County school board member Avila Farias calls Herald readers “white supremacist cult followers”

By Allen D. Payton

District Attorney Diana Becton spoke at a rally on the county courthouse steps on last week in support of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortions nationwide and touted her endorsement by Planned Parenthood.

In a post on her campaign Facebook page that day Becton wrote, “It was an honor to speak at the rally to kick off the day. Access to safe abortions is a public safety issue. I will always, proudly, stand by our right to privacy and our right to choose!

This morning we gathered at the Martinez Courthouse steps to rally in support of Roe vs Wade. Over 100 Contra Costan’s rallied and then got on buses to go rally in Sacramento or walk out neighborhoods in support of pro-choice candidates.

Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan said it best today, if we are going to protect our right to choose we have to elect pro choice candidates up and down the ballot. I’m proud to be the only candidate running for Contra Costa District Attorney that is endorsed by Planned Parenthood.”

Becton, an ordained Baptist minister who preaches in her and her husband’s church and has the title of “reverend”, was asked the following questions about her position on abortion and endorsement by Planned Parenthood:

“As a Baptist minister, someone who claims to be a Christian and as an African American how can you support abortion and Planned Parenthood, which was both founded in racist eugenics and continues to target Black and Hispanic communities, today by locating most of their facilities in their neighborhoods and aborting more of their unborn babies combined, than white babies, following the original mission of Margaret Sanger to keep their populations down? Why would you want the endorsement of an organization like that?”

In addition, she was asked, “how can you justify your position with what is written in the Bible in both Jeremiah 1, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart’ and in Psalm 139, ‘For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb’?”

Instead of responding to the emailed questions, on Friday, May 20, Becton posted the following on her campaign’s Facebook page and Twitter feed:

“In the spirit of transparency, I am sharing the questions I received today from the so-called ‘press’ outlet @antiochheraldca & @cocoherald.

For the record, I’m proud to be the ONLY candidate running for Contra Costa District Attorney that is endorsed by @PPact.

A woman’s right to choose is fundamental. It is non negotiable. A woman’s power — her constitutional right to make choices about her personal health care —  is a matter of public safety every day and every hour, and it must be protected. #BansOffOurBodies”.

County School Board Trustee Avila Farias calls Herald readers “white supremacist cult followers”

In a comment beneath the post on Becton’s campaign Facebook page, Contra Costa County Board of Education Trustee for Area 3, Anamarie Avila Farias

She wrote, “Pro Choice -Catholic Mexican Mama here, the hope I have for my daughter, and all of our children, is that they grow up with the freedom to determine their own course in life and that starts with their own reproductive freedom. Thank you DA Becton of occupying various spaces of justice!”

Avila Farias then took a nasty, baseless swipe at this reporter and the readers of the Herald writing, “Allen Payton and all his white supremacist cult followers spew nothing but discrimination, machismo, and cultural stereotypes which are largely responsible for the barriers Latinas and people of color face in accessing proper healthcare, especially around reproductive rights.

We all know what to do Co Co County – Re- Elect Diana Becton! The Prosecutor office must reflect the communities they serve and the changing demographics!”

The election is June 7 in which Becton is facing a challenge from Deputy District Attorney Mary Knox.

Contra Loma Swim Lagoon in Antioch closed this weekend and for swim season due to required but delayed maintenance and safety repairs

All regional parks in the East Bay will be open this Memorial Day for annual holiday gatherings and celebratory festivities. Parks are anticipated to be busy and some at full capacity early, so park staff recommend arriving early to secure first-come, first-served, non-reservable picnic sites.

Many lifeguarded swim areas will also be open for visitors, including Castle Rock Pool at Diablo Foothills in Walnut Creek, Cull Canyon in Castro Valley, Don Castro in Hayward, and Lake Temescal in Oakland. Non-life-guarded beaches include Keller Beach at Miller Knox Regional Park in Richmond and Robert Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda. Unfortunately, many of the Park District’s most popular swim areas, including Del Valle, Shadow Cliffs, and Lake Anza will be closed due to water quality, low water conditions, or construction and maintenance repairs.

“We regret the inconvenience and limitations on the public’s use of all of our swim facilities,” said Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor.

Park District swim facilities face ongoing challenges related to climate change, including cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and low water levels. Water quality is tested regularly during the swim season to ensure it is safe for the public. Visitors should check the status of swim facilities before they go by visiting www.ebparks.org/swimming.

Open Swim Facilities for Memorial Day Weekend are:

• Castle Rock Pool– OPENING May 28
• Cull Canyon Swim Lagoon – OPEN
• Don Castro Swim Lagoon – OPENING May 28
• Lake Temescal Swim Beach – OPENING May 28

Swim areas that are Closed for Memorial Day Weekend are:

• Contra Loma Swim Lagoon – CLOSED for swim season due to required maintenance and safety repairs.
• Lake Anza Swim Beach – CLOSED due to scheduled maintenance and ongoing water quality uncertainty.
• Del Valle Swim Beach – CLOSED due to Blue-Green Algae.
• Quarry Lakes Swim Beach – CLOSED due to Blue-Green Algae.
• Roberts Pool– CLOSED for renovation and new pool facility construction.
• Shadow Cliffs Swim Beach – CLOSED due to extreme drought and low water levels.

UPDATE: Parks Staff Explain Delay in Repairs

Mason and Park District Ward 7 Director Colin Coffey, who represents Antioch, were asked why the Contra Loma Swim Lagoon wasn’t repaired during the off-season so it could be open this summer.

In response, Lisa Goorjian, Chief of Design and Construction said, “it’s important to remember safety is our number one priority. For the lagoon to operate properly, it needs repairs. The delay was two-fold. It’s a complex lagoon. We’ve been working on a waterproofing seal. It’s specialized and it’s been difficult to secure due to the global supply chain issues. It’s been challenging to identify the right product. The lagoon is different than a swimming pool because it has sand. So, it makes it difficult to find something that will work with the sand and not have the seal fail.”

“We’ve been working with our contractor who is working with a supplier to identify the material,” she continued. “The lagoon original material was coming to the end of its life and when we initially made repairs in 2020, we used a new material. The original material is no longer available. We found out our conditions were such that the new material was not successful.”

“We understand that it’s a disappointment and we’re working hard to get it fixed,” Goorjian added. “We are working with our regional partners to provide swimming in eastern Contra Costa County to accommodate swim needs.”

“It is very distressing as Contra Loma is the backyard pool to so many in the area,” Coffey responded. “I asked Lisa to talk to you given she has been overseeing the project. I know it was planned to be completed by swim season.  I am hoping we are able to expand hours at another swim facility, like Ambrose, with placement of our lifeguards and covering overhead.  Staff is working on that.  Have a good holiday weekend.”

Swimming fees vary by facility. However, swimming is free for Regional Parks Foundation members. For information about becoming a Regional Parks Foundation member, visit regionalparksfoundation.org.

Walk-ins for all open locations will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached. Cull Canyon and Don Castro also offer optional swim entry registration on weekends and holidays to guarantee admission. To reserve your all-day swim entry, register at www.bit.ly/3NtZnLk.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Allen D. Payton

According to concerned parents who posted on social media Thursday afternoon, May 26, 2022, Deer Valley High School was placed on lockdown. Antioch Unified School District Superintendent Stephanie Anello shared the following statement that went out to parents giving the reason why:

“Good Afternoon this is Deer Valley Principal Oyebade,

Today at approximately 1:10 pm two students were involved in a physical altercation on the Deer Valley Campus. Several other students attempted to participate as site safety staff, STM (Strategic Threat Management) security, and administrators defused the situation.

It was rumored that a 19-year-old non-student was attempting to get on campus and may be in possession of a weapon. Administration acted quickly and secured the gates and doors of the campus and called the Antioch Police Department. APD came on-site to ensure that students and staff were safe.

We want to thank the safety personnel, administration, and APD for acting quickly. As always student and staff safety is our number one priority we appreciate your support. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any question or concerns. Thank you.”

Asked if a gun was ever found and the non-student located, Anello responded, “no weapon was found and the non-student left the campus.”

Staff Member – Not Actual Lockdown, Debriefing for Staff Set for Tuesday

10:00 PM UPDATE: According to a member of the school’s staff who chose not to be identified, the procedure for an actual lockdown would include an announcement to staff and students to remain in their classrooms and lock the doors. The lights would be turned off and efforts would be made to keep everyone quiet. But that didn’t occur on Thursday. There were still people coming in and out of the campus while APD officers were on site, the staff member added. It lasted until about 2:00 pm that they felt everything was calmed down. But no staff was notified during that time and in fact, some staff still haven’t been notified.

An email was sent out by the principal that a debrief will be held on Tuesday with the staff and attendance is optional.

“I know of at least 10 kids who were involved and an adult from off-campus and was told a site safety staff member had to be held back by students. But I didn’t see the altercation,” the staff member shared.

The adult referred to was the 19-year-old who was an older sister of a student believed to be coming to the campus to protect her brother who was going to be in a fight, and believed to be one of the two initial participants.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Will focus on reckless driving and sideshows, plus conduct emissions inspections for illegal equipment

By Sergeant Rob Green #3639, Antioch Police Traffic Unit

The Antioch Police Department in partnership with the Brentwood Police Department, Pittsburg Police Department, Oakley Police Department, and California Highway Patrol will conduct a joint traffic enforcement detail May 27 to 29, 2022. The joint operation will focus on reckless driving and sideshow activity in the East County and conduct vehicle emissions inspections. Any vehicles found with illegal emissions equipment will be referred to a California Smog Referee. This is in response to information provided by citizens regarding a planned sideshow event to take place in the East County area.

Antioch PD would like to thank our law enforcement partners and the citizens who help aid in our investigations.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH. #DontDriveReckless #ItsTheLaw #YoullGoToJail #CarsGoToJailToo

Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe has endorsed D.A. Diana Becton in her re-election campaign; she contributed to his anti-recall campaign

Becton’s campaign shoots back accusing Knox of asking for leniency on friend’s 2017 DUI charges; Knox’s campaign responds to accusation

By Allen D. Payton

On May 19, the Mary Knox for District Attorney campaign released a statement calling for action from District Attorney Diana Becton after more than 60 days had passed with no action on a DUI case involving a Becton campaign endorser, Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe. The Herald was not made aware of Knox’s campaign press release until after receiving the press release from the DA’s office on Friday, May 20 announcing charges had been filed against Thorpe on April 1. (See related article)

In addition, on May 8 a Public Records Act request was submitted by Walnut Creek resident Scott Buckley asking for “details related to the recent DUI arrest of Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe and any correspondence details related to this case or prosecution of the case.” In a May 17 response to Buckley, Deputy District Attorney Sophea Nop denied the request for documents claiming they’re exempt, but also wrote, “Additionally, I have determined that there are no documents in either the physical or electronic file which constitutes correspondence between Lamar Thorpe and the District Attorney’s Office regarding this case.”

The Knox press release reads as follows:

“The Contra Costa Herald previously reported that District Attorney Diana Becton held a private meeting with Mayor Thorpe just three days following the incident.

‘It has now been more than 60 days since it was reported that Mayor Lamar Thorpe was arrested for a DUI and yet we have seen no action come from the D.A.’s office,’ said Jamie Patton, spokeswoman for Deputy District Attorney Mary Knox, candidate for District Attorney, on Thursday, May 19. ‘Contra Costa residents deserve safety from drivers who recklessly drive under the influence of alcohol. Everyone wants to see their District Attorney act with integrity and fairness, regardless of a person’s position of power or influence, yet D.A. Diana Becton met with Lamar Thorpe personally following the incident and we continue to see no action to prosecute. We believe D.A. Diana Becton must address this glaring dereliction of duty and take action on this rapidly-aging case.’

Knox has served as a Prosecutor in the Contra Costa District Attorney’s office for 37 years and has extensive trial experience. Knox has earned the endorsement of every law enforcement agency in the County, as well as state and local organizations such as the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, PORAC, the California Narcotics Officers Association and the California Gang Investigators Association. Mary has advanced social justice while preventing crime in Contra Costa County.  She brought anti-bias training to the District Attorney’s Office and has fought to end discrimination against women in the Contra Costa County’s District Attorney’s Office.

Mary Knox and the incumbent are the only candidates running for election as District Attorney.  Since this election will be won by a simple majority, the election of the next District Attorney of Contra Costa County will be determined by the votes cast on June 7, 2022.

Background:

March 2022: Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe Was Arrested For Driving Under The Influence. “On Saturday, Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe confirmed in a video that he was arrested by the California Highway Patrol for a DUI. CHP later released a statement confirming the incident just before 11:00 am.” [East County Today, 3/19/22]

Becton Had “Private Meeting” With Thorpe Three Days After His Arrest, As District Attorney’s Office Was Investigating Incident. “Three days after Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe was arrested for DUI and while the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office was investigating the incident, on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, he held a private meeting with D.A. Diana Becton in her office in Martinez, according to reports of what was seen on her visitor sign-in log. Neither Becton, her staff nor Thorpe will say what the meeting was about or if anyone else, such as the city attorney or interim city manager, was in the room with them.” [Contra Costa Herald, 3/30/22]

Thorpe Later Confirmed He Had Met With Becton, Said She Had Requested “Cooperation In The Investigation.” “During a press conference, Wednesday morning, April 4, 2022 on Antioch Police Department staffing, hiring incentives and the investigation of officers by the FBI and Contra Costa D.A.’s office, Mayor Lamar Thorpe confirmed what had been previously reported, of a private meeting that he had with Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton on Tuesday, March 22, the day before the investigation occurred. He said Interim Antioch City Manager Con Johnson was also in attendance. The meeting was held just three days following Thorpe’s arrest for DUI and while he was under investigation by her department… Thorpe said the meeting was held by Becton to request his and Johnson’s cooperation in the investigation and they were to ‘keep confidentiality as this was an ongoing investigation’.” [Contra Costa Herald, 4/4/22]

As of May 2022, a search of Contra Costa County’s online case portal did not show any pending cases involving Thorpe. [cc-courts.org]

We mailed a criminal records search request regarding Thorpe to the Contra Costa County Superior court on May 11, 2022 and are awaiting a response.

Thorpe is listed as a campaign endorser on Becton’s campaign website.”

——————-

Becton’s Campaign Manager Fires Back at Knox

The following was posted on Becton’s campaign Facebook page on Saturday, May 21 about Knox, in 2017, asking for leniency for a friend who was arrested for DUI:

“An important message from DA Becton’s Campaign Manager, Champagne Brown:

In her latest baseless attack against District Attorney Becton, Mary Knox claims to want accountability for ‘drivers who drive recklessly under the influence of alcohol.’ And yet, in 2017, Knox pled with a judge for leniency—and no accountability—for a colleague from the DA’s Office who drove under the influence of alcohol, crashing head on into another car and critically injuring the driver.

That person was George Driscoll, now the manager of the independent expenditure that has funneled nearly $250,000 from police associations to elect Mary Knox.

DUI is the most common offense among California police officers (eastbaytimes.com)

Despite Knox’s letter to the judge pleading for leniency, George Driscoll was nevertheless convicted of a felony and removed from his duties as a law enforcement officer.

This is yet another example of Mary Knox’s hypocrisy and corruption—she is for ‘law and order,’ except when it comes to her well-connected friends and donors.

She cannot be trusted to hold people she owes—including police associations—accountable.

Contra Costa County deserves a District Attorney who is courageous enough to ensure the justice system works for everyone, not just the well connected.”

Knox Campaign Responds

In response to the accusation from Becton’s campaign, Knox’s campaign spokeswoman Upton wrote, “Ms. Becton’s latest attack on Mary Knox once again demonstrates her failure to acknowledge her conflict of interest inherent in the prosecution of Mayor Lamar Thorpe.  Mayor Thorpe has endorsed Ms. Becton’s political campaign, donated to Mayor Thorpe’s effort to stave off the recall campaign launched against him and met with Mayor Thorpe in her office just days after he was arrested, Ms. Becton should have recused herself from this prosecution following Mayor Thorpe’s arrest.

Mary Knox acted ethically in writing a letter to the judge presiding over the sentencing of a case that qualified for Veterans Court in Lassen County. A judge is required by law to consider whether a veteran’s military service contributed to the commission of the criminal offense, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as standard factors in mitigation in sentencing. In her letter, Ms. Knox described for the judge this veteran’s service to his country that resulted in awards, including a Bronze Star for his service in Iraq, by President Obama and President Bush in a service career that spanned three decades with tremendous personal sacrifice.  Mary Knox properly provided the sentencing judge with information that he was required by law to consider in sentencing.”

New firefighters to be assigned to stations across District, supporting staffing for challenging fire weather

By Steve Hill, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

CONCORD, CA – Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) announced Tuesday the graduation of its Lateral Fire Academy 57 and the addition of 27 new experienced firefighters to the District’s ranks.

Academy 57 consisted exclusively of experienced firefighters from other agencies across the state and region who chose to join Con Fire to continue their careers. The abbreviated eight-week course of instruction was designed to align students’ past training with Con Fire’s organization and procedures.

Beginning this week, the new firefighter graduates of Academy 57 will join crews across the District, bolstering ranks that have been challenged by the early arrival of dangerous fire weather.

Speaking at Monday evening’s graduation ceremony, Fire Chief Lewis Broschard said, “Each of these 27 experienced firefighters chose to uproot their careers and families to make a life choice to continue their careers with Con Fire. We appreciate and value their decisions.”

Broschard added, “We took great care to select the very best people possible for this academy, from many qualified applications. I am confident we chose right. Congratulations on completing Academy 57 and thank you for making the decision to serve with Con Fire.”

The graduating firefighters underwent a physically and mentally challenging eight-week course of instruction using the latest firefighting and training techniques. In addition to structure firefighting techniques, these firefighters enhanced their knowledge and skills in wildland firefighting, rescue, automobile extrication, hazardous materials response, emergency medical services, and other techniques they can be expected to put to use in their first assignments as probationary firefighters. The training was designed to develop each trainee’s ability to function under stress and perform as a member of a disciplined firefighting crew.

The graduation ceremony was held at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts on May 23, before an audience of several hundred family members, friends, local officials and public well-wishers. Each graduate was “pinned” with their firefighter badge and sworn in as a Con Fire firefighter.

Approves four cannabis business operating agreements, purchase of 11 police vehicles and receiving $2.2 million in state funds for rehab of Nick Rodriguez Center

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, the Antioch City Council voted 3-1 to postpone a ban on sales of certain tobacco products until Dec. 1, with Mayor Lamar Thorpe voting no and Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica absent. The council also approved operating agreements with four cannabis businesses and the purchase of 11 police vehicles in the 590-page agenda with 13 items including the Consent Calendar, which had its own 16 items. But the council denied approval of a cannabis event at the fairgrounds by CoCo Farms on a 2-1-1 vote.

Extends Grace Period for Ban on Sales of Certain Tobacco Products to Dec. 1

The tobacco products sales ban first went into effect on April 7. The council soon after faced a backlash from tobacco retailers in the city for both lack of notification and the ban, itself. The grace period will last until December 1, after a referendum on the statewide Nov. ballot can be voted on and decided. (See related article)

During public comments on the item, former Antioch Councilwoman Norma Hernandez, who along with her husband, Ralph, also a former council member, helped lead the effort on behalf of the tobacco retailers, thanked District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock for getting the matter reconsidered by the council.

The purpose of bringing this back, today was not to reconsider what we did, what we’re doing is extending the grace period,” Thorpe said. “I still support what we did. I was sympathetic and went and met with store owners. I was the one who brought it back. But I’m not going to change my position on what we did.”

He also spoke of the support by the tobacco industry for the coalition to repeal the statewide ban and the millions of dollars they’ve contributed to the effort.

“What we did was listen to our youth,” he continued. “Understand why we made the decision. I do support the grace period. But I am still where I’m at.”

“I do support the grace period,” Ogorchock stated, then made the motion to adopt it until Dec 1. After a long pause, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker seconded it. The motion passed on a 3-1 with Thorpe voting against.

Approves All Consent Calendar Items

The council voted to approve all but one of the 16 items on the Consent Calendar on a 4-0 vote, except for Item F which Ogorchock asked to have removed for a separate vote. That item was the second reading for the creation of the Antioch Police Oversight Commission which passed on a 3-1 vote during the last meeting when Ogorchock was absent and Barbanica voted no. It again, passed on a 3-1 vote with Ogorchock voting no, this time.

The other 15 items included establishing a Military Use Equipment Policy in compliance with Assembly Bill 481; the purchase of 11 police vehicles at a cost not to exceed $523,141.10; extending the contract with the city’s public information officer for another six months at a total of $288,000; and authorizing the filing of a project grant application through the California Natural Resources Agency for $2.2 million for the rehabilitation of the Nick Rodriguez Community Center. According to the staff report on the item, “In July 2021, staff were informed that the project was approved and that a total of $2,200,000 was awarded for the project.”

The council also approved the minutes for their meetings on April 12, 19 and 26 and May 10.

Forms New City Department

The council voted 3-1-1 to form the new Public Safety and Community Resources Department, with Ogorchock voting no. It will take five existing services from other departments and add two new services. (See related articles here and here)

“Environmental justice…housing…youth services…violence prevention is about public safety,” Torres-Walker stated in support of her proposed, new department.

“I’m certainly not creating change…the voters created the change you’re seeing, today, “Thorpe added.

Approves Operating Agreements with Five Cannabis Businesses

The council approved operating agreements with five cannabis businesses in the city including Delta Family Pharms, Inc. at the same location as the Delta Dispensary on W. 10th Street and owned by the same operators.

Ralph Hernandez spoke against the cannabis businesses saying it is still illegal under federal law and that the city shouldn’t partner with businesses that operate against federal law. He also said marijuana is an entry drug and that many prisoners started out with marijuana.

Hernandez spoke of the negative side effects of marijuana use, including paranoia and schizophrenia.

“One joint is equal to 20 cigarettes,” he stated.

“You all took an oath to uphold the law, both state and federal, but here, the city is approving violating federal law,” Hernandez said. “It doesn’t make sense.”

Resident and local homeless advocate Andrew Becker spoke next, saying federal laws against marijuana allow the “incarceration of people for decades”.

“People can become addicted from MacDonald’s and end up as gamblers,” he stated. “It’s the system that breaks communities, not cannabis.”

“Let’s look at these opportunity programs that are coming from cannabis,” Becker added, referring to the city’s requirements that cannabis business donate a portion of their revenues to local non-profit organizations.

“I’m ecstatic that East County Justice Center is a beneficiary,” Ogorchock said. She also asked that the Bedford Center benefit from the business.

The council approved another cannabis business operating agreement for Delta Labs, owned by the same family, will be located at the same place but “in a different office, for manufacturing using non-volatile chemicals…taking the grown cannabis…and treating it for sale at a cannabis facility,” a city staff member stated.

Hernandez spoke again saying, ““I have personally seen the consequences of people using marijuana. They smoked marijuana, they get high, the crash vehicles. They do home invasion robberies.”

“This is not a candy…even though they put it in products to make it candy…brownies” he stated. “The consequences may not all be death or serious. I’ve seen the bodies I’ve seen the results. I have the photos that I took of people. I’ll show them to you if you want.”

“I don’t think you should approve it just so the city can get money from these people,” Hernandez added. “Don’t be sold by people who want to make money by giving you a carrot.”

Resident Brenda Barret said, “this is a drug culture country…and people are not going to stop getting high. So, government has taken a tack of if they’re going to get high, let’s make money off of it.”

“Maybe that money goes to pay our garbage bill,” she suggested. “If we’re going to get involved in drugs as a city, then everyone needs to benefit.”

“We’ve been doing this for three years, now,” Thorpe stated. “Councilwoman Wilson and I didn’t vote for Prop. 68 (which legalized recreational marijuana statewide). But we took the time to do our homework. When I saw the overwhelming support by Antioch voters, higher than the state…I think we came up with a good policy. It was based on listening to residents. We didn’t haphazardly get here. It was not about money.”

The council also approved operating agreements with KWMA Collective, located in the same building complex as Delta Dispensary but under different ownership and Bakery Antioch I, LLC located on W. 10th Street, to reflect the change in ownership from Cookies to Red Workshop.

Denies Approval of Cannabis Event at Fairgounds

On a surprise 2-1-1 vote, with Ogorchock voting no and Thorpe abstaining, the proposed cannabis event at the Contra Costa Event Center (fairgrounds) by CoCo Farms was denied. Thorpe had previously voted to move the proposed item forward and bring it back for a final vote which occurred Tuesday night. (See related article)

On Wednesday following the meeting, Thorpe was asked via email, “why did you vote to abstain on the cannabis event? Was it because you have invested in the CoCoFarms IPO? (The company is raising capitol through an initial public offering). If so, shouldn’t you have also recused yourself completely from the discussion, stepped down from the dais and left the council chambers during that agenda item? Or did CoCoFarms contribute to your anti-recall committee after March 31 and you were avoiding the appearance of a conflict of interest, even though there isn’t one legally for campaign contributions?” Thorpe’s anti-recall campaign committee Form 460 report doesn’t show a contribution from Contra Costa Farms, LLC, the legal name of the company.

Please check back later for the mayor’s responses or any other updates to this report.

Commissioners can have criminal record, but no former Antioch cops or family members allowed

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, May 24, the Antioch City Council voted 3-1 to form a seven-member Police Oversight Commission with District 3 Councilwoman voting no and Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica absent. The item was the second reading for the commission’s creation which passed on a 3-1 vote during the last meeting when Ogorchock was absent and Barbanica voted no.  Resolution forming Antioch Police Oversight Commission ACC052422

According to the staff report, “Civilian oversight of police departments is an evolving governmental function designed to provide the community with a means to influence police department policies and to help ensure that policing is conducted in a manner that is constitutional, effective, and responsive to the standards, values, and expectations of those served by the police department.

The City Council directed City staff to research and make recommendations to the City Council Police Oversight Standing Committee on the potential formation of an Antioch Police Oversight Commission (‘Police Commission’). City staff researched (1) police oversight commissions and boards in general law and charter cities; (2) the differences between police oversight commissions in general law cities and charter cities; and (3) solutions that can be achieved under each type of government within state and local laws and policies.

City staff has prepared an ordinance forming the Antioch Police Oversight Commission with the aim of strengthening trust, transparency, accountability, and police-community relations in the City of Antioch by ensuring that the Antioch Police Department’s policies, practices, and customs meet or exceed national standards of constitutional policing.

The purpose of the Antioch Police Oversight Commission is to strengthen trust, transparency, accountability, and police-community relations in the City of Antioch by ensuring that the Antioch Police Department’s policies, practices, and customs meet or exceed national standards of constitutional policing.

The Police Commission shall advise the City Council, City Manager, and Chief of Police on the administration of the Antioch Police Department and on policy matters concerning public safety within the City of Antioch. The Police Commission shall facilitate community participation and oversight by reviewing and recommending policies, procedures, practices, and programs designed to result in community policing that is effective, responsive, and sensitive to the diverse needs of the residents of the City.

The Police Commission shall promote and encourage open communication and cooperation between the Antioch Police Department and residents of the City, recognizing that policing the City of Antioch is a shared responsibility.

The Police Commission shall develop, review, and make policy recommendations aimed at informing the community of its rights and responsibilities when interacting with police officers.”

Purpose of Commission

Also, according to the resolution adopted by the council, “The purpose of the Police Commission is to advise the City Council, City Manager, and Chief of Police on the administration of the Antioch Police Department and on matters of public safety within the City of Antioch to ensure that the Antioch Police Department’s policies, practices, and customs conform to national standards of constitutional policing.

The Police Commission shall facilitate community participation and oversight by reviewing and recommending policies, procedures, practices, and programs designed to result in community policing that is effective, responsive, and sensitive to the diverse needs of the residents of the City.

The Police Commission shall promote and encourage open communication and cooperation between the Antioch Police Department and residents of the City, recognizing that policing the City of Antioch is a shared responsibility.

The Police Commission shall develop, review, and make policy recommendations aimed at informing the community of its rights and responsibilities when interacting with police officers.”

Commissioners Can Have Criminal Record

The adopted resolution also includes details on membership of the commission.

“The Mayor and the City Council shall strive to appoint and confirm at least:

(a) one (1) representative from each of the four (4) councilmember voting districts of the City;

(b) one (1) representative of the Antioch faith-based community;

(c) one (1) representative of the Antioch business community; and

(d) one (1) employee or student of the Antioch Unified School District.

(D) No one shall be excluded from the Police Commission because he or she has a criminal record.

(E) The following shall not be eligible to serve as a Police Commissioner:

(a) current sworn police officer or his/her spouse;

(b) current City employee or his/her spouse;

(c) former Department sworn employee or his/her spouse; or

(d) current or former employee, official, or representative of an employee association representing sworn police officers or his/her spouse.”

Commissioners Training

The resolution also includes training for the commissioners.

“The City shall provide appropriate funding for introductory training of new Police Commission members as well as continuing education for all members. Training shall cover all of the following, but not be limited to:

(A) The ordinance establishing the Police Commission;

(B) National standards of constitutional policing;

(C) Department operations, policies, procedures, practices, and programs;

(D) Laws governing local public records and public meetings, confidentiality, police officer rights, arrestee rights, and excessive force; and

(E) Police policies, practices, and procedures around stops, arrests, use of force, detention, large-scale protests, and marginalized communities.”