Antioch, CA – Recognizing that water recycling is a critical part of a larger, comprehensive approach to addressing California’s drought crisis, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) announced on Thursday, July 2, that he would introduce legislation calling on Congress to authorize 27 additional regional water recycling projects. To highlight this announcement, McNerney toured Delta Diablo, the site for one of the water recycling projects he believes needs to be authorized.

“I’m calling on Congress and introducing legislation to authorize more regional water projects – because expanding water recycling is one component of a comprehensive solution needed to address California’s long-term drought challenges,” said McNerney. “In this extreme drought, California communities a struggling to conserve the limited water available. That’s why it’s important to continue investing in water recycling technologies that treat wastewater and augment current supplies. Funding these projects creates additional water supplies available to ease pressure off the Delta, irrigate public spaces, grow crops, increase the potable water supply, and support environmental restoration.”

These 27 projects, when funded, can provide over 100,000 acre feet of new water – enough water to meet the needs for over half a million residents. These water projects need Congressional authorization in order to compete for Title XVI construction funds through the Bureau of Reclamation.

“We thank Congressman McNerney for his leadership in introducing legislation which will proactively support new drought-tolerant water sources while protecting the Delta.” said Gary Darling, spokesperson for the Western Recycled Water Coalition.

Developing recycled water reduces dependence on Delta supplies. Recycled water projects like Delta Diablo improve water supply reliability, and reduce wastewater discharge into the fragile Bay-Delta environment.

When constructed, the Delta Diablo Recycled Water Project will provide more than 4,000 acre-feet per year of recycled water to municipal, commercial, and industrial users in Antioch and Pittsburg – equivalent to meeting the water needs of 16,000 households.

“We need to look at bold, forward-thinking solutions that use new technology and scientific advancements to improve the management and conservation of California’s water supply. This will better prepare communities for severe drought conditions in the future,” added McNerney.

List of 27 Water Recycling Projects

Delta Diablo recycled water project – serving Antioch

Delta Diablo high purity water treatment facility – serving Antioch

Brentwood recycled water project

Ironhouse Sanitary District Cypress recycled water project – serving Oakley

Ironhouse Sanitary District industrial recycled water project – serving Oakley

Ironhouse Sanitary District direct potable reuse project – serving Oakley

Benicia recycled water project to Valero refinery

Central Dublin recycled water distribution and retrofit project

Central Redwood City recycled water project

Concord recycled water project

Contra Costa County refinery recycled water project, phase 1

Dublin recycled water expansion project

Fresno east central recycled water facility

Fresno downtown recycled water distribution

Fresno southwest recycled water distribution

Hayward recycled water project

Monterey peninsula groundwater replenishment project, phase 1

Mountain View recycled water project.

North Valley regional recycled water project

Palo Alto recycled water pipeline project

Pleasanton recycled water project

Potable Reuse in Santa Clara County, phase 1

San Jose Water Company recycled water project

Sunnyvale continuous recycled water production project

West Bay Sanitary District Recycled Water Project

Wolfe Road recycled water project

Yountville recycled water project

By Acting Sgt. James McMurry #2384, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at 11:01 PM, Antioch Police Officers responded to numerous 911 calls of shots fired in the 4100 block of Rogers Canyon Road. Upon arrival Officers discovered that several vehicles and a residence had been struck by gunfire. Four residents, ages 19, 26, 37 and 47 were home at the time. Luckily no residents were injured.

Officers located numerous items of evidence at the scene that included spent shell casings and bullet fragments along the street. It appears the 19-year-old victim was the intended target but he was not cooperative with providing any information that could lead to identifying the shooter(s).

There were no witnesses located at the scene. If anyone has information that is related to this case, they can call the Antioch Police Department’s non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441.

Concerned citizens may also send a tip anonymously to: 274637 (Crimes). Make sure to include the word “Antioch” in the message so your information will be forwarded to us. All text messages are encrypted and your number cannot be traced. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

by John Crowder

In a highly unusual move, the Antioch School Board rejected, with a majority of board members voting no, the 2015-2016 School Site Academic Plans for all of the district’s elementary, middle and high schools.

This marked the second meeting in a row where the plans failed to gain approval, even though the board room, each time, was filled with the principals of most of the local schools, available to address specific questions from board members. When last considered, on June 10, Stephanie Anello, Antioch Unified School District’s (AUSD) Associate Superintendent for Educational Services, had pulled the item regarding the elementary site specific plans from the consent calendar because, she said, the plans for two schools, Grant Elementary and Marsh Elementary, were incomplete.

At that same meeting, board members had complained about the limited time they were given to review the plans. Board Member Barbara Cowan said that the first time she had seen the plans was that evening, and that she had only had time to review one of them. Board Member Debra Vinson said that she would need time to review all of the plans. Board Vice President Diane Gibson-Gray echoed their comments, and added that board members had asked for advance copies of the documents the previous year, as well.

At the June 24 meeting, AUSD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Don Gill, introduced Dr. Cheryl Domenichelli, AUSD Coordinator of Outreach and Community Development, to speak to the plans. No sooner had she finished her remarks than it became clear that the plans were once again in trouble, as school board member Vinson’s opening comment was, “I don’t even know where to begin.” She then told Domenichelli, “Say that again.”

After another statement by Domenichelli, Vinson expressed her dissatisfaction.

“Only a handful of the elementary site plans have enough data to make the plans valid,” she said. “They don’t address foster youth. They don’t address communication with parents.”

Vinson also complained about a lack of consistency with how Supplemental and Concentration funds were being spent across the school sites.

Domenichelli responded to Vinson’s concerns. She explained that, “latitude is extended to [school] sites.” She also said that different schools have different populations, some might have only two foster youth attending, while others might have 30.

After a lengthy question and answer session, with members of the board questioning Domenichelli on various aspects of the plans, Board President Claire Smith called for public comments. Once again, the site plans were roundly criticized.

Arrieanna Lombard singled out the site plan for Deer Valley High School (DVHS), saying that, having looked at it, “I have some serious concerns.”

“These aren’t SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Bound),” she continued. “A goal is a desired result. Some of the actions don’t indicate how the goal will be met.”

“When you plan, you should be planning to hit the ground running with your goals. This document is…unacceptable,” Lombard added.

Willie Mims, Education Chair of the East County NAACP, told the Board there was a “lack of parental involvement in development of the plans.”

“How many parents were involved with this?” he asked. “You don’t want parental involvement. You claim you do. But your actions say you don’t.”

He then pointed to Strategy #14 of the DVHS plan, listed as a strategy to meet the needs of foster youth, and for which the budgeted amount was given as $3.00.

“Three dollars? That is crazy,” he continued. “They developed a plan and just threw things in.”

Julie Young, who regularly attends and speaks at school board meetings, brought up the issue of proper public notice. She began by asking the board, “Can you get online? Go to the AUSD website.”

Young then walked the board members through the website links, showing them that the link for school site academic plans took them to the 2014-2015 plans, not the 2015-2016 plans, which they were supposed to be approving.

With this revelation, Domenichelli returned again to the podium, to explain that the plans were on-line, but under the LCAP link. Smith responded by saying the plans needed to be posted where a reasonable person could find them.

“I’m a reasonable person, and I couldn’t find them,” she said.

Synitha Walker, of Parents Connected, discussed her concerns with the process for development of the plans.

“I’m a school site member at DVHS,” she said, “and I’ve never seen this plan.” (According to a statement on the AUSD website accessed from the School Site Plans link, where the plans are now posted, “The School Site Council recommends this school plan…”) She went on to say that the process last year was, “terrible,” and that it will, “be bad this year, as well.”

Responding to further questions from the board, Louie Rocha, Principal of Antioch High School (AHS), came forward and gave an explanation as to the process used at his school to create their plan, while also elaborating on some of the goals and actions recommended in the AHS site plan.

While Rocha’s presentation received a favorable response, the plans submitted by other schools continued to be questioned.

“The DVHS plan is not clear,” said Vinson. “If this plan, as vague and bland as it is, is lined up with LCAP, then we have a problem.”

AUSD staff members, at one point, expressed concern that, without approval of the plans, some school funding might be jeopardized. But in response to questions from Herald staff, they have yet to explain what funding might be in jeopardy, and what, if any, deadline must be met with respect to board approval of the plans so as not to jeopardize such funding.

Responding to further statements from staff, Vinson continued to express her displeasure with what had been presented.

“What I don’t want to hear is excuses,” she said. “What I want to hear is that moving forward, we’re [addressing the needs] of all our students. Unequivocally.”

Following Vinson’s statement, Cowan moved to approve the plans, “with caveats.” Board Member Walter Ruehlig seconded, while also expressing reservations. Before the vote could be taken, though, Gibson-Gray added another comment. “This process is as flawed this week as it was two weeks ago,” she stated. “Now, the flaw is, it wasn’t available to the public. I’m going to vote no on this.”

The vote on Cowan’s motion was then taken, and it failed 2-3, with Gibson-Gray, Smith, and Vinson voting no.

“These plans are not approved tonight,” Smith told staff.

She then called a special meeting for Monday, at 5:00 p.m. at which the site plans will once again be discussed. The meeting will take place in the School Services Building, located at 510 G Street.

Vinson had the last word of the night on the issue, telling everyone in attendance, “If you want to address these plans, that is the time to do it.”

When reached for comment via email about why he voted for the site plans, Ruehlig responded on Monday, June 29 at 7:00 a.m., “We were told the budget could be held back. They said June 30th was pitvotal but nobody at the State has confirmed that. I called the County and State Dept of Ed afterwards and found out that was apparently not the case. I am revoting tonite [sic] to reject.”

 

 

Ogorchock moves to reduce total units per acre from 37 to 18, council agrees

By John Crowder

Following months of community meetings, the Antioch City Council selected, from a mix of six options presented, their “preferred alternative,” giving staff direction in preparing the Draft Specific Plan, the guiding document to be used in efforts to revitalize the downtown area. Their choice appeared to be a compromise, for the moment, between two competing ideas for use of the old Beede Lumber Yard property: a recommendation by city staff for high-density housing, and a request by local citizen groups for a park and event center on the site.

The selection of the preferred alternative for downtown was the last item on the agenda, and local residents who have been fighting for a park and event center on the site shown on the plan as “Opportunity Site 5” stayed until the end to make their case and see the outcome of the vote.

Discussion of the item began with City Manager Steve Duran providing background on the matter. He detailed the number of community meetings that had taken place and the amount of work that had already gone into the project by city staff and consultants. Referencing the Beede lumber site, and alluding to the citizen groups seeking a park and event center for the location, he said staff was still recommending it be used for housing, and that it was his and staff’s duty to provide their best professional advice with respect to what use would lead to the revitalization of the downtown area.

A presentation was then given showing the alternatives. According to staff, Refined Alternative #1 would “accommodate a broader range of residential product types” and provide “flexibility in housing densities to respond to future market conditions.” Refined Alternative #3 would “focus on placing a greater emphasis on concentration of commercial activities within the established Downtown Core, while also limiting residential densities surrounding the Downtown Core.” It was noted that Alternative #2 had been dropped from consideration after a previous meeting.

Within each option, three choices were then given for Opportunity Site 5, the parcel of land that had been the subject of the competing downtown visions. These ranged from Residential High Density (the consultant/staff recommendation if Alternative 1 was chosen), to Mixed-Use (which was said to allow for any combination of residential, and/or commercial, and/or park), to Residential Low Medium Density (the recommended choice for Alternative 3), to Park.

Following the presentation, a few speakers came forward to advocate for the event center/park. One of them, Lee Ballesteros, told the council not to fall for the “mixed use” designation. “Please choose a park/event center for that site,” she said.

Other speakers, though, asked that the Mixed-Use designation be chosen.

Dr. Sean Wright, CEO of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, told the council that the Mixed-Use designation would provide for the greatest flexibility. He said that, with that designation, a park could be placed on the site and, if it did not produce the desired result, it could be changed to something else.

Allen Payton, publisher of the Antioch Herald, said he supported what Wright had said. He said that he had a concern with how a park and event center would be paid for, and then advocated for changing the names of the streets leading into the downtown area.

“We need to take advantage of the changes of the signs on the freeway…to promote downtown, permanently,” he said. “A and Second Streets to Rivertown Drive and L Street to Marina Way or Boulevard.”

With the conclusion of public comments, the members of the council then each expressed their views on the matter. Each of them expressed support for Alternative #1, then spoke to their views for Opportunity Site 5, the Beede lumber yard property.

Council Member Tony Tiscareno, first to speak to the matter, said, “I think this council is hearing you.”

He went on to say that he preferred the Mixed-Use designation because of the flexibility. He also said that he believed a ferry system, if developed, would bring people to the downtown area, but he did not think an event center would do so.

Council Member Mary Rocha said that there should be a set amount of time in which to develop a park, because other opportunities exist right now. “The timing is important,” she said, but also said she supported the Mixed-Use designation, but with the understanding that, at least initially, a park would be on the site.

Council Member Monica Wilson said she also supported the Mixed-Use option, as it, “leaves it open to multiple possibilities.”

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock said, “I do have concerns with how an event center would be paid for,” but also, “I don’t like the idea of the high density.”

She said she was favoring Alternative 3 with the Mixed-Use designation for the contested Site 5. However, after further discussion, and clarification from Duran that the council could, “mix and match” between the plans, she voiced her support for Alternative 1 but with a change to Medium Density housing.

Mayor Wade Harper thanked the community for all of their input, but said, with reference to designating Site 5 a Park, “I would want to know how you’re going to pay for it.” Even so, he said, “I’m going to choose 1B, and I would like to give the community the opportunity to find out how we’re going to pay for it.”

After further discussion, a motion was finally put forward by Ogorchock to choose Alternative 1, with a Mixed-Use designation for the Beede site that would restrict the number of units to 18 per acre, but still retain the possibility of a park. The motion passed on a vote of 5-0.

Following the vote, Joy Motts, representing the Celebrate Antioch Foundation and the Rivertown Preservation Group, and one of the leading proponents for the park and event center, commented.

“After a year-and-a-half battle we are hopeful,” she stated. “We are pleased that the Council has listened to the community and that they will allow us to prove to them that economic revitalization can happen in ways other than high density housing. The best use of the Beede Lumber site, as seen by most in the community, utilizes its incomparable river views, its proximity to the downtown, preserves its historical significance and creates a much needed event center and park for Rivertown and for the entire Antioch community that can host Farmer’s Markets, Festivals, Summer concerts, and more.”

“It is a critical part of changing the dynamic, culture, and public perception of Antioch,” Motts added.

The next city council meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 28. Meetings are held at the City Council Chambers, 200 H Street, and typically begin at 7:00 p.m.

by John Crowder

Once again, it was standing room only at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) Board of Education, held on June 10, 2015. The overflow crowd in attendance addressed two main concerns, a recently held promotion ceremony for African American students and the on-going saga of Kids’ Club Preschool.

Also on the agenda were public hearings on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) and the budget for the District.

African American Promotion Celebration

AUSD Superintendent Dr. Don Gill wasted no time in addressing those present about the African American promotion ceremony that has generated so much scrutiny and concern on social media.

Reading from a prepared statement, Gill said, “I wanted to address recent concerns by some community members regarding an African American cultural celebration sponsored by an employee in his capacity as a community member. We acknowledge that there were some procedural errors that occurred regarding communication. We are looking into this so that we can ensure we are effectively communicating procedures for employees. However, I hope that this will not cloud or taint what was truly a well-intentioned positive event for our students. While we did not sponsor this particular event this year, we do see the value in holding such cultural celebrations as they are a chance for students to be recognized and honored and for all of us to learn more about the rich cultures of our students and our community.”

Some of those speaking during public comments, however, did not feel that District staff had gone far enough in supporting Dr. Lamont Francies, the organizer of the event, who recently took a leave of absence from his work as a counselor with AUSD.

This sentiment was most succinctly put forward by Lawrence Rasheed, Founder of Greatness Rediscovered In Our Time (GRIOT), a mentoring and advocacy group focusing on young African American males.

Rasheed stated that all of the Board members, and Dr. Gill, had been notified in April of the African American promotion ceremony that Francies had organized. He said that they should apologize to Francies for not supporting him when the controversy over the event began.

Kids’ Club

Representatives of Kids’ Club Preschool have been attending both Antioch City Council and AUSD School Board meetings in recent months, making various requests for assistance. The lease for the building used by the preschool (and owned by AUSD) is due to expire next month, and, among other things, the group has asked for a lease extension or land upon which to place modular buildings.

While several speakers spoke in support of the Kids’ Club program, as has been the case at each meeting where they have been present, this time one resident, Julie Young, spoke out in opposition to the requests they have been making.

Young began her remarks by saying that Kids’ Club was, “a good program.” But, she said, their requests for land and/or buildings were inappropriate, and, if granted, would be, “against good public policy.”

Pointing out that the program was given a year’s notice to find a new location, she called their demands for land, “a bold request.” “What they are really saying is, we are a private group that does a good thing, and you [AUSD] owe us…”

Young continued, “As a school district, you do not have the authority to give away land…funded by the taxpayer, to a private entity.”

Expressing her sympathy for those in support of the preschool, and looking for alternatives, Young concluded her remarks by telling all in attendance that other preschool options were available, including The Child Day Schools, located at 112 East Tregallas Road in Antioch, which recently announced an award of state funding that would allow them to take 87 additional preschool students.

LCAP Presentation and Hearings

AUSD staff gave a presentation on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) for the 2015-2016 school year, and it was followed by a public hearing later in the meeting. A separate hearing was also held, on the 2015-2016 budget for the District.

Only a handful of people came forward to speak during the hearings.

Sharon Vela spoke in support of restoring and expanding the music program. Others spoke about continuing to engage parents in the process, and the importance of supporting cultural events.

Only one speaker, Willie Mims, Education Chair of the East County NAACP, questioned any of the spending that had been outlined, telling the Board that funding Vice Principal positions from money coming from supplemental funds was not permitted.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, at 7:00 p.m. Meetings take place in the School Services Building, located at 510 G Street.

Alia Bickham contributed to this report.

by John Crowder

The temperature was rising outside, and the tempers of some local residents appeared to be keeping pace, as evidenced by the raucous crowd that showed up for the June 9, 2015, Antioch City Council Meeting.

A number of angry residents disrupted the meeting to voice their displeasure with the members of the City Council, and Antioch Mayor Wade Harper in particular, during the first half-hour of the meeting. From the very beginning, catcalls could be heard from those attending while Antioch City Clerk Arne Simonsen was conducting the roll call.

During the portion of the meeting set aside for community and civic announcements, Antioch resident Kip Stevens came forward to speak.

“Promise,” he began. “Do you understand the definition of promise?”

After reading the definition, he addressed the mayor by his first name, and said, “Your claim to fame, as you were running for office, was zero tolerance for crime.”

“Crime is the worst ever in Antioch,” Stevens continued. “Too bad the council is in denial.”

Stevens went on to complain about the conditions the city requires to be met before installing speed bumps.

“The speed table conditions are unrealistic,” he said.

He pointed out that Council Member Mary Rocha had been in office seventeen years ago when the requirements for installing speed tables had been implemented. He said that the council should have informed him and others of the procedures when they had appeared, asking for speed bumps to be installed on 11th Street, at a previous council meeting.

“Now it’s way out of control,” he said, referring to the installation of a speed bump on 11th Street by local residents, and city workers subsequently removing it, “and we’re going to keep fighting, until we get what we want.”

When the signal sounded that his time to speak had concluded, he continued on, saying, “I don’t care what the red light says, I want to be proud. I’m an Antioch citizen. Three generations here. We have businesses. Please help.”

As he left the podium, applause and calls erupted from his supporters in attendance.

Harper then informed those in the council chambers, “At this time, this is for civic announcements…after civic announcements, then we have public comments.”

Following Harper’s statement, the audience became more unruly. Harper began noting that some of those who had submitted speaker cards should be moved to the public comments section of the meeting, and people could be heard yelling things like, “Hold on there,” “Don’t cut me off,” “Really?” “Are you serious, now,” and other statements, unintelligible, as both the mayor and members of the audience were speaking at the same time.

Only two civic announcements remained to be given, however, and, once they were concluded, and Simonsen reported on board and commission openings, Harper called for public comments.

After Loretta Sweatt, a member of the City’s Economic Development Commission, spoke, saying she supported the council, and felt that they listened to everybody, Linda Hudson came forward.

Hudson, whose son, Timothy, was killed in April in front of her house on 11th Street in Antioch by a hit-and-run driver, said that when she had last come before the City Council [on May 26, 2015], she had requested that speed bumps be installed on her street. She then related that, after some sympathizers with her plight had installed them, city workers, overseen by police officers had, “on your orders,” ripped them out. She said this had all transpired while she was at her son’s funeral, and accused city workers of, “stalking her house,” waiting for her and her family to leave before taking the action.

Hudson told the Council that she had installed a camera at her home, was monitoring traffic, and would send evidence of speeding drivers to government officials outside the city in order to receive help. As she finished speaking, she twice rapped a gavel she had carried to the podium with her. (That was a reference to the last time she spoke, when the mayor had used his gavel to signal her time to speak had expired and she refused to stop talking). The audience broke out in loud cheers and applause.

Gerald Hudson followed his wife to the podium. After also complaining about the council not taking action on the request for speed bumps, he said, “It looks like to me right now, we’re going to have a long, hot summer in this council meeting.”

Paula Knight speaking after Mr. Hudson, was particularly unhappy with Harper, telling him, “You are the worst mayor we’ve ever seen.”

She complained about the level of crime in the city, referencing her sons’ car being stolen, and people being shot in town.

“This is not the Antioch I want to live in any more,” Knight said. “You have not come through with your promises on zero tolerance.”

Karl Dietzel continued on the theme raised by the previous speakers.

“All of you run your campaign on tough on crime,” he said.

He complained that the crime subcommittee was not meeting.

“You have failed, all of you,” he said. “We hear constantly, excuses, excuses, excuses.”

“I’m sorry the recall failed,” Dietzel concluded, a reference to the unsuccessful effort to recall Harper. “But we have 2016 coming.”

Public comments ended, but those in attendance were not yet done venting. As a review of the Prewett Park development project was about to begin, the meeting was interrupted by a member of the audience speaking loudly.

“Sir, can you remain quiet please?” Harper asked, as he banged his gavel.

“You could address all the situation,” the man yelled back.

“Can you remain quiet, I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” Harper said.

“I’ll be back,” was the response.

Another person could be heard saying, “Yeah, we’ll be back.”

Harper then said, “City council will take a break.”

There were a couple more catcalls, but the disruptive people in the audience were, at that point, filing out. In less than five minutes, the meeting resumed, with Harper saying, “Okay, had a little disruption there, but we’re back.”

A repeat of June 2nd meeting

This was the second meeting in a row that Stevens spoke and the Hudsons and their supporters were disruptive at a city meeting. That also occurred during the general public comments portion of the joint study session on the Downtown Specific Plan Update held by the Council, Planning Commission and Economic Development Commission on Tuesday, June 2nd.

“What was done on Monday was very, very. It’s hard because Tim was killed there,” Stevens stated. “You shunned us. The city doesn’t do anything for us.”

“You apologized in the newspaper,” he said to Harper. “You never came to any of us. Mayor mingle with us. Where was anyone in Antioch. Nobody showed up. We are here and we will be at every city meeting,” Stevens stated. “You just look astonished. We are amazed at what we’ve done. You guys just sit there like this guy’s another voice.”

“My street has been packed all day,” he continued. “I’ve never seen so many cop cars on my street before. Why? Because we stirred the pot. I’m the third generation in Antioch. It’s sad you just brushed under the carpet like some low life. We want our city back.”

“We want our town back,” yelled Linda Hudson from her seat, who, along with others was holding a sign supporting the recall of Harper.

“This agenda you sent us for the speed bumps, 14 years no one has applied for speed bumps,” Stevens continued. “We have to pay for speed bumps?”

“It’s wrong but we will make it happen,” he concluded to cheers from the audience.

Following Stevens’ comments, the group was noisy in the hallway, and Officer John VanDerKlugt spoke with them, as they were leaving.

Prewett Water Park Plans

Also at the June 9th meeting, a presentation was provided to the Council regarding the Prewett Water Park development plans by Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Kaiser and consultant/project manager Lonnie Karste, among others.

Kaiser first explained that the presentation would be given in parts, so that each part could be discussed as it came up, as there were several components to the project, beginning with security cameras, and moving to a spray park, and finally to an all-abilities playground.

Karste began his presentation with a discussion of the security cameras. He said that the installation of security cameras was already underway, and that it should be completed by the 15th of July. The budget for the security cameras is $128,000.

The importance of children with all levels of ability to have access to water play was discussed by Kaiser with reference to the spray park and splash pad.

Karste continued then, saying that one of the reasons the development team had decided in favor of hiring Royston Hanamoto Alley and Abey Landscape Architecture and Planning (RHAA) was because of the work they did with their subcontractor, Aquatic Design. Karste introduced Dennis Berkshire, President, Aquatic Design Group, who continued with the presentation.

Berkshire, after summarizing his firms’ credentials, discussed the history of spray parks, detailing their advantages, such as the fact that they have no standing water. “The actual water quality…is far superior than if we had…a swimming pool,” he said.

Berkshire detailed two possible options for the spray park amenity. He presented overhead slides illustrating conceptual ideas for the project.

Following his presentation, the council appeared to be in awe of the possibilities.

Berkshire related that his group works with another firm, Water Odyssey, a company that specializes in the design and manufacture of aquatic play equipment. (See their website, waterodyssey.com, for photographs of water structures created by them.)

Following Berkshire’s presentation, the council discussed the options presented and chose the one tied into the natural landscape as their preference.

Proposed Basketball Court Raises Concerns

When it came time during the Water Park presentation to discuss the all-abilities playground, the proposal to add a lighted sports court (basketball court) to the project received substantial discussion.

According to Karste, with respect to the sports courts, “There was some concern” about having a lighted sports court in close proximity to a family-oriented, all activities playground (the distance between the two would be approximately 90 feet). The concern was because of the different age groups each area would attract. “There was a lot of concern expressed by staff about the basketball court…particularly the language,” said Karste.

Kaiser confirmed this concern, saying that staff recommended removing the basketball court. She also noted that removal of the basketball court would allow the project to fall more within the budgetary guidelines.

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock, clearly concerned about the basketball courts and their close proximity to the all-abilities playground, asked, “Are they supervised courts?”

“No, they are not,” Kaiser responded. “Drop in, informal play.”

Ogorchock asked if the basketball court was fenced in, and was told, “No.”

Harper asked how they chose the location for the basketball court.

Karste explained that this was the flattest area, and considering the soil, it was the least costly location.

Ogorchock continued voicing her concerns. She asked about police calls for service.

In response, Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando said, “For the last year, a year from today, there were 69 calls, but that encompassed alarms at the facilities.”

“I did notice from the standpoint of security at the skate park we’ve had incidents of assaults, thefts, weapons violations, those types of calls at the unsupervised skate park,” he added.

Kaiser, in response to another question, said there were other basketball courts near the facility. “Deer Valley has basketball courts,” she said.

Kaiser later noted there were 12 basketball courts in the Antioch park system.

Ogorchock summarized her concerns, saying that she was not for the basketball courts. She asked Cantando for his view on them.

Cantando responded, “What typically happens when you have unsupervised areas, like our skate park, you do have those assaults there. What tends to happen is the strongest of the fittest, basically, takes over. If there’s younger kids using the facility, older kids will come in and take over. It’s happened at the water park, and its been demonstrated.”

He went on to say that the City of Brentwood does not open their skate park unless it is supervised and staffed.

“So, Brentwood has staffed and fenced their skate park?” Harper asked.

“Yes,” Cantando replied.

Council Member Tony Tiscareno asked if the chief had data on complaints and calls for service at other basketball courts [in Antioch].

Cantando said he did not, but from his experience as a police officer, the courts were typically used by middle school students and teenagers.

“The language isn’t always the best,” he stated. “I have concern with this being in close proximity to kids playing in this park.”

Tiscareno said he envisioned kids having something to do after school.

“I just don’t want to take away from the teenage element that needs something to do,” he said.

Tiscareno discussed finding ways to staff the court, or closing it during certain hours.

“I do want to see accessibility for all ages, rather than having incidents at a shopping center,” he added.

Rocha also addressed the issue.

“It’s a hard thing for me to actually not consider this basketball, because I know that the young people need it badly in that area and we were promising something similar,” she said. “But it’s also hard for me to figure out how to put them next to special needs population.”

Rocha also thought it might be possible to provide basketball in some other location.

Harper asked how close the skate park was to the potential playground.

“A long way…at least 200-300 yards,” Karste responded.

Harper then expressed his support for the basketball courts.

“When I spent days out there at Deer Valley Plaza talking to the kids…that’s one of the things they said,” he shared. “They didn’t have enough to do. The courts at the community center, you have to pay $5 to get in, I know we’re looking at that, which is good. The courts at the school district, at Deer Valley High School, which some made a reference to, they’re taken up.”

“So, I’m going to listen to the voice of some of the young people that don’t have a voice, and, a lot of the teenagers, they don’t have a voice. We’re going to take a hit from the kids. They’ve spoken about this. I have listened, and I think we should have a court over there.”

He also said that it was not his opinion that there would be violent crime there, if the court was built, noting that, with surveillance and supervision, “those things are surmountable.”

Council Member Monica Wilson asked Kaiser if it would be possible to staff the courts, but Kaiser responded that, within the current budget, they could not do so.

Finally, Ogorchock made a motion to approve the recommended option with the expanded playground, but without the basketball courts Rocha seconded it.

Harper made another plea for the courts.

“Our kids need things to do,” he said. “We have the largest youth population in the county. For us to assume there’s going to be violent crime…we can tackle the challenge of making it safe.”

“I think we’re missing an opportunity,” he concluded.

Tiscareno said, “Thank you Mr. Mayor. I do appreciate your words. My sentiments exactly.”

The vote though, went against Harper and Tiscareno, by 3-2, and plans for the playground were approved without the basketball court.

The next city council meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 23. Meetings are held at the City Council Chambers, 200 H Street, and typically begin at 7:00 p.m.

Alia Bickham and Allen Payton contributed to this report.

The following is from Antioch City Manager Steve Duran dated June 1, 2015:

Department/Division: City Manager/Economic Development

Project/Program: Humphrey’s Restaurant

Project/Program Lead: Lizeht Zepeda/Steve Duran

Project/Program Description: The City of Antioch owns the former “Humphrey’s on the Delta” restaurant. It is currently vacant and in need of extensive interior and exterior renovations. The City is seeking a well financed restaurateur, with a vision for a vibrant successful waterfront restaurant. The 12,400+ square foot restaurant is located in the marina overlooking the San Joaquin River.

Status: The City continues to market the restaurant through the commercial brokerage community and directly to potential tenants with the goal of finding the right tenant for Humphrey’s. The economy continues to show positive forecasts, which has continued to generate more interest in Humphrey’s. Staff has shown the building to several potential parties in recent months. As part of our due diligence city staff has met with Delta Diablo Sanitary, County Environmental & Health, and various kitchen designers to go over code compliances for the restaurant.

Next Steps:

– Continue to market property and show the space to well financed restaurateurs.

–Receive and review business proposals from interested parties.

– Engage specific commercial/retail brokers to market Humphrey’s.

Police Hiring

Department/Division: Police/ Support Services

Project/Program: Police Officer Hiring

Project/Program Lead: Capt. Tammany Brooks

Project/Program Description: The Antioch Police Department is currently authorized 102 full-time sworn positions. With the successful passage of both Measure C and Measure O, we intend to continuously recruit until all open positions are filled. Additional budgeted non-sworn positions will be filled with prior approval from the City Manager.

Status: We are currently staffed with 86 full-time sworn employees. 2 of these sworn employees are in various stages of the field training program. 6 sworn employees have medical conditions preventing them from reporting for full duty. We have 3 police trainees currently attending the 177th Police Academy at the CCC Training Center in Pittsburg, which began January 26th, and has a graduation date of July 24, 2015. We have 2 additional police trainees attending the 178th Police Academy at the Training Center, slated to graduate on November 13th. This leaves us with 11 remaining police officer vacancies. Dispatch currently has 1 opening for a dispatcher and 1 opening for a Dispatch Supervisor. The dispatcher position is currently in open recruitment with HR. We have one lateral police officer applicant who has successfully completed his background process and we are awaiting the results of his medical evaluations so we can determine a start date. We have one entry level applicant who is near the end of his background process. He would be attending the 179th Police Academy, slated to begin in September. We have 2 other entry level applicants and 2 Academy Graduates who are in the preliminary stage of the background process.

We recently completed an agility test and written examination. Oral boards for these candidates are scheduled for June 19th. Successful entry level applicants would be attending the 179th Police Academy. Our next agility is scheduled for June 26th.

Next Steps:

– Complete pending background checks on the entry level and lateral officer applicants currently in the process.

– Work to establish an active list of entry level applicants from the current pool of candidates.

– Continue to recruit and process applicants for Police positions.

Consultant offers alternative with downtown park, event center, at the request of Ogorgchock, Rocha and Harper

By Allen Payton

Now is the time for interested residents and business owners to provide input to the City Council before they take their vote on the preferred plan for Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown area, Tuesday night’s council meeting. Comments can be sent either by email to Mayor Harper and Council Members, or by phone calls or by speaking at the meeting, during public comments on the agenda item number 10.

The study session held by the Council, Planning Commission and Economic Development Commission on Tuesday, June 2 was standing room only, with a variety of residents and business owners sharing their thoughts and concerns with the plan. The majority of comments and applause were about having a downtown park and event center, specifically located at the old Antioch Lumber Company yard property. The lumber company was owned by Henry Beede and his family.

The lot, which has been owned by the city since the late 1990’s, bordered by West Second, West Third and F Streets, has been planned for multi-family housing of condominiums or townhouses, or a mixed-use development with retail, commercial and residential uses, during that time.

Ever since the city replaced the Barbara Price Marina Park with the new boat launch facility, downtown residents, represented by the Rivertown Preservation Society, whose president is former Antioch School Board Trustee Joy Motts, have been pushing for an event center on the lot, instead of housing.

The Celebrate Antioch Foundation, lead by Chairman Wayne Harrison, has taken the lead on the effort, submitting a rendering of a proposed event center. The non-profit organization has been organizing Antioch’s July 4^th celebrations for this year and the past two years, as well as last December’s Holiday Delites Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

While most speakers weren’t opposed to additional, upscale housing in downtown, to bring more people to the area who would shop and dine in the area’s stores and restaurants, some speakers said they don’t want any housing.

Residents, business owners offer their thoughts

“Who wants high density between Second and Third Streets, where there are the vest views of the river?” asked downtown homeowner Latasha Wallace, to loud applause. “We want a farmer’s market. We want car shows. We want concerts, again. We don’t want more people downtown.”

“It is beyond reason why staff has not listened to the public,” said Motts. “Over one thousand signatures have told you not to put housing on the Beede lumber site. Celebrate Antioch Foundation has proposed an event center plan.”

“Help us create something special,” she implored.

Downtown business owner and Celebrate Antioch Foundation board member Jim Lanter shared his thoughts.

“We think too small,” he stated. “I’ve lived in downtown for 30 years and have had a business for 15 years. We need another place to stage events. I don’t think anyone talked to any retail business owners in downtown.”

“We can bring thousands of people to downtown, if we create 10 to 12 events a year,” Lanter continued. “We just need the opportunity and the place to do it. Please help us.”

Former Councilwoman Liz Rimbault offered a historical perspective.

“In the 1990’s the CRAWDADS defeated a development on the site,” she shared. “It’s taken us decades to reclaim some of our water front for the benefit of our citizens.”

“Let’s not forget the high-pressure pipe placed underneath that lot. It pumps poop to 7A District,” Rimbault added.

One neighbor shared her thoughts.

“I live across the street from the Beede Lumber site. I oppose the petition for a residential development because we’re in a serious drought, not to mention the lack of law enforcement.”

Lucy Meinhardt supported both housing and an event center.

“I have a compromise,” she said. “Go for the most quality of life for all Antioch citizens. I am not opposed to a condo-type housing downtown. But, if we built one of those medium-density down by the marina. Give it time. See if the enhancements bring people to downtown. Just try and see what happens.”

“A really important question is ‘who is it for, to increase revenues to the city through property tax or enhance the community that exists there, right now,” Carol Kuhn asked. “If it’s all about the money, I think it’s a mistake to think that way.”

“Bring a higher quality of life up in priority,” she added. “Don’t worry about the money. The money will follow.”

Commissioners and Council Members ask questions, make statements

Commissioners and Council Members then asked their questions of the city’s consultant, Dick Loewke of Loeweke Planning Associates.

Economic Development Commissioner Joseph Adebayo asked him how he rated each of the three alternative downtown plans for economic and quality of life.

“The quality of life issues are paramount, regardless of the plan,” Loewke responded. “Alternative 2 runs out of gas in five to 10 years. We tend to favor flexibility…”

He favored Alternatives 1 and 3, and it is those plans, with modifications and three sub-plans which are included in the staff report for Tuesday night’s council meeting agenda.

Loewke then added comments about “the importance of corridors that lead to downtown, L Street in particular. But A Street, as well.”

The issue of crime was broached.

“A lof of people were concerned about crime. How will the high-density housing affect that?” asked Economic Development Commissioner Josh Young. “My family has been in the town for over 100 years. Beede Lumper was my uncle Frank’s business. I would like to see the lumber yard develop into a park.”

Loewke responded, “Crime has correlated into vacancies and deterioration. You have a spiraling downward. The crime issue is more of an issue of a lack of people presence.”

Another Economic Development Commissioner, Ken Turnage asked about the type of proposed housing.
“Is the housing medium- to high-income?” he asked. “If you’re going to bring money downtown, it has to be affluent people.”

Loewke agreed.

“We want to bring as much disposable income to downtown,” he stated. “To support business activity, that would be ideal.”

Planning Commissioner Keith Archuleta offered his perspective.

“What we’re looking for is balance,” he said. “I don’t see this an either or. We need foot traffic, downtown and consistent traffic. Events won’t be enough.”

“It’s about what the market will support, over time,” Loewke responded.

Parsons wants to see action

“What I want to see come out of this is action…now,” Planning Commissioner Martha Parsons stated emphatically. “Entrances into downtown, A Street needs landscaping. L Street needs a total revamping.”

Planning Commissioner Kerry Motts spoke in favor of a park on the lumber company lot.

“A part at Second and Third provides a grand entrance to Rivertown,” he said. “It should be designed as a park.”

“Celebrate Antioch has offered to build his park with no costs to the city,” he added. “Alternative 3 is preferred.”

The council members then shared their thoughts.

Ogorchock pushes for alternative with a park

“If we truly are listening to the community, is there a reason we didn’t have Alternative 4 that includes a park at the lot?” asked Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock.

“It can be easily added to any of these alternatives,” Loewke responded.

“The parking lots need to bmoved to the outside of downtown,” Ogorchock stated. “We need low- to medium-density housing in downtown.”

“I want you to talk about transit-oriented and walkable and bicycle-friendly communities,” Councilwoman Monica Wilson said.

“Those are excellent ideas to include in any plan for downtown,” said Loewke. “This is a theme that needs to weave into the plan.”

He spoke of the three corridors that lead to downtown, Auto Center Drive, L Street and A Street.

“One of the ideas is a shuttle system to the eBART station to bring people to the downtown and back,” he added. “Part of the General Plan is the circulation element, which includes bicycles.”

Wilson also mentioned the need for “renovations of some of our older buildings.”

“Some require earthquake retrofit of unreinforced masonry buildings,” she added.

Councilwoman Mary Rocha said she supports “a fourth proposal, too, including a park.”

“Now, we’re going to have to work together to finance this,” Rocha added.

Councilman Tony Tiscareno kept it brief, in support of additional housing, downtown.

“We need the population, the folks to come in to have the businesses,” he stated.

Loewke offered additional comments on the alternative proposals presented at the June 2 meeting.

“These alternatives were not intended to be one better than the other two,” he stated. “I tend to favor Alternatives 1 and 3 over 2 because it give you flexibility.”

He also said that “Alternative 1 has the greatest potential to support” a ferry terminal.

“Getting people down there, keeping them down there, and the answer is move forward on all fronts,” he dded.

Harper said he wants “to come up with a plan we can all support to make this city better.”

“As we consider adding more crime prevention through environmental design, proper lighting, proper landscaping, more accessiblity to police, small gathering places,” he continued. “I will support the two council members for a fourth alternative looking at the Beede lumper lot for a park.”

Duran offered his final comments to wrap up the meeting.

“Retail follows residential,” he shared. “There’s a direct correlation between the density of the residential and the vibrancy of the retail.”

To see the complete council meeting agenda and staff report, for Tuesday night, June 23, please click here. See item 10 and click on Staff Report.

Antioch Council meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, between West Second and Third Streets in downtown, or can be viewed on Comcast Channel 24 or via live stream video on the city’s website by clicking here.