The Antioch High School Class of 2020 participated in the senior pick day event on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 with a drive-through in the school’s parking lot to turn in their books, and pick up their graduation caps and gowns.
Some 40 staffers, including Principal Louie Rocha were on hand to applaud and celebrate the seniors, according to Community Outreach Coordinator Trine Gallegos. Also, on hand were AUSD School Board Trustee Mary Rocha and Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Joy Motts.
Photos above by Allen Payton.
The staff had planned to distribute yard signs, as well. But, “the yard signs didn’t come in until, today,” Principal Rocha explained. “So, we will distribute them at a later date in the same way as we’re doing this.”
Photos by Antioch High School.
In addition, “the graduates will participate in a virtual graduation ceremony on June 5th,” he shared. An in-person graduation ceremony is scheduled for some time in August, according to school district officials. (See related article). See more videos at www.facebook.com/antiochheraldca.
Antioch High faculty and staff distribute caps and gowns to the graduating seniors in the school parking lot, today. More photos and details on Antioch Herald dot com later.
During their meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 the Antioch City Council dealt with several other issues including approving a development agreement with the developer of a low-income housing project, adopting a Climate Action and Resilience Plan, and issuing a request for proposal to hire an organization to oversee the FEMA trailer housing program.
Approve Low-Income Apartments Development Agreement
In other action, the council unanimously approved a development agreement between the City of Antioch and AMCAL Antioch Fund, LP for the 349-unit low-income apartment complex off E. 18th Street previously approved the council. – Amcal apartments Development Agreement 05-12-20
CivicSpark Fellow Lorenzo Siemann provided an overplan of the Climate Action and Resilience Plan. He said, “the overarching goal of the CARP is to prepare Antioch for…flood, drought, earthquake.” – Antioch Climate Action & Resilience Plan presentation 05-12-20
Sea level rise is a major focus of the CARP.
“We’re talking about a 30-year projection,” said Julie Haas-Wajdowicz, the city’s Environmental Resources Coordinator.
According to the staff presentation, the local and regional effects of “Climate Change in the Bay Area and Antioch” include:
Local Effects
Increase in flood risk along northern Antioch water bodies
Higher energy and water consumption (especially in the summers)
Worsening air quality due to wildfire and hotter days Resilience Plan
Regional Effects
Disruption of transportation, housing, and employment infrastructure
Decline in consistency of agricultural yields
Increasing pressure on electrical grid
“This is about getting…state and federal money,” said Mayor Sean Wright.
“It’s a real great opportunity for us for equity and resilience work for our community recovering from future disasters,” Haas-Wajdowicz stated.
The council adopted the Climate Action and Resilience Plan on a vote of 5-0 vote.
Will Hire Organization to Oversee FEMA Trailer Housing Program
The council approved a Request For Proposal (RFP) to pursue contracting with a non-profit organization to oversee the RV Housing Opportunity Program (HOP to Housing) for placing homeless families in the five FEMA trailers given to Antioch by the state. – RV Housing Opportunity Program Consultant RFP
According to the staff report, “This will be a temporary housing program that will serve families with children in the City of Antioch who are attending Antioch Unified School District, and experiencing homelessness, particularly families who are currently unsheltered (living outside, in an encampment or in a vehicle). The City of Antioch is closely collaborating with the Health, Housing, and Homeless Services (H3) Division of the Contra Costa Health Services Department to support service delivery for the project.”
“The focus is how do we ensure that costs overall don’t overwhelm us,” said Councilman Lamar Thorpe. “To make sure we’re using money wisely and don’t overwhelm ourselves as a city to accommodate as many individuals as possible who are homeless.”
“The core of the RFP is to find a qualified non-profit…to work with these families to make the transition as expeditious as possible to permanent housing,” said Kate Bristol, Director of Consulting for Focus Strategies, the City’s consulting firm on homeless.
The contractor will provide 24-hour supervision and on-site security, where the trailers are located, which has yet to be decided.
“I’m excited about where this has come…to provide housing for families to move on to permanent housing,” said Mayor Wright.
“The focus of the task force has always been encampments…this is somewhat of a detour,” said Councilman Lamar Thorpe. “We will have to get back to encampments. That’s where the largest challenges and concerns from the community are coming from.”
“We had to do this, first as far as the homeless trailer program, but I look forward to getting back to what our original goals were for those in encampments,” Mayor Pro Tem Joy Motts said.
The council then approved adopting the RFP on a 5-0 vote.
The meeting will be rebroadcast on Comcast local cable channel 24 on Thursday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. or can be viewed on the City’s website.
“The council subcommittee is recommending an unprecedented $2,924,946 in CDBG funds,” said Terri House, the City’s CDBG Consultant.
By Allen Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday night, May 12, 2020, on a unanimous vote, the council approved spending plans for $7.5 million of federal funds, including $1.4 million of Coronavirus CARES Act funding. ACC Federal Funds presentation
According to the staff presentation, the City of Antioch has joined with the cities of Concord, Pittsburg, Walnut Creek and the County on behalf of the rest of the cities to create the Contra Costa HOME/CDBG Consortium to plan for entire county, and prepare the joint Consolidated Plan.
According to the city staff report – Action #1: The recommended action has no immediate fiscal impact; however, it will guide the funding decisions of approximately $6,000,000 in future CDBG and other funding over the 2020-25 Consolidated Plan period, and commits a total of $1,404,946 in CDBG and CDBG-CV (Corona Virus CARES funding) for FY 2020-21 to address identified high priority needs of the City in general public services, homeless services, housing and prevention, senior and youth services, economic development, infrastructure, housing, and CDBG administration.
Of the $1.4 million Antioch will receive $509,257 to address effects of the pandemic.
Highest priorities include:
Emergency assistance for rent, mortgage, and utility payments for those affected by “Stay At Home” order or other effects of Covid-19;
Assistance for renters to understand City’s Eviction and Rent Moratorium, and to direct them to City emergency assistance and other resources; and
Food assistance for homeless and seniors.
The process will begin in October with applications by non-profit organizations due in December.
Action #2: The recommended action has no impact to the General Fund but commits a total of $1,520,000 in Housing Successor Low Income Housing funds for FY 2020-21 to address identified high priority housing and homeless needs of the City.
“The council subcommittee is recommending an unprecedented $2,924,946 in CDBG funds,” said Terri House, the City’s CDBG Consultant.
The council approved the expenditure plans for Fiscal Years 20-21 and 20-25 on a 5-0 vote.
The meeting will be rebroadcast on Comcast local cable channel 24 on Thursday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. or can be viewed on the City’s website.
“There’s not a prettier place in the world than right here, in Antioch. We’re going to miss Antioch.” – Jack Roddy
Jack Roddy. Herald file photo.
By Allen Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 the Antioch City Council honored Jack and Donna Roddy for their contributions to the Antioch community with a proclamation. Supervisor Diane Burgis and Congressman Jerry McNerney also provided proclamations honoring Jack Roddy. Jack Roddy Proclamation Antioch City Council 05-12-20
“Using a basketball analogy, it would be like having Michael Jordan in your community,” Mayor Sean Wright said about Jack Roddy.
Jack Roddy joined the council meeting by telephone from his new home in Stephenville, Texas.
“I feel very humbled by all these accolades. I’ve been proud to be a resident of Antioch,” he shared. “Whenever I traveled for rodeo, I was proud to represent Antioch.”
“We’ve had 50 years of friends. But I’ve had too many injuries to keep the ranch going,” Roddy explained. “But, we’ve left it in good hands. It will be a park for people to enjoy that ranch like we have. We’re going to miss Antioch. Anytime anyone from there comes to Texas, we live in Stevensville. You’re welcome to stay.”
“I appreciate all the kind words and we’re going to miss Antioch,” he added.
“We have a special video that’s been made to honor Jack,” said Wright.
“It was fun, I got to go out and watch them make this video of Jack. For him to tell his stories. For him they’re not stories. He has a book out. He’s just a legend. We’re going to miss him,” said Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock
In the video Roddy said, “There’s not a prettier place in the world than right here, in Antioch.”
Mayor Pro Tem Joy added her thoughts. “Jack and Donna have given their support and life to this community,” she said. “It’s just been remarkable. I really hate to see them go. I wish them the best of luck.”
“Jack you’re just a super nice person who has done great things for our community,” said Councilwoman Monica Wilson. “I remember whenever I’d see you, you always had a smile on your face. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”
“Thank you, Jack and Donna,” added Councilman Lamar Thorpe who was wearing a cowboy hat in the Roddy’s honor. “When I first moved to Antioch, one of the very first names you hear about is Jack Roddy. Thank you for your philanthropy. I still remember taking my daughter to your ranch and seeing all the cattle. Thank you for opening your home to us and the community. Best wishes in Texas.”
“Jack, it’s been great. I’ve had the honor and privilege of bringing my friends from Chichibu, Japan out to your ranch…to have that real Western, cowboy experience,” Wright added. “I’m excited for Deer Valley Park and your ranch for being a place of education. You will be remembered in Antioch and you and Donna will be missed.
Following is the proclamation approved unanimously by the council:
IN HONOR OF
JACK RODDY
MAY 12, 2020
WHEREAS, Jack Roddy was raised in San Jose’s eastern foothills and became a rodeo legend following a nationally renowned career including several national titles and Hall of Fame recognition;
WHEREAS, Jack and his wife Donna settled in the beautiful valley on the southern edge of Antioch at the base of the Mt. Diablo foothills where he built a very successful cattle and ranching operations;
WHEREAS, Jack Roddy has dedicated his time, money, and personal resources to making Antioch a better community since his arrival;
WHEREAS, in 1989 Jack was a founding member of the Delta Advocacy Fund, which was created to bring needed resources to those residents facing life emergencies and has provided
more than $500,000 to families throughout Antioch and East Contra Costa County;
WHEREAS, Jack willingly opened up his ranch for fundraising events and personally welcomed
thousands of guests that shared his desire to support many community efforts;
WHEREAS, in 2013 Jack hosted a Barbecue to support Antioch City Councilman Gary Agopian, who was battling brain cancer, Jack raised over $40,000 to support Gary and his family during this difficult time;
WHEREAS, Jack has been instrumental in raising additional funds to assist the Antioch Police Department, Chichibu Sister City Program, Mayor’s Cup golf tournament, Mangini Agriculture Museum and Gardens, and many other city programs; and
WHEREAS, for decades Jack participated in efforts to preserve his ranch lands, including Roddy Ranch Golf Club, to protect the habitat and to expand recreational opportunities in East Contra Costa which will provide a 3,254-acre, regional park for everyone’s enjoyment.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, SEAN WRIGHT, Mayor of the City of Antioch, do hereby honor Mr. Jack and Donna Roddy for more than forty years of service, support and land stewardship that enriches the Antioch community and all its residents.
Screenshot of CCHealth Coronavirus Dashboard 05-12-20.
By Allen Payton
As of this morning, Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) is reporting a total of 1,066 cases of COVID-19/coronavirus, and a total of 32 deaths in the county. There are only 18 people diagnosed with the virus currently hospitalized.
There were 14 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, 3 more on Sunday and 12 more cases reported on Saturday.
A total of 19,176 people have been tested for the virus in the county.
To see the all the statistics provided by CCHS, click here.
According to Antioch Police Corporal Vanderpool, Sunday night, May 10, 2020 at about 10:00 p.m. at 3185 Contra Loma Blvd. family dispute that went bad.
It started as a minor domestic argument and one of the family members got upset and as she was driving off in her car she allegedly, intentionally ran over a female family member, who experienced serious injuries to her pelvis and leg,” Vanderpool stated.
“Then the driver got out and stabbed who we believe to be is her soon to be ex-husband,” he said. “The female victim was transported to the hospital by helicopter that landed in Chichibu Park. The male victim is in stable condition with a serious stab wound to his leg.”
The suspect was arrested and taken to county jail on attempted murder charges,” Vanderpool added.
Antioch Police K-9 Officer Purcy sits proudly with his catch for the day. Photo by APD.
By Antioch Police Department
Monday, May 11, 2020, APD Detectives along with Canine Purcy executed a search warrant at the residence of a suspected drug dealer. During the search, over two pounds of marijuana and more than $13,000 was located. The suspect was booked into the County Jail and the cash was seized as proceeds of the illegal drug dealing.
This is part of an ongoing commitment to address drug dealing in our community by conducting complex investigations and seeking search warrants. This case will be presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Traffic stops reveal stolen mail and illegal dagger. Photos by APD.
By Antioch Police Department
We’re listening Antioch!!
APD’s Traffic Unit had a busy day responding to your concerns about speeding vehicles, stop sign violations, and reckless driving. Our focus areas on Friday, May 8, 2020 included East 18th Street, Lone Tree, Putnam, and Highway 4.
While patrolling Cavallo, an officer spotted a reckless driver traveling in excess of 65 MPH, and causing other motorists to take evasive action to avoid a collision. After stopping said vehicle, the officer noticed an illegal dagger in the center console. The vehicle was whisked-off to car jail and a search revealed a bag full of stolen mail. The driver was sent to people jail to receive remedial education on shelter in-place.
One driver was nailed going 84 MPH. Photos by APD.
Reminder: The US Postal Service has a FREE service called Informed Delivery. This service provides a daily email preview of mail and packages arriving at your address . For more information, check out this link: https://informeddelivery.usps.com
By Allen Payton
