By Nick Goodrich

On Tuesday, September 13th, the Antioch City Council approved the 180-unit Laurel Ranch housing development, and heard more criticism from the Save the Yard supporters about the City’s plan to construct townhomes on the former Antioch Lumber Company lot and more complaints about Animal Services, during their regular meeting.

Public Comments

Members of the public offered their opinions to Council on a variety of topics, including the Antioch Lumber Company lot, during public comments.

The state of Antioch’s Animal Shelter was raised once again, just weeks after Harper promised to put the issue on Council’s official agenda next January.

Antioch Resident Sharon Bennett was concerned that new dogs and cats were not being regularly scanned for owners’ microchips, and called for an experienced manager to be brought in to “make the right decisions and hire the correct personnel” to address some of the problems the shelter faces.

Another resident was surprised to find that the shelter is not using the app Petfinder, which creates profiles for new intakes in order to help get them adopted faster. With the kill rate at Antioch’s shelter higher than the average, according to resident Magella Smith, using Petfinder could both save animals slated for euthanization and cut costs by finding them homes more quickly.

Barabara Sobalvarro, President of Friends of Animal Services, also shared her thoughts. She reminded the audience of the ongoing adoption event at the shelter for the month of September, during which all adoptions will cost only $50.

She also noted that while even FAS can be critical of the shelter at times, it is important to be constructive and offer up ways to help the shelter improve when doing so.

“If you’re going to be critical, you need to be part of the solution,” Sobalvarro added.

Most of the speakers, however, were focused on the historic Antioch Lumber Company yard in downtown, which the City has designated for the construction of new townhomes rather than a new park and event center.

During a recent candidate forums Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock and Councilmembers Monica Wilson and Mary Rocha expressed their desire to see the issue put to a vote of the community, allowing Antioch residents to make the decision.

At Tuesday’s meeting, both Ogorchock and Wilson suggested reclassifying the lot from “Medium Density” to “Open Space”, which would prevent the City from developing it in the near future, and clear the way for the Save the Yard movement to begin raising funds for a new event center.

Some citizens saw this recent change of heart as an insult, however, as a town square initiative aimed at putting the Town Square park and event center proposal on the ballot in November, had already failed. A second effort is currently underway.

One speaker, Arleen Lantern, said, “This is like a slap in the face to those of us that want a gathering place and event center in the Lumber Yard.” She called for Mayor Wade Harper to put the issue on City Council’s official agenda immediately, as well as for public forums to be held quarterly by the City.

Michael Amarosa, a longtime Antioch resident, shared his thoughts on the Waldie Plaza event center plans put forth by the City during the last Council meeting.

“No doubt Waldie Plaza needs a major reboot,” he said, “But make it your legacy to finally improve our downtown by making the Beede lumber yard something special.”

However, in closed session on August 25, 2015 the council by a vote 4-1 with Ogorchock dissenting, gave City Manager Steve Duran the exclusive right to negotiate the sale of that property and eight other city-owned parcels, with developer City Ventures. Those negotiations are still underway.

Laurel Ranch Subdivision Approved

Later in the meeting, the council oversaw a public hearing on the proposed Laurel Ranch Subdivision, which included a presentation by developer Richland Communities.

The subdivision, which includes 180 single-family homes in two neighborhoods, will be situated on the northwest corner of Highway 4 and Laurel Road. One neighborhood will consist of 88 homes with minimum lot sizes of 4,000 square feet with home sizes ranging from 1,750 to 3,000 square feet, plus two parks. The private lane neighborhood will consist of 92 homes with minimum lot sizes of 2,500 square feet and homes ranging in size from 1,800 to 2,200 square feet.

According to the project’s architectural design guide, there will be “one 10,000 SF park containing an all-abilities play structure, a lawn area, and traditional park furniture. Another 5,200 SF sitting park will provide residents with a small lawn area and park furniture for an informal gathering area. From this small pocket park, there will be a trail that will connect to a section of the East Lone Tree Specific Plan’s trail system.”

Richland Communities, which has been working on the project since 2014, noted that a big advantage of the development will be the completion of Laurel Road, connecting the current portion of the road in Antioch to Highway 4. Plus, it will occur at no cost to the City, greatly increasing accessibility to the area.

Clifton Taylor, Vice President of Richland, was on hand to deliver the presentation to the council. He reported that concerns from two years ago, like house floor plans and trail access, had been fully addressed to the satisfaction of the city.

In addition, Taylor noted that the project does fund the extra police services that the development will require, good news to Antioch residents who do not want to see any unnecessary spikes in taxes to pay for them.

Richland has planned for two parks within the subdivision, and also reported that it will contribute $2.7 million toward the completion of Slatten Ranch Road.

Another big aspect of Richland’s project includes its Project Labor Agreement, which highlights its commitment to local hiring and training. Richland will bring in labor from the surrounding area, which encouraged speakers like Jim Foley, with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, to support the project.

Fees from the new homes will also help pay for the extension of Slatten Ranch Road, north of the J.C. Penney store, and connect it to Laurel Road, providing access to the land for commercial development and employment uses.

“Two hundred electricians live in Antioch,” Foley told the council. “They want the opportunity to work in their city.”

John Malcolm Jr., a 40 year resident of Antioch, also shared his thoughts.

“To work where you live is important,” he said. Malcolm also noted that traffic will improve due to the completion of both Laurel and Slatten Ranch Roads, and the city will gain a larger tax base from the new residents.

Taylor  also spoke about Richland’s successful community outreach plans, during which it received positive feedback on the project from residents in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Overall, after some questions fielded to Richland’s representatives, the council seemed impressed with the project.

“It looks like you’re leaving no stone unturned,” said Harper.

Wilson said of the Laurel Road extension, “We need it so bad.”

After input from the public, it was clear the Council was ready to move forward with the plans. They voted unanimously, 5-0, to approve the addenda to the project and allow Richland to move on to the next step.

Richland Communities will begin the final designs immediately, and hopes to begin construction by 2018 at the latest. To view the complete Laurel Ranch Architectural Design Guide, click here: laurel-ranch-adg

By Allen Payton

At a forum for Antioch School Board candidates in the November election, hosted by the Friday Morning Breakfast Club on Thursday, September 8, 2016, five of the seven squared off, debating and discussing the issues facing the Antioch Unified School District.

Two candidates, incumbent Diane Gibson-Gray and news site publisher Mike Burkholder said they couldn’t attend due to a scheduling conflict with back-to-school night, at the same time as the forum. However, both appointed incumbents Fernando Navarro and Alonzo Terry attended the forum. Navarro said he visited one school and with his children’s teachers prior to the forum, and Terry arrived late to the forum in order to fulfill his commitment to visit three schools.

In addition, former school board trustees, Gary Hack and Joy Motts, along with substitute teacher and tutoring business owner Crystal Sawyer-White participated in the forum.

Don Freitas, the leader of the Friday Morning Breakfast Club, an invitation-only group of about 22 residents who meet on Fridays to discuss local issues, hosted the event in the Antioch City Council Chambers and Ann Flynn of the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley served as moderator and asked the questions. She also stated that no unauthorized recording of the forum would be allowed, as was the same for the mayor and council forums hosted by the FMBC, last week.

Opening Statements

Seated, speaking and answering questions in random order, the candidates gave their opening statements with Hack speaking, first.

“I want to be on the board, yet again to help educate kids and make them a better person,” he said.

Sawyer-White said “I’m excited to be running for the Antioch School Board. As a parent in the 21st Century, I believe that every parent should have access to the best education possible.”

She then listed her experience and service on various committees, as well as being the owner of a tutoring business.

Motts spoke about being a “lifelong resident of Antioch and a product of Antioch schools.”

“We need school board members who have a detailed knowledge that is focused on our children,” Motts added.

Navarro spoke of his upbringing, as well.

“I’m a first-generation American of Mexican descent,” he said. “I know the problems of inner city youth. I’m fully bilingual and bicultural.”

“I’m a defender of the taxpayer and the bottom line,” Navarro continued.

“My frustration was the experience in the ELL (English Language Learners) program,” he said as one of the reasons that motivated him to apply for the appointment to the board vacancy, last year. He also said he wanted to “see how the sausage is made, if you will. To look under the hood.”

“The opportunity to rectify the school district is closing,” Navarro added.

Candidate’s Experience

Motts shared about her experience on the school board.

“It was a very difficult time,” she said. “We worked very strategically to get through the crisis.”

She spoke of “many reformations,” the “Antioch High restoration, Linked Learning and restorative justice, “despite the deep cuts.”

Hack said he’d “been a small business owner for more than 25 years” and “on the board for four years.”

“When I was on the board, it was the time of the recession,” he stated and spoke of “prudent husbandry of the budget we had.”

“The budget problems won’t disappear,” Hack added.

Navarro responded with “I’m not a politician. I’m not a polished orator.”

He shared that he has been “business owner for 20 years” and learning about “quality service and quality control.”

He mentioned the on-going drop in enrollment and that students were leaving the district.

“Because we are subsidized by the taxpayers, we’ve become a little tone deaf,” Navarro continued. “For God’s sake, let’s not become the DMV.”

Sawyer-White said she was “deeply concerned” about “crime” and “I feel unsafe in some situations.

“I feel I can make a difference,” she said and then mentioned “summer jobs” for students.

“Children have been diagnosed with” learning disabilities, Sawyer-White continued. “They’re not able to meet the Common Core standards.”

Motts used her first rebuttal in response to Navarro.

“The drop in enrollment is anticipated,” she stated. “Those children are now aging out. It appears there’s more of a problem than it is.”

“The good news is there’s new development coming into Antioch,” Motts added.

Handling Disciplinary Problems

Hack said he wants to “enhance the education experience” and about the “dichotomy of those who behave and those who don’t behave.”

“I met with the principal at Dallas Ranch” about “restorative justice that deals with kids who have been suspended and deal with them when they return to campus.”

Navarro said “I think we should have zero tolerance for interruptions in the classroom.”

He wants to “reinstill a respect for fellow classmates and teachers” and spoke about “better class management.”

“Students work more individually than in group seating,” Navarro added.

Sawyer-White mentioned “PBIS,” referring to positive behavior implementation strategies, then spoke of her experience at a school where she taught.

“We had a tracking device instead of sending the student home, but out of the classroom.”

She spoke of having the students “meet with the school psychologist, parents, teachers.”

“If you build rapport with students…they can excel academically,” Sawyer-White added.

Motts said “many students come into the classroom in crisis” due to being “hungry or challenges at home.”

She also mentioned PBIS and said “we reach out to every child to get the services and counseling they need.”

Truancy

The next question was how the candidates could turn around the chronic truancy in the district, which is as high as 40% at Antioch High School.

Sawyer-White responded with her knowledge of what is done in other school districts, how the “classroom is rewarded for high attendance and no tardies” and “if late a number of times it can add up to an absence.”

“There needs to be more of a text message tracking system,” she continued and wanted to “get the parents involved.”

Navarro took a different tack, saying “stop blaming parents and students” and “start accepting blame as a district.”

He cited “boredom and not feeling safe” and when the schools “promote students prematurely.”

Navarro suggested an “all hands on deck” approach and working “with the city council and police department.”

Motts said “I have to agree with Fernando on one point. Our children need to be engaged.” She then mentioned linked learning at the secondary schools.

“Truancy is the responsibility of parents and students,” she continued. “It affects our bottom line. Our ADA” referring to average daily attendance which determines the amount of per pupil funding the district receives from the state.

“The district can’t tolerate it,” Motts added.

Hack said “there are positive programs” and that “what happens in the class needs to be relevant to students.”

“Truancy won’t go away,” he continued, then spoke of “communication with parents, family and the kid taking responsibility” as his solution.

Alonzo Terry, arrived in time to answer the question.

“Mr. Hack is correct,” he stated. “Truancy can come in so many ways. Some time circumstances cause people to be late or not even show up.”

“Together, it’s about communication and tell them how important it (school) is,” Terry added.

Programs for Academic Achievement

When asked which programs are translating into academic achievement, Navarro said “I would pick the Math Intensive. It shows data driven results.”

“The class structure,” he continued. “It goes back to old school mentality.”

“The business of schools is education,” Navarro stated. “I am a believer in all the different career paths.”

Terry said “it’s not one fit for all. I went to visit several math programs.”

He then stated there are “three different ways people learn in English and math. We need to put them all together.”

Hack said “options are good. One system doesn’t work for everyone.”

“Give kids different approaches to be successful,” he continued. “It’s very different than when we were in school. It’s better. Kids are learning stuff and we don’t have to rely on test scores.”

Sawyer-White said “I don’t think one size fits all. A career path is a good beginning for the Antioch school district.”

She then mentioned “robotics, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs in Pittsburg, computer technology and engineering.”

Motts said “with the LCAP (Local Control and Accountability Plan) you get to go back each year and review. It’s really about equity. Our children have different needs.”

“We need to make sure the children remain in school, are engaged and perform,” she added.

Biggest Issue

When asked what the biggest issue facing Antioch schools, Terry replied “that question is really hard. What is 9-11 to one person is 4-11 to others. It’s like asking someone would you rather have a bullet or a knife.”

“I don’t know how to answer that question, because they’re all important,” he continued. “They all need to be addressed with the same amount of energy.”

Sawyer-White spoke of “graduation rates at 77%. We can improve that.”

“After graduation the job opportunity is bleak,” she stated, then suggested Antioch schools be “linked with community college for classes.”

Motts said “providing a quality education is job one. It encompasses a whole bunch of things.”

Hack didn’t like the question, then rephrased it.

“It’s a negative connotation,” he said.

“What is the biggest priority?” Hack asked. “It’s personnel. Everything flows from that.”

He then mentioned the “new members on the board” and the district having “a rookie superintendent.”

“We lost over 100 teachers, this year,” Hack continued, then spoke of “paying regular wages.”

He said it’s about “dealing with the best humans we can put in place.”

Navarro said it’s “the demographics” and that “77% of our students are not proficient in English.”

He then mentioned the “truancy issue at our high schools” and that “33% are barely making it.”

“We’re graduating kids but they’re undercooked,” Navarro continued. “The colleges have to pick up the slack.”

“We need to rethink our fad tactics,” he added.

Common Core

When asked about Common Core, Navarro read a statement from legal counsel that it was a state requirement and the policy of the district, then crumbled up the page the statement was on and tossed it to his side.

“Top down ties hands. The hands of our district and parents,” he stated. “It cattle prods our students.”

“We can do better,” Navarro continued. “We can go beyond the mandate.”

Sawyer-White first said “I feel it is a challenge” but then said “I think it prepares the student in the proper way in math and English.”

“If parents were more involved at home, working with their student, with the teacher, they can succeed,” she stated. “It prepares us better for college prep.”

Terry said “Common Core is good for some people, not for everyone” but, if it’s “not working you have to find another avenue.”

Motts said “the data is still out a bit on it.”

“But teaching to the test was failing our students,” she added. “It’s raising the bar which will lead to higher achievement for our students. I fully support it.”

Hack said “things need to change to the modern world.”

“I also think it’s a dynamic and different approach,” he stated. “It’s in its infancy. It’s a living and ongoing process.”

“Education is always changing,” Hack continued. “I’m in favor of it, now.”

Navarro used one of his rebuttals to respond, saying he wanted to “point out over time, truth comes out” and that Common Core is a “bill of goods that was sold to us.”

“They pulled it out of a hat,” he continued. “We’re seeing a gap between high schools and colleges which I think was intentional.”

Hack used one of his rebuttals, as well and said there are “three parts of any program, staff and teachers, the board trains and supplies, monitors and adjusts it,” and that “students and parents need to do their part.”

“Being stagnant in education does not solve the issue,” he added.

Budget Deficit

When asked about the $2 million deficit spending in the current budget, Motts responded “that’s inaccurate. Adjustments have been made.

“I’ve been through deficit situations,” she continued. “It’s about efficiency. Retiring teachers can cut costs.”

“We’re 47th in the nation in per pupil spending,” Motts added, referring to state spending.

Motts is correct. The figure in the question is incorrect. The 2016-17 budget approved by the district in June includes deficit spending of $1.2 million. But, it projects a deficit of $2.1 million next year and $2.4 million in Fiscal Year 2018-19.

Terry said “we have to cut from the top and work our way down, because I think we’re top heavy.”

“Right now, we are in a hole and it’s not going to be easy and some people are going to be hurt,” he added, then referred to the decline in enrollment. “We’re losing numbers.”

Navarro said “we need to start with a ‘come to Jesus’ moment.”

“The funds come from the taxpayers,” he stated and proposed a budget “review, line item by item.”

“I’d like to see a larger vendor pool,” Navarro continued. “We’re paying through the nose top dollar.”

“We’re getting about a quarter of a billion dollars and we still have teachers paying for pencils and tissues?” he asked.

Hack said “every year, in June, we have those discussions.”

“You may not be rich, but you’re solvent,” he stated. “Maybe not with a capital ‘S’.”

He then spoke of the “dichotomy of how much do we keep in reserves. I think it’s very viable.”

Sawyer-White said “Again, I’m new to this,” then suggested “maybe have a long-term forecast” and what was done to save money at the school where her son attends.

“We decided not to get a $25,000 electronic sign,” she said.

“Maybe we don’t need so many consultants,” Sawyer-White stated, regarding the AUSD. “And vendors, I agree with Mr. Fernando.”

Trade & Technology Education

Terry was first to answer, stating “we need to bring back all the trades that we can do with our hands.”

Motts said “not every child is on a pathway to go to college.”

“The good news is they are starting to work with the trades and trying to integrate those into the schools,” she stated. “I would definitely support that.”

Sawyer-White said “I am very supportive of vocational training.”

She then suggested adding “coding classes” and that they “prepare you for developing websites,” and then also proposed “entrepreneurship classes…mechanics, maybe dental training.”

Navarro said “I believe in vocational education” and suggested “aviation engineering” and also mentioned coding.

However, he said “if we don’t get back to basics, it’s all a moot point.”

Hack said “one fallacy in education is that everyone’s going to college. Not true.”

He proposed “coming up with new classes that we don’t have in the district, already.”

Teacher Complaints

When asked what board members should do if teachers complain that they’re not being listened to by administration, Sawyer-White responded “In Sweden, the principal has to teach a class, once a year.”

“They’re not aware of what’s happening in the classroom because they haven’t taught,” she said.

She then suggested “multi-disciplinary teams to meet more often.”

Terry said “I don’t think anyone should be denied form going to whomever, whenever they want.”

“That should be changed,” he continued. “Teachers need to know they will be heard.”

Hack said “as a board member, you have to be open to communication. But we have to work through the proper channels.”

“There’s a danger there for board members to try to deal with individual problems,” he added.

Navarro said “the role of the board” is to “represent voters, taxpayers and the district teachers.”

“But you only have one vote,” he stated. “The role of the board members is to be a conduit. Because the board only has one employee, the superintendent.”

“Feel free to call me or text me,” Navarro continued. “I’m an open book.”

Motts said “teachers are on the front line. I think it’s imperative the board members are out in the schools.”

“Healthy organizations have open communication,” she added.

Parent Involvement

On this subject, Motts spoke about her experience in the PTSA (parent, teacher, student association).

“The good thing about LCAP is it requires parental communication and involvement,” she said. “Teachers need to reach out to parents.”

Hack said “I like to talk to teachers. You find out what’s going on with parents.”

He suggested “going to PTA meetings.”

Sawyer-White said “parental involvement is a challenge. I think the first day of school should be an orientation, so you don’t have an open house a week later.”

“There’s no excuse not to communicate with parents,” she added.

Terry said “I’m the wrong person to ask that question. You can’t make nobody do anything.”

“We all do what we can to get them involved,” he continued. “Especially the parent. Because every parent is not a parent.”

“I have 380 kids I work on a regular basis,” Terry shared. “It’s hard to get parents involved.”

Navarro said “I echo some of what Alonzo said. It’s plant that seed with parents.”

“They are the single most important first responders. We’re just surrogates,” he stated. “I do a lot of outreach to the Hispanic community.”

Corporal Punishment

Responding to a “lightning round question” of should the district “bring back corporal punishment,” they all said “no” with Navarro responding with a joke, “introducing the old board of education? No.”

Closing Statements

Navarro went first with his closing statement saying “Antioch is a crossroads of many dynamics. We have demographics of a small town” and “a new dynamic of an urban center with its challenges.”

“I humbly ask for you vote,” he concluded.

Motts said “the school board is one of the toughest jobs there is” and spoke of “educational excellence.”

“I have that knowledge,” she stated. “Now, more than ever, we need experience and knowledge on the board.”

Sawyer-White said “I am the candidate who will fight on behalf of our children” and that she’s “committed to continue improvements in the classroom.”

Hack said “the educational landscape in Antioch has changed. That’s not a negative statement, nor is it a positive one. It’s simply a fact.”

“The school board of which I was a member for four years” did “far more than any other previous board had done,” he continued. “Great responsibility, awesome opportunity.”

“Two years later much still needs to be done,” Hack stated.  Then, sounding a bit like Donald Trump, he concluded “We can make this good district great, yet again.”

Terry used his closing remarks to explain his tardiness to the forum

“I was committed to going to three schools for back-to-school night,” he shared. “I apologize for being late, but not for putting students first.”

The next forum of the candidates for school board will be hosted by the Antioch Herald and held Monday, September 19 at 7:00 p.m., also in the Antioch City Council Chambers at City Hall.

Sacramento, CA – On Wednesday, September 14, Governor Brown signed into law AB 326 by Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D – Oakley), which sets a 30-day deadline that the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) must reimburse a collateral deposit by an employer in a Division of Labor Standards Enforcement prevailing wage dispute.

“I applaud the Governor for signing AB 326 to bring fairness to the prevailing wage dispute process,” said Frazier. “As a former general contractor, I know first-hand that tying up cash can place innocent employers in jeopardy of losing their business or creating financial hardship.”

Current law requires that in cases where a contractor has been accused of prevailing wage violations, the contractor must post a cash deposit with the DIR equivalent to the full amount of the assessment plus penalties. AB 326 would ensure that the contractor is reimbursed in a timely manner.

“We cannot thank Assemblymember Frazier enough for stepping up on this issue,” said Tom Holsman, CEO of the Associated General Contractors of California. “There have been instances when contractors have not received their cash deposits back for months, even though a settlement had been arrived at, or the contractor had been fully exonerated.”

AB 326 had the support of the Associated General Contractors of California and San Diego, Associated Builders & Contractors of California, Construction Employers’ Association, Southern California Contractors Association, and California Association of Specialty Contractors. This bill passed through the Legislature with widespread bipartisan support and will become effective on January 1, 2017.

Assemblymember Frazier represents the 11^th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Antioch, Bethel Island, Birds Landing, Brentwood, Byron, Collinsville, Discovery Bay, Fairfield, Isleton, Knightsen, Locke, Oakley, Pittsburg (partial), Rio Vista, Suisun City, Travis AFB, Vacaville and Walnut Grove.

The 33rd Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day, the state’s largest volunteer event, will take place on Saturday, September 17th 2016. The event is expected to draw more than 70,000 volunteers who will combat marine debris at over 800 locations throughout the state by removing the trash that has accumulated on California’s beaches and inland shorelines over the past year.

Antioch residents have the opportunity to participate and help clean up our city from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. There are three locations to choose from: Antioch Marina, Prewett Park and Fulton Shipyard.

To volunteer, visit the City of Antioch’s website and sign up for one or more people using this form. If you have more in your group than the form allows, email Lisa Arcidiacono with the information on your group.  For questions regarding the event, contact the Environmental Resource Line at 925-779-6137 or email Lisa Arcidiacono.

Then, following, be sure to attend the FREE 18th Annual Delta Blues Festival from noon to 7:30 p.m. at Waldie Plaza in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown!

The candidates for Antioch Mayor and City Council will square off on Tuesday night, September 20^th and answer questions from the panelist, audience and each other during two forums, hosted by the Antioch Herald.

The forum for city council candidates will begin at 6:30 p.m. and last until 8:00 p.m. The forum for candidates for mayor will begin at 8:15 p.m. and last one hour.

Each candidate will have the opportunity to ask two questions of fellow candidates and offer two rebuttals. The audience will have the opportunity to ask questions of the candidates, as well.

Paul Burgarino, the Voter Education & Engagement Specialist with the Contra Costa County Clerk/Recorder-Registrar – Election Division will be the panelist asking the questions of the candidates, Antioch City Clerk Arne Simonsen will serve as time keeper and Herald Publisher Allen Payton will moderate the forums.

The forums will be held in the Antioch City Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 200 H Street, between West 2nd and West 3rd Streets in downtown and will be recorded for later viewing on local cable access TV channels.

The forum for the seven candidates running for the Antioch School Board in the November election, hosted by the Antioch Herald, has been rescheduled to Monday night, September 19 at 7:00 p.m. so as not to conflict with the dinner to honor teacher Maria McClain being held, on Thursday, September 22.

Each candidate will have the opportunity to ask two questions of fellow candidates and offer two rebuttals. The audience will have the opportunity to ask questions of the candidates, as well.

Paul Burgarino, the Voter Education & Engagement Specialist with the Contra Costa County Clerk/Recorder-Registrar – Election Division will be the panelist asking the questions of the candidates, Antioch City Clerk Arne Simonsen will serve as time keeper and Herald Publisher Allen Payton will moderate the forum.

The forum will be held in the Antioch City Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 200 H Street, between West 2nd and West 3rd Streets in downtown and will be recorded for later viewing on local cable access TV channels.

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

Calls for Service and Arrest Data Summary:

Time Period: 09/01/16 00:00:00 – 09/07/16 23:59:59

Number of Calls for Service: 1,607

Number of Case Reports: 283

Number of Arrests: 58

Felony: 24

Misdemeanor: 34

Arrests with DUI charge: 7

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

• ·9/8/2016 at 1:00 am, an officer attempted to stop a Honda for traffic related violations. As the officer attempted to close in to make the stop, the driver of the Honda accelerated. A short pursuit was initiated and was terminated once the license was obtained and found to be clear. The vehicle was last seen westbound on Hwy 4. CHP was notified and the registered owner of the vehicle could not be located.
• ·9/8/2016 at 12:05 am, officers located a stolen Honda Civic traveling north bound on Hillcrest Ave. near S. Lake Dr. The officer followed the vehicle until cover could arrive. An enforcement stop was eventually made on the car in front of 16 East 6th St. and the driver, 18 year old Angelina Jaimes, and the passenger 34 year old Michael Scott were arrested without incident. A shaved vehicle ignition key was found in the car’s ignition. Jaimes told officers she had just purchased the car for $250 from a person she refused to identify. Scott was released from the scene pending further investigation and Jaimes was sent to county jail for auto theft.
• ·9/7/2016 at 11:34 pm, 21 year old Breanna Cuevas was contacted during a disturbance investigation in the 5100 block of Grass Valley Way. She was found to have warrants for her arrest for assault and theft and taken into custody without incident. She was booked in to county jail. 20 year old Daddy Webb was contacted with Cuevas during the disturbance investigation. When Cuevas was arrested on the warrants, this upset Webb. He was heavily intoxicated and began yelling he was going to go to jail too. He refused to stop yelling and to go inside. After multiple attempts to calm him down failed, he was arrested. Webb remained agitated and was booked into county jail for public intoxication.
• ·9/7/2016 at 3:19 pm, officers responded to the 100 block of W 6th St. for a report of an assault. When they arrived, a 30 year old female advised her friend, 33 year old Roberto Garcia, was at the house trying to get his hat. While Garcia was in her house they became involved in a physical altercation after she told him to get out and he refused. The female stated Garcia slapped her multiple times and shoved her to the ground causing her to hit her head. Garcia was contacted at the residence by officers, taken into custody and later transported to county jail for felony assault.
• ·9/7/2016 at 12:35 pm, 27 year old Shane Stange punched the front door of the Dollar Tree on Delta Fair Blvd. two times causing the door to break. The estimated cost to fix the door was approximately $1500. Stange was stopped in the Century Plaza and was identified by a witness from Dollar Tree. Stange was found to be on felony probation for vandalism. He was arrested and sent to county jail for felony vandalism and violation of probation.
• ·9/7/2016 at 7:42 am, a traffic officer attempted to make a traffic enforcement stop on a black Nissan Altima at Lone Tree Way at Worrell Road. The vehicle made a u-turn and sped away. The officer attempted to follow the vehicle for about 3/4 of a mile and stopped chasing the vehicle because of the vehicle’s speeds. The Nissan did not have a license plate and he could only tell the driver was an 18-25 year-old male. A similar vehicle was stolen earlier, but it’s unconfirmed it was the same vehicle.
• ·9/7/2016 at 2:25 am, a Pittsburg resident called APD dispatch and stated he was following a BMW 550i that was stolen from his shop in Pittsburg. The victim followed the BMW through the downtown Antioch area, but lost it. Officers found the vehicle occupied in the ARCO parking lot on Contra Loma Blvd. and took the driver, 24 year old Jamaal Morgain into custody. Morgain was transported to APD and later turned over to PPD.
• ·9/6/2016 at 4:51 pm, officers working a proactive detail heard gunshots coming from the Quikstop shopping center at 1108 Sycamore Dr. and observed a vehicle fleeing at a high rate of speed. Officers were well behind the vehicle but followed after it and with the help of citizens were able to locate it on San Jose Dr. Officers found two males in the vehicle, with one suffering from a gunshot wound to his left arm. Both said they were selling marijuana out of their car in the Quikstop parking lot when two males on foot attempted to rob them. One of the males pulled out a gun and shot at the men in the vehicle as they tried to speed away. While fleeing the parking lot, their vehicle collided with three parked cars, causing major damage. The shooting occurred in an area of the parking lot covered by high quality surveillance cameras. From the surveillance video, officers were able to identify two of the involved parties and issued probable cause for their arrest. Both are still outstanding as of this writing.
• ·9/6/2016 at 11:15 am, officers responded to a medical call in the 5100 block of Pioneer Way for a person bleeding. Upon arrival, we learned the resident is a licensed gunsmith and lives at this location. A customer arrived to have her gun inspected and cleaned. She gave the victim the firearm inside the gun case. The resident opened the case and attempted to clear the weapon when he shot himself in the hand. Medical responded and transported the resident to a local hospital. No foul play is suspected.
• ·9/5/2016 at 10:28 pm, security at Contra Loma Estates called to report that 15-20 subjects were going up and down Lemontree Way and Peppertree Way and that something was about to “go down”. Several of the subjects present are known members of the violent local gang. When officers arrived they attempted contact with a suspicious Nissan. The Nissan immediately fled and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit led up Contra Loma Blvd. to James Donlon Blvd. The pursuit went into the S. Royal Links Cir. area where officers briefly lost the vehicle. The vehicle was soon located, abandoned, on S. Royal Links Ct. An extensive area check was conducted but none of the occupants were located. The elderly owner of the vehicle was contacted and advised her daughter should have been in possession of the vehicle.
• ·9/5/2016 at 7:41 pm, officers were dispatched to a suspicious vehicle near the 5100 block of Canada Hills Dr. The license plate came back registered to 38 year old Walter Staton, who officers were aware had probable cause for his arrest in relation to a robbery case. Officers knew he was associated with an address on Canada Hills Dr. and were able to contact him there. Staton was arrested on the probable cause and booked at county jail.
• ·9/5/2016 at 6:17 pm, a 33 year old female called APD dispatch to report her roommate, 25 year old Elysa Salazar, was using heroin in the bathroom. When officers arrived, Salazar was found in front of the apartment. A series of tests were performed and Salazar was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance. She was arrested and booked at county jail.
• ·9/5/2016 at 10:22 am, a resident was in his yard on Alpha Way cleaning up trash that was thrown over the fence by 67 year old Steven Kinder, when Kinder started making threats again. Kinder lived on Helmuth Lane but his house has been red tagged by city code enforcement. According to the victim, Kinder frequents the backyard and throws trash over the fence. When the victim told Kinder to stop throwing trash, Kinder threatened his life. Kinder was arrested and booked into county jail for felony threats.
• ·9/5/2016 at 12:30 am, 30 year old Dmari Crenshaw was southbound on Hillcrest Ave near the Crossings Shopping Center when she side swiped another vehicle. Crenshaw was found to be DUI and arrested. She was later released pending further investigation after providing a blood sample.
• ·9/4/2016 at 10:54 pm, two clerks were working at Quikstop at 1108 Sycamore Dr. when two males entered the business. The two males attempted to distract the employees while a third male quickly entered the business, jumped the counter, and stole a box containing cash. One employee attempted to detain the responsible and a struggled ensued. The employee was eventually pulled away from the suspect by one of the other two males. All three subjects fled the business with the cash.
• ·9/4/2016 at 10:02 pm, 24 year old Armand Theusbox was driving northbound on G St. and ran the stop sign at the intersection with W. 2nd St. at approximately 30 MPH. Theusbox broadsided another vehicle in the intersection, causing major damage to both vehicles. Theusbox and an unknown male passenger immediately fled from the vehicle on foot. Two witnesses happened to be walking near the intersection and saw the collision occur. They pursued Theusbox on foot and were able to detain him and bring him back to the scene. The passenger got away. Theusbox was found to be extremely intoxicated and could barely stand when officers arrived. The occupants of the victim vehicle sustained minor injuries including head, arm, and neck pain. Their parents arrived on scene and transported them to the hospital. Theusbox was medically cleared and booked at county jail after consenting to a blood draw.
• ·9/4/2016 at 9:46 pm, a vehicle was southbound on A St. when it entered the intersection of W 18^th St. on a green light. 21 year old Alexander Finlez was driving his vehicle westbound on W 18^th St. when he failed to stop for the red light. Finlez struck the other vehicle and fled the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was transported to the hospital due to a complaint of pain. Finlez was located at his residence, arrested, booked at APD, and released pending further charges.
• ·9/4/2016 at 11:16 am, 42 year old Cinnamon Heidengren was driving through the Target parking lot in Slatten Ranch shopping center when she struck another vehicle, causing a large scratch on the victim’s car. Cinnamon attempted to leave but witnesses were able to take her keys from her. Cinnamon was contacted and found to be under the influence of alcohol. She was arrested and sent to county jail.
• ·9/4/2016 at 9:25 am, a vehicle was southbound on Somersville Rd. The driver claimed he was being chased by an unknown vehicle when he ran off the roadway at James Donlon Blvd. The vehicle hit a square curb and barbed wire fence on the south east side of the intersection. The driver suffered a broken left arm. He was transported to the hospital for treatment. Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the collision. There is no description on the vehicle allegedly chasing the vehicle that crashed.
• ·9/4/2016 at 6:06 am, 26 year old Hunter Hader was involved in a solo vehicle non-injury collision with the freeway sound wall at D St. and Drake St. There was no damage to the sound wall. Hader was found to be DUI and arrested without incident. Hader was booked at APD and later sent to county jail.
• ·9/4/2016 at 2:08 am, officers responded to Modern Laptop Repair located at 7 E 19^th St. The owners live above the business and heard someone trying to break in. As officers were arriving, they saw 18 year old Leo Ballardo running from Dacia’s Salon, which is next door to the computer repair business. Ballardo was apprehended by officers and found to have property in his possession from the salon. Ballardo gained entry by breaking the front glass door. He was provided first aid by ambulance personnel for minor scrapes and booked into county jail.
• ·9/3/2016 at 10:42 pm, officers contacted 37 year old Jane Malek sitting in her car in the Lowes parking lot on Auto Center Dr. Malek had a warrant for her arrest for auto theft and was arrested. She was later sent to county jail.
• ·9/3/2016 at 10:07 pm, 39 year old Victor Godinez was involved in a traffic collision on Hillcrest Ave. and Hwy 4 and found to be under the influence of alcohol. He was transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the collision. Godinez was arrested and released at the hospital for DUI due to his injuries. Charges are forthcoming.
• ·9/3/2016 at 12:38 am, a traffic enforcement stop was conducted on a van in the area of East 13th St and Marie Ave. in which 37 year old Shane Oroark was a rear passenger in. Oroark had a warrant for his arrest for violation of his parole. Oroark was arrested without incident and booked at county jail.
• ·9/3/2016 at 10:57 pm, the three adult subjects in their 30’s are all roommates and were drinking together at their residence in the 5000 block of Brookcrest Ave. The two males got into an argument over their living arrangements. During the argument, 35 year old Ronald Childers punched the victim in the face numerous times, causing a large laceration to the victim’s lip. Childers was arrested without incident for felony battery and transported to county jail. The victim was transported to the hospital for treatment and later released.
• ·9/3/2016 at 6:19 pm, 35 year old Antoine Ward was at McDonald’s on Mahogany Way with his children attempting to buy food when an employee informed him that the $20 bill he was trying to pay with was counterfeit. Ward was cooperative but wanted the bill back because he didn’t believe it was not authentic. The employee contacted APD and Ward waited for our arrival. Ward was found to have a cite-able warrant out of San Luis Obispo County. He was issued a new court date and released. The counterfeit bill was taken as evidence.
• ·9/3/2016 at 1:43 pm, 23 year old Andre Morgan was contacted in the 800 block of A St. after citizens reported him screaming and yelling at no one. Morgan displayed objective symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance and was arrested and transported to county jail.
• ·9/3/2016 at 8:14 am, 22 year old Demaria Lopez was contacted at Gas City Shell located at 4198 Lone Tree Way after an employee called advising he was bothering customers for money. Lopez had prior arrests and was in the trespass log. He was arrested for trespassing and released from APD on a citation.
• ·9/3/2016 at 5:48 am, an alert resident saw two subjects in her neighborhood of Terrace View Dr. and Wildflower Dr. She saw 20 year old Ralph Spears checking mailboxes and removing items and putting them in a nearby car. Officers responded and located Spears and 24 year old William Millard. Several articles of mail from numerous residents were located in Spears possession. Spears was found to be on probation as well. He admitted to the mail theft and was taken into custody without incident. He was later booked into county jail. Millard was not arrested at this time.
• ·9/3/2016 at 1:17 am, an officer attempted to stop a silver, 2001 Infiniti for an equipment violation. The driver pulled over initially, but as the officer began walking to the car, the subject sped away. The officer did not pursue, but saw the vehicle turn west on West 10th St. and then lost sight of the car. The registered owner was found through a records check and contact was attempted at his address with negative results. The status of the vehicle was unknown at the time and it was last seen westbound West 10th St. towards Pittsburg. Surrounding agencies were notified.
• ·9/2/2016 at 6:08 pm, a male walked into Dollar General located at 20 W 10^th St. wearing a black hoodie and wig. He demanded money at gunpoint and fled on foot going northbound. An extensive area check was conducted but the male was not located. The case is still under investigation.
• ·9/2/2016 at 4:18 pm, dispatch received several calls of a subject breaking into houses in the 2400 block of Sunset Dr. carrying a crowbar. Upon arrival, one of the witnesses pointed out 47 year old Mario Hernandez who was pacing across the street. When officers tried contacting him, Hernandez ran from officers. He was detained and resisted arrest until he was eventually taken into custody. Due to injuries he sustained during the arrest and his accelerated heart rate, he was taken to the hospital. Hernandez admitted to using methamphetamine and was delusional. Once medically cleared he was booked into county jail.
• ·9/2/2016 at 4:13 am, a 20 year old male showed up at the hospital seeking treatment for an injury to his face. He told medical staff he was hit in the face by a pipe during an argument with a subject at a house in the 1600 block of Wisner Dr. He refused to identify the responsible. The victim suffered a broken jaw and became uncooperative. He refused to provide any further information. Officers responded to the residence and located 21 year old Isiah Olsen and other subjects in the garage. It was learned the victim got upset for unknown reasons and began picking fights with everyone in the garage. The victim went after Olsen, who is much smaller than him, and began to assault Olsen. Olsen was cornered and feared for his safety used a metal pipe and struck the victim once on the head. The victim drove himself to the hospital for treatment. Olsen was arrested and released per pending further investigation. Other witnesses on scene gave statements similar to Olsen’s.
• ·9/1/2016 at 10:15 pm, a 57 year old resident in the 2400 block of Forty Niner Way just exited his vehicle and was standing in his garage when a dark colored vehicle stopped in front of his residence. A male adult exited the car and came into the garage pointing a gun at the victim demanding his property. The victim gave the suspect his watch, wallet, and phone. The suspect ran back to the waiting vehicle and fled the area. The victim was not injured and the responsibles were not located during an extensive area check.
• ·9/1/2016 at 5:34 pm, an officer attempted to contact 29 year old Theodore Dirckx who was working on his truck in front of his home in the 2800 block of Point Reyes Ct. The officer knew there was felony probable cause to arrest Dirckx for domestic violence and an outstanding warrant. When Dirckx saw the officer, he turned and started to walk towards his house. The officer ordered Dirckx to stop, but he did not and continued inside his house. 34 year old Heather Paulson locked the door on officers. She stated she was aware he had a warrant but refused to allow them inside to make the arrest. Entry was made to Dirckx’s home during which time several loud announcements were made prior to a K9 deployment. Dirckx again did not comply with lawful orders and he was eventually found and apprehended by a police K9 hiding underneath a bed. He was taken to the hospital as a result of the dog bite. He was later medically cleared and transported to county jail. Paulson was arrested and later cite released for interfering with officers.
• ·9/1/2016 at 3:34 pm, an officer was driving eastbound on W 6th St. near B St. when 59 year old Michael Howe passed him. The officer started to make a U-Turn at B St. when Howe took off at a high rate of speed. The officer followed Howe for several blocks until he drove onto the sidewalk on W 9^th St, struck a retaining wall, then drove onto W 10th Street where he struck another vehicle broadside. Howe then fled his vehicle on foot. When the officer got to the scene of the collision, citizens started pointing out the direction Howe had fled. The officer caught up with Howe who was now holding a hammer. Howe was subdued by the officer with a Taser and later found in possession of 12.1 grams of methamphetamine. The driver of the vehicle Howe struck was transported to the hospital for complaint of pain. Howe is on parole and was arrested on several felony narcotics charges and for hit and run and was transported to county jail.
• ·9/1/2016 at 9:52 am, APD dispatch received a suspicious circumstance call of a possible burglary at a home in the 4800 block of Highlands Way. Officers arrived on scene and found a window to the residence broken out. A security sweep was conducted and a marijuana grow was found inside of the house. The power was found to be bypassed and about 150 marijuana plants were located inside of the house. Detectives were called out and took over the investigation. This case is still under investigation.
• ·9/1/2016 at 9:35 am, an officer saw 44 year old Anthony Davis walking on Auto Center Dr. and knew he is on parole for homicide. The officer conducted a records check on Davis and found him to have a parolee-at-large warrant. Davis was arrested and sent to county jail.

 

By Sergeant Tom Fuhrmann, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 7:56 a.m. a 13 year old girl was walking on West 10th Street at J Street on her way to school. As she passed by the Bonfare Market she was approached by a 34 year old Antioch man who was later identified as Bernard Cain. Cain walked with the girl and made small talk with her. At one point during the walk Cain grabbed the girl by the wrist and she struggled to get away. Cain pulled her close and hugged her and briefly sexually assaulted the girl. She was able to break free and run to school where she told school officials. School officials notified the police.

Based off of the description the girl gave police, Officers were able to quickly locate Cain in the area of the Bonfare Market, where he was subsequently taken into custody without incident.

Cain was previously identified earlier this year (1/13/16) as the responsible that attempted to lure a 14 year old girl walking home from school on W. 10^th Street near L Street into his car. On that occasion the girl ran from Cain and made it home and told her mother.

The next day, the same girl saw Cain in his vehicle and called her mother. Her mother picked her up and looked for the vehicle. They located the vehicle, obtained the license plate and notified police. Police at that time were unable to locate Cain and did not have a current address for him.

Both of these cases were presented to the Office of the District Attorney and Cain has been charged with Committing a Lewd or Lascivious on a Child and another count of the same to include by force. He is also being charged with one count of Annoying or Molesting a Child.

Cain remains in custody in the Contra Costa County Jail. Cain has been known to drive a white, 2001, 4-door, Buick sedan. Investigators believe there are potentially additional victims of Cain that have not come forward to report contacts with Cain.

Anybody having information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Perkinson at (925) 779-6932.

This case is still under investigation. No further information will be released at this time. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.