CORRECTION: The headline to this story originally stated “Wednesday”.

By Sergeant Rick Martin #3343, Antioch Police Department

On Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at approximately 10:57 AM, Antioch Police Officers were dispatched to Dallas Ranch Middle School, located at 1401 Mt. Hamilton Drive, on a report of posts on social media sites that clowns were going to shoot at the school. Officers arrived on scene, checked the surrounding areas, and met with the school administrators.

Through the initial investigation, it appears today’s social media posts are similar to other recent posts that have happened throughout the country. Despite these other incidents having been determined as a hoax, the Antioch Police Department in cooperation with the Antioch Unified School District, are investigating this incident to determine its validity and to identify the person or persons responsible for the posts.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Antioch Police at (925) 778-2441. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

By Nick Goodrich

At their meeting on Tuesday, September 27th, the Antioch City Council voted 5-0 to approve a sales tax sharing agreement with OneSource Supply Solutions, a company that has provided PG&E with equipment for the past few years.

OneSource, a supply chain solution company based in Oceanside, has been working with the city to move one of its main locations from San Leandro to Antioch. OneSource’s Senior VP of Operations, John Mayberry, told the council that the proposed Antioch location will offer much more in the way of efficiency and business opportunity for the company.

For Antioch’s part, the move would represent a $2 million increase in sales tax revenue per year for the city, due to OneSource’s $200 million per year equipment deal with PG&E. The agreement calls for the City to retain the first $500,000 of sales tax, which would not be shared with OneSource. After that, all sales tax for the duration of the five-year agreement would include a 50% rebate to the company, with the City retaining the other half, resulting in a projected $1.25 million per year.

“This agreement does not include Measure C funds,” City Manager Steve Duran was quick to point out. “That would remain separate, and distinct.”

This should be good news to the group of citizens, headed by former Measure C Citizens Oversight Committee member Sal Sbrante, who have complained in recent months about a misuse of Measure C funds.

The agreement was the result of a couple months of work with OneSource by the City’s Economic Development Analyst Lizeht Zepeda, Finance Director Dawn Merchant and Duran.

Historically, Antioch has had successful sales tax agreements with businesses, notably with Costco and the Auto Center. The agreements are typically drawn up with major companies which have the potential to bring in large sales tax increases. OneSource represented such an opportunity.

One concern that several council members shared, including Mayor Wade Harper, was the absence of a local hire contract. The Council has pushed hard for such agreements, especially with major developers as they prepare for the construction of new subdivisions in the city. The Laurel Ranch subdivision project is the most recent to employ a local hire agreement, which will bring in labor from Antioch and the surrounding area, rather than workers commuting in.

Mayberry was reluctant to commit outright to a local hire contract, but did not rule out hiring from within the city.

“Frankly, we’re looking to hire the best people we can get, and if they’re here in Antioch, that’d be wonderful,” he told the Council.

Mayberry also noted that the extra $2 million in sales tax revenue would grow as OneSource continued to operate in Antioch and bring in more business, presenting an opportunity for the deal to benefit the city even more in the long run.

Ultimately, Ogorchock asked OneSource to consider a 50% local hire commitment, but told Mayberry, “I’m excited about the program you’re bringing to our community. I think it’s a win-win.”

Endorsed by Assemblyman Frazier, Brentwood Police Officers’ Association, County Prosecutors’ Association and Antioch community leader Iris Archuleta

With absentee ballots getting mailed out next week, Brentwood City Councilmember Steve Barr wanted to inform the public that he is running a strong campaign for County Supervisor, displaying his commitment to using tax dollars responsibly, and share some of his key endorsements.

Barr, who was the top votegetter in the primary election, is currently in a runoff that will be decided November 8th. As a Brentwood City Councilman he has made both fiscal responsibility and public safety top priorities.

“I decided to run for Supervisor because there is a lot of important work that needs to be done regionally such as providing regional public safety resources, making sure East County gets its fair share of transportation funding, andhelping our agricultural community,” said Barr. “And we need to do this in a fiscally responsible way, making sure we have money saved for when there’s the next recession or downturn.”

Barr has many accomplishments as both a City Councilmember and former School Board Trustee. From building the new Brentwood Dispatch Center that will improve public safety regionally, to helping manage a roads and paving program that was voted by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission as the best in the Bay Area, Barr has found ways to provide great service while cutting excess, pushing community priorities, and saving money. This was a big part of why Barr earned the endorsement of the East Bay Times.

Barr’s direct style and honesty has helped him accomplish a lot, and it also has earned him the support of many individuals and leaders throughout the District.  The Brentwood Police Officers’ Association, the County Prosecutors’ Association, and many other community leaders, organizations, and elected officials from across the district have all joined up to support Barr because they know he is someone they can always work with, even if they disagree.

“Steve’s openness, willingness to listen and his ability to be upfront and honest in his responses are refreshing,” said community leader Iris Archuleta. “He doesn’t pretend to know everything, but is clearly caring enough to learn.”

Assemblymember Jim Frazier agreed.

“Steve is a true leader who doesn’t crave the spotlight, but shows up for the tough assignments, is very direct and honest, and uses his financial skills to make sure our tax dollars are spent wisely,” Frazier stated. “He is the leader I trust and know everyone can work with.”

Barr responded to the comments of support.

“I appreciate the support of law enforcement and community leaders,” he said. “I look forward to working with them to improve things in our county.”

Barr’s background includes being a small business owner for 35 years and a Liberty Union High School District Trustee. He is married, and they have two children.

Contra Costa County’s 3rd Supervisorial District includespart of Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Byron, Knightsen, Bethel Island, Diablo, Blackhawk, and Tassajara. Please visit www.SteveBarrForSupervisor.com for more information about the campaign.

By Allen Payton

The latest campaign financial reports, submitted by candidates in the Antioch City Council race, and due on Thursday, September 29, shows Ken Turnage II in the lead in contributions received for the reporting period and total expenditures made for the campaign. However, Councilwoman Monica Wilson has a slight lead in overall fundraising.

Turnage

The report for the period ending September 24th shows Turnage has raised $10,445 and loaned his campaign $2,000 for a total of $12,445 in total contributions, and has spent $11,249. But, his first report for the year shows an additional $2,950 in contributions bringing the total for his campaign to $15,395.

8:20 PM, 10/3/16 UPDATE: However, Turnage informed the Herald, Monday night, that he had returned the contributions reported on his first form, when he dropped out of the race, this summer. He later re-entered the race and many of his supporters contributed, again. Turnage said he will file an amended 460 form to reflect those refunds and that the amounts reported on his 460 form dated 9/29/16 are correct. While it still means he raised the most funds for the reporting period, the corrected information gives Wilson a slight edge in total fundraising for the campaign. (Please see, below).

8:20 PM, 10/3/16 CORRECTION: Most of Turnage’s contributions are from within Antioch. His largest contributions include $1,500 from Antioch resident Gloria Martin, $1,500 from Gordon Gravelle of Suncrest Homes in Antioch, $1,000 from Michael Lippitt of Danville, and $500 each from Antioch Realtor Rick Fuller and Joe Stokely of Stokely Properties a property management firm in Walnut Creek.

Most of his expenditures were also in Antioch, with his largest individual expense of $4,334 to The Print Club in Antioch. Turnage also paid a total of $5,170 to two southern California companies for slate mailers, as well as $500 to Emily Bernardi an Antioch-based website developer. He ended the period with $1,197 cash on hand.

Wilson

As in her campaign for County Supervisor, earlier this year, almost all of Councilwoman Monica Wilson’s contributions were from outside of Antioch, and most of her expenditures were, as well. She raised $5,445 during the reporting period and a total of $6,897.09 for her re-election campaign, so far this year. But, she formed her committed in 2014 and with the amounts received that year and in 2014, her total amount received is $12,527.09 for her campaign.

While she spent $4,317.75 during the period, Wilson’s report shows she has spent a total of $9,852.29 during her campaign, this year. Her expenditures for her campaign total $11,819.67. However, in February she transferred $5,209.54 to her Supervisor campaign committee. So, Wilson has only spent $6,610.13 on her re-election campaign, placing her in a close third place for expenditures behind Lamar Thorpe (see below).

She has an ending cash balance of $1,127.25 with no accrued expenses or outstanding debts.

Wilson’s largest contributions include $1,500 from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union, $1,000 from Republic Services, Antioch’s Pacheco-based garbage contractor, $800 from a retired teacher in San Rafael, $500 each from PG&E, political consultant Melody Howe Weintraub of Lafayette, and Louisa Zee Kao, of Hillsborough, the President of the Zika Group, which is the owner and developer of the former Higgins Ranch in Antioch’s Sand Creek area, and $320 from herself. Her only reportable contribution from within Antioch was $100 from school board president Diane Gibson-Gray.

Wilson’s expenditures include $1,568.52 to AABCO printing in Concord, $851.44 at a restaurant in Lafayette, $832 for signs from a printer in Richmond, $700 to a Florida consulting firm for web services, and $665.32 for campaign signs from a company in Kentucky.

Thorpe

In third place for fundraising is Lamar Thorpe with $9,574.33 during the reporting period. He’s in second place for spending, just ahead of Wilson, having spent $6,848.91 and had an ending cash balance of $2,725.42.

Like Wilson, most of Thorpe’s contributions were from outside of Antioch, from people throughout the state and country. His largest contributions were $1,000 from Operating Engineers 3, $972.33 from himself, $527 from his wife, $500 from a business owner in Maryland, and $400 from a businessman in Texas.

Most of his expenditures were also made outside of Antioch. His largest expenses were $2,208 on slate mailers with companies in southern California, $965.60 for advertising on Facebook, $704.51 for a banner from a company in Texas, $621.03 for campaign software, $480.13 on phones, and $479.53 on signs from another business in Texas.

Thorpe appears to believe in complete transparency and full disclosure, as he reported every contribution and expense, even though the rules only require details on those of $100 or more.

Rocha

Councilwoman Mary Rocha’s reports show she had contributions of $8,042 and is in a close fourth place for expenditures at $6,146 for her re-election campaign. However, her latest report is off by $96.82, as Rocha’s expenditures actually total $6,242.82.

Her largest contributions include $2,500 from Republic Services, $1,000 from Antioch landowners and developers Lucia and Monte Albers of Brentwood and $500 from former Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan of Alamo. Only $1,252 of her reportable contributions were from people in Antioch.

Rocha’s largest expenditures were $1,777.62 for printing of a mailer to Markots in Brentwood, $1,395.20 for printing to AABCO in Concord, $700 for advertising to the Herald.

Rouse & Dietzel

Fred Rouse and Karl Dietzel each submitted a form 470 declaring they will receive and spend less than $2,000 in their campaigns.

As of August 10th, candidates are required to report any contribution of $1,000 or more within 24 hours. Those reports and each candidate’s 460’s can be seen, below. NOTE: We will post Wilson’s report(s) from 2014, when she formed her 2016 committee, once they are received.

The next filing period ends on October 22 and the second pre-election campaign finance reports are due on the 27th.

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The three forums sponsored by the Antioch Herald and held, this week, for candidates for Antioch Mayor, City Council and School Board can be viewed on TV in October. The forums will be televised beginning Sunday, October 2nd on Delta TV (Comcast Channel 24 and AT&T U-verse on Channel 99) and the schedule is as follows:

Antioch Mayoral Candidates Forum

Sundays at 5 pm

Thursdays at 2 pm

Fridays at 11 am

Antioch City Council Candidates Forum

Sundays at 7 pm

Tuesdays at 11 am

Thursdays at 4 pm

Antioch School Board Candidates Forum

Sundays at 1 pm

Mondays at 11 am

Thursdays at 6 pm

Efforts to post the forums for viewing on YouTube are also underway. Check back to the AntiochHerald.com for details.

Expands future Deer Valley Regional Preserve

The 76-acre Hanson Hills property on the eastern slopes of Mt. Diablo, will become part of the future Deer Valley Regional Preserve, extending the park’s southern boundary to Marsh Creek Road. The East Bay Regional Park District purchased the former ranch land, located south of Antioch and west of Brentwood, from Save Mount Diablo for $730,000, its appraised fair market value. East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy contributed $547,500 toward the cost and funds from Measure WW covered the remainder.

“This beautiful property will be a tremendous asset for generations of East Bay residents,” said Park District Board Member Diane Burgis, whose ward includes the Hanson Hills property. “It’s also a critical part of the Marsh Creek watershed. We’re thrilled to be able to protect this ecologically sensitive area forever.”

The property encompasses canyons and ridges covered with blue-oak forests and native grasslands, as well as a seasonal stream that drains to Marsh Creek. The ridgetops provide panoramic views of Mt. Diablo, the Marsh Creek corridor and Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. It’s also home to eagles, hawks, coyotes, mountain lions, deer, foxes and other species. The acquisition secures important land links that provide habitat for a number of special status species including the California red-legged frog and Alameda whipsnake.

The acquisition represents an important piece in long-term efforts to preserve land around Mount Diablo. Save Mount Diablo acquired the property from the Hanson Family in April, 2014. The Hanson children, now all in their 80’s, remember fishing for steelhead with their grandfather in Marsh Creek, just across the road, and camping out on warm nights atop the tallest hill. It was important to the family that the land they love so dearly be protected forever.

Ted Clement, executive director of Save Mount Diablo, spoke to the importance of partnerships in conserving land in the region.

“We are thrilled to help ensure the permanent protection of 76-acre Hanson Hills through our partnerships with the East Bay Regional Park District and the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy,” Clement said.  “With this transaction not only have we preserved essential wildlife habitat and ensured the protection of a strategic parcel that can later support outdoor public recreation and education, but we have also generated funds to protect more lands around Mount Diablo.”

“This acquisition is another positive step for conservation in east Contra Costa County,” said Pittsburg Councilman Salvatore Evola, chair of the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy board. “It is valuable to have a local land trust, the East Bay Regional Park District and the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy working together to conserve valuable landscapes for species while also providing park and recreation opportunities for the growing population.”

The land will remain closed to the public (“land banked”) until the Deer Valley Regional Park Land Use Plan is completed.

Save Mount Diablo is a non-profit 501(c)(3) conservation organization, which has been preserving lands on and around Mount Diablo and educating the public to the mountain’s natural values since 1971. Preserved lands have increased from 6,788 acres in one park to more than 110,000 acres in more than 40 parks and preserves. Save Mount Diablo continues to preserve, defend and restore the remainder of the mountain for people and wildlife to enjoy. Contact: Save Mount Diablo, telephone: (925) 947-3535, fax: (925) 947-0642, 1901 Olympic Blvd., Suite 320, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; www.SaveMountDiablo.org

The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco Bay, established in 1934. The system comprises 120,700 acres in 65 parks including over 1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature learning. www.ebparks.org

For information, please contact East Bay Regional Park District public information supervisor Carolyn Jones at (510) 544-2217, cjones@ebparks.org.

Antioch Police calls for service highlights as published in City Manager Steve Duran’s Weekly Report dated September 23, 2016 and provided by Chief of Police Allan Cantando.

Time Period: 09/15/16 00:00:00 – 09/21/16 23:59:59

Number of Calls for Service: 1,638

Number of Case Reports: 301

Number of Arrests: 74

Felony: 29

Misdemeanor: 40

Infraction: 5

Arrests with DUI charge: 2

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

• ·9/22/2016 at 4:48 am, a witness called after seeing 67 year old Steven Kinder start a small fire behind the Dutch Pride Dairy located at 507 E. 18^th St. near the dumpster. Officers responded and detained Kinder while Contra Costa County Fire extinguished the fire. Kinder stated he was just trying to keep warm. Damage was minimal and limited to an exterior wall. An owner of Dutch Pride Dairy responded and was undecided on prosecuting Kinder. Kinder was released at the scene pending further investigation.
• ·9/21/2016 at 6:59 pm, an officer was on routine patrol in the area of Country Hills Dr. and Appaloosa Way when he observed 20 year old Trent Sereal walking in the area. The officer made a consensual stop on Sereal and discovered he had two outstanding warrants for his arrest on theft related charges. Sereal was taken into custody without incident and was later transported to county jail.
• ·9/21/2016 at 11:24 am, an officer contacted 25 year old Bronson Boyle during a pedestrian stop on Lone Tree Way near Davison Dr. Boyle was found to have a warrant for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Boyle was arrested and transported to county jail.
• ·9/21/2016 at 3:20 am, 39 year old Brandon Hill was contacted during a pedestrian stop in the area of Railroad Ave. and Walter Way. A name check revealed he had an outstanding non-citable arrest warrant for theft related charges held by Antioch PD. He was arrested without incident and booked at county jail.
• ·9/20/2016 at 10:02 pm, 25 year old Desi Davis was contacted in the area of Renwick Ln. and Hillcrest Ave. during a traffic stop. A name check revealed she had an outstanding felony bench warrant for robbery out of Hollywood. She was arrested without incident and sent to county jail.
• ·9/20/2016 at 2:46 pm, dispatch received several 9-1-1 calls advising of a shooting having just occurred in the 1100 block of D St. While en route, a caller from Fremont Elementary School advised they were going on lock down as they heard the shots as well. Officers arrived and contacted several people at 1104 “D” St, most of which were uncooperative. It was determined that the shooting occurred in the driveway at this location. One parked car was struck by gunfire. There are no known injuries.
• ·9/20/2016 at 2:43 pm, officers responded to the 2200 block of Buchanan Rd. on a report of a subject trespassing. Officers arrived and contacted 67 year old James Wedding. A computer check revealed Wedding had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for narcotics charges. Wedding was arrested and released from the scene on a signed promise to appear.
• ·9/20/2016 at 1:30 pm, officers responded to the McDonalds on Mahogany Way on a report of a man lying on the ground screaming. Officers arrived and contacted 29 year old Emmanuel Easter. While speaking to Easter, officers noticed a glass methamphetamine pipe sticking out of his pants pocket. Officers asked Easter to stand up and in doing so a bullet fell from his pants pocket. A search of his person was conducted and no other contraband was located. A computer check revealed Easter is a convicted felon with prior firearms convictions. Easter was arrested and booked into county jail.
• ·9/20/2016 at 12:53 pm, 51 year old Jorge Feliciano came to the front lobby of APD to register as a sex offender. A computer check revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Feliciano was arrested without incident and booked into county jail.
• ·9/20/2016 at 11:42 am, a resident in the 2200 block of Banyan Way called APD to report that last night she heard gunshots in the area at around 3:00 am. She came outside this morning and found both of her cars had been struck with bullets. The resident told the officer she didn’t know who shot her vehicles and some neighborhood kids picked up the casings. There are no other investigative leads at this time.
• ·9/20/2016 at 9:13 am, a neighbor in the 3500 block of Mallard Way called APD to report an unknown vehicle in front of her neighbor’s house with two suspects looking over the fence. When officers arrived a short time later, they heard glass break to the rear of the house. Two suspects ran west bound up a hill towards the entrance to Black Diamond Mines. Soon after that, one suspect appeared from a few houses down and quickly got into a black Hyundai Sonata rental car. The vehicle fled the scene but was picked up by an officer who was just arriving in theneighborhood. The Hyundai fled down James Donlon Blvd. and a pursuit was initiated, but it was quickly terminated due to the excessive speed the Hyundai was travelling. Officers checked the house and found it was burglarized, but there appeared to be no loss. The suspects that ran over the hill were not located.
• ·9/19/2016 at 8:48 pm, 32 year old Adam Smith got onto a Tri Delta bus at the Bay Point BART station. He refused to pay for his fare and the bus driver was afraid of Smith so she didn’t push the issue. Smith began asking other passengers for money and talking about God as he talked to himself. Smith tried to push the bus driver out of her seat while the bus was moving and grabbed at the steering wheel to turn the bus from its course. The driver was able to maintain control of the bus and pulled to the curb at Sycamore Dr. and Auto Center Dr. in Antioch where she called for the police. Officers contacted Smith, but he refused officers’ commands and struggled with the officers. Smith was ultimately arrested and taken to county jail for carjacking and resisting arrest.
• ·9/19/2016 at 11:14 pm, officers noticed suspicious subjects loitering around the detached garage at 29 E. 6^th St, who all quickly went inside and closed the door after seeing the police. Officers made contact with a woman at the garage. The woman initially lied to officers but ultimately admitted that 38 year old Albert Riley was hiding inside the garage. A records check of Riley revealed a felony warrant in the system for grand theft. Riley surrendered after a few announcements were made. He was booked into county jail.
• ·9/19/2016 at 6:06 pm, officers were dispatched to the area of Cavallo Rd. and Gary Ave. for a subject slumped over in a vehicle. Officers arrived and located 49 year old Leonard Burleigh asleep in the passenger seat of a parked vehicle. Burleigh is on misdemeanor probation and during a search was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Burleigh was released from the scene with a citation.
• ·9/19/2016 at 12:22 pm, officers were dispatched to 2530 Cathy Ct. for a restraining order violation. Upon arrival, they contacted 39 year old Marcos Figueroa in the backyard in violation of a served restraining order. He was arrested without incident and booked into county jail.
• ·9/18/2016 at 7:30 pm, 34 year old Michael Vegas called the police stating that he was at CVS located at 4028 Lone Tree Way and that he needed help washing methamphetamine off his body. Vegas was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance and arrested. He was booked into county jail.
• ·9/18/2016 at 5:36 pm, an officer was flagged down by the clerk at Romi’s liquors located at 418 E. 18^th St. who said he had a restraining order against 32 year old Randy Williams and that Williams was in front of the store refusing to leave. The officer arrived and located Williams walking away from the store. Williams was contacted and determined to be on felony probation with a stay away order from Romi’s. Williams was arrested and booked into county jail.
• ·9/18/2016 at 3:30 pm, an officer contacted 20 year old Jordon Hanson and 33 year old Sarah Hendrickson at W 2^nd St. and F St. A computer check revealed both subjects had warrants for their arrest. The warrants were confirmed and Hendrickson was cited and released from the scene for petty theft. Hanson was booked into county jail for narcotics related warrants.
• ·9/18/2016 at 2:09 pm, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a Honda without license plates. The officer made contact with 32 year old Jaamar Jones who is on parole. During a search, Jones was found in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine. He was arrested and cite-released in the field.
• ·9/18/2016 at 10:04 am, officers were dispatched to the area of Winterglen Way and Woodbridge Way on a report of suspicious males walking around with back packs, possibly casing the neighborhood for homes to burglarize. Officers arrived in the area and located one subject, 20 year old Tevin Herron, who appeared to be acting as a look-out on Country Hills Dr. and Chism Way. As officers attempted to get into position to contact him, they lost sight of Herron. Officers found Herron again walking on Country Hills Dr. and Hillcrest Ave. but now he was with three other males. Officers attempted to contact the males, but three took off running. Herron stopped and was detained. Officers chased one of the males on foot from Country Hills Dr., through Wal-Mart, around several other businesses and then up the hill behind the skate park where he was caught. The other two males were not located. Herron admitted the other three males were getting ready to break into a house. A homeowner in the 4800 block of Chism Way approached officers at the scene and advised the officers their house had been burglarized. The resident showed officers a photo saved from their Ring.com doorbell system and it was a picture of Herron. Herron was questioned about the crime and he admitted to it. Herron was ultimately booked into county jail. Herron and the second subject that was detained are from the same neighborhood in San Francisco, however, they claimed not to know each other. Officers are still looking into the possibility they committed other burglaries in the area. The second subject was released pending further investigation.
• ·9/18/2016 at 6:08 am, a vehicle travelling on Davison Dr. near Harris Dr. left the roadway and struck a PG&E power box which caused a fire. PG&E had to respond and cut the power before Contra Costa County Fire could extinguish the fire. There were no injuries in the collision.
• ·9/17/2016 at 9:19 pm, 31 year old Elvis Barajas was walking in traffic near A St. and W 16thSt. and found to be too intoxicated to care for himself. He was arrested and sent to county jail.
• ·9/17/2016 at 8:21 pm, a customer was inside the Valero located at 1801 Hillcrest Ave. when he saw a male wearing a mask enter the store and approach the clerk. The male suspect demanded money and brandished a pistol. When the clerk said he did not have any money, the male suspect put the gun away and ran out of the store. He was last seen eastbound on E. 18th St. An area check brought negative results and there was no loss.
• ·9/17/2016 at 2:48 pm, a male suspect entered the Save Cleaner located at 3190 Contra Loma Blvd. and pointed a handgun at the clerk demanding money. The suspect fled the business with cash and left in a gray four door sedan. An area check was conducted with negative results. The suspect was wearing a Philadelphia Eagles Hat and a black t-shirt with “Supporting the Streets” on the front. Surveillance video captured the incident. This case is still under investigation.
• ·9/17/2016 at 9:29 am, officers were dispatched to the rear of Sporting Edge located at 2005 Somersville Road on a complaint of transients in the area possibly using drugs. Officers located 28 year old Jordan Crume who was foundin possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also found to be on felony probation. He was arrested and booked into county jail.
• ·9/16/2016 at 9:04 pm, officers responded to the report of a female screaming at the Delta Pine apartments located at 2301 Sycamore Dr. in the center of the complex. Upon arrival, the female was gone, but officers contacted 47 year old James Saunders. A records check showed an outstanding warrant for his arrest for violation of parole. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into county jail.
• ·9/16/2016 at 8:34 pm, an officer made a vehicle enforcement stop for traffic violations. 40 year old Cesar Franco displayed objective symptoms of being under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. After a series of field sobriety tests, the officers gave Franco an opportunity to blow into the preliminary alcohol screening device. The device showed Franco’s blood alcohol content to beat .31%. Franco was placed under arrest and was transported to county jail for a sobering period.
• ·9/16/2016 at 2:28 pm, a 21 year old male came to Antioch PD to report an armed robbery. The male stated he ordered approximately 1 1/2 pounds of marijuana and edibles from a marijuana dispensary out of Martinez. The male arranged to meet the delivery driver on Silva St. Upon the delivery driver’s arrival, the male got into the delivery driver’s front passenger seat. The two were about to exchange money for marijuana. The victim had $4,000 in cash and his cell phone on his lap when two unknown males approached him. One of the males pointed a firearm at the victim’s chest as the other male punched the delivery driver in the face. The two males took the victim’s marijuana, cash and cell phone. The responsibles had similar descriptions as the suspects in the robbery at the Credit Union on day shift. A photo line-up was created but the victim was unable to identify them. Officers have not been able to locate or determine who the delivery driver was as of this writing.
• ·9/16/2016 at 12:07 pm, two males entered the Las Brumas Mexican Restaurant located at 913 W. 10^th St. and demanded that the employees get onto the floor. Both males had their hands under their shirts and stated that they had guns. The two males stole the till from the cash register and fled the store on foot. At 1:45 pm, the Antioch Credit Union located at 301 G St. was robbed by two males. 18 year old Anthony Smith and 18 year old Khalid Noel were arrested for the bank robbery. Smith was positively identified as committing the Las Brumas robbery also. The investigation is ongoing. Both males were booked into county jail.
• ·9/16/2016 at 1:46 am, 45 year old Gary Duarte was contacted and arrested in the area of E. 18^th St. and Terrace Dr. on an outstanding no-cite warrant. He was booked into county jail without incident.
• ·9/15/2016 at 10:59 pm, 35 year old Curtis Jones was observed riding his bike on the sidewalk in the area of Hillcrest Ave. and Lone Tree Way in violation of Antioch municipal codes. An officer made an enforcement stop and discovered Jones was wanted out of San Francisco for theft related violations. Jones was taken into custody without incident. Jones was transported to county jail on the warrant and while at county jail, was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine. Jones was booked on the additional charges.
• ·9/15/2015 at 8:27 pm, a grandfather was pushing his granddaughter in her stroller for a daily walk. He was crossing at Gentrytown Dr. and Lopez Dr. when a vehicle driving northbound on Gentrytown Dr, struck them in the crosswalk. The driver stated a bus pulled from the nearby bus stop and its headlights had temporarily blinded him. He saw the grandfather pushing the stroller at the last minute and slowed to a couple miles an hour. He broadsided the stroller, just knocking it over. The infant was restrained in an attached car carrier that sits on the stroller. This was knocked loose and onto the ground. The baby was uninjured, but transported to the hospital as a precaution. The baby was released later in the shift with no notable injuries. Alcohol and speed were not factors.
• ·9/15/2016 at 7:00 am, a US Postal Inspector requested we assist his unit with a search at a house in the 3200 block of Ashley Way. 54 year old Daniel Hard lives at the residence and is on parole. He is also a known criminal street gang member. We sent two units to be on the outside perimeter and for radio communications. During the search Postal Inspectors found over 1,000 stolen identities, a pistol, a stolen vehicle and methamphetamine. We agreed to book Hard into county jail for the Inspectors, so he can be held until he is indicted federally.

By Nick Goodrich

At the Antioch School Board on Wednesday, September 28th, voiced their support of Proposition 55: Children’s Education and Health Protection Act, and heard complaints about Trustee Debra Vinson and a call for her recall.

During public comments, District employee Nicole Cedano, once again appeared before the Board to voice her displeasure with Vinson. Cedano, who, at the Board’s August 22nd meeting, first complained about Vinson’s behavior, said that since then she has been approached by several others who have experienced similar behavior by the first-term board member.

Cedano’s complaint during the August meeting was prompted by Vinson allegedly calling an Antioch High School employee a “bigot” the day before. Since then, Cedano told the Board, Vinson has made more inflammatory comments about Antioch City Councilmember Mary Rocha.

Vinson’s more recent comments allegedly include calling Rocha “too old, too out of touch, and not qualified to run for City Council” at the internal selections committee. Then, at the Democratic Central Committee meeting, she publicly called Rocha “a racist,” Cedano alleges.

When reached for comment, Rocha was less than pleased with Vinson’s statements.

“It did happen, and I’m very upset about it,” she told the Herald.

To Rocha, it seemed to be a political move aimed at hurting her chances at reelection to the Antioch City Council.

“I couldn’t believe what she said,” Rocha said of the comments. “It really astonished me.”

Vinson was also reached for comment by the Herald and shared her view of what transpired.

“At our Democrat endorsement meeting, I reported what Mary Rocha said during our June primary endorsement process when we were choosing to endorse Federal Glover,” Vinson said. “I reported only what Mary said, and no more. This is typical of the endorsement process when considering who to endorse.”

“She was advocating for Anamarie (Avila) Farias for supervisor and speaking on her behalf,” Vinson continued. “What she essentially said was the blacks have had their turn, the whites have had their turn and now it’s for the Mexican and Latino candidates to have their turn.

“I do remember her saying ‘it’s our time,’” referring to Mexican and Latino candidates, Vinson added.

“I repeated what Mary said (in the primary endorsement meeting) at the endorsement meeting for the November election to remind people and told them ‘we want candidates who are for all people and not to exclude anyone,’” Vinson remembers saying. “I never said Mary is a racist. I never said she’s too old. I never said that. People are saying things that aren’t true. I was very short and brief. Several people will verify what I said.”

Rocha responded to Vinson’s comments and recollection of what was said at the endorsement meetings.

“No. No. I didn’t say that,” Mary said. “You can ask the people who were there, including the chairman.”

“I’ll tell you what I did do. When Federal (Supervisor Glover) called me in January, and he asked me ‘Mary can you give me your endorsement,’ I told him no,” Rocha explained.  “I said ‘I covered you before. This time I have to support Ana Maria. I’ve got to support her because she’s Latina and I’ve got to at least help her make an effort.’”

“And I only said it to Federal, so how did he get it to Debra?” Rocha asked.

“She (Vinson) was endorsing Lamar (Thorpe, candidate for Antioch School Board) and then she said ‘she’s a racist’ and ‘is against black people from going forward,’” Rocha shared. “I said ‘I did not say that.’ She said that in front of 70 people she.”

Rocha then explained where the “too old” comment originated.

“Vinson said she I the ‘old guard’ and that ‘Lamar was the new one and that he would come in and take care of the city,’” Rocha added.

Cedano cited a District code that calls for any employee or official that makes comments detrimental to the District, to be punished with a fine.

With Vinson’s comments costing the District almost $3,000 in legal fees, Cedano said, there are reasonable grounds for her to be removed from the Board, and Cedano stated that a petition for Vinson’s recall is currently in the works.

Board Member Authority

Later in the meeting, Board Member Fernando Navarro brought Board Policy 9200: Limits of Board Member Authority to the Board’s attention.

Navarro proposed having the Board review the policy and make several positive changes. His concern is mostly with the language of the policy, and he stated that while he has some suggestions in mind, the Board should review the policy and present their proposed changes at the next Board meeting. The issue was tabled until that time.

At the end of the meeting, the Board discussed Proposition 55: Children’s Education and Health Protection Act, which proposes extending the temporary Prop 30 tax in California that would provide additional funds for education.

Prop. 55

Many Trustees had mixed feelings about Prop 55. Trustee Walter Ruehlig was wary of the “temporary tax”, as he noted that several other similar taxes have been drawn out long past their original end date.

“It’s probably not the perfect solution,” Ruehlig said. “I’m voting for it, but reluctantly. It looks like the lesser of two evils.”

Vinson stated that she is voting for it now, but that ultimately, the voters will have to decide. Trustee Alonzo Terry said, “When it comes to our kids and schools, we always have to side with them.”

Navarro was the lone dissenter in the Board’s 4-1 vote in favor of supporting the Proposition. He, like Ruehlig, was wary of yet another tax.

“We have to try to live within our means,” he told the audience. “It’s a downgrade, and we’re running out of road.”

Almost 90% of the tax revenue would go towards K-12 schools, with another 11% to state community colleges. An additional $2 billion would be designated for Medi-Cal and other health programs.

Prop 55 will appear on the state ballot in November.