was named USF’s top pitcher in 2008. One highlight was a 10-inning complete game victory over Portland as a senior.

Baugh was a 26th round selection of the Colorado Rockies, pitching in 19 minor league games over two-seasons.

Clark Davidson, 1980 AHS Football

Strong, burly and quick, Clark Davidson was a star in numerous sports and excelled in football at Antioch High. As a junior Clark was a member of the DVAL Championship football team as a defensive lineman. That set the stage for a fabulous senior season where he was named 1st team ALL-DVAL defensive lineman and was also named to the 1st team All-East Bay squad. He was selected and played in the Contra Costa-Alameda County All-Star Football Game.

Clark went on to play two years at Los Medanos College as a defensive lineman. He garnered Camino Norte Conference Honorable Mention selections in both his freshman and sophomore season. Davidson parlayed those achievements into a full ride scholarship to the University of Nevada at Reno. While at Reno, Davidson was a two-year letterman on the defensive line and was part of the Wolfpack’s 1983 NCAA Division 1-AA semifinalist team.

Clark also starred on the track and wrestling mat at Antioch High. He won a varsity letter his sophomore year in wrestling and enjoyed a stellar career in Track and Field in the weight events. Davidson’s specialty was the shot

put and during his senior season he won the DVAL championship and the North Coast Meet of Champions which qualified him for the California State Meet. His mark of 58’8’’ ranks him third all-time on the AHS shot put record board. He was also a member of the 1979 DVAL Championship track and field team.

Clark continued his track career during his two years at LMC participating in the shot put, discus and javelin setting a then school record in the javelin. Davidson continued in track at UNR, taking 6th place in the Shot Put at the Big Sky Conference Championships his junior year and 6th place in the javelin his senior season.

Mason Hibbard, 1992 AHS Baseball

It is hard to remember when Mason Hibbard was not actively playing one sport or another. From an early age you would find him either in the pool, on the baseball diamond, the basketball court or the ski slopes. To say that being involved in sports was paramount to the Hibbard family would be an understatement. It was a way of life and what one was expected to do growing up.

While Mason is being inducted in the sport of baseball, he truly was a multi-sport athlete at Antioch High which recognized him as Antioch High School Senior Athlete of the Year for his exploits on the diamond as well as the hardwood.

In the era of single sport athletes Mason was the exception. As a junior he was 2nd Team All-League in baseball and 1st Team All-League and 1st Team All-East Bay in baseball his senior year. He was also 1st Team All-League in basketball both his junior and senior seasons and was Antioch High School’s Most Valuable player in both sports. In addition, the Oakland Tribune recognized him as one of Bay Area’s 1992 Spring Athletes of the Year in baseball.

When it was time to decide on where to go to college and what sport to play, Mason chose Santa Clara University where he was a baseball walk-on his freshman year. He would go on to become a three-year letterman for the Bronco’s. His hard work and performance on the field would earn him a baseball scholarship his senior year. Mason was truly a player who would “take one for the team”. That is exemplified in the Bronco baseball record book where he is still #8 all-time in being hit by a pitch which happened 28 times during his career and #3 all-time with 21 his senior season.

Erica Helms, 2007 DVHS Basketball

After spending her freshman and sophomore years commuting from Antioch to Stockton to play for State Champion basketball powerhouse St. Mary’s High School, Erica Helms made two decisions. She would verbally commit to play basketball for the University of Nevada Las Vegas and also return home to play her last two years as a Wolverine under the tutelage of coach Lindsey Lopez Wisely whose team had just won the North Coast Section Title in 2005.

To say that decision was a good one would be an understatement. As a junior she would be named to the 2nd Team All-State Underclass Team and 1st Team All-League. As a senior she would average 27.6 points and 3.2 assists per game and was named Co-BVAL Most Valuable Basketball Player. She would set the DVHS single game scoring record with 38 points versus Liberty and would end her high school career with 1,052 points ranking her fifth all-time at DVHS. Along the way she would also be named 2nd team All-CC Times as a senior and one of the CC Times top 50 girl athletes both years.

At UNLV she would become only the 19th player to score 1,000 career points. She led the Lady Rebel freshmen in scoring her first year and was one of only three UNLV players to average double-figures while leading the team in assists with as a sophomore. Her junior year she was named 3rd Team All-Mountain West Conference and led the team in scoring with 412 points which ranked 10th in the conference, scoring in double figures 23 times. Her senior season started a little slowly as she gave birth to her daughter in late September, but she was back on the court one month later and finished the season as the team’s third leading scorer with 208 points.

Ashley Hodges, 2007 DVHS Track & Field

Ashley Hodges success has been the product of hard work, dedication, and a drive to excel. From her triumphs in high school to becoming a standout athlete at Howard University, her journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence.

Throughout her high school career she showcased her exceptional talent by qualifying for the CIF State Track and Field Championships in the 800-meter run in both 2006 and 2007. Her accomplishments also included winning the North Coast Section Meet of Champions 800-meter race in 2006 and the North Coast Section Tri-Valley 800-meter championship both as a junior and senior. In addition, she had a 1600-meter personal best of 5:02.96, which ranked her second in the North Coast Section.

Ashley’s exceptional talent during high school was further recognized when she was offered a scholarship to prestigious Howard University in Washington, D.C., competing at the NCAA Division I level. During her college tenure she continued to excel, capturing the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference individual championship in Women’s Cross Country in 2010, advancing her to the NCAA Division I Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship. In addition, Ashley showcased her prowess in the indoor 5,000-meter run in 2011, further solidifying her status as an exceptional athlete. Her remarkable achievements were honored with the prestigious Howard University Most Valuable Player Award for the 2010-2011 track and field season.

After graduating from Howard University, this exceptional student-athlete pursued her passion for law, earning a juris doctor degree from the renowned Georgetown University Law Center. Leveraging her expertise, she embarked on a career as an international anti-corruption lawyer for a prominent New York law firm and is based in Paris, France. Her commitment to justice and integrity, continue to drive her forward, making a positive impact on global efforts to combat corruption and promote ethical practices.

Lynn Lohmeier, 1991 AHS All-Around Female Athlete

“Lynn has always been involved in sports” said Lorraine Lohmeier, Lynn’s mother. Lynn earned eight varsity letters at Antioch High School, three each in soccer and softball and two in volleyball. She received her first varsity soccer letter playing for Antioch High as a freshman while still a student at Park Junior High. Lynn was All-BVAL in soccer 3 times, and softball twice. An injury in Lynn’s junior year stopped her from being the first Antioch High student-athlete to earn four varsity letters in girls’ soccer.

In softball she was named the Queen of the Mountain Tournament’s top defensive player. She was athlete of the week for the Contra Costa Times, chosen AHS softball team MVP and was named to the All-East Bay Softball team.

To add to her accomplishments, she was named to the 1991 Contra Costa Times All-Star Team after breaking Antioch High School records for bunting and stealing. She also set AHS records that season batting .571 with 28 runs scored, 32 stolen bases with 30 in a row. Her 28 hits were all singles.

Lynn then took her softball talents to Merced Junior College starting at shortstop and second base becoming 1st Team All-Camino Norte Conference. She had the talent of throwing right-hand and batting left-handed and used

her speed on the bases to help lead Merced to the Northern California Regional Softball playoffs.

East County had a number of softball players in Division 1 at the college level in the 1990’s including Lynn at Sacramento State. In 1995 the Sac State softball team made it to the NCAA Collegiate Women’s Division I Softball championships.

Additionally, Lynn received the Golden Key award from the National Honor Society in recognition of her outstanding scholastic achievement and excellence. She was also named to the Western Athletic Conference All-Academic team.

Eddie Loretto, 1984 AHS Football

Eddie Loretto decided to focus on becoming a full-time kicker his junior year at Antioch High School. After a year at the JV level, Loretto became an offensive weapon as a senior for the Panthers. He had four field goals that season of 40 or more yards missing only one and was 31-33 on PAT’s. His 47-yarder set the Panther record for longest field goal, a record that stood for 15 seasons. As a senior his accomplishments were recognized by being named 2nd Team All-League and 1st Team All-East Bay. In addition, Loretto was named to the San Francisco Examiner’s All-Bay Area team.

Upon graduation, he took his powerful left leg to UC Davis to become a member of the Division 2 powerhouse Aggie football squad. After redshirting his first year, he was named the starting kicker for the Aggies. In that 1985 season, Loretto hit 16-21 field goals setting a school record for most FG’s in a season. He was also 37-40 on PAT’s and his 85 points set another school record. As a sophomore, Loretto was 12-15 on his field goals, landing him a spot on the All-Conference 1st team. His senior year saw Loretto connect on all 26 of his PAT’s and 7-12 on FG’s, again earning him 1st Team All-Conference and Honorable Mention on the Little All-American list. He graduated as the Division 2 all-time career scoring leader, setting school records for most FG’s, PAT’s and scoring for both a season and career. He still holds school records for most PAT’s (8) and FG (4) in a game and his 273 career points rank second among all Aggie kickers.

Loretto is currently a history professor at the College of Alameda. He retired from coaching in 2022 after 12 seasons as special teams coach for Pittsburg High School.

Lisa Ma’ake, 2007 DVHS Track & Field

It didn’t take long for Lisa Ma’ake to stand out as Deer Valley High School’s top shot putter. As a ninth-grader she would finish first in the North Coast Section Tri-Valley Championships and would go on to qualify for the California State Track & Field Championship, her first of four consecutive trips to the CIF State Meet. Her top performance at State would see her finish in 8th place as a sophomore with a throw of 39’ 11½’.

Along the way to the CIF Championships, she would become a three-time 1st team All- BVAL winner in the shot and two-time winner in the discus. In addition to her 1st place at the NCS Tri-Valley Championships she would also claim the title in the same meet the next two years in both the shot put and discus. At the North Coast Section Meet of Champions shot put final she would finish in the top 4 each year. Her 2nd place finish as a senior with a throw of 40’ 10 1/2” and a 4th place discus throw of 121’ ½” would earn her a trip to the top high school track and field meet in California in both events.

Beyond her individual achievements Lisa would be honored as the BVAL Field Event Athlete of the Year after her junior season. As a senior she would be recognized by the Contra Costa Times as one of the Top 50 Female Athletes in the East Bay.

After high school Lisa enrolled at Fresno State University where, as a freshman, she would set a personal best of 43’ 0” at the prestigious Brutus Hamilton Invitational held at U.C. Berkeley. She would also have the opportunity to complete internationally finishing 3rd at the Ponce Segunda Classificatoria in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

Cassie Mann, 2000 AHS Softball

The Antioch High School girls’ softball program has had a long list of talented pitchers with several inducted into the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame. Cassie Mann joins that elite group because of her fabulous careers at Antioch High School and Dominican University. In high school she was the BVAL Player of the Year in her junior season and team MVP as a senior. She was first team All-League both years and was selected as the MVP of the prestigious Queen of the Mountain Tournament in Concord where she was 3-0 and didn’t allow an earned run. She was also included in the Contra Costa Times top 50 Athletes of the Year and was a NCS Scholar Athlete her junior year.

In her sophomore year, the Antioch High School team won the BVAL championship and lost in the North Coast Section semi-finals. In her junior season they lost the NCS championship game to Carondelet High School. Leading up to that tournament game, Cassie won 14 straight games, eleven of which were shutouts. She pitched 54 consecutive innings without opponents scoring a single run.

After high school, she received a full scholarship to Dominican University of California in San Rafael and graduated Cum Laude in 2004 with a degree in International Business Management. She played all four years in college and was team captain her last two seasons. In her first two years, she was awarded the NAIA California Pacific Conference Most Valuable Pitcher. In 2004 she pitched a perfect game and was chosen the Team’s MVP.

After college Cassie embarked on a career in law enforcement and is employed by the Kings County Sheriff’s Office as their Fiscal Manager. She resides in Hanford with her husband and 11-year-old son.

Eddie Miller, 2007 AHS Basketball

Following a 2-22 season in 2004-05, the Antioch Panthers stunned local basketball fans when they compiled a record of 43-13 over the next two seasons, including an impressive 23-7 in the formidable BVAL. A major contributor to that turnaround was point guard Eddie Miller. As a junior, Miller averaged a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds per game. The Panthers finished the season 21-7 with their first NCS playoff berth in many years. Miller’s accomplishments were recognized by being selected 1st Team All-League and 3rd Team All-Contra Costa Times.

Miller’s impressive junior year was just a warmup of what was to follow. As a senior, Miller led the Panthers to another NCS record of 22-6, finishing 14-2 in the BVAL. That season marked the first victory over De La Salle in the program’s history. Miller led the league in scoring with a 15.6 average over the 16-game league schedule and was named the league MVP. Again, the Contra Costa Times recognized Miller by placing him on the All-CC Times regional squad. The Times also named Eddie to its top 50 male athletes list in both his junior and senior years. Dinally, Miller was named the Panther’s Senior Athlete of the Year in 2007 for his exploits in both basketball and track and field.

After graduation, Miller walked on to the basketball program at U.C. Berkeley where he appeared in 15 games over two seasons. He then transferred to UC Davis on a scholarship for this final two years of eligibility. Over the next two seasons, Miller started 52 games as a point guard, scoring a total of 631 points. His senior year was highlighted by a 35-point outburst versus league opponent U.C. Riverside. Miller concluded his basketball career by playing professionally in Brazil for one year.

Bob Olds, 1957 AHS Golf

Bob Olds didn’t play golf in high school because his passion was baseball, and the two sports were played at the same time of the school year. His brother Jim introduced Bob to the game of golf in 1960 and that’s when Bob’s love affair with golf started and is still going strong over 60 years later.

In 1990, Bob became eligible to start playing senior golf and that’s when his career really took off. In 1992, he became only the second Antioch golfer to qualify to play in the USGA Senior Open held in Bethlehem, PA. He was a NCGA Senior Cup Member from 1994 through 2012 and again in 2014. In 1995 and 2004 he was the Low Amateur at the Northern California Open. Perhaps his most prestigious and hard-earned honor came in 1996 when he was named the NCGA Senior Player of the Year. Bob played in the USGA Senior Amateur Tournament in 1996, 1997 and in 2007 when he qualified for match play. In 1997, at the famous Wing Foot Golf Club in New York, he won the Senior Division Two Man Championship and followed that in 1998 by winning the California State Fair Senior Amateur Championship.

The new millennium didn’t stop Bob’s winning ways. In 2002 he won the San Francisco City Senior Championship and the Sacramento City Senior Championships in 2003 and 2004. As proof of his longevity, in 2005, at age 65, he became the oldest winner of the California State Senior Championship. Bob’s last win came at the age of 76 when he won the 2016 Sacramento City Super Senior Championship. He has multiple career holes-in-one with the last one coming at the age of 82.

Bob worked for US Steel for 30 years and retired at the age of 55. He currently resides in Brentwood with his wife Sandy.

Andy Sample, 1988 AHS Track & Field

Andy Sample loved to run, and his talent would become apparent early in his Antioch High School career. As a sophomore he won the varsity 400-meter title at the BVAL league meet, a feat he would repeat two more times as a junior and senior. At the North Coast Section Meet of Champions he qualified for the State Track & Field Championships twice, once in the 300 intermediate hurdles and once in the 400 meters. He was also named AHS track and field Co-MVP his senior season.

Andy had a very successful high school career but for him the last year ended in disappointment. You see, his senior year was supposed to be his breakout track season. However, in a tournament basketball game at Liberty High School Andy broke his ankle and for the next 16 weeks was in a cast. Shortly before the league meet with the cast off and limited training, he still was able to win his third DVAL 400-meter title and go on to qualify for the State Meet. But his goals remained unfulfilled.

That would change the following year when he enrolled at Diablo Valley College. Over the next two seasons at DVC Andy would break the school 400-meter record running 46.61, the fastest 400 meters ever run by any Antioch High School alumnus. He was also part of the record breaking 4×100 and 4×400 meter relay teams. All three records still stand today some 33 years later.

After DVC, Andy received a track scholarship to U.C. Berkeley. At CAL he competed for the Bears in the prestigious Penn and Texas relays and Pac-10 Championships among others. Injuries held him back, but he still was able to run anchor leg on the 4×400 meter relay team that beat UCLA for the first time in 25 years.

AHS 1987 Golf Team – Outstanding Team

Legendary Sports Legends Hall of Fame golf coach Joe Gambetta felt his 1987 team was well prepared and confident prior to teeing it up at the C.I.F. Northern California Golf Championship held at Butte Creek Country Club in Chico. His team didn’t let him down as they would go on to claim the Northern California Golf Championship, completing the season with the highest finish of any sports team in Antioch High School history at that time.

“No, I’m not surprised,” Gambetta said. “These guys play a lot of junior golf, and they love courses like this. The course conditions were good with no wind and the greens were excellent.”

At the NorCal championship, AHS recorded a five-man team score of 396, seven shots better than Merced and Marin Catholic High School. On the 6,897-yard, par 72 course, senior Scott Olds claimed the first medalist spot with a two-day total of 147 followed by Sam Raines who finished tied for second at 148 and Jeff Lyons who tied for sixth at 155. Making up the rest of the team were Rob Heaton, Brian Vieira, Kevin Sullivan and Dave McCoey all of whom contributed to the record-breaking season with key match wins along the way.

On the way to the NorCal championship, after completing a 16-1 dual match record and winning their own Antioch Invitational, the golfers would finish second in the DVAL Championships before elevating their performance to win the North Coast Section title. At NCS the team was led by Scott Olds who finished the  day tournament in 3rd place shooting 151 followed by Jeff Lyons at 153 and Rob Heaton and Sam Raines who each shot 160.

Three of the team members have previously been inducted as individuals in the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame, Scott Olds in 2014, Jeff Lyons in 2019 and Sam Raines in 2022.

Michael Amorosa, 1996-2008 AHS, Outstanding Coach – Cross Country

Through three decades, Michael Amorosa left his footprint on the trails around Antioch High School. He excelled as a cross country athlete at AHS graduating in 1988, and DVC where he went to the State Championships. Earning a full scholarship to the University of Hawaii, Hilo he qualified and ran in the snow at the NCAA Cross Country Championships in Wisconsin.

Michael came back to Antioch and became an Assistant Cross Country coach with Tom Torlakson in 1995. He was hired as the boys and girls head coach in 1996 and for the next thirteen years enjoyed some of the most successful seasons in AHS cross country history. During that time, Coach Amorosa’s runners never had a losing season and racked up a string of highlights, including a 3rd place finish in Division II Girls Cross Country State Championships and his boys’ team beating De La Salle in 2001 to end their 10-year dual meet win streak at 99. His 1999 girls’ team was inducted into the Antioch Sports Hall of Fame in in 2019.

In 1999 and 2000 his girls’ team won the BVAL Cross Country Championship title. In 1998 his boys won the Division II NCS Championship and in 1999 his girls’ team won the Division II NCS Championship. During his tenure, he coached many outstanding runners including previous Antioch Sport Legends inductees Janie Nolan, Chris Hernandez and Christine Perez Michael and his wife Amanda currently work in the medical field and live in Placerville, CA with their two children Ameliana and Vinnie who both run for their high school’s cross-country team.

Joanne Biblo – Community Leader Recipient

Joanne (Viera) Bilbo is a lifelong resident of Antioch and grew up attending Antioch schools. She joined the Young Ladies Institute of the Holy Rosary Church chapter at the age of 16 and has held numerous offices including President. She recently was presented with a 75-year member award.

Joanne graduated from AHS in 1949 and was active in the Girls Athletic Association (GAA) where she earned the distinguished Emblem A four years in a row. During her senior year she was honored as the Queen of the Block A Carnival.

In 1960 she married Marshall Bilbo and they raised two children, Ken and Kathleen. Joanne kept very busy with the activities of her children and was Clerk of the Course for the Pittsburg swim club for over 15 years where Ken and Kathleen swam.

Joanne and Marshall owned and operated Ernie’s Liquors for many years and were very active in Rotary and Antioch Chamber of Commerce activities. She was also an active member of the Native Daughters of the Golden West and the Friends of the Arts.

Since the inception of Antioch Sports Legends Joanne has been an enormous force behind ASL serving on the Executive Board for over 10 years and coordinating the ticket sales and seating for every Induction Gala where she garnered the nickname of “The Ticket Lady”. She has served as a Board Member of the Antioch Historical Society for nearly 20 years and chaired many of their committees.

In 2014 Joanne was recognized by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce as a finalist for the Citizen of the Year-Lifetime Achievement Award. She earned the prestigious Founder’s Award in 2011 from the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame and was presented with a special Lifetime Achievement Award from Sports Legends in 2021.

To see more photos of the event, learn more about or to support the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame visit their website, Facebook page or the museum at 1500 W. 4th Street on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Rotate in a current, female member or appoint a new and the first openly gay male member of the board were choices offered

Carlson requested revote not wanting “anyone to feel marginalized” and for the “rotation of the representation of our districts”

Andersen instead appointed Vice Chair for 2024

By Allen D. Payton

Identity politics were center stage during their meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, when the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors held a contentious discussion and vote on appointing new member, District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson as vice chair instead of District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen. Both she and District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis wanted Andersen in the position who argued it was a matter of rotation from district to district and appointing a woman versus a man. But the three men outvoted the two women and appointed Carlson, as the first openly gay member to one of the board’s two leadership positions, as pointed out repeatedly by current Board Chair and District 1 Supervisor John Gioia.

All five supported District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover to be appointed board chair for the coming year.

But then during their much Oct. 17th meeting at the request of Supervisor Carlson, the board reconsidered appointing him Vice Chairperson with a much more conciliatory discussion.

“I appreciate the opportunity to bring this back for further discussion. I want to share my appreciation and gratitude to those who reached out. I appreciate all the opinions and all the thoughts that came to me, and everyone was heard,” he stated. “Prior to our October 3rd meeting Chair Gioia called me to let me know there is this tradition of a board proving an incoming supervisor an opportunity to be the Chair in their first term and therefor he was going to move my name forward as vice chair.”

“You know, I was honored and had no reason to believe that it would become controversial,” Carlson continued. “I came to the original discussion with an open mind and goal to work collaboratively across this board. But when identity was brought up I got emotional. I got protective. I have a responsibility to represent District 4. But being the first openly LGBTQ member of this board, I feel a greater obligation as well, to respect, represent and protect the LGBTQ community, my community. So, it’s never been, it never will be my intention in any work I do but here at the board specifically, to make anyone feel marginalized. I know what that feels like. So, I don’t want our work to do that.”

“This board has done a tremendous job over the last several years working to make our communities more inclusive and more accepting and we need to continue that work. There’s more to be done,” Carlson stated. “What I did get out of this was there’s no specific rotation. But it has been a female dominated board for the past 16 years until I came along, and I feel like I’m being very disruptive. The new guy comes and changes things and the dynamic. But it did show a disparity in the rotation of the representation of our districts. And that is really important to me.”

“Right now, across this country…we’ve seen what political polarization can do and how it impacts the work we actually can get accomplished,” he continued. “So, I think it’s very important that we are better than that. So, I apologize and want to make it very well known I want to work together, collaboratively because that’s how I think we’re going to accomplish more.”

Gioia then offered his thoughts saying, “When we all walked into our meeting two weeks ago…there were different interpretations…into how the board implemented its rotation policy. Unfortunately, the language turned into more personal…and we focused on the differences than how do we work together. Several of  us…did not agree with the framing and characterization that this was a men versus female thing. I think that is unfortunate.”

Glover spoke next saying, “I think it’s important that we recognize this board has worked collaboratively as a whole. Being someone who has been marginalized down through the years I certainly want to speak to the fact that we do need equity and we do need fairness.”

Burgis spoke next and said, “I always look at how do we prevent this from happening in the future. One of the things that Contra Costa County has a reputation for is to have a collaborative board. For me, again it was about districts. What I would like to make sure is that…I celebrate Ken. I supported him right from the bat. I’m so proud that we do have an LGBTQ leader and a really good human being and a smart person and someone that cares about the community. But I also wanted to stand up for my district. It did dissolve…sometimes we get defensive, or we get hurt feelings and anger turns into energy because we feel vulnerable and that’s what we saw. But I’m so proud of this board and appreciate that we can fix things because we can model that for the rest of the world.”

“Ken, I do want to thank you for bringing this back,” Andersen stated. “I know everyone on this board has been hearing from a lot of people…who also said there was a clear rotation. Trades took place but by assent, by agreement, by people cooperatively saying we want to make this change. It was collaborative. It was something we all agreed to. There’s certainty and there’s fairness. I was very, very surprised that my position, Diane’s position in rotation had been offered up to honor Ken. And I agree there are many, many ways we can honor Ken as the first openly gay member of this board. But I was uncomfortable that my turn in the rotation had been offered to him without any discussion to me, without any approach to me.”

“We have always worked collaboratively the majority of our votes have been 5-0 votes,” she continued. “So, I appreciate this is coming back…and to Ken, thank you for helping us right the board that was sort of spinning of our axis. I will always put the good of the county, the good of the board ahead of my feelings. Of course, I’m hopeful that we will be voting to go back to the original rotation.”

“I’m just looking at the facts of the chart,” Gioia added. “Under the Brown Act we can’t talk to each other. That’s what also creates the issue and makes it hard.”

“This was to me not a female, male, LGBTQ, straight, whatever kind of issue,” said Burgis. “This was about each district has an opportunity to be represented in the chair position and it should rotate every five years. I’m hoping that we can go back to this rotation.”

Carlson then made “the motion to nominate Supervisor Candace Andersen to be our Vice Chair in 2024.”

It was seconded by Burgis.

Following several public comments, Burgis responded to one of them saying, “It’s about equity for all the districts…so we can provide the services in all the districts.”

“When we were called misogynistic..I think that was totally out of bounds,” Gioia added. “That was a serious comment to make.”

“I’m going to try to do better, and I think all of us want to do better,” Burgis responded.

“Would you have brought this forward if we were both men?” Andersen asked. “It was the totality of the circumstances that made me, as a woman feel marginalized and feel that this was more than just a political decision which troubled me that we were even having, it be a political decision.”

“And as I said, I look forward to Ken continuing to be recognized for his status as the first openly gay member of this board,” she continued. “And I’m hoping that all we’ve been through is going to lead to much more positive ways of communicating where none of us feel marginalized. When we represent a district we know what the needs are.”

“I respect yours and everybody’s point of view on all of this,” Gioia responded.

The vote followed and the motion passed unanimously 5-0.

October 3rd Meeting Board Discussion and Vote

“Over the last 20 years, there’s been a practice of moving the vice chair into the chair’s position. That has been done every year,” said Board Chair Gioia. “The vice chair we rotate amongst members so that the person who had it most distant past…rotates into the position of vice chair, then we insert the newly elected person into the rotation. They generally become the chair in their third or fourth year in office.”

“Actually, that’s not how it worked for me…you guys skipped me completely and I was fine with that,” District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis said.

“Burgis became chair in her fifth year in office,” Gioia confirmed. “Of the seven new vice chairs one became chair in her fifth year and the other six became chair in their third or fourth year.”

“Can I also point out that in the last 10 years District 3 has been chair one time?” Burgis pointed out.

“District 1 has been Chair three times, District 2 two times, District 3 one time, District 4 three times and District 5 two times,” she added. “In the last 10 years.”

Burgis then moved to have District 2 be the vice chair.

“And I would make Federal chair. He has been vice chair, now three years,” said District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen.

“Yes,” Burgis responded.

“And I would second that motion,” Andersen added.

“One of the hallmarks of this board is that we have sort of followed a rotation and one of respect…that we act with decorum, and we’ve been respectful of each other,” she continued. “I think it’s important we not come up with sort of a new system, or what someone might perceive as gamesmanship to alter that order.”

“I’ll say it…I think there are two practices that have gone on…that we rotate among existing board members based on who had it least…longest who would be Supervisor Andersen who is next up,” Gioia responded. “But we also have a practice over 20 years of incorporating new members. So, it is an uncontroverted fact that over 20 years new board members come into the rotation and that causes the individual who would normally get it of existing board members to wait an extra year.”

“Why didn’t you advocate for that for me when I was new on the board if that was an important thing?” Burgis asked.

“I don’t recall the discussion why that happened,” Gioia said.

“I do,” Andersen interjected. “It was agreed that a new member, there is a firehose of information, there is a learning curve, and it makes most sense to have a new member to have that person to rotate to the end of the progression so that by the time they reach that chair position they will have a much better understanding of the issues in the county.”

Andersen then made an emphatic plea to be appointed vice chair for the next 12 months.

“Since I’ve been on this board for the last…11 years never once have we suggested that we bring someone in new,” she continued.

Speaking to Carlson, Andersen stated, “I like Ken. Ken, you’re wonderful, I’m delighted you’re on the Board. But to sort of say to these women on this board, ‘we’re going to push you back a little further’ to me is a little disingenuous in this current climate that we’re in. As I look at the strides women make to have men on the board say, ‘nope. You know what? It’s really your turn but we’re not going to let you have your turn.’ And one of the policies that is articulated in this is that while we’re in a four-year term we have the opportunity to have a leadership opportunity. I will be missing that if you skip over me and tell me I do not get my term as vice chair and my term as chair the following year in this four-year term I will not have that opportunity and I will be very concerned if we move in that direction.”

Burgis then said, “I just thought we would continue the process based on the rotation. I do feel that each district, whoever is representing them, that they do have the benefit of having a chair. To me the rotation is not only the person but it’s also the district. So, my expectation was that District 2 would be the vice chair next year…and that would put us back into the rotation.”

Gioia then reiterated his early comments about the practices over the past 20 years saying, “The new Supervisor has been inserted into the rotation in their third or fourth year in office.”

Carlson was elected last year and will be in his second year in office, next year.

At Gioia’s request Burgis restated her motion to appoint Glover chair and Andersen vice chair.

“If you look at that, while a new supervisor may have been brought in, the districts were fairly consistent,” Andersen stated reading off the order, “5, 4, 1, 2, 3, then 5, 3, 1, 2, 4. That is my concern.”

“There will be some that say, and I agree, that we have our first, also gay supervisor, out openly gay LGBT member,” Gioia stated. “There will be some that would say that ‘it is time an LGBT member is chair of our board’. And I believe that either approach is consistent with practice. There’s not some hard, fast rule and anyone that says there’s a hard fast rule, they’re wrong.”

“In the last 20 years you have served six times,” Burgis pointed out.

“Well, I’m also the longest serving member of the board,” Gioia responded.

Referring to a list of chairs and vice chairs over the last 23 years Gioia said she requested, Burgis reiterated, “No, no, no. I’m saying District 1 has been the chair six times, District 2 five times, District 3 four times, District 4 five times and District 5 four times. District 1 has definitely benefited.”

“Diane, let me be really clear. Let’s do the math,” Gioia responded while raising his voice. “All of us, generally have become chair every four years or so. I’m in my 25th year. If you divide that by four that comes out to about…six times. I’m not getting it more than…you’re characterizing it that I’m getting it more than I should be getting it. That is untrue.”

“My point, one of them has been, each district gets an opportunity. Not each person. Each district, not each person, is usually what it is,” Burgis responded. “I didn’t want to turn this into a fight. I just thought…”

“The rotation,” Andersen interjected. “I think we have all, since I’ve been on the board, there’s been a rotation. Here, on a county board of supervisors, where we each represent over 200,000 people…we each deserve an opportunity, in our right time, to be chair,” she continued. “And by skipping over someone I think you do lose…the opportunity for that district to have their voice heard in a different way.”

“Like I said, I love that Ken is on this board, I appreciate that he represents so well the LBGTQ community,” Andersen stated. “But to me, it’s the representation of our districts and given that District 4 was represented I’d like to suggest Ken rotate in at the appropriate time.”

Gioia then made a substitute motion, “that Supervisor Glover become chair and Supervisor Carlson become vice chair.”

“I’ll second that,” Carlson said.

“Let me say why I made that motion,” Gioia shared. “The person who had it the farthest back is top on the last and that would be Supervisor Andersen. Over the history on this chart, new members occasionally push down an existing member for a year. I respectfully disagree that you’re saying that this is out of rotation. The bottom line is it’s up to three members of this board. And I do think it’s about time that an LGBT member become chair of our board. We’ve never had one.”

“Appointing Ken as vice chair gets him into the rotation, the same year that Supervisor Bonilla and Supervisor Piepho became chair which was their third year in office,” he argued. “So, it’s not out of practice.”

“It’s out of district and that is the big difference,” Andersen reiterated. “There was some significant changes. Mark DeSaulnier was elected to the Assembly. That’s when Susan Bonilla came in.”

Gioia cut her off saying, “there’s a motion let’s go to public comments.”

Burgis then asked for clarification about the process for making motions and substitute motions.

County staff responded, “generally, the board’s practice is you vote on the second motion, first.”

Carlson then said, “Little did I know I would be the topic, when I came in this morning.”

Gioia then interjected, “I’m trying to show…respect within this rotation.

“John, you speak on behalf of women, often,” Burgis stated. “So, I would have thought you would have spoken up on behalf of me if that was such an important…” referring to her waiting until her fifth year on the board before being appointed chair.

“I don’t recall the disagreement,” Gioia shared.

“I don’t think it was ever discussed,” Burgis responded.

“Another woman got it instead of you, Diane,” Gioia stated. “That was Supervisor Andersen. So, I don’t understand. Supervisor Andersen was the chair the year before you. So, I’m not sure of the argument.”

“As we’ve had these discussions, John, ever since I’ve been in office it has been with a rotation,” Andersen reiterated. “It has never been an equity. It has been the camaraderie of this board and it is breaking rotation and there is no other way to say it. What you’re essentially saying to Diane and myself, ‘you have to go behind the men on this board’ and I will that because that is exactly what is happening.”

“You’re welcome to say that. That’s not what we did last time. In the year Supervisor Burgis said she would have been chair in 2020 it was Supervisor Andersen,” Gioia responded. “There wasn’t a favor of a man over a woman.”

“It was because she was newly elected,” Andersen responded. “Similarly, it was assumed Ken would come into the rotation particularly in the case, since District 4 had just been chair. It was a natural coming to the end of the rotation. Not because Ken is Ken or any other factor. That’s just how we did it.”

Carlson Weighs In

Carlson, a former member of the Pleasant Hill City Council which usually rotates their mayor and vice mayor each year, then said, “I appreciate the conversation and I did not personally, see a pattern. And if we’re locked into a pattern then we take away the opportunity and the flexibility to do other things. Would it be to not recognize Federal or Karen or the newly elected as they come onto or leave the Board of Supervisors? Because we’re strictly locked into a rotation. Because I don’t understand, Candace, your comment about your time. When is your time? Is it strictly based on your district number and the rotation? Or is it based on we want to give everybody the opportunity to be in the chair’s seat at some point during their term? And it’s hard because we’re a body of five and there’s only four years in your term. But if we’re locked into a rotation then we take ourselves out of the flexibility be of, one…someone who might not be the appropriate individual to represent us based on behavior or other aspects.”

“We modified the rotation,” Andersen responded.

“But how do you do that when you don’t make an exception for the new person or the LGBTQ person or you make it all about gender?” Carlson asked.

Gioia then opened up to public comment and only two call-in speakers shared their thoughts. There was no members of the public in the chambers who spoke on the matter.

Glover Disappointed With Discussion

Before the board vote, Glover offered his thoughts saying, “Let me just say that the gratitude I offered last year has led to a greater discussion that I’ve ever seen in terms of how we get to chair and vice chair. I don’t remember ever having these type of discussions and it’s somewhat saddening that we are having one. I think that this group has acted as a team for all the years that I’ve sit here and I want to remain that way. There’s too much work to get done to have this ceremonial position would get in the way of it.”

“We made history today with our appointment of the co-directors of Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice. And I think it’s history to also appoint as vice chair, for the first time, our first LGBTQ+ member of the board,” Gioia stated. “There’s been a lot of hate going around in all areas, with anti-semitic, racist and also anti-LGBTQ and I think it is important. I think this is historic, as well and I think we should celebrate it. And I look forward to serving with Supervisor Andersen as the vice chair the following year. I’m optimistic you’re going to be re-elected. We’re going to get to serve with you as vice chair and chair. It’s not taking away the opportunity for Supervisor Andersen to serve again as vice chair and chair. It just changes that timing by that one year. And I think we should just celebrate the history of having the first gay member be an officer of this board.”

“And I would respectfully disagree,” Andersen stated. “And I do feel that Diane and I are being marginalized. I will be voting no on this item.”

“I am abstaining,” Burgis shared. “My goal is to try and have a team that is all unanimous. I think I have been a team player. I’m very disappointed that my colleagues didn’t advocate for me to have that opportunity. Everybody should be treated that way. So, I do feel slighted because you didn’t take on this as something important in the past. So, I’m abstaining.”

“So, because I voted for Supervisor Andersen instead of you, that you’re criticizing me?” Gioia asked.

“You didn’t advocate for me to be able to be a vice chair in my…” Burgis responded before Gioia cut in.

“Neither did Supervisor Andersen,” he said.

“It was important to you,” Burgis shot back.

“Let me be honest. It was a unanimous vote in 2019 to appoint Supervisor Andersen as the vice chair,” Gioia explained. “She didn’t vote for you.”

“No. Because we had a rotation,” Andersen responded.

“Let me be clear. She didn’t advocate for you. So, why are you criticizing me?” Gioia asked Burgis.

Andersen again explained the discussion about giving new members, “the opportunity to learn more, to be on the board, to be on all the committees. Just as we do on CCTA (Contra Costa Transportation Authority)…where you don’t just jump into the leadership role until you’ve had that experience.”

“So, I do find it disingenuous to say we’d never had a rotation that we’ve never discussed this,” she continued.

“I do take it personally. So, let’s just move along,” Burgis added.

“I apologize. It’s not intended to be personal,” Gioia responded. “In fact, when we voted for two others to enter their third year, they were both women. Supervisor Piepho and Supervisor Bonilla.”

“And there were extenuating circumstances,” Andersen interjected.

“And I voted for both of them,” Gioia added. “So, I think it is really unfortunate for you to criticize based on gender. I voted for two women to come in in their third year.”

“Now, you’re voting to go over two women,” Burgis stated.

“Yep. So, you’ve changed,” Andersen added.

“There’s an honest difference of opinion,” Gioia responded.

“I think that in point of leadership some of the regional committees Ken was appointed to…he has displayed leadership,” Glover shared. “I wish this conversation was a little bit different. But if we talk about leadership and coming up to speed, those are positions that’s normally gone to individuals that have…”

Andersen spoke over him saying, “And I will point out that John made those appointments even though some of us requested to sit on those boards.”

Burgis said, “I hold Ken very highly.”

“People are starting to change history,” Gioia shot back. “Supervisor Andersen…I did not pick someone over you.”

“The discussion we had several times, John is I would much rather serve on the transportation board…and that’s the appointment you did not make,” Andersen responded.

“That’s correct,” Gioia stated.

“So, with the role as chair comes the opportunity to make very important appointments,” said Andersen. “And I think that’s one of the things that by bypassing my turn in the rotation then I will be losing that opportunity. I don’t know if that is behind this.”

“No,” Gioia interjected.

“So, I do feel it’s a little bit contrived, John and I don’t appreciate the process that you’ve orchestrated,” Andersen stated.

“Well, let me just say, I’ve said this, I think we’re making history by appointing an LGBT member of our board for the first time as an officer and I would hope you would recognize that, as well,” Gioia responded. “And I appreciate there’s different points of view, here. There’s not hard feelings. But I do feel the characterization which I think is inaccurate is that we’re breaking some practice.”

“Not the case the last 12 years,” Andersen reiterated. “The two times we considered Federal remaining vice chair we made it very clear it is out of rotation but we’re going to allow him to go ahead.”

The last time was done to allow former District 4 Supervisor Karen Mitchoff to serve as Chair in 2022 during her final year on the board.

“That really was the practice, John,” Andersen continued. “And so, calling it something else is, certainly you can try and justify it but you really, it’s disingenuous to say you’re doing anything other than skipping over Diane and me and that’s what it is.”

“Each of you will be in the rotation, just one year later,” Gioia reiterated. “No one is skipping over your turn.”

“Let’s just finish,” Burgis stated.

The two ladies’ arguments were of no avail as the board then voted on the substitute motion, and it passed 3-1-1 with Andersen voting against and Burgis voting to abstain. But as mentioned above, they prevailed as their efforts were successful two weeks later.

Assembly Bill 39 will establish a licensing process for crypto exchanges and provide consumers with needed protections. Senate Bill 401 will establish safeguards for crypto kiosks. 

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – On Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, Assembly Bill 39, authored by Assembly Banking and Finance Chair Timothy Grayson (D-Concord) and co-authored by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Chair Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), and Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine), was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. AB 39 will establish a licensing program for crypto assets within the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) to protect Californians from bad actors and foster responsible innovation. The bill represents a major victory for responsible innovators and California consumers.

AB 39’s lead author, Assemblymember Grayson, released the following statement:

“Today California is taking the necessary step to regulate a market that is volatile, risky, and, in some cases, deliberately rigged against everyday consumers. Because of today’s action, Californians can be confident that crypto businesses, like any other company in financial services, must follow reasonable rules that will protect consumers and their money. Thank you to Governor Newsom for helping ensure that our state leads in fostering responsible innovation.”

Assembly Bill 39 is a companion bill to Senate Bill 401 (Limón and Atkins), which will set a regulatory framework for crypto kiosks, a part of the crypto industry rife with fraud and abuse. Crypto kiosks are ATM-like machines that allow consumers to purchase cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. However, these machines charge exorbitant fees and are hubs of criminal activity, scams, and consumer fraud.

“With the important frameworks established by AB 39 and SB 401, California will begin the challenging task ahead of us to regulate cryptocurrency and ensure that no Californian falls prey to scams, investment related fraud, or high-fee asset withdrawal schemes,” said California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins. “Failures in crypto markets in recent years have emphasized the need for regulatory frameworks that have the backs of consumers, and Assemblymember Grayson and Senator Limón have led the way in doing just that.”

“California is taking a step in the right direction to protect California consumers from fraud, unnecessary risk, and potentially criminal activity with the signing of SB 401 and AB 39,” said Senator Monique Limón. “I am grateful that Governor Newsom sees the benefits to establishing a clear framework that allows for innovation without harming California consumers.”

Senate Bill 401 was signed into law, along with Assembly Bill 39. 

“The Consumer Federation of California thanks Governor Newsom for signing these two important bills protecting consumers in the crypto marketplace,” said Robert Herrell, Executive Director of Consumer Confederation of California. “California now retakes its rightful position near the top of states protecting consumers in the crypto market. We also profoundly thank Assemblymember Grayson and Senators Limón and Atkins for their perseverance on these issues. Consumers will be better protected in crypto thanks to these new laws.” 

With the Governor’s signature of these measures, crypto companies and crypto kiosk operators must obtain or apply for a license by July 1, 2025, to continue doing business in California. Additional information and the text of both bills can be found here. 

More than 85,000 Kaiser Permanent healthcare workers win landmark new contract

On heels of historic strike, on-the-ground engagement from Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su helped bring sides to agreement 

Frontline healthcare workers secure deal for critical workforce investments that bolster patient care 

The 4-year tentative agreement increases wages, expands job training, and improves performance sharing plan; now goes to employees for ratification

From Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions:

LOS ANGELES – More than 85,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers reached a historic tentative agreement today for a new contract that will bolster patient safety and make critical investments in the healthcare workforce at hundreds of Kaiser facilities across California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

The deal was reached on the heels of Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su traveling back to her home state of California to engage in the most recent talks. Su arrived Thursday evening to successfully help the sides bridge the gap on key lingering issues.

“We’re incredibly grateful to acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su and the Biden administration for supporting workers’ right to collective bargaining. Acting Secretary Su was instrumental in advancing talks and helping to facilitate a successful conclusion to these negotiations,” said Sarah Levesque, Secretary-Treasurer of OPEIU Local 2.

“What the parties have achieved here in Oakland demonstrates, once again, that collective bargaining works. When workers have a voice and a seat at the table, it can result in historic gains for workers, their employer, and our country,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Julie A. Su. “The President and I congratulate the parties on reaching a mutually beneficial deal that delivers important stability for this critical workforce, for Kaiser Permanente, and for the patients in their collective care.”

The landmark deal follows months of tireless advocacy from thousands of frontline healthcare workers.

“This deal is life-changing for frontline healthcare workers like me, and life-saving for our patients,” said Yvonne Esquivel, a pediatric medical assistant at Kaiser Permanente in Gilroy, California. “Thousands of Kaiser healthcare workers fought hard for this new agreement, and now we will finally have the resources we need to do the job we love and keep our patients safe.”

Details of the tentative agreement include:

• Addressing the staffing crisis by raising wages by 21% over four years to better retain current healthcare workers
• Establishing a new healthcare worker minimum wage – $25/hr in California and $23/hr in other states where Kaiser Permanente operates 
• Protective terms around subcontracting and outsourcing, which will keep experienced healthcare workers in jobs and provide strong continuity of care for patients
• A wide variety of initiatives to invest in the workforce and address the staffing crisis, including streamlining hiring practices, increased training and education funding, mass hiring events, and a commitment to upskill existing workers and invest in the training of future healthcare workers. 

“Millions of Americans are safer today because tens of thousands of dedicated healthcare workers fought for and won the critical resources they need and that patients need,” said Caroline Lucas, Executive Director of the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions. “This historic agreement will set a higher standard for the healthcare industry nationwide.”

In California, the tentative deal has set a new potential bar for negotiations already underway at Prime Healthcare and other area health systems. Nearly 2,000 Prime workers are concluding a five day unfair labor practice strike today as their management threatens and intimidates workers, and refuses to bargain in good faith to fix unsafe working and patient care conditions caused by the short-staffing crisis.

The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions represents 85,000 Kaiser healthcare workers in seven states and the District of Columbia. In April, the Coalition began its national bargaining process ahead of the September 30th contract expiration. The Coalition and Kaiser Permanente had last negotiated a contract in 2019, before healthcare workers found themselves on the frontlines of the COVID pandemic that has worsened working conditions and exacerbated a healthcare staffing crisis.

From Wednesday, October 4 to Saturday, October 7, 75,000 Kaiser healthcare workers held an unfair labor practice strike. The actions, led by workers across multiple states and in Washington, D.C., constituted the largest strike of healthcare workers in U.S. history. On October 9, Coalition unions issued a second 10-day notice for a strike that would have commenced on November 1 and included an additional 3,000 healthcare workers in Seattle. 

Frontline healthcare workers in the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions are expected to begin voting to ratify the agreement starting October 18. 

Kaiser Also Announces Agreement

OAKLAND, Calif. – Kaiser Permanente and the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions are pleased to jointly announce that in the early hours of October 13, 2023, we reached a tentative agreement for a renewed National Agreement, bringing the nearly seven months of contract negotiations to conclusion. 

The Coalition and Kaiser Permanente wish to thank Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su for her instrumental involvement in bringing negotiations to a close.

The tentative agreement now goes to the more than 85,000 Kaiser Permanente employees who are represented by Coalition unions for ratification. The ratification process will begin October 18. Once ratified, the agreement will have an effective date of October 1, 2023.

The new 4-year agreement will offer Coalition-represented employees competitive wages, excellent benefits, generous retirement income plans, and valuable job training opportunities that support their economic well-being, advance our shared mission, and keep Kaiser Permanente a best place to work and receive care.

The tentative agreement:

• Establishes new minimum wages over three years for Coalition-represented employees, that will reach $25/hour in California and $23/hour in other states where Kaiser Permanente operates
• Provides guaranteed across-the-board wage increases totaling 21% over four years
• Enhances employees’ Performance Sharing Plan with minimum payout opportunities and a substantial maximum payout opportunity
• Increases investments in professional development and job training, and includes other initiatives to help address the staffing crisis in health care

 Further details of the agreement will be made available later. 

The Coalition unions have withdrawn their notices for a November strike. 

About the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions

The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions unites more than 85,000 health care workers at Kaiser Permanente facilities in California, Colorado, Oregon, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.7 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information visit about.kp.org.

On potential threats in response to Hamas’ call for “Day of Jihad”

SACRAMENTO – In response to Hama’s call for a global “Day of Jihad” on Friday, 13, 2023, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Director Nancy Ward, who serves as California’s Homeland Security Advisor, released the following statement yesterday on the efforts underway to protect the well-being of all Californians:

“As California’s Homeland Security Agency, we are actively monitoring the developing situation in Israel and Gaza and closely coordinating with our security partners to track potential impacts on the domestic threat environment.

“The situation remains dynamic and evolving. I continue to actively brief the Governor on the current situation and state intelligence and law enforcement officials are working around the clock to safeguard the safety and security of all Californians.

“We are in touch with faith leaders and communities across the state to provide support, listen to their concerns and offer the full resources of the state.

“While we are aware of statements made about potential threats on Friday, October 13, I want to emphasize that no specific and credible threat to California has been identified at this time.

“As with any potential threats to our state, Cal OES will coordinate with our partners at the local, state and federal level to ensure they have the resources and information necessary to keep our communities safe.

“All Californians have an important role to play in protecting our communities, and I encourage everyone in our state to be alert, vigilant and prepared and immediately report any suspicious activity through proper channels.”

About Cal OES

With over 38 million residents (12 percent of the US population), the State of California is the most populous state in the nation and has the third largest land area among the states (163,695 square miles). California is culturally, ethnically, economically, ecologically, and politically diverse, and maintains the eighth largest economy in the world with 13 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product. California also faces numerous risks and threats to our people, property, economy, environment and is prone to earthquakes, floods, significant wildfires, prolonged drought impacts, public health emergencies, cybersecurity attacks, agricultural and animal disasters, as well threats to homeland security. Cal OES takes a proactive approach to addressing these risks, threats, and vulnerabilities that form the basis of our mission and has been tested through real events, as well as comprehensive exercises that help us maintain our state of readiness to plan for and mitigate impacts.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

The new eVTOL goes on sale in 2024

By Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis

George Jetson would feel right at home if he visited Byron Airport.

That’s because in recent years, companies like Pivotal have been testing their innovative personal flying electric vehicle prototypes at Byron. (See video) Last week, Pivotal unveiled the Helix, a new eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle in development since 2011. The Helix will be priced at $190,000 when it goes on sale in 2024.

Testing innovative technologies at Byron was our goal when I worked with the Contra Costa County Airports Division to partner with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Federal Aviation Administration and other agencies to make our Contra Costa County airports official unmanned aerial system test sites. Byron Airport and Buchanan Field are in perfect locations to test drones because of the open testing areas and their proximity to the various aviation companies headquartered in the Bay Area (Pivotal is based in Palo Alto). Learn more about our Bay Area Test Site, a.k.a. “Drone Town USA” on the Contra Costa County Airports website or by watching the video.

Having groundbreaking testing facilities in Contra Costa County is just the first step. In the medium and long term, we’re working to have the vehicles of the future developed and even manufactured locally. In the meantime, I’m proud to have products tested in District III ready for sale to aviators everywhere.