Rendering of the new PG&E Antioch Service Center Project building. Source: City of Antioch
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, the Antioch City Council approved the redevelopment of the PG&E Service Center on Hillcrest Avenue on a 3-0 vote with Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson and District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica absent. The project includes a new operations building, fleet maintenance, logistics shops and warehouse, warehouses, material storage and support structures. (See Agenda Item 3)
PG&E Antioch Service Center site location map. Source: City of Antioch
Located on 36.39 acres of the existing 56.15-acre parcel at 2111 Hillcrest Avenue just north of the Sunset Drive and Slatten Ranch Road intersection, as well as the Union Pacific Railroad railroad right-of-way and the Antioch BART station.
The proposed project involves the replacement and demolition of four existing buildings within the existing PG&E Service Center (Fleet Maintenance, Logistics Warehouse, Logistics Shops, and Operations buildings). Additionally, the proposed project would include the construction of new non-occupied support structures, a below grade parking area, circulation improvements, expansion of paved surfaces, and expansion of lighting infrastructure.
PG&E Antioch Service Center Project Phasing Plan. Source: City of Antioch
During the Planning Commission meeting on Jan. 17, 2024, Brett Badelle, Local Government Affairs Representative for PG&E stated the Antioch service center would improve service to customers, add beautification and have a positive impact on the economy. He also explained that the project would improve safety, reliability, resiliency and sustainability. On a 4-0 vote with two members absent and one vacancy, the commissioners recommended the council approve the project.
Official Ballots have been mailed for upcoming Presidential Primary Election
By Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach/Engagement Specialist, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department
Ballots for the March 5th Presidential Primary Election have been mailed to Contra Costa voters. If you do not receive your ballot by February 20th, call 925-335-7800.
Here’s what you need to know about voting in the upcoming election:
To ensure you receive a ballot in the mail, confirm that you are registered to vote and that your address is correct at MyVotingInformation. After February 20th, registration must be in person at one of the County’s early voting sites, the Elections Division in Martinez, or at a polling place on Election Day.
No stamp is required to return your ballot! Great news! Your return envelope is postage paid. Just put your completed ballot in the envelope, seal it, sign it, and mail it to us. Voted ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received within seven (7) days after the election to be considered timely.
You can drop your ballot at one of the County’s 40 Official Drop Boxes. Official drop boxes are ready to receive ballots. Dropping your ballot at an official drop box is just like dropping it at the Elections Office and saves taxpayer dollars by reducing the cost of return postage. Voters can find the most up to date list of convenient drop-box locations here. Ballots must be dropped off no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Be sure your vote is included in the Election Night results– Vote early and mail or drop off your ballot so the Elections Office receives it before Election Day.
Five regional early voting sites will be open across the County on Friday, Saturday, and Monday leading up to Election Day. On Election Day, 147 polling locations will be open. Every voter will be assigned a polling place which will be listed on the back of their Voter Information Guide. For those who wish to vote in person, you can minimize the time spent waiting by reviewing your ballot options ahead of time and arriving ready to vote.
“Registered Voters in Contra Costa County should all have their Vote By Mail Ballots by now.” said Registrar of Voters, Kristin B. Connelly. “Our Election team is ready to receive and process ballots and there are many different ways to cast your ballot early.”
You can track your ballot! Ballot tracking is a Secretary of State service that will send you notices about your ballot, including when it’s mailed, received, and counted. Know where your ballot is every step of the way! Sign up at https://WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov.
More information and locations of each voting option can be found on the Contra Costa Elections website or call 925-335-7800.
The Antioch Department will be out Monday, February 19, 2024, from 6PM to 12AM looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence (DUI).
“Impaired driving is preventable,” said Sergeant Rob Green. “It’s a choice. If you’ve been drinking or taken drugs that impair, make the right choice by finding a sober driver or alternate transportation to take you places.”
The Antioch Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
New Antioch Police Officers Justin Talavera, Marcos Molina, Shirley Lara and Travis Donaldson were sworn in on Tues., Feb. 13, 2024. Photo by Allen D. Payton
Two laterals, two recent academy grads; brings force to 85 sworn officers
By Allen D. Payton
The Antioch Police Department increased by four sworn officers during an oath of office ceremony in the Police Facility’s Community Room on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. Acting Chief Joe Vigil administered the oath to Officers Shirley Lara, Marcos Molina, Travis Donaldson and Justin Talavera,
As previously reported, Donaldson and Talavera recently graduated from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Center. Lara said she is a lateral hire from BART and Molina said he transferred from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department.
Vigil offered the following remarks about each of the four officers:
Shirley Lara- Lateral Police Officer
Shirley was born and raised in Richmond, CA and graduated from Leadership Public High school in 2010. Years later, she graduated from the Contra Costa County Police Academy in 2021 and moved to Antioch in 2014 and is currently still living here with her two children. On her down time, she loves to garden, exercise, and explore different restaurants around the Bay Area.
Fun fact: Shirley used to be in a Regional Mexican band.
Marcos Molina- Lateral Police Officer
Marcos was born and raised in Redwood City, CA. He enlisted in the Army in 2011 and spent 6 years as a combat engineer. He graduated from College of San Mateo with a degree in Administration of Justice. He then began his career in CDCR assigned to San Quentin State Prison. He then worked at the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and was assigned to the custody and courts division.
Fun fact: Marcos likes to spend time with his kids.
Travis Donaldson- Police Officer Trainee
Travis currently lives in Vacaville. He’s been married for 10 years but has been with his wife for 22 years. He has a 19-year-old son and a 9-year-old boxer. During his free time, he enjoys volunteering at the Performing Arts Theatre in Fairfield. Before joining Law Enforcement, he spent the last 23 years as a co- owner of a successful flooring business with his brother. Travis feels extremely honored and grateful for the opportunity to become part of APD!
Fun fact: Travis was delivered by his father at a home in Pleasant Hill.
Justin Talavera- Police Officer Trainee
Justin was born in Bronx, NY. He was raised in Antioch and attended Deer Valley High school where he played baseball. After graduating from Deer Valley, he attended San Francisco State where he received a bachelor’s in criminal justice. Prior to becoming a trainee, he worked as a barista and a server. During his free time, he enjoys working out, cooking, playing golf and trying new restaurants around the Bay Area. Justin feels blessed to work in the city he calls home for the past 20 years.
Fun fact: Justin knows a thing or two about cooking, bring him some fresh ingredients and he can cook up something tasty!
Mayor Congratulates New Officers
A Feb. 15, 2024, post on the mayor’s official Facebook page reads, “On Tuesday, Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe was proud to welcome newly appointed Antioch Police Officers Lara, Molina, Talavera, and Donaldson.
They will spend the next few months in field training under the direct supervision of a field training office (FTO). Three of them either grew up and/or live in Antioch. Two are fluent in Spanish, which is critical given Antioch’s large Spanish speaking population. Another is fluent in Tagalog (Filipino). Antioch’s AAPI community continues to grow currently at 15%. The growth is being led by Filipino Americans.
Since the passing of the mayor’s hiring incentive program, Antioch has hired 16 new officers. In addition, there are four police candidates heading to the Academy and will join the Antioch Police Department in May.
Antioch looks forward to continuing to build a police department that’s a reflection of the communities the police department serves. Congratulations to the City’s newest police officers.”
The addition of the four officers brings the total sworn on the force to 85 of 115 budgeted.
Cutline: New Antioch Police Officers Justin Talavera, Marcos Molina, Shirley Lara and Travis Donaldson were sworn in on Tues., Feb. 13, 2024. Photo by Allen D. Payton
Candidates endorsed by Climate Action California include and Monica Wilson in AD15, Jackie Elward in SD3 and Dan Kalb in SD7. Source: CAC
Wilson in AD15, Elward in SD3 and Kalb in SD7
By Chris Thomas, Climate Action California
Climate Action California – the only statewide group basing endorsements for the March primary solely on a candidate’s positions on climate – has announced its endorsements. With more than 7,500 supporters around the state, Climate Action California is endorsing a total of 15 candidates for the California State Assembly, and 13 for the State Senate. Climate Action California’s rigorously vetted endorsements assure voters that these candidates are climate champions committed to continuing and expanding California’s clean energy policies and global climate leadership as we work to address the climate crisis.
Monica Wilson for Assembly District 15
In 2012, Monica Wilson was the first African American woman elected to the Antioch City Council, and she is currently serving her fourth term. As a councilwoman, she successfully enacted an ordinance banning oil and gas drilling within Antioch’s city limits. She and the council also voted to end a lease for a natural gas line that runs through Antioch.
Her priorities are:
Delivering environmental justice, ensuring access to clean water and air for all communities, especially those disproportionately affected by pollution
Meeting California carbon neutrality goals of 100% by 2045
Reducing CO2 emissions from the transportation sector
Ensuring a just transition from fossil fuels so that the workforce is retrained and the tax base is made whole as a result of the zero carbon transition
Monica was born in Washington, D.C., where her parents marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She grew up in San Rafael, where she was one of the few African American children at her school. For the past two decades, she has served the people of Contra Costa County as a community organizer, nonprofit manager, and leader in the fight for safe neighborhoods and healthy families.
Climate Action California believes that Monica has demonstrated her support for working people and a commitment to playing a role in the fight against climate change.
The climate can’t wait! California must elect climate champions.
Despite Democratic supermajorities in both the assembly and senate, the California legislature has struggled to pass many important climate bills. In 2023 alone, important climate bills addressing pension fund divestment from fossil fuels (SB 252) and bidirectional charging for electric vehicles (SB 233) failed to move out of the legislature. The climate cannot wait while the legislature holds tightly to the status quo. California needs more climate champions in the Assembly and the Senate to take on the climate crisis with the urgency that it deserves.
Assembly District 15 includes all of Antioch and other portions of Contra Costa County. Read more about Wilson on the CAC website.
Jackie Elward for State Senate District 3
Climate Action California believes Jackie Elward can be counted on to fight the fossil fuel industry in Sacramento—and reach a 100% renewable future as soon as possible. Elward supports California’s 2045 net zero goals and encourages their acceleration, prohibiting natural gas in new building construction, incentives to remove gas infrastructure during retrofits, and ensuring people in impacted sectors have every opportunity for gainful employment in a similar field for a just transition. She also sees protection from climate impacts such as wildfire, extreme heat, drought, and increased flooding in the district as one of her top priorities.
Elward has served the North Bay community as an educator and labor organizer as well as Rohnert Park City Council member (since 2020) and Mayor. She is also a board member for Sonoma Clean Power (Sonoma County’s ground-breaking Community Choice Aggregator for clean energy), the Sonoma County Transportation Authority and the Regional Climate Protection Authority (alternate), Sonoma County Continuum of Care (provider of homeless services), and North Bay Jobs with Justice.
A first-generation immigrant from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Elward has first-hand experience of the disease and devastation wrought by bad environmental policies.
All of Climate Action California’s endorsees – including Jackie Elward – have declared addressing climate change to be among their highest priorities and are committed to bringing about key legislation our state needs in the crucial years ahead.
Senate District 3 includes portions of far Eastern Contra Costa County. Read more about Elward on the CAC website.
Dan Kalb for State Senate District 7
Dan Kalb has spent his entire career as an advocate on climate, environment, and social justice issues and as a public servant, leading efforts to protect our environment and combat climate change. He is now running for an open seat in the state Senate, as Senator Nancy Skinner terms out after 12 years in Sacramento. Skinner, a climate warrior since long before joining the legislature, leaves a legacy of far-sighted climate policies passed into law. California needs an equally committed climate champion in that seat, and Climate Action California is confident that Dan Kalb is the right person for the job.
Kalb has served on the Oakland City Council since 2013, where he’s led the council on climate and environmental issues. His accomplishments include:
Requiring divestment of fossil fuel portfolios from city funds
Requiring new buildings to be all-electric
Banning gas-powered leaf blowers
Guiding adoption of Oakland’s equitable climate action plan through the Council
Authoring ordinances banning storage and transport of coal through Oakland
Before joining the Oakland City Council, Kalb worked as the California Policy Director for the Union of Concerned Scientists for nine years, leading their efforts to pass early climate legislation in Sacramento. Based on Kalb’s long track record leading decarbonization efforts at the local and state level, Climate Action California is confident Kalb will be one of our strongest voices taking on climate change in the California State Senate.
Janet Cox, Climate Action California CEO, who lives in Dan’s district and has known him for many years, says, “Dan is exactly the kind of committed, focused climate leader we need in Sacramento. I know we’ll be able to count on Dan to take on the tough issues and work with colleagues to pass essential climate measures.” She adds, “Now it’s up to us to get to work to make sure Dan and his fellow endorsees win in March and November. This is how we can keep California moving at the speed and scale necessary to reduce our emissions and bring on the low-carbon economy we need.”
Senate District 7 includes portions of Western Contra Costa County. Read more about Kalb on CAC website.
Climate Action California (formerly the 350 Silicon Valley legislation/policy team) is a statewide, volunteer-led, 501(c)(4) social welfare organization (EIN 88-4217994). Our members understand the importance of California and our legislative initiatives to the rest of the nation – and the world. Visit our website for the full list. For further information, contact the Climate Action California Elections team at elections@climateactionca.org.
Antioch 2024 Teacher of the Year Nicole Vicknair is celebrated by her colleagues and Runner-Up Samantha Marquardt. Photos: AUSD
Of Bidwell Continuation High School; Runner-Up is Samantha Marquardt of Marsh Elementary
By Stephanie Anello, Superintendent, Antioch Unified School District
Many wonderful teachers were nominated this year for the 2024 Antioch Unified School District Teacher of the Year. The nominations were impressive and selecting the winners was incredibly difficult. Many thanks to the teachers and administrators who took time out of their busy schedules to recognize our amazing candidates!
The 2024 AUSD Teacher of the Year is Nicole Vicknair! Nicole is a teacher at Bidwell Continuation High School. Her unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching and exceptional qualities make her a truly deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition. Nicole’s teaching style is marked by creativity that has transformed the learning environment in remarkable ways. Her innovative methods not only captivate students but also inspire active engagement in the learning process. By integrating various instructional techniques and multimedia resources, Nicole has successfully created a dynamic and stimulating classroom atmosphere, fostering intellectual curiosity among her students.
Nicole’s commitment to standards-based teaching is evident in the rigor she brings to her lessons. Going above and beyond to align her curriculum with educational standards, she ensures her students receive a well-rounded and comprehensive education, reflected in consistently high achievement levels. Nicole’s passion for teaching is reflected in her engagement with students. She connects with each student on a personal level, understanding their needs and tailoring her approach accordingly. This personal touch enhances the learning experience and builds trust and respect between Nicole and her students.
Beyond her impact on students, Nicole is highly regarded by colleagues at both the school and district level. Her collaborative spirit, willingness to share resources and ideas, leadership, and positive influence on school and district culture make her an invaluable member of AUSD’s teaching community. In summary, Nicole Vicknair embodies the qualities of an outstanding Teacher of the Year. Her creativity, excellent classroom management, standards-based teaching, rigor, and dedication to her craft set her apart as a beacon of inspiration for both students and fellow educators.
The runner-up is Samantha Marquardt! Samantha holds the position of a K-2 Special Day Class teacher at Marsh Elementary School. Loved and admired by students, parents, and colleagues alike, Samantha’s influence extends far beyond the classroom walls. As a vital member of Marsh’s Leadership Team and a two-term member in Marsh’s School Site Council, Samantha has spearheaded a transformative culture shift on campus.
Her commitment to fostering meaningful relationships, coupled with a data-driven approach, underscores her dedication to ensuring Marsh delivers a myriad of supports to its students. Amidst Special Education staffing challenges, Samantha goes above and beyond, investing countless hours in meticulously planning and conducting Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. Her leadership extends to facilitating professional development sessions centered on compliance, equity, IEP protocols, and data analysis.
Moreover, Samantha is the go-to authority on matters concerning students with disabilities, offering invaluable insights into effective classroom strategies, policies, and accommodations. Her expertise extends to supporting students with 504 plans and liaising with the CARE team. Samantha’s unwavering advocacy and tireless efforts have deepened the staff’s understanding of student needs, paving the way for enhanced academic success.
Beyond her instructional duties, Samantha serves as a beacon of inspiration for fellow educators grappling with classroom dynamics. Her exceptional skills in fostering positive relationships, managing behaviors, and meticulously tracking student progress have earned her admiration from peers. Samantha’s classroom stands as a model of inclusive learning, where every student thrives under her guidance. Her exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication epitomize the spirit of excellence within Marsh Elementary School and across the District.
Please join me in congratulating these exemplary educators!! They will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to their students and school communities at the May 8th Board Meeting and Nicole Vicknair is moving forward representing AUSD in the Contra Costa County Office of Education Teacher of the Year program.
Contra Costa Health (CCH) announced today that it has received a $202,692 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program. This grant will allow CCH to promote safe practices for pedestrians and bicyclists and provide education about the importance of sharing the road.
Local data show an increase of nearly 30% in fatal crashes involving pedestrians over the past 10 years in Contra Costa County, and that pedestrians and bicyclists are 2.4 times more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a traffic crash compared to drivers. The OTS grant funds multiple efforts to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.
“Everyone deserves a safe environment to travel, regardless of how people get to places,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “The safety of people walking and biking on our roads is a high priority. Education plays a pivotal role in creating a strong road safety culture that prioritizes traffic safety, especially for our most vulnerable road users.”
Grant funds will support a variety of activities focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety:
Support for local jurisdictions to include public health in road safety plans and address the community conditions that create unsafe environments for non-motorized road users.
Local bicycle and pedestrian safety campaigns.
Community bicycle and walk “audits” of streets with high rates of pedestrian or bicyclist fatalities and serious injury crashes.
Bicycle training courses that teach youth on how to stay safe on the road.
Community events that promote bicyclist and pedestrian visibility and the importance of sharing the road, slowing down, and staying alert to bicyclists and pedestrians while driving.
Area Goals for the OTS program include:
Reduce the total number of pedestrians killed.
Reduce the total number of pedestrians injured.
Reduce the number of pedestrians killed under the age of 15.
Reduce the number of pedestrians injured under the age of 15.
Reduce the number of pedestrians killed over the age of 65.
Reduce the number of pedestrians injured over the age of 65.
Reduce the total number of bicyclists killed in traffic related crashes.
Reduce the total number of bicyclists injured in traffic related crashes.
Reduce the number of bicyclists killed in traffic related crashes under the age of 15.
Reduce the number of bicyclists injured in traffic related crashes under the age of 15.
Increase bicycle helmet compliance for children aged 5 to 18.
The grant program will run through September 2024.
U.S. Marshals locate one suspect in Pioneer, CA; both have history of arrests including second arrest for murder of other suspect
By Lt. Rick Martin, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
Lonnie Decker in a Feb. 12, 2024, arrest photo. Source: Amador County Sheriff’s Department
On January 23, 2024, at approximately 10:53 pm the Antioch Police Dispatch center began receiving multiple calls of shots fired with a subject injured in the unit block of Bryan Avenue. Officers arrived and located two victims, 41-year-old Roberto Gonzalez Lamas and a 59-year-old male, both from Antioch, each with multiple gunshot wounds. Gonzalez Lamas succumbed to his injuries at the hospital and was pronounced deceased. (See related article)
The Antioch Police Investigations Bureau has been tirelessly working on this homicide investigation. Through the investigation, detectives learned that 53-year-old Lonnie Ray Decker and 61-year-old Steven Robert Kelly, both of Antioch, were responsible for the senseless killing of Gonzalez Lamas, and attempted murder of the 59-year-old male.
On Feb. 7, 2024, the U.S. Marshals Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Tast Force located and apprehended Decker in Pioneer, CA. On Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, Kelly was located and apprehended by Antioch Police patrol officers in Pittsburg. Both Kelly and Decker were booked into the Martinez Detection Facility on charges of murder and attempted murder along with additional parole violations. According to the Amador County Sheriff’s Department, Decker was in the Amador County Jail as of Feb. 12 on a bench warrant for failure to appear.
The Antioch Police Department would like to thank U.S. Marshals, Amador County Sheriff’s Office, and the community at large for providing the Antioch Police Department with helpful information that quickly and safely led to the arrests of Decker and Kelly.
This case has been presented to the Contra Costa District Attorney’s office and has charged both Decker and Kelly with homicide.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, the 5-foot, 7-inch, 145-lb. Kelly is Hispanic and is in jail on a no-bail hold. According to localcrimenews.com, he has a history of arrests dating back to 2016 by Antioch, Martinez and Pleasant Hill PD and Contra Costa CHP including for murder in 2020, as well as for drug crimes and vehicle theft. (Note: No photo of Kelly could be located from an online search).
Suspect Lonnie Decker in a March 31, 2023, post on his Facebook page.
According to localcrimnews.com, Decker also has a history of arrests dating back to 2016 by Vacaville and Redding PDs, Modesto CHP, and Solano, Stanislaus, Sacramento and Amador County Sheriff’s Departments for multiple drug, gun and weapon crimes, vehicle theft, driving on a suspended license, check fraud and failure to appear. According to recentlybooked.com, he is 6-foot, 1-inch and 285 lbs. According to Decker’s Facebook page, he is friends with Daniel Mackin who was shot and arrested by Antioch Police on October 1, 2023, and charged with “Ramey Warrant – 187 PC homicide / 211 PC robbery” and other crimes.
