By Allen Payton

During her Superintendent’s report at the Antioch School Board meeting, Wednesday night, Feb. 25, 2020 Stephanie Anello said, “I wanted to update the board, while we develop a more comprehensive plan for addressing safety, that includes students, staff and the community, I want to take a moment to share some interim measures that we’re taking in light of the recent events that threatened the safety of students and staff at both Deer Valley and Antioch High Schools.”

“For the foreseeable future two extra site safety personnel will be on each campus, along with two extra administrators,” she stated. “Yesterday, we walked the Deer Valley campus to determine if additional cameras are needed to address safety concerns. As you’ll recall Antioch High’s cameras were updated with Measure B funds, recently.”

“We’ve also increased the lighting on campuses and are working to install gates to the main entrance of the Deer Valley parking lot,” Anello continued. “I’ve also been in contact with Chief Brooks from Antioch Police Department, and he is working to see if there can be increased presence on campus of the Antioch Police Department.”

She mentioned the Say Something app for the phones of students and staff, and everyone in the community can anonymously report incidents to school personnel and law enforcement. It will go live next month.

“As mentioned previously, the police chief and I are working on a grant to add school resource officers to our schools, as well as police presence at particular sporting events,” Anello shared. “We are going to do a perimeter assessment to determine if upgrades are needed and to secure our premises and are working to develop a parent community volunteer corps, so they can also help us.”

“Finally, each school is going to be addressing school safety at all of their ELAC meetings, their school site council meetings, and their PTSA meetings, so the parents have an opportunity to provide input and they’ll also be meeting with the leadership teachers at both sites, as well as students.”

Chief Addresses Incident of Gun on Antioch High Campus

“I don’t think a lot of people understand that during an active criminal investigation how communication works amongst the school district and the police department,” Anello said. So, she invited Antioch Police Chief Tammany Brooks to speak on the matter of the gun on the Antioch High campus, last Wednesday.

“I had received information that there were some people who thought that it was misinformation that was given by the school in regards to the incident, and I’m talking about an incident that occurred at the Antioch High School actually a week ago, today,” he said. “The question had to with the information that was provided by the school administrator, Principal Rocha that there was a weapon involved, and some people questioned why the school district was not more specific regarding the fact that it was a gun.”

“What I wanted to explain, what a lot of people are unaware of is that during the course of the incident and then the subsequent investigation it wasn’t known for a fact whether or not it actually was a gun,” Brooks explained. “So, for Principal Rocha to put out timely information that day, it would actually be irresponsible of him to say if it was or it wasn’t. He was general in that it was a weapon, because really that’s what we could confirm. But there was no confirmation as to whether or not it was a real firearm.”

“So, in an effort to get that information out timely, he actually had been in contact with our staff. The information was actually part of a collaboration,” Brooks continued. “He wanted to verify what in fact he could say and whether or not we could confirm at that time it was a real firearm or not. So, the information he drafted that day, the day of the incident was accurate.”

“Obviously, with any criminal investigation information changes as we conduct our investigation,” he stated. “So, we have to be very careful in what information we present to make sure that it’s as factually accurate as possible at the time we provide it.”

“So, I wanted to share that information with the board…that the information that Principal Rocha put out that day had actually been vetted through the police department and was accurate based on the information that he knew at the time of the posting,” Brooks concluded.

“Thank you for coming this evening and for all your help and support,” said Board President Diane Gibson-Gray.

By Scott O. Konopasek, Assistant Registrar, Contra Costa County

The voter registration deadline has passed, but you can still register and vote in one transaction between now and Election Day. Several convenient locations will be available leading up to and during Election Day for you to register to vote and cast your ballot.

Contra Costa Elections Division offers Conditional Voter Registration as a safety net for those who were unable to complete or update their voter registration before the deadline. Those who are already registered may also update their address or political party preference.

“We want make sure that everybody who is eligible to register to vote has ample opportunity to cast their ballot,” said Deborah Cooper, Contra Costa Registrar of Voters.

The Conditional Registration steps include going to an eligible county location, filling out a form that includes your name, address, date of birth and either the last four digits of your Social Security Number or your driver’s license number, and casting your ballot. Conditionally voted ballots are processed once our office completes the verification of the voter registration and confirms no ballot has already been voted. This service is available at the Elections Office, 555 Escobar in Martinez, during normal business hours and on Election Day from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Conditional Voter Registration will also be available at Regional Early Voting locations on Thursday, February 27th through Monday, March 2nd (excluding Sunday). Regional Early Voting is 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on the weekdays and 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday, February 29th. These locations are available to all Contra Costa voters looking to cast their ballot ahead of time and avoid the Election Day rush. Any Contra Costa voter can vote at any one of the Regional Early Voting locations.

• Antioch Water Park, 4701 Lone Tree Way, Antioch

• Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond

• Hyatt House, 2611 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill

Conditional Voter Registration is also available on Election Day at any of the county’s 166 polling places. For more information, call 925-335-7800.

Team makes it to third round of competition

By Allen Payton

Six members of the Deer Valley High School Mock Trial Team led by Coach Brian Kofford from the Law and Justice Academy, received awards during this year’s Contra Costa County competition. The team made it to round three before being eliminated. (See the complete Mock Trial competition results).

The annual competition was won by San Ramon’s California High School Mock Trial Team for the third year in a row. The Grizzlies bested Acalanes, who took second place in the final round, and third place Miramonte beat Monte Vista which took fourth place in the Consolation round.

The Cal High team will represent county at the 39th Annual California State Mock Trial Finals on March 20-22 in Los Angeles, CA.

The Wolverines lost to Dougherty Valley High of San Ramon in the first round of competition on Tuesday, Jan. 28 but came back to beat De Anza High of Richmond in the second round on Wednesday, Jan. 30. Then, in the third round Monte Vista bested Deer Valley to move on to the next round of competition.

Four members of the Deer Valley team received a Judges’ Choice Honorable Mention: Janae Burks, Katherine Muster, Caitlin Todd and Savannah Turnage.

A Feb. 20th post on the Deer Valley High School Facebook page reads, “Congratulations to the DV Mock Trial Team and Coach Brian Kofford from the Law and Justice Academy. Tonight the team won several awards including Savannah Turnage, 2nd place for Best Closing Argument and 2nd for Best Cross-Examination as well as a Judge’s Choice Award, Courtney Johnson came in 1st place being a witness for the prosecution, Caitlin Todd won 2nd place for a different prosecution witness and a Judge’s Choice Award, Emma Crandell also won a prosecution witness award, Katherine Mustar won a Judge’s Choice Award as a defense witness and finally Janae Burks won a Judge’s Choice Award as an expert prosecution witness. Six students won nine awards total.”

Mock Trial Overview

The Mock Trial Program is sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF). Each year CRF creates a mock trial that addresses serious matters facing young people today.

Each team works with teacher and attorney coaches to prepare their version of the criminal case, both from the prosecution and defense perspective. Students assume the roles of trial attorneys, pretrial motion attorneys, witnesses, clerks, and bailiffs. Through these role-playing techniques, students learn about the content and processes of law in an exciting and vibrant way. Also, by studying the case and preparing strategies and arguments for trial, students increase their public speaking skills, analytical ability and team cooperation.

Some high schools offer the Mock Trial Program as a class rather than an extra-curricular activity.

At the State Finals, the winning teams from 36 counties will present People v. Matsumoto, the trial of Bailey Matsumoto. Bailey is the founder of a technology start-up that develops autonomous (self-driving) trucks. Bailey is charged with murder, which is the unlawful killing of another human being with malice afterthought. The pretrial issue involves the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Courtroom Art Contest

Students also had the opportunity to compete as courtroom artists by participating in the Courtroom Art Contest, a companion program to Mock Trials. As courtroom artists, students accompany their Mock Trial teams and sketch courtroom scenes that are later judged by a team of art judges. Download artist rules and registration information. The winner, Reese Whipple of Miramonte High, will represent Contra Costa County at the state finals.

Courtroom Journalism Contest

Students were given an opportunity to report on a Mock Trial from the perspective of a journalist. As courtroom reporters, students will accompany their school’s Mock Trial teams to the preliminary rounds of the competition. Courtroom reporters will then write and submit one 500-word news article on the trial they attended. Articles were judged by a panel of specialists. The winner, Christine Oh of California High, will represent Contra Costa County at the state finals.

See the list of all 2020 award winners here.

By Allen Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25, the Antioch City Council received positive news about a state grant the city was awarded for improvements to the Contra Loma Estates Park. The city applied for state funds through a competitive process designed to “create new parks and new recreation opportunities in underserved communities across California” according to the Statewide Parks Program webpage.

The park is located at the corner of Mahogany Way and Manzanita Way.

According to Nancy Kaiser, Antioch’s Parks and Recreation Department Director, there were “478 applications in this latest round” and “a $2.3 billion total ask.”

The funds are from Proposition 68 state parks and water bonds, which voters passed in 2018. It authorized “$4 billion in general obligation bonds for state and local parks, environmental protection projects, water infrastructure projects, and flood protection projects,” according to Ballotpedia.

“The state granted a total of $254.9 million and approved 62 projects statewide,” she added. “The Contra Loma Estates Park application was $2.9 million.”

The $2,952,000 in state funds will be used for the renovations to the park, including constructing new outdoor gym and exercise equipment, a shaded picnic and BBQ area, shaded structure, dog park, walking and jogging exercise pathway, climbing feature, lighting and fencing for existing basketball court, restroom, and lighting throughout the park.

The average grant request statewide was $4.8 million, and the average grant amount was $4.1 million, according to the California State Parks Statewide Parks Program webpage. It “is the largest park related grant program in California’s history.”

Only three projects in the county were approved. Two in Richmond and the one in Antioch.

Asked if the city received the entire amount, Kaiser replied “yes” to applause from the council.

“So, congratulations to everyone,” she said.

“Congratulations to you and all of us,” said Mayor Sean Wright. “Thank you, staff for the hard work.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for our city that was made possible by the hard work and dedication of our Parks and Recreation Department,” said Kaiser. “We are always working to develop key partnerships that will work with us to enhance the parks and recreation experience for our residents. On behalf of the city of Antioch, I’d like to thank the State of California for their investment in our community.”

Adopt revised “in-law” or “granny” housing unit ordinance

By Allen Payton

At their meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25 the Antioch City Council learned of the differences between a general law city, which Antioch currently is, and a charter city and what it would take to become one. According to the staff report two differences that a charter city allows are the ability to implement a real estate transfer tax and have higher council salaries. (See related article).

But, following a report by City Attorney Thomas Smith, they decided to the table the matter indefinitely.

“This was requested by Councilmember Thorpe,” said City Manager Ron Bernal.

Smith then provided the staff presentation saying “it’s a substantial process” to convert to a charter city.

“If you were to decide today that you are interested in it, we would take the next level of depth…do further research,” he said. “What is provided in this set of information is an overview…the fiscal impact, which is one of the things required.”

“The general law city provides you with a structure under statutory law. The charter city allows you more flexibility, but requires more responsibility,” Smith said. “What you really have to do is envisioning what is the reason why we want to convert. So, it’s a substantial process.”

“How you’re going to structure your government…that fits into this category of municipal affairs,” he continued. “We would have to look at what case law says, to compare what is a municipal affair versus a statewide issue.”

“The charter is essentially the city’s constitution,” Smith explained. “After you establish a charter, you’d have to take it to the ballot to get approval for changes. It shifts the power to the hands of the voters.”

“It’s a really big decision and when you sort of weigh the balances,” he said. “It will involve costs…a dedication of time. It will move you away from a very established framework in the state.”

None of the council members had any questions for the city attorney, so Mayor Wright opened it up for

Gil Murillo was the only one to speak during public comments.

“A charter city is an ideal utopian state,” he said. “I would hope you take strong consideration. He mentioned Richmond and San Ramon as the only charter cities in the county.

“Richmond has the same population as Antioch, but their police force is 180,” Murillo stated. “Employments and channels of funds have to be fiscally in place to go to that form of government. One-third of our cities are charters in California. We need to be fiscally responsible and go through another decade before considering it.”

“Would that mean we wouldn’t have to follow state laws that just came down?” Mayor Pro Tem Joy Motts asked.

“If you take the ADU ordinance…you would follow it because it’s a statewide issue,” Smith responded. “A question of what we have to follow is an issue of what is a municipal affair versus a statewide concern. But, most of the new, what I think you’re thinking of, you would have to follow.”

“There’s been a flurry of legislation…some of it has gone too far,” Motts said.

“It’s in the hands of the courts if there’s not precedence,” Smith responded. “You will be able to find some areas where you don’t have to follow state law. It won’t be every case.”

“The question…being asked, these new land use laws that just came in, do the third of charter cities have to follow them?” Wright asked.

“It’s a case by case basis on each law,” Smith said. “Or you’re back to what are the other charter cities not doing. We could join that group. It is a case by case analysis. That’s why we’re talking about costs. It’s a more intensive analysis. That’s part of the costs you pay for having more authority.”

“Our former city attorney, city manager brought this before us, for a more specific purpose, for a transfer fee,” Councilmember Lamar Thorpe said. “I hear you when you talk about the complexity to all of this. I think there’s a lot to look at. If we even decide to do that, I think an ad hoc committee should come back to council.”
“And you’d want to have some study sessions,” Smith said. “There’s some rewards there but it’s a lot of work.”

“We’re going to go through growing stages…my recommendation would be we can turn this into an ad hoc.

“I just think there is a lot of expense and work to be done,” Ogorchock said. “There’s so much we’re asking of staff, right now. I think this is great to look at and maybe some time down the road. I think it should be tabled, right now.”

“There’s still a lot of information I need to have,” Councilmember Monica Wilson said. “Even looking at the two cities in Contra Costa, they’re different. We’re working on a lot, right now. I need a lot of information…we need to be very careful. Maybe look down the road. This is not a decision we make lightly. Maybe down the road we can revisit this, again.”

“If the zoning gave us more freedom, we are losing so much local control, right now,” Wright said. “If it gave us more freedom there, I think this would be something worth looking at. As I looked through the chart, I don’t see enough difference there. I think in the future, I have no problem. But, for now this is something we table.”

“I think with direction this has been tabled indefinitely,” he concluded.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance Adopted, Fees to Be Decided At Next Council Meeting

Also during the meeting, the council adopted a revised Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance, in response to the new state laws that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2020, making it easier and less costly to build what is known as an in-law or granny housing unit on residential property.

“This item repeals and replaces the city’s ordinance for compliance with state law,” said Zoe Meredith.

The owner-occupancy requirements are repealed until Jan. 1, 2025.

Joe Bosman was the only member of the public to speak during the public hearing.

“The Planning Commission recommended to the council that the granny fees be capped. But staff chose to ignore the Planning Commission. Without a price tag this ordinance is flawed.”

“Let’s be honest, staff, what’s really at stake is the city’s mantra is not to provide affordable housing for those on the cusp of being homeless,” he said.

Thorpe then said, “I see that there are impact fees on Attachment E. ADU’s of 750 square feet or less have no fees.”

“That is correct under state law,” Meredith said.

“In two weeks, we will be discussing ADU fees,” said Community Development Director Forrest Ebbs.

“There’s still a process for the public to participate in regarding fees,” Thorpe stated.

“We are recommending introduction of this motion,” Ebbs said in response to a letter that was received with questions about the ordinance, before the meeting.

Ogorchock asked about cities being allowed to prohibit short-term rentals of ADU’s.

“Air BnB’s would not be allowed any more, but cities would be allowed to prohibit them,” Meredith responded.

“I just want the community to understand that what we are doing here is in compliance with state law as of Jan. 1, 2020,” Mayor Pro Tem Joy Motts stated.

Ogorchock made the motion which included striking the size requirements and the zoning requirements proposed by staff last minute in response to the letter that was received. Thorpe seconded it and it passed unanimously.

Two patients, who were not infected in Contra Costa, sent from Travis Air Force Base to local hospitals

Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) today confirmed two cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in patients being treated at hospitals in the county.

The patients were transported to Contra Costa County early this morning from Travis Air Force Base in Solano County, where some international travelers have been recently quarantined because they may have been exposed to the virus.

The patients, who were among the recent U.S. evacuees from the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan, are receiving care in Contra Costa due to a lack of space at facilities closer to the base that can properly isolate them to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. While the two patients tested positive for COVID-19, they have yet to show any symptoms of the virus, such as fever and difficulty breathing.

The hospital and public health officials are working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Heath (CDPH) to ensure the patients receive excellent care and that all procedures are followed to protect the community from COVID-19.

“Our county’s healthcare system is prepared to handle COVID-19,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, Contra Costa County Health Officer. “We have been working with our hospital partners to follow safety protocols to keep patients and healthcare workers safe and minimize the risk of the virus spreading in Contra Costa.”

The patients did not become infected in Contra Costa County. CCHS will not release further details about the patients to protect their medical privacy.

“We’re not identifying the hospitals for privacy,” said Will Harper, the Acting Communications Officer for Contra Costa Public Health

A suspected case of the Novel Coronavirus at the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center that had staff concerned about protocols, earlier this month, was of a Martinez woman who had returned from China two days before. But that was confirmed the following week to not be. (See related article).

Asked why the patients were brought here and if they were from Contra Costa County, Dr. Farnitano responded, “the Travis facility is designated by the CDC as a quarantine facility – someone who might have been exposed but doesn’t have symptoms – but they’re not set up to be an isolation facility for people experiencing symptoms. Solano County has maximized its isolation rooms, so they’re reaching out to other, neighboring counties.”

Asked how many isolation rooms there are in the county, he said, “available rooms vary from day to day. Some are used by other patients for other conditions. We have a dozen or so rooms across the various hospitals.”

Asked if we can expect more patients brought to the county, Dr. Farnitano said, “It’s possible, if the tests return from the CDC from the Travis quarantine travelers, we could see more patients that need to be placed in local hospitals.”

“The hospitals we have been working with in the county to be prepared for this, they’re familiarizing their staff with the CDC protocols and procedures to properly protect their staff and patients,” he added.

Asked if people should be concerned, Dr. Farnitano stated, “there’s no vaccine, but most people have very mild cases. It’s the elderly and those with other medical conditions that are most susceptible.”

“The mortality rate seems to be higher than the seasonal flu,” he continued. “But we don’t know how many have symptoms. Most people seem to get just a mild illness.”

“We are working very closely with the CDC, on conference calls with them several times a week and keeping up with their latest recommendations,” Dr. Farnitano stated. “One encouraging sign is we don’t see a lot of children in other countries who are getting the severe symptoms of the disease for the most part,”

The best way to reduce your risk of becoming infected with a respiratory virus, such as COVID-19, is to practice good hygiene:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available
• People who are sick should always cover their coughs and sneezes using a tissue or the crook of their elbow; wash your hands after using a tissue to wipe your nose or mouth
• People who are sick should stay home from work or school until they are well
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your unwashed hands

Contra Costa residents should contact their healthcare providers if they have symptoms and had close contact with someone with symptoms who traveled in the last 14 days from China.

All travelers to the U.S. from China since Feb. 2 have been asked to self-quarantine under the guidance of their local public health department for 14 days.

Visit cchealth.org/coronavirus to learn more about COVID-19.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

 

Investigation continues

By Lieutenant John Fortner, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, at approximately 9:30 AM, Antioch police officers were called to the Antioch High School campus regarding a physical altercation between two juveniles. During the fight, one of the juveniles brandished a firearm. As the fight continued, the firearm was discharged and fell to the ground. One of the juveniles picked up the firearm and fled on-foot away from the campus. The other involved juvenile also fled off campus. As officers converged on the area, the juvenile who fled with the firearm was located and safely detained. The firearm used in the incident was not located. It was determined that no one was injured as a result of the firearm discharge. (See related article).

During the investigation, all the involved parties were identified. The juvenile that fled with the firearm was booked into the juvenile hall in Martinez. Today, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, the other involved juvenile (who originally brandished the firearm) was safely taken into custody in the City of Brentwood and will be booked in the juvenile hall.

Currently, the investigation is still ongoing. The Antioch Police Department would like to thank the AUSD staff that contributed to a quick response and assisted with the investigation of this incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441, or Detective Torres at (925) 779-6925. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Antioch High Principal Louie Rocha sent out a message to parents, that morning:

“Good Morning. This is Louie Rocha, Principal of Antioch High School with an important safety announcement. Earlier this morning, two students were involved in an altercation. During the altercation, a student dropped then retrieved what appeared to be a weapon. Both students fled the campus and APD is currently investigating. All students have returned to class and school has resumed its normal schedule. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.”

Will also consider updating Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance making it easier to build in-law apartments on single and multi family home properties

By Allen Payton

The City Council will consider converting Antioch from the current general law city into a charter city to have greater, local power at their meeting on Tuesday night. Most of the cities in California are general law cities, and only two of the 19 cities in Contra Costa County are charter cities, including Richmond and San Ramon.

Two differences between the types of cities, according to the staff report, is that charter cities can impose a real estate transfer tax that general law cities can’t, and council salaries can be whatever amount the council decides. General law cities have a cap on council salaries based on population. For example, in Richmond the mayor, who is separately elected like the mayor of Antioch, is paid over $91,000 per year in salary and benefits. The mayor of Antioch is currently paid approximately $26,700 in salary and benefits. But, that will increase next year as all five council members elected in November will receive $1,600 per month instead of the current $941 per month salary.

State law allows a county to impose a tax of $1.10 per $1,000 of value on every real estate transaction. A charter city can charge more than that, which will increase the cost when someone buys or sells a home, land or commercial building.

To read the entire staff report on the agenda item, here: Charter City – ACC022520

In addition, in response to new state laws passed to address the housing and homeless crises, the council will consider adopting a revised Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance, which will make it easier for property owners to build what are known as “in-law” units. See staff report on agenda item, here: ADU Ordinance ACC022520

The meeting will be held at the Antioch Community Center at Prewett Park. It can be viewed on Comcast local cable Channel 24 or viewed livestream on the city’s website, here.

See the entire meeting agenda, here: ACC022520