Wilson backed by the most politicians; Torres-Walker backed by many obscure and/or out-of-town organizations; both backed by Bernie Sanders’ organization and injecting partisan politics into campaign for non-partisan office

Ogorchock, Motts backed by Antioch Police Officers; White endorsed by Mayor Pro Tem Barbanica, Sheriff Livingston

Building Trades endorses both Motts and Torres-Walker; Assistant D.A. Mary Knox endorses both Ogorchock and White

Photo of Torres-Walker campaign door hanger showing endorsements by council colleagues Thorpe and Wilson. Source: Antioch resident of Council District 1

By Allen D. Payton

In the races for Antioch City Council Districts 1 and 4, the candidates have been announcing endorsements they’ve received from various individuals, including elected officials, as well as groups, including labor unions and the Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA). Incumbent Councilwomen Tamisha Torres-Walker and Monica Wilson are running as a slate with the backing of Mayor Lamar Thorpe.

District 1 Candidate Endorsements

In the District 1 race, in addition to the support of her two council colleagues, incumbent Councilwoman Torres-Walker has announced a variety of endorsements on her official Facebook page, including the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1020, Central Labor Council which didn’t interview either of her opponents before issuing their endorsement, and the Contra Costa Building & Construction Trades Council which also endorsed Joy Motts. Following Wilson’s lead, she’s injecting partisan politics into a non-partisan race touting the endorsement of the Contra Costa Young Democrats and the Marsh Creek Democratic Club. She also is endorsed by Antioch School Board Vice President Antonio Hernandez, Antioch Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Marie Arce, Contra Costa Water District Director Patt Young and State Treasurer Fiona Ma.

But many of Torres-Walker’s endorsements are from out of town and/or obscure organizations, such as Our Revolution East Bay which, according to their website, is “a local chapter of Bernie Sanders’ Our Revolution”; Lift Up Contra Costa Action, which is part of ACCE and a coalition that includes Torres-Walker’s Safe Return Project non-profit; the Black Church PAC, East Bay Action, California Working Families Party, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance which is also part of Lift Up Contra Costa Action, Black Women Organizing for Political Action, and Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment Action (ACCE) Action, which has a conflict of interest as one of the sponsors for the North Antioch Candidates Forum scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 5.

Former Councilwoman Joy Motts received the endorsement of the APOA, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 302, Ironworkers Local 378, Sheet Metal Air Rail Transportation Local Union No. 104 and Contra Costa Building & Construction Trades Council, who endorsed both her and Torres-Walker. Motts also has the support of Antioch School Board President Gary Hack, former Antioch School Board Trustee Barbara Cowan, former County Board of Education Trustee Richard Asadoorian and former Antioch Mayor Don Freitas.

Former Antioch School Board President Diane Gibson-Gray said she tried for the APOA endorsement but didn’t receive it. She also participated in the Delta Association of Realtors and the East Bay Times’ interviews from which their endorsements have not yet been announced. However, Gibson-Gray said she is not soliciting endorsements from politicians or friends in her campaign. Yet, if offered she will accept them, including the endorsement of former Antioch High Principal Louie Rocha.

District 4 Candidate Endorsements

Barbanica endorses White. Source: Facebook

In District 4, running for her fourth term on the city council, incumbent Councilwoman Wilson once again is also injecting partisan politics into the local, non-partisan race by touting endorsements by the California Democratic Party, Democratic Party of Contra Costa County and the Marsh Creek Democratic Club. On her website it shows she’s been endorsed by the Central Labor Council, Contra Costa Building & Construction Trades Council, and three of the same, obscure or out-of-town organizations backing Torres-Walker, including Lift Up Contra Costa Action, ACCE, and Our Revolution East Bay. In the past, both Lift Up Contra Costa and Our Revolution East Bay endorsed Diane Becton for Contra Costa District Attorney.

Wilson also has the most politicians backing her, including her council colleagues, Thorpe and Torres-Walker, as well as Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, State Controller Betty Yee, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, State Senator Steve Glazer, Assemblymembers Tim Grayson and Lori Wilson, Contra Costa D.A. Becton, Supervisor Federal Glover, East Bay Park District Board Chair Colin Coffey and controversial Brentwood District 1 Councilwoman Jovita Mendoza.

District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock, who was gerrymandered into District 4 earlier this year by Wilson, Torres-Walker and Thorpe, also received the endorsement of the APOA as well as the California Apartment Association. Individual endorsements of her campaign include Jack Roddy, Antioch School Board Trustee Mary Rocha, Louie Rocha, Board of Supervisors Chair Karen Mitchoff, Assistant D.A. Mary Knox and Greg Feere, former president of the Contra Costa Building & Construction Trades Council.

Shawn Pickett designated by Moms Demand Action as a Gun Sense Candidate. Source: Facebook

Another challenger, former Police Crime Prevention Commission Chair Sandra White has the backing of Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica who announced his support in a YouTube video posted on his official Facebook page on Sept. 25 instead of his council colleague, Ogorchock, who he said he supports and still wants on the council as a “very positive voice” but wants her to remain in District 3 for the next two years.

White also has the backing of Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston, former State Assemblyman Jim Frazier, former Antioch Mayor Wade Harper, former Antioch Councilman Brian Kalinowski, former Antioch City Clerk and Councilman Arne Simonsen, and Nina Carter, Executive Director, Bonafide Sisterhood, Inc., as well as endorsed by Assistant D.A. Mary Knox, who also endorsed Ogorchock.

While not an endorsement, newcomer and retired Richmond cop Shawn Pickett recently announced on his campaign Facebook page that his “campaign has been awarded the Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction” for “advocating for gun violence prevention and making a commitment to govern with gun safety in mind, if elected.”

The lists for each candidate are not complete but include their major endorsements. See their websites or Facebook pages for complete lists. The election is November 8.

TOD projects adjacent to the BART line. Source: MTC. Credit: Noah Berger

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), yesterday, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, adopted a new Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Policy designed to boost the overall housing supply and increase residential densities in transit-rich areas throughout the Bay Area; spur more commercial development near transit hubs served by multiple agencies; promote bus transit, walking, biking and shared mobility in transit-rich areas; and foster partnerships to create transit-oriented communities where people of all income levels, racial and ethnic backgrounds, ages and ability levels can live, work and thrive. The newly adopted policy applies specifically to transit priority areas within a half-mile of BART, Caltrain, SMART, Capitol Corridor and ACE stations; Muni and VTA light-rail stations; Muni and AC Transit bus rapid transit stops; and ferry terminals.

Studies show people are more likely to ride transit if they live within half a mile of a rail station, ferry terminal or bus line. And jobs that are within a quarter-mile of transit often are more attractive to the Bay Area’s workforce.

The TOC Policy is the update to MTC’s 2005 Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Policy. That set minimums for the average number of housing units (both existing and/or permitted housing units) within a half-mile of each new rail station funded through Regional Measure 2. However, according to MTC spokesperson Rebecca Long the new policy applies to any all existing and future transit priority areas.

“The Transit-Oriented Communities Policy is truly groundbreaking,” explained MTC Chair and Napa County Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza. “Using transportation funds as an incentive, the policy encourages cities and counties to upzone transit-rich areas so transit, walking and biking can be viable travel choices for more people, and so we can generate maximum value from the billions of taxpayer dollars that have been invested in our transit network over the years as well as new transit lines that will be built in the years to come. The policy specifically encourages the development of affordable housing and protects current residents from being displaced by new development.”

The TOC Policy links all four of the themes — transportation, housing, the economy and the environment — of Plan Bay Area 2050, the long-range transportation plan and sustainable communities strategy adopted by MTC and the Association of Bay Area Governments in 2021. Minimum residential density requirements range from 25 units per acre for locations within a half-mile of ferry terminals; SMART, ACE and Capitol Corridor stations; and Caltrains stations south of San Jose’s Tamien station up to 100 units per acre within a half-mile of BART stations in downtown San Francisco and Oakland, and within a half-mile of San Jose’s Diridon Station. The policy also eliminates minimum parking requirements in many transit-rich areas, allows for shared parking between residential and commercial uses, and mandates at least one secure bike parking space for each new dwelling unit.

MTC is the regional transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Gun and bullets found in suspect’s car and confiscated by Antioch Police. Photos: APD

By Antioch Police Department

Suspect’s car.

Over the weekend, one of our citizens was the victim of a violent crime in which their car was stolen at gunpoint. Soon after, another robbery was reported in the city of Oakley by the same suspect at a gas station.

Thankfully, Officer Marques was looking for the culprit and located him near Cavallo Road. Believing the gig was up, the suspect fled the area, taking officers on a brief pursuit.

Knowing the potential danger this suspect posed to the community, officers chased after him until he ultimately crashed their car. After a brief foot pursuit, the suspect was captured by Officer Dibble, and a loaded firearm was located in the vehicle. We are happy to report that no one was injured.

The Antioch Police Department is dedicated to keeping our community safe and stopping those who mean to do our community harm.

No public process, no executive search; directs city attorney to draw up contract for Oct. 25th vote

Two council candidates decry decision

“The best practice here in terms of transparency is to advertise the vacancy with details about the position…” – Martha Perego, Director of Member Services and Ethics for the International City/County Management Association

Cornelius “Con” Johnson.

By Allen D. Payton

During the closed session meeting prior to the Antioch City Council’s regular meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022, on a 3-2 split vote, they selected Interim City Manager Cornelius “Con” Johnson to be the permanent city manager, just six weeks before the November election. Mayor Lamar Thorpe and District 4 and 1 Councilwomen Monica Wilson and Tamisha Torres-Walker voted in favor while Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock dissented. A final vote to hire Johnson and approve his contract is scheduled for their October 25th meeting, just two weeks prior to the election.

The council held no nationwide search using an executive search firm nor did they open it to other city staff members including Assistant City Manager Rosanna Bayon Moore, to find the best candidate for the position. Although it was rumored to be Johnson, no official notice was provided to the public who the council was considering, so no input could be given prior to the decision being made. All that was written in the council meeting agenda for the fourth time was “PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT: CITY MANAGER. This closed session is authorized pursuant to Government Code section 54957.” (See agenda)

At the beginning of the council’s regular meeting, City Attorney Thomas Smith reported out from closed session that, “on a motion by Councilmember Wilson and a second by Councilmember Walker the city council made a motion directing the city attorney to prepare a contract for the appointment of Cornelius Johnson as the city’s permanent city manager,” and that the vote passed 3-2.

Four council challengers were asked if they had a comment about the selection of Johnson, in closed session and without the public knowing who it was the council was considering.

District 4 candidate Shawn Pickett responded, “I’ll keep it brief. City council talks transparency but actions say otherwise.”

District 1 candidate Joy Motts also responded writing, “For a Council that claims they want to be inclusive, transparent and making community driven decisions, I personally want to know why they made this decision behind closed doors and without a public process and public input? Antioch deserves the best and the brightest. Mr. Johnson may have ultimately ended up being the best person for the job, but we will never know. These are the exact type of decisions and actions that are causing many of their constituents and community leaders to lose respect and confidence in their ability to govern.”

The other District 1 challenger, Diane Gibson-Gray responded, “Hiring a city manager before the November election is a disservice to the new city manager and the community.  Currently, the mayor has the majority vote, however, with the November 8th election that may change. After the election if there is a new council majority, I am confident there will be a candidate selection process that includes posting the position internally and externally, including hiring a search firm. Antioch is a city of 115,000 and we need a strong, experienced city manager. If on November 9th the council majority remains the same, that is a story for another day.”

Sandra White did not offer a comment but had previously said the council should wait until after the election to hire a permanent city manager. (See related article)

Attorney Smith was asked via email Wednesday morning if the vote should have occurred in public, and the candidate’s name be provided so the public could offer their comments prior to the vote. He was also asked if it is proper procedure to make the decision before the contract was provided for the council members and the public to review prior to the vote rather than prepare the agreement after the fact.

His Executive Legal Assistant Rakia Grant-Smith responded Thursday morning, “The appointment of the City Manager has not yet occurred. It will be an agenda item for City Council consideration at an upcoming regular City Council meeting.  The contract template will be included in the agenda packet for that meeting.  The City Council will determine compensation for the position at a regular meeting after hearing public comment.  We anticipate this item will be placed on the October 25, 2022 agenda.”

Smith was asked again, Thursday morning, shouldn’t Johnson’s name have been included in the agenda item so the public would know who they were considering in order to provide input to the council before their closed session vote. No response was received prior to publication time.

Questions were also sent Wednesday morning to Martha Perego, Director of Member Services and Ethics for the International City/County Management Association asking, shouldn’t the vote have occurred in public, and the candidate’s name be provided so the public could offer their comments prior to the vote. In addition, they were asked if it is proper procedure to vote to select someone as city manager without a contract being made available for review, first.

Perego responded, “The law varies from state to state about the topics a governing body is permitted to discuss in executive session. It is my understanding that under California law, the governing body can discuss the potential appointment and terms of an agreement in closed session.  But both the appointment and employment agreement must be approved in open session of city council and on the public record.

The best practice here in terms of transparency is to advertise the vacancy with details about the position including that they are seeking an individual to serve. Then they would interview candidates and announce their selection publicly with an explanation as to why they chose this individual to serve.  That of course assumes that the person is not from within the organization.

If it is an internal candidate, such as a current deputy or assistant manager, then it is fairly common for the governing body to make that appointment without any external advertising.”

“I’m not judging the competency of the interim candidate or the governing body’s judgment here.  But I observe that the fact that they never did a competitive search is raising this question ‘how do we know that this is the best candidate’,” Perego continued. “If someone is an internal candidate who got their position via a competitive process, has a track record with the organization and gets selected to be interim and then manager, you have the confidence that the person has demonstrated their capabilities. Even without a competitive search.

In this scenario, absent a competitive search for the interim, the governing body is now making a decision to award this person the permanent job based on one year’s experience.  That raises the question about how do we know that this is the best candidate. They could have resolved this issue by just going through a competitive process either with the selection of an interim (would have been a smaller field since it was a temporary position) or doing a competitive process now to select a permanent candidate.”

“I don’t think they are required to list who they are discussing when in executive session,” she added. (Emphasis added)

Johnson’s Record as Interim City Manager

Johnson was hired as the interim city manager last year, with a one-year contract, even though he had lied on his resume claiming to be a retired police captain from the San Francisco Police Department when he’s a retired lieutenant and was only an acting captain at the time he retired. In addition, prior to their vote the council members were all provided with information from an independent background check done by an Antioch resident that shows Johnson had filed for bankruptcy, twice and had three foreclosures. (See related articles here, here and here)

At the beginning of this year, Johnson worked to evict Congressman Jerry McNerney from his office space at the Community Center at Prewett Family Park, even though McNerney had a lease that didn’t expire until next January. (See related article)

Then Johnson made major mistakes in handling the hiring of a new interim police chief, when he fired the previous one, current Captain Tony Morefield, via email which included all the council members, other city staff members and even Steve Ford, who had just been announced as the new interim police chief the day before. He didn’t fill the position until nine weeks, later. (See related article)

Finally, Johnson was part of the group, along with Thorpe and Torres-Walker, who had the permit revoked for the annual Antioch Juneteenth event organized by Claryssa Wilson, and instead hired an Oakland-based motorcycle club to organize it. (See related article)

If the council hires him and includes a severance package in Johnson’s contract, should a new council majority be elected in November and seated at the first council meeting in December, they can terminate him from the position at a following special meeting, before the end of the year. But that will result in Johnson being paid for however long the severance lasts while at the same time paying an acting city manager until a new, permanent city manager is hired.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Tuesday night: cannabis retail store proposed for Somersville Road, “nursery” for W. 10th St.; temporary office space for displaced non-profit organizations; $60K for “Faces of Opportunity” marketing campaign

By Allen D. Payton

During their regular meeting Tuesday night, Sept. 27, 2022, the Antioch City Council will discuss Mayor Lamar Thorpe’s proposed traffic calming devices on major city streets in response to the tragic accident that injured three school children, recently. They will also consider approving temporary office space agreements with four non-profit organizations displaced from the Rivertown Resource Center, two more cannabis businesses and funds for the “Faces of Opportunity” marketing campaign. The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.

During a closed session meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m., the council will once again consider hiring a permanent city manager, less than two months before the election, which is opposed by both Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica and District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock, as well as the four other challengers in this year’s city council races.  (See complete meeting agenda packet, here).

Temporary Office Space for Displaced Non-Profit Org’s

During the Consent Calendar portion of the meeting agenda, the council will consider approving short-term lease agreements for temporary office space, inside the Nick Rodriguez Center,  with four of the 16 non-profit organizations that were displaced from the Rivertown Resource Center, when the city’s new Department of Community Services and Public Safety took it over, recently. The organizations include Rivertown Jamboree, Todos Unidos, Prison From the Inside Out and Mission Possible. (See related article)

Faces of Opportunity Citywide Marketing Campaign

In addition, with item K on the Consent Calendar, the council will consider spending $60,000 for a city-wide marketing campaign with Seattle-based Northwest Partners, entitled “Faces of Opportunity”. According to the staff report, On December 14, 2021, the City Council approved the marketing campaign which “focuses on real people that make Antioch a city of opportunity. The marketing team has selected a number of individuals who have compelling and inspirational stories to share.

The City Council previously authorized staff to execute media purchases not exceeding $185,000. However, the process of conducting the interviews, scheduling of the photography shoots, and creating the creative content extended beyond June 30, 2022.

Consequently, the funds authorized for media purchases were not expended. City purchasing policies require City Council authorization for payment of funds to any single vendor that exceeds $50,000. Northwest Media Partners was selected by the City’s media purchasing vendor, Orange22.”

Proposed First Cannabis Business on Somersville Road

The council will also consider approving another retail cannabis business, the first one in the Somersville and Delta Fair area at 2615 Somersville Road in the building between Wells Fargo Bank and Double Dragon Chinese restaurant.

Cannabis Nursery on W. 10th Street

The council will also consider approving the Delta View Nursery at 2101 W. 10th Street, next door to and in the same building as the Delta Dispensary.

Traffic Calming Needs Discussion

The last item on the council meeting agenda is a discussion of traffic calming devices. Following the accident caused by a driver passing in the oncoming traffic lane that resulted in serious injury of three school children walking home Friday afternoon, September 16, 2022, Thorpe and Area 1 Antioch School Board Trustee Antonio Hernandez posted a video on Facebook in which Thorpe proposed adding traffic calming devices, such as speed humps, to several city streets including Sycamore Drive, 10th Street, Davison Drive, James Donlon Blvd. and even Hillcrest Avenue.

The proposal comes after the council recently approved increasing the speed limit on several major thoroughfares in the city, including James Donlon Blvd., from 40 to 45 MPH. No action will be taken but direction to staff is requested.

Public Comments

The public has the opportunity to address the City Council on each agenda item. No one may speak more than once on an agenda item or during “Public Comments”. Members of the public wishing to provide public comments, may do so in one of the following ways (#2 pertains to the Zoom Webinar Platform):

1. IN PERSON – Fill out a Speaker Request Form, available near the entrance doors, and place in the Speaker Card Tray near the City Clerk before the City Council Meeting begins.
2. VIRTUAL – To provide oral public comments during the meeting, please click the following link to register in advance to access the meeting via Zoom Webinar: https://www.antiochca.gov/speakers

▪ You will be asked to enter an email address and a name. Your email address will not be disclosed to the public. After registering, you will receive an email with instructions on how to connect to the meeting.

▪ When the Mayor announces public comments, click the “raise hand” feature in Zoom. For instructions on using the “raise hand” feature in Zoom, visit: https://www.antiochca.gov/raise_hand.

When calling into the meeting using the Zoom Webinar telephone number, press *9 on your telephone keypad to “raise your hand”. Please ensure your Zoom client is updated so staff can enable your microphone when it is your turn to speak.

Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. When you are called to speak, please limit your comments to the time allotted (350 words, up to 3 minutes, at the discretion of the Mayor). The City cannot guarantee that its network and/or the site will be uninterrupted.

3. WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT – If you wish to provide a written public comment, you may do so in one of the following ways by 3:00 p.m. the day of the City Council Meeting:

(1) Fill out an online speaker card, located at https://www.antiochca.gov/speaker_card, or

(2) Email the City Clerk’s Department at cityclerk@ci.antioch.ca.us.

Please note: Written public comments received by 3:00 p.m. the day of the City Council Meeting will be shared with the City Council before the meeting, entered into the public record, retained on file by the City Clerk’s Office, and available to the public upon request. Written public comments will not be read during the City Council Meeting.

Viewing Meeting

Antioch City Council meetings are held inside the Council Chambers at City Hall at 200 H Street. They are televised live on Comcast channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99, or via live stream at www.antiochca.gov/government/city-council-meetings/live/.

Delvon Hasain Hasan & Dioni Tamira Patton. Photos by Brentwood PD.

Identified, arrested with assistance from Concord PD, Antioch PD

By Brentwood Police Department

On Tuesday, Sept. 20 at approximately 3:25 PM, Brentwood Police officers responded to the Bank of America located at 6261 Lone Tree Way for a robbery that just occurred. The victim reported that after exiting the bank, she was approached by one suspect who attempted to grab her purse. A struggle ensued with the suspect while a second suspect was waiting close by in a getaway vehicle. The victim’s wallet and purse, containing an undisclosed amount cash was stolen during the struggle. Both suspects fled the scene in the getaway vehicle, described as a black four-door sedan was seen traveling eastbound on Lone Tree Way.

The victim sustained minor injuries and it was determined a second minor victim was on scene but did not sustain any injuries.

Our investigators quickly performed follow-up and with the help of Concord PD and Antioch PD, identified and arrested 18-year-old Dioni Tamira Patton and 20-year-old Delvon Hasain Hasan both from Antioch. Our investigators also recovered two firearms, other related evidence and two vehicles associated with the robbery. Additionally, it was determined through surveillance footage, these suspects were responsible for a similar robbery that occurred at the same location on Sept.16, 2022, at approximately 2:25 p.m.

Guns confiscated by Brentwood police and Delvon Hasan perp walk.

According to MaxPreps Hasan is a 2021 graduate of Antioch High School where he played baseball and football. According to hudl.com he wore jersey #5 and played quarterback and tight end in 2019.

Through collaboration and partnership, we were able to safely take both suspects into custody. A special thank you to Concord PD and Antioch PD for their assistance.

Please remain vigilant at all times and aware of your surroundings. If you see something suspicious immediately report it to the police.

If you have any information related to this crime, please contact Detective Sares at 925-809-7733. Callers may remain anonymous.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Revised promo for Antioch Police Community Forum scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022, showing it has been postponed.

She won’t say why; tentatively rescheduled for 4:30 p.m. on same date as District 1 candidates forum

By Allen D. Payton

A revised flier posted on the Antioch Police Department’s Facebook page Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 21, 2022, promoting the Community Forum scheduled for tonight at the Dairy Queen on E. 18th Street in District 1 has been postponed. In addition, the post reads, “We regret to inform our community members that tonight’s Community Forum has been postponed until October 5th. We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to seeing you then.”

Original promo for Antioch Police Community Forum scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022.

Shawn Pickett inside City Hall on June 30, 2022. Source: Facebook

“Antioch is at a crossroad. We are not on the right path. Not much has changed in the last ten years…We need a councilperson who returns phone calls and emails. We don’t need a councilperson who simply casts a vote.” – Shawn Pickett

“Lamar Thorpe, Tamisha nd Monica Wilson have been pushing their police reforms. They’re not meaningful. They’re just bloviating.”

Shawn Pickett

By Allen D. Payton

The only new face, and the only man, running for the Antioch City Council, this year, is Shawn Pickett, a retired Richmond Police lieutenant, challenging incumbent Monica Wilson for the District 4 seat. The husband, father of two daughters and grandfather, recently shared about his background.

“I was born in Berkeley and raised by my grandparents Sarah and Eugene Perry. I attended Catholic schools and in my senior year, I transferred to Albany High School where I graduated. I have a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management.

I retired in 2018 as a police lieutenant with 31 years of public service. Throughout my law enforcement career, I have developed a leadership philosophy that will bring success and the ability to move our district forward as your council representative and contribute to the greater at large City of Antioch.

When I moved my family to Antioch in 1993 for the affordable housing and better schooling, I knew Antioch was the place to raise my family. My wife, Lisa and I have been married for 34 years, and we are the parents of two daughters and one granddaughter. My daughters attended Antioch elementary schools and graduated from Deer Valley High School. My granddaughter is a student at Dozier-Libby Medical High School.”

Pickett began his career as a police officer in 1987, then from 2000-05 he served as a sergeant, then in 2005 Pickett was promoted to lieutenant where he served until his retirement in 2017. From 1990-93 he worked as a Homicide Investigation Police Academy Instructor at Los Medanos College. During his career Picket earned his POST (Peace Officer Standards & Training) Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Supervisor Management Certificates, served as a Board Member for the Richmond Police Department Management Association, was selected to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA and honored with the Community Crime Prevention Officer Award. He also served on the boards of Beside the Blue Foundation based in Roseville, CA and the Guardians of Justice in Richmond.

Why Pickett Is Running

Asked why he’s running Pickett shared, “I am running for council because we need action with results. I am passionate about civic duty, participation in community government, and more importantly, improving our city.”

“Antioch is at a crossroad. We face challenges in our leadership, public safety, public education, housing and the overall well-being of our community,” he continued. “We are not on the right path. Not much has changed in the last ten years.”

“We need a councilperson who digs deep into policy and economics. A councilperson with relatable leadership skills to build trustworthy relationships with all members of our community. We need a councilperson who understands the opinions and needs of the community,” Pickett shared. “We need a councilperson that recognizes when a police department needs to adjust and adapt to better serve the community.”

He then took a slight swipe at the incumbent with, “We need a councilperson who returns phone calls and emails. We don’t need a councilperson who simply casts a vote.”

Offers Reasons to Vote for Him

Asked why voters should choose him over the incumbent or the other two candidates Pickett mentioned his police experience and what he will do for public safety.

“Having served as a police lieutenant, I have developed and possess a robust set of skills and leadership experience with a proven track record to move our district forward. I understand the complexity of city government and budgets,” he shared. “I will work with city officials, community members, and our business partners to establish a credible community policing model. A model that allows residents and businesses direct access to their beat officers to address neighborhood quality of life concerns, while enhancing our public safety.”

“I will meet with the District Attorney and other county, state and federal officials to establish a credible community safety partnership for our residents. These partnerships play a significant role in helping reduce violent crimes in our area,” Picket continued.

He also mentioned other issues he will focus on.

“I will work to establish a city beautification plan with street sweeping services, to include a District 4 Code Enforcement Officer with abatement support. This will help restore our neighborhoods, business areas and roadways,” he wrote. “I support smart development, affordable housing options programs that help ensure we recruit a diverse excellent workforce, competitive salaries, fair working conditions, and options for housing that allows all residents to live and thrive in Antioch.”

Pickett also shared about Antioch schools, although the city council has no jurisdiction over them or the curriculum.

“Regarding our schools, I support fiscal responsibility, curriculum that enhances student success, academic support programs, mentoring, and tutoring,” he wrote. “I support state of the art technology, expanding and diversifying science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) as well as increasing support for students with special needs.”

“My commitment is to excellence in service and improving our community – not a career in politics,” Pickett added.

“I would be honored to have your vote and work with you to make Antioch the best it can be,” he concluded.

————-

More About Pickett’s Campaign

In addition, in a June 30th post on his campaign Facebook page Pickett wrote,

“Dear Residents of District 4

I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Antioch City Council, District 4 seat. I am passionate about civic duty and participation in community government and more importantly improving public safety in our district. Having served as a Lieutenant of Police for more than 12 years, I have developed and possess a robust set of skills and leadership experience that has made me an ideal candidate.

Throughout the 31 years of my law enforcement experience, I have developed a leadership philosophy that will bring success to my role as your council representative and the greater at large City of Antioch. This philosophy entails the following concepts; emphasis on forward leadership approaches, strong work ethic, personal and professional accountability, encouragement of life long learning, organizational process review and improvements and adherence to the U.S. Constitution and principles of justice.

Together we must develop a comprehensive plan to strengthening our response to Public Safety, Supporting our Schools and District Beautification. Our efforts must include literature that raises awareness regarding strategies that promote our community based efforts.

I support advocating for a dedicated code enforcement officer and abatement team that ensures the consistent and timely abatement of blighted properties and the removal of trash from illegal dumping sites. Further, I support business especially during this time of difficulty presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, and I support attracting new businesses. However there is a significant need for a new smart housing initiative, one that benefits our residents, not the builders, to address future growth in Antioch while insuring a stable school district budget that accommodates future needs.

I am an advocate for meeting the essential public service needs with sound fiscal management utilizing best practices.

I am highly motivated as I seek your support in representing what is most important to you the residents of District 4.

Here are my qualifications: I am a retired police manager and District 4 resident of 29 years. I am a highly trained administrator that understands the complexity of city government, budgets and politics who wants to provide insight and leadership in addressing sensitive issues, and provide problem solving strategies for the most pressing challenges facing the City of Antioch.

My commitment is to excellence in service and improving our community not a career in politics.

It’s time to move away from past mediocrity and strive for future excellence.

Thank you for your support and VOTE.”

Calls for Better Community Policing and Dedicated Code Enforcement Officer for District 4

On August 31, Pickett posted photos of the illegal marijuana bust at several homes in District 4 with his comments about it writing, “Yesterday on a post I asked, ‘What’s the plan to deal with violent crime in District 4 and the greater at large City of Antioch.

What type of environment do we foster where individuals who commit violent crimes throughout the Bay Area feel safe in Antioch.

This morning I was awaken to the sound of a helicopter and a large Federal police presence. They were at two homes in our neighborhood conducting investigations.

We need to start asking our elected officials and our police administrators, What’s the Plan?”

Then in response to the announcement of the seizure of $3.3 million in illegal marijuana from homes in District 4, Pickett posted a comment on his campaign Facebook page in which he wrote, “ANOTHER MULTIPLE LOCATION RAID – District 4  This is deeply troubling.  How long were these organized illegal grows operating before being detected?

How many more organized grow houses are still operating in our neighborhoods?

How can we be expected to say something if we see something when we have no idea who to say it too?

This is why we are in urgent need of establishing a credible Community Policing Model with a dedicated Code Enforcement Officer with blight removal support.”

Pickett Says Comments by Thorpe, Wilson, Torres-Walker on Investigation of Antioch Police Officers Could Cost City Money

Post on his Pickett4Council campaign Facebook page on Sept. 10, 2022.

On Saturday, Sept. 10, Pickett commented on social media responding to the recent Times’ article about two of the Antioch Police officers currently under investigation by the FBI and Contra Costa DA’s office. He wrote, “Happy Saturday District 4

We need a change in LEADERSHIP folks. To keep voting for and financially supporting the same candidates is beyond me. This is not an accident this is a failure of leadership at all levels.

It’s important that our City Leadership respond to this article. My understanding from reading media reports is that the City of Pittsburg Police initiated the investigation. It appears that our city leaders had no clue of the alleged misconduct until they were notified that Antioch police officers were also involved.

So, what independent steps have our Leadership taken to self govern the allegations of criminal activity of its employees? As a resident I would like to know?

Simply cooperating and waiting on the investigation to conclude is alot different than responding to the article.    
There are no sides other than RIGHT.”

Asked to clarify his comments Pickett said, “My point is that the city council specific members, like (Mayor) Lamar Thorpe, (Councilwomen) Tamisha (Torres-Walker) and Monica Wilson have been pushing their police reforms. They’re not meaningful. They’re just bloviating.”

“You all have been talking about police investigation instigated by the Pittsburg Police Department, but you didn’t know anything about it. You can’t go around high fiving each other when your department is under investigation by the FBI,” Pickett stated. “You should have done something administratively.”

“You have a bunch of cops still coming to work every day and the mayor, Tamisha and Monica are painting them with a broad brush that they’re all a bunch of bad apples,” Pickett stated. “You don’t wait. You have to conduct an investigation, yourself, an administrative investigation. You don’t have to wait until the FBI investigation is over.”

“If the officers are found innocent, and the council members are making statements that the officers are guilty already, they’re helping these defense attorneys and it’s going to cost the city a lot of money,” he added.

Calls for City Official Code of Conduct in Response to Settlement of Mayor Thorpe’s Sexual Harassment Case

In a post on Saturday, Sept. 17, in response to the last week’s settlement by the county Board of Supervisors in the case of sexual harassment allegations against Thorpe, Pickett posted on his campaign Facebook page writing, “Lack of – A Code of Conduct

An Elected official lack of civility impedes governance in many ways; stalling the decision making process, undermining employee retention and recruitment, fueling political apathy and discouraging public participation. Overtime the standard set for acceptable behavior becomes increasingly lower.

In keeping with policies declared by the legislature each city should have a code of conduct for officials. How does a city government establish legitimacy to prevent conflicts of interest, improve standards of public service, and promote and strengthen the faith and confidence of the people of Antioch without one?

Are we expected to just take their word?

Does the City of Antioch have a Code of Conduct for city officials? If not, WHY? City employees have professional standards, since council members are paid shouldn’t they be subjected to the same professional standards?

Why is the community of Antioch time and time again always flying in the blind regarding significant issues involving our elected officials and city departments.

In the mean time neighbors, while council candidates and our elected officials are giving each other high fives & endorsing each other ask yourself, What have they done to lead our city in a time of tumult?

I know the answer. Do you?

Pickett4Council”

Sued Richmond PD Over Abuse by Chief

Asked about his participation in a lawsuit against the Richmond Police Department. Pickett responded, “Police Chief Chris Magnus was making inappropriate comments toward officers of color. We let him know it’s not right, it’s offensive. Magnus agreed to have a retreat in Napa to work things out.”

But things got worse, and accusations of retaliation arose when people gave their opinions.

“He (Magnus) asked certain people’s opinions about a female officer in the leadership. Then after giving them, they were strong opinions, we all received retaliatory treatment and discrimination in the workplace,” Pickett explained.

He was one of seven members of the command staff to sue in state court.

“They offered us a $3.1 million settlement, but two thought their case was each worth that amount, so, that offer went out the window,” Pickett continued.

He and the remaining four other officers sued in federal court. They settled their case and signed a non-disclosure agreement.

“News reports came out that it was about Magnus being gay, but that had nothing to do with it,” Pickett stated.

“We stood up for what is right, against retaliation and discrimination in the workplace. I went through it for almost six years,” he added.

Was Not Recruited by Torres-Walker, Decided on His Own to Run

Asked about the rumored that Torres-Walker had recruited him to run, he said, “No. I knew her as a police lieutenant from being in Richmond. I didn’t know she lived in Antioch for eight years before being elected to the council.”

“That wouldn’t make any sense, as I’m pretty sure she’s supporting Monica,” he added.

Asked if anyone had asked him to run Pickett said, “I had been contemplating it as a District 4 resident thinking about how the needs of the district have not been addressed. I had people come to me and ask for my advice about problems in our district and I thought, instead of complaining I would do something about it and run.”

For more information about Pickett’s campaign visit pickett4council.squarespace.com or on Facebook @pickett4council.