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

Family members of teen who died from gunshot at Deer Valley High following Jan. 31 basketball game speak, blame lack of security, police; school site security staff, principal respond; board members call for president to resign position

By Allen Payton

Accusations were lodged by members of the public against the board, district officials and the school principal of not caring, a lack of security and police at Deer Valley High School the night of the shooting that resulted in the death of 16-year-old student, Jonathan Parker, as well as calls for the resignation of the board president during an emotional, special meeting of the Antioch School Board, Wednesday night. (See the video of the meeting,  here).

The sparsely attended meeting was held in Antioch High School’s Beede Auditorium, which has a capacity of 1,500 seats, in response to the tragic incident that occurred on Friday, Jan. 31 following a basketball game between Antioch High and Deer Valley High Schools.

The one item on the meeting’s agenda was listed as Comprehensive School Safety Plans. But, what started out as a presentation of the measures currently underway for school site safety in the district, at one continuation high school and two middle schools, ended with emotional calls for the resignation of Diane Gibson-Gray from her position as board president by two other school board trustees and just flat out resignation by members of the public, complaints by Parker’s family members, and a school site safety staff member at Deer Valley High refuting claims of a lack of safety on the campus, that night.

School Site Safety Presentation Comprehensive School Safety Final Presentation 2.18.20

The presentation by school and district staff included discussion of restorative practice, building community relationships among students, teachers and staff, trauma informed training, the CARE Team and Wellness Room at Park Middle School and the Sandy Hook Promise, which “empowers students to end social isolation” of other students. Part of that will be the use of a new “Say Something” anonymous reporting system app, which will be introduced during the Say Something Week in March, according to Scott Bergerhouse, the district’s Director of Student Support Services. Students and staff will download the app to their phones so they can anonymously report something they see on social media.

“Within two minutes Sandy Hook folks will assess the situation and contact the local police department,” he explained.

Students will be encouraged to share what they know “with a trusted adult.”

Bergerhouse also mentioned that Superintendent Stephanie Anello and Antioch Police Chief Tammany Brooks, who was in attendance during the meeting and spoke with residents after, “are working on grants for police presence at sporting events.”

He also stated that Measure T, the bond measure on the March 3 ballot, “will increase safety” at the schools in that part of the district if it passes.

Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services, Christine Ibarra shared the comments of Deer Valley High students during a meeting she had with them.

“Students said ‘we don’t want more safety. We want more relationship and community. More building each other up instead of tearing down,’” Ibarra said.

Deer Valley High Incident More Important

But, two school board members and members of the public weren’t interested in all of that. They wanted to discuss the shooting at Deer Valley High, why and how it happened and what can be done to prevent it from occurring, again in the future.

In spite of requests by Trustee Ellie Householder to not focus on the Deer Valley High incident, but have the meeting be a more, broad discussion of school site safety, she and Trustee Cystal Sawyer-White attacked Gibson-Gray and staff, in what appeared to be efforts to pander to those in the audience.

At the regular meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12, Householder said about holding the special meeting, “first would be just to review what our safety protocols at our schools and from a district wide perspective, board policy, board bylaws. Just overview of what our safety plan is”

“And then second point I would like to make is I really do like the idea of this kind of, because it’s not going to be a town hall because it’s going to be an official board meeting, right, but that kind of spirit and that idea to, you know we have, you know maybe three items,” she continued. “That’s reviewing the site policy, the district policy, and our policies and then having there be a, you know obviously, public comment, and then that could be a time where the public can come and tell us, you know, how they feel and what direction they think we should go in, and then from there we can, you know, kind of make, have there be an item for further discussion at a next board meeting.”

Yet, at the special meeting Householder said, “Quite frankly, I’m appalled we had to fight to have this agendized, tonight. This is a reflection on the board president. Board President Gibson-Gray failed to act. I’ll be asking for her resignation, tonight.”

Applause from the audience drowned out the rest of her comments which were about Gibson-Gray resigning as board president, not as a trustee.

“I’m concerned we’re not addressing Deer Valley High School,” Sawyer-White said. “Where’s the principal? The parents and family are here.”

“I would have appreciated a presentation on Deer Valley’s site safety,” she said later in the meeting. “The next steps would be to address that, tomorrow.”

Public Commments

Jerome Householder was the first to speak during public comments, referring to the board meeting on Feb. 12 he mentioned, “the eye rolling, the condescending behavior of the board members at last week’s meeting.”

“Where is the safety? Where is the security guard?” he asked.

The second speaker, Laneasha Lee, a mother of a student in the district and an employee at Deer Valley High said, “you guys got to do something and do something, now. You got to do your job because you’re killing our babies. Go get us some police officers during those games.”

Mary Lynn Peck then said, “there’s not safety in our schools. My daughter who teaches (at an AUSD school)…is frightened.”

“I am very dismayed,” she added, also calling for Gibson-Gray’s resignation.

One of Jonathan Parker’s aunts, Margarita Gurule was upset with the school district officials.

“He fought for 15 hours. None of you showed up to the hospital,” she said. “Why haven’t any of you called my sister? This was Jonathan’s first game he went to.”

Antioch resident, business owner and former president of the NAACP East County Branch, Joseph Adebayo spoke as a parent.

“I told my niece I could no longer pick her up because the guy that actually fired the shot was so close to my car,” he stated. “As we were driving out of Deer Valley…the cop car was driving in. It was too late. I told my niece I would no longer allow her to go to games unless there are police before and after the game.”

Another of Parker’s aunts, Aurora Solorio, asked “where was security? It took my nephew’s life. It allowed the kids to jump him and then kill him.”

“We have not yet heard from Deer Valley’s principal,” she continued. “This is not OK. You have resources out here in the audience willing to do whatever they can.”

Another family member said, “we haven’t heard from the principal. Is it because my nephew is a minority? You all ought to be ashamed of yourselves.

Courtney Campbell Reich, a parent of a Deer Valley High graduate said, “we wanted to hear something, we heard nothing. Six days later the PTSA Board President asked for a meeting.”

She then thanked Anello, Householder and Chief Brooks “for responding to our email.”

“We need more police, better lighting and cameras that work,” she continued, then mentioned an “assault of a school volunteer” speaking of herself, “a football game brawl and now murder.”

Emily Woodhall, a counselor at Deer Valley High said, “I’m here to fight for the needs of my students because they are grieving the loss of their friend, their innocence, their loss of safety. At Deer Valley High School there are no mental health counselors.”

Willie Mims, representing the East County Branch of the NAACP, said “you have to show compassion to this family. I think you let these people down. I didn’t hear anything about the incident.”

“You had over $1 million in site safety,” he continued. “Where was your site safety? You’re spending money in the wrong direction.”

Dave Neal, a 32-year teacher in the district said, “I have a passion for our community. That’s why I’m not retiring. We do not have a comprehensive plan for the district. We need to come together. Let’s sit down together and have a conversation.”

He then invited the board to “community circles” that were to be held the next day at the high school.

Ayesha Hall said, “I told you if you don’t address this issue, this issue will come knocking at your door. I don’t think you can relate to what they’re going through” referring to Parker’s family. “Then we’re having the meeting tonight and you’re not even talking about Deer Valley. We need resolution, right now.”

Site Safety Staff Member Responds

Bob Scudero then refuted some of the comments that there was no safety at the school on the night of the shooting.

“I’m security site safety at Deer Valley High School,” he said. “Our school and our staff are hurting. We talked to John John 10 minutes before the game was over.”

Scudero said “I wanted to set the record straight…we had four security people at the school…we had staff, we had administrators, we had people..staff members from both schools” at the school, that night.

“I’m not making any excuse. There was no excuse for such a waste of such a beautiful human life as John John. And I’m not here to defend our system,” he continued. “But, I want you to know, I want the public to know as large as that school is, and as many people from both schools that were there, there was no possible way that us could have covered the whole lot, the whole property. I believe there should have been police there. That is something that needs to be taken up with the Antioch Police Department. The police were called that night before the incident. I know that for a fact.”

He continued to speak past his three-minute time limit, with the microphone turned off, but Gibson-Gray allowed it.

Scudero spoke of how he corralled a group of students and parents into a room on the campus and told them to stay there, keep the door locked and to not “unlock this door for anyone. I have a key.”

“I ended up with 30 people and I put them in lock down,” he stated.

“I can’t imagine what you feel,” Scudero shared with the family. “But I know my loss with John John and it’s tearing me up.”

Principal Oyebade Speaks

Deer Valley High School Bukky Oyebade then spoke, directing her comments to the family.

“You’re in my heart and my prayers,” she said. “I take full responsibility. We doubled the amount of security that night. There was security, that night.”

“I apologize for his loss,” Oyebade stated. “I talked to John John every day.”

Following the meeting she told the Herald she had reached out to the family, refuting the accusations by Parker’s family members, and that she wasn’t told not to speak to them, as had been rumored.

Board Members Respond & Argue Among Themselves

“I agree with Trustee Ellie Householder and I call for your resignation, Board President Gibson-Gray,” said Sawyer-White.

Trustee Gary Hack then shared his thoughts, saying “You say we’re wrong, we’re cold hearted, we don’t care. I disagree. I’ve gone to the memorial in the parking lot and prayed. It’s a very emotional situation.”

Trustee Mary Rocha was next to share her thoughts, explaining a lack of officers on the Antioch police force as part of the reason for no police at the game, that night.

“I’m a mother, like you are,” she said. “I’ve lost a son, too. We have all thought about the police and there are police at some events. We have a heck of a lot more police, now. If you want to help us, put the pressure on.”

Rocha then read the policy of the Bay Valley Athletic League, for which her son, Antioch High Principal Louie Rocha, Jr. is President of the Board of Managers, that even visiting teams bring their administration to the games.

“With all due respect, Board Trustee Rocha, it’s not all about the police,” Sawyer-White responded. “We have a LCAP fund of $1.155 million and that’s us, the board to allocate appropriately. If we hired teachers of color and counselors…there would be more of an opportunity for the students to relate to their teachers and their administrators. I’ve been addressing that for three-and-a-half years. I’m not seeing how we’re moving forward as a board, as the staff that we hire to address the students of color.”

“We should have had blueprints up here of where the incident occurred, where are the cameras, are we installing more cameras,” she continued. “These are basic steps.”

“No excuses. I’m sorry and we have to do better,” added Householder. “That’s it. It’s really that simple.”

“This is an ongoing investigation and Superintendent Anello is working closely with the police,” said Gibson-Gray. “We want to find out who murdered Jonathan just as much as you do. And if any of the kids out there, adults, anybody hears anything, I beg you to share it with the police. Because someone is out there who needs to be caught.”

“This has not happened before,” she continued. “As someone who has to run this meeting, I have to be composed. Have I cried tears for your son, nephew, cousin at home? Yes, I have.”

But she was shouted down by members of the audience.

“Please let me speak. OK. Fine, I’m not going to speak. To the family I give you my condolences. And I am so sorry there is nothing I can do to bring him back,” Gibson-Gray concluded, then calling for a motion to adjourn the meeting, as members of the audience continued to shout.

She then asked if there was anything else could be said.

“Is there anything we can add to this meeting, because it is an on-going investigation with the police,” Gibson-Gray stated.

“I have nothing,” said Anello.

Then Gibson-Gray returned to the motion to adjourn and even it passed on a split vote with Householder and Sawyer-White voting against.

SATURDAY, 2/22/20 UPDATE – Letter from Principal Oyebade:

In a letter to parents posted on Facebook on Friday, Feb. 21, Principal Ovebade wrote the following about additional safety measures at the campus:

Dear Wolverine Families,

I am contacting you to inform you of additional safety measures that were recently received from our district. Going forward, we will now have two additional site safety team members and two more site administrators. This will assist with supervision of student activities around our campus. We have reviewed camera placement and are looking to increase the number of cameras throughout our campus. Furthermore, beginning next month, the district is launching the Say Something app for the community to be able to anonymously report information that can be routed to school personnel, law enforcement, etc. Finally, our district is in discussions with the police department on how to retain school resource officers for daily presence on campus and supervision of games. Please encourage your student to wear their id at all times. This simple action will assist us with positively identifying our students.

Thank you for your continued patience with us as we work to enhance security on the DV campus.

Bukky Oyebade Ed. D.

DVHS Principal

Antioch High School Principal Louie Rocha sent out the following message to parents of students about a possible gun incident on campus, Wednesday 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.”

A call has been made to the Antioch Police Media Line for more details. Check back here, later for any updates to this report.

Monday, 2/24/20 UPDATE:

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.

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.

By Luke Johnson 

Lucky number seven is the charm.

After six-straight losing seasons, the boys’ soccer team at Antioch High School reached the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

The Panthers (13-8-1) have a fierce offensive attack with four players finishing in the top eight for goals scored in the Bay Valley Athletic League.

At the top of the list is senior striker Ian Scheringer, who scored 21 goals in 17 matches — far more than anyone else in the league.

However, head coach Conrad Diaz said senior goalkeeper Melvin Morales is the real MVP. Morales is averaging 0.917 goals allowed per game this season.

Diaz said the Panthers are only getting better with the roster full of youth. There are three freshmen currently on the varsity team — one of whom Diaz gave extremely high praise.

“I think he can be the Najee Harris of soccer,” Diaz said.

Freshman midfielder Alvaro Picon only played 11 matches, but made his presence known with eight goals and 11 assists. Picon is also part of the U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program — which recruits the highest caliber players around the country to train them to potentially play for the U.S. men’s national team.

The Antioch boys’ soccer program reached the peak of its success a decade ago by winning back-to-back league championships in 2009 and 2010 respectively — the only two BVAL Championships in school history. Shortly thereafter, the Panthers finished seasons with goal differentials of 17-48 (2015) and 25-89 (2016). This season Antioch has a goal differential of 50-20, so far.

The Panthers faced Division I opponents in the Bay Valley Athletic League but, will compete in the Division II bracket of the North Coast Section Playoffs. Diaz said this gives his team an advantage, because his players are battle tested.

Antioch will play at Vallejo High School (17-4-4) in the first round of the playoffs Wednesday evening. Vallejo has a goal differential of 88-29 this season.

“They scored 88 goals, but they beat a team 18-0, and they’re playing Division IV and V teams,” Diaz said.

The furthest Antioch has gone in the NCS Playoffs was the semifinal round in 1995. For Diaz, this his return to the NCS Playoffs after a 45-year hiatus. He last competed in the NCS Playoffs as a player with Mission High School (San Francisco) in 1975.