Fiona Ma

Antioch City Councilmember Monica Wilson announced on Wednesday she has earned the backing of Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma, in her supervisorial campaign.

According to a news release from Wilson’s campaign, Ma currently serves over 9.5 million Californians on the Board of Equalization for District 2, which stretches from Santa Barbara County to the Oregon border and overlaps all of the third supervisorial district in Contra Costa. The Board of Equalization is the only publicly elected state tax commission and collects more than $50 billion in state taxes every year while holding meetings to hear business, income and property tax appeals.

“When I heard Monica was running for Supervisor, I knew Contra Costa had a great opportunity to elect a leader on transportation and the economy,” said Ma.

Wilson is Antioch’s alternate on two transportation boards, the East Contra Costa Regional Fee & Finance Authority and the State Route 4 By-Pass Authority, according to Antioch City Clerk Arne Simonsen. She has attended one meeting of those boards.

Ma won her election to the Board of Equalization with over 68% of the vote in November 2014.

Prior to serving on the Board of Equalization, Ma served in the California State Assembly from 2006 until 2012 for the 12th District and was the first Asian woman to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore and as Assembly Majority Whip for three years. She first got her start as a small business owner and Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and was an elected delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business under President Clinton aimed at advocating policies to Congress that help small businesses grow in the modern age.

“Fiona is trailblazer, and I’m honored to have her support and mentorship in my campaign,” said Wilson.

Wilson is one of six candidates running in the District 3 Supervisor race. The election will be held June 7th. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, the two candidates to receive the most votes will face off in the General Election in November.

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking individuals with sound knowledge and experience in the field of public and private finance, to serve on the Treasury Oversight Committee (Committee). To be considered, candidates must be County residents, and may not be employed by an entity that has contributed to the reelection campaign of the County Treasurer or a member of the Board of Supervisors in the previous three years, may not directly or indirectly raise money for the County Treasurer or a member of the Board of Supervisors while a member of the Committee, and may not secure employment with bond underwriters, bond counsel, security brokerages or dealers or with financial services firms for three years after leaving the Committee.

The Committee meets quarterly on the third Tuesday of the month at 3:00 p.m. at 625 Court St, Room B001, Martinez, CA 94553, for approximately one hour. Its duties include reviewing and monitoring the County Treasurer’s annual investment policy, and ensuring an annual audit is conducted to determine the County Treasurer’s compliance with Government Code §§27130-27137. The annual audits, meeting agendas and minutes of the Committee are available online. Members of the Committee receive no compensation for their service. The Board of Supervisors will appoint to fill two vacancies for a four-year term ending on April 30, 2020. The new appointees will fill the seats of either the Representative of the Board or a Public Member At-Large.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 335-1900 or by clicking on the following link: Application Form. Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, Room 106, County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553 no later than Friday, March 4, 2016 by 5 p.m. More information about the Treasury Oversight Committee can be obtained by calling Russell Watts at (925) 975-2888 or visiting the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s website at www.cctax.us.

By Nick Goodrich

The Antioch Unified School District Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, February 17th and opened with the unveiling of a new AUSD commercial aimed at increasing attendance in Antioch schools, which has been a problem in recent years.

During public comments section, several parents of District schoolchildren brought complaints or questions before the Board. One parent, Julie Young, informed the Board that the California Department of Education recently released the records of some students in the District, as a result of an ongoing court case. As a result of Concerned Parents Association vs. California Department of Education, records were authorized for release of some students who have attended schools since up to 2008. Information made available in the Department of Education’s archives include these students’ state test scores, GPA’s, and attendance records, among others. The Board was able to waylay these fears to some extent by acknowledging that only students involved in the case would have their records released.

Soon after public comments, the Board made their choice of Leadership Associates official in their hunt for a new Superintendent. The search firm was voted in 5-0 Wednesday night, after being decided on during the last Board meeting on January 20th to glowing reviews. With the search heating up, the Board can begin the next steps to finding the District’s new Superintendent.

One issue raised during Wednesday’s meeting was that of digitalization. It is common practice for school districts to adopt new textbooks and update course materials that will last for up to a decade or more, and districts almost always pay in advance for the new set of books. The board voted to do so on Wednesday, as a result of the District’s adoption of Common Core.

However, as part of a larger conversation dating to last year, some members of the Board wondered whether paying in advance for 8 years of books is a good idea in what is rapidly becoming a paperless world. In fact, Wednesday’s meeting marked the first time the Board has been able to review their full meeting packets on computers, rather than receiving stacks of paper to sort through. This came about as a result of Claire Smith’s suggestion to save paper and condense the packets.

“What is the logic in paying eight years in advance for Common Core textbooks and curriculum?” asked tew Trustee Fernando Navarro. “We’re in an election year, and the next administration may not agree with Common Core.”

He also noted that several Districts have begun experimenting with digitalizing some aspects of their curriculum. Smith echoed this concern, wondering if the District would be “locked in” to a paper curriculum in the event that digitalization became a viable option in the near future. Board staff answered that while the books were Common Core, they still presented a good curriculum and could be used even if Common Core was thrown out in the next several years; and they informed the Board that it did not appear digitalization of the District would be likely within the time frame of the 8-year book contract.

Board Member Debra Vinson was on board with the adoption of the textbooks, but had some cautionary advice in the careful choosing of which books to adopt. She reminded the room that in the past, the District has bought books that sat unused for years, as they became obsolete soon after being adopted.

The Antioch School Board last adopted books in 2003. After a spirited debate among the Board, they voted 3-2 during the February 17^th meeting to adopt the textbooks, with Navarro and Diane Gibson-Gray dissenting.

The Board then turned to a discussion of the vendors they employ to run mentor and college preparation programs, among others, in the District. These vendors are contracted by the District to increase students’ knowledge and ability in the college application process and prepare them for state tests, while also offering programs to help students in their classes.

However, as noted by the Board, oversight and accountability has been lacking in the District’s vendor process. This was brought to a head when a vendor working for the District asked for a $25,000 increase in pay from the previous years’ deal, or they would not be able to fully meet the contract’s requirements in serving District schoolchildren.

The Board was not pleased, and discussed how to better oversee vendor operations and revamp the vendor selection process to avoid situations like this one in the future. Board Member Walter Ruehlig suggested unannounced visits to vendor-hosted programs, in order to increase accountability and keep vendors on track. Daily reports on vendor expenditures were raised as a solution. Debra Vinson said that some groups, which get Title I funding without having to report much information to the District or the government, should be held to the same standard as those who don’t receive the funding. “We need to be more vigilant about monitoring data from all our vendors,” she said.

Members of the vendor in question were present at the meeting. Synitha Walker told the Board that her organization, Parents Connected, offers financial aid workshops, summer programs, and college tours for students, among other opportunities, and that the vendor employees do not receive a salary; they work full-time on a volunteer basis, and all the funding from the district goes straight to the students. If there is a rise in costs, she stated, it is for the students’, and not the vendors’, benefit.

In all, after another lengthy consideration, the Board voted against the extra $25,000 for the vendor. However, they promised to shore up processes and set new standards for vendor contracts in the future, and will look into taking action in future meetings.

Sacramento – On Wednesday, Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D – Oakley) received the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers’ (CACVSO) legislator of the year award.

“These men and women have served our country in the greatest capacity. It is an honor to receive this award today,” said Assemblymember Frazier. “I admire the CVSOs’ commitment to serve veterans and relish any opportunity to be part of their hard work.”

Assemblymember Frazier authored AB 935 in 2014, which allows a special designation to be placed on a driver’s license to identify the person as a veteran. This makes it easier for veterans to access crucial services and benefits. Since the implementation of the bill in November 2015, CACVSO has issued 14,184 eligibility forms for the new license.

“We could never fully repay the debt of gratitude owed to our veterans. This designation ensures they receive every benefit that they are entitled,” stated Assemblymember Frazier. “I am proud to announce that since this option became available three months ago, over 1,458 veterans – who were unaware they qualified – have filed claims with the federal Veterans Administration (VA) for federal benefits through their local CVSO.”

With veteran’s claims in California averaging $18,000 annually it is estimated that these new claims will bring in an additional $26,244,000 in federal funds with the potential to bring in $750,000,000 annually to our veterans. This money goes directly to our veterans.

To learn more about how to receive a “veteran” designation on your driver’s license, please visit: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/coi/veterans/veterans_driver_license

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.

By Nick Goodrich

On Tuesday night, February 24, 2016, the Antioch City Council made a firm statement by removing Lamar Thorpe from the Antioch Economic Development Commission, and sending the card room initiative he supported to the city ballot in June.

Thorpe, an Antioch resident and former City Council candidate, was also removed from his position as a Standby Council Member or alternate for Council Member Monica Wilson, along with his wife Patrice Guillory. Wilson’s sole remaining alternate is former Mayor Antioch Donald Freitas, President of the Antioch Historical Society.

Thorpe is one of three Antioch residents listed as proponents of the petition for an ordinance that would limit the number of card rooms in Antioch to two, requiring a vote of the people for a the second one. Funded by the Pacheco-based California Grand Casino, which helped fund a mailer against the re-opening of Kelly’s Card Room a few years ago, the initiative forced the City Council to decide to either adopt the ordinance as presented, or send it to the June ballot, incurring a cost to the city’s General Fund between $132,771 and $177,028. Thorpe openly stated in a letter to the editor that he and his wife Patrice Guillory were leaders in the effort to put the initiative before City Council.

During the Council’s last meeting on February 9^th, Mayor Wade Harper and the Council Members discussed and subsequently sent the issue to the ballot in June. They reaffirmed their decision on Tuesday night and included an argument against it on a 4-0 vote, with Wilson abstaining. During the meeting, she admitted she had signed the petition for the card room initiative during its circulation, but stated that she did so in order for the ordinance to go to the ballot so that Antioch residents could have a say in the issue. Regarding her decision to abstain from the vote on Tuesday night, Wilson said “I just want to hear the voice of the voters.”

The City Council received some criticism for its decision to send the ordinance to the ballot at the city’s cost. One resident urged Council to simply adopt the ordinance as it was presented in the petition, and use the money the city would save in policing efforts. But the Council saw the initiative as a bigger issue: Would Antioch’s decisions be made by outside interests? During the last Council meeting, Harper determined that it would not, saying, “Antioch will not be bullied.”

During public comments, Tuesday evening, Wilson came under fire from several community members for her votes to abstain on the ballot language as well as for voting to remove Thorpe and Guillory as her City Council alternates.

Following the ballot measure vote, Antioch resident and one-time Council candidate Karl Dietzel took Wilson to task.

“I’m very disappointed in your double-sided decision making process,” he said.

Willie Mims, a non-resident but active member of the East County community, spoke before the Council.

“Lamar and Patrice were the victims of a bullying attack.” Mims asked, “Did any of you ask Lamar? Did any of you get his side of the story?”

In his letter to the editor published on this newspaper’s website, Thorpe defended his actions, saying that the current ordinance Antioch has in place leaves too many loopholes and was a “halfhearted effort” by the City Council to regulate gambling in the city.

However, Council Member Tony Tiscareno rebutted that statement.

“This wasn’t a truly local issue that folks brought in, this was originated by an outside agency, another casino,” he said.

The Council unanimously supported Wilson’s decision to remove both Thorpe and Guillory as alternates for City Council.

Following his removal as an alternate, the Council made Thorpe’s immediate removal from the Economic Development Commission official in a unanimous vote. Several residents spoke out both in support and in opposition of the decision, but in light of the recent events surrounding the card room initiative, City Council had made up its mind.

Thorpe spoke in his own defense, saying he was being removed because of a disagreement with the City Council over the card room issue.

In a rare display of public criticism, Council Member Mary Rocha added her concerns about Thorpe, separate from his leadership in the card room initiative effort. She spoke of a meeting in Concord at which Thorpe was publicly critical of the Antioch City Council and the city in general.

“There’s certain times that individuals have to have respect for the City,” Rocha said.

Harper added his comments about Thorpe before the Council took action.

“When you serve the City of Antioch as a Commissioner, you are representing the City of Antioch,” he said. “To prevent any further conflict of interest, I do not think he should serve on the Antioch Economic Development Commission.”

Following a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock, the Council voted unanimously to remove Thorpe from the commission, effective immediately.

Vote for Your Favorite Antioch Businesses  for Gold, Silver and Bronze awards and You’ll be Entered to Win Prizes from Local Businesses!

Our annual awards program is back to recognize those Antioch businesses, which the people like most.

The 2016 Antioch People’s Choice Awards will honor the best businesses as determined by your votes.

Be sure to see the official ballot on pages 13 and 14 of this issue, cut it out, write in your choices and mail or drop it off at our office at 101 H Street, Waldie Plaza, Suite 3 in downtown Antioch.

Ballots must be received by Friday, March 11 to be counted.

Winning businesses will be announced in our April issue and be given special decals for their business windows, and be able to use one of the logos, above in their advertising, throughout the year.

One ballot per person. Copies are accepted. Ballots will be entered into a drawing to win gift certificates from local businesses.

Download a copy of the ballot, here: 2016 People’s Choice ballot web

HIGHWAY LANE CLOSURES:

State Route 4:

There will be highway lane closures in the westbound direction of State Route 4 between Railroad Avenue and Contra Loma on Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

There will be highway lane closures in the eastbound direction of State Route 4 between Bailey Road and Contra Loma on Monday through Friday from 4:30 am to 12:00 pm.

There will be highway lane closures in the eastbound direction or State Route 4 between A St. and Hillcrest Ave. Saturday morning from 12:00 am to 5:00 am.

State Route 160:

There are no highway lane closures of State Route 160 planned for this week.

RAMP CLOSURES:

There will be a ramp closure at the Hillcrest Ave. eastbound on ramp Saturday morning from 1:00 am to 5:00 am and Sunday morning from 1:00 am to 6:00 am.

For questions or comments please send e-mail to info@4eastcounty.org.

Will decide on argument against card room ballot measure, to make City Treasurer appointed position

By Allen Payton

Following the Antioch City Council decision, at their last meeting, to place a card room initiative on the June ballot, they will consider removing two of the three proponents from city positions. Lamar Thorpe and his wife Patrice Guillory are listed as proponents of the card room initiative and in a letter to the editor, Thorpe admitted he’s a leader in the effort. Thorpe is a member of the Antioch Economic Development Commission, and both he and Guillory were selected by Council Member Monica Wilson as two of her three Standby Council Members.

Also in Thorpe’s letter he stated that one of the council members had signed the petition to place the measure on the ballot. Wilson later revealed that she was the one who had signed the petition.

On Tuesday’s Antioch Council meeting agenda, item 7 is listed as “Council Member Wilson Alternates for City Council Service” and reads “It is recommended that the City Council receive Council member Wilson’s notice that she is removing Lamar Thorpe and Patrice Guillory as alternates to serve in her place on the City Council if she is unable to fulfill her duty as a City Council Member in times of declared emergencies.”

Standby Council Members or alternates serve in the place of elected City Council Members in times of declared emergencies when the Council Member is either dead or unavailable.

Wilson submitted a letter on Tuesday, February 16 stating “I am giving notice that as of today…Lamar Thorpe and Patrice Guillory are no longer my alternates for city council.”

Then, under item 8 of Tuesday night’s council meeting agenda, listed as “Removal of Economic Development Commission Member,” it reads “It is recommended that the City Council ratify Mayor Harper’s desire to remove Lamar Thorpe from the Antioch Economic Development Commission effective immediately.”

The city staff report states “Mayor Harper would like to have Lamar Thorpe removed from the Economic Development Commission due to Mr. Thorpe’s involvement with the Card Room Initiative, which is sponsored by the California Grand Casino in Pacheco, California and is in the electoral process in the City of Antioch.”

Both Wilson and Harper have announced their intention to run for County Supervisor in District 3 in the June election.

Also on the agenda, the Council will determine if it wants to submit an argument against the card room ballot initiative, as well as include a separate measure to change the City Treasurer’s position from elected to appointed. That move will save the city approximately $22,400 per year and is in response to a suggestion by current City Treasurer Donna Conley.

The Council meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, at 3rd and H Steet, and can be viewed on Comcast Local Cable Channel 24 or via live stream on the city’s website at www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CityGov/citycouncilmeetings.htm.