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.

Runner-Up: Marsh Elementary Teacher Samantha Marquardt

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.

$202.7K from the Office of Traffic Safety

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.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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

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).

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.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Members currently voting on interest to authorize a strike; district says union’s budget figures incorrect

The two sides differ on amount available for pay & benefit increases by almost $18 million

“You can only get burned so many times before you stop believing them.” – AEA President Bob Carson

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Education Association (AEA) is planning to hold a “Rally for Student Success” on Wednesday, Feb. 21 as part of a larger effort of the East Bay Coalition for Student Success (EBCSS). In addition, the local teachers’ union members are voting on interest to authorize a strike.

In a Dec. 18, 2023 post on the Antioch Education Association’s (AEA) Facebook page they wrote, “District revenues have skyrocketed over the last few years but the % of those monies spent on educator’s salaries continues to decline??? How can we attract and retain the best educators for the students of Antioch when this is happening?”

Another post on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024 reads, “Antioch Unified School District Why???” and claims, “AUSD ended the year with $88M in unspent funds. After taking out restricted money and reserves…AUSD STILL has $34.4 million sitting in the bank that can be used for staff salaries and benefits.”

In another Facebook post that day, the AEA posted a flier about the rally which included what they’re seeking. The flier reads, “Join us as we raise our voices in support of/for: quality educators in every classroom, smaller class sizes and caseloads, salary increase reflective of the 8.22% COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment), fully paid medical benefits for all members and safe schools for our students and members.”

According to a June 2023 article on their website, the EBCSS was formed in September 2022, and “is committed to ensuring local school districts continue to prioritize funds to provide the best for student learning and educator retention and attraction. Locals and district management teams in the coalition have been working hard at the bargaining table to win agreements that focus resources on students and educators.”

Emails were sent to both Bob Carson, President of the AEA and a member of the EBCSS, and Antioch Unified School District Superintendent Stephanie Anello asking for more details about a possible strike.

Antioch Teachers’ Union President Offers Details

Carson responded, “No EBCSS association has authorized a strike. What many have done is have preliminary strike authorization votes. Antioch is doing one right now, as is Pittsburg. Other chapters like Piedmont, Pleasanton, Moraga and Dublin have already concluded their strike authorization votes. These are not votes on whether educators are going on strike but whether they will be supporting their negotiating teams until the end and be willing to participate in actions called on by the Association. A final strike vote could only occur after all the steps in the negotiating process have failed. In Antioch and these other locations, we are not there yet.

The goal of the EBCSS and its members is that each student find success. There are many ways to help make that happen. Smaller class sizes so students get more individual attention, the best technology, and safe schools are just some of things the EBCSS advocates for. We believe the most important need in a student finding success in school is to have a quality educator in every classroom. Paying competitive salaries, having full paid medical benefits (at the Kaiser rate), and good working conditions is how you get quality educators.

To be specific to what is happening in Antioch, the AUSD negotiating team presented AEA with their “best and final” offer in a December negotiating session. Since we found that offer lacking in many areas, we rejected it. We were then at “impasse”. We now have a state appointed mediator who is trying to find a way to get the 2 sides to reach an agreement. We have met 3 times with that mediator and have another meeting scheduled for 2/22. No specific offers being presented are allowed to be publicly discussed during mediation. I can tell you we have had no success to date. If the mediator at some point feels there is no hope in facilitating an agreement, either side can then move the negotiations to “fact-finding” where an appointed arbitrator receives information from both teams and writes a statement on their findings. After fact-finding, the 2 sides are required to meet for at least one more negotiating session where the district could again present their best and final offer. At that point, a strike vote could be called.

AEA is hopeful that an agreement can be reached but will not accept an offer that is not reflective of the 8.22% COLA increase the district received this year. Class size, caseloads for counselors and speech pathologists, medical benefits, and salary are the main issues right now.  As you saw on our FB page, we are planning a rally on 2/21, in conjunction with other EBCSS associations. We want to bring attention to the issues. One serious problem for us is the tremendous ending balances AUSD is carrying over every year. This is money provided by the state of California to be used on our students. Instead, its sits in the bank – year after year. This year AUSD had an ending balance of $34,000 million dollars in unrestricted funds (money that can be spent on anything) not used. They had close to another $40 million in restricted funds also not spent. This is after accounting for the prudent reserve required of them to have by the state. To me – and AEA members – that is crazy. That money could be used in many ways to help the students of Antioch and to help AUSD find quality educators.”

District Says Teachers’ Union Using Old, Incorrect Information

In response to the request for more details from Superintendent Anello and the claims by the AED, the school district’s Associate Superintendent for Business and Operations, Liz Robbins shared the following: “Their information is from the unaudited actuals report which shows how the District ended the 2022-2023 school year.

Our first interim budget report which was presented to the Board in December,  provides the most current financial information.

$46.2 million is restricted monies; $22.5 million is unrestricted. Of the $22.5 million, $18 million is allocated for potential salary and benefit increases. $4.5 million is allocated for school improvements and upgrades including HVAC, security, and technology. Lastly, $9.4 million of the ending fund balance is the set-aside required by the State for economic uncertainty. This leaves approximately $500k of unassigned funds in the ending fund balance.

The budget is not a static document, and an updated second interim financial report will be presented to the Board on March 13.”

$17.9 Million Difference Between District Budget & Teachers’ Union Figure

According to the 2023-24 First Interim MYP (Multi Year Plan) – Components of Fund Balance chart on page 80 of the 2023-24 First Interim Budget Presentation, provided to the school board at their meeting on Dec. 13, 2023, it shows $15,961,836 “Assigned for Potential Employee Negotiated Settlement”. That plus the $521,041 in Unassigned/Unappropriated funds results in about $16.5 million available for salary and benefit increases, which is $17.9 million less than what the teachers’ union claims is available.

AEA President Disagrees Says District Using Projected Estimates

That information was provided to Carson who was asked if he had a final response on the matter, for now. He provided the chart (above) and replied, “In September of each year the district presents to the school board their ‘unaudited actuals’. This financial report reflects the district’s final year end closing from the previous June (end of the financial year). The numbers I gave you are from that. Those numbers are what the district had left over from the previous year. Money not spent. That’s a fact – straight from their reporting.”

“The December (which Liz references) and March interim reports are estimates based on what the district says they are going to do. The September report is what they did,” Carson continued. “What they really spent. For example, last year the district said they would have $7 million in unrestricted funds left over in their December interim report but in September they had $34 million!!!!! Their estimate was way off. I will bet you a soda it will be way off again come September 2024. On top of all that, the district received an 8.22% COLA increase!!!”

“If this was a one-year bad projection, we would understand. It happens every year and it’s just getting worse. I will attach the ending balances over the past few years. You can only get burned so many times before you stop believing them. It’s frustrating. We want the students of Antioch to have quality educators in every classroom. Our proposals are fair attempts at making that happen. We are by no means trying to break the bank – not even close,” Carson concluded.

The teachers’ rally will be held from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Auto Center Drive and Century Blvd.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) has developed a five-year strategic plan to help shape the future direction of the state park system and the many recreational and conservation programs that serve California’s communities.

Named Path Forward, the strategic plan aligns with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Equity Executive Order N-16-22, 30X30 and Outdoor Access for All initiatives and will guide State Parks in strengthening operations to focus on key priorities and directing energy and resources toward meeting the goals and objectives. The themes, goals, and objectives in the plan are based on the foundational elements of access, inclusivity, and equity to provide optimal public service, strengthen partnership development, and empower the department’s workforce.

“The Path Forward strategic plan is about resilience and focusing on how we prepare the department for the century ahead,” stated State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “California needs these natural and cultural resources for everyone’s wellbeing. State Parks leadership, employees, and partners are committed to caring for your California. This is where you live.”

An employee workgroup composed of more than 100 frontline staff, managers, and supervisors representing all field regions, headquarters, and all program areas, was assembled to develop the Path Forward Plan. The vision, themes, goals, objectives, and core values were created and refined over several virtual meetings and reviewed by a partner and stakeholder advisory committee, employees, commissions, and executive staff along the way.

The input and perspective of stakeholders and partners helped to inform the final version of the plan and to ensure that the future of State Parks reflects the diverse experiences and priorities represented in the State of California.

Two factors set Path Forward apart from previous change efforts. Department staff from all levels developed the plan with input from partners, rather than an executive team taking a top-down approach. The second factor will begin in winter 2024 and involves an actionable implementation plan led by a committee made up of key leaders representing all program areas. The implementation plan includes interdisciplinary teams to carry out and manage projects tied to the goals and objectives of the plan. These teams will use a designated project management tool to develop specific plans, timelines, and evaluation metrics to achieve each goal. The teams will provide regular progress and status updates.

By using this strategic plan as a guide, a course of action has been developed to support State Parks in meeting challenges. The plan will also create new strategies for institutional growth and optimization.

With 280 park units, California’s State Park System is a world-class network of incomparable lands, waters, and features vitally important to the well-being of the state’s environment, economy, and people. State Parks manages these precious natural and cultural resources while providing hundreds of recreational and conservation programs and services for millions of Californians and visitors from all over the world.

The Path Forward Plan is available in English and is translatable to several other languages at parks.ca.gov/PathForward.

Two dispensers will serve fuel-cell electric vehicles.

By Allen D. Payton

At their Jan. 17, 2024, meeting, the Antioch Planning Commission approved the use permit for a hydrogen fuel dispensing facility by Chevron at the existing gas station at 2413 A Street. The two hydrogen dispensers will serve fuel-cell electric vehicles.

Under agenda Item 7-1, Chevron requested a Use Permit, Variance and Design Review approval for a hydrogen fuel dispensing facility which will consist of hydrogen storage, associated equipment, two hydrogen dispensers located under a canopy, new landscaping, and stormwater control facilities. A variance is requested to reduce the minimum setback requirements of the canopy from 20 feet to 10 feet.

Eric Snelling, Senior Principal Planner for Stantec Consulting Services, gave a PowerPoint presentation of the hydrogen program, project overview, safety systems and operational components. He stated that Chevron was excited to bring hydrogen fueling to Antioch.

According to the City staff report on the item, “The hydrogen fuel dispensing facility does not involve the use of hazardous substances and is not in an environmentally sensitive area.”

The proposed project consists of the construction of a hydrogen fueling station at the eastern portion of the existing Chevron gas station. The project will provide two hydrogen dispensers under a new canopy, hydrogen storage and compression compound, a hydrogen offload panel and new electrical service. The compound will be enclosed by a combination of concrete masonry block wall and louvered metal fencing. The new enclosed area will cover approximately 1,750 square feet. Additionally, the project includes paving areas that are currently gravel, and installing new frontage landscaping.

The hydrogen fueling station would operate during the hours of the existing convenience store and gas station. Cars that use hydrogen to operate are called fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). FCEVs are similar to electric vehicles except that they get their power from hydrogen. Like electric vehicles, they use an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine like gasoline powered vehicles. While electric vehicles run on batteries that need to be plugged in for recharging FCEVs generate their own electricity onboard in their fuel cells. Within a fuel cell, hydrogen is combined with oxygen (O2) from ambient air. The process generates electricity, heat, and water as its byproducts. As a result, it can power the electric motor without any greenhouse gas emissions. The only emissions released from the vehicle are water and heat.

Fueling an FCEV is similar to fueling a gasoline powered vehicle. First, tanker trucks designed to deliver gaseous hydrogen arrive at the site. At first, it is anticipated that this would occur approximately once a week but would increase as FCEVs become more common. At most, vehicles would make one delivery a day. Gaseous hydrogen is delivered from the truck through a connection to the supply cabinet. The system then transfers the gas to the storage tubes. When a vehicle arrives, the station module transfers the hydrogen from the storage tubes to the dispenser. The storage module is connected to and controlled by the station module via valve panels. The valve panel has a built-in jet fire protection panel, double block and bleed valves and other safety features. The equipment required for fueling is integrated into the station module, which is also connected to the dispenser. The dispenser looks similar to a standard gasoline dispenser but is about one third the footprint because only type of hydrogen is dispensed, as opposed to various grades of gasoline. The dispenser includes safety features that detect physical problems and would automatically shut off.

Why is Chevron Developing H2 Stations?

According to Chevron’s presentation, the company is developing H2 stations “To meet the California Air Resource Board Low Carbon Fuel Standards and to support Advanced Clean Fleets. Through its AB 8 program, the State of California co-funds the deployment of at least 100 hydrogen fueling stations to enable the launch of a consumer FCEV market. CARB provides annual evaluations of the status of deployment of fueling stations and FCEVs and analysis of needs for further development. CARB also coordinates with the California Energy Commission to annually report on the progress metrics of the Commission-led station funding program. In order to develop its recommendations for areas that require further hydrogen station development, CARB developed the California Hydrogen Infrastructure Tool (CHIT), a geospatial analysis tool built on publicly vetted data and methodologies.”

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “California is leading the nation in building hydrogen fueling stations for FCEVs. As of mid-2021, 47 retail hydrogen stations were open to the public in California, as well as one in Hawaii, and 55 more were in various stages of construction or planning in California. These stations are serving over 8,000 FCEVs.

California continues to provide funding toward building hydrogen infrastructure through its Clean Transportation Program. The California Energy Commission is authorized to allocate up to $20 million per year through 2023 and is investing in an initial 100 public stations to support and encourage these zero-emission vehicles.”

Planning Commissioners Vote 4-0 to Approve

In response to questions by commissioners, Snelling explained that the hydrogen fueling network was guided by the state air resources board program and they looked at existing assets that could accommodate the use and provide adequate supply. He also stated there were no other hydrogen stations in Antioch and noted the idea was to bring in hydrogen based on demand.

The Planning Commission members present unanimously adopted a resolution approving the Use Permit, Variance, and Design Review application subject to the attached conditions of approval (DR20230006, UP-2023-0003, VAR2023-0008) with the additional condition of approval, including to direct the applicant to work with staff regarding native plant species as well as the addition of native plant species and vegetation to the screen wall.

The motion carried the following vote:

AYES: Jones, Hills, Lutz, Riley; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Martin, Gutilla

Spending $1.74 million for additional staffing, awarding $50K in Civic Enhancement Grants

Before regular Tuesday meeting will receive presentation on state open meeting law, again discuss hiring new city manager during closed session

By Allen D. Payton

During their regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, the Antioch City Council will consider adopting an ordinance banning advertising or organizing an illegal street race, sideshow or reckless driving exhibition on or in a public highway or offstreet parking facility. They will also consider spending $1.94 million for additional staffing and a Water Park Maintenance Fund and awarding $50,000 in Civic Enhancement Grants.

Before the regular meeting, at 5:00 p.m. the council and city staff will hear a presentation on the state’s Brown Act open meeting law, by Christopher Diaz of the Best Best & Krieger law firm, reminding them what they can and can’t do regarding serial meetings, matters allowed to be discussed during closed sessions, reporting out of closed session and their use of social media. Then during closed session beginning at 6:00 p.m. the council will once again discuss hiring a permanent city manager and one current lawsuit and two potential lawsuits.

Ban on Advertising or Organizing Illegal Street Races, Sideshows, Reckless Driving Exhibitions

Although during the Nov. 14, 2023, meeting, the council majority opposed making it illegal to be a spectator at a sideshow, the council will consider under Item 4 of the regular meeting agenda, make advertising or organizing an illegal street race, sideshow, or reckless driving exhibition on or in a public highway or offstreet parking facility a violation of the Antioch Municipal Code.

According to the City staff report on the item, “The California Vehicle Code (CVC) criminalizes engaging in motor vehicle speed contests, speed exhibitions, and reckless driving, including aiding and abetting these activities. Under state law, violators are guilty of a misdemeanor and face penalties including up to 90 days in jail, a fine of $1,000, or both, 40 hours of community service, and suspension of a perpetrator’s driver’s license for three to six months. Increased penalties are imposed on repeat violators or violations resulting in serious bodily injury.

Despite law enforcement efforts to enforce the existing State regulations, the City’s streets have been the site of continuing illegal sideshows, speed contests, and exhibitions of speed over several years. These events attract spectators. The presence of spectators encourages street racing to continue, which creates a public nuisance that generates noise, air pollution, an increase in traffic accidents, property crimes and damage, personal injuries, deaths, and calls for law enforcement and emergency medical services.

California DMV reported a significant increase in 2021 in the number of reckless driving citations statewide and an 80% increase in excessive speed violations. The California Highway Patrol has reported as of May 2023 that, in the past five years, 264 collisions statewide attributed to street racing and sideshows, resulting in 30 fatalities and 124 serious injuries. Therefore, illegal street racing poses an imminent risk to the health and safety of participants, spectators, and the general public.

The Ordinance attempts to discourage illegal sideshows, street races, and exhibitions of speed within the City, by regulating the organizing or advertising of such activities. The following activities would be specifically prohibited:

• Knowingly organizing a street race, sideshow, reckless driving exhibition, or exhibition of speed conducted within the City on a public street, highway, or in an offstreet parking facility.

• Advertising, within the City, a street race, sideshow, or exhibition of speed conducted or to be conducted in the City on a public street, highway, or in an offstreet parking facility.

• Advertising online, including on social media, a street race, sideshow, or exhibition of speed conducted or to be conducted in the City on a public street, highway or in an offstreet parking facility.

The Ordinance targets a clear, limited population and gives proper notice to individuals as to which activities are lawful and which activities are unlawful. Furthermore, illegal street racing can generate significant revenue for organizers and advertisers. Advertising illegal activity is not constitutionally protected speech. The Ordinance includes proper exclusions to prevent interference with or inhibition of any lawful exercise of constitutionally protected rights of freedom of press and freedom of speech.”

Consent Calendar

Under the Consent Calendar Item F, the council will receive the City of Antioch Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023.

Awards for Civic Enhancement Grants

Then, under Item M. of the Consent Calendar the council will consider approving the award of $50,000 in the 2023-24 Civic Enhancement Grant Program. The program supports community events and improvement projects that originate with non-profit organizations. At the Regular Meeting of January 18, 2024, the Parks and Recreation Commission voted to recommend funding and the City staff is recommending the City Council approve a:

• $2,500 grant plus approximately $2,300 of in-kind City facility services to the Antioch Rotary Club;
• $1,500 grant to Be Exceptional for Funds to Expand Youth Programs for people with disabilities;
• $1,500 grant to Cancer Support Community to provide support and services to people and families impacted by cancer;
• $3,000 grant plus approximately $5,000 of in-kind City facility services to Celebrate Antioch Foundation to provide community special events in Rivertown;
• $1,000 grant plus approximately $3,900 of in-kind City facility services to Contra Costa Legal Services for informational sessions on avoiding fraud and scams at the Antioch Senior Center;
• $8,000 grant to Delta Learning Center for tutoring services primarily for elementary school students in English/ Language Arts;
• $3,000 grant to El Campanil Theater
• $2,000 grant plus approximately $1,500 of in-kind City facility services to Facing Homelessness to provide supplies and resources to the unhoused;
• $3,000 grant to Grace Closet for Expansion of Community Resource and Health Fair;
• $1,500 grant to Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa to provide food for families, seniors, unhoused residents, and veterans;
• $8,000 grant plus approximately $300 of in-kind City facility services to New Generation Equity/STEAM4Real for Providing Sports/ Athletic activities for the community;
• $2,500 grant to the Police Activities League (PAL) to provide Sports/ Athletic activities for the community;
• $5,500 grant to RR Transitional Housing for the Youth Empowerment Monthly Seminar;
• $4,500 grant to SHARE Community for the Mobile Shower and Hygiene Service Program; and
• $1,500 grant to This Active Art for free art activities for the community.

Budget Amendments

Under agenda Item 6 the council will consider approving amendments to the 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscal year budgets for staffing and other items totaling $1,941,673 as discussed during their meeting on Nov. 28, 2023 meeting. The budget additions will fund the following:

• Assistant to the City Manager – $279,125
• Human Resources Specialist reclassification – $31,333
• 5 Community Service Officers (Police) – $824,339
• 2 Dispatchers (Police) – $386,807
• Office Assistant (Animal Services) – $118,711
• Animal Services Techinician (Animal Services) – $101,358; and
• Water Park Maintenance Fund – $200,000.

Read the entire meeting agenda, here.

The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers inside City Hall at 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. It can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast local cable channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99. To speak during public comments at either the beginning or end or the meeting or on any agenda item, you must be present at the meeting.

The difference of $275 million will pay for interest; voters will decide on bonds adding $41 to $48 for each $100,000 in value per year for 35 years; survey shows 75% of voters believe things on wrong track in Antioch area

By Allen D. Payton

Following the narrow defeat of Antioch Unified School District’s Measure T in November 2020 asking voters for $110 million in improvements, this past November, the Antioch School Board voted unanimously to place a $195 million bond on the March 5th ballot. It is listed as Measure B and if passed will generate $13.5 million per year for the next 35 years. According  to Ballotpedia, Measure T lost by less than a half-percent receiving 54.62% of the vote, with 55% required to pass.

That followed a presentation by EMC research at the board’s October 25, 2023, meeting which showed that a survey of 500 voters of which 400 were likely March primary voters, 75% felt that things in the Antioch area are generally going in the wrong direction, 69% said taxes are too high, 59% don’t trust the AUSD to properly handle tax dollars, but 64% believe it’s important to have high-quality, local public schools even if it means raising taxes and 81% agreed AUSD schools were in need of  more funding.

However, the survey also showed just slightly over 55% of voters would support the bond after receiving information about it. Then when read an opposition statement which includes “This would cost the average homeowner $130 per year” the support decreased to just 51%. The recommendation by the survey consultants was for “A strong, independent outreach effort…emphasizing the accountability features if the measure along with how it will provide for necessary and overdue repairs and enhanced student safety.”

Official Ballot Language

The official ballot language for the measure reads, “To upgrade classrooms, labs and learning technology, improve school safety and emergency communications, repair leaky roofs and restrooms, upgrade heating, air-conditioning, electrical and plumbing systems, and make accessibility upgrades for people with disabilities; shall Antioch Unified School District’s measure be adopted, issuing $195,000,000 in bonds at legal interest rates, generating an average $13,500,000 annually until approximately 2059, at estimated tax rates of approximately $48 per $100,000 assessed value with annual audits, citizen’s oversight, and all funds staying local?”

According to the Tax Rate Statement for Measure B in the Voter Guide, there are no district-wide bonds currently outstanding that are being paid by taxpayers. However, voters in Antioch’s School Facilities District 1, have approved two separate bonds that remain outstanding including the 2008 Measure C to improve schools in the older part of the district and the 2012 Measure B which was specifically for improvements to Antioch High School. Both measures currently cost property owners $80.10 per $100,000 of assessed value. Measure C bonds will be paid off by the end of the 2035-36 tax year and the 2012 Measure B bonds will be repaid by the end of tax year 2046-47.

The proposed bond will add $41 to $48 per $100,000 in assessed value more per year to property tax bills. That amounts to $143.50 to $168 per year for a home valued at $350,000 and $246 to $288 more per year for a home valued at $600,000.

So, if the measure succeeds, property owners in Facilities District 1 will pay between $125.10 per $100,000 in assessed value for all three bonds through 2035-36, then $70.90 per $100,000 value until 2046-47.

Also, according to the Tax Rate Statement, “the best estimate of total debt service, including principal and interest” over the 35 years “if all the bonds are issued and sold will be approximately $470 million”.

Schools To Be Improved

According to information about this year’s Measure B, on the bond measures page on the AUSD website and the Jan. 24, 2024 Update Presentation the funds generated will be used to improve schools throughout the district. They include: Belshaw, Carmen Dragon, Diablo Vista, Fremont, Jack London, John Muir, Kimball, Lone Tree, Marsh, Mission, Mno Grant, Sutter and Turner Elementary Schools; Orchard Park K-8; Antioch, Black Diamond, Dallas Ranch and Park Middle Schools, as well as Antioch, Deer Valley and Dozier-Libbey Medical High Schools.

Proposed Improvements

The improvements covered by the $195 million include approximately:

$148.42 million for Safety & Security

$28.93 million for Upgrades & Improvements, and

$19.4 million for Enhancements

A message on the bond measures page offers additional details about the proposed improvements. It reads, “Antioch schools do not receive any funds from the state for facility improvements. Constant use and changing education needs require significant upgrades –way beyond our District budget. In the March 2024 election, voters in the Antioch Unified School District will be asked whether to approve a school facilities bond. This page contains information related to the proposed bond measure.

This bond has one goal: Improving the quality of Antioch Schools!!!

While there have been improvements in the quality of our schools over the past few years, the fact remains that our schools are old. Classrooms and restrooms need modernization, electrical systems are outdated, and HVAC and roofs are at the end of their life. Schools built years ago need significant updating.

Many of our schools are 60-70 years old. The Board of Education approved a bond measure to be placed on the ballot in March 2024 to address the most pressing needs of our district:

• Remove hazardous materials like asbestos and lead paint from school sites
• Repair or replace old worn-out roofs, floors, walkways, lighting, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems
• Improve school security and emergency communications systems
• Update instructional technology in classrooms for improved student learning
• Renovate restrooms to make them accessible for students with disabilities
• Upgrade and repair physical education facilities and playground equipment to meet current safety standards
• Make repairs and energy efficiency improvements to all schools
• Free up resources to improve the quality of classroom instruction in core subjects like reading, math, and science to prepare students for success in college and careers

This bond will update our aging schools, technology, and equipment. It will protect the health, safety, and security of AUSD students and staff. It will also:

• Add TK-K classrooms at John Muir Elementary
• Add a new gymnasium and cafeteria at Orchard Park
• Replace old portables with a new two-story building of classrooms at Park Middle School
• Modernize the gymnasium at Antioch Middle School”

To see renderings and a list of proposed improvements for each school click, here.

Part of the outreach effort includes a sample letter for principals to send out addressed to parents and neighbors, on the District’s bond measures page. It also includes a mailer sent to homes this week paid for by Improve Antioch Schools/Yes on Measure B. According to campaign committee member, Velma Wilson, they have not yet set up a Facebook page nor website for the effort.

A “yes” vote for Measure B supports authorizing the district to issue the $195 million in bonds for school improvements and levy a property tax and a “no” vote opposes the assessment. There is no organized opposition to the ballot measure and only an argument in favor appears in the Voter Guide signed by Scott Bergerhouse, Christine Pedraza, Louie Rocha and Velma Wilson.

The election is March 5th.