Arrested in 2012 for making pipe bombs

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch Police have confirmed that the man who died from what appears to be wounds from the explosion of a home-made bomb near two schools, Monday morning, Jan. 31, 2022, was Antioch resident Frank Trout. Speculation was rampant on social media Monday evening, with people posting a 2012 Antioch Herald article about Trout being arrested for making pipe bombs.

Asked if Trout was indeed the deceased man from Monday’s incident, and having the article shared with him, Antioch Police Strategic Communications Officer Darryl Saffold simply replied Tuesday morning, “same guy.”

However, it wasn’t until today, Friday Feb. 4, that Antioch Police officially identified Trout as the deceased. (See related article)

Saffold issued the following press release providing more details about the incident:

On January 31, 2022, at approximately 7:32 AM, Antioch Police Department Dispatch received a call of a subject down on the ground in the area of West Seventeenth Street and F Street. It was discovered that the subject, who was identified as Antioch resident Frank Trout, suffered from a self-inflicted detonation of an improvised explosive device which caused a fatal injury. After a long and extensive search of the area, with the assistance of numerous allied agencies, it was determined there is no threat to the community.

At approximately 7:38 AM, Antioch officers arrived in the area and located Trout lying on the ground after it was apparent, he suffered from severe trauma and was unresponsive. After his vitals were assessed. It was determined Trout was deceased and appeared to have been in possession of an improvised explosive device. Upon further investigation of the area surrounding Trout’s body, exposed wiring on an unknown origin was located. Out of an abundance of caution, several schools in the area were notified and a shelter in-place was issued. Simultaneously, numerous allied agencies were notified and were requested to assist with efforts to confirm there were no outstanding devices and that there was no threat to the community.

With the assistance of Walnut Creek Police Department’s Bomb Squad, FBI Bomb Squad, ATF, Coast Guard Bomb Sniffing K-9 Team, Department of Homeland Security, BART PD Bomb Sniffing K-9 Team, Contra Costa County Fire Department, and American Medical Response the following schools were thoroughly searched and determined to be safe for all students and staff: Antioch Middle School, Freemont Elementary School, Bridges Continuation School, Live Oak High School. In addition to the protective sweeps of the area schools, the adjacent neighborhood streets were searched and determined to be safe for residents.

The shelter in-place was lifted as soon as it was determined this was an isolated incident.

Due to the ongoing and active nature of the investigation, no further information will be released at this time. Updates may be made available on the Antioch Police Departments social media pages.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925)481-8297 or at Rgerber@Antiochca.gov. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Shootout in Sycamore area; one officer’s relentless efforts lead to arrest of suspect in another shooting

By Darryl Saffold, Strategic Communications Officer, Antioch Police Department

On Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, at 2:19 hours, there was a shootout between two subjects on Peppertree Way. One of the subjects was identified as 28-year-old Joshua Hawkins.

A warrant was later issued for his arrest, and he was taken into custody on Thursday, the 3rd.

Unfortunately, some residents of Antioch are all too familiar with “whodunit” stories. With that said, one of our intrepid officer’s diligence led to one of these mysteries being solved🕵️‍♂️.

Earlier this week, some of your fellow residents were subjected to numerous shots being fired in their neighborhood. Even while being startled after hearing the gunfire, nearby and vigilant security guards dialed 911.

Officer Milner was one of the officers dispatched to the scene. Even though there was very little in the way of initial information, Officer Milner worked tirelessly over the next few days.

Through Milner’s work ethic, he was able to discover the responsible party’s identity and gather evidence in this investigation. Armed with this information, Milner obtained a warrant and arrested the individual responsible for this incident.

Every day our officers are solving cases and doing their best to keep the city safe. This was just one great example of the work ethic and determination that our officers pride themselves in. Great work Officer Milner! -6136

Issue wanted poster

By Antioch Police Department

Antioch PD Detectives are requesting help in locating a murder suspect, Darvin David Heath. A felony warrant has been issued for Heath’s arrest for first-degree murder.

On Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, Heath shot and killed an Antioch resident in an unprovoked attack, in the middle of the day, in the parking lot of 2958 Delta Fair Boulevard, the location of Super Wine & Liquor.  (See related article)

Heath is described as a black male, 62 years old, 5’9”, 165lbs, with black hair and brown eyes.

Heath is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information as to Heath’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Duffy at (925)779-6884 or at aduffy@antiochca.gov.

The issue dates back four years and more; board to hold special closed door meeting Wednesday to discuss lawsuits by the three staff members; judge to rule by Friday on release of report

By Allen D. Payton

The Contra Costa Community College District is fighting in court to prevent the release of an investigations report of complaints made by three employees in leadership of the District. Current members, Executive Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services Eugene Huff, Chief Human Resources Officer Diogenes “Dio” Shipp and former Chief Financial Officer Jonah Nicholas made California Public Records Act (CPRA) requests for the release of “Any and all investigation reports delivered to the District concerning complaints made by” them.

Huff and Shipp are currently on paid administrative leave and Nicholas now works for the Chabot Las Positas Community College District in Alameda County.

A “Notice of Intention to Produce Records and Court Documents” was sent Monday to former Governing Board Trustee Greg Enholm from Executive Vice Chancellor for Education and Technology Mojdeh Mehdizadeh. In it she wrote, “the District vigorously opposed the release of the requested records, namely the Investigation Report (‘Report’) prepared by Jessica Armijo, citing a variety of legal privileges including” the “right to privacy” of those mentioned in the Report. However, the letter continues, “In his Jan. 28, 2022 ruling…Judge Jerry Baskin found that none of the purported exemptions apply to the Report.”

The judge further “ordered the Report be submitted for an in-camera review for February 1, 2022” (today), the notice reads.

Mehdizadeh also informed Enholm that the release of the Report “would result in a public disclosure of records containing information related to your role as a Governing Board member”. She suggested if he also objected to the release of the information that he could use a “reverse-CPRA action” for judicial relief and obtain a court order preventing the disclosure.

However, Enholm said he doesn’t care if any information about him or the Report is released.

According to the notice, the District is required to provide a copy of the Report of the investigations by Wednesday, Feb. 2 and “the Court intends to issue its final ruling”, this Friday, February 4 11:15 am.

A special closed session board meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. during which the trustees will discuss litigation with their legal counsel. The cases are Huff et al. v. Contra Costa Community College District, CIV N21-1890 and Huff et al. v. Contra Costa Community College District, CIV C21-02408.

In addition, the board will again discuss the “Public employee discipline/dismissal/release/complaint (Government Code Section 54957)” of Chancellor Bryan Reece.

Huff Explains

“Because we are in litigation, I’m probably not going to answer all your questions,” Huff said when reached for comment. “But I’m happy to provide you with the facts.”

“We have the same attorney and we filed two lawsuits against the District,” he continued. “One is the writ Judge Baskin heard, last Friday, which resulted in our favor.” Regarding the other lawsuit, “we filed a claim against the district about employment discrimination and retaliation.”

The lawsuit filed in court is a public document, Huff pointed out.

“Dio, additionally, has stand-alone claims,” he added.

“We were contract administrators at the time,” Huff stated. Their contracts were not renewed. “We filed for documents related to complaints filed in 2020.”

Dio was put on paid administrative leave in June. Huff was placed on administrative leave in August.

Asked if there was a date certain to the end of his paid leave, Huff replied, “It’s unusual to have a person on paid administrative leave indefinitely. But my current contract runs through June 2022. So, maybe they’re going to just wait it out.”

Hiring to begin for 25-30 new jobs in the community

By Lisa Hartley, Marketing Media Planner, Harbor Freight Tools

Calabasas, CA – Harbor Freight Tools, America’s go-to store for quality tools at the lowest prices, has announced that it will be opening a new store in Antioch, CA. The new store will be located at 5729 Lone Tree Way, in the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center near Barnes and Noble, and is expected to open this spring. An official opening date will be announced closer to opening.

Construction has already begun at the location, using local workers and companies from the surrounding Antioch area.

“We’ve been looking to open a location in Antioch for a number of years so that we can provide the tools and equipment at tremendous values to the community,” said Trey Feiler, Senior Vice President, Real Estate and Construction for Harbor Freight Tools. “In addition to finding a great location, we were attracted by the availability of great associates in the Antioch area, and we look forward to having them join the Harbor Freight team.”

The store is expected to bring between 25 and 30 new jobs to the community, including Sales and Logistic Supervisors, Senior Associates, Sales Associates, and seasonal opportunities as well. Harbor Freight Tools offers a competitive starting rate along with a best-in-class retail benefits package that includes robust health coverage, and Thanksgiving and Christmas off. Harbor Freight provides stability and the opportunity to advance in a company that continues to grow, with over 24,000 Associates and more than 1,200 locations nationwide.

Harbor Freight recognizes that its people are key to its success and is committed to being the best place to work in any industry. Forbes Magazine has recently recognized Harbor Freight as one of the top 20 large employers in all of retail,

one of the top employers in terms of diversity, a top employer for women, and one of the country’s Best Employers for Veterans for two years in a row. Diversityjobs.com has also recognized the company as a top employer for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Interested applicants can apply online at www.harborfreightjobs.com/retail and search “Antioch, CA”.

About Harbor Freight Tools

For more than 40 years, Harbor Freight Tools has been America’s go-to source for affordable tools. The family-owned company started in Southern California in 1977, when 17-year-old Eric Smidt began transforming his father’s small phone sales business into a successful mail order company, bypassing the resellers, dealing directly with factories, and passing the savings on to the customer.

The company opened its first store in 1980. Today Harbor Freight Tools has over 1,200 stores across the country, 24,000 associates and more than 40 million customers who depend on Harbor Freight’s quality and value to earn a living, repair their homes and cars and pursue their hobbies. With core values of excellence and continuous improvement, Harbor Freight Tools works to constantly improve the quality of its products and this year will introduce more than 800 new tools and accessories. Harbor Freight Tools is one of the nation’s fastest growing retailers, opening two new stores every week.

 

 

East County residents interested in running for office, this year will have the opportunity to learn from County Elections staff, Fair Political Practices Commission, local elected officials and campaign professionals during a campaign school Wednesday night, Jan. 2.

Dates:  02/02/2022

Time:               6:00 – 9:00pm

Location:         Antioch Community Center at Prewett Family Park

4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch

Program:

Welcome:    Helen Nolan, Assistant Registrar

Moderator:  Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis

Presentations:

1. Filing for Office Speakers: 6:10 – 6:30pm

• Contra Costa Elections Supervisor, Rosa Mena
• Brentwood City Clerk, Margaret Wimberly

2. Campaign Financial Disclosures Speakers: 6:35– 7:00pm

• Contra Costa Elections Specialist, Olga Hernandez
• NetFile, Tom Diebert
• FPPC, Chloe Hackert (Via Zoom)

3. Changes for Future Elections: 7:05 – 7:15

• Contra Costa County Assistant Registrar, Helen Nolan

4. Bay Area Trust in Elections: 7:15 -7:25

• Contra Costa County Deputy Clerk-Recorder-Registrar, Tommy Gong

Break:  7:25 – 7:35

5. Communicating the Message Speakers:7:40 – 8:15pm

• Consultant, Allen Payton, Del Rey Advertising & Marketing Agency
• Voters Edge, Shawn Gilbert
• Social Media, Jenna Valle-Riestra (Via Zoom)

6. Encouraging Future Leaders Speakers: 8:20 – 8:55pm

• Contra Costa College Governing Board Trustee, District 5, Fernando Sandoval
• Contra Costa County Office of Education, District 5, Annette Lewis
• City of Pittsburg City Council Vice Mayor, Shanelle Scales
• City of Brentwood Councilwoman, Susannah Meyer

We would like to make sure that we are clear about a couple of details of the event:

• The purpose of the event is for residents to learn about the specifics of how to run for office, there will not be any campaigning or candidacy promotion at this event.
• This is the final of three events that we have held (Lafayette, Richmond, and Antioch) and all events are the same format and information with a few different panelists.

While everything points to the latest trends in Coronavirus transmission rates being in decline, we understand that the Omicron strain of the virus is still a big factor, and our county continues to have specific rules in place with regard to indoor venues and events. We want to make sure that all of our participants and panelists understand all of the current rules in place, and that we provide all options for everyone to participate fully.

Please note that as of December 29, 2021, the current mask mandate requires all people in Contra Costa, regardless of vaccination status to mask in public indoor settings. (For our panelists, you will be requested to keep your mask on while speaking). We will also be taking precautions with the seating to assure that our panelists and participants are socially distanced.

Please self-monitor and if you have any of the following symptoms, please do not attend this event in person:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

While we feel that we are providing a safe in-person event given all the protocols in place, we understand that some people may not feel comfortable attending in-person.  If you are not comfortable attending this event in-person, please join us via Zoom:

Topic: Antioch Candidate Workshop

Time: Feb 2, 2022 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87938930334?pwd=cklnZXFwN3V6R1dUdm1ZVkNhVFlsQT09

Meeting ID: 879 3893 0334

Passcode: 550253

One tap mobile  +16699009128,,87938930334#,,,,*550253# US (San Jose)

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we continue to navigate the pandemic and attempt to make this event as accessible as possible.  https://us02web.zoom.us/account/report

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact either one of us prior to the event:

Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach/Engagement Specialist

Dawn.Kruger@cr.cccounty.us

925-335-7805

Karen Tedford, Civic Engagement Aide

Karen.tedford@cr.cccounty.us

925-335-7863

Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department

We will see you soon!

Will celebrate Inaugural Asian and Pacific Islander Lunar New Year, honor City of Antioch’s Sesquicentennial

By Daniel Borsuk

An ordinance concerning Contra Costa County’s affordable housing status and other proposed ordinances designed to boost election campaign funding for Supervisors and Non-supervisor candidates along with an Inaugural celebration recognizing the Asian and Pacific Islander New Year will be some of the Agenda Items the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will either take action on or pay tribute to at a meeting on Tuesday, February 1.

The Supervisors will meet remotely, starting at 9:00 a.m.  Proceedings will be televised on Comcast Cable twenty-seven, ATT/U-Verse Channel 99 and WAVE Channel 32 and can be seen live online at www.contracosta.ca.gov.

Public Hearing on Inclusionary Housing Ordinance

Supervisors will hold a hearing to determine if the county’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance is “Consistent with the State’s definition of low-income household and qualifying income units and exempt community care facilities from the County’s Affordable Housing Requirements,” according to the report from the Contra Costa County Conservation and Development.

In effect since 2006, the proposed ordinance would align the County’s Ordinance with changes in the state’s definition of extended low, very low-, low- and moderate-income households and their respective qualifying income limits.

The proposed ordinance would exempt Community Care Facilities from the County’s Affordable Housing Requirements.

Election Campaign Ordinance

Supervisors will consider an Election Campaign Ordinance for Supervisorial and Non-supervisoral candidates increasing individual donations from $1,675 to $2,500.  The County’s Election Campaign Ordinance was first adopted in 1984 and was last revised in 2005.

The Election Campaign Ordinance also applies to other County Elected Positions such as Recorder-elections, Treasurer, Assessor, District Attorney, and Sheriff-Coroner.

A few weeks ago, when Supervisors first reviewed this ordinance, they had briefly studied the idea of raising donations to $5,000, the state limit, but decided to not go that route.

Inaugural Asian and Pacific Islander New Year Celebration

The Board of Supervisors will conduct their inaugural Asian and Pacific Islander New Year Celebration with Susan Kim, executive director of the Contra Costa Family Justice Center, and Professor Kent Wong, Director of the University of California Los Angeles Labor Center, as speakers.   The multi-cultural ceremony will feature dance, music, food, and unique customs of many of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities represented in Contra Costa County including Nepalese, Filipino, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian, Tai, and Indian communities.

“We want to recognize one of the most important celebrations for our Asian and Pacific Islander communities and dismiss monolithic stereotypes by featuring the diversity in our Asian communities,” said Board Chair, Supervisor Karen Mitchoff. “Contra Costa County will make history on the first day of this year’s Lunar New Year, February 1st, with the inaugural event as we honor and celebrate the many different Asian and Pacific Islander cultures and traditions. As an important and integral part of our County family, we celebrate the new year with you, and wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year!”

The Asian and Pacific Islander New Year Celebration will be shown at www.contracostaca.gov/6068 or www.contracostatv.org. The community can watch on Contra Costa Television (CCTV) Channels; COMCAST Cable 27.

Rodeo Senior Housing Project  

Supervisors will hold a hearing on a proposal to permit Conservation and Development Director John Kopchick to sign a Development and Loan Agreement between the County and La Loma Rodeo EAU LLC for the sale of county owned property at 710 Willow Ave. in Rodeo.

The Rodeo development calls for the construction of a PA 67-unit affordable unit senior housing project with community space. The developers will receive from the county a $4,450,000 loan from the Housing Succession Low Moderate-Income Funds for construction of the building. The County would sell the County-owned property to La Loma Rodeo for $980,000.

Will honor City of Antioch’s Sesquicentennial – 150th Anniversary

District 3 Supervisor Dianne Burgis who represents portions of Antioch, will present her resolution for adoption that recognizes the City of Antioch’s Sesquicentennial or 150th Anniversary of Incorporation. Antioch was founded as Smith’s Landing in 1849 when the twin Smith brothers purchased land from John Marsh, owner of Rancho Los Medano, who had constructed a landing on the San Joaquin River. Following the death of Reverend Joseph Horton Smith in 1850, the residents, under the leadership of Rev. William Wiggins Smith, gathered during the July 4, 1851 picnic and renamed the town Antioch after the biblical city in Syria where the followers of Christ were first called Christians.  The City of Antioch was incorporated on February 6, 1872, becoming Contra Costa County’s original city. (See related article)

 

Witness who heard explosion, felt blast and saw smoke says another man was standing next to victim

Considered a suspicious death by APD, not homicide

Woman killed in Saturday night double homicide not pregnant

By Allen D. Payton

According to Antioch Police Strategic Communications Officer Darryl Saffold, an unknown Caucasian man appearing to be in his mid-50’s died from apparent self-inflicted wounds to his upper body caused by an improvised explosive device, Monday morning. The incident occurred at the south end of F Street near W. 17th Street near Live Oak High School and just outside the fence line of Antioch Middle School.

The APD Dispatch first received a call about 7:30 AM after someone discovered the body. Officers arrived on the scene, but no identification was found on the body.

It was first believed to be the city’s fourth or fifth homicide of the month and year, and early reports claimed the man died from gunshot wounds due to the placement of multiple, yellow, plastic evidence markers. But according to Saffold, those “indicate items of importance such as matter”, meaning pieces of the body of the deceased, and no shell casings were located at the scene.

The man’s body showed he had “suffered severe trauma to his face and right hand” and was “possibly homeless,” Saffold stated. “There were wires near the body. The way the body was positioned he was on top of the wires.”

As a result, the Walnut Creek Police Bomb Squad was called out.

Saffold held two press conferences about the incident on Monday. View them on the Antioch Herald Facebook page, here and here. (Apologies for the poor sound quality. Please be sure to turn up your speakers.)

Live Oak Classes Cancelled, Students Shelter in Place at Nearby Schools

Classes were cancelled at Live Oak and the teachers were sent home about 9:15 AM. as APD expanded the crime scene. Asked why, one officer said “We have reasons to believe there are safety reasons. They’re calling the bomb squad.” Up until that point APD was not sure the cause of the man’s death.

At 9:30 AM, an announcement could be heard from the neighboring Antioch Middle School loudspeaker for the students to shelter in place and their parents were being called.

Students at the adjacent Fremont Elementary Schools were also required to shelter in place. In addition, the “Out of an abundance of caution” Saffold said, APD asked all people within the area of “F Street between West 11th to West 17th Streets” to shelter in place, as police from several agencies, including Homeland Security, searched for other possible explosive devices. The shelter in place was lifted at 2:27 PM.

Live Oak Principal Tim Cooper said the students will return to school, tomorrow.

Witnesses Heard Explosion, Saw Smoke, One Felt Blast Saw Second Man at Scene

Sean Ledesma, who lives on W. 19th Street near the Antioch Library on W. 18th Street, said he was outside at the time having a smoke before getting ready to go to work, and heard an explosion at 5:45 AM.

“I jumped and immediately looked over in the direction of the schools and saw smoke rising up and the smoke reached as high as a nearby tree,” he said.  “It shook the ground. It was so close I felt the blast. It was immediate.”

“I saw a second man, there. He looked like he was in shock,” Ledesma continued. “It didn’t look like he was in a hurry to leave, and I was wondering why, if a bomb just went off.”

“I’ve heard explosions in Antioch, before. This one was different,” he stated. “I thought someone was just messing around with M-80’s. But what threw me off was how high the smoke went up and just stayed there.”

“I wondered, what was he doing between schools? Did he have bigger plans? Did the bomb go off accidentally?” Ledesma shared. “I took it that the other guy standing there didn’t expect as large of an explosion.”

Asked if he had spoken to police about what he had witnessed, Ledesma responded, “I haven’t spoken to police, yet.”

An APD Community Service Officer was nearby and took Ledesma’s name and information.

Another Antioch resident, named Mike, who said he was collecting recyclables on F Street near the corner of W. 17th Street at the time of the man’s death, also heard the explosion. He left the area before any additional information could be shared while Ledesma was being interviewed by the Herald.

Woman Killed Saturday Night Not Pregnant

It was also later shared by Saffold, that the 30-year-old female victim in the double homicide, Saturday night, was not pregnant, as was both rumored, as well as believed by District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker who shared that view with the Herald on Sunday night.

“I knew these humans. I worked with the mother and the son she was looking forward to (a) healthy baby,” the councilwoman wrote.

Asked if the woman had other children, Torres-Walker responded, “No. But she was looking forward to this baby.”

“This didn’t have to happen, but I guess politics matters more than people,” the councilwoman also wrote, referring to Mayor Lamar Thorpe not supporting or placing her proposal on a council agenda of hiring four more officers for the Sycamore area of Antioch, where the double homicide occurred. (See related articles here and here)

Saffold reiterated that the male suspect and woman who was killed were in a relationship. He added that they from Georgia where the suspect had outstanding warrants for domestic violence against her. (See related article)