Curfew runs from 6:00 p.m. each night until 5:00 a.m. the following morning and will expire at 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 – applies to residents, visitors and workers within the city limits.

Antioch, Calif., (June 1, 2020 4:30 PM) – Today, the City of Antioch has announced that effective Monday, June 1, 2020, a citywide curfew will be enacted.

UPDATE: June 1, 2020 6:44 PM – The curfew will begin at 6:00 PM on Monday, June 1, 2020 and expire at 5:00 AM on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.

A post on the Antioch Police Department’s Facebook page at 5:09 p.m. reads, “It is with heavy hearts that we put this information out, but it is with an abundance of caution for our community that a citywide curfew has been implemented, beginning tonight at 6 PM and ending at 5 AM on Wednesday, June 3rd. This decision was made after we were made aware of credible threats of subjects coming into our community for the purpose of causing damage and committing criminal acts. If at all possible, stay home. If you need police assistance, we are here for you. (Please see related article)

-Details:
From 6 PM 6/1/20 to 5 AM 6/3/20 a citywide curfew has been established for the City of Antioch. It requires residents, visitors and workers within the city to stay indoors during those hours. Exemptions include, public safety personnel, health care providers, people traveling to and from work, the homeless and media representatives. This order is subject to change or be extended.”

If the City determines that the curfew needs to be extended, the City of Antioch will make an announcement on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.

Mayor Sean Wright said it was a joint decision by him, City Manager Ron Bernal and Police Chief Tammany Brooks at about 3:30 p.m., and was sent on to City Attorney Thomas Smith for his input.

“Everyone was holding off on saying things until we heard back from the city attorney,” he continued. “Our PIO said we have to get this out, as it’s getting late and people need to know. Then the press release was issued at 4:30 p.m.”

The only report of any kind of related activity was of two males who were arrested by Antioch Police for attempting to loot one of the outside stores at the Somersville Towne Center earlier Monday afternoon.

Screenshot of post on Twitter from Antioch by a person who claims to be from Oakland (whose account we will not identify due to its graphic content), which includes a photo of shops in the Streets of Brentwood shopping center at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2020. The tweet has since been removed.

Some stores already closed or closing early due to threat on social media

By Allen Payton

Due to a comment posted on Twitter by someone who claims to be from Oakland, telling people in Oakland to go to Antioch and the Streets of Brentwood shopping center to loot, on Monday, both the Antioch and Brentwood Police Departments are making preparations.

Screenshot of the Twitter profile showing the account owner claims he’s from Oakland.

The message, posted in Antioch at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2020 reads, “Oakland, we need to make our way to Antioch and the streets of Brentwood today and take EVERYTHING. The outlets is outside so it’ll be easier to break in and take everything! THIS IS ALL FOR GORGE DONT FORGET! REPOST!” That refers to George Floyd, the man who died after a Minneapolis police office had his knee on Floyd’s neck pinning him to the street for nine minutes, while two other officers also had him pinned down, while a fourth officer stood by guarding them. The tweet has since been removed.

When asked about the message, Antioch Police Chief Tammany Brooks responded, “Already on it.”

Brentwood Police posted the following about their actions to prepare their city, and specifically the shopping center:

“While we stand by everyone’s right to peacefully protest in this difficult time, threats of looting and vandalism will be taken seriously. We have learned of such threats being spread on social media directed at the Streets of Brentwood.

Streets of Brentwood. Photo by Brentwood PD.

As a result, Streets of Brentwood will be closing businesses early today and we will be adding additional staffing to the area to monitor the safety of the public and protection of property. In the interest of everyone’s safety, we ask that you avoid the Streets of Brentwood since businesses will be closed and access to the property will be closed off.”

As of 3:40 p.m., witness said they saw Antioch Police are gathering at the Somersville Towne Center and asking the stores to close. Another resident reported the Lowe’s and Target stores are closed in Antioch.

Also, Brentwood PD posted on their Facebook page at 3:40 p.m. that “Home Depot contacted us to let us know they have closed early today for the safety of their employees and customers.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

But no churches until June 15 and only outdoor events

By Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County Health Officer & Anna Roth, Contra Costa County Health Director

May 30, 2020 – If we continue to make progress in our fight to contain COVID-19, Contra Costa County will be relaxing more restrictions on businesses and social activities in the coming days and weeks. Details will be announced on June 2. Below are some of the most significant changes being considered:   Effective Wednesday, June 3

Businesses

• Office-based businesses (telework remains strongly encouraged)
• Services that don’t require close customer contact, such as housekeeping, car washes, pet grooming and plumbing
• Outdoor museums, and open gallery spaces and other public spaces with modifications
• Indoor retail stores, including shopping malls and swap meets

Activities

• Childcare, including child and youth educational activities and camps for all children, not just essential and allowed workers
• Small outdoor social gatherings with social distancing (household support bubbles and child extracurricular activities)

Effective Monday, June 15

These are higher risk activities and thus restrictions would be relaxed at a later date.

• Limited-capacity religious services and cultural ceremonies up to 100 people. These would be limited to outdoor events only.
• Protests up to 100 people; limited to outdoor events only

The state has a timeline for opening higher risk activities like swimming and salons, which can be found at covid19.ca.gov.

Employment & Human Services Department Opens Four Locations for Hot Weather Relief

The Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) has partially re-opened four of its public lobbies where residents can cool off on days of extreme heat during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place health order. The places to get relief from hot weather are open to all, including individuals, families with children, seniors and disabled adults. Water and charging stations are available at each of the following locations, open for cooling off from Saturday, May 29, 2020, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Social distancing and face covering requirements are in place in the EHSD buildings, and capacity may be limited in order to comply with County health orders.  Community members should NOT go to any of these places to cool off if they have been exposed to or are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or if they have been ordered to quarantine.  All visitors to EHSD offices are required to answer screening questions, per CDC guidelines, before they can enter the buildings.

During the COVID-19 shelter in place, EHSD’s regular programs and services are NOT available at these offices. County residents can call (925) 957-5647 or (925) 957-5648 (Spanish) for assistance with CalFresh, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal and other benefit programs.

Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services

Employment & Human Services (EHSD) partners with the community to deliver quality services to ensure access to resources that support, protect, and empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency.  Based on the core values of delivering an exceptional customer experience, encouraging open communication, embracing change, practicing ethical behavior, and embracing diversity, EHSD envisions Contra Costa County will continue to be a thriving community where all individuals and families can be healthy, safe, secure and self-sufficient.  More information about EHSD is available at www.ehsd.org.

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are constructing the first phase of a multi-phased project to improve safety and help reduce congestion at the Interstate-680/State Route 4 Interchange in central Contra Costa County. In order to facilitate a key phase of construction that will shift traffic onto newly constructed facilities, the agencies are planning significant traffic shifts prior to, during and after the Memorial Day Weekend which will impact SR-4 and both of the I-680 connector ramps spanning Martinez, Pacheco, and Concord. CCTA and Caltrans have scheduled the closures during evening/nighttime hours and over the weekend in order to minimize impacts to the motoring public.

Nightly lane closures of SR-4 (from Pacheco Boulevard to Solano Way) and the I-680 connector ramps in both directions (northbound and southbound connectors to SR-4) will continue from May 28 –31, 2020. The work taking place during this time will enable traffic to move onto newly constructed facilities as they are completed, including:

• Northbound Interstate 680 connector ramp to Eastbound State Route 4
• Westbound State Route 4 connector ramp to Northbound Interstate 680
• New Grayson Creek Eastbound and Westbound bridges
• Shifting traffic onto the new median concrete pavement widening on State Route 4 between Pacheco Boulevard and Walnut Creek Bridge

Planned closures include:
Thursday, May 28 through Sunday May 31, 2020: Varies by evening, see below for specific times
Nightly full freeway closures for Eastbound and Westbound State Route 4 and full closure of the following ramps:

• Full ramp closure of Eastbound SR-4 connector to Northbound I-680
• Full ramp closure of Southbound I-680 connector to Eastbound SR-4
• Full Ramp closure of Northbound I-680 connector to Eastbound SR-4

Thursday, May 28, 2020: 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Full freeway closure of Eastbound SR-4 from Pacheco Boulevard to Solano Way including full ramp closures listed above.

Friday, May 29, 2020: 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Full Freeway closure of Westbound SR-4 between Solano Way and Pacheco Boulevard including full ramp closures listed above.

Saturday May 30, 2020: 12:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Full Freeway closure of Eastbound SR-4 between Pacheco Boulevard to Solano Way including full ramp closures listed above.

Sunday May 31: 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Full freeway closure of Westbound SR-4 between Solano Way and Pacheco Boulevard including full ramp closures listed above.

Motorists are advised to be alert for on-site closure and detour signs, and to Slow for the Cone Zone.  Please drive with caution through the detours and leave a safe traveling distance between your vehicle and vehicle ahead of you. Please note that the construction schedule and closure information presented here are subject to change based on weather and other conditions. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we work to complete these important improvements.

About the Interstate 680/State Route 4 Interchange Improvement Project
The Interstate 680/State Route 4 Interchange Improvement Project will widen approximately four miles of State Route 4 in both directions between Morello Avenue in Martinez and State Route 242 by adding a third lane in the eastbound and westbound directions to improve on-ramp and off-ramp merging.  The project also includes widening of five structures, extending eastbound State Route 4’s carpool lane approximately two miles, installation of safety lighting, and replacement of the Grayson Creek Bridge to bring it up to current State bridge safety codes.  This segment of work in this multi-phased project will lay the groundwork for future improvements to connector ramps, improve traffic safety and enhance traffic flow.

“that threatens the long-term economic and social well-being, health, safety, and security of the County” – proposed language from resolution.

Commission asked for input before making recommendation to full Board of Supervisors later this year.

By Allen Payton

During their meeting on Friday morning, May 29, 2020, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors’ Sustainability Committee, heard public input on the proposed Climate Emergency Resolution. Supervisor Federal Glover serves as committee Chair and Supervisor John Gioia, serves as Vice Chair.

“The committee didn’t actually vote on it,” said Jody London, Sustainability Coordinator for the county. “We received a lot of public comment on it. They wanted some modifications. There was argument that it wasn’t strong enough in some areas. The committee wasn’t in agreement with all the ideas but, we’re going to go back and work with the Sustainability Commission.”

“It’s a standing committee of the board that meets every other month,” she explained. “The commission, made up of members of the public appointed by the board, meets during the months in between. They usually happen at 5:00 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month. It will be held online.”

The next meeting of the commission will be on June 23rd.

A revised resolution that includes input from the commission will return to the committee on July 27th, for final vote of recommendation to the full board, which can happen sometime in August or September depending on vacation schedules, London said.

According to the staff report, “On November 19, 2019, the Board of Supervisors (Board) received a proposal from the Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission that the Board adopt a Climate Emergency Resolution. The Board referred this item to the Sustainability Committee.
On December 9, 2019, the Sustainability Committee discussed options for structuring a climate emergency resolution. Supervisors expressed their opinion that resolutions have greater value when they identify tangible actions we can take. They cited to the recent State Executive Order N-19-19 on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating impacts of climate change in State government as an example. The Committee expressed interest in seeing the County take action on those issues where it can have the greatest impact. The Committee recognized that the County must balance priorities, it cannot invest in everything people might want at this time.

Community members offered many ideas for a climate emergency resolution. They stressed that this is an emergency and the County should provide bold leadership and action. Community members urged the Board include in any resolution deadlines or dates by which action can be expected. Community members expressed interest in the Board taxing the refineries located in Contra Costa County and determining how the County should plan for a situation where the refineries and other fossil-fuel based industries are not viable.

The Committee directed the Sustainability Coordinator to develop a draft climate emergency resolution in consultation with the Sustainability Commission and come back to the Committee.

The attached draft Climate Emergency Resolution was developed by staff, in consultation with the Sustainability Commission, which has discussed this at several meetings, most recently its February 24, 2020 meeting. The draft Resolution reflects the new realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. It recommends three actions:

1. The County Department of Conservation and Development is directed to work with the County Administrator and other departments to establish an interdepartmental task force of Department heads, or their immediate deputies, that will focus on implementing the County’s Climate Action Plan and identifying additional actions, policies, and programs the County can undertake to reduce and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.
2. The County Sustainability Commission is directed to seek input from the community to help the County anticipate and plan for an economy that is less dependent on fossil fuel extraction and processing, helps plan for a transition from a fossil-fuel dependent economy, and considers how the County’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic can incorporate the County’s climate goals. As the State of California adopts policies and goals for reducing pollution and addressing climate change, the County will consider with the assistance of the Sustainabilty Commission what this will mean for County revenues, jobs, health, and infrastructure, including new opportunities and how frontline communities will realize economic and other benefits. The Commission will include this topic in its ongoing advice to the Board of Supervisors.
3. Health, socio-economic, and racial equity considerations should be included in policymaking and climate solutions at all levels and across all sectors as the consequences of climate change have significant impacts on all County residents, but especially the young, the elderly, low-income or communities of color, and other vulnerable populations.”

The declaration portion of the draft resolution in its current form reads as follows:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Contra Costa declares a climate emergency that threatens the long-term economic and social well-being, health, safety, and security of the County.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Department of Conservation and Development work with the County Administrator and other departments to establish an interdepartmental task force of Department heads, or their immediate deputies, that will focus on implementing the County’s Climate Action Plan and identifying additional actions, policies, and programs the County can undertake to reduce and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Sustainability Commission seek input from the community to help the County anticipate and plan for an economy that is less dependent on fossil fuels, helps plan for a transition from a fossil-fuel dependent economy, and considers how the County’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic can incorporate the County’s climate goals. As the State of California adopts policies and goals for reducing pollution and addressing climate change, the County will consider with the assistance of the Sustainability Commission what this will mean for County revenues, jobs, health, and infrastructure including new opportunities and how frontline communities will realize economic and other benefits. The Commission will include this topic in its ongoing advice to the Board of Supervisors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that health, socio-economic, and racial equity considerations should be included in policymaking and climate solutions at all levels and across all sectors as the consequences of climate change have significant impacts on all County residents, especially the young, the elderly, low-income or communities of color, and other vulnerable populations.

Read the entire draft resolution, here – 41815_DRAFT Climate Emergency Resolution

All photos by Leslie Reano.

By Leslie Reano and Antioch Police Department

“What a wonderful day today has been,” Lesli Reano an Instructional Aid for Special Needs with the Antioch Unified School District’s Community-Based Instruction program wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday, May 28, 2020. “Our AUSD CBI team had a parade for ALL our graduating young adults today. Our CBI teamed up and brought graduation signs, candy necklace and balloons to all 12 of our graduates. We then did a Graduation parade to each of their homes. The smiles that we saw from our students was priceless! We in CBI all want to thank our wonderful Police force for guiding us on our route to our kids’ homes! They went over and beyond! Thank you, Officer Calvin Prieto, Officer Andrea Rodriguez and Officer Ben Padilla you all were so fun, and your kindness will never be forgotten!! Thank you, Sergeant Smith for reaching out to Lieutenant Mendez and made this all happen. Shout out to our AUSD CBI Team!!!”

“Congratulations to our AUSD CBI graduates!!!” wrote the Antioch Police on their Facebook page. “APD was honored to be part of the graduation parade for the AUSD CBI program. The CBI Program, located on the Deer Valley High School campus, is a community-based instruction (CBI) program for 18- to 22-year-old students with special needs. The program is designed to assist students after earning their certificate of completion, transition into adult life, by helping them to become more independent within the community in the following four basic directions – Vocational Training, Community Access, Independent Living Skills, and Personal Development.

Please join us in congratulating these amazing graduates!”

The program also offers job coaching, Reano said.

Photo by CCCSheriff.

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

A search for a missing boater is continuing this morning by the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Marine Patrol Unit.

On Thursday, May 28, 2020, at about 10:30 in the morning, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing boater who had gone into the waters in the San Joaquin River, north of Webb Tract.

The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit responded and were assisted by Solano County, Sacramento County, San Joaquin County and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Umut Felik, a 27-year-old man from San Francisco, was swimming when he apparently had trouble staying above the water. At one point he went underwater and did not resurface. His friends on a boat went into the water to search for him but were not able to find him. They reported the incident to the Sheriff’s Office.

A search of the area with a sonar was suspended at 8 PM. Felik was not located.

Anyone with any information on this incident to asked to contact the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit at (925) 427-8507.