By Allen D. Payton

In his City Manager’s Bi-Monthly Update on Tuesday, April 26, Antioch Interim City Manager welcomed new Interim Police Chief Dr. Steve Ford whose hiring was announced by Mayor Lamar Thorpe during a press conference on February 23 without the knowledge of at least three other council members. (See related article)

Ford reportedly began his new position yesterday, Monday, April 25 and former Interim Police Chief Tony Morefield, who has held the position since former Chief Tammany Brooks’ retirement last fall, returned to his position as a Captain on the police force. Neither Thorpe nor Johnson ever answered the question why the change in interim police chiefs was necessary.

Ford had to complete his background check before his hiring could be finalized, which was expected to be done by Easter. Johnson inadvertently fired Morefield in an email to him and others, including all five council members and Ford, the day after Thorpe’s announcement. That was rescinded a short while later. (See related article)

Johnson’s message reads as follows:

“WELCOME CHIEF DR. STEVE A. FORD

‘Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.’ Publilius Syrus

As a former police officer, who honorably served 30 years in law enforcement and is currently serving the City of Antioch as its Interim City Manager, there is no greater honor and privilege than having both the benefit and opportunity of appointing a new Chief of Police. The Chief of Police is an iconic city figure who must be beyond reproach and possess impeccable personal character. With great humility, I would like to introduce Dr. Steve A. Ford as the City of Antioch’s newly appointed Interim Chief of Police. A very special thank you to Captain Tony Morefield who stepped in as Interim Chief of Police since October 2021.

Dr. Steven A. Ford, Ed.D, M.S., B.S., who recently retired from the San Francisco Police Department as a Commander, grew up in one of San Francisco’s crime-ridden and gang-infested communities, notoriously known at the time as the Ingleside-Oceanview district. His law enforcement background spans thirty-one-plus years with the San Francisco Police Department and has included assignments in Operations, Investigations, Administration, Special Operations-Homeland Security, and Professional Standards-Strategic Management Bureaus. Dr. Ford currently serves as faculty at San Francisco City College and San Francisco State University, where he instructs administration of justice courses and course work in the MPA program.

Dr. Ford holds an Associate of Sciences Degree from San Francisco City College, a Bachelor of Science Degree from San Francisco State University, a Master of Science Degree from California State University-Long Beach, and a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary’s College-California. Chief Ford has attended the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, Robert Presley Institute of Criminal Investigations, California POST Command College, California Police Chiefs Executive Leadership Institute at Drucker-Claremont Graduate University, POST Executive Development, San Francisco Leadership S.F. Chamber of Commerce, and San Francisco Police Department Leadership Development Institute.

Dr. Ford considers his leadership and professional philosophy to be that of a contemporary leader who values the profession’s history, is focused on current challenges, and has a vision for the future of policing. Please join Mayor Lamar Thorpe, the entire City Council, and me in welcoming our new Antioch Police Department Interim Chief of Police, Dr. Steven A. Ford, to our beautiful city, where Opportunity Lives.”

Challenges Ford Will Face

Ford steps in at a time the Antioch Police force is down 14 sworn officers to 101 from the 115 budgeted, and down 24 active sworn officers with five of them on paid leave pending the investigation by the Contra Costa DA’s Office and FBI. In addition, he will face an attrition problem that, according to Antioch Police Officers Association President Steve Aiello based on exit interviews of officers leaving the department, is due to the current council majority, specifically the mayor and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, and their attitudes toward and actions affecting the police department.

Ford and Thorpe recently proposed adding four more sworn officers to the current over hire figure of six, and a signing bonus for lateral and new academy graduates, including a housing allocation. Both items are on tonight’s (Tuesday’s) council meeting agenda for discussion. (See related article)

In addition, Ford begins his tenure in his new position at a time neither he nor any of the City’s other department heads are allowed to speak to council members or the media, by Johnson’s directive, without the interim city manager’s approval, presence or the presence of Johnson’s representative.

After break-ins and theft of truck; SERVPRO returns funds to help other businesses

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce started a program, last fall, to give back to Antioch businesses called “The Chamber Cares.”

The Chamber Cares program allows the Chamber CEO Sean Wright to visit Antioch businesses that have recently been vandalized or had other hardships arise and help with a check to defray the costs of clean up, fix up and repair.

The latest victim of vandalism and theft was SERVPRO Antioch. Owner Mike Borders was presented with a check for $1,000 by Wright. In response, Borders thanked the Chamber but returned the funds so they could assist another business. In an online post Borders wrote, “SERVPRO Antioch and myself are extremely appreciative of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, The Chamber Cares Program and Sean Wright for your help.  I am tired of the constant theft and break-ins that I experience and that I see others experiencing.  This hurts us all.  Fortunately, I have great insurance with Jim Lanter State Farm, and in this matter, I have lost a truck, but I will recover.

I have chosen to re-donate this $1,000 back to the Chamber Cares Program so it can help another Antioch business that may have to endure something greater than what I have experienced and may not have the insurance help that I was fortunate to have in this case.

Again, I am so appreciative of this gesture and again thank the Chamber of Commerce, Sean Wright and the Chamber Cares Program.  We all do have to stick together through these times and help each other when bad things happen.  Thanks again and may this $1,000 help another business that may suffer damage in the future.”

Past Beneficiaries of Chamber Cares Program

Previously, the Chamber reached out to help locally owned and operated businesses Cocina Medina and Grocery Outlet and presented their owners with a $500 check, each.

Rafael and Ali Medina have owned and operated Cocina Medina for over twenty years and after having survived the shutdowns and new mandates are having new struggles. First the freezer goes out and then the hot water heater had problems that required them to tear up the floor and fix pipes which required them to shut down for a week. The Chamber saw the posts on Facebook and took the opportunity to stop and let them know that “The Chamber Cares”.

On Friday October 29, 2021, Grocery Outlet of Antioch was unfortunately the target of an armed robbery which cleared the till of a few registers and caused the store to close earlier than normal for a few evenings in a row to help keep the employees feeling safe. The amount of money lost was more than $500 but not enough to claim for insurance because of the deductible. The Antioch Grocery Outlet store is independently owned and operated by Pat and Maritza Choa. Pat was busy as a cashier when the Chamber stopped by to let him know that the Antioch Chamber Cares. He was very appreciative. Thankfully, the suspects who robbed over twenty-five stores in 90 days in Pittsburg, Antioch, Concord, Brentwood, Bay Point and Clayton, were apprehended on November 3rd.

The Antioch Chamber knows that $500 is not going to enough to determine whether a store will be able to stay open or close but the love and compassion that goes along with it means the world to these businesses. Sometimes you know and feel that a program is hitting the mark and this one does.

About the Chamber

Since 1938, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce has been providing services to local businesses to help them –and our city – succeed. The mission of the Chamber is to promote the Antioch Community, to represent and advocate for businesses with government, to help businesses to grow and to thrive through networking and educational opportunities, and to help create economic growth and jobs for our region. For more information about the Chamber, its members, and its services, visit www.antiochchamber.com.

 

Includes northern portion of Antioch.

By Allen D. Payton

Small business owner and retired Army Major Rudy Recile is a first-generation American who is now running for Congress in California’s new 8th Congressional District. In Contra Costa County the district includes West County, as well as Bay Point, Pittsburg and portions of Martinez and Antioch.

His campaign material reads, “Recile is the American dream. His mother came to the United States from the Philippines to make a better life for her children. Rudy learned early in life what a privilege it is to live in the United States of America.”

A Christian and family man, Recile owns a small website development company known as YCDI Corp. which he started in 2013, worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Data Manager and “a proud retired US Army officer,” he shared. According to his LinkedIn page, Recile earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1996 and a Master of Science degree in Quality Systems Management in 2005 from the National Graduate School of Quality Management.

Recile is a husband, brother and uncle to many nieces and nephews and since 2018 has served as the treasurer for VFW Post 2333 Fairfield-Suisun. He also serves as the treasurer for the non-profit Tools of Learning for Children which supports educational program modules for teachers.

During his 26 years in the Army, 14 years of executive level, Recile spent six years as a Contract Officer Representative for the US managing taskings in multi-million-dollar contracts.” He was stationed in Illinois, South Korea and Washington, DC. His last military duty station was in Fairfield. After retiring from the military in 2014, “my wife and I liked California so much that we decided to stay,” he shared. Recile and his wife, FeSallygumay “Sally” Catillo-Recille live in Vacaville, just inside the district. Unlike his opponent, Rep. John Garamendi, who lives in Walnut Grove, 29 miles from Antioch, the closest city within the 8th District. Federal election rules only require a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives to live in the same state as the district they represent.

The 8th CD includes all or portions of the cities of Benicia, Vallejo, Fairfield, Suisun, and Vacaville in Solano County and the northern, waterfront section of Contra Costa County including Richmond, Kensington, El Cerrito, San Pablo, El Sobrante, Pinole, Hercules, Rodeo, Crockett, Bay Point, Pittsburg and portions of Martinez and Antioch.

During his work with the USDA, Recile worked as an Instructor for the Plant Protection and Quarantine Division with seven years training agricultural officers in 35 of California’s 58 counties.

Recile, who says he’s on a “mission to empower American citizens and to raise our voices for the common good and to restore our country with new blood and fresh ideas” shared more of why he is running.

“Like you, I have watched career politicians, in Washington DC and in California, work just to keep their jobs, negatively impacting the way adults and children view the world. At the same time, they ignore the needs of the community. If we keep voting for the same legislators, we will keep losing!”

“While serving in the US Army, I was fortunate enough to be stationed at the Pentagon as a logistics officer interacting with staff and agencies in the highest levels of the military,” he shared. “I walked the halls of the Pentagon and Capitol Hill to coordinate with various staff and agencies, each with their own flavor, throughout Washington DC. I became savvy in the ways these various types of people conducted their duties. I learned the language of Washington and how to successfully accomplish what needed to be done.”

“Looking back on the 2020 election cycle, I was not pleased with what I witnessed,” Recile continued. “I concluded my 33 years of experience working in Federal government was better put to use becoming part of the solution instead of sitting on the sidelines. I volunteered with community organizations, voter registration drives and other events. I am on a mission to restore our country with new blood and fresh ideas

He researched what it would take to run for office and Recile’s biggest obstacle was the Hatch Act which prohibits government employees from campaigning or running for office. In May 2021 he resigned from his position with the U.S. Department Agriculture and went full-time with his website business. Then in July 2021 Recile filed to run for California’s then, 3rd Congressional District. But in December 2021 the new congressional district (CD) lines were approved and as a result, he now is running in the 8th District.

“I am again choosing to serve and make a difference for California and our country as a candidate for California’s 8th Congressional District,” Recile stated.

Issues

Recile says his main platform issues include energy independence for America, supporting the Bill of Rights, accountability in spending our tax dollars, support for veterans, California’s environmental-water issues, crime and quality education and school choice

“The Constitution does not give us our rights. However, the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution they were created to protect the God-given rights of the individual,” he shares on his website. “The Bill of Rights is so important to us now more than ever!!! The Left chops away at our our civil liberties little by little constantly. The Left tries to normalize silencing free speech, limit the ability to practice your religion, limit US citizens’ ability to purchase firearms and have selective due process when certain people are arrested.”

“Congress needs to get control of its spending and be better stewards of the people’s money. There is plenty of money to run the government. The big question is where is the money going when the government spends it. This is a big task and I am hoping to garner enough support to get some real fiscal responsibility for the people,” Recile’s website reads.

He is developing a non-profit veterans’ support center, co-developing a non-profit veterans’ group home providing services to veterans. Both organizations plan to work closely with the Veterans Administration, county offices, veterans’ organizations and other non-profits providing services.

To address the drought and lack of water to Central Valley farmers who produce “more than 150 agricultural products for the nation”, Recile said he will find or introduce legislation to secure grants to assist local agencies with infrastructure and water conveyance systems.

“In 2014 California passed Prop 47 increasing the felony rate from $400 to $950. In the summer of 2020 there were 574 riots across the nation. Forty of the riots turned violent. Flash theft gangs entered stores stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise. These crime waves must be stopped. City officials and prosecutors must stand their ground and arrest and charge these criminals,” Recile stated.

“I support successful public schools and I believe in equality of opportunity, where parents in every neighborhood should be free to send their children to a public, private, or charter school if they choose” he shared.

For more information about Recile and is campaign for Congress visit  www.rudyforuscongress.com, his Facebook page, email rudy@rudyforuscongress.com or call (707) 340-4047.

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…After the successful Easter weekend event, racing returns to Antioch Speedway this Saturday night. The IMCA Sport Modifieds are back in action along with the Wingless Spec Sprints, Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks and Delta Dwarf Cars. It figures to be an action-packed show from start to finish.

After three events, two-time reigning IMCA Sport Modified champion Fred Ryland is tied for the lead with rising young star Andrew Pearce. The duo are just four points ahead of another young gun, Jacob Mallet Jr. 11 points back is Tyler Browne and 12 back is KC Keller. The championship battle is just getting started. Some of these drivers headed to Merced for the big money race two weeks ago. Ryland pocketed $2,000 for his second place finish that night.

Keller has proven to be a formidable competitor at Antioch since joining the action in 2015. It took him a couple of seasons before winning the 2017 championship. He seems to always be in the mix for a win, and his victory at the most recent race was his 13th at Antioch, keeping him third on the division’s all-time win list behind Ryland and Trevor Clymens. After notching third place seasons in the championship battle for the last two years, it could be that this will be his year to take it up a notch and win it all again.

The Wingless Spec Sprints got off to a bumpy start for their season opener last week, which was won by newcomer Zack Neeley. Neeley was behind the wheel of the John Hendrickson owned entry. Hendrickson himself has competed at Antioch in Street Stocks, IMCA Modifieds and was one of the first drivers to get on board with Spec Sprint racing. Neeley was only making his second start in that car, and he had to hold off Jacob Williams for the win.

Running back in third was Tony Bernard. Bernard hails from Santa Rosa, but he likes coming out and racing against the competitive field at Antioch Speedway. Last season, Tony used consistency to finish third in the standings and only missed second by six points. At his home track in Petaluma, Tony proved to be quite a competitive Street Stock racer in the late 1980s and early 1990s before moving up to the IMCA Modifieds. He’d been away for a few years, but he’s proven that he still knows the fast way around the racetrack.

Early season favorite Bob Newberry had people proclaiming him the driver to beat in his quest for an unprecedented third division championship. Unfortunately, he started off with some motor issues last week. Bob decided to go out and take a green flag for the points. Somehow, he was still making some passes, but he ended up heading for the pits after being involved in a tangle with another driver.

Likewise, two-time champion Dan Gonderman seemed to get battered a little bit, but he still managed a fifth place feature finish. Division original Rick Panfili wasn’t as lucky as Gonderman. He suffered motor issues in his heat race and loaded up early.

Some people are proclaiming 2022 to be the year of the ladies in the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks. Women at the front of the pack are nothing new in this class as Denise McCown and her daughter Megan Ponciano are both champions. Melissa Myers has also claimed the championship glory. As for McCown and Ponciano, the third generation of the family, Aiden Ponciano, is doing quite well. He could be a threat to win this week.

With three wins to her credit, Misty Welborn sits atop the standings by just six points ahead of Michaela Taylor and 12 in front of the tied Taylor DeCarlo and Jess Paladino. Reigning champion Larry McKinzie Jr didn’t finish the most recent race and fell back to fifth, 14 points out of lead.

Taylor has looked fast lately and ended up finishing a career best second at the most recent show. Some people are predicting that she could get her first win very soon. However, fellow female leadfoot Taylor DeCarlo is turning some heads after another Top 5 finish last time out.

She is the third generation of her family to go racing. Her father, Terry DeCarlo, Jr., races a Modified with his brother Nick DeCarlo and father Terry DeCarlo, Sr. There could come a time very soon when all three generations of the family run a race together. Prior to getting into the Hobby Stocks, Taylor got valuable seat time in Outlaw Karts and Micro Sprints.

Danny Wagner finally met his match in the Delta Dwarf Cars last week. NorCal star Michael “Spanky” Grenert ended the two-race win streak for the two-time champion. Wagner still holds a 16-point lead over Devan Kammermann. 26 points back is Jack Haverty. He leads Chance Russell by 16 points in the battle for third, while David Rosa is 22 points behind him. Wagner’s team includes Kammermann, Haverty and sixth ranked Ellie Russo, who got her first win last season.

Kammermann has a knack for picking up podium finishes, and he has three of them this year. He had a second place finish at the opener. In reality, most of the drivers who take the green flag in this class have a legitimate shot at winning, and Kammermann may be the closest to being the next winner.

Wagner brings an extensive amount of experience with him, but he’s also imparting his knowledge to a newer group of races. Those drivers are getting better with each start.

The racing action is sure to be entertaining from start to finish this Saturday night. The grandstands will open at 4:00 pm with the first race firing off at 6:00 pm.

Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $15 for military, senior (60 and over) and children (under 11) with children five and under free.

The CoCo Farms Antioch Speedway racing calendar has some great events lined up from now through the end of November. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Working on proposition for November ballot; would save $1,000 per year on average

The only law protecting seniors and other property owner dollars against inflation and real estate is Proposition 13. The most your real estate taxes can be raised is 2% a year under Prop 13.

Presently Contra Costa County Assessor Gus Kramer and several other assessors throughout the California are working to increase the homeowner’s exemption from $7,000 a year to $100,000 a year minimum. This would give every homeowner almost a $1,000 a year reduction in their property taxes.

Prior to Prop 13 passing in 1978 the homeowner’s exemption was 25% of the assessed value. That also is an alternative to the $100,000 homeowner’s exemption being proposed. Please stay tuned for a proposition that addresses this on our upcoming November 2022 ballot.

“We’re working with the Jarvis Gann group,” Kramer said. “If there was ever a time to help homeowners this is the time with inflation, increased values, and increases in interest rates.”

“The state should have indexed the exemption in 1978 but they were greedy and did not,” he added.

As this proposition develops, he will keep the public informed, Kramer shared.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By The Joint Commission, National Quality Forum for KP Nor Cal’s Advance Alert Monitor program for predicting risk, saving lives among hospitalized patients

By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, Calif., April 19, 2022 – Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s life-saving Advance Alert Monitor (AAM) program – an early detection system that helps care teams predict when hospitalized patients are at risk for clinical deterioration – has been recognized by The Joint Commission and National Quality Forum (NQF).

The program has been honored with the 2021 John M. Eisenberg Award for Local Level Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality. The prestigious national award recognizes those initiatives that improve patient safety and overall quality of care.

AAM uses a predictive algorithm developed by physician researchers at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research that scans almost 100 elements from patient health records hourly at 21 hospitals in Northern California, giving clinicians a 12-hour lead time prior to clinical deterioration, permitting early detection and intervention.

“Advance Alert Monitor is another example of how our physicians and staff maximize our extensive clinical and operational expertise, our technologically advanced systems, and our integrated care delivery model to provide exceptional care to our patients,” says Richard Isaacs, MD, FACS, who is the CEO and Executive Director of The Permanente Medical Group. “By combining the groundbreaking use of predictive analytics with clinical workflows, we’ve created a Northern California virtual center that is saving lives by helping us identify patients in medical-surgical and transitional care units who may need expedited care.”

The output of the algorithm is monitored remotely by clinical staff who virtually observe all Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals, and who immediately contact the patient’s local care team in the event of an alert, enabling physicians and nurses to provide critical and potentially life-saving treatment more quickly.

A recent analysis of the program by the physician researchers who developed it, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found the system was responsible for preventing on average 520 deaths per year over a 3-and-a-half-year study period. It also showed a lower incidence of ICU admissions and shorter hospital stays.

“This award is a testament to the ongoing work of Kaiser Permanente Northern California to provide our clinical care teams cutting edge technology that enables them to predict and prevent serious complications before they happen,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our staff is intervening early and swiftly, providing the appropriate medical attention to keep patients safe with improved outcomes.”

Last year, Kaiser Permanente Northern California was recognized by the International Hospital Foundation with the Autsco Excellence Award for Quality and Patient Safety for the AAM program, which is in place at all 21 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals, with nurses handling more than 16,000 alerts a year.

How it works

AAM predicts the probability that hospitalized patients are likely to decline, require transfer to the intensive care unit or emergency resuscitation, and benefit from interventions. Early warnings could be helpful for patients at risk of deterioration where intervention may improve outcomes.

To do this, AAM analyzes electronic hospital patient data to identify those at risk of deteriorating and alerts a specialized team of Virtual Quality Nurse Consultants who determine if on-site intervention is needed. The virtual nurses contact the Rapid Response Team of nurses, which performs an assessment, and then works with the supportive-care team and the patient and/or family to develop a patient-centered treatment plan.

“Analytics tools allow us to use complex patient data to improve our care in real-time,” said Vincent Liu, MD, MS, a research scientist with the Division of Research, whose advanced analytics group developed the algorithm that underpins AAM. “They support clinicians’ practice by finding signals hidden within the electronic health record,” added Liu, whose advanced analytics group developed the algorithm with leadership from retired DOR investigator Gabriel Escobar, MD.

Nurses confirm AAM’s value

Vincent Emeziem, an ICU nurse at Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center, is part of the Advance Alert Monitor team at the hospital. He said he’s seen firsthand how the program saves lives, including a recent case where a hospitalized patient was declining rapidly and because of early intervention was rushed into surgery for a life-threatening aneurism.

“This program has been very useful, and a lot of patients have benefited,” said Emeziem, a Kaiser Permanente nurse for 18 years. “These patients are getting the care they need very fast.”

The success of the Advance Alert Monitor program is attributed to the integration of care, collaboration between the clinical care teams, and the early intervention provided to patients, said Dr. Vanessa Martinez, DNP, MHA, RN, director of Virtual Nursing Care at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. “This advance technology and the expertise of our clinical care teams is allowing us to help those patients who are at most risk for severe complications and provide the necessary treatment to improve patient outcomes,” she said.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve almost 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. http://about.kaiserpermanente.org

City Clerk Householder said he didn’t have to; FPPC filing schedule shows it was due on January 31. He could face $5,000 penalty; complaints filed by Antioch residents

“it is the responsibility of any and every public official to know their filing requirements and to fulfill them” – Jay Wierenga, Communications Director, California Fair Political Practices Commission

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe is possibly in violation of state campaign finance laws for not filing the required semi-annual report for his recall committee which was due January 31. City Clerk Ellie Householder, who is also facing possible recall, has said he didn’t have to. However, according to the California Fair Political Practices Commission that’s incorrect.

The latest report, known as a 460 form, is supposed to show all of a campaign’s contributions, loans and expenses for the period of July 1 through Dec. 31, 201.  2021_07_LCL_Officeholders_Not_on_Ballot

Thorpe formed his committee to beat the recall by submitting his 410 form on Dec. 9, 2021. That form is not required to be filed until a campaign has raised or spent at least $2,000. Thorpe 410 from SOS_001

Thorpe has boasted on social media that he’s raised $84,000 to beat the recall. But without the report his contributors have not been disclosed to the public.

An emailed request was made to Householder for copies of Thorpe’s semi-annual 460 campaign finance reports, through Dec. 31, 2021, for both his 2020 mayoral committee and his committee to beat the recall. Neither had been posted on the city’s website as of Friday, March 11.

At a community event the next day, Householder told this reporter, “we have them. We just haven’t posted them, yet.” She was asked to provide copies by the following Monday. But they were not.

A call was then made to Deputy City Clerk Christina Garcia asking for copies of the reports.

“Ellie said she has them. They were submitted to her,” Garcia said. “I have not seen them. I was off a couple of days. So, if she received them, it may have happened while I was out. She has them with her. I don’t know where. I don’t have them, here in my office. I can have access to them. But for now, she’s handling all the FPPC stuff for the office. I’m handling all the other day-to-day. She has to learn the software and teach people how to learn the software. There’s been a glitch which is getting worked out.”

As of Friday, March 18, the forms were still not on the city clerk’s website. Subsequently, an email was sent to Householder, Thorpe and Garcia with the following: “as of today, they are still not on the city’s website – City of Antioch Electronic Filing System (netfile.com) nor have I received copies of them via email. Now, today I’m told that Lamar’s campaign treasurer hasn’t completed them, yet and he hasn’t submitted them to your office. Which is true? Do you have them? If so, please email me copies, today and upload them to the website, today. Or if necessary, I can pick up hard copies, today.”

Thorpe was asked in the same email,” if you haven’t yet submitted your 460’s for both committees, why not? When will you?”

No responses were received.

On Monday, March 21 another email was sent to all three with the following: “Please see below the questions I sent you on Friday afternoon, because Lamar’s 460’s for both his 2020 mayoral campaign committee and beat the recall committee, nor his 410 for the latter committee are on the city’s website are still not there, as of today.

If they have been submitted to the City Clerk’s Office, I want copies of them, today, please. No more delays. If you don’t yet have them, Lamar when will you or your campaign treasurer, if it’s someone other than you, submit them?”

Householder responded via email the next day with copies of Thorpe’s 410 form for his recall committee and 460 for his 2020 Mayor’s campaign committee. But the latter form shows no contributions or loans received or expenditures made between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2021. Thorpe for Mayor 2020_460_7121 to 123121

“I appreciate your patience while I resolved technical issues with NetFile; both the 410 and 460 are viewable/downloadable. For convenience, I have also attached them to this email,” she wrote. “Please note there is no 460 for the ‘Stop the #KAREN Recall of Lamar Thorpe 2022’ because one is not due yet.”

In response, an email was sent to Householder and Garcia asking, “since his recall committee was formed on Dec. 9, 2021, shouldn’t his 460 report for any activity prior to Dec. 31, 2021 have been due on Jan. 31, 2022?”

Householder responded that same day writing, “No. You can find the filing schedule for all campaign committees here: https://www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/campaign-rules/where-and-when-to-file-campaign-statements/when-to-file-campaign-statements-state-local-filing-schedules.html”

A search of that website shows multiple campaign finance report filing schedules. As a result an email was sent to both Householder and Garcia that same evening with the following:

“This looks like the correct one under the 2021 Filing Schedules since there was no election in 2021, Lamar formed his committee and filed his 410 in 2021 and it required a report by Jan. 31, 2022

Local Candidates and Officeholders (Including Superior Court Judges) Not Being Voted Upon in 2021

www.fppc.ca.gov/content/dam/fppc/NS-Documents/TAD/Filing%20Schedules/2021/2021_07_LCL_Officeholders_Not_on_Ballot.pdf

That reads:

Jan 31, 2022 Semi-Annual 7/1/21 – 12/31/21 460 • All committees must file this report • Exception: Officeholders whose salaries are less than $200/month and judges do not have to file this semi-annual statement if no contributions were received or expenditures were made during the period.

It further reads:

Form 460: Candidates who have raised/spent $2,000 or more file the Form 460. The Form 410 (Statement of Organization) must also be filed once $2,000 or more has been raised/spent.

Why would Lamar form his committee and file his 410 on Dec. 9 if he hadn’t already raised or spent a least $2,000 by then?

If that’s not the correct schedule which one is that you are following for Lamar’s recall, please?”

No response was received. That email was resent on Friday, March 25 with, “I’m resending that last email since you didn’t respond and answer my question about which reporting schedule you are following for Lamar Thorpe’s recall committee. I don’t see any others that apply other than the one I read and shared.”

Still no response was received.

Householder was then asked in person which reporting schedule she is following. She replied, “that’s for you to research.”

Fair Political Practices Commission Spokesman Says 460 Report Due Jan. 31 for Committee Formed Before Dec. 31, 2021

According to information provided by Jay Wierenga, Communications Director for the state Fair Political Practices Commission, the city clerk is wrong based on the filing schedule that applies.

Questions were sent to him on Wed., April 6 asking, “which schedule on that page is the correct one for a council member facing possible recall and formed his committee to raise funds to beat it prior to the end of last year? Also, if she is wrong about this and hasn’t required him to file in a timely manner, what consequences are there for each of them? Finally, if so, can the oversight of his recall election process be removed from her and be given to the Deputy City Clerk, as is being done with Householder’s recall election process?”

Wierenga responded the next day writing, “I will get back to you to try to determine the proper filing schedule. One thing I can say it is the responsibility of any and every public official to know their filing requirements and to fulfill them. Any violation of the Political Reform Act can result in a penalty of up to $5,000 per violation. Committee treasurers are also responsible for the committees they serve as treasurers.”

Later that same day he wrote, “I/we are not going to comment on any one, specific person/group/situation. I want to make that very clear that this is not a comment on any one person or group. Generally speaking, and for anyone who qualified as a committee before 12/31/21, then a Form 460 was required to be filed by 1/31/22.”

For clarification Wierenga was then asked, “Since what you wrote is ‘generally speaking’ are there any exceptions other than what is written on that filing schedule? – ‘Officeholders whose salaries are less than $200/month and judges do not have to file this semi-annual statement if no contributions were received or expenditures were made during the period.’ If so, what are those exceptions, please?”

He responded, “the words on the schedule are… the words on the schedule. As for me saying ‘generally speaking’, it is because I/we are doing just that. We are not commenting on any one person or group or specific situation.”

Thorpe and each of the council members are paid $1,600 per month by the city in their positions.

4/21/22 UPDATE: To further clarify the FPPC’s position, on Thursday, April 21, Wierenga wrote, “I, we (the FPPC) are not accusing anyone publicly (or even privately) of violating the law. ONLY an investigation by the proper investigative agency (which is the FPPC Enforcement Division, which investigates complaints, alleged violations, etc. or occasionally a District Attorney or the Attorney General’s Office, both of which also have jurisdiction under the Political Reform Act as it is State law) can legally determine a violation.”

Questions for Thorpe, Householder Go Unanswered, Still No Report Posted

On Monday, April 18 at 5:51 p.m. Wieringa’s emails were forward to Thorpe and Householder. They were asked, “Have you filed it, yet? As of today, it’s not on the city’s website. Just the 410 form. Campaign Finance Statements – City of Antioch, California (antiochca.gov) If so, and it’s just not yet uploaded, can one of you please provide me a copy?”

Thorpe was asked specifically, “If not, when will you be filing it?”

No responses were received as of Tuesday, April 19 at 5:45 PM. As of that time Thorpe’s recall committee form 460 was still not on the city clerk’s campaign finance statements page of the city’s website.

4/25/22 UPDATE: According to a resident who chose to remain anonymous, at least two and possibly three complaints have been filed with the FPPC Enforcement Division. One was filed on April 11 with ID# COM-04112022-01033 and another on April 16 with ID# COM-04172022-01087. To file a complaint visit https://fppc.ca.gov/enforcement/electronic-complaint-system.html.

 

By Jimmy Lee, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston announced on Friday, that a coroner’s jury reached a finding in the April 1, 2021 death of 61-year-old Jonathan Lynn Richardson of Antioch. The finding of the jury is that the manner of death is suicide. (See related article)

The coroner’s jury reached the verdict in the inquest after hearing the testimony of witnesses called by hearing officer Laura Pagey.

As previously reported, on April 1, 2021, at approximately 7:52 PM, Antioch police officers were dispatched to a residence on Valley Way for a 9-1-1 call regarding a family disturbance. The caller reported a male resident was armed with a firearm and suffering from some type of mental health crisis.

The male resident left the house with the firearm and drove away. Several officers responded to the area and located the victim driving in the neighborhood. The officers turned around and fell in behind the victim’s vehicle. Afterwards, the 61-year-old victim pulled to the side of the road, exited his vehicle, and shot himself.

A coroner’s inquest, which Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston convenes in fatal incidents involving law enforcement personnel, is a public hearing during which a jury rules on the manner of a person’s death. Jury members can choose from the following four options when making their finding: Accident, Suicide, Natural Causes or At the hands of another person, other than by accident.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.