From the Antioch Police Department Facebook posted page on Monday, November 27, 2017

Please say hello to the newest member of the Antioch PD family, Officer Morteza Amiri. Pictured here with Chief Tammany Brooks, Morteza was sworn in today. He is a lateral officer from the Brentwood Police Department, and comes to us with three years of experience.

Morteza was born and raised in the Bay Area, and attended high school in Dublin. After high school, Morteza attended Los Positas College before working as a Loss Prevention Agent for both Old Navy and Target in Antioch.

Morteza is an Antioch homeowner, and is excited to be able to work with the community and his peers to combat crime in Antioch. He currently attends California Coast University, and is pursuing his Bachelor’s degree.

When he is not working, Morteza can be found hiking with his 18-month-old Belgian Malinois. He also enjoys traveling and trying different types of food.

A fun fact about Officer Amiri is that because he has always admired the Antioch Police Department, he would sometimes switch his radio from the Brentwood radio channel and accidentally answer up to respond to the Antioch PD calls…….guess it was meant to be!

Congratulations Morteza and welcome!

General Plan Land Use Update; changes to approvals for Sand Creek area new home project; bonus for lateral police hires also on agenda

– Action may finally rid the waterfront of the old house on the barge.

By Allen Payton

At their meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 28 the Antioch City Council will finalize the process and take a vote on the update to the Downtown Specific Plan, begun in June 2015. The council will also consider the update to the city’s General Plan Land Use, as well as changes to the approvals for the Promenade – Vineyards at Sand Creek new home development. In addition, the council will consider offering a bonus for recruiting police officers from other agencies, known as laterals.

Downtown Specific Plan Update – Downtown Specific Plan Update ACC112817

According to the staff report on the agenda item, “On June 2, 2015, a Joint Special Study Meeting of the City Council, Planning Commission and Economic Development Commission was held on the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) Update Program to review background information, provide input on three initial land use alternatives, and a preferred alternative for the DSP area.”

From that meeting and the input offered by the public, “a refined set of two alternatives was forward(ed) to the City Council for review.”

Specific Plans are regulated by California Government Code and must include:

1) The distribution, location, and extent of the uses of land, including open space, within the area covered by the plan.

2) The proposed distribution, location, and extent and intensity of major components of public and private transportation, sewage, water, drainage, solid waste disposal, energy, and other essential facilities proposed to be located within the area covered by the plan and needed to support the land uses described in the plan.

3) Standards and criteria by which development will proceed, and standards for the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources, where applicable.

4) A program of implementation measures including regulations, programs, public works projects, and financing measures necessary to carry out paragraphs (1), (2), and (3).

5) A statement of the relationship of the specific plan to the general plan.

Antioch’s DSP Update covers the following elements: Vision, Guiding Policies, and Context; Land Use; Streetscape and Design Guidelines; Circulation and Access; Environmental Quality; Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure; and Implementation.

The proposed vision for downtown the council will consider is:

“Downtown Antioch will be a wonderful place in which to live, work, shop, dine and play. The community will take pride in Downtown as the historic heart of Antioch. Downtown’s unique waterfront setting, its historic and culturally rich character, buildings, streetscapes and open spaces will make it a successful, lively, fun and walkable special place that attracts residents and visitors of all ages.”

The plan is based on seven goals:

Goal I: Preserve Downtown Antioch’s Unique Character

Goal II: Preserve and Enhance Public Spaces

Goal III: Preserve Economic Vitality

Goal IV: Support a Housing Renaissance

Goal V: Support Mobility

Goal VI: “Park Once” Management Strategy

Goal VII: Sustainable Infrastructure

The plan update also includes descriptions and options for three “Opportunity Sites.”

Opportunity Site A

This site most recently contains Bond Manufacturing, which operates a light manufacturing facility on the 17-acre site. Due to the quality of its existing industrial buildings and infrastructure on the site, it is envisioned to house additional industrial users before any eventual revitalization. However, if proposed for revitalization, the site would offer a very unique opportunity due to its size. The site is limited by access, with only one modest entry from Auto Center Drive/W. 4th Street, so its development potential is limited.

Opportunity Site B

This 37-acre site contains a series of industrial buildings that are currently being used for RV storage and other miscellaneous uses. This is the site of a former major manufacturing facility and the smoke stack still stands. The site is directly adjacent to the Antioch Police Department and maintains frontages on W. 4th Street, L Street, N Street, O Street, and W. 2nd Street.

Opportunity Site C

This 10.5-acre site is the home of the former Hickmott Cannery and is currently vacant. The site is bisected by railroad tracks and access is to 6th Street and McElheny Road.

Along with the old Antioch Lumber Company lot, known as the Yard located between W. 2nd, W. 3rd and E Streets where a citizens have proposed an event center instead of housing or a mixed use development, the old Hickmott Cannery site has also been one of controversy. Owner Tom Trost has been battling with the city for years to get them to recognize that his property extends beyond the railroad tracks and out to the end of the piers. Up until now the city on their planning maps showed the railroad tracks as the edge of his property line. That’s why he moved a house and placed it on a barge next to the piers on the river, just north of the railroad tracks. (Author’s Note: Hopefully, once the city approves the plan update and agrees that Trost’s property extends to the end of the piers, he will move that eyesore from one of the main entrances to Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown).

The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at W. Third, W. Second and H Streets in downtown. You can also watch it live on local cable access channel 24 or livestreaming on the city’s website at http://www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CityGov/citycouncilmeetings.htm.

See the complete council meeting agenda, here – http://www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CityGov/agendas/CityCouncil/2017/agendas/112817/112817.pdf

 

With the holiday season upon us, it is a good time to remember the only people we want visiting our homes are family and friends – not plumbers and wastewater professionals. Disposal of unwanted food waste and fats, oils and grease (FOG) down your kitchen drain, dishwasher and garbage disposal can lead to overflowing pipes, sewage spills, and emergency calls to plumbers.

Traditional holiday foods such as turkey, ham, meats, gravy, potatoes, sauces, vegetable or olive oils, salad dressings, baked goods and dairy products are sources of FOG. With family and friends celebrating together, it often means bigger meal preparation and cleanup with a lot of scraps incorrectly disposed of though pipes that may already be partially clogged and go unnoticed until guests overload the system.

People mistakenly believe their garbage disposal and dishwasher are effective methods of dealing with food and FOG; however, these devices only shred it into smaller pieces or wash it further down pipelines where it hardens in areas which require professional plumbers or wastewater professionals to remove safely.

Grease is one of the leading causes of residential sewer blockages. These blockages can cause costly, unpleasant sewage overflows that can damage our homes, and potentially find its way into our local waterways damaging local fish and wildlife habitat.

Delta Diablo reminds customers that prevention is the best way to tackle an unpleasant FOG experience in your home, and offers tips for this holiday season and throughout the year to reduce overflows, backups and clogs:

•Never pour FOG down kitchen sinks, garbage disposals or into toilets.

•Keep a heat-proof container in your kitchen to capture all FOG after cooking. When cooled, safely secure it and bring it for proper disposal at the Delta Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility.

•Scrape grease and food scraps from plates, pots, pans, utensils and grills into a compost receptacle or the regular trash before washing.

•Wipe pots, pans and plates with paper towels to capture any leftover grease before handwashing or placing into dishwasher.

•Use a strainer or place paper towels over the kitchen drain to help keep grease and food scraps out of your plumbing system. Home garbage disposals and dishwashers do not help, not even with running hot water.

For more information about safely disposing of FOG, or services provided by the Delta Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, please visit www.DeltaDiablo.org or call 925-756-1990.

 

To help grow local economy, attract new businesses and jobs; will also serve as City’s public information officer

By Allen Payton

At their meeting on November 14, the Antioch City Council unanimously approved creating and filling the position of Economic Development Director, as the city has had in the past, who will work to attract new businesses and jobs to Antioch and help grow our local economy.

According to the staff report, the salary range (without benefits) is $127,392 – $154,836 and the total annual cost range for funding the position is $234,425 – $279,277. Staff “recommended that a budget for four months of cost be appropriated in the FY2017/18 General Fund budget and a full year of cost in the FY2018/19 General Fund budget.” ACC Mtg 11-14-17 agenda item on Econ Dev Dir

The staff report further included the following about the new position which his expected to be filled by March 1, 2018:

“At the June 27, 2017 City Council Meeting, during the discussion about approving and adopting a two-year operating budget for the fiscal years 2017-2019, Council Members stated that they supported a six-month timeframe for Council to consider funding for an Economic Development Director in an effort to market the City to increase revenue and job growth.

The Economic Development Director plans, directs, manages, and oversees the activities designed to promote community vitality and encourage efforts to expand the local economy and coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies.

Some of the duties of the Economic Development Director are:

• Act as a catalyst to introduce new business to Antioch.
• Negotiate development agreements related to economic development activities.
• Coordinate consultants and City staff in securing funding for economic development projects and activities.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the fields of redevelopment and economic development; incorporate new developments as appropriate.
• Develop a marketing plan.
• Coordinate information activities on City programs and oversee a public information program.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.”

The council voted unanimously to create the position and begin the search process to find the best applicant. That person will have “A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, planning, economics, or a related field” and Six years of increasingly responsible economic development experience including three years of management and administrative responsibility.”

Hires Sylvan Learning to provide tutoring to over 6,000 eligible students; discusses laptops for board members; livestreaming of meetings to begin in January

By Allen Payton

At their regular meeting on Wednesday, November 15 the Antioch School Board unanimously approved the contract for new Associate Superintendent, K-12 Education Services, Christine Ibarra. At their previous board meeting on Oct. 25 the board approved hiring her to fill the position made vacant by the resignation of Dr. Adam Clark, who accepted the position of superintendent for the Vallejo City Unified School District in September. (Agenda Item 12.A.)

The contract includes an annual Senior Management Salary of $191,040 plus benefits, including a $300 per month automobile stipend.

According to her profile on LinkedIn, Ibarra has worked in public school education since 1992, and had previously worked as the School Support Administrator for the Mt. Diablo Unified School District since July 2013. Prior to that she was a principal in the district for eight years. She started her career as a Teacher and Program Specialist for the West Contra Costa Unified School District.

Ibarra earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from U.C. Santa Barbara and a Master’s of Education in Education and Counseling from St. Mary’s College in Moraga. Her employment with AUSD begins on Monday, Nov. 27.

Tutoring Offered to Over 6,000 Students Who Are Behind (Agenda Item 11.X.)

Also at the meeting the board approved a contract with Bay Area Education Support Systems, which does business as Sylvan Learning to provide tutoring services at a cost of $800 per student. During the district staff report, it was explained that Tier 2 “targeted students who are a year behind” in their school work “are given Sylvan as an option. Over 6,000 of our students are eligible for supplemental educational services, such as tutoring.”

“Tier 3 students are more than a year behind” staff further explained.

Livestreaming of Board Meetings to Begin in January (Agenda Item 11.F.)

During the mid-year budget update it was reported by Superintendent Stephanie Anello that video cameras for online livestreaming of Antioch school board meetings will be installed in the board room by January.

“Our goal is to begin livestreaming by our first meeting in January, Wednesday the 24th on the (district’s) YouTube Channel,” she said.

District IT Manager, Joe Gengler explained how to view the meetings live online.

“Link on the district’s website that currently contains the audio of the meetings,” he said. “An archive of the video will be ready to go the same night.”

Laptops for Board Members Requested (Agenda Item 13.A.1)

During the board member period of the meeting, Trustee Crystal Sawyer-White requested that each of the five be provided with laptops by the district.

She said that other districts provide them to board members “from day one, as soon as you’re elected, and a cell phone.”

Gengler offered to check with other school districts to see how they handle the matter.

Board Vice President Debra Vinson agreed with the request.

“I would really like a separate device rather than on my personal device,” she stated.

However, Trustee Diane Gibson-Gray wasn’t interested. “I just want to make sure I’m able to opt out,” she said. “I don’t want to have to carry two laptops.”

“I agree,” said Trustee Gary Hack.

Vinson explained further, “I do use my one personal cell phone. But, I would not load any of my personal information” on the laptop.

Sawyer-White shared how it could work and to avoid personal use of the machines. “At the end of your term you turn in your device and anyone can access and are free to search for any personal use, and free to track usage during our term,” she stated.

The discussion then centered on a request from a principal for a laptop, according to Sawyer-White and which platform to use.

“I have never heard of this request,” said Gengler. “I am building infrastructure to support these. The district needs to decide which. There’s Microsoft and there’s Google Chrome. We certainly don’t have the resources to support Google Chrome Books.”

“We can certainly reach out to the principal,” he added.”

Sawyer-White then mentioned Springboard.

Vinson then asked, “how many students have Chrome Books?”

Gengler replied, “Right now there are zero Chrome books. Right now, they are window-based laptops. Some folks use Chrome Classroom.”

“If we’re going to be a digital classroom it’s something to consider for the future,” Vinson stated.

“We’re hoping to have this ready by the summer,” Gengler explained. “We’re open to whatever platform…we just want to serve the kids.”

The next meeting of the Antioch School Board will be held on Wednesday, December 13 in the District Office Board Room at 510 G Street in Antioch. To view the agenda for the Nov. 15 meeting, click here. For further details about past and future board meetings visit https://www.antiochschools.net/domain/60.

Entrance to the East Bay Regional Park District will be free on Black Friday (Nov. 24) to encourage people to visit parks, not malls.

The Park District will be waiving fees for parking, dogs, horses, boat launching and fishing permits at all 65 parks in the District. Entrance fees at Ardenwood Historic Farm will also be waived. This is the third year the Park District has been free on Black Friday.

“Getting out into nature the day after Thanksgiving is a great way to spend time with the family,” said General Manager Robert Doyle. “The East Bay Regional Park District is pleased to be part of the annual ‘Opt Outside’ event that encourages people nationally to connect with nature by visiting a park or going for a hike on Black Friday.”

Fee waiver does not apply to state fees, including fishing licenses and watercraft inspections, and does not apply to District concessions such as the Tilden Merry-Go-Round and train.

Opt Outside started in 2015 when REI closed it doors on Black Friday and encouraged its employees and the public to explore the outdoors instead of shopping. More than 1.4 million people and 170 organizations participate in Opt Outside each year.

To find a park or activity visit www.ebparks.org.

An estimated $1,000,000 in renovations have already begun, restaurant will have a seafood, nautical theme.

By Allen Payton

According to a press release from the city, “The City of Antioch is excited to announce the sale of the old Humphrey’s Restaurant at the Antioch Marina in preparation for a new quality restaurant. Since 2012 the One Marina Plaza building, also known as Humphreys Restaurant, has sat vacant. At their Tuesday night Nov. 14 meeting the City Council voted unanimously to approve the sale of the property to Sean McCauley Investments, Inc. (SMI) for $1,200,000.

SMI is planning to renovate the building over the next several months and will be entering into a lease with RLW Properties the owners/operators of Zephyr Grill and Bar, who currently have two restaurant locations in Brentwood and Livermore. RLW Properties will finalize the interior improvements including an entirely new kitchen as well as a banquet facility for this unique waterfront establishment.

This acquisition by SMI will continue the revitalization of Antioch’s historic downtown.”

The sale includes both the building, which the city acquired a few years ago, as well as the land which the city has owned since the restaurant was first built.

Following the staff presentation by Antioch’s Economic Development Program Manager Lizeht Zepeda and Allan Walkin, a consultant who works with the city on real estate issues, Councilman Tony Tiscareno was the first to comment and ask questions.

“I know you’re doing everything that you can to improve the downtown,” he said to McCauley. “We’ve been frustrated with the marina, with the downtown area. For many years the downtown area hasn’t really moved as much as we want it to. I’m optimistic. There’s potential out there.”

“What happens if Zephyr’s doesn’t pan out?” Tiscareno then asked.

“The frustration you have, with the economic downturn, many cities experienced that,” McCauley responded. “Antioch is a little bit behind the curve.”

“If Zephyr’s doesn’t come in then we will find someone else,” he explained. “The problem with the building is it’s old. An operator isn’t a construction company. They want to walk into a place and say ‘OK this is my vision. This is what I want to do.’ When you walk into over there it’s kind of difficult to do. That’s the missing piece. This is why I’m here. I can kind of fill in that gap.”

“So, who do we get if Randy and Lynn (the owners of Zephyr) don’t come through?” McCauley asked responding to Tiscareno’s question. “I’m not really worried about it. It’s my $1.2 million that I earned. I’m not going to let it sit around.”

“You are going to make it restaurant ready for the most part for these folks,” stated Tiscareno.

“The only one you should be worried about is me,” McCauley said with a laugh by him and Tiscareno.

“I do to a certain respect,” Tiscareno said. “I want to make sure you continue to invest in this city and I know you’re doing that and also entice others. So, this is a starting point. I’m really encouraged. I really want to see this go through. I’m looking forward to dining out there.”

Mayor Pro Tem Lamar Thorpe then made a motion to approve the sale of the property and Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock seconded it.

“I’ve lived here five years and I’ve never seen Humphrey’s open,” Thorpe said. “So, let’s make something happen.”

However, before he allowed the vote, Mayor Sean Wright had one question of staff and McCauley.

“I’m excited to see you come in,” Wright said. “There’s nothing in the contract that I see that has any sort of non-performance clause. I know that you’re not worried about that. But, let’s say in three years you haven’t fixed it up. There’s nothing protecting the city from you sitting on this forever. Am I wrong, Allan?”

“No that’s correct,” Walkin responded.

“As we finalize this is there some any for us to have some sort of assurance?” Wright asked.

“No,” McCauley responded to laughter from Wright. “We need to do this deal now.”

“No, no. I’m not trying to push it off,” Wright said.

“Are you talking in respect to fixing the building up?” McCauley saked.

“Yeah, I’m talking in respect of fixing the building,” Wright responded. “You go in there and you go ‘you know what? This isn’t worth it to me.’ You know we’re a year from now we’re still sitting and it still hasn’t been fixed it up.”

McCauley projects there will be $1,000,000 in improvements to the building.

“As far as the building, we did pull all the permits already. We put the fencing up, today,” McCauley responded. “We have a delivery there of lumber. So, we’re ready to go.”

“I’m not trying to put anything on you that is encumbrant,” Wright said. “I mean if you don’t find a tenant I’m willing to work with that.”

“I think we’ll probably be done with the first stage of the construction which is what we really want to do is get the outside and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance finished,” McCauley explained. “The outside façade, the decking, everything, the dry rot, everything refreshed, the landscaping. If we can engage with Zephyr between that time, great.”

“They’re very excited to be there, by the way,” he continued. “I’ve worked with them in the past, obviously so, I would rather have them there. But, I really want to make the first impression if another operator has to come in there, I want it a no-brainer for them. When you walk into that building and you see what it can be, it’s exciting.”

“Let’s get this done,” Wright responded.

“I just want to put everybody’s mind at ease,” Ogorchock stated. “If Sean McCauley Investments, if he says he’s going to do it, he’s going to do it,” Ogorchock said. “So, he will do exactly what he says he’s going to do. Every bit of my faith is in Sean. So, thank you, Sean.”

“Thank you,” McCauley responded.

Then the council voted 5-0 to approve the sale to applause from the audience.

Following the meeting, McCauley who owns other buildings in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown including the Old Casino Building next Waldie Plaza and the recently acquired Old Garage building on 3rd and H Streets, said he believes the opening of the new restaurant there will be “a key lynchpin to getting the rest of downtown improved.”

“Now all the hard work begins,” he continued, adding “We look forward to making it shine and last and getting the best operator, which I believe will be Randy and his group.”

“It will have a seafood and nautical theme,” McCauley added.

State Auditor to present findings of cost over-runs, mismanagement of project; Dep’t of Water Resources to also make presentation

SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Jim Frazier (D-Discovery Bay) and State Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa), co-chairs of the California Legislative Delta Caucus, announce they will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Nov. 30 to examine mounting financial concerns connected to the proposed WaterFix project.

The hearing will be held in the Delta, at the Jean Harvie Community Center, 14273 River Road, in Walnut Grove, from 10 am. to noon. Members of the public are invited to attend.

“WaterFix is one of the largest, most costly public works project ever proposed in California,” said Frazier, who represents the heart of the Delta region in the Assembly. “There are a number of growing concerns surrounding the project’s financials. The recent state audit cited cost over-runs that are out of control. The audit also found the Department of Water Resources failed to complete a basic cost-benefit analysis and has mismanaged the project. The Delta Caucus decided to hold an informational hearing accessible to the public where these concerns can be thoroughly examined.”

The office of State Auditor Elaine M. Howle will present the findings of the recent audit: “Department of Water Resources: The Unexpected Complexity of the California WaterFix Project Has Resulted in Significant Cost Increases and Delays.”

Dr. Jeffrey Michael, executive director of the Center for Business & Policy Research at the University of the Pacific, will present the Center’s recent report, “Benefit-Cost Analysis of the proposed California WaterFix.”

The State Department of Water Resources, which is managing the proposed WaterFix project, has also committed to making a presentation.

Other presentations may be added to the agenda as the hearing date approaches. Members of the public will have an opportunity to comment during a public comment period at the end of the hearing.

“Ensuring a vibrant and sustainable Delta is absolutely essential for our region and our entire state,” said Senator Dodd. “I encourage Delta residents to join us and hear from the State Auditor’s Office regarding their recent findings. The Delta Caucus is working to educate the public and fighting to protect the Delta for our residents, visitors and wildlife.”

The Delta Caucus is a bipartisan mix of 12 members of the Assembly and Senate who represent the Delta region. The Caucus is co-chaired by Assemblymember Frazier and Sen. Dodd. Other members are Senators Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton), Steve Glazer (D-Orinda), Dr. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) and Assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), Heath Flora (R-Ripon), Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton), Timothy S. Grayson (D-Concord) and Catharine Baker (R-Dublin).

For more information about the Delta Caucus, contact Adam Horn at (916) 319-2011.