As published in City Manager Steve Duran’s Weekly Report dated December 4, 2015 and provided by Chief of Police Allan Cantando.

– On 12/2/2015 at 10:51 pm, officers responded to 3141 S. Francisco Way regarding a “911” call advising 44 year old Luis Flores was acting strangely after eating a pizza laced with marijuana. Officers contacted Flores and learned through a records check he had an outstanding No Bail arrest warrant for failure to comply with his requirements as a registered sex offender. He was arrested and booked at the county jail.

– On 12/2/2015 at 9:43 pm, an officer was parked in front of the Big Lots store at 2521 Somersville Rd. The manager exited the store and called to the officer pointing out a male, later identified as 48 year old Zolton Scott, pushing a shopping cart out the store filled with stolen merchandise. The officer could also hear the door exit sensor alarm sounding as Scott exited. The officer ordered Scott to stop and he failed to comply. The officer attempted to detain Scott and a struggle ensued when Scott became combative. Scott was able to break free and attempted to flee. The officer gave chase and tackled Scott and the fight continued. Multiple officers responded and assisted with taking Scott into custody. Scott was booked at the county jail on charges of theft and felony assault on a police officer. The stolen merchandise was valued at $344.50. Scott and the officer both suffered minor injuries during the struggle.

– On 12/2/2015 at 5:30 pm, officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Nash Ave. regarding a disturbance. Upon their arrival, officers spoke with the involved parties and determined it was only verbal in nature.  While speaking with 33 year old Terrance Smith, he was searched and found to be in possession of a sawed off shotgun. The gun had been modified by cutting the barrel and stock.  The shotgun was located in a laptop bag over his shoulder along with numerous shotgun shells. He was taken into custody without incident.  In speaking with him about the gun, he admitted he knew it was a crime to possess but was planning on turning it in later in the day.  He claimed to have found it on the street near Wilbur in a garbage can. Smith was booked at the county jail.

– On 12/2/2015 at 1:14 pm, officers responded to 2137 Bamboo Way in order to assist the water department during the investigation of a possible water bypass. The subjects on the premises were causing a disturbance and being uncooperative. Kelly Glaze, 21 years old, was contacted at the residence and admitted to being the primary renter along with her boyfriend, 39 year old Gary Mitchell.  A records check determined Glaze was on several grants of probation with a full search clause. Officers searched the residence and discovered a recently stolen car in the garage and a sawed off shotgun and ammunition in Glaze and Mitchell’s bedroom.  Glaze and her elderly grandmother were the only occupants at the residence when police arrived. The water to the house was found to be bypassed and subsequently shut off.  Kelly was arrested and the house was red-tagged by code enforcement.  After police left the location, an officer located Mitchell nearby. Mitchell, a convicted felon, was detained without incident and found to have two loaded pistols in a backpack he was carrying.  The investigation identified Mitchell as the person who brought the stolen car to the house earlier in the day. Mitchell was arrested without incident. He and Kelly were both booked at the county jail on weapon and auto theft related charges.  Kelly was also booked for violating the terms of her probation.

– On 12/2/2015 at 12:32 pm, officers responded to a disturbance at 1111 James Donlon Blvd. The responsible had left the area on foot prior to officers arriving. Officers located the subject nearby. He was identified as 31 year old Christopher Smith. A records check revealed Smith had three outstanding arrest warrants charging possession of a controlled substance, vandalism and driving on a suspended license. He was arrested without incident and later booked at the county jail.

– On 1/21/2015 at 6:36 pm, officers were dispatched to a possible burglary in progress at the Church of the Rock at 50 Walton Ln.  Upon arrival, they determined no burglary had taken place but located 26 year old James Tillman on the premises. Tilman was smoking methamphetamine and exhibited symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. Tilman was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of probation.  He was booked at the county jail.

– On 12/2/15 at 6:21 am, an officer observed a stolen vehicle traveling in front of his patrol vehicle on Hillcrest Ave. The officer followed the vehicle as it pulled into the parking lot of the 76 gas station at 2700 Hillcrest Ave. The officer arrested the driver, 39 year old Neel Narayan, without incident.  Narayan was later booked at the county jail on auto theft charges.

– On 12/2/2015 at 12:12 am, an officer was driving through the parking lot of the Economy Inn at 520 E.18th St. The officer saw a female getting items out of a parked Honda Accord.  Upon running the license plate, it was determined the car was reported stolen. The officer detained the female who was identified as 34 year old Frankie Garcia.  A subsequent search of her purse yielded a .38 ca. revolver.  Garcia was subsequently arrested and booked at the county jail on weapon and auto theft related charges.

– On 12/1/2015 at 5:51 pm, officers located 51 year old Ronnie Rector loitering in front of the Don Brown Shelter at 1401 W 4th St. The officers were aware there was an outstanding parole hold for Rector who was out of compliance with his sex offender registration and failed to report to his parole officer.  He was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

– On 12/1/2015 at 1:39 pm, officers responded to 521 E.18th St. regarding a loud disturbance. One of the involved parties, 31 year old Gino Jones, was contacted walking away from the house and detained.  He was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and on probation.  Jones was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and violation of probation and later booked at the county jail.

– On 11/30/2015 at 9:48 pm, an officer followed a green Honda Civic as it pulled into the Economy Inn at 520 E.18th St.  A records check on the license plate revealed it was reported stolen out of Pleasant Hill.  The vehicle pulled into a parking stall and all three occupants were arrested without incident.  The driver, 24 year old Kylee Madison, was booked at the county jail on charges of auto theft. The passengers, 33 year old Michael Scott and 30 year old Mary Schader, were later released pending further investigation.

– On 11/30/2015 at 7:46 pm, a 31 year old male arrived at the Antioch Police Department and reported he and his girlfriend were at Cruisers bar at 1611 “A” St. His girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend, 29 year old Thomas Davis, was also in the bar and assaulted him. Davis punched him knocking the victim to the floor.  Once he was on the floor, Davis stomped on his head several times with boots.  The victim left the bar and came to APD to report the assault.  He had bruising around his eye in a pattern consistent with that of the heal outline of a boot. Officers responded to Cruisers and took Davis into custody.  The bar video which would have captured the assault, apparently malfunctioned or was deactivated just as the assault was about to occur. Davis was booked at the county jail for assault with a deadly weapon.

– On 11/30/2015 at 6:08 am, an officer contacted 44 year old Bridget Hall at 1803 Evergreen Ave. A computer check indicated she had an outstanding arrest warrant charging DUI. Hall was issued a promise to appear and released from the scene.

– On 11/30/2015 at 2:27 am, an officer contacted 34 year old Michael Kyle at E.6th and “A” streets. A records check revealed Kyle had two outstanding arrest warrants charging possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and burglary. Kyle was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

– On 11/29/2015 at 5:55 pm, dispatch received a call regarding a vehicle on W.10th St. driving into oncoming traffic. Officers responded and upon arrival located the vehicle in the parking lot of the Bonfare Market at 907 W.10th St. Officers contacted the driver, 50 year old Rafi Nawabi, who exhibited symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol.  Nawabi was arrested and booked for DUI. He was later released on a promise to appear.

– On 11/29/2015 at 2:00 pm, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at 1911 “D” St. The rear plate was duct-taped to the vehicle and a records check indicated it had been reported as a stolen license plate.  The driver, 25 year old Raymond Castro, was detained without incident. A records check was conducted on the vehicle identification number and the vehicle was determined to also be reported stolen. Castro was arrested and later booked at the county jail for auto theft and possession of stolen property.

– On 11/29/2015 at 1:04 pm, officers were dispatched to Macy’s at 2500 Somersville Rd. regarding a combative shoplifter. The investigation revealed that 24 year old Makineti Sanft selected merchandise valued at over $2100.00 and exited the store without attempting to pay for the items. A loss prevention officer followed her out of the store as she fled. The loss prevention officer detained Sanft after a brief struggle. Officers arrested Sanft for grand theft and assault. She was booked at the county jail.

– On 11/29/2015 at 4:17 am, officers responded to the Riverview Lodge at 1 “I” St. regarding a disturbance. The officers made contact with 26 year old John Appling and 22 year old Alana Goddard.  A records check revealed both subjects had outstanding arrest warrants. Appling had a warrant for possession of a controlled substance and driving on a suspended license. Goddard had a warrant for the prostitution. Both were arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

– On 11/29/2015 at 3:30 am, an officer was patrolling his beat when he noticed a suspicious vehicle at the foot of “G” Street.  The officer contacted the occupant of the car, 27 year old Brandi Harris, who had outstanding arrest warrants charging assault with a deadly weapon, grand theft and insurance fraud. She was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

– On 11/28/2015 at 10:08 pm, officers responded 1809 “A” St. regarding a man with a rifle hidden in his jacket.  Upon arrival, officers located and detained 25 year old Nathan Watson, who matched the description of the subject with the rifle. The rifle was determined to be a BB gun. Watson was exhibiting symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. He was arrested without incident and later booked at the county jail for being under the influence of a controlled substance and a probation violation.

– On 11/28/2015 at 9:56 pm, an officer was in the 1100 block of Klengal St. conducting follow up on a case when he encountered 49 year old Mark Fosselman at a residence. The officer recognized  Fosselman and was aware he had an outstanding arrest warrant for possession for sale of a controlled substance. Fosselman was placed under arrest without incident and searched. The officer located methamphetamine on his person along with 7 methadone pills. Fosselman was booked at the county jail on the warrant as well as possession of a controlled substance.

– On 11/28/2015 at 1:35 pm, officers responded to the Wells Fargo Bank at 2601 Somersville Rd. regarding a subject attempting to cash a stolen check. As officers arrived, they stopped the suspect who was the passenger in a vehicle leaving the scene. The investigation determined 33 year old Jacob Cooper entered the bank and attempted to cash a check which had been stolen during an auto burglary in Walnut Creek. When he realized the police were on their way, he left the bank and got into an awaiting vehicle leaving his ID card and the check with the teller. Officers identified the driver of the vehicle as 32 year old Anthony Tarlton. Tarlton was searched and found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Both subjects were arrested and later booked at the county jail.

– On 11/27/2015 at 8:14 pm, officers responded to a multi-vehicle collision at Somersville Road and Hwy 4. The investigation determined two vehicles were stopped at a red light. Caitlin Coleman, 31 years old, was behind them and failed to stop for the light. Coleman’s vehicle rear ended one car pushing it into another. After the first collisions, Coleman hit the gas again and rear ended the same vehicle a second time causing it to strike the car in front of it again. No injuries were reported. Colemen was exhibiting symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance and was subsequently arrested for DUI. She was booked at the county jail.

– On 11/27/2015 at 9:30 am, officers responded to Antioch Chrysler-Jeep at 1810 Auto Center Drive regarding an auto theft. The investigation revealed that 37 year old Patrick Farmer and 31 year old Gina Dimercurio asked a sales person if they could listen to the motor of a 2012 Dodge Challenger that was for sale. The sales person handed Farmer the key. Farmer fled in the vehicle leaving Dimercurio behind. Employees detained Dimercurio and called police. Dimercurio admitted to planning the vehicle theft with Farmer and was also in possession of narcotics. She was arrested and later cite released on a promise to appear. A records check determined  Farmer had several outstanding arrest warrants including one for being a parolee at large. Farmer and the stolen vehicle are still outstanding.

– On 11/27/2015 at 7:59 am, officers were dispatched to the 4800 block of Belford Peak Way regarding the report of a residential burglary that just occurred. The victim found two males in his residence. The burglars fled on foot with an I-phone, new PS4 video games, and cologne. The investigation determined the burglars entered the home by prying a window open while the homeowner and his family were sleeping. An hour earlier, officers had contacted 19 year old Eric Fields and a 14 year old male in the area during a suspicious person call. Officers suspected that they may have been involved in the burglary. Police drove by Fields home residence and observed them exiting the residence. They were contacted and the home was searched for loot from the burglary. All of the stolen items from the burglary were located in the front room concealed inside a piano seat. The 14 year old male juvenile was booked at juvenile hall for burglary. Fields was booked at the county jail on the same charge.

– On 11/27/2015 at 3:19 am, an officer made contact with 25 year old John Cowell who was walking in the parking lot of the 7-11 Store at 3701 Sunset Ln. A records check revealed an outstanding arrest warrant issued out of Walnut Creek charging being under the influence of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and possession of drug paraphernalia. Cowell was arrested and later booked at the county jail.

– On 11/27/2015 at 1:00 am, an officer was patrolling in the area of the businesses in the 2700 block of Hillcrest Ave. The officer contacted a male sleeping in a car. The male identified himself as 44 year old Gary Sanford. While speaking to Sanford, the officer saw a small plastic bag with a white crystal like substance and several hypodermic syringes in the lower drivers’ side door pocket. The suspected methamphetamine and hypodermic syringes were seized from the door pocket. Sanford confessed to owning the contraband. He was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. It was determined Sanford was on probation for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Sanford was booked at the county jail for his charges as well as violation of probation.

– On 11/26/2015 at 3:14 pm, an officer located 46 year old Sandra Rosemon inside the Delta Pines Apartment complex at 2301 Sycamore Dr. The officer was aware she had an outstanding arrest warrant charging violation of a restraining order. Rosemon was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

– On 11/26/2015 at 8:34 am, 28 year old Joshua Smith was contacted at a residence in the 2400 block of Lemon Tree Way during a medical call. A records check indicated Smith had an outstanding arrest warrant charging check fraud issued out of Sacramento County. Smith was arrested without incident and later booked at the county jail.

– On 11/26/2015 at 7:52 am, an officer made contact with 28 year old Cameron Alexander who was walking in the 2700 block of Hillcrest Ave. A records check revealed he had an outstanding arrest warrant charging felony evasion of police while driving and auto theft. He was arrested without incident and later booked at the county jail.

– On 11/24/2015 at 9:11 pm, an officer was patrolling Sycamore Dr. The officer saw what he suspected to be drug sales occurring from a vehicle parked in front of the smoke shop at 1092 Sycamore Dr. Officers made contact the occupant of the vehicle, 22 year old Lamar Kelley. A search of the vehicle was conducted and yielded evidence of marijuana sales including cash, a scale and marijuana. Kelley was arrested without incident and later booked at the county jail on the charge of possession for sale of marijuana.

– On 11/24/2015 at 2:59 pm, officers made contact with 21 year old Anthony Kutzman in the 4700 block of Blackburn Peak Ct. They were aware he had an outstanding arrest warrant charging petty theft. Kutzman was contacted and arrested without incident for his warrant.  He was later booked at the county jail.

– On 11/24/2015 at 1:15 pm, an officer was patrolling in the 800 block of W.10th St. when he observed 53 year old Michael Jiles driving. The officer was aware Jiles was on probation and had a search and seizure clause. The officer conducted an enforcement stop and contacted Jiles. Upon conducting a probation search, the officer found drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine. Jiles was arrested and later booked at the county jail on charges of possessing drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance as well as violating his probation.

– On 11/24/2015 at 12:06 pm, an officer was patrolling the area of Cavallo Rd. and E.18th St. The officer saw a vehicle which was involved in a burglary reported on 11/16/2015. A male exited the vehicle and started running on Cavallo Rd. Police detained the male who was identified as 31 year old James Jarrard. It was later discovered he was on parole for auto theft.  A search of his person yielded a drug paraphernalia and eight shaved keys (commonly used to steal vehicles). The suspect vehicle was stopped and the driver was detained and identified as 28 year old Michael Gunton. The officer noted Gunton was wearing the same clothing that one of the suspects had on in the footage captured from surveillance cameras at the scene of the burglary. Jarrard and Gunton were arrested and later booked at the county jail.

– On 11/24/2015 at 12:01 am, an officer contacted 44 year old Anthony Davis at 1000 Claudia Ct. during a suspicious circumstance call.  The officer remembered there was probable cause to arrest Davis for a stabbing that occurred in September.  Davis was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

– On 11/23/2015 at 2:16 pm, officers responded to California Check Cashing at 2954 Delta Fair Blvd. regarding a subject attempting to cash a stolen check. Officers arrived and detained 26 year old Victoria Houchins without incident.  The check was confirmed to be stolen and she was arrested and booked at the county jail for fraud related charges.

– On 11/22/2015 at 11:25 pm, an officer made a traffic enforcement stop at Russell Drive and Lawton St. During the stop, 37 year old Erin Stuart was contacted. A records check revealed Stuart had an outstanding arrest warrant charging DUI.  Stuart was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

– On 11/22/2015 at 10:28 pm, officers responded to a home in the 5200 block of Feathers Way regarding a custody dispute. Officers made contact with 23 year old Jazmin Busby. A records check revealed Buzby had two outstanding arrest warrants charging robbery, assault and vandalism. She was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

– On 11/21/2015 at 10:53 pm, officers responded to Romi’s Liquors at 418 W.18th St. for a trespasser who was vandalizing the store. Officers arrived and their investigation determined 31 year old Ralph Williams had been previously notified he was not allowed on the premises. He had arrived at the store intoxicated and upset at employees for not allowing him to shop at the store anymore. Williams started throwing merchandise. The clerk told him to leave and Williams kicked the front door which knocked it off the hinges and caused it to fall to the ground. Williams jumped on the door and broke out the glass. As he was walking away, Williams punched the outside window behind the cash register area and caused the glass to shatter. Williams was gone when officers arrived, however, he returned later and was arrested. Williams was booked at the county jail on trespass and vandalism charges. The damage estimate was approximately $4,000.

– On 11/21/2015 at 4:46 pm, officers responded to a home in the 2000 block of  Eucalyptus Way regarding an assault. Officers arrived and determined 41 year old Marcus Rainey rented the house with a 45 year old female.  They were arguing over food when the victim attempted to shut her bedroom door to get away from Rainey.  Rainey forced the door open and grabbed her by the neck, throwing her to the floor.  Rainey then kicked the victim several times in the head with the steel toed boots he was wearing.  Rainey sustained swelling to her forehead and was transported to the hospital via ambulance.  Rainey was arrested without incident for assault with a deadly weapon and later booked at the county jail.

– On 11/20/2015 at 2:34 am, an officer contacted subjects who were standing next to a vehicle with no rear license plate at Jack’s Car Wash 924 Fitzuren Rd. One of the subjects, 31 year old Gina Dimercurio, was found to be on probation for theft. Dimercurio was searched and found to be in possession of  hypodermic syringes. One syringe contained suspected heroin. She was booked at the county jail for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia as well as a violation of probation.

– On 11/20/2015 at 2:57 pm, officers responded to Target at 5769 Lonetree Way regarding a shoplifter. The investigation revealed 24 year old Makineti Sanft stole approximately $400 worth of goods and was detained by loss prevention.  After being detained and brought back to an office, Sanft became upset and spat on the loss prevention agent.  Sanft provided a false name to the police officers. She was arrested for the theft. Officers searched her and found she was in possession of methamphetamine and shaved keys (commonly used to steal vehicles).  Her true name was discovered during the booking process and she was found to be on probation for burglary.  Sanft was booked at the county jail on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of burglary tools, petty theft, providing a false name to police, assault and violation of probation.

– On 11/20/2015 at 12:31 pm, officers responded to Deer Valley High School regarding a 14 year old student possessing marijuana. School staff noticed the student smelled like marijuana. They questioned him and discovered that he had several marijuana brownies in his possession.  The student was issued a juvenile citation and released to a parent.

– On 11/19/2015 at 10:56 pm, an officer was patrolling in the area of Cavallo Rd. and E.18th St.  when he observed a Saturn with no license plates parked at the Executive Inn. The driver’s door was open and a male appeared to doing something to the steering column. The male, later identified as 62 year old Ralph Prather, quickly exited the car when he saw the officer. The officer made contact with Prather and determined he was on felony probation for a prior gun charge. The officer ran the vehicle identification number and determined the car was reported stolen to Pittsburg PD. A search of the trunk produced a duffle bag with mail and clothing belonging to Prather. Prather claimed a male, whose name he did not know, walked up and gave the car to him to use. He was booked at the county jail for auto theft and violation of probation.

Service Call & Arrest Data: Time Period: 11/19/15 00:00:00 – 11/25/15 23:59:59

Number of Calls for Service: 1,535

Number of Case Reports: 280

Number of Arrests: 67

Felony: 20

Misdemeanor: 46

Infraction: 1

Arrests with DUI charge: 2

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

 

Service Call & Arrest Data: Time Period: 11/26/15 00:00:00 – 12/02/15 23:59:59

Number of Calls for Service: 1,413

Number of Case Reports: 277

Number of Arrests: 84

Felony: 38

Misdemeanor: 45

Infraction: 1

Arrests with DUI charge: 5

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

By Lieutenant Don LaDue, Field Services Bureau Commander, Antioch Police Department

On Thursday, December 3rd, 2015 at approximately 3:16 PM, Antioch Police Officers were dispatched to the intersection of Buchanan Road and Del Oro Circle for a single vehicle collision.  Officers arrived on scene and located a vehicle that had left the roadway and collided with a tree.

Contra Costa Firefighters arrived on scene and had to extricate the driver from the vehicle.  The driver, and sole vehicle occupant, was transported to a local trauma center with major injuries.

Our preliminary investigation indicates that the victim was traveling W/B on Buchanan Rd when he lost control of his vehicle at a slight bend in road.  The victim’s vehicle left the roadway and collided with a large tree.  Speed and inclement weather appear to be factors in this collision. It is not known at this time if alcohol was a factor.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at (925) 778-2441.

By Nick Goodrich

The Antioch City Council voted on Tuesday, November 24th, voted against the growing of marijuana for personal medical use in Antioch, was made during Tuesday’s meeting. State laws regarding marijuana cultivation will go into effect in March of next year, necessitating action by the City to either regulate or prohibit cultivation if it wants to retain its right to prohibit growing inside Antioch city limits.

If a city has not adopted an ordinance on the issue by March 1, 2016, it will be subject to state decisions on the matter. Concerns of security and crime issues weighed heavily in the discussion, with several Antioch residents speaking out in favor of prohibition; the notion of possible growing operations next door, small in size though they may be, proved disconcerting to many, as the presence of such operations could increase the risk of theft to the surrounding homes.

Police Chief Allan Cantando also expressed his concern before the Council about the possibility of regulated cultivation in Antioch, citing an increased crime risk and undue burden on the Antioch Police Department. Cantando reminded the Council that some past thefts in Antioch involving marijuana have resulted in homicides, and he is reluctant to support city measures that could possibly increase this trend. In addition, he said, other legal drug uses in Antioch, such as methodone, have tended to attract undesirable people and behavior to the area.

The issue also raised moral questions about restricting a medical user’s access to cannabis that may be an important part of the user’s treatment. The Council emphasized that the option to increase or decrease restrictions on cultivation should be left open if future considerations call for such action.

Following the discussion, the City Council voted unanimously to direct city staff to prepare an ordinance prohibiting marijuana cultivation in Antioch. Chief Allan Cantando saw the decision as an important move for the well-being and effectiveness of the APD, with the added benefit of remaining in accordance with federal marijuana laws.

“We’re trying to reduce response times and increase arrests,” he said. “This would be a burden to our department.”

Use of One-Time State Funds

The council also voted on the allocation of $883,175 received from the State of California. In June of this year, the State reimbursed the city of Antioch for nearly $800,000 for previous unfunded State mandates. The money was placed in the General Fund, where it collected interest before being brought to the Council.

The City Council directed that half of the $883,175 be applied to unfunded liabilities for the Police Supplementary Retirement Plan, as mandated by a Council decision earlier this year. That decision called for a minimum of 50% of all one-time monies received by the city to be allocated to unfunded liabilities. City Council considered several options for the use of the remaining money, including a Habitat Conservation Plan, an L Street redesign project, funding for the Antioch Historical Society’s Fire Truck Display Project, funding sister city activities, and funding an after-school library program at Deer Valley High School.

The City Council voted unanimously to fund the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), which establishes requirements for development projects that convert natural habitats into urban areas. Antioch was offered the opportunity to receive a Section 6 Federal Grant from the US Fish and Wildlife Services, worth more than $688,000, to pay for the HCP. In return, the city was required to pay only $229, 377, and can recoup money up to that amount from future development projects in the city. Antioch had previously been the last remaining city in East Contra Costa County to not participate in an HCP.

In a 4-1 vote, with Council Member Monica Wilson voting no, the Council also approved funding in the amount of $20,000 for the Antioch Historical Society’s Fire Truck Display Project, which was approved by the city last month. The project will add an additional building to the Historical Society Museum to house and display the Society’s antique 1927 Ford Model T fire engine, recently acquired from the city. In October, Mayor Wade Harper expressed his intent to offer funding for the project, and followed through this month with the support of most of the council.

In addition, the Council, in a 3-2 vote, with Wilson and Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock voting no, granted funding to Deer Valley High School’s after school library program, matching the $4,300 it has provided the program in recent years.

$500 was also allocated to fund activities with Antioch’s sister city, Chichibu, Japan. However, funding for the L Street redesign project fell short, on a 2-3 vote, with only Harper and Council Member Mary Rocha voting yes. The Council will revisit the project at a later date, with the goal to convert L Street into a “lovely, tree-lined parkway”, according to City Manager Steve Duran.

The next Antioch City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall between West 2nd and 3rd Streets in downtown Antioch. Council meetings can be viewed on Comcast local cable channel 24 or via live streaming on the city’s website at www.ci.antioch.ca.us.

 

By Allen Payton

The November 9th court date for Contra Costa County School Board Trustee Jeff Belle at which he was to be arraigned for lying on his ballot statement in last year’s election, was postponed due to a motion filed by Belle’s attorney.

Belle filed a demure to dismiss the charge against him, claiming the District Attorney’s office did not adequately state the crime that he committed, Deputy District Attorney Steve Moawad explained.

The DA’s office responded and the hearing on Belle’s motion, which would dismiss the case, is set for this Friday, December 4 at 1:30 PM in Department 29 in Martinez.

In his candidate statement Belle stated he had a college degree, but had not yet obtained one, at that time. He faces a maximum penalty of a $1,000 fine.

Antioch residents are invited to a presentation about the new Hillcrest Avenue BART Station by Joel Keller, BART Director, Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 7:00 PM at the Antioch Community Center at Prewett Park, 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch.

Get answers to your questions, such as: When will the station be done? When will BART finish the train line? What will the cars look like? How many passengers will they hold? Why is Hillcrest Avenue still under construction? When will the road work be finished?

Presented by BART and the City of Antioch.

For more information about this community meeting please call 925-779-7011.

By Nick Goorich and Allen Payton

During public comments at the Antioch School Board meeting on Wednesday, November 18th, parent Candi Amigo shared concerns about parents of eighth graders not being aware “there will be non-themed options for eighth graders going into ninth grade.”

“They don’t have to choose an academy,” she continued. “December 11th is the deadline for choosing.”

But, she said she learned the school district was not going to send out notices to parents until January.

“We are not being informed, properly,” Amigo added. “I’m not the only parent who feels this way.”

Interim Superintendent Stephanie Anello, in her first meeting in her new role, responded.

“I’ve heard your concerns and will meet with staff in the morning,” she said.

Board President Claire Smith also offered a response.

“Those kids who want to be in the general education pathway…we need to always maintain that,” she stated.

English Language Development

Another parent, Nallely Malaspine, shared her concerns with the English Language Development (ELD) program.

“The whole program needs restructure,” she said to light applause from the many faculty in attendance.

“I’d like to see this program become a priority to the district,” Malaspine continued. “We are in a very big need of bilingual assistance. We don’t have any bilingual teachers.”

“We’re killing these kids’ home language,” she added. “We’re teaching them in just English.”

Smith responded briefly, stating that state law has something to do with the district’s limitations in the area of bilingual education.

Class sizes

Deer Valley High teacher Scott Benedict shared his concerns about the number of students in the special education classrooms, and lack of teachers.

“We feel it’s critical. Some are up in the 22 to 25. It drives a lot of our suspensions and referrals,” he stated to heavy applause.

“We’re using like a 1970’s model for hiring, we wait until April,” he added.

Gill’s paid leave

Lone Tree Elementary Teacher Sarah Nichols wanted to know why Superintendent Dr. Don Gill was placed on paid administrative leave, to strong applause.

“He’s being paid for eight months,” she exclaimed. “Couldn’t the money be used for something else?”

Substitute Teachers

Antioch High French teacher Sara Savacool, Political Chair of Antioch Education Association, the local teachers’ union, joined several teachers in expressing her dissatisfaction with the current state of substitute teaching in the district.

“I’m here to talk about subbing,” she stated. “It’s a mess.”

Savacool made it clear that there are too few substitute teachers available, leaving many overworked.

“There are not enough substitutes in the sub pool,” Savacool continued.

She told the board that many substitutes do not receive sufficient training and therefore make less of an impact than they could and the fact that teachers are substituting in classes, during the day, earning them time off.

“Teachers are using their bank days,” she said. “I have teachers getting a day a week because they’re subbing every day.”

The bank day system, in which teachers can save up time off over the course of a school year and later use them all at once as a vacation, is flawed, said Savacool, as it makes substitute teachers’ job more difficult and stretches the sub pool thin when replacements are called upon for so many days in a row.

She also reminded the board that many subs have difficulty getting their pay on time; pay can be received months after the work has been done, in some cases. “We need to revamp our hiring and training of substitute teachers,” she said. “And the pay is a mess.”

Savacool suggested several best practice strategies that she has seen work well in the past. Having permanent substitute teachers at schools, whom the students and staff know, would increase the effectiveness of the substitute teachers and allow them to make a greater impact.

Smith and the other board members, as well as Anello said they would look into the challenges and work to address each one.

The next Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 9th at which the new Trustee, Fernando Navarro will be sworn in to fill the vacancy left by the resignation in September by Barbara Cowan.

HIGHWAY LANE CLOSURES:

State Route 4:

There will be highway lane closures in the westbound direction of State Route 4 between A Street / Lone Tree Way and Railroad Avenue on Monday and Tuesday 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 Somersville Road / Auto Center Drive on Monday and Tuesday from 5:00 am to 12:00 pm.

There will be highway lane closures in the eastbound direction of State Route 4 between Somersville / Auto Center Drive and A Street / Lone Tree Way on Sunday and Monday evenings from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am and on Tuesday evening from 10:00 pm to 4:00 am.

There will be highway lane closures in the westbound direction of State Route 4 between A Street / Lone Tree Way and Somersville Road / Auto Center Drive on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 9:00 pm to 4:00 am.

State Route 160:

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

RAMP CLOSURES:

State Route 4:

The State Route 4 eastbound on ramp at Somersville / Auto Center Drive will be closed on Sunday and Monday evenings from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am.

The State Route 4 eastbound off ramp at Contra Loma Boulevard / L Street will be closed on Sunday and Monday evenings from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.

The State Route 4 westbound on ramp at Contra Loma Boulevard / L Street will be closed on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 9:00 pm to 4:00 am.

The State Route 4 westbound on ramp at A Street / Lone Tree Way will be closed on Sunday through Tuesday evenings from 10:00 pm to 4:00 am.

The State Route 4 eastbound off ramp at A Street / Lone Tree Way will be closed on Sunday and Monday evenings from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am.

State Route 160:

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

LOCAL STREET CLOSURES:

There are no local street closures planned for this week.

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

By Nick Goodrich

At their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 10th, the Antioch City Council reviewed the city’s Strategic Management Plan and approved the use of one-time city revenues. Later that evening, a public hearing was held to discuss developer Discovery Builder’s proposed development plan in the Black Diamond Ranch residential area, off of Somersville Road.

Originally proposed as “The Pointe” in 2006, the City Council completed its review of the development project and denied it last year. The Pointe would have involved the construction of 60 homes, including the significant grading of the hill in the center, and consideration for hillside development.

Shortly after The Pointe’s rejection, Discovery Builders amended the plan, which now calls for the construction of only 17 homes, several of which would be custom-built on the hillsides of Black Diamond Ranch. The new project adheres more strictly to Antioch’s hillside development policies, but is unable to completely avoid visual impacts caused by proposed homes on the ridge lines.

Residents of Black Diamond Ranch showed up in opposition to the project, particularly those living on Torgensen Court, which, under the proposed plan, would be converted into a street through which the new homes could be accessed. Darcy Johnson, a resident of Torgensen, seemed to speak the consensus opinion among the area’s residents. She saw no problem with the construction of new houses, but strongly opposed converting Torgensen into a through street.

“Putting a road through Torgensen is not what we agreed to,” she stated.

Another resident, Juan Pablo Galvan, cited a city regulation that states that any land on which a development project has been proposed and denied must revert back to open space. The Council appeared unsure as to the validity of Galvan’s statement, with several Council Members stating that they were not aware of such a regulation, but promised to look into the matter before proceeding with the application process.

Discovery Builders and the city agreed to work on a compromise that would entail upholding the integrity of Torgensen Court while still allowing for development in the area, with Mayor Wade Harper stating, “I am not opposed to reasonable development.”

The city’s Strategic Management Plan was also briefly reviewed during Tuesday’s meeting. Approved in June of last year as a tool to guide the City Council and staff in the correct implementation of city policies, Antioch’s Strategic Plan aims to recognize significant city problems and opportunities, define long-term goals, and identify short-term objectives to keep the city moving forward. The talk on Tuesday centered around the goal to make the document accessible and amendable to future City Council Members.

Mayor Harper stated his goal is to make the Plan “a living, breathing document” that would effectively guide the city for years to come. Council Member Mary Rocha also stressed the fact that further public input is needed to make the document as efficient as possible in meeting the needs of the city and its residents. The Strategic Plan will continue to be reviewed and amended during future council meetings as the city strives to make it a cornerstone of progress for Antioch.

The next council meeting will be on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, between West Second and Third Streets in downtown Antioch. Council meetings can be viewed on Comcast local cable access Channel 24 or via live streaming on the city’s website, www.ci.antioch.ca.us.