Jason Lezak – the greatest relay swimmer of all time.

Four-time Olympic Gold Medalist Jason Lezak will be in Antioch at Solar Swim & Gym on Friday, June 24 to conduct a swimming clinic.

Lezak will be teaching in-water, giving a motivational talk, answering questions, signing autographs, and     taking pictures with your children. The Olympic champion will be at the Solar Swim & Gym from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm, that day.

Don’t miss your chance to learn from the greatest relay swimmer of all time.

Participants will learn techniques on freestyle, backstroke, starts and turns through in-water and dry-land instruction. Plus, they will hear Jason’s incredible inspirational story of how he became a champion.

We encourage parents to be there to watch the water session as well as listen to the motivational talk and questions. Parents should have their cameras ready for the picture of their child wearing the gold medal as long as it is for     personal use.

Limited spots available on a first come, first served basis. Please register at www.solarswimgym.com/jason-lezak/ to reserve your spot. Solar Swim & Gym is located at 111 West 15th Street in Antioch. For more information call (925) 757-7412.

Learn more about Lezak on the USA Swimming website.

Presented with “graduation diploma” by his mother, Antioch School Board Trustee Mary Rocha

“Once a Panther, always a Panther” – Principal Louie Rocha

By Allen D. Payton

On a warm, blustery night inside Eells Stadium, the 370 Antioch High School Class of 2022 graduates celebrated each other and their principal, Louie Rocha who was honored by his mother, Antioch School Board Trustee Mary Rocha, with a retirement diploma, as he ends his 37 years in education.

Following the performance of the traditional Pomp and Circumstance by the AHS Concert Band and Orchestra under the direction of Brooke Kofford, as the graduates filed in, and the presentation of colors of the U.S. and California flags by the Marine Corps, they accompanied the Music Masters, under the direction of Sarah Phelan on The Star Spangled Banner. The Music Masters also sang “Not to Say Goodbye” and “Dry Your Tears, Afrika” to the graduating seniors.

Associated Student Body President Amirah Sam Marie Johnson welcomed her classmates, and their family and friends in the stands.

“I would like to welcome you to the commencement ceremony. I love being the center of attention,” she said with a laugh. “I kinda dreaded this day. The day we graduate. When we will have to pay our own phone bill.”

“Always take the time to acknowledge your accomplishments,” Johnson encouraged the graduates. “Your tolerance is what will get you through. Goodbye, Class of 2022.”

ASB Vice President and Antioch’s Youth of the Year, Giovanni Guillermo Terrones spoke next saying, “The words ‘we’ll be a fine line’ have…helped me keep going through my time at Antioch High School.”

“As the song continues, it says the words, ‘we’ll be alright’ and that’s something I believe that we will all be,” Terrones continued. “Be all proud of yourselves, guys. We got here.”

“I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22,” he said quoting the title of a song. “I want you to be proud of yourselves for everything you have accomplished.”

He spoke of his mother using Google translate to help him with his homework, translating Spanish into English and then thanked his parents. Terrones then gave part of his speech in Spanish and enough students understood to cheer.

“It is time to pursue our passions…leave a lasting impact on the world,” he implored his classmates. “To me the most profound impact we can make is by supporting and caring for others and leaving their days with a little more positivity and hope.”

Terrones then turned and took a selfie with his cell phone while his classmates cheered in the background.

“Again, congratulations. It’s been a rocky four years, but we did it,” he concluded.

Principal Louie Rocha then introduced the Salutatorian and Valedictorian.

Salutatorian Eilana Sbranti Cordova, who was also the Senior Class President spoke first, saying, “We’ve survived so much Just as we were trying to get comfortable the pandemic hit.”

“As I was…reflecting on my high school years, I was reminded of one good thing from freshman year, then another from sophomore year,” she said. “We were still able to have a fun prom…now, graduation.”

“As we take our next steps there will be hard times. But we need to focus on the good things,” Cordova said. “Hold onto the positive moments and let the negative ones go.”

“I want to give a congratulations to the Class of 2022. Just remember, we are all in this together,” she added.

Valedictorian Giselle Beatriz Cabello shared thoughts of her high school experience.

“Throughout my journey I was also able to meet new people who brought out the best in me,” she said. “I will never forget the moments I created in high school. One of these lessons, although corny as it may seem, no one can decide what you’re going to be.”

I want to thank my parents for always being there for me. They came here like many other parents to give me a better life,” Cabello stated.

“I believe our class has so much potential in making a positive difference in this world,” she added.

Principal Rocha then took some time to reflect on the Class of 2022 and what t

We are all back together after three years

It’s a bittersweet moment” he said, since it was his final graduation as he heads toward retirement.

“To the students who TP’d my office I did appreciate the love,” Rocha said with a laugh.

He spoke of the students and their, “dedication and commitment, but mostly their perseverance during the COVID pandemic. Their accomplishment required support from family.”

He then introduced his own mother and father, and wife of 36 years, who were all in attendance. He asked the audience to give a standing ovation to the graduates. He later asked the graduates to stand and thank their families which they did with a cheer.

“Do not allow others to place limits on your dreams and goals,” Rocha stated. “Remember Antioch High School will always be a place you can call home. Once a Panther, always a Panther.”

He then called his mother, School Board Trustee Mary Rocha to the stage. She first spoke in Spanish to the parents then in English.

“Today we celebrate you,” Trustee Rocha said to the graduates. “To face the challenge of attending school for two years online, for doing your homework when it was so easy to stay in bed. Now, you’re on your way to fulfill your dreams and the dreams your family has for you.”

She mentioned the fact that in 1979 she presented Louie with his diploma.

“Tonight I present him with his retirement diploma,” Trustee Rocha said. “We’re very proud of you, dad and I.”

She then presented Principal Rocha with a “retirement diploma”.

AUSD Superintendent Stephanie Anello then accepted the class having completed the requirements as set forth by the Antioch School Board and the State of California.

Trustee Rocha was joined by her husband Louie, Sr., Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis, Antioch City Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock as well as Superintendent Anello near the stage to watch the handing out of diplomas.

But unlike at the Dozier-Libbey and Deer Valley graduations, the AHS student leaders gave the graduates their diplomas.

Class President Cordova then led the tassel ceremony to conclude the proceedings. A few of the graduates tossed their caps as they all cheered along with family and friends in the stands.

Congratulations Antioch High School Class of 2022! May God bless you in your future pursuits and endeavors.

MORE PHOTOS of the AHS Class of 2022 Graduation

 

By Allen D. Payton

The Deer Valley High School Class of 2022 celebrated during their graduation ceremonies Friday morning, June 10, after overcoming the challenges of COVID they faced during their final school years, including remote learning, social distancing and wearing masks. The graduates were reminded of that in more than one speech that morning in their final time as students inside Wolverine Stadium.

While the audience awaited the arrival of the graduates on the field, the Deer Valley High School Band performed several songs under the leadership of Music Director Larry Widner.

Following the traditional performance of Pomp and Circumstance by the DVHS Band, and the Presentation of Colors of the U.S. and California state flags by representatives of the U.S. Marine Corps, the National Anthem was performed by the Deer Valley Divine Voices, who were introduced by Salutatorian Ellie Yin.

Dr. Bukky Oyebade, principal of Deer Valley High spoke about the challenges the graduates faced during COVID.

“For some just getting out of bed was very difficult,” she said to laughter. “You’re a group of young men and women who have demonstrated resilience day in and day out. Give yourselves a round of applause.”

“Don’t forget to demonstrate those skills you learned at DVHS,” Oyebade continued.  “Don’t forget to be kind to others. When others expect you to dim your light and conform to darkness, shine anyways.”

Antioch School Board Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis reminded the class of their past while encouraging them for having what he called the “wolverine spirit”.

“The last few years have been challenging to say the least. COVID, shutdowns, economic uncertainty, and a whole lot more,” he stated. “I can only imagine what it was like trying to navigate all of those things while also planning for the future. The fact that you are here proves you have the wolverine spirit. Simply that you did not give up shows that you have the wolverine spirit. Through it all, you not only persevered, but you also thrived, which again exhibits that you have the wolverine spirit.”

“People who exhibit the wolverine spirit are typically fearless and are not intimated by anything. They are risk-takers and are so focused on their pursuits that the thought of failure does not stop them from their mission,” Lewis continued on the theme. “The wolverine spirit is bold trendsetters who go against the grain to accomplish their goals. Wolverines are never scared and are determined to attain their goals. Does this sound like anyone we know? I stand before a group of wolverines who have already shown they are tenacious enough to overcome the many twists and turns of the last few years.”

Senior Class President William Rogers offered the first student speech. Speaking of the future, he said his classmates will see “stuff we’ve never seen before. We’re going to make an impact on this world, so let’s make it a good one. We are here. So, let’s not stop, now.”

Valedictorian Colby Ye spoke next saying “Four years. We made it. We worked hard, struggled, played.”

He spoke of “showing up to class without pants” to laughter from the graduates.

“Take the experiences that you’ve had here and use them,” Ye continued. “Set your heart ablaze. Live your life with passion. For with passion nothing is out of reach.”

“Fill your life with fun. But remember fill your life with passion,” he concluded.

AUSD Superintendent Stephanie Anello then formally accepted the graduates.

“As the Superintendent of the Antioch Unified School District, it is my distinct honor to accept the 2022 graduating class from Deer Valley High School,” she said. “Upon the recommendation of the faculty and on behalf of the Antioch Unified School District Board of Education, I certify that each of you has completed the graduation requirements set forth by the Antioch Unified School District. Having completed these requirements, I confer upon each of you the high school diploma with all of its rights, honors, and responsibilities.”

“Henceforth, you are to be considered high school graduates and alumni of Deer Valley High School,” she said to cheers from the graduates. “Congratulations,” Anello added.”

The Divine Voices under the leadership of Choral Director Georgia Friend, performed two more songs, “A Blessing” and “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye to Yesterday”.

The names of the graduating seniors were then read by Math Department Chair Maria McClain and math instructor Jessika Tate, as the diplomas were handed out by and photos taken with Dr. Lewis and school board Trustee Mary Rocha.

Following the tassel ceremony led by Class President Rogers, teacher and cross-country coach Mike Green who served as Master of Ceremonies for the event, offered closing remarks. Only a few of the graduates tossed their caps into the air, and then very orderly followed their former principal off the field to meet their family and friends to celebrate.

The DVHS band performed the recessional as Widener directed them for the final time as he is retiring, this year.

Congratulations, Deer Valley Class of 2022. May God bless you in your future pursuits!

A video of the graduation ceremony by DVTV can be viewed on the district’s YouTube Channel here and here.

MORE PHOTOS of the DVHS Class of 2022 Graduation

 

Honor fallen classmate with standing ovation; Principal Osterholt says farewell to the graduates and the school as he heads for retirement

By Allen D. Payton

The 90-degree heat didn’t keep the Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Class of 2022 from celebrating their graduation, Thursday night. Family and friends cheered their graduates, during the ceremony held inside the Deer Valley Wolverines Stadium. The students honored a fallen classmate, Mason Rodriguez, with standing ovation as his parents received his diploma and hugs from Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis and Principal Scott Osterholt.

After the soon-to-be alumni filed in, to the traditional playing of Pomp and Circumstance, performed by the Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Band under the direction of Larry Widener, Patricia Jeanne Mari Ramos Abenoja sang the National Anthem. That was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to our nation’s flag, led by Salutatorian Cynthia Rodriguez.

Lewis, the only member of the Antioch School Board in attendance, as Board President Gary Hack and Trustee Mary Rocha were attending the Bidwell High School graduation at the same time across town, offered some opening remarks reminding the class of the past, while focusing on their future with encouragement.

“These past few years have been especially challenging. COVID, distance learning, working together in our homes,” he stated. “All of these things presented new and challenging ways that you all had to experience education. And guess what, you stared steadfast into the face of that challenge, and you overcame it. For this, you should be proud. For the last three years, or 26,280 hours you have had to adapt, redirect, change course and adjust, and guess what, you did it.”

“You are the face of the future, and I am here for it. Thank you for inspiring all those around you. Thank you for leading the charge and showing the world that you will stick to your goals and overcome them no matter the obstacle,” Lewis continued. “It is said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Well, tonight represents the first step toward your future. Whether the next phase be college, job, or a gap year, just remember that you have and will continue to push forward through any challenge you may face.”

During his speech, Valedictorian James Geronimo referred to his fellow classmates as, “the future change makers of our nation and world. The same peers I now call family.”

“We have made it,” he said. “We have earned this moment and we should all be incredibly proud of ourselves that we have made gotten this far.”

“Live with your head held high. Set your heart ablaze. Grit your teeth and look straight ahead,” Geronimo said, quoting Mason Rodriguez. “Living out the mission statements we each created with sincerity and doing so with our hearts set ablaze, filled from head-to-toe with determination, courage and enthusiasm.”

“Remember….the pandemic you endured. What was supposed to be a nearly two-week break, turned into two months, then turned into almost two years,” he reflected.

“I want us to never forget the connections you created, the memories you formed and the accomplishments you earned. We have proven time and time again, that we’re equipped with the skills and the passion to make change in this world.” Geronimo continued. “You’ll determine how far you will go. So, spread your wings and fly as high and far as you can go.”

“The future is bright, everybody. Now, it is up to you to make it a great future or not. Congratulations…to the graduating Class of 2022,” he concluded.

Osterholt spoke at his final graduation of students at DLMHS as he’s retiring this year. He presented the Class of 2022 to Superintendent Stephanie Anello who in turn accepted the class “on behalf of the Antioch Unified School District Board of Education.

“Henceforth you are to be known as high school graduates and alumni of Dozier-Libbey Medical High School,” she said.

Following the reading of the names by teacher Mark Libbey, son of one of the school’s namesakes, and the presentation of the diplomas by Lewis, student Commencement Speaker Amarachi Ibe shared her thoughts.

“Senior family you have accomplished one of the many milestones you will accomplish in your life,” she said.

“As we look back on the last four years, we can single out one group of people who caused our suffering, the teachers,” Amarachi said joking.

Speaking of her fellow classmates she said, “It makes us feel like we have a second family. I always felt welcomed and safe at this school. I would like to congratulate you for earning your diplomas which signifies growth, perseverance and diligence.”

“Mr. Libbey said you don’t grow inside of your comfort zone. Wise words that will stay in my mind forever,” Amarachi continued.

“We earned this moment, and I am so proud of us. Once a Diamondback always a Diamondback,” she said to a cheer from the graduates.

At the beginning of the Tassel Ceremony, Class President Syrenity Yates shared some thoughts with her classmates.

She then led the graduates in moving the tassels on their very colorful and decorated caps, with fun and inspiring sayings in English and Spanish, to signify they’ve graduated. Some of her classmates tossed their caps into the air and they all filed out to meet family and friends to celebrate with hugs, photos, flowers and dancing.

Congratulations, Dozier-Libbey Class of 2022. May God bless you in your future pursuits!

See the graduation video on the AUSD YouTube page.

More Photos of the Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Class of 2022 Graduation

 

One billionaire Soros-backed progressive DA wins, two other progressive DA’s lose in the state Tuesday night; in County Clerk’s race it’s Connelly vs. Gordon; Pleasant Hill Councilman Carlson, BART Director Allen leading in 4th Supe District race; only 18% turnout; ballots mailed by election day can still be received until next Tuesday

By Allen D. Payton

Following an election season filled with attacks, accusations and over $1 million spent in the Contra Costa District Attorney’s race, the incumbents, Sheriff David Livingston and DA Diana Becton, along with County Assessor Gus Kramer were each re-elected by wide margins, Tuesday night. They were the only countywide incumbents facing challengers, this year in an election that only saw a 17.95% voter turnout, so far. Incumbent county Treasurer-Tax Collector Russell Watts, Auditor-Controller Robert Campbell and County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey were re-elected without facing opposition.

In the only other contested countywide race, for County Clerk-Recorder, Kristin Connelly will face former Community College Board Trustee Vicki Gordon in a November run-off. In the races for county supervisor, District 1 incumbent, John Gioia was re-elected easily beating his opponent, Hulan Barnett, Jr. 15,018 votes to 2,800, and in District 4, Pleasant Hill Councilman Ken Carlson who and BART Board Director Debora Allen are leading. Allen was trailing Concord Councilwoman Carlyn Obringer by 211 votes until late in the evening, when she pulled into second place by 389 votes. Carlson is leading Allen by 569 votes. The top two candidates will face off in the November run-off.

When reached for comment Allen said, “I’m not declaring victory at this point because there are still ballots to count.”

In the biggest battle in the county, Becton was re-elected to her second, full, four-year term beating Deputy District Attorney Mary Knox, a 37-year prosecutor, by 56% to 44% with 63,147 votes against 49,599 for Knox. Becton was the beneficiary of $1 million spent by an independent expenditure committee campaign supporting her and opposing Knox, with the majority of funds contributed by out-of-state billionaire George Soros. (See related articles here and here)

The same night a Soros-backed, progressive district attorney was re-elected in Contra Costa, another progressive D.A. in San Francisco, Chesa Boudin was recalled by voters in that city and county who had enough with his policies. Becton and Boudin have been part of the Prosecutors Alliance of California, along with L.A. County D.A. George Gascon who is also facing a possible recall, and San Joaquin County D.A. Tori Verber Salazar, who was losing for re-election according to the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters website as of Wednesday.

In the other hard fought countywide race, Livingston was re-elected to his fourth term as sheriff beating Richmond Police Officer Ben Therriault by an even wider margin, 61.2% to 38.8% with 67,906 votes to 43,125 for the challenger.

Attempts to reach Livingston and Becton for comment about their victories were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

County Assessor Kramer eased to another victory for his eighth term, beating his only opponent Floy Andrews by 57.6% to 42.4% with 63,164 votes to 46,456 for the challenger.

When reached for comment Kramer said, “I am on bended knee thanking the voters for seeing through the garbage in the East Bay Times, having faith in me and re-electing me for another four years. The citizens have spoken, the people for whom I serve. This is not a victory for me but for the property owners in the county.”

Livingston, Knox and Kramer attended the Election Night Watch Party at the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association Hall in Martinez, waiting for the updates and speaking with their supporters.

In the Clerk-Recorder’s race, Connelly is in first place with 34,049 votes, Gordon is in second with 24,152 votes and is ahead of Pinole Councilman Devin Murphy by 3,781 votes.

Asked for a comment on the election results Gordon said, “The first thing I want to say is to thank all my supporters, people who donated and walked. I want to thank everyone for their support, it was grassroots effort. My husband and family were also amazing.”

“I am honored to move on to November,” she added.

The countywide Measure G which continues the $2 per car fee to pay for picking up abandoned vehicles and required a two-thirds vote is passing with 68.7% of the vote, with 79,126 in favor to 35,978 opposed.

The only other measure on the ballot was in Martinez. Measure F, also requiring a two-thirds vote to pass, is barely failing with 65.9%. If passed, the measure would add a $79 annual parcel tax for the next 30 years to preserve open space and a ridgeline, allowing the City of Martinez to purchase the 297-acre Alhambra Highlands.

The Contra Costa Elections Division can still receive ballots that were mailed by Tuesday for up to seven days after the election, according to executive secretary, Melissa Hickok, who said she read it straight from the Secretary of State’s website. They have up to 28 days to certify the election.

This year, voters who went to the polls didn’t put their own ballots into the counting machines, as has been done in the past.

“Contra Costa County has returned to a central count, instead of having hundreds of counters at all the polling places, we bring all the ballots back and run them through the high-speed scanners at the Elections Office,” Hickok explained.

That resulted in updates of the results on election night to take longer than in the past.

The next update is expected this Friday, June 10 at 5:00 p.m. For more information visit CoCoVote.us.

Other organizers respond to additional questions, but not committee treasurer or assistant treasurer

“Tom (Hartrick) told me that the police advised him it’s a civil matter, not criminal. I was told that a police report was not filed.” – Kathy Cabrera, recall organizer

By Allen D. Payton

Since it was announced on May 11 that the recall of Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe failed, leaders of the official campaign committee and effort have refused to answer questions, until now. But some have still gone unanswered. Recall organizer claims it failed due to the theft of the committee’s funds and the estimated 11,000 signatures gathered, more than enough to force him to the ballot. (See related article)

According to one of the organizers, Kathy Cabrera, who served Thorpe with his recall petition on Sept. 24, 2021, the contractor who the committee hired and is accused of stealing $23,000 they paid him, plus signatures for both Thorpe’s and City Clerk Ellie Householder’s recalls is Bryan Schafer of Saginaw, Michigan and his company Blitz Canvassing. He and his associate, Kim Ridley of Flint, Michigan led the paid portion of the signature gathering effort. (See related articles here and here.)

An online search for Blitz Canvassing resulted in a website for a company by that name, which claims “to working major signature collection programs in Indiana, Arkansas, Nevada, Michigan and Maine.” But neither Schafer’s nor Ridley’s photos or names appear on it.

While the committee issued a statement on May 11, the deadline for submitting the signatures, it left many questions unanswered. According to the Form 410 filed by the Committee to Recall Mayor Lamar Thorpe on March 24, 2022, the principal officer was Clarke Wilson, one of the 20 proponents who signed the recall notice, who served as the titular head of the committee and is the husband of another recall proponent and outspoken critic of Thorpe, Velma Wilson. In addition, the report shows James Pringle served as the treasurer and Tom Hartrick as the assistant treasurer.  Committee to Recall Thorpe 410

Questions for Organizers

They, and other recall organizers, including Cabrera, Lindsey Amezcua and Arne Simsonsen, were sent the following questions on May 12 and again on May 20:

“What was the name of the company you paid? What is the man’s name who is the head of the company, please? Tom told me he left the state and went back to, I believe he said Michigan. Is that true? If so, how do you know that, who told you?

I’ve also been told that man was renting a home in Pittsburg and left his girlfriend behind, as well. Is that true?

Where or how did you find the company that you hired? Who recommended them to you?

What kind of track record do they have? Do you know if they lean left or right politically?

Can you please provide a copy of the contract?

Who has access to the committee’s bank account? Would that be Treasurer James Pringle, Assistant Treasurer Tom Hartrick and Principal Officer Clarke Wilson? Anyone else?

Did the signature gathering company also take the signature petitions for Householder’s recall? Or is that effort continuing?

Is there some legal remedy or recourse you can take since Ellie has a clear conflict of interest in denying the extension? Can it be appealed to a judge, the county clerk or Secretary of State?

What actions are being taken other than filing a police report? Do you have a copy of it that you can provide?

Will you start over trying to recall Thorpe in six months?”

The group was also asked who was included in the meeting when the recall signature gathering company was hired.

Today, they were also asked about the discrepancy between the company name Schafer gave and the one with the same name with the website mentioned above on which neither he nor his associate appear.

Simonsen Responds

Simonsen responded on May 12 with, “I can only answer one of your questions: Can it be appealed to a judge, the county clerk or Secretary of State? Once the filing date has passed, there is no recourse to a Judge. The County Clerk and the Secretary of State have no role in a municipal recall, initiative or ballot measure. The City Clerk is the final authority as the Elections Official unless you take the City Clerk to Court (and that would have to be prior to the filing date with a Writ of Mandamus).”

Simonsen was also asked on May 28, if the recall can restart sooner than six months since the signatures were not turned in to the city clerk. He responded that day, “I will double check, but I am sure that once the petitions are approved for circulation that the six months kick in.”

Amezcua Responds

Amezcua responded via text on May 12 writing, “At the moment, I have no desire to start over.  I do not know if there is a waiting period. I am not on the bank account. I was not at the interview when the company was hired. I did not write the press release. I’m sure you know me well enough by now to know I have no desire to be a spokesperson.”

“I was not involved in Tuesday’s conversation, so I cannot speak on what was/was not requested,” she continued.

“I personally am feeling an immensely heavy feeling of letting down everyone that was counting on us and have largely ignored my phone and social media,” Amezcua added.

Velma Wilson Responds for Her Husband

Velma Wilson said her husband Clarke just agreed to add his name as chairman of the recall, but the others didn’t include him in the decision making. “So, he doesn’t know” she said about the answers to the questions he was also asked.

Cabrera Provides More Details

Cabrera, who was also part of the discussion about the press release that was issued on May 11, responded to the questions she said she could answer on Tuesday, June 7.

Asked if any background check was done on Schafer, his company, and his associate Kim, Cabrera said, “yes and nothing came up. No criminal records. He had one trespassing complaint against him in Contra Costa County but that’s to be expected in his line of work.”

Asked about filing a police report she responded, “Tom (Hartrick) told me that the police advised him it’s a civil matter, not criminal. I was told that a police report was not filed. Why? I don’t know. That’s just what I was told. I was further advised that the process would require the hiring of a PI and Attorney and there are no more funds to do that.”

Asked who hired the contractor, Cabrera replied, “As far as I know it was a group effort. We had interviewed several different companies. This one was referred to us. Bryan was with the company that did the Newsom recall. I don’t know what was discussed as far as terms and conditions. It was just decided.”

“I gathered the information,” she continued. “I was calling around asking what services they provide, and what was the cost. I brought it back to the group and they made a decision.”

Asked if it was a group vote, Cabrera said, “yes. I personally wanted to go with another company. But the other companies said they didn’t have the time to take it on. This company did.”

As for which organizer handled what responsibility she said, “Lindsey handled the petitions and Tom was in charge of issuing the funds. I wasn’t on any bank accounts. I was a worker bee.”

Cabrera shared more about the paid contractors saying, “Kim had mentioned that she was working with West Coast Petitions out of Walnut Creek. But Bryan pulled her into the effort on the Thorpe recall.”

Asked if they were in a relationship and living in Pittsburg, and if Schafer took off and left Ridley behind as had been shared with the Herald by an Antioch resident, Cabrera responded, “No. She’s not his girlfriend. Kim’s married. They travel to where the work is, which is not unusual. It’s my understanding most of those being paid to gather signatures came from other areas, too. He rented a house in Pittsburg where the pro-signers were staying. It was an Air BnB. Supposedly, the landlord knew him, and they rented it month-to-month.”

Asked if Kim is still around and if, Cabrera said, “no. Bryan did take off to Michigan and left Kim behind she told Lindsey. But it’s my understanding she went to Monterey to work on the next job. That’s the last I heard.”

“Lindsey was trying to contact Bryan and Kim, the week the signatures were due. But they weren’t responding, from what I was told,” Cabrera continued. “We had someone go by the house in Pittsburg looking for them. A clean-up crew was there and said they all had left.”

“This is not what any of us wanted especially the estimated six people who busted their ass for months trying to get the signatures to get the recall on the ballot,” Cabrera added. “The solid six not only gave their money, but gave all of their time collecting signatures, attending council meetings, making the public aware, and anything and everything possible to make the recall happen.”

“There’s no plan to restart the recall at this time,” she stated. “I am just waiting to see what happens in November with the Districts 1 and 4 council elections.”

Attempts to reach Schafer for this article, using the 510-area phone number for him that is still active, were unsuccessful.

Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer Refuse to Respond

Neither Pringle nor Hartrick responded as of publication time.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Part of signatures organizers claim were stolen by paid contractor with those for Thorpe’s recall along with money to pay professional petitioners

By Allen D. Payton

The Committee for the Recall Antioch City Clerk Ellie Householder announced today, Monday, June 6, 2022, “that the required numbers of signatures for the recall were not collected” on the day of the deadline for submitting the 9,521 signatures of registered voters in the city required to place Householder’s name on the ballot. The effort to recall her from the Antioch School Board ended in early April. (See related article)

It follows on the heels of the failure of the recall effort against Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe, last month, due to the alleged theft of the funds paid to the contractor to gather signatures and the signatures that had already been gathered. The leaders claimed they had gathered more than enough signatures to place Thorpe’s name on the ballot. (See related article)

Householder was served with recall papers to remove her from her position as city clerk on Nov. 30, 2021 and signature gathering began at the end of December. (See related articles here and here)

The committee’s statement offered an explanation for the failure of the Householder recall. It continues as follows:

The majority of Antioch citizens coming out to sign were focused on one thing, the Antioch Mayor Recall Lamar Thorpe petition. Many of the signers had simply never heard of Householder.

The primary reason for the Antioch City Clerk recall was to provide an incentive for Clerk Householder to correctly and efficiently handle the processing of the petition for the Recall Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe Petition; that objective was eventually achieved.

The petition for the City Clerk reads, “The grounds for the recall are as follows: You violated the California Public Records Act (Government Code 6253) by failing to provide a copy of a public document to the records department at Antioch City Hall and thus hindered a constituent from their right to inspect a public record. You rejected the first drafted petition to recall the Antioch mayor without including a statement of what alterations to the petition were necessary (Elections Code 11042(c)). You then rejected a second petition citing election code 107(b), which is not applicable to the recall effort. You ignored the proponents request to send your findings via email, instead choosing to send them via certified mail at a cost to the city and cited elections code 11224 as your reason to not email them. Election code 11224 refers to the certification process of approved petitions that have already been signed by registered voters and was erroneously cited. You omitted emails from a Public Records Request, once again violating the California Public Records Act. This misuse and misapplication of Election Codes and continued violations of Government Code 6253 illustrates your inability to do the job in which you were elected and warrants your removal.”

The mayor’s recall petition was first filed on September 24, 2021 and approved more than two months later on December 2, 2021. While the proponents of the Mayor’s Recall did make an error on the first filing, Clerk Householder used the full ten days, allowed by California Elections Code, to respond to their resubmission by US Postal Service. To extend the response timeline further, she the response was mailed on the afternoon of the 10th day by certified mail, even though the main proponent asked for a response by email. She continued to use the same process on the second and third filing, until she was served with her own Recall Petition. On the fourth filing, although she had a question regarding the intention to form a Campaign Finance Committee, not required to be in the filing, she called the main proponent for the answer and once it was provided, she verbally approved the petition and followed it up by an official email. The delay tactics ensured that the mayor’s recall petition was delayed again and again.

The relationship between the Clerk and the Mayor is well known, as showcased in a Thorpe/Householder TikTok video. The text overlay reads, “When the Mayor and City Clerk have each other’s back.” In it, Thorpe and Householder are seen standing next to each other behind the council dais, while he points to her and himself, mouths the words of a speaker saying “she’s my best friend. You mess with her, you mess with me, you mess with me, you mess with her. You mess with us, you better pray and run.” Watch the video on this link: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CdHkYhVDUIn/ (See related article)

Householder is the first elected official to be the subject of two local recalls. First as an Antioch Unified School Board Trustee and then as Antioch’s City Clerk. She is now the first elected official to not have two recall processes completed, but both recalls achieved their objective by holding her publicly accountable for her actions and misuse of power. It is hoped that the effort has helped Clerk Householder to understand that despite the close personal relationship she and Mayor Lamar Thorpe enjoy, she is expected to consider the relationship with her constituents to be her primary focus.

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Questions for Committee

The following questions were sent to Diane Gibson-Gray, one of the proponents for Householder’s recall. How many signatures were gathered for Householder’s recall? She responded, “I was not involved in the signature tally and I do not have that information.”

Gibson-Gray was also asked if some of the signatures gathered for Householder’s recall part of those the paid contractor stole and didn’t provide to the committee. She responded, “The paid signature gathers included Householder’s petition when gathering signatures for Thorpe in the hope that the Recall Antioch City Clerk Ellie Householder efforts would include fundraising, which did not occur. A Campaign Finance Committee was not formed as the $2,000 threshold for funds raised / expenses paid was not met.”

Recall organizers, Lindsey Amezcua was then asked if she knew how many signatures were gathered for Householder’s recall.

Amezcua responded, “only around 5,000 were collected. No one really put in the effort after the debacle with Thorpe’s (recall).”

She was also asked if the signatures for Householder’s recall were among those the contractor is accused of stealing. Amezcua responded, “Yes, the pro’s had pages for the clerk recall as well, that weren’t handed over. But they weren’t paid for any, so I can’t tell you how many they had.”

Householder chose to not respond to an effort asking if she had any comment about the committee’s announcement prior to publication time.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

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