At Tuesday night’s Antioch City Council meeting, Antioch Police Lieutenant Tarra Mendes announced that pet adoptions at Antioch Animal Services (AAS) will be free to the public, with fees subsidized by ARF and supported by a generous grant from Maddie’s Fund, during the “Home for the Holidays” promotion from December 17 until January 14. In addition to waived adoption fees, adopters will receive a $30 gift card courtesy of Pet Food Express to help with the cost of food or supplies for the new family pet. Standard adoption criteria apply, and all animals will be spayed or neutered prior to being released to their adoptive homes in accordance with California State law.

Also, from November 21 to December 15, ARF is granting 501(c)(3) animal rescue group partners a $100 incentive for each “harder to place” animal transferred from AAS, including pit bulls, animals with one or more treatable medical conditions, and animals over five years of age.

Both of these promotions are an effort to further reduce AAS’s shelter animal population and to provide these animals a loving home for the holidays.

Additionally, beginning December 20, AAS will only be accepting animal surrenders by appointment so that ARF’s Pet Safety Net program can work with pet owners to provide some resources to the public in an effort to help citizens keep their pets in their existing homes. Drop-off or same-day owner surrenders to AAS will not be accommodated in order to preserve space for animals in critical need, such as stray or injured animals, who will continue to be accepted without an appointment. Citizens who need to surrender their pet must submit an inquiry on the AAS website and a representative will arrange for further resources or an appointment for surrender.

The City of Antioch is dependent on the public’s help in lowering the shelter population to allow for important changes and ensuring positive outcomes for Antioch’s animals now and in the future. Community support is critical to AAS’s success.

Donations to support improvements at AAS may be made to a restricted fund, which will solely support operations and capital improvements for the AAS shelter, online at www.arflife.org/help/antioch.

Following is the list of crimes in Antioch during November 16-23, 2016 as provided on CrimeReports.com. This is the last report for November. A summary of crimes for the period was not provided by either Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando nor City Manager Steve Duran, as he normally does in his Weekly Reports.

• ·Breaking & Entering

400 Block E 18TH ST AND WOODLAND DR – BURGLARY BUSINESS – 459 PC

Nov 23, 2016 around 10 PM

• ·Breaking & Entering

2300 Block SYCAMORE DR AND DOGWOOD WY – BURGLARY RESIDENCE – 459 PC

Nov 23, 2016 around 6 PM

• ·Assault

2200 Block SYCAMORE DR AND SPANOS ST – ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC

Nov 23, 2016 around 5 PM

• ·Theft

1 Block E 18TH ST AND A ST – THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC

Nov 23, 2016 around 2 PM

• ·Breaking & Entering

1600 Block PUTNAM ST AND VAN BUREN DR – BURGLARY RESIDENCE – 459 PC

Nov 23, 2016 around 12 PM

• ·Death

3600 Block GARROW DR AND LIMEWOOD DR – DEATH REPORT-NATURAL

Nov 23, 2016 around 5 AM

• ·Robbery

DEL ORO CIR AND BUCHANAN RD – ROBBERY AND ATTEMPTS

Nov 23, 2016 around 12 AM

• ·Breaking & Entering

3700 Block LONE TREE WY AND SUNSET LN – BURGLARY BUSINESS – 459 PC

Nov 22, 2016 around 10 PM

• ·Community Policing

COSTCO – [CFS] PATROL REQUEST

Nov 22, 2016 around 7 PM

• ·Theft

3300 Block DEER VALLEY RD AND HILLCREST AV – THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC

Nov 22, 2016 around 7 PM

• ·Community Policing

CAVALLO RD AND NORA LEE CT – VEHICLE CODE – OTHERS

Nov 22, 2016 around 5 PM

• ·Theft

200 Block W 10TH ST AND D ST – THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC

Nov 22, 2016 around 2 PM

• ·Robbery

1900 Block D ST AND W 19TH ST – ROBBERY AND ATTEMPTS

Nov 22, 2016 around 7 AM

• ·Assault

1300 Block W 9TH ST AND O ST – ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC

Nov 21, 2016 around 5 PM

• ·Assault

L ST AND SYCAMORE DR – ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC

Nov 21, 2016 around 4 PM

• ·Theft

2500 Block SOMERSVILLE RD AND BUCHANAN RD – THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC

Nov 21, 2016 around 1 PM

• ·Theft

3700 Block SUNSET LN AND LONE TREE WY – THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC

Nov 21, 2016 around 1 PM

• ·Theft

2400 Block HORIZON LN AND MAHOGANY WY – IDENTITY THEFT CASES

Nov 21, 2016 around 10 AM

• ·Breaking & Entering

3400 Block HUDSON CT AND FAIRVIEW DR – BURLGARY SHED/STORAGE UNIT – 459PC

Nov 21, 2016 around 8 AM

• ·Arson

1100 Block W 5TH ST AND M ST – ARSON – 451 PC

Nov 21, 2016 around 6 AM

• ·Assault with Deadly Weapon

1 Block S LAKE DR AND ALHAMBRA CT – ASSAULT, AGRAVATED – 245 PC

Nov 21, 2016 around 4 AM

• ·Theft

2000 Block SOMERSVILLE RD AND HWY 4 HY – THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC

Nov 21, 2016 around 1 AM

• ·Assault with Deadly Weapon

3500 Block COUNTRY SIDE WY AND OAK KNOLL ST – ASSAULT, AGRAVATED – 245 PC

Nov 20, 2016 around 11 PM

• ·Theft

3600 Block E 18TH ST AND HWY 4 HY – THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC

Nov 20, 2016 around 9 PM

• ·Theft of Vehicle

1800 Block HARDING CT AND HARDING WY – AUTO THEFT – 10851 VC

Nov 20, 2016 around 9 PM

• ·Theft

1 Block W 10TH ST AND A ST – THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC

Nov 20, 2016 around 8 PM

• ·Death

1 Block LEO LN AND CREEKSIDE DR – DEATH REPORT-NATURAL

Nov 20, 2016 around 11 AM

• ·Assault with Deadly Weapon

3900 Block DELTA FAIR BL AND FAIRVIEW DR – ASSAULT, AGRAVATED – 245 PC

Nov 20, 2016 around 2 AM

• ·Assault

SYCAMORE DR AND LEMONTREE WY – ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC

Nov 20, 2016 around 1 AM

• ·Assault

1 Block S LAKE DR AND ALHAMBRA CT – ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC

Nov 19, 2016 around 6 PM

• ·Community Policing

FITZUREN RD AND G ST – VEHICLE CODE – OTHERS

Nov 19, 2016 around 5 PM

• ·Death

3000 Block GREENHALL WY AND ENEA WY – DEATH REPORT-NATURAL

Nov 19, 2016 around 5 PM

• ·Assault

2100 Block LEMONTREE WY AND SYCAMORE DR – ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC

Nov 19, 2016 around 5 PM

• ·Theft

2600 Block SOMERSVILLE RD AND BRADLEY LN – THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC

Nov 19, 2016 around 4 PM

• ·Theft

2600 Block SOMERSVILLE RD AND FAIRVIEW DR – THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC

Nov 19, 2016 around 3 PM

• ·Assault with Deadly Weapon

1 Block MADRID LN AND MADRID PL – ASSAULT, AGRAVATED – 245 PC

Nov 19, 2016 around 10 AM

• ·Breaking & Entering

2200 Block A ST AND E MADILL ST – BURGLARY BUSINESS – 459 PC

Nov 19, 2016 around 3 AM

• ·Robbery

2000 Block A ST AND WALTER WY – ROBBERY AND ATTEMPTS

Nov 18, 2016 around 11 PM

• ·Breaking & Entering

3300 Block DEER VALLEY RD AND HILLCREST AV – BURGLARY AUTO – 459A PC

Nov 18, 2016 around 7 PM

• ·Theft

3300 Block DEER VALLEY RD AND DAVISON DR – THEFT – GRAND – 487 PC

Nov 18, 2016 around 4 PM

• ·Breaking & Entering

3600 Block LONE TREE WY AND DAVISON DR – BURGLARY AUTO – 459A PC

Nov 18, 2016 around 3 PM

• ·Theft

2600 Block SOMERSVILLE RD AND FAIRVIEW DR – THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC

Nov 18, 2016 around 2 PM

• ·Assault

2500 Block PRINCETON LN AND BUCHANAN RD – ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC

Nov 18, 2016 around 2 PM

• ·Assault

1500 Block D ST AND W 17TH ST – ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC

Nov 18, 2016 around 1 PM

• ·Theft

2600 Block SOMERSVILLE RD AND FAIRVIEW DR – EMBEZZLEMENT

Nov 18, 2016 around 12 PM

• ·Breaking & Entering

1 Block WIGHTMAN CT AND W TREGALLAS RD – BURGLARY RESIDENCE – 459 PC

Nov 18, 2016 around 11 AM

• ·Breaking & Entering

100 Block BEEDE WY AND SHADY LN – BURGLARY RESIDENCE – 459 PC

Nov 18, 2016 around 9 AM

• ·Drugs

1 Block FELICIA CT AND SUNSET LN – NARCOTICS VIOLATIONS

Nov 18, 2016 around 8 AM

• ·Drugs

2600 Block PRINCETON LN AND BUCHANAN RD – NARCOTICS VIOLATIONS

Nov 17, 2016 around 10 PM

• ·Theft of Vehicle

3000 Block FERNGROVE WY AND TERRACE VIEW AV – AUTO THEFT – 10851 VC

Nov 17, 2016 around 9 PM

• ·Assault

3700 Block LONE TREE WY AND DAVISON DR – ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC

Nov 17, 2016 around 7 PM

• ·Community Policing

1700 Block MAGNOLIA WY AND LINDEN WY – MISC OUTSIDE ASSIST

Nov 17, 2016 around 1 PM

• ·Breaking & Entering

2400 Block SEQUOIA DR AND REDWOOD DR – BURGLARY RESIDENCE – 459 PC

Nov 17, 2016 around 9 AM

• ·Theft

700 Block W 18TH ST AND L ST – THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC

Nov 17, 2016 around 9 AM

• ·Theft

1100 Block MISSION DR AND VENTURA CT – FRAUD OTHER THAN CHECK FRAUD

Nov 17, 2016 around 9 AM

• ·Assault

2900 Block LARKSPUR DR AND BELLFLOWER DR – ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC

Nov 17, 2016 around 12 AM

• ·Breaking & Entering

2000 Block SOMERSVILLE RD AND HWY 4 HY – BURGLARY AUTO – 459A PC

Nov 16, 2016 around 10 PM

• ·Theft

3300 Block DEER VALLEY RD AND HILLCREST AV – THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC

Nov 16, 2016 around 9 PM

• ·Theft

3600 Block E 18TH ST AND HWY 4 HY – THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC

Nov 16, 2016 around 5 PM

• ·Assault

1500 Block D ST AND W 17TH ST – THREATS AGAINST PERSONS

Nov 16, 2016 around 3 PM

• ·Drugs

500 Block E 18TH ST AND AMBER DR – NARCOTICS VIOLATIONS

Nov 16, 2016 around 3 PM

• ·Robbery

1 Block E 15TH ST AND A ST – ROBBERY AND ATTEMPTS

Nov 16, 2016 around 2 PM

• ·Theft

3300 Block DEER VALLEY RD AND HILLCREST AV – THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC

Nov 16, 2016 around 12 PM

• ·Breaking & Entering

3900 Block FOLSOM DR AND DONNER CT – BURGLARY RESIDENCE – 459 PC

Nov 16, 2016 around 12 PM

• ·Community Policing

JAMES DONLON BL AND SOMERSVILLE RD – SUS CIRM – PERSON/AUTO/ALL

Nov 16, 2016 around 10 AM

• ·Theft

1900 Block BIGLOW DR AND JOSEPH AV – THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC

Nov 16, 2016 around 9 AM

• ·Drugs

1000 Block G ST AND W 10TH ST – NARCOTICS VIOLATIONS

Nov 16, 2016 around 9 AM

• ·Property Crime

E 18TH ST AND MARIE AV – TRESPASSING – 602 PC

Nov 16, 2016 around 7 AM

Sacramento, CA – Today, Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D – Oakley) introduced AB 63, legislation to reduce vehicle collisions and fatalities among teen drivers by strengthening California’s provisional driver’s license program.

“This bill will help significantly decrease accidents among newly licensed drivers,” stated Frazier. “Increasing the age for a provisional license will ensure that California’s most vulnerable motorists go through proper training to become safe, responsible drivers.”

AB 63 would increase the maximum age to receive a provisional license to 21 years old guaranteeing that less experienced drivers have appropriate protections during this crucial learning period, by amending Section 12814.6 of the California Vehicle Code.

According to the Legislative Counsel’s Digest, “The bill would expand the scope of the provisional licensing program by extending the applicable age range for the program to 16 to under 21 years of age. By expanding the scope of the provisional licensing program, the violation of which constitutes an infraction, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would authorize a licensee who is 18, 19, or 20 years of age to keep in his or her possession a copy of his or her class schedule or work schedule as documentation to satisfy the exceptions for a school or school-authorized activity and employment necessity, respectively, and would provide that a signed statement by a parent or legal guardian is not required if reasonable transportation facilities are inadequate and the operation of a vehicle by a licensee who is 18, 19, or 20 years of age is necessary to transport the licensee or the licensee’s immediate family member. The bill would make other technical and conforming changes. The bill would also include specified findings and declarations.”

“We are thankful that Assemblymember Frazier has taken on this critically important issue,” said Doug Villars, President of the California Association of Highway Patrolmen. “Traffic collisions are the number one killer of young people in America. We are proud to be sponsors of this bill and look forward to working together toward a common goal—saving young drivers’ lives and making roadways safer for all of us.”

It is estimated that one in three drivers do not receive their license before the age of 18, making them ineligible to participate in the provisional license program. A recent report from the Governors Highway Safety Association discovered that improvement in fatal crash rates among 18- to 20-year-old drivers was far less than their 15- to 17-year-old counterparts.

Policy expanding this program is essential to building safe driving skills for this at risk population. “We applaud Assemblymember Frazier for introducing this vital legislation,” stated Cathy Barankin, Executive Director CA Coalition for Children’s Safety and Health. “First time teen drivers are 45 percent more likely to be involved in a vehicle crash. This bill will stop teens from prematurely losing their lives.”

To view the complete text of the bill, click here.

New “Super Sport” club designed to keep pace with growth in Antioch, East County

The 24 Hour Fitness at the Somersville Towne Center in Antioch is expanding and relocating inside the former Gottschalks store. The new club is designed to match the fitness lifestyle needs of some of the fastest-growing communities in the San Francisco Bay Area, found here in Eastern Contra Costa County.

A grand opening event is scheduled this Saturday, December 17, 2016 from 9:00 a.m., to 1:00 p.m. for the 24 Hour Fitness Somersville Road Super Sport at 2520 Somersville Road in Antioch. The community is invited to this free celebration, which includes club tours, prize drawings, group training demonstrations, innovative group exercise studio classes and more.

The new club is situated in what is both a highly retail and densely residential area, and so the 24 Hour Fitness Somersville Road Super Sport will be poised where more and more East Bay residents live, play, dine and shop.

“We are excited to meet the needs of this rapidly-growing community with a large and convenient space for fitness,” said Tony Cigliutti, General Manager. “With a greater variety of equipment, and more of it, plus classes like Cycle and amenities like a lap pool, basketball court and Kids Club, there really is something for every member of the family. As the winter holidays and New Year approach, we know many people set new goals for themselves. The club is just one part of leading and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and we can help members meet those health and fitness goals even when they are outside of the club.”

The new, 38,000+ square foot club features a modern design and open-floor plan. Amenities include:

• Cardio, strength and functional training equipment
• Large rooms for a full schedule of Cycle and Group X^® classes, including new formats like POP Pilates, Treat While You Train^™ and bootybarre^®
• Lap pool, spa & sauna
• Indoor basketball court
• Personal and Group training services*
• Kids’ Club*

*Additional fees apply

To experience the new gym, download a free guest pass from 24hourfitness.com.

About 24 Hour Fitness

Headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., 24 Hour Fitness is a leading health club industry pioneer, serving nearly four million members in over 400 clubs across the U.S. For more than 30 years, the company has been dedicated to helping members change their lives and reach their individual fitness goals. With convenient club locations, personal training services, popular group exercise classes and a variety of strength, cardio and functional training equipment, 24 Hour Fitness offers fitness solutions for everyone. Please visit 24hourfitness.com for more information and to find the club nearest you.

Antioch Police calls for service highlights as published in City Manager Steve Duran’s Weekly Report dated December 9, 2016 and provided by Chief of Police Allan Cantando.

Calls for Service and Arrest Data:

Time Period: 12/01/16 00:00:00 – 12/07/16 23:59:59

Number of Calls for Service: 1,743

Number of Case Reports: 258

Number of Arrests: 70

Felony: 32

Misdemeanor: 36

Infraction: 2

Arrests with DUI charge: 3

The data is based upon unaudited CAD/RMS data at time of report generation.

• ·12/8/16 at 4:17 am, a resident on Sandy Wy. heard a noise in front of his home and came out to 24 year old Charles McWethy rummaging through his truck that was parked in the driveway. McWethy fled on foot, and the resident gave a good description. An area check was made, and McWethy was found walking in the area. The homeowner identified him through an infield line-up as the one who he had seen in his truck. He stated his truck had been locked when he went to bed last night, and it did not appear McWethy had time to get anything. McWethy was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine, several burglary tools, and a large concealed fixed blade knife. McWethy was transported and booked into County Jail on multiple charges.
• ·12/8/16 at 12:17 am, Officers contacted 46 year old Christina Snowden during a vehicle stop. She was found to have a warrant for her arrest and taken into custody without incident. She was transported and booked into County Jail.
• ·12/7/16 at 5:44 pm, 30 year old Dashun Levingston and two unknown males entered Sears and grabbed approximately 50 pairs of Levi jeans from the sales floor. Levingston and the two males fled the store without paying for the merchandise. Loss prevention called the police to make the theft report, which was estimated to be approximately $3,000 in loss. Loss prevention was familiar with Levingston and was able to positively identify him as the responsible. The officer was also familiar with Levingston and later located him on Sycamore Dr. near the Quik Stop. Levingston admitted to his involvement in the theft and was later transported to County Jail on the charge of grand theft.
• ·12/6/16 at 11:30 pm, Officers responded to the 7-11 at 4901 Lone Tree Wy. for a welfare check as 25 year old Porcha Abrams had fallen asleep or was unconscious in the driver’s seat of a vehicle in the parking lot. Officers ran the VIN of the vehicle and it was found to have been stolen out of Brentwood. Abrams was arrested without incident and turned over to Brentwood PD, who responded to take over the investigation.
• ·12/6/16 at 10:05 pm, 41 year old Mandisa Brooks entered Wal-Mart, placed items in her purse, and some items in her cart. Brooks went to a register and paid for the items in her cart, but not the items in her purse. Brooks was confronted by security at the front door of the store. When the security officer tried to get Brooks back into the store, Brooks pushed the security officer and struck the security officer in the face twice with a closed fist. Brooks was contacted by police in the parking lot and arrested without incident. The security guard was uninjured, and Brooks was transported to County Jail for robbery.
• ·12/6/16 at 9:30 pm, 34 year old Keilani Kioa was caught shoplifting at Fallas. Kioa was arrested by police without incident and issued a citation for the theft.
• ·12/6/16 at 4:41 pm, an anonymous neighbor called to report a burglary in progress at a home on Elkhorn Way. Three males were seen forcing entry into the home, and then removing items from the rear of the home in bags. Officers arrived on scene and the three males were all still in the back yard with bags full of stolen property. They fled upon seeing officers but were detained after running towards the water park. The victim house had forced entry and was found to contain a small marijuana grow (approx 30 plants). Indicia for one person was found in the residence, but officers were not able to contact her. The grow appeared to be legal with the necessary paperwork. Two juvenile males were arrested and booked at Juvenile Hall for burglary. 18 year old Quenzell Thomas was arrested for burglary and also had a no-bail warrant for assault with deadly weapon; he was booked at County Jail.
• ·12/6/16 at 12:35 am, an officer saw a suspicious vehicle parked at the Fellowship Church at 4873 Lone Tree Way. 40 year old Jason Judkins was sitting in the vehicle and had a warrant for his arrest. Judkins was arrested without incident and was sent to County Jail.
• ·12/5/16 at 7:30 pm, an officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a silver Saab with license plates that came back to a Honda. He contacted the driver, 22 year old Humberto Guevara, who had an outstanding warrant. Guevara was placed under arrest without incident and transported to County Jail.
• ·12/5/16 at 4:21 pm, 24 year old Arba Sullivan was detained for shoplifting at Safeway on Deer valley Rd. He refused to identify himself to loss prevention. Once officers arrived on scene, Sullivan identified himself, revealing an outstanding warrant. Sullivan was placed under arrest without incident and transported to County Jail.
• ·12/5/16 at 10:39 am, a resident from the 2400 block of D St. called APD to report his vehicle stolen. An officer learned that a neighbor, 22 year old Gabriel Loera, was a possible suspect, but they did not have any proof at that time. A few hours later, the victim saw Loera bring the car back and go into his house. The officer located Loera at his residence and detained him. The victim positively identified Loera and wanted him arrested. Loera was booked at County Jail for vehicle theft.
• ·12/5/16 at 3:45 am, officers located a stolen Nissan occupied on 6th St. The Nissan immediately took off and drove onto the sidewalk on 5th St. a block away. The driver, 24 year old Crystal Coleman, fled on foot and was apprehended on the front porch of a home in the 600 block of 5th St. Coleman spontaneously stated she “did not know the truck was stolen” and “took off only because she was scared of cops.” Coleman was arrested and transported to County Jail for vehicle theft.
• ·12/4/16 at 10:30 pm, an officer observed suspicious subjects in the parking lot at the Ramada Inn. One subject, later identified as 37 year old Kevin Pardue, was sitting on a stolen Harley Davidson motorcycle. The officer contacted the subjects and was able to give dispatch the license plate. Dispatch advised the motorcycle was stolen. He held Pardue at gunpoint until additional officers arrived to assist. Pardue stated he was working on the motorcycle, but the owner was arrested, so he held on to it. Pardue was arrested for vehicle theft and transported to County Jail.
• ·12/4/16 at 10:00 pm, 54 year old Tarek Beskalis was located by officers after making criminal threats to a taxi driver as he was leaving Sutter Delta Hospital. The victim positively identified Beskalis at the scene. Beskalis was arrested and transported to County Jail for the threats.
• ·12/4/16 at 5:02 pm, a juvenile suspect was observed by Loss Prevention at Fallas Discount Store in the mall concealing various clothing items in her purse. Loss prevention continued to monitor the juvenile and observed her exit the store without paying for any of the merchandise. The suspect was detained and brought back to the LP office and found to have a pepper spray canister on a lanyard around her neck. She was released to her mother with a juvenile citation.
• ·12/4/16 at 1:07 am, an officer observed a pick-up truck tangled up in a chain link fence at the IFCO parking lot. Upon seeing the officer, 19 year old Reese Rayes fled the scene driving off-road near the Vineyard Practice Tee and surrounding fields, blacked out. There were several cars which also fled the scene. After an extensive search, we located Rayes’ vehicle abandoned. The license came back to Rayes with a Brentwood address. Brentwood PD went to the address and determined Rayes was last to drive the vehicle and provided a description. A subject matching Rayes was stopped on Main Street in Oakley. He initially lied about his name but when we checked his phone he admitted to driving. Rayes was arrested and eventually cite released for hit and run and evading. His vehicle was towed.
• ·12/3/16 at 11:59 pm, officers were dispatched to the area of Kaiser on Sand Creek Rd and Deer Valley Rd on a report of a male sleeping behind the wheel at the stop light. Upon arrival, officers contacted 38 year old Diamond Byas who displayed obvious signs of being overly intoxicated. Byas refused to do any FST’s but agreed to blow into the PAS device. Byas’ BAC showed to be .25%. Byas was arrested for DUI without incident and later transported to County Jail for a sobering period.
• ·12/3/16 at 3:01 am, an officer contacted 34 year old Laurence Wiley during a suspicious vehicle check at the dead end of 19th Street. Wiley initially lied about his name; however, the officer was able to figure out his true name. It was discovered that Wiley had an outstanding felony warrant. Wiley was arrested and transported to County Jail.
• ·12/3/16 at 1:01 am, an officer observed 24 year old Robert Stalker going through a parked Jeep Cherokee in front of a home in the 2900 block of Garfield Place. Stalker walked away from the Jeep acting suspicious once he saw the police. The officer made contact with Stalker as he approached the front door to the residence. The resident advised he knew Stalker and stated Stalker had attempted to sell him a Honda Civic, which was parked in the driveway. A VIN check on the Honda showed it to be a stolen vehicle. The Jeep was determined to belong to Stalker and inside the Jeep were stolen auto parts and indicia belonging to the Honda. Stalker was arrested and transported to County Jail for vehicle theft.
• ·12/2/16 at 9:40 pm, an officer made a vehicle enforcement stop for CVC violations on Lemontree Way and Sycamore Dr. The officer contacted 26 year old Clarence Smith who was determined to be driving on a suspended license and on searchable probation for burglary. During search of Smith’s vehicle, officers located suspected heroin. Smith was arrested and transported to County Jail on a probation violation and narcotics charges.
• ·12/2/16 at 6:23 pm, 53 year old Stephanie Harvey came into the police department for a vehicle release. Officers were aware she had an outstanding warrant and responded to the lobby, but she had left. She was later contacted at her residence, taken into custody without incident and sent to County Jail.
• ·12/2/16 at 4:10 am, an officer contacted 35 year old Michael Kyle at Dutch Pride Dairy at 507 E. 18th St. and found him to have a warrant for his arrest. Kyle was taken into custody without incident and booked into County Jail.
• ·12/1/16 at 10:27 pm, an officer contacted 30 year old Wallace Stevens for a municipal code violation at 9th St. and G St. Stevens was found to have a no-cite warrant and arrested without incident. He was booked into County Jail.
• ·12/1/16 at 9:08 pm, an officer contacted 35 year old Timara Rutland at a home in the 900 block of G St. for a trespassing complaint. She was found to have a warrant for her arrest. Rutland was released on scene on a signed promise to appear and left the area.
• ·12/1/16 at 4:53 pm, an officer contacted 38 year old Jamie Garcia and 23 year old Christopher Anderson at East Hills Vet at 2325 Buchanan Rd. The officer was aware Garcia had been warned previously not to trespass on the property by the owner. Anderson was with Garcia and drinking an alcoholic beverage. Both were cited and released on their promise to appear.
• ·12/1/16 at 4:02 pm, an officer conducted extra patrol at Waldie Plaza for various ATMC violations. He was able to tow two vehicles for expired registration. The officer cleared the lot of all subjects who had set up camp or were living out of their vehicles.
• ·12/1/16 at 9:43 am, an officer contacted 23 year old Demaria Lopez who was loitering and trespassing at the Shell station at 4198 Lone Tree Wy. He was arrested and booked into County Jail. 

By Allen Payton

Questions surrounding the Antioch School Board’s vote to approve the Rocketship Education charter petition at last Wednesday night’s special meeting were raised at the meeting and since then. Some have asked and considered challenging if there was a quorum of members, since current Trustees Diane Gibson-Gray, Fernando Navarro and Alonzo Terry’s terms ended on Friday, December 2^nd, according to one part of the state Education Code. Both Navarro and Terry lost their bids for election. While Gibson-Gray was re-elected, she won’t take the oath of office for her new term, along with the other two election winners, Crystal Sawyer-White and Gary Hack, until this Wednesday night, December 14.

The portion of Education Code Section 5017 which has caused people to call into question the Rocketship vote, reads “Each person elected at a regular biennial governing board member election shall hold office for a term of four years commencing on the first Friday in December next succeeding his or her election.”

Therefore, they conclude there were only two voting, current members of the Board – Vice President Walter Ruehlig and Trustee Debra Vinson – at the meeting and voting on the charter school petition.

However, the rest of that section reads, “Any member of the governing board of a school district or community college district whose term has expired shall continue to discharge the duties of the office until his or her successor has qualified. The term of the successor shall begin upon the expiration of the term of his or her predecessor.”

That begged the question of what is the definition of “qualified.”

Antioch Unified School District Superintendent Stephanie Anello answered that question, today, Monday, December 12, 2016. In an email, she providing the following explain and define the various terms and how they apply to the school board election:

“‘Qualifying’ for Office

Though the law does not explicitly state what is meant by the term ‘qualify,’ many counties interpret it to mean (1) the individual won the election, and (2) the individual has taken the oath of office. Technically, an individual has not ‘won’ the election until the election results are ‘certified.’

‘Certifying’ Election Results

The elections office must provide a certified statement of the results of the election to the District within 30 days of the election. (Elec. Code, § 15372.) The law is unclear whether the election results must be ‘certified’ prior to newly elected board members assuming office pursuant to Education Code section 5017. (According to County Clerk Joe Canciamilla, the election was certified last Tuesday, December 6, 2016).

‘Declaring’ Election Results

Separate and apart from the certification requirement, Elections Code section 15400 requires the ‘governing body’ to officially ‘declare’ the winner of the election. While section 15400 does not specify who the ‘governing body’ official is, generally the county board of supervisors will ‘declare’ the winner shortly after the election. Such is the case for the District. Unlike certification, there is no express deadline or timeline for the declaration of election.

Our legal counsel advised that they recommended that the new Board be sworn in after the certification of the results. However, they also advised that a district or other entity may choose to wait until the winners are declared to avoid a situation in which the winner appeared to be one individual when, in fact, it was another.”

So, the vote on the Rocketship charter petition by the current Board of Trustees was valid, they had a quorum of members in order to take the vote that night. However, the situation could have been avoided had the Board held the required to vote on the Rocketship petition on November 28th, meeting – within the 60-day limit after receiving the petition on September 30th – as it was originally scheduled.

An attempt was made last Monday, December 5th, by current Board President Gibson-Gray to have the new trustees sworn in last Wednesday night, before the vote on the Rocketship charter petition, when she called Ruehlig and asked him to discuss it with Vinson and to decide if they wanted to do that and let her know. (That created a violation of the state’s Brown Act open meeting law, by holding a serial meeting in private of a majority of board members. Both Ruehlig and Vinson say they rejected the idea. That matter will be the subject of a separate article.) But, her term had also expired on Friday, December 2nd, so any action by her could have also been challenged, if the new board was sworn in and the Rocketship charter petition vote had failed. But, that won’t occur until this Wednesday, December 14 at 7:00 p.m. during the regular school board meeting, at the School Services Building, 510 G Street in downtown Antioch when Sawyer-White, Gibson-Gray and Hack all are given their oaths of office.

 

Senators Blumenthal, Booker applaud passage, introduce companion bill

Earlier this week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congressman Jerry McNerney’s (D, CA-09) bipartisan bill, H.R. 6394, the Improving Broadband Access for Veterans Act of 2016.  Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) was the lead Republican co-sponsor. A companion bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ).

“Having broadband internet service is important for the more than 20 million veterans across our nation, with the highest population residing in California,” said McNerney. “A broadband internet connection helps veterans apply for jobs more easily, communicate with family and friends, keep up with current events, and obtain health care services. Veterans face many challenges when they return home; being without broadband access should not be one of those challenges. I commend my colleague Rep. Kinzinger for his efforts on this bill and the House for passing it with overwhelming support.”

Low-income veterans and veterans residing in rural areas are at a higher likelihood of not having broadband internet service. The U.S. Census Bureau and the Pew Research Center both report that broadband adoption rates are significantly lower among Americans who live at or below the federal poverty level. Analysis by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce further finds that broadband adoption rates in rural areas of the country are lower than in urban areas

H.R. 6394 directs the Federal Communications Commission to produce a report examining the current state of broadband internet access for veterans and what can be done to increase access, with a focus on low-income veterans and veterans residing in rural areas. The report must include findings and recommendations for Congress and be completed within one year of the bill’s enactment.

“The findings and recommendations from this report will be key for paving the way to get more veterans connected and help close the digital divide,” McNerney added.

“I am proud to co-lead H.R. 6394, which aims to improve broadband access for our veterans – especially those in rural areas, or those unable to afford it. After serving tirelessly to protect our country, veterans face many challenges when they return home. This bill is the first step towards alleviating one piece of the transition back into civilian life through the benefits afforded by broadband access – from connecting with family and friends, applying for jobs, accessing information on benefits and health services, and much more. Thanks to Congressman Jerry McNerney for working with me to introduce this legislation.” said Rep. Kinzinger.

H.R. 6394 passed the House by 411-4.  A companion bill, S. 3501, has been introduced by Senators Blumenthal and Booker.

“This important legislation will bring to light the key hurdles hindering veterans’ access to broadband, and pave the way for meaningful action to ensure veterans have the information and tools they need to successfully navigate the transition from the armed services to civilian employment. Access to broadband is essential to conduct daily activities, pursue job and housing opportunities, obtain quality health care services, and stay in touch with family members,” said Blumenthal.

“In the digital age, broadband access is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. The Improving Broadband Access for Veterans Act will help close the digital divide and will ensure that the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country have access to tools for communication and future success,” said Booker.

McNerney represents California’s 9th Congressional District that includes most of Antioch and other portions of Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties, and most of San Joaquin County. For more information on Rep. McNerney’s work, follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @RepMcNerney.

 

Publisher’s Note: This is the final report from November as there wasn’t one provided for the week of Nov. 16-23. It has been requested.

Antioch Police calls for service highlights as published in City Manager Steve Duran’s Weekly Report dated December 2, 2016 and provided by Chief of Police Allan Cantando.

Calls for Service and Arrest Data Summary

Time Period: 11/24/16 00:00:00 – 11/30/16 23:59:59

Number of Calls for Service: 1,449

Number of Case Reports: 267

Number of Arrests: 55

Felony: 27

Misdemeanor: 27

Infraction: 1

Arrests with DUI charge: 2

The data is based upon unaudited CAD/RMS data at time of report generation.

• ·11/30/16 at 10:55 pm, an officer contacted 45 year old Luis Flores at Lucena Wy. and Anza Ct. and found him to have a warrant for his arrest. Flores was taken into custody without incident and booked into County Jail on his warrant.
• ·11/30/16 at 7:30 pm, officers responded to a vehicle collision at Sunset Dr. and Hillcrest Ave. When officers arrived on scene, they learned 29 year old Juan Gonzalez entered Sunset Dr. going eastbound at a high rate of speed. He was traveling in the westbound lanes into oncoming traffic and collided with a vehicle in the #1 lane, side swiping it. Gonzalez continued traveling in the wrong direction and collided head on with a second vehicle. All involved vehicles were totaled. Gonzalez tested positive for alcohol and was transported to an area hospital for complaint of pain. One of the other involved drivers was also sent to an area hospital with a complaint of pain as a result of the collision. Gonzalez was eventually cleared and sent to County Jail for felony DUI.
• ·11/30/16 at 10:19 am, an officer saw 21 year old Clinton Wilson driving while talking on his cell phone and conducted a traffic enforcement stop on him. The officer got consent to search Wilson’s vehicle and located a .40 caliber Glock handgun in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. He also located over an ounce of marijuana, $1060 in cash and a digital scale. The gun, drugs, and cash were seized and Wilson was arrested and sent to County Jail on drug sales and weapon possession charges.
• ·11/29/16 at 5:19 pm, an officer responded to the 99 Cent store at 2515 Somersville Rd. on a report of a stolen vehicle located there. The officer parked his patrol car in the parking stall next to the stolen vehicle. His patrol vehicle was in a position that it was not visible from anyone exiting the store because the stolen vehicle was a full size Suburban. 21 year old James Coker exited the 99 Cent Store and attempted to get into the stolen vehicle while not realizing the officer was on the other side. Coker was arrested without incident for the stolen vehicle and sent to County Jail.
• ·11/29/16 at 8:27 am, officers responded to Antioch Produce at 1625 A St. on a report of transients sleeping next to the business. Officers made contact with 32 year old Latasha Giles who was trespassing on the property. She was arrested and sent to County Jail on a likely to continue. Officers also contacted 35 year old Evila Briones who was found to have 4 warrants for her arrest. She was also taken to County Jail on her warrants. ·11/28/16 at 11:47 pm, an officer made a traffic stop on 31 year old Travis Marquez for vehicle code violations. Marquez was found to be on felony probation and asked to step out of the vehicle for a search. Officers noticed what appeared to be a firearm at Marquez’s feet and quickly detained him in handcuffs. The firearm was recovered and determined to be a realistic replica which had the orange tip removed to make it look more realistic. Marquez was booked at County Jail for removing required markings from a replica firearm and a probation violation.
• ·11/28/16 at 11:20 pm, officers responded to a home on Cypress St. for a report of possible trespassers at the residence. Officers contacted 46 year old James Marglin at the residence who had a warrant for his arrest. Marglin was arrested without incident and he was sent to County Jail.
• ·11/28/16 at 12:28 pm, an officer was attempting to clear the Bonfaire parking lot when he contacted 36 year old Roshawn Hudson who had an outstanding felony arrest warrant for DUI. Hudson was arrested without incident and sent to County Jail.
• ·11/28/16 at 2:06 am, officers contacted 32 year old Christopher Gleason who was causing a disturbance at Denny’s on Somersville Rd. Gleason is a constant problem at Denny’s and he has been warned in the past not to return or he would be arrested for trespassing. Gleason was arrested for trespassing and released on a citation.
• ·11/27/16 at 11:15 pm, officers attempted to catch up to a reckless driver in the Sycamore corridor. Several officers were already in the area and had the vehicle contained to a few blocks. The driver, 22 year old Daniel Gutierrez, pulled over and fled on foot but was immediately apprehended. A female passenger also fled on foot and was not located. Gutierrez was uncooperative and did not give a reason for avoiding the police. Gutierrez was cited for the reckless driving and his vehicle was towed on a 30 Day hold.
• ·11/27/16 at 5:00 pm, an officer ran a license plate of a stolen vehicle parked in the Economy Inn parking lot. He watched 23 year old Sergio Figueroa-Hernandez exit the stolen vehicle and go into a room at the motel. Once additional officers arrived, the occupants of room were contacted and detained without incident. Figueroa-Hernandez was positively identified by the original officer on scene. 24 year old Christian Zamudio-Pulido possessed shaved keys and admitted to possessing a second stolen vehicle also parked in front of the room. 30 year old Juan Lopez and 34 year old Ana Ruiz-Espinoza were found to be on probation for stolen vehicles and burglary. During a search of the room, an excess of stolen property, mail, checks, identifications and indicia to the stolen vehicle were located. Several checks were found to be in different stages of being altered, some changed to Ruiz-Espinoza’s name. All were arrested at the scene. 6 victims were positively identified; numerous others are still being tracked down.
• ·11/27/16 at 3:40 pm, an officer was informed by one of the CSO’s working in the APD jail that 41 year old Andrew Yaar had missed his annual sex registrant appointment and was out of compliance (approximately 3 months). An officer contacted Yaar at his residence (group home on Viera Ave) to see why he missed his appointment. Yaar stated he could not get a ride to the police department, even though the group home provides transportation. Yaar was arrested without incident and transported to County Jail.
• ·11/26/16 at 11:04 pm, an officer conducted a suspicious vehicle check at Dallas Ranch Park. He contacted 18 year old Jennifer Walters and 25 year old Brett Sargent in the vehicle. An officer smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from within the vehicle. Walters told the officer she had 1/8th of an ounce of marijuana in her purse and consented to a search of her vehicle. The officer located a jar with an additional ounce on the backseat floorboard. He also located over $300 in cash, individually packaged baggies of marijuana and another small baggie with approximately 1/8th of an ounce. Walters denied selling marijuana and consented to a search of her text messages; which showed numerous discussions for sales. She was placed under arrest and transported to County Jail for drug sales.
• ·11/26/16 at 6:38 pm, officers contacted 25 year old Tiffany Duncan as the rear passenger in a vehicle during a routine traffic stop. Dispatch advised she had a warrant for her arrest. She was arrested without incident and transported to County Jail.
• ·11/26/16 at 1:03 am, officers contacted 28 year old Michael Urrutia during a suspicious vehicle check at Wendy’s at 1809 A St. A name check on Urrutia revealed a no bail warrant for a stolen vehicle. Urrutia was arrested and transported to County Jail.
• ·11/25/16 at 10:25 pm, officers responded to Target on a report of a theft. Officers learned that Loss Prevention attempted to stop 19 year old Malik Edwards and a 17 year old male accomplice as they attempted to exit the store with a shopping cart full of Playstations without paying for them. Edwards attempted to flee on foot leaving his friend and the cart behind, but he was tackled by uniformed Security who had staged outside the doors. He was later released on a signed promise to appear. The 17 year old was released to his guardian on a juvenile citation.  11/25/16 at 7:58 pm, officers were dispatched to the 7-11 on E.18th St on a report of a male passed out behind the wheel. Upon arrival, officers contacted 34 year old Charles Davis in the driver’s seat in the parking lot. Davis’ vehicle was running and he had open containers inside the car. Davis woke up when officers knocked on the window. He displayed objective symptoms of being under the influence and was belligerent with officers. Davis was taken into custody without incident and was taken to the APD jail for a sobering period. Davis was later released with a signed promise to appear.
• ·11/25/16 at 2:27 pm, an unknown adult female brought a dog to Animal Control to drop off despite the fact the facility was closed. The female suspect became irate and belligerent when she was informed Animal Control was closed for the day and threw the dog over the back fence into the back of Animal Control. An Animal Control Officer and Animal Control Attendant came out to confront the suspect, and the suspect punched the ACO in the face twice. The ACO was able to use her cell phone to get a picture of the suspect and her car, but the suspect grabbed the cell phone out of her hands. A struggle ensued over the phone and the ACO was ultimately punched in the face again and the ACA was bitten on the arm by the suspect. The ACO was able to get her phone away from the suspect but was knocked to the ground by the suspect’s vehicle as she fled the scene. At this point, dispatch was notified and officers responded to Animal Control. An extensive area check was completed but the suspect was not immediately located. Later in the day, an officer was able to locate the suspect, 39 year old Jenita Davis, and arrest her on various charges to include attempted robbery and felony assault. Davis was later sent to County Jail.
• ·11/25/16 at 7:57 am, officers conducted a pedestrian stop of 26 year old Eddie Ford on Bryan Av. at Sunset Dr. Ford was acting suspicious and trying to avoid police contact. Upon contacting Ford he became belligerent and aggressive. Ford was on probation, but did not want to be searched. Ford tried to pull away from an officer, and he was taken down to the ground. Ford kicked another officer in the leg during the incident, and he was ultimately handcuffed and arrested. Ford had a small amount of cocaine on his person and a concealed pocket knife. He was taken to County Jail for drug possession and weapons charges.
• ·11/25/16 at 4:45 am, an officer contacted 27 year old Dillan Woods at the Ramada Inn after officers responded to the report that he was walking through the motel randomly knocking on doors. Woods was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and taken into custody without incident. A records check showed him to be on Parole. Woods was booked into County Jail.
• ·11/25/16 at 2:37 am, an officer contacted 29 year old Scott Zickefoose during a pedestrian stop at Mark Twain Dr. and Mokelumne Dr. He was found to have a warrant for his arrest. He was released on a signed promise to appear.
• ·11/25/16 at 12:44 am, an officer made a traffic enforcement stop for vehicle code violations. 38 year old Shane Oroark was contacted in the driver’s seat and was found to have a no bail Ramey warrant for a parole violation. Oroark was taken into custody without incident and was transported directly to County Jail.
• ·11/24/16 at 6:52 pm, officers contacted 25 year old, Jimario Fuller, in front of Romi’s for loitering. During a consent search of his person, officers located suspected methamphetamine. Fuller is on active probation for narcotics violations and he was sent to County Jail on drug charges. While at County Jail, deputies located additional suspected methamphetamine on his person along with approximately 20 grams of an unknown white powdery substance. Fuller was then booked into County Jail with the additional drug charges.
• ·11/24/16 at 2:14 pm, officers were dispatched to the Holy Cross Cemetery for shots fired inside of the cemetery. A male wearing a red sweatshirt and beanie shot 4 rounds at a car that was leaving the cemetery. A witness said the suspect fled the cemetery in an older dark maroon Impala. Most of the Norteno and Sureno Highway 4 shooting victims from earlier this year are buried at this cemetery. It appears that rival gang members were most likely at the cemetery at the same time. The victims never called to report the shooting and no one ended up at the hospital.