Arrests made in 18 communities including as far away as Los Angeles and Las Vegas, with the help of 27 agencies.

“I owe this city an apology that the gang violence that started in Oakland has made its way to Antioch.” – Oakland Police Chief Armstrong

By Allen Payton

During a press conference, Thursday morning, April 15, 2021, Antioch Police Chief T Brooks announced the arrests of 48 gang members and associates duringing a complex, six-month investigation involving 24 agencies for murder, attempted murder and illegal guns. The effort removed 40 firearms, including 15 “ghost guns” off the streets and over $100,000 in cash. He was joined by Oakland Police Chief Leronne Armstrong and Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton who shared their appreciation for the joint effort. 2021-OPERATION WINDSTAR Presentation (See press conference video)

Known as Operation Windstar, Brooks presented the timeline beginning with the January 12, 20202 shooting in Oakland, which was linked to a firearm collected months later in Antioch, during a vehicle search of a known Case gang member. Operation Windstar Timeline

The chief explained how the investigation began with the August 29, 2020 murder of Case gang member Daunzhay Young in Antioch. He was shot with a short-barrelled AR pistol, and thirty-two rifle casings were collected. Young had previously been shot in Antioch on July 13, 2020. (See related articles, here, here and here)

Following are Brooks’ prepared remarks:

“What started as a joint investigation between the Antioch and Oakland Police Departments, quickly evolved into a multi-jurisdictional and collaborative operation involving many law enforcement agencies throughout the State of California.  The investigation, portions of which are still ongoing, has already resulted in the arrest of numerous gang members for murder, attempted murder, assaults with firearms, conspiracy, firearm violations and enhancements, and gang participation enhancements, in accordance with California’s Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act.

First, I would like to recognize and thank Oakland Police Chief LaRonne Armstrong, as well as Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton, for their partnership, support and attendance this morning.  Both will also be speaking here today, spotlighting some of these issues that are trending in our neighborhoods and jurisdictions, and offering insight from their perspectives and experience.

On August 29, 2020, twenty-year-old Daunzhay Young was murdered in broad daylight, in a quiet residential neighborhood, on Tioga Pass Way in Antioch.  He was chased on-foot while being gunned down by a male subject who used a rifle caliber AR pistol.  After Young fell, the suspect stood over him, using an execution-style tactic, and fired additional shots murdering him.  Detectives learned that Young was an active Case criminal street gang member, and he was targeted by a rival criminal street gang known as ENT, due to the ongoing and violent feud between the two Oakland-based gangs.  This initial homicide led to a long-term investigation into the violence surrounding this gang feud.

Detectives quickly realized Young’s murder introduced a larger narrative between the ENT and Case criminal street gang rivalry, and this was just the ‘tip of the iceberg.’  The investigation led into a deep-dive of the historical background of the ENT and Case criminal street gangs in Oakland and Antioch, to include their violent criminal behavior and lifestyle, and resulted in linking several other gang-related homicides, attempted homicides, and shootings committed in the months before and after Young’s murder.

Antioch Detectives reached out to Oakland Police Department’s Intelligence, Crime Reduction, and Gang/Ceasefire Units to leverage their valuable knowledge and extensive experience with these two gangs.  The partnership, collaboration, and open communication between our two agencies was critical to the success of this investigation, as was the flexibility and adaptiveness of the staff involved while the joint-investigation and overall effort began to take shape.

As the investigation took-off, Antioch and Oakland detectives identified the following timeline, linking seventeen shooting events and uncovering associates relevant to the ENT/Case gang rivalry.  Over the past year, Antioch had one homicide, five shooting victims, and four shootings where no known victims were identified.  In Oakland, they had one homicide, six shooting victims, and three shootings where no known victims were identified.

In about the middle of this timeline, Daunzhay Young was murdered.  During Young’s murder investigation, the Antioch Investigations Bureau also investigated two additional attempted homicides, not directly associated to the Young murder, but linked through the gang rivalry.  This effectively widened the scope of the current investigation, and increased the overall amount of resources needed to bring these cases to a successful resolution.

During the ongoing investigation, on February 27, 2021, a twenty-one year-old victim was ambushed and shot multiple times, in broad daylight, after he parked at a gas station on Lone Tree Way in Antioch.  As he exited the vehicle, he was shot approximately ten times by a male subject who used a 10mm semi-automatic firearm.  After the victim fell, the suspect stood over him, and struck him in the head with the firearm before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.  Associates with the victim returned gunfire prior to driving the victim to a local hospital.  Detectives learned the victim was an active Case gang member, and he was likely targeted by an ENT gang member.  Currently, the victim is alive and recovering from his injuries. (See related article)

Later that evening, there was a reprisal shooting in Oakland.  Several of the victim’s associates drove to Capp Street and Brookdale Avenue and fired several gunshots.  Oakland officers, aware of the earlier shooting, quickly responded to the area.  After several foot-chases, Oakland officers detained seven Case gang members and seized seven firearms.

Ten days later, on March 9, 2021, Antioch officers responded to a drive-by shooting, in a residential neighborhood, on Aspen Way.  The twenty-one and twenty-two year-old male victims just entered their vehicle to drive away when a suspect vehicle, that was waiting for several hours, drove towards them.  Multiple suspects opened fire critically injuring the driver and wounding the passenger.  Currently, the driver is alive and fighting for his life. (See related article)

Near the end of March 2021, and in collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office, it was determined the Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau had enough evidence to arrest, and prosecute, those responsible for murdering Daunzhay Young, and attempting to murder the victims from the Lone Tree Way gas station, and Aspen Way shootings.

On March 30, 2021, Charles Bolden Jr. was arrested in Oakland by Oakland PD for the murder of Daunzhay Young.  Afterwards, a firearm and a large amount of cash were seized from the vehicle he was driving.

Later that day, Charles Bolden Sr. was also located and arrested in Oakland for the Young murder.  He was contacted near 41st Street in Oakland, and fled on-foot to a backyard shed where he barricaded himself.  After a short stand-off, Bolden Sr. was arrested peacefully by Oakland PD.  Afterwards, a pistol was seized from the vehicle he arrived in, along with two more firearms on the premises.

On March 31, 2021, five search warrants were simultaneously served and supported by SWAT Operations or Tactical Teams in different jurisdictions.  Two locations in Antioch were conducted by the Antioch PD SWAT Team on Fitzuren Road, and the Brentwood PD SWAT Team on Toyon Way.  The third location was in the City of Merced on Willowbrook Drive and conducted by the Merced PD SWAT Team.  The fourth location was in the City of Modesto and conducted by their tactical team, and the last was in the City of Los Angeles, which was conducted by their Gang Field Unit.

Eric Windom was arrested in Merced, and Keyshawn McGee was arrested in Los Angeles, for the attempted murder and drive-by shooting perpetrated on Aspen Way.

Later that morning, in Antioch, a fugitive apprehension team consisting of the Antioch Problem Oriented Policing Team and undercover detectives, attempted to contact Trent Allen as a passenger in a vehicle.  Allen fled on-foot through a business parking lot and was chased through a residential neighborhood.  The fugitive apprehension team caught Allen and took him into custody for his role in the attempted murder and drive-by shooting on Aspen Way.

Later the same day, the Antioch fugitive apprehension team located Terryonn and Armonie Pugh, both parolees-at-large, hiding out in an apartment complex in American Canyon.  With the assistance of American Canyon PD, and the Napa County Sheriff’s Office, Terryonn Pugh was taken into custody as he tried to flee to a waiting vehicle.  Armonie Pugh was taken into custody, without incident, pursuant to a search warrant for the location.  During the search, a firearm and a large amount of cash were seized.  Terryonn Pugh was additionally arrested for the attempted murder at the Lone Tree Way gas station, and for his part in the attempted murder and drive-by shooting on Aspen Way.

On April 1, 2021, two search warrants were simultaneously served and supported by SWAT Operations in the cities of Vallejo and San Leandro.  The Antioch PD SWAT Team arrested D’Marco Lindsey in Vallejo for the murder of Young.  Evidence and firearms were located at the scene and collected.  The San Leandro PD SWAT Team, served a search warrant in their city, at a location associated with Lindsey and additional firearms were collected.

During the course of this investigation, Antioch Police Department’s Special Operations Unit, and newly formed Gang Team, dedicated eight undercover detectives who provided more than 1,825 staff hours performing duties related to undercover operations, surveillance, interdiction, and arrests for these cases.

Antioch Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit, Problem Oriented Policing Team, Crime Analysts, and Crime Scene Investigators dedicated another 23 detectives and staff members, who provided more than 4,750 staff hours, preforming duties related to investigations, interviews, data analysis, historical research, community engagement and collaboration, search warrants, video surveillance collection, crime scene reconstruction, and rapid evidence processing.

The Antioch Investigations Bureau authored and served over 100 search warrants.  Forty firearms, to include assault weapons, were seized and sent to the Contra Costa County Crime Lab for processing, and fifteen of those were ‘Ghost Guns’.  A ghost gun is a homemade or improvised firearm that lacks commercial serial numbers.  Thirty-six adult members of the ENT and Case criminal street gangs were identified, along with fifteen juveniles.  Many of them were arrested for crimes related to shooting assaults, robbery, burglary, firearm violations, and illegal drug sales.

I cannot emphasize enough how incredibly proud I am of the men and women of the Antioch Police Department.  Their hard work, tenacity, professionalism, and commitment to public safety inspires me daily, and I am honored to be their chief.

In addition to the human-factor, it cannot be overstated that the technological advancements leveraged by today’s law enforcement agencies also played a large role in the success of the investigations.  Technologies like ShotSpotter, LPR systems, community cameras, and partnerships with ATF and their administration of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, provide evidence-based data supporting their capability and effectiveness for having an impact on gun violence investigations, helping cities change the trajectory of violent crime in their communities.

As a law enforcement agency, identifying the people responsible for violent crimes in our community is only one part of the equation.  Being able to prove who did it, beyond a reasonable doubt, is another.  It is important for the victims of violent crimes and their families to have justice, and for those responsible to be held accountable.  As the Chief of Police, I am committed to leveraging partnerships and technology in order to reduce or eliminate gun violence in our community.  I truly value our partnership and the close collaboration with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, so we may continue to provide them with professional and complete investigations they can file in court.

It is now my pleasure to invite Chief Armstrong from the Oakland Police Department up to speak more on his agency’s involvement in this case, as well as their dedication to reducing gun violence.  But before I do, Chief Armstrong, please allow me to extend my sincerest appreciation and respect to you, and the members of the Oakland Police Department, for all the hard work and assistance you provided to us throughout this operation.

As I mentioned earlier, this was a taxing and very complex operation.  The Antioch Police Department would like to thank the following 27 agencies for operational support, surveillance, and take-down/arrests.”

Oakland Chief Armstrong

“I owe this city an apology that the gang violence that started in Oakland has made its way to Antioch,” Armstrong said. “I see weapons that should be used in war. But they are used in our communities. Everybody deserves to live in a safe community. I want to thank all the investigators from the Antioch Police Department who put in the hours. I’m hoping we can see a more safe community in Oakland and Antioch and the Bay Area.”

CCDA Becton

DA Becton shared her thoughts on the coordinated effort.

“Their cooperation and collaboration with our office has allowed us to stand here, today,” she said. “With this successful operation we are holding these ENT gang members responsible for the violence they have caused in our communities. Our department is prioritizing the arrests of these gang members. With the recent arrests, these violent gang members are no longer on the streets of Oakland and Antioch.”

Following are her prepared remarks:

“I want to thank Chief Brooks and Chief Armstrong for being here today. I also want to congratulate the prosecutors and inspectors in my office for their important work in filing this case. With the successful investigation and arrests here, we are holding these ENT gang members for the violence they caused.

East County is no stranger to gang violence. Unfortunately, over the years we have seen a growing trend of gang members moving here and operating in this area. This is one of the reasons we are so determined to get not only violent gang members off the streets but also illegal guns. The scourge of gun violence is impacting every single faucet of our neighborhoods. These agencies and my office are committed to prioritizing the arrest and prosecution of these violent and dangerous individuals.

This successful operation will further deter gang violence in East County and my office is committed to do everything we can to deter this type of violence. The FBI Safe Streets Task Force, managed by my office, and these agencies did a tremendous job in bringing some closure to the victims’ families surrounding these heinous acts of violence. With the recent arrests, these violent gang members are no longer on the streets of Antioch and Oakland and our communities are safer.

This investigation remains very active and ongoing. We are continuing to work with our law enforcement partners and encourage anyone with information about these crimes to come forward.”

Timeline Details

• January 12, 2020: A shooting in Oakland on 13th Street was linked to a firearm collected months later, in Antioch, during a vehicle search of a known Case gang member.  No known victims were identified for this shooting.
• June 25, 2020: A known ENT gang member was shot in Oakland and walked into a local hospital where he was contact by OPD.
• June 27, 2020: A known Case gang member walked into an Antioch hospital reporting stab wounds that were consistent with gunshot wounds.
• June 27, 2020: An occupied residence in Antioch was shot multiple times.  The location was associated with Case gang members.  Five casings were collected and linked to the shooting below and a July 13 shooting.
• Jun 27, 2020: Oakland officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation (twenty-two rounds fired) and a traffic collision on MacArthur Boulevard.  A Case gang member was shot, driving a stolen vehicle, and in possession of a firearm with an extended magazine.  ENT suspects committed the drive-by shooting and more than fifty-one casings were collected and linked to other shootings.
• July 13, 2020: Antioch officers responded to shots being fired between two vehicles on Hillcrest Avenue.  Case gang member Daunzhay Young was struck by gunfire and transported to a hospital.  Seventeen casings were collected and linked to previous shootings.
• August 14, 2020: Oakland officers responded to Beverly Avenue for a shooting of a Case gang member, who was shot while seated in a vehicle.  The victim ultimately died the next day.  Multiple rifle casings were collected.
• August 27, 2020: Oakland officers responded to a shooting on High Street and contacted a Case gang member who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Three handguns were located and collected.
• August 29, 2020: Case gang member Daunzhay Young was murdered in Antioch.  Young was shot with a short-barreled AR pistol, and thirty-two rifle casings were collected.
• September 4, 2020: Oakland officers responded to a shooting on Foothill Boulevard and contacted two ENT gang members, one of which had been shot.  Fifty-six rifle casings were collected.
• September 6, 2020: Antioch officers responded to multiple shots fired at a residence on Catanzaro Way.  This was found to be a memorial gathering for Young.  Thirteen suspect rifle casings were collected, and eight return-fire pistol casings were collected.
• September 30, 2020: Oakland officers responded to two ShotSpotter activations on Hillside Street (fifteen shots and six shots).  Several casings were collected and linked to the above memorial shooting in Antioch.
• October 9, 2020: Oakland officers responded to shots fired near Crest Avenue and Fontaine Street.  No known victims were identified.  Several pistol casings were collected and linked to prior shootings in Oakland and Antioch.
• October 11, 2020: Antioch officers responded to an exchange of gunshots on Deerspring Way at a park.  No known victims were identified for this shooting, and ENT gang members are suspected to be involved.
• October 19, 2020: Oakland officers heard gunshots on Hillside Street and located a vehicle collision and several casings.  The scene was abandoned, but an ENT gang member walked into a local hospital suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed into surgery.
• December 8, 2020: Antioch officers responded to several gunshots on Catanzaro Way.  No victims were identified for this shooting and several pistol casings were collected.
• January 1, 2021: Oakland officers responded to gunshots on Campbell Street.  An abandoned crime scene was located, and pistol casings were collected.  Shortly afterwards, an ENT gang member walked into a local hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg.

Assisting Agencies

1. Alameda County Sheriff’s Office
2. American Canyon PD
3. Berkeley PD
4. Brentwood PD
5. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
6. CHP – Golden Gate Division
7. CCC Office of the Sheriff – Forensic Services Division
8. CCC Safe Streets Task Force
9. Concord PD
10. Federal Bureau of Investigation
11. Fremont PD
12. Hayward PD
13. Las Vegas Metro PD
14. Los Angeles PD
15. Merced County Safe Streets Task Force
16. Merced PD
17. Modesto PD
18. Napa County Sheriff’s Office
19. Oakland Housing Authority PD
20. Oakland PD
21. Oakley PD
22. Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
23. San Francisco PD
24. San Francisco Sheriff’s Office
25. San Leandro PD
26. Vacaville PD
27. Vallejo PD

Thrown to the ground, purses stolen

By Lieutenant John Fortner, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On April 13, 2021, at approximately 10:03 AM, Antioch officers responded to a strong-arm robbery near an Asian specialty market located in the 2700 block of Hillcrest Avenue. Two females, ages 50 and 70, were loading groceries into their vehicle after leaving the market. A four-door sedan with paper plates, occupied by three males, entered the lot and parked nearby. Two of the males got out and rushed the victims at the back of their car. It was reported that the male suspects attacked the victims, throwing them both to the pavement, and stealing both of their purses before fleeing in their vehicle. The victims were treated at an area hospital for bumps and bruises and have been discharged.

During a press conference, earlier Wednesday morning, on apologizing for and recognizing the burning down of Antioch’s Chinatown in 1876 and mistreatment of Chinese residents during that period of the city’s history, Mayor Lamar Thorpe mentioned the attack was “against two Asian women outside the County Market, the city’s largest Asian grocery store.”

UPDATE: Following an effort by the Herald to reach store manager, Richard Yen for any additional details, he responded Thursday morning April 15, “the customers are good, not a hate crime. They stole her purse.”

It was confirmed that witnesses could not see the one suspect who remained in the car, but described the other two as young, Black men.

The case has been assigned to Antioch’s Investigations Bureau – Violent Crimes Unit. Currently, detectives are following-up on the incident and are interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence, including security camera video. At this time, there is no indication this incident was a hate crime, but all aspects of the crime are being critically examined.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Signs proclamation denouncing anti-Asian racism; also proposes youth mural project

By Allen Payton

During a press conference held Wednesday morning, April 14, 2021, Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe proposed a resolution formally apologizing for the burning down of the city’s Chinatown in 1876, a historic district in the area of the city’s downtown where it was located and funding a permanent display in the Antioch Historical Society Museum, and an historic mural project by Antioch youth. In addition, he signed the proclamation adopted by the city council during last night’s meeting denouncing anti-Asian racism. (See video of press conference)

Thorpe also mentioned an incident that occurred, yesterday an attack against two Asian women outside the County Market, the city’s largest Asian grocery store. According to Antioch Police Chief T Brooks, it was a strong arm robbery. More details will be released, today.

Following is the PROCLAMATION DENOUNCING ANTI-ASIAN RACISM

Unanimously approved by the Antioch City Council on April 13, 2021

WHEREAS, Antioch is home to diverse communities and has been for many generations;

WHEREAS, we are disturbed and alarmed by the severity and frequency of hate crimes and race-based harassment against Asians and the Asian Pacific Islander Communities associated with COVID-19;

WHEREAS, the Asian-American experience in the Bay Area is a complex and multi-faceted history; WHEREAS, the first major wave of Asians came to the Bay Area during the Gold Rush and many worked on the transcontinental railroad in the nineteenth century and were met with racial hostility and animosity;

WHEREAS, in 1876, Antioch’s Chinatown was burned down and it later became Waldie Plaza. People of Chinese heritage were banned from walking Antioch City streets after sunset;

WHEREAS, during the late-nineteenth century, anti-Chinese sentiment resulted in conflict and extremely restrictive regulations and norms concerning where Asian Americans could live and in which occupations they could work, which were often enforced with violence;

WHEREAS, today, there are nearly 1.7 million Asians in the Bay Area, constituting nearly 24 percent of the overall population. We pledge to not repeat the egregious acts of discrimination in past and present history;

WHEREAS, having Chinese ancestry – or any other ancestry – does not make a person more vulnerable to COVID-19. No race, nationality or ethnicity is responsible for COVID-19;

WHEREAS, ignorance is the lifeblood of conspiracies that hamper our ability to fight the pandemic and endanger the most vulnerable; and

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch recognizes the negative impact of institutional and structural racism, past and present.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, LAMAR A. THORPE, Mayor of the City of Antioch, do hereby proclaim that racism against Asians and Asian Americans shall not be tolerated in any form, AND we stand in support of individuals and communities targeted by association with COVID-19, AND we urge everyone to interrupt instances of racisms and

intolerance by speaking up in support of equity, justice, and inclusion.

LAMAR A. THORPE, Mayor

The mayor then presented the signed proclamation to Andi Li, Area 4 Representative on the Contra Costa Community College District Board of Trustees. Li thanked the mayor and council for the proclamation and shared some additional history of Chinese residents in Antioch and the U.S. helping build the transcontinental railroad and the levees in the Delta.

“Thank you, Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe and the city council, for joining many other government entities and passing the resolution to condemn anti-Asian hate crimes. Thank you, Antioch residents for supporting the API community.  I am very honored to accept the resolution,” Li said. “In America, the overall hate crime rate decreased by 7% in 2020, but against Asian Americans, it increased by 160%.  It created hardship for many Asian families including my family. The resolution is very important for Asian Pacific Islanders, especially those living in Antioch.  It let us see the support from the community during this hardship. So, thank you very much.”

Thorpe’s Proposals

Thorpe proposed “funding some sort of permanent exhibit at the Antioch Historical Society Museum.”

Dwayne Eubanks, president of the society spoke of “a permanent program with exhibits to examine our past. May is Asian Pacific Islander Month and we will be having displays.”

According to Stan Davis, Treasurer of the Historical Society, as well as the city’s former Director of Public Works and City Engineer, who has lived here since 1964, no previous mayor or council has proposed an apology for the past anti-Chinese racism and burning down of Antioch’s Chinatown that he’s aware of.

The mayor also proposed the city “designate a Chinatown Historic District with appropriate signage and story which timelines what happened, here for residents to enjoy and others to come to our community to enjoy.”

Former Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Joy Motts, who is president of the Rivertown Preservation Society, then spoke saying, “today we take the first step in recognizing a difficult part of our city’s history.” Following are her prepared remarks:

“On behalf of the Rivertown Preservation Society I am proud to be here today as we gather to ensure that the past and present story of Antioch is one that acknowledges our complex history and generations of diverse populations that built our community. Some may say that what happened in the past has no effect on who we are today. We believe this to be incorrect and that to the contrary, to not acknowledge the wrongs or intolerances of yesterday, can only make more plausible that they may happen again.  When we speak of atrocities such as 9/11 or Nazi concentration camps, for those that experienced these times, they will tell you to never forget.  To not remember, to not discuss, to not teach about acts that caused great pain, and human despair, we are most likely doomed to repeat.  Whether it effects a nation or a small community, memorializing difficult times and times of great celebration should be and frankly must be part of our story.

So, today the City of Antioch takes a first step in remembering a very tough part of our history, of our Chinese residents who were so instrumental in building our Antioch community and communities of the bay area and state of California. And what makes this acknowledgment and proclamation important and of even more significance is the intolerable hate that has most recently befallen our Asian communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Here, in Antioch, we will fight against racism and intolerance against people of all ethnicities and fight for equity, justice and inclusion and by doing so we will never forget.”

“Our Parks and Recreation Commission will play a role as well,” Thorpe said. Marie Arce, chair of the commission then spoke briefly of “acknowledging our wrongdoings”.

To “engage our youth” Thorpe then proposed “a downtown mural project that recognizes our Chinese American residents’ contributions to the community.”

Antioch School Board Vice President, Dr. Clyde Lewis spoke next, saying “in order for us to understand ourselves, where we want to be, we have to look at where we’ve been.” He wants to have an “encouraging conversation in moving our community forward.” Lewis spoke of his own family, his wife and children, who are of the AAPI community.

Thorpe then introduced District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, and mentioned Lewis and Eubanks, saying, “as African Americans, we know the pain of not having your government acknowledge” and offering “no apologies, no reparations…for historical wrongs.”

His fourth proposal was for “advancing a resolution that officially apologizes for the terrorizing of our Chinese residents.” That will require formal council approval and Thorpe said he will place it on a future council agenda.

Torres-Walker spoke next saying, “I stand here, today as a Black Latina in solidarity with the API community against all racial hate and harm. What side of history are we on in Antioch, in the Bay Area and across our country? We stand here before you to recognize a moment in time. We are not born hateful. Hate is learned. Antioch has chosen to rise from the ashes of a horrible past into a more inclusive future. To move forward in the future where we are not defined by our past. We have got to do differently in the City of Antioch for communities of color and poor communities.”

She then recited the Pledge of Allegiance, saying “when we say ‘I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America…I cringe, because today we still do not have liberty, which is freedom…for people in dark bodies who face harm.”

“I’m happy to stand here, today in a dark body as a Black Latina to say ‘we see you’,” Torres-Walker added.

UPDATE: She later posted the following “Full modified statement from yesterday’s Mayor’s press conference” on her council Facebook page on Thursday, April 15:

Thorpe then said he will be working with the historical society to develop the price tag for the permanent display at the museum and for establishing the historic Chinatown district.

Asked why this is being proposed now, Thorpe responded, “The impetus for this, now is we are all learning about this. As terms of this history of Antioch I learned about it when our former Mayor Don Freitas took me on a tour and told me about the tunnels. Eventually we would have gotten here because our council is very cognizant of culture and equity.”

Asked if there will be an effort to find the descendants of the owners of the land in Antioch’s Chinatown which includes Waldie Plaza and the two parking lots on each side of it that is now owned by the city, to compensate them, Thorpe responded that he will ask Eubanks to include that in the Historical Society’s research.

The funding will come from the General Fund, the mayor said, and the formal apology will be on the council agenda in early May. “I can apologize right here, right now but I think it’s more appropriate that the governing body do it…not just me,” Thorpe added.

Three members support effort; city staff will return with ordinance for adoption; could increase costs to families; city would “very likely” face a lawsuit

By Allen Payton

During consideration of a proposed ordinance to require large grocery stores offer hazard pay of $3 to $5 more per hour, the Antioch City Council heard from both sides of the issue during their meeting on Tuesday night, April 13. Urgency Ord Lg Grocery Stores Temp Hazard Pay ACC041321

Ryan Guiling, an organizer of UFCW Local 5, spoke in favor of the hazard pay ordinance. “Our workers have been working tirelessly during this pandemic…to keep us fed. Early in the pandemic many of the stores were giving hazard pay as appreciation pay. But in June all stores ended it across the country. In the interim, grocery stores have been recording record profits.”

A California Retailers Association representative spoke next saying “we respectively request you vote no. This ordinance doesn’t take into consideration COVID-19 cases are rapidly decreasing. That we haven’t done our part is not reality. The grocery business operates on razor-thin margins.”

He spoke of increased costs over the past year “due to higher PPE costs and hazard pay to employees. Premium pay will add $400 in annual costs to families. Decisions should not be made at the local level, but in Sacramento or Washington.”

Barbanica asked to hear from the city’s Economic Development Director Kwame Reed on the matter.

“My thoughts are purely, we should do additional research…before we form an opinion on this,” Reed responded.  “I was hired to bring in jobs and companies. This could be seen as working against those efforts. It would be good to come back with some facts on this item.”

“As of right now, if we look at our database for current business licenses…we have just over 30 businesses that identify themselves as food businesses. That includes a 7-11’s, a donut shop,” he continued. “Stores that would qualify would be the Food Maxx, Lucky’s, Raley’s, SaveMart.”

“I very much appreciate the grocery workers who have been there for us,” said District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica who shared he had been a grocery store worker in the past. “I don’t think a city should get into determining what a private industry should do. Our attorney has said we’re headed for a lawsuit.”

“There are two grocery stores named that paid their workers appreciation pay. SaveMart has done it and hasn’t had going out of business sales,” Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson said. “Can you tell us the gross sales of grocery stores in our city?”

“I cannot tell you that, tonight. I would have to come back with that,” Reed said.

“I want to echo what members of the public said,” Wilson continued. “In the beginning we were calling these people heroes. They were showing up every day of the pandemic. They had to deal with people who didn’t want to wear a mask. These people who made sure our families were fed need to be acknowledged.”

District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, who proposed the idea, said, “the most dangerous place to be, right now is grocery stores. I don’t have to be there every day…run in grab something without getting sick or coughed on by someone who doesn’t want to wear a mask. It says for a specific period of time. So, I do have questions. Appreciation pay was offered for a period of time. I don’t like giving people raises and then taking it away. Because it’s time bound…and it’s to help our most valued workers, right now, other than public safety workers. Capital over people is not important. We do have to put our people, first.”

“What is the potential impact to jobs…how many jobs are we talking about between these large, corporate grocery stores? Are all these workers Antioch residents…who could add to our local economy?” she asked.

“We would likely have to call each of those stores, because they’re not obligated to tell us how many employees they have or if they live in Antioch,” Reed responded. “That’s the type of research we’re going to have to do.”

“Are Walmart and Costco not considered grocery stores?” Ogorchock asked.

“No. You will see that club stores like Costco would be excluded,” City Attorney Thomas Smith responded.

“You would have to determine if you want them included,” Reed explained.

“They ultimately decided not to include them in Concord,” Smith added.

“I know that Cal Cities took a look at this and chose not to pursue it,” Ogorchock said. “This is a slippery slope for us to get into and I don’t think this is something we should get into.”

“Other cities have done it for shorter,” Reed added.

“It may stop other stores from coming in. But it could stop other shops, when we as a council are getting into their business,” Ogorchock pointed out.

“Those are additional complications and additional lawsuits,” Smith stated.

“There are a lot of people who think we shouldn’t be doing a lot,” Torres-Walker said. “We shouldn’t be doing anything with rent protections during the pandemic, as well. But we moved forward, even though it wasn’t your business to do. Then the county followed up and added more protections. Just because it isn’t something you haven’t done in the past doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it, now. We need to continue to look at protections for renters and workers during this pandemic. When this comes back, I hope the council has the heart to move this forward.”

Thorpe then said, “it looks like there are two folks who support it and two folks who don’t.”

“We did things during COVID-19 that were temporary because of things we were facing,” he continued. “We did take the step on convictions and we heard the concerns, there. There will always be concerns. This could create all these horrible things. But we don’t know that.”

“I haven’t been to my office in over a year,” Thorpe continued. “But every time I went to the grocery store I saw workers working their butts off. From my perspective we move forward with the ordinance…include Target, Walmart and Costco. From my perspective, if we look at the revenue these places are bringing in, they were doing fine during the pandemic. I find it insulting when people call it ‘premium pay’. This is hazard pay because people either decided, or didn’t have the choice, to keep working.”

“We won’t single out stores, but we will include language that will capture those stores,” Smith said.

“We can add Lowe’s and I favor the $5 pay,” Thorpe said.

“Lowe’s?” asked Smith.

“I’ve seen ordinances that have a grocery component in there,” Reed said.

“Oh, OK,” Thorpe responded.

Smith and Reed then got into a bit of a tug-of-war over who would include what language in a proposed ordinance.

“I’m the attorney,” Smith said.

“You look at from a legal standpoint and I’ll look at it from an economic development standpoint,” Reed responded.

“I’m the mayor,” Thorpe said, ending the discussion between the two city department heads.

City staff will return with an ordinance at a future council meeting for adoption.

SACRAMENTO – On Tuesday, April 13, 2021 the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a statement from Dr. Erica Pan, state epidemiologist, regarding the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.

“Today, the CDC and FDA have recommended a temporary pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine out of an abundance of caution. Of over 6.8 million doses administered nationally, there have been six reported cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot with symptoms occurring 6 to 13 days after vaccination.

“California is following the FDA and CDC’s recommendation and has directed health care providers to pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine until we receive further direction from health and safety experts. Additionally, the state will convene the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup to review the information provided by the federal government on this issue. As the federal government has said, we do not expect a significant impact to our vaccination allocations. In California, less than 4% of our vaccine allocation this week is the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.”

For more information about the adverse effects, and what to do if you are experiencing symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider. We will provide additional details on what this means for our state efforts as they become available.

The joint CDC and FDA statement can be found here.

In addition, the Contra Costa Health Services issued the following announcement on Tuesday about the matter, also pausing use of the J&J vaccine:

To ensure that every dose of COVID-19 vaccine provided in our county is safe for patients, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) will today temporarily pause its use of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine while federal regulatory agencies examine new information about a possible, rare side effect that can cause blood clots.

CCHS is closely following guidance issued this morning by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding this vaccine. CCHS continues to administer the other vaccines approved for emergency use in the U.S., from Pfizer and Moderna.

Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine is a very small part of Contra Costa’s vaccine allocation from the state and federal governments and CCHS does not anticipate cancelling any of its vaccination appointments at this time.

Patients with vaccination appointments through CCHS should attend at their scheduled time.

CCHS is not aware of any reported cases of adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccine in the county that were inconsistent with those documented during the extensive clinical trials conducted to ensure the safety of all vaccines used in the U.S.

The risk of an adverse reaction for people who received Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine more than a month ago is extremely low, according to the CDC.

People who received this vaccine more recently should contact a healthcare provider immediately if they develop symptoms such as severe headaches, severe abdominal pain, severe leg pain or shortness of breath – these symptoms are different than the usual, minor reactions that some people may experience in the day or two following their vaccination.

The FDA has not received any reports of similar side effects associated with the use of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

CCHS will update the public at cchealth.org/coronavirus as more information becomes available about this developing situation.

 

 

Postpones formalizing police notification of council and public of major incidents

By Allen Payton

During the Antioch Council meeting Tuesday night, April 13, the members approved on a 3-2 vote to form a committee of the whole council to handle police complaints. It’s intended to be a temporary measure until a citizens committee is formed to handle the task. In addition, the council formalized the protocol process for the Antioch Police Department to notify the city council

“We have this authority, now,” District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica said. “What would be the difference? We’re sort of reporting back to ourselves. Why a secondary committee?”

“We’re just carving it out…so we’re transparent to the public,” Thorpe said.

“Our oversight powers are going to be very limited,” District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said, directing her comments to the city attorney.

“You will be limited to an advisory capacity,” City Attorney Thomas Smith responded.

“If that’s the need, then you just call a special meeting,” Ogorchock said to Thorpe.

“We’re going to be more deliberate and transparent about what we’re doing,” Thorpe said.

“Can’t you just put that on the agenda?” Ogorchock asked.

“This is a new body of work we’re doing, here,” Thorpe responded. “We discussed this during the police reform agenda and this is the direction the council wanted to go in.”

“Chief Brooks gives us use of force stats,” Ogorchock pointed out.

“Point of clarification, excuse me if I’m misinterpreting this, setting this up of the five of us is just temporary for passing this off to a citizens committee,” Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson said.

“It was always meant to be temporary,” Thorpe said.

“An independent review body,” Wilson pointed out.

“That is probably the most important part of this,” Thorpe responded.

Wilson then made the motion to create a Standing Committee on Police Reform of the Whole City Council. Tamisha Torres-Walker seconded the motion.

The council voted 3-2 to approve the motion with Barbanica and Ogorchock voting no.

Police Notification of Council, Public Protocol Postponed

The council then took up the formalization of the protocol for the police department to notify the council members of major incidents that occur in the city.

Members of the public spoke, including some members of Angelo Quinto’s family, asking that the council also include timely notification of the public, and within 24 hours following an incident “through a variety of media,” as well as family members and others impacted, of all communications including press conferences.

“I want to say that I’m in support of an official protocol process…but I also want to acknowledge that in the last 60 days that I’ve received more texts and emails from the police chief and staff and want to thank the police chief for that,” District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker said. “I also support the notification of the public…and victims…who are looking for communication from our police department. So, I agree there should be victim notification, as well.”

“This is something police chiefs, even former Police Chief  Allan Cantando, do,” District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said. “So, I’m not sure why we’re doing this because they are doing it.”

“We’re doing it because they did it wrong,” Thorpe said. “There’s no excuses for not getting information. There’s also frustration from council members that information doesn’t get to us in a timely matter. Some bloggers get information before we do who post on social media. That’s unacceptable. We shouldn’t get information from third parties in our community…when people gather information and use it to attack elected officials, when we do not know.”

“There’s also the concern of informing the public,” he continued. “But I want this to be tight. I will be offering amendments to this.”

Thorpe then offered additional language he wanted included in the resolution.

“One thing we may want to consider, once we have everyone’s feedback, is to bring this back as a consent calendar item,” City Attorney Thomas Smith suggested.

“That’s fine. We can do that,” Thorpe responded. We can add the component of public transparency.”

Smith suggested that the council consider two separate resolutions, and to get the feedback now and bring both back for adoption, later. The mayor concurred and no vote was taken.

By Allen Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 the Antioch City Council received a report from a representative of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) on the latest information on bringing ferry service to the city’s waterfront.

Peter Engel, the Director of Programs for CCTA provided the presentation. Antioch Ferry Service presentation 041321

A financial feasibility study of Contra Costa County Ferry Service from 2015 through 2023 was completed in 2014. It sought to Create collaborative effort engaging Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), the cities, other interested entities and CCTA. Evaluate financial feasibility of expanding WETA’s ferry services to Contra Costa County.

Near-term expansion routes identified in the WETA Implementation and Operations Plan (IOP) and Short Range Transit Plan only includes a stop in Richmond. Additional expansion routes identified in WETA’s IOP include Hercules, Martinez and Antioch. The interlined routes include Antioch to Martinez, Martinez to Hercules and Antioch to Martinez to Hercules.

Engel spoke of a pilot program for ferry service in Antioch.

However, “there’s currently not a funding source for a pilot program,” he said.

Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson said, “my first term on council we were talking about ferry service and ridership. Back then we were talking about the traditional ferry. Former Mayor Wright talked about the water taxi. Hopefully, we’ll get more information and more studies on that. I like how the routes you discussed from Antioch to Martinez, Hercules and Richmond.”

“I know this was an issue with the WETA Board…if there is a Contra Costa representative on the WETA Board, it would be good to have at least a Contra Costa, hopefully an Antioch representative on that board,” she continued. “I just wanted to know if that’s changed since then.”

“The structure on the board hasn’t changed. Sacramento basically selects the members,” Engle responded. “Three by the governor, one by the Assembly Speaker and one by the Senate Rules Committee. The only one who represents Contra Costa who is Jim Wunderman, the CEO of the Bay Area Council and a resident of Contra Costa. That would be something that would have to be taken up through the legislature. It’s something that WETA staff would support.”

“If we do this very right it could be very good for us,” Wilson continued. “I know the Larkspur Ferry has been hurting.”

“Larkspur is operated by Golden Gate Ferry…strictly to the City operation. It’s been hurt by the pandemic,” Engle responded.

“I sit on the CCTA, so I’ve had conversations about this with (City Manager) Ron Bernal,” Mayor Lamar Thorpe said. “If there’s the possibility of a pilot program, we’d need to put some money behind it. Ron would need to show up to say we’re committed to doing something.”

“That’s fair enough,” Bernal responded. “Is the council still interested in moving forward and getting information on this?”

“The council is committed to moving forward. We are certainly 100% committed,” Thorpe replied.

“I’m concerned in a post-COVID world we don’t know what the commute will look like before we are committed,” District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica said. “Where are we going to be with commuters? We don’t know.”

“That is some of the conversations that we’ve been having,” Thorpe responded. “The money tied up in the courts, right now will be coming,”

“I’ve heard of this since I first moved here, and I’ve been very excited about this,” said District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker who represents the part of Antioch where the ferry stop would be located. “I get the concerns Councilman Barbanica is lifting up, as well. But I also think as we learn to live with the virus…and go back to as normal as possible…that we have a ferry in Antioch and I’m excited about that potential.”

That was enough direction for both Bernal and Engle to move forward on bringing ferry service to Antioch.

The next steps include looking at service opportunities with routing to Pittsburg, Martinez, Hercules and Richmond; partner with other terminal cities; prepare Request for Information/Interest from private providers; and identifying funding. Potential funding could be from the Regional Measure 3 bridge toll revenue and COVID Relief funds.

 

By Allen Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 the Antioch City Council approved a new, Rivertown Dining District for Antioch’s historic downtown, promoting the current and future restaurants located there. They also had the option of either Downtown Dining District or Waterfront Dining District, or could have come up with their own, different name. Dining District Branding & Marketing Campaign presentation

The geographic area is within the existing Rivertown Business District, but a smaller area described as 5th Street to the River and E Street to the Marina.

Both District 2 and 3 Council Members Mike Barbanica and Lori Ogorchock said they preferred the design that included the paddle wheel with a fork, knife and spoon and the name Rivertown Dining District. But they wanted to Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson also liked the paddle wheel and naming it the Rivertown Dining District.

“I’m trying to get into it. Some people seem to be excited. Rivertown Dining District makes sense…it seems to be an existing brand of some sort,” said District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, who represents the part of the city where the new dining district is located. She supported the paddle wheel design, as well.

According to Sean McCauley, who owns several buildings in Rivertown and has brought several restaurants to the downtown, “they’ve reached out to several” restaurant owners for input.

“It’s been a long time on this project with our ad hoc committee,” he added.

The council also approved an ad campaign with Evviva Brands, the company the council hired in 2018 to rebrand the city with a new logo. According to the staff report, the ad campaign will include:

• Dining District Microsite: Develop a district microsite including the district story, restaurant features, openings and hours, promotional videos, etc.
• Streaming Radio Ads: During the initial Opportunity Lives Here campaign the best performing ads were streaming ads. We will develop ads targeting potential diners within a short drive of Antioch.
• Light Pole Banners: Develop six unique light pole banners with a unique call to action and using the new mark, the Antioch master mark, and dining district footage.
• District Dining Map: Develop a city map highlighting Antioch dining establishments with a focus on dining district restaurants.
• Dining Card Design: Develop district dining card suitable for a restaurant stamp on the other side. Details of card copy content to be determined in collaboration with Antioch.
• Branded Take-Out Containers: Develop art for branded take-out boxes showcasing the district.
• Suite of Promotional Ads (digital and print): Develop a suite of digital ads in the various sizes

The motion to approve the name of the new district and the contract with Evviva Brands passed on a 5-0 vote.

David Kippen of Evviva Brands said they will bring back another round of logo designs with reversing the colors, looking at the lighter, salmon color for the text and different typefaces for “more refinement before we’re done.”