One suspect has history of arrests dating back to 2016

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Two men face felony charges in connection with the death of a 25-year-old woman, Mykaelle Sharlman, whose body was found burned near a trail in Antioch. (See related articles here, here and here)

41-year-old Deangelo Laraye Boone of Antioch and 32-year-old Ashton Kentrell Montalvo of either Bay Point or Antioch, both face a two-count felony complaint for arson and mutilation. Montalvo has two special allegations due to a prior conviction for first degree residential burglary.

According to localcrimenews.com Montalvo has a history of arrests by multiple agencies dating back to 2016, including for grand theft, stolen vehicles, burglary-related crimes and assault with a deadly weapon.

Both Montalvo and Boone were arraigned on Thursday, October 27th in Martinez. Additional charges could be filed as more information and evidence is acquired.

Antioch Police are still investigating the circumstances wherein Sharlman’s badly burned body was found on the Mokelumne bike/pedestrian Trail near Gentrytown Drive on October 17, 2022. Contact Antioch Police Detective, Bill Whitaker at (925) 779-2441 or email at wwhitaker@antiochca.gov if you have any information about this case.

Case #04-22-01085 | The People of the State of California vs. Boone, Deangelo Laraye

Case #04-22-01086 | The People of the State of California vs. Montalvo, Ashton Kentrell

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report

Torres-Walker claims man shoved Thorpe aggressively, “attempted to punch” him; City’s PIO, Thorpe issue one-sided statement hour later; Antioch Police investigating; Chamber executive corrects reporting by Bay Area media

Allen D. Payton

Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe is accusing a man of punching him in the chest, Tuesday afternoon, following an event at which Thorpe spoke. The accused man, who chose to remain anonymous, says it was Thorpe who escalated the situation and he didn’t punch the mayor. That was later confirmed by District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker saying the man pushed Thorpe aggressively. Yet, about an hour later, the city’s contracted public information officer, Rolando Bonilla was already speaking with, and Thorpe had issued a statement about the incident, to Bay Area media, which only reported the mayor’s side of the story.

Thorpe was one of two speakers at the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s first State of Business luncheon at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center, held earlier, beginning at 12:00 p.m. and ending at 1:45 p.m. (See related article)

The incident occurred sometime between 2:05 and 2:25 p.m. in the center’s north parking lot, according to the man who said he was at the golf course to distribute fliers for an upcoming community event. He said he later arrived at his doctor’s office in the nearby Bluerock Center at 2:28 p.m.

Thorpe issued the following statement about the alleged incident to KRON-4 News:

“I can confirm that the reports of my being punched at an event today are true. After giving a speech at a luncheon hosted by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, I was aggressively approached by an older white male in his late 50’s. When it became clear that he was seeking a confrontation, I asked him to leave. As I attempted to walk away, the man punched me in the chest and was attempting to punch me a second time, but was not able to land his blow, as bystanders intervened to help me. Although shaken up, I am doing well. Violence has absolutely no place in the public discourse and will never be tolerated. My hope is that this individual is arrested and prosecuted. I would like to thank the bystanders who intervened for putting their own safety at risk to help me. I will never forget their kindness and support. I will be at tonight’s regularly scheduled meeting of the Antioch City Council.”

The man admitted starting the verbal spat with Thorpe but, denies punching him and said the mayor approached him and got in his face.

“I said to him, ‘nice to see you coming out of hiding’,” referring to Thorpe missing the last council meeting and leaving the previous one early. “He said, ‘I wasn’t in hiding’. Then Lamar walked up to me, got in my face and I asked him to please get out of my personal space. He didn’t, so I put my hand on his chest. I didn’t punch him. If I shoved him, it wasn’t very hard,” the man stated. “Then he called me a bigot. I didn’t say anything about his race.”

He claimed the verbal altercation was a continuation of an incident during this year’s Antioch July 4th event while he and his wife were listening to one of the bands perform and Thorpe approached him shook his hand aggressively and asked about the recall signature gathering – which had failed two months before – and for which the man says he signed one of the petitions.

According to a report by eastcountytoday.net, “multiple witnesses have confirmed that no punches were thrown during the heated verbal exchange with one stating it could have been observed as a ‘hard push’ after the mayor got in the male’s face yelling at him. Another witness said no push even occurred but both men were in each other’s faces.”

Antioch Police Investigating

Asked for any details about the incident, Antioch Police Public Information Officer Darryl Saffold responded, “We aren’t releasing any details beyond all parties involved and all witnesses that were present are being interviewed or will be later interviewed. (The) investigation is active and ongoing.”

Asked for information once it’s available Saffold responded, “Not really anything to say. We will conduct the investigation and it will be sent to the DA’s office for review. It was an alleged misdemeanor not committed in the presence of an officer. We get statements and evidence and present it to the DA.”

No Cameras in Parking Lot

According to Lone Tree Golf Pro and General Manager Ron Parish, there are surveillance cameras inside the building, and the footage was reviewed. But there are no cameras in or pointing at the parking lot where the alleged incident occurred.

Chamber Says Accused Man Did Not Attend Event

Some Bay Area TV stations, including KRON-4, which published Bonilla’s comments and Thorpe’s statement about the incident at 3:21 p.m., and KTVU FOX-2 are claiming the incident occurred at the Chamber’s event and/or the accused man attended it. To clarify matters Antioch Chamber President and Executive Director Daniel Sohn stated, “This had nothing to do with the event. But it is overshadowing it. It was a nice event.”

“I and Ron Parish got pulled into a meeting by police officers. We were contacted by four witnesses,” Sohn explained.

“The Chamber is disappointed to learn about the incident that took place after the luncheon event,” he continued. “We don’t know what occurred, but one of the individuals involved did not attend the luncheon. The Chamber of Commerce does not condone any violence at all.”

“We will be cooperating with the police in their investigation,” Sohn added.

Questions for Thorpe, Bonilla, Torres-Walker

Thorpe was asked via email Tuesday night, “Did you approach him in the parking lot during a verbal dispute? If so, why didn’t you just walk away and de-escalate the situation as you want our police officers to do?”

He was also asked if the July 4th incident occur and for his version of it.

Finally, Thorpe was asked, “Other than Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, who were the other people with you and witnessed the alleged incident?”

Bonilla was asked if he had attended the Chamber event, if he was with Thorpe at the time of the alleged incident and if not, how could he confirm to the media that the incident occurred the way he claims.

He was then asked, “Are you the city’s or the mayor’s public information officer?”

Bonilla was also asked if he obtained the other side of the story and speak with the accused man before he confirmed Thorpe’s claims about the alleged incident.

In addition, Torres-Walker who the KRON-4 News report claims Bonilla said she “broke up the altercation”, was asked if she saw the man punch Thorpe in the chest.

She was also asked, “What exactly did you witness that occurred between the two men? What did you do or say to break up the altercation?”

In addition, Torres-Walker was asked if she recalled what time the alleged incident occurred, if she spoke with Bonilla following the alleged incident and what did she tell him.

Torres-Walker Confirms Thorpe Not Punched, Claims He Was Shoved Aggressively

At the end of Tuesday night’s council meeting Torres-Walker said, “My shoulder hurts, tonight. Today, I had to step in between Lamar Thorpe the mayor…the man. This man shoved him aggressively in the chest and attempted to punch him. Three women had to jump in the middle.”

She said the man was questioning Thorpe’s absence during the previous two council meetings, and that he was quoting a Herald article about it.

“The mayor said, ‘this conversation is over’ but it was not over,” Torres-Walker continued. “Even after three women broke it up, this man continued to aggressively pursue the mayor, the man, Lamar Thorpe.”

Thorpe was then emailed one more question in light of what Torres-Walker said asking if he still stands by his claim that the man punched him in the chest.

Neither Thorpe nor Bonilla responded by 9:15 AM Wednesday.

Wednesday morning Thorpe was emailed a few more questions asking about him calling the man a bigot. “Is that true? Did he say something about your race or skin color? If not, why would you call him that for asking you about ‘coming out of hiding’ after you had missed part or all of the past two council meetings?”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Extends current contract by 22 months, includes severance package, will be paid $266,400 annual salary

“Tonight’s process degrades the city manager’s position to little more than a political patronage job,” – resident Dr. Jeffrey Klingler

Approves new Travis Credit Union building; contractor for mental health response team, naming it after Angelo Quinto

By Allen D. Payton

With only two weeks before the November election, during their meeting Tuesday night, Oct. 25, 2022, the Antioch City Council on a 3-2 vote appointed Interim City Manager Cornelius “Con” Johnson as the permanent city manager for another 22 months. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock dissented.

According to the staff report, the initial term of the agreement will be for a period of 24 months beginning 12:00 a.m., October 26, 2022, and shall continue until 12:00 a.m., October 26, 2024. Johnson’s prior contract, which is set to expire on December 12, 2022, expired at midnight and will be superseded by the new agreement.

Selects Mental Health Crisis Response Team Pilot Program Contractor

In addition, on a 5-0 vote, the council selected the Felton Institute to provide non-police community crisis intervention services. According to the city staff report, “The Crisis Antioch Response Team (CART) Pilot Program will operate for a minimum two-year duration. The program’s estimated cost per the program design forecast by Urban Strategies Council is between $1.8 and $2.2 million per year. Per Antioch City Council action on April 12, 2022, American Recue Plan Act (ARPA) funding has been allocated for this specified purpose in the total amount of $3.6M. The final fee is yet to be negotiated and will be captured in the final agreement for City Council action.”

The program will establish “a 24-hour community crisis intervention response model for Antioch residents” which is intended “to improve the City’s response to behavioral health, quality of life and lower acuity calls.”

The council authorized “the City Manager to enter into negotiations with the Felton Institute regarding the final scope of work and fee associated for the City’s Crisis Antioch Response Team (CART) Pilot Program.” The Professional Services Agreement will be presented to the city council for final review and approval.

During council discussion District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson asked that the program be named the Angelo Quinto Response Team instead.

“I want to say to the Quinto family, you lost your son, that’s how we got here,” District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker said. “Your loss has spurred some change, but it didn’t have to happen.”

“I haven’t found an officer who doesn’t want this,” Thorpe said. “They didn’t sign up to be clinicians, counselors and they didn’t sign up to be teachers, so we’re not putting them in our schools, either.”

Torres-Walker, Ogorchock and Wilson said they would support the renaming.

Barbanica said, “I understand why we’re doing this. What I don’t want is between the officers and individuals they’re working with, friction. But I want to be very straightforward that the Antioch Police Department has been cleared of any wrongdoing. That being said, yes, I will support that.”

Thorpe added his support to renaming the program. Wilson then made a motion to approve selecting the Felton Institute and naming it the Angelo Quinto Crisis Response Team and it passed unanimously.

Later during public comments on another item, Katherine Wade, who claims her son, Malad Baldwin, took his life following an incident with Antioch Police officers in which she says they beat him, said the program name should remain CART and not be named for Quinto. During general, public comments at the end of the meeting Antioch resident Lacey Brown said she agreed with Wade.

Approve New Building for Travis Credit Union

In other action, on a 5-0 vote the council approved the final development plan for a new Travis Credit Union building at 3500 Hillcrest Avenue, just east of the Hillcrest Professional Center. According to the city staff report, “The subject site is a 1.48-acre vacant parcel. The project scope includes the construction of a new 3,525 square foot bank building with a drive-up ATM. Site improvements include the construction of a new parking lot, site lighting, landscaping and stormwater detention basins. The site will have 27 off-street parking spaces. Operating hours are proposed to be 10 am-5:30 pm, Monday – Friday, 10 am – 2 pm on Saturday and closed on Sundays. There will be a total of 11 full-time employees on a typical shift.”

City Manager Appointment

Before voting on Johnson’s contract appointing him as the permanent city manager, Ogorchock asked, “Since we didn’t get to that, do we have to table this?”

“That’s placed there as a courtesy,” Thorpe said. “You can ask your questions in public.”

“No one can say he’s the best candidate…because this council didn’t engage in a fair, open and equitable, professionally managed process,” resident Dr. Jeffrey Klingler said. “Tonight’s process degrades the city manager’s position to little more than a political patronage job. He deserves more than that and more importantly the city deserves more than that.”

“You can table this item and do a proper search for a city manager,” he added.

Five people spoke in favor of Johnson’s appointment including Pittsburg resident Willie Mims and Contra Costa County 2022 Humanitarian of the Year Gigi Crowder, Frank Sterling and Patricia Granados.

“You have not given us a process to get the best candidate. I don’t know you, Mr. Johnson,” said District 1 Council candidate Diane Gibson-Gray. “In less than 13 days and one hour you could have a new council up there. He has a contract through 12-12. I don’t understand the rush.”

A resident named Johnny Walker spoke via Zoom saying, “I really have a problem with this appointment of the city manager. He’s very inexperienced. Since it was the mayor’s idea, the mayor’s appointment, he campaigned for the mayor. The mayor has been making some really bad decisions, and this is one of them. Mr. Johnson spent $30,000 on bouncy houses.”

“It smells like there’s burning here,” City Clerk Ellie Householder then said.

“Oh, maybe someone set my car on fire,” Thorpe responded.

Public comments on the city manager’s appointment then continued.

“It’s a relief to have someone that understands something that happened to me,” Sterling said. “I’m not saying Mr. Johnson has sat down and had a heart to heart…with me. We can find someone probably better. I don’t know if we can or not. Let’s give this man a chance. Congratulations, sir. Welcome to your new appointment. I wish you luck and to the city.”

“I’m excited the direction the City of Antioch is going in,” Granados said. “Wait until after the next election? That’s the problem. No. We don’t have time to wait. Policies need to be put in place. The right money needs to be spent. We don’t need to wait until after the next election.”

During council discussion, Thorpe sought input from the council saying, “In discussion with the city manager, he discussed a two-year term.”

He then recommended a two-year contract at Step C for Johnson’s annual salary of $266,400.

Torres-Walker made the motion, Wilson seconded it.

Ogorchock then made a substitute motion, “That we have an open process and send it out.”

“I don’t think you can make that motion because this is on the contract,” Thorpe said.

“That is correct. You can vote this down and talk about that on another item,” City Attorney Thomas L. Smith said.

The motion then passed 3-2 with Barbanica and Ogorchock voting against.

During the Council Communications portion of the meeting, Torres-Walker took the opportunity to issue one of her periodic, racially filled, vitriolic diatribes – this time prepared in writing – in which she took swipes at her two election opponents, Diane Gibson-Gray and Joy Motts, local media, Barbanica and Ogorchock, but praised Wilson.

Householder then announced that Thorpe had postponed the next regular council meeting scheduled for Election Night, Nov. 8th until Tuesday, Nov. 15th.

“Don’t Drive Impaired” campaign runs through Sept. 30, 2023

By Katy Goodson, Information Officer, California Highway Patrol Office of the Commissioner

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) are partnering on a new year-long campaign of education and enforcement efforts aimed at reducing the number of crashes caused by impaired drivers.  The grant-funded “Don’t Drive Impaired” campaign runs through September 30, 2023.

In 2020, 669 people were killed and 10,646 were injured in driving under the influence crashes^[i] within the CHP’s jurisdiction.  Each one of these injuries and deaths represents a preventable tragedy, and a continued need to focus efforts on reducing impaired driving. 

“Law enforcement throughout the state continues to do their part by removing impaired drivers from the roadway,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray.  “Reducing impaired driving through education and enforcement remains a high priority, and this campaign provides us another opportunity to further that goal.  It is never worth the risk to drive impaired.  Always designate a sober driver.”

The OTS grant provides the CHP with funding to conduct additional saturation patrols, DUI checkpoints, and traffic safety education efforts throughout California.  These efforts are designed to remove DUI drivers from the roadway and educate the public about the dangers of impaired driving.  Additionally, the CHP will actively participate in California’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over efforts.

The CHP reminds the public, “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Alcohol.”  Cannabis, impairing medications, illegal drugs, or any combination can affect a driver’s ability to drive, and will result in an arrest for those who are found to be under the influence.  Always designate a sober driver, take public transportation, or use a taxi or ride-share.  There is always a better option than getting behind the wheel while impaired.

Additionally, the CHP would like to remind the public to call 9-1-1 if they observe a suspected DUI driver.  Be prepared to provide the dispatcher a location, direction of travel, and vehicle description.

If you have questions regarding impaired driving, please contact your local CHP Area office.

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

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

[1] DUI Primary Collision Factor crashes within CHP jurisdiction, according to CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.

 

Assemblywoman Wilson, Mayor Thorpe share what their governments are doing for business; he commits $100K to Chamber

Chamber Exec shares about his organization’s achievements and future plans

By Allen D. Payton

During its first State of Business luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2022, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce honored Economic Development Director Kwame Reed presenting him with a plaque recognizing his efforts over the past five years. The event held at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Cente, was co-sponsored by PG&E and attended by about 60 people. It replaced the annual State of the City luncheon which hasn’t occurred for a few years due to the response to COVID-19, Chamber Executive Director Daniel Sohn shared.

During his presentation, Mike McGill, the Chamber’s Economic Development Chair spoke about Reed’s contributions to Antioch’s economy followed by comments by Mayor Lamar Thorpe.

“After the economic downturn when I was a councilmember, Kwame’s position was one of the first positions we invested in,” Thorpe stated.

McGill then presented Reed with the plaque and gave him the opportunity to say a few words.

“It’s refreshing to be acknowledged for all the hard work,” Reed responded. “There’s a lot more work that needs to be done. I look forward to working with you all and with Daniel and the spark of energy that he’s brought…that wants to inspire you.”

Assemblywoman Lori Wilson was the event’s keynote speaker.

“It’s my job to improve the quality of life,” she said “Every person has a right to a high quality of life…to define what that looks like for themselves. My job…is to facilitate that.”

“When we support a marginalized community, we support everyone,” Wilson shared, referring to work for the Black community as the incoming Chair of the Assembly Black Caucus.

“We had an almost $100 billion surplus, this year,” Wilson stated. “The money…is still being allocated.

She mentioned, “$250 million for small business COVID supplemental cost paid sick leave. This comes from the increase in federal funds.”

“Every business has been changed by the pandemic. Some have been forever changed,” the Assemblywoman continued, then spoke of a “fee waiver program for new businesses, to waive filing fees with the Secretary of State.”

“We are here for you to do well. It’s a quality of life issue,” she shared. “Businesses are important. We want businesses to stay in California. There are people in the legislature working hard to ensure it’s business friendly.”

“I want to encourage you as business owners who support and provide jobs in our community…every single employee is vital to your business and our community,” Wilson said. “I look forward to continue serving you in this district and the greater Bay Area.”

Wilson, who won a special election in April to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Jim Frazier, is running for a full term, pointed out that if re-elected she will no longer represent Antioch due to redistricting. But Wilson said she will continue to work with the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.

She was then presented with a clock as a thank you for speaking at the event.

Sohn shared some of the Chamber’s achievements, this year and the organization’s future plans.

“In May 2022 the Chamber became an advocacy member…focusing on tourism and economic development… working to change the state mandates that are not good for business,” he stated. “That means taking the fight to our state legislature.”

“In May, the Chamber also started on the path to become the third official visitors and convention bureau in the county,” he continued. “It will focus on three industries – hotels, hospitality, restaurants and recreation and parks.”
“We want to become a California Welcome Center,” Sohn shared which will bring “$1 million for this community” from state funds.

“In August the Chamber launched the Small Business Investment Center in partnership with Travis Credit Union,” he continued. “We are still taking intakes for that program. Those interested in starting a business should visit contracostasbdc.org.

Thorpe shared what the city’s been doing for local businesses and committed more funds to the Chamber.

“We’ve invested $2.5 million directly into businesses from the COVID-19 funds,” he stated. “About $1 million is going to façade improvements and grants.”

“I’m still committed that we invest $25,000 for your program,” Thorpe said to Sohn and the Chamber board members in attendance at the luncheon.

“We’ve had an increase in over 6% in business licenses in the city over the past year….for a total of about 3,400 business licenses in Antioch,” Thorpe continued. “For us it’s not just about quality of life for our residents but for our businesses.”

“We really want to invest $100,000 in the Chamber of Commerce to fund everything you want to do,” he stated.

“We believe in your vision and the direction you’re going.”

“This city is about opportunity,” Thorpe exclaimed.

He then spoke of the mental health response team and how they will help in “Reducing the amount of nonsense our police officers are having to deal with…not chasing homeless people from place to place.”

“We have a Dutch Brothers coming to Antioch at Hillcrest and Deer Valley,” Thorpe shared, also mentioning the new restaurants and coffee shops in downtown Rivertown.

“People still want to live in some Facebook dismal apocalypse. Things are good in this city,” he added.
To learn more about the City of Antioch’s Economic Development Department and efforts visit www.antiochca.gov/economic-development. For more information about the Antioch Chamber of Commerce visit www.antiochchamber.com.

With public’s help victim identified as 25-year-old from Antioch

By PIO Darryl Saffold, Investigations Bureau, Antioch Police Department

On Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, based on her dental records, the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office has positively identified 25-year-old Mykaella Sharlman as the female victim whose body was found burning on the Mokelumne Trail in Antioch on Oct. 17. (See related articles here and here)

Two people of interest have been arrested in relation to Sharlman’s death and are currently in police custody.

The Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau would like to thank the public for their assistance in helping to identify Sharlman.

Anyone with additional information related to this event is asked to contact Detective Whitaker at wwhitaker@antiochca.gov or 925-779-6890. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH. All text tips are anonymous and cannot be traced to the sender. This is still an active and on-going investigation. No further information will be released at this time.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family of this tragic and unfortunate incident.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report

Missed Oct. 11th council meeting

By Allen D. Payton

It was finally confirmed by Tri Delta Transit staff on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, that Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe attended the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) conference in Seattle Oct. 7-12. That’s why he missed the most recent council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 11. But he wouldn’t say why he missed that meeting or had to leave the previous council meeting early to catch a flight to L.A. or why he was there for just the following day. (See related article)

Thorpe is one of Antioch’s two representatives to serve on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority, known as Tri Delta Transit. The other is including District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson who did not attend the conference and was present at the Oct. 11th council meeting. Thorpe currently serves as the board’s Vice Chair.

According to CEO Transitional Officer Jeanne Krieg, “Lamar Thorpe did attend – he arrived Friday October 7th and returned Wednesday October 12th. His flight was $195.58. Conference registration was $975. The conference rate for the hotel was $284/night so for five nights, the bill was $1668.45 (including taxes).”

The total for his trip was $2,839.03.

The agency staff was also asked who else from the board attended the conference, but that information has not yet been provided. Please check back later for any updates to this report.

By Leeann Loroño, Manager of Customer Service and Marketing, Tri Delta Transit

(Note: Apologies for the delay in posting this information. The Herald publisher was sick during the week this press release was issued)

After an extensive nationwide search, the Board of Directors of the Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority, aka Tri Delta Transit, unanimously selected Rashidi Barnes as Tri Delta Transit’s new CEO. He assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer on September 7, 2022, replacing long-time CEO Jeanne Krieg who is retiring in February after 32 years at the agency.

Barnes started his transit career twenty years ago as the Western Sales Manager for Transit Marketing Group, a leader in marketing and sales for transit product manufacturers. From there he became the Director of Procurement for Foothill Transit where he was responsible for insuring contract compliance and procurement of materials/supplies and professional, architectural and engineering services. He also served as Foothill Transit’s Disadvantaged Enterprise Liaison Officer during his tenure.  His next five and a half years was spent with Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) where he served as Senior Manager of Transportation, Senior Manager of Innovation and Shared Mobility, and then Director of Innovation and Shared Mobility. Projects that he helped to deliver included the initial Clipper System implementation for CCCTA, introducing on-demand transportation service, shepherding bus on shoulder legislation and congestion mitigation options, working with the regions local utility provider to help launch the agency’s first electric bus. During his other roles at CCCTA, Mr. Barnes oversaw the daily operations of 160+ bus operators, 12 supervisors and 1 transit manager. Daily as an operations team, their focus was on providing efficient service. This was accomplished through a dedication to strong customer service, innovative approaches in planning, traffic mitigation, and performance management of employees.

Most recently, Mr. Barnes has been working for First Transit as the Director of Mobility as a Service, a national position where he worked with various transit agencies, TNC’s, payment solution companies and micro mobility providers to deliver innovative mobility solutions. Through the introduction of MaaS mobile applications, data analytics and focus on improving the customers journeys Mr. Barnes believes that transit agencies will be able re-solidify its place in the daily transportation decisions that people make.

Mr. Barnes brings a variety of experience in roles that are part of Tri Delta Transit’s service.  In addition, he brings proven leadership, innovative thought, decision making skills, contract administration, as well as, in-depth industry knowledge.  In 2015, Mr. Barnes was listed by Mass Transit Magazine as one of the Top 40 Under 40 to watch and follow.

“We are greatly saddened by the retirement of Jeanne Krieg, who has been a strong leader for the last 32 years,” Board Chair Anissa Williams stated. “We are extremely fortunate to be bringing Rashidi Barnes onboard, who will no doubt continue Jeanne Krieg’s strong leadership and direction, while forging his own legacy.”

Krieg assumed the title of CEO Transitional Officer, serving in the position until she retires officially in February after a long and distinguished career.

Krieg Honored on Industry’s Wall of Excellence

In April, this year Krieg was honored by the California Association for Coordinated Transportation (CalACT) in Newport Beach at the CalACT spring conference. She was awarded a spot on the CalACT Wall of Excellence which recognizes individuals who have had a long and distinguished career in public transportation and have made outstanding contributions to CalACT and the transportation industry.

“Under the leadership of CEO Jeanne Krieg, Tri Delta Transit is a very forward thinking and innovative agency,” said then Board Chair Ken Gray. “Tri Delta Transit has been first adaptors of electric and hydrogen technology, use of various app technology, and in the forefront of employee practices to retain employees and create an optimal work environment.”

CalACT is a statewide, non-profit organization that represents the interests of small, rural and specialized transportation providers. CalACT, who have been in existence since 1984, promotes: striving for professional excellence in the field of transportation; that mobility is essential to the freedom and quality of life for everyone; and that agencies can create solutions by working together. CalACT acts as advocates for the industry, provides resources, sponsors conferences that promote idea and knowledge sharing, and implements programs such as bus procurement cooperative.

“I was surprised and humbled by this recognition from my industry,” Krieg said. “All of the employees and board members at Tri Delta Transit are a part of this award: their support, dedication, and hard work are what makes our agency successful.”

ABOUT TRI DELTA TRANSIT

Tri Delta Transit provides over two million trips each year to a population of over 315,000 residents in the 225 square miles of Eastern Contra Costa County. They currently operate 15 local bus routes Monday – Friday, five local bus routes on weekends, door-to-door bus service for senior citizens and people with disabilities, and on-demand rideshare services. To learn more, visit TriDeltaTransit.com.