By Battalion Chief Bob Atlas, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

On June 18, 2015 at approximately 2:31 pm Contra Costa County Fire – Engine 82 (Antioch), Quint 83 (Antioch), Engine 81 (Antioch), Engine 88 (Antioch), Engine 85 (Pittsburg), Battalion 8 (Pittsburg), 1113 (BC of EMS) and 1102 Asst. Chief of Operations responded to a report of 10 to 12 children getting sick from drinking pool water at the Antioch Water Park at 4701 Lone Tree Way in Antioch.

Upon arrival of the First AMR Unit (PM175) the incident was upgraded to an MCI Tier 1 based on reports of 15-20 patients. Battalion 8 upgraded the response to add 2 additional Engines. Engine 82 arrived on scene established Prewett IC and requested County Hazmat. A medical group was established with Captain 88 as Med. Group Supervisor.

After carefully assessing the incident it was found that more patients were coming forward and the incident was escalated to a Tier 3 MCI. Notifications were made to all agencies. A total of 34 patients were treated, 17 were transported to area hospitals and 17 were released to their legal guardians.

Per County Hazmat, County Health and CCCFPD Investigators and with the cooperation of the City of Antioch and its Recreation Department a joint investigation into cause and origin was initiated. Those results are not available as of this writing. During this hour and a half incident no responders were injured and the water park remains closed this [Friday] morning.

Incident Statistics

RESPONSE: 1Truck Company, 4 Engines, 1 Battalion Chief, 1 Battalion Chief in charge of EMS, 2 Public Information officers, 1 Assistant Chief, 2 AMR Supervisors, 1 AMR Assistant Chief, 9 AMR ambulances, 4 Network Provider BLS Ambulances, Antioch PD, County Hazmat, County Health, 1 Tri-Delta Transit Bus.

ASSISTING AGENCIES: AMR, Antioch P.D., County Hazmat, County Health, Norcal Ambulance, ProTransport Ambulance, Falk Ambulance

TOTAL FIRE PERSONNEL AT SCENE: 19

By John Crowder

A self-described, “African-American Promotion Ceremony” for students moving from 8th to 9th grade who reside within the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) boundaries, held on May 29, 2015, generated tremendous controversy on local social media, both during and following the event. Many expressed surprise that such an event took place, with some calling it, “segregation.” Now, other school district programs, interventions focused on African American students, are also being questioned.

Antioch Herald staff have been researching these practices, though, and have found that events and programs targeting African American students are common throughout the state of California, they have been for some time, and are supported at all levels of public education, from the California State Board of Education (SBE) to local school boards and school districts.

Throughout the state, since the identification of a substantial gap between the learning outcomes of African American students and their peers several years ago, California’s local school districts have implemented numerous programs designed to close that gap. These programs have included: African American promotion ceremonies, school/parent organizations focused on African American students, reviews and modifications of policies related to the suspension and expulsion of African American students, training of teachers in “cultural awareness,” honor rolls for African American students, and special summer program classes for African American students.

In addition, and related to the achievement gap, the data regarding suspensions and expulsion rates indicate a vastly disproportionate number of African American students being subject to these two disciplinary measures which remove students from the classroom. Locally, this has been acknowledged repeatedly by District staff at AUSD board meetings in recent months.

In this article, we detail some of the history behind the initiatives that have been undertaken to address these matters, and relate current practices, typical of California school districts, focused on African American students.

SBE Creates African American Advisory Committee

As early as 2009, the SBE had become “alarmed” at the “achievement gap that exists between African American students and their counterparts.” On January 8 of that year, the SBE released a press statement regarding the creation of an “African American Advisory Committee.” The committee was to be composed of people, “from throughout the state who are knowledgeable about best practices and research related to improving the academic achievement of African American students.”

The need for an African American Advisory Committee was based on the results of two tests, the 2008 Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program and the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), and on other statistics regarding such things as high school graduation rates. On the 2008 STAR test, only 33% of African American students in California scored at proficient or above on the English portion of the exam, and only 28% scored proficient or above on the math portion.

Other statistics showed that, in the 2006-2007 academic year, only 57.6% of African American students graduated high school. On the 2008 CAHSEE, African American students scored, “substantially lower” than other ethnic groups in both the English and math sections of the test. (Data was taken from a report provided to the California SBE by the African American Advisory Committee, and reflect statistics for the entire state.)

African American Advisory Committee Makes Recommendations

From January 12-14, 2011, the African American Advisory Committee presented their recommendations to the SBE. These recommendations included such things as:

• Revise school accountability reports to more prominently display subgroup data

• Take corrective action with, or sanction, local school districts that, “have compliance issues” relative to “disproportional rates of suspension and expulsion of African American students

• Create, “culturally responsive systems”

Local Control Funding Formula requires Local Control Accountability Plans

Programs at the local school district level that focus on specific subgroups, such as African Americans (other subgroups that are delineated include Asian, Hispanic, Caucasian, Socioeconomically Disadvantaged, English Learners, Students with Disabilities, and Foster Youth), took a major step forward when, a little over two years after the recommendations were provided by the African American Advisory Committee, the state legislature created a new methodology to pay for California schools.

In July, 2013, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), significantly changing the way California funds its schools. In an effort to obtain more transparency from local school boards while at the same time ensuring greater accountability, schools were now required to create a Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). School districts were required to create these plans with input from “parents and the community.”

LCAP plans must show how a local school district will spend funds and its goals for improving student outcomes according to priorities set by the legislature.

On the Local Control Accountability Plan Template, it states, “the LCAP must describe, for each school district and each school within the district, goals and specific actions to achieve those goals for all pupils and each subgroup of pupils identified in Education Code section 52052…for each of the state priorities and any locally identified priorities.”

According to CA Education Code 52052, “a school or school district shall demonstrate comparable improvement in academic achievement as measured by the API by all numerically significant subgroups at the school or school district, including: (A) Ethnic subgroups.”

State priorities include, “score on API,” “efforts to seek parent input in decision making,” and “promotion of parent participation in programs.”

Antioch Unified LCAP

Like many school districts in the state, AUSD has recognized an education gap with its African American students. A specific subgroup identified in AUSD’s LCAP is the African American subgroup. Additionally, one of the groups specifically identified as a “stakeholder group” in AUSD is the membership of the district-created African American Male Achievement Initiative (AAMAI).

Within the AUSD LCAP, and in accordance with state mandates, are stated “goals and specific actions” which then lead to various initiatives designed to address the identified learning gap with African American students.

Cultural celebrations, which is how many supporters of the African American Promotion Ceremony characterized it, are identified specifically in the AUSD LCAP (6/08/2015 Draft) as something the District intends to support.

Goal 2 of the AUSD LCAP says, “Antioch Unified School District will build inclusive school communities where all students, families, and members of the community feel welcome and valued.” Section 2.5d of the LCAP states, “Allocated school site funding will be used to provide activities that focus on connectedness, which includes, but is not limited to, cultural celebrations.”

Willie Mims, Education Chair for the East County NAACP, referenced this section of the LCAP document at the AUSD School Board meeting this last Wednesday, June 10, when he spoke in support of the African American Promotion Ceremony that had been the subject of the recent controversy. In a follow-up statement, Mims said, “Allocation of school site funds, cultural celebrations, promotions, holding and funding events beyond the school day to engage parents are all contained in Goal 2 of Antioch’s LCAP plan.”

African American focused programs in AUSD

Beyond the African American promotion ceremony, within its LCAP, AUSD includes several other actions/services that, according to the document, are specifically targeted toward African American males. For example, Section 3.2 of the document states, “The District will continue to support and strengthen the African American Male Achievement Initiative (AAMAI).”

Actions to be taken in order to accomplish this goal include such things as continuing to support AAMAI, expanding a “preschool program for African American males entering kindergarten,” expanding the African American Male Preparatory Academy (a program for students making the transition from middle school to high school), providing college tours and a college fair related to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, parent training and the creation of parent resource centers.

Section 3.12 lists several strategies to be implemented in order to, “reduce the number of days and occurrences of suspension especially for African American students who are disproportionately suspended and expelled.” The strategies include increasing, “the number of schools participating in Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS),” and strengthening, “restorative justice practices.”

Section 4.5 says the District will “Provide eight week summer program for students entering kindergarten,” specifically noting the African American subgroup as a target demographic. (The District emphasizes, in promotional literature for the program, that it is open to all, but also states that the curriculum is designed with the African American student in mind.)

Other School Districts Have Similar Programs

As noted above, Antioch is far from unique in the steps it is taking to see African American students achieve greater success in school. An examination of school district websites for districts in the Bay Area alone reveals that programs and strategies, similar to what AUSD has instituted, have proliferated.

For example, while Antioch has the AAMAI, in the Pittsburg Unified School District (PUSD) the Parental African American Achievement Collaborative Team (PAAACT) works toward similar goals. According to a brochure produced by the group, “PAAACT is an organization formed to advocate for parents and families of African American students in all grades and in every school of the district.”

Just as in Antioch, an African American Promotion Ceremony was held in Pittsburg, for students moving from 8^th to 9^th grade. While the Antioch promotion ceremony was held in a local church, and the resources used came primarily from private funds, the event in Pittsburg was clearly and visibly supported by PUSD. Their Superintendent, Dr. Janet Schulze, spoke at the event. PUSD school board member, Da’Shawn Woolridge, attended.

When asked about PUSD support for the Promotion Ceremony, Schulze said, “I was happy to attend, support and participate in the event. I thought it was a beautiful celebration and the PAACT did a great job in organizing it and the students and families were terrific.”

PUSD provided the use of the gymnasium at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, and the use of the school’s cafeteria to serve refreshments afterward. PUSD used LCAP funds in support of the event. According to Schulze, “We have funds in Goal 3 of our LCAP for supporting parent and family engagement as well as student celebrations.” Other supporters of the event included the East County NAACP and the City of Pittsburg. All students attending the event received certificates of accomplishment. Students obtaining a 3.0 or above were awarded medals, and three students who had obtained a 4.0 or better were awarded laptop computers.

PUSD, in its LCAP (approved by the PUSD Board on January 14, 2015), has language very similar to that found in the AUSD LCAP. PUSD recognizes both an achievement gap and a disproportionate number of disciplinary actions taken with African American students. The African American subgroup is specifically addressed throughout the document. Goals for this subgroup include reducing the percentage of suspensions and increasing the percentage of students meeting the UC/CSU graduation requirements. Actions include such things as providing workshops and training in “cultural competency” to staff, creation of an “equity task force,” restorative justice training, and strengthening community partnerships.

Community Groups Remain Engaged

With the implementation of LCFF and the requirement that local school districts create an LCAP with community involvement, there now exists an unprecedented opportunity for members of a community to band together and, ultimately, direct school resources toward the education of those students they represent. In Antioch, such groups regularly participate in LCAP development meetings, and lobby for funding of programs that they believe will help the students they represent succeed.

Community groups advocating for African American students are not the only ones attending these meetings, but they have been particularly effective in seeing programs, targeted toward their youth, funded and implemented. Certainly, as long as an achievement gap with African American students remains, or disciplinary measures remove African American students from classrooms at a disproportionate rate, the advocacy efforts being undertaken by these groups will continue, as will the targeted intervention programs they promote.

For more information about the AUSD LCAP and the AAMAI, visit the AUSD website, www.antioch.k12.ca.us. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the AUSD School Board is Wednesday, June 24, 2015. Meetings typically begin at 7:00 p.m., and are held at the School Services Building, 510 G Street, in Antioch.

On Friday, June 19, 2015 the Antioch Water Park will remain closed to allow for continued testing of all operations and further review by Contra Costa County Environmental Health Department. Facility safety is the primary concern for all parties.

The Antioch Water Park closed at approximately 2:30 on Thursday, June 18, 2015 in response to a chemical malfunction in one of the five pools. All guests were escorted safely from the facility and individuals needing medical attention were treated.

“Parks & Recreation Director Nancy Kaiser and her staff did a great job handling this incident,” said City Manager Steve Duran. “They were the first responders. They made decisions quickly.They removed the kids from potential danger and got the help they needed from CC Fire. When I got there, I saw no chaos or confusion. Contra Costa Fire had incident command and they, along with EMTs, CHP and Antioch PD were terrific.”

“When Chief Cantando and I arrived and were briefed by Nancy, CC Fire, etc., it was clear that everyone was communicating, working as one team and had the situation in hand,” he added.

If anyone has any questions about the Antioch Water Park they should call the Parks and Recreation Director at (925) 779-7078.

 By Allen Payton

A joint meeting of the Antioch City Council, Planning Commission and Economic Development Commission will be held, tonight, for public input on the Antioch General Plan, Land Use Element and Zoning Update.

The study session will include the following:

– Review the General Plan Land Use Element & Zoning Update preliminary work products

– Review and discuss the Focus Areas of the General Plan along with associated Zoning Designations and provide input on any changes that should be made

– Provide input on the General Plan and Zoning Update prior to formal consideration by the City Council on July 14, 2015.

The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, located at 213 F Street in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown.

To view the agenda, please click here.

Increased spending on education, social programs, pays down debt

Calls for two special sessions on transportation and health care financing

SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., on Tuesday, announced a budget agreement with Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins and Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León, consistent with prudent May Revision revenue estimates, that saves billions of dollars and pays down debt, while directing more resources to schools and low-income Californians.

Governor Brown also announced that he is calling two special sessions to fix how California funds roads, highways and other infrastructure and the state’s core health program – Medi-Cal.

“This is a sound, well thought-out budget,” said Governor Brown. “Yet, the work never ends and in the coming months we’ll have to manage our resources with the utmost prudence and find more adequate funding for our roads and health care programs.”

Budget Agreement

Highlights of the budget agreement include:

More Money for Schools: The agreement makes significant investments in schools – $14.3 billion for the K-12 system and community colleges, including $6 billion to continue to implement the Local Control Funding Formula which targets increased resources to students who face the greatest challenges.

Counteracting the Effects of Poverty: The agreement implements the first-ever California Earned Income Tax Credit ($380 million) to help the state’s poorest working families.

Paying Down Debt: The agreement pays down billions in debts, including completely paying off school deferrals ($1 billion) and debts owed to local governments since 2004 ($765 million). The agreement also completely retires $15 billion in Economic Recovery Bonds used to cover budget deficits as far back as 2002, as well as $3.8 billion in mandate debt owed to K-14 schools.

Saving for a Rainy Day: The agreement saves $1.9 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund as required by Proposition 2, bringing the balance to $3.5 billion.

The budget agreement maintains the fiscal framework of the May Revision, including the General Fund revenue forecast, overall spending levels, a $1.1 billion operating reserve, Proposition 2 debt payments and Rainy Day Fund deposits. By redirecting spending and using identified savings, including a reform of the Middle Class Scholarship program and correcting an error in the estimate for Medi-Cal, the budget agreement can afford additional spending, including:

• $40 million to expand Medi-Cal to cover all low-income undocumented children effective May 1, 2016 ($132 million when fully implemented).

• $265 million to fund 7,000 additional preschool slots and 6,800 child care slots, plus a rate increase for all providers.

• $97 million over the January budget for the California State University to expand enrollment and focus on increased success.

• $226 million on a one-time basis to restore the 7 percent reduction in service hours for In-Home Supportive Services.

• $500 million (Proposition 98) for a one-time teacher effectiveness block grant.

Special Sessions

Fixing California Roads, Highways and Other Infrastructure

Caltrans, the state’s Transportation Department, maintains 50,000 lane-miles of highway and nearly 13,000 state-owned bridges. While the repair, maintenance and efficient operation of the state’s highway system are vital to the state’s continued economic growth, current funding fails to adequately fund this necessary work. The state’s current fuel excise tax is sufficient to fund only $2.3 billion of work—leaving $5.7 billion in unfunded repairs each year.

The Governor proposes that the Legislature enact permanent and sustainable funding to maintain and repair the state’s transportation and critical infrastructure, improve the state’s key trade corridors and complement local infrastructure efforts.

Shoring Up Health Care Financing

The Governor also called a special session to address the financing of the state’s core health program – Medi-Cal. The state’s recent expansion of health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act has resulted in more than four million additional Californians receiving coverage through Medi-Cal.

Since 2005, the state has levied a tax on Medi-Cal managed care plans. The revenues are matched by the federal government and used to both increase payments to Medi-Cal providers and offset health care costs that would otherwise be paid from the General Fund. This funding mechanism has helped the state pay for the increased number of Californians receiving coverage under federal health care reform.

The state’s current managed care organization (MCO) tax structure fails to comply with new federal requirements that such a tax be broad-based and not limited narrowly to Medi-Cal plans. The current structure, which expires at the end of fiscal year 2015-16, generates $1.1 billion. The Governor’s January budget proposed a modified MCO tax that would be levied on a per-enrollee basis and cover most health care plans regulated by the Department of Managed Health Care.

In the special session, the Governor proposes that the Legislature enact permanent and sustainable funding to provide at least $1.1 billion annually to stabilize the state’s General Fund costs for Medi-Cal, sufficient funding to continue the restoration of the 7 percent of In-Home Supportive Services hours and funding for additional rate increases for providers of Medi-Cal and developmental disability services. The funding could come from the proposed MCO tax and/or alternative sources and is necessary to prevent over $1 billion in program cuts next year.

Full text of the special session proclamations on infrastructure and health care financing are available here and here.

On Monday, June 15, 2015, Assemblyman Jim Frazier (D-Oakley) made the following statement regarding the Legislature’s approval of the 2015-16 Budget:

“After months of hard work and collaboration between the Legislature and the Governor, I am pleased to see the 2015-16 Budget reflect California’s commitment to fiscal prudence and responsibility.

As Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, I will continue to work diligently towards an innovative and comprehensive plan to address our state’s most critical transportation needs. Looking into the 2015-16 year, my top legislative priority will focus on building a rational, long-term transportation funding solution that will invest in California and put our state back in business.”

To contact Assemblymember Jim Frazier please visit his website or call his District Offices at 707-399-3011 or 925-513-0411.

Follow Assemblyman Jim Frazier on Facebook and “Like” him for updates on events and happenings in the 11th AD.

By Allen Payton

Friends and customers of Jeremy “Lumpy” Sturgill, owner of Lumpy’s Diner in Antioch and Pittsburg, and Lumpy’s Express in Brentwood, mourned his passing, via social media, on Tuesday morning just after 8:00 a.m.

Flowers were placed at the door of the Antioch location, and a sign on the window there stated “Lumpy’s Diner will be closed until further notice.” However, both the Brentwood and Pittsburg locations were open on Tuesday.

The business’ website provides information about Sturgill and his business:

“Lumpy’s Diner was built in 2008 by Jeremy (Lumpy) Sturgill. He grew up in the restaurant industry. His parents created Digger’s Diner in Concord, CA. Lumpy started running that diner at the age of 14. After dedicating his life to the business, it was time for him to strike out on his own path. With the first Lumpy’s Diner being built in 2008, two more locations followed shortly after.

The Pittsburg Lumpy’s became the second location and after noticing a huge demand for the quality of food and service Lumpy expects, the idea to streamline the process and create a faster, over the counter version of Lumpy’s Diner was born. That extension of this brand is Lumpy’s Diner Express. The first LDX, as we like to refer to it, was opened in 2012 in Brentwood, Ca.

So much has changed for Lumpy since beginning his exciting adventure… he met a woman who truly is his companion, she helps him in every way. That woman is Marci and the two got married in 2011. As life tends to be, the two quickly had their first child and welcomed Jaxx into the family, November of 2012. This family has worked together, hand and hand, to make Lumpy’s Diner and Lumpy’s Diner Express the best locally owned restaurant in the East Bay.

Recently the Lumpy’s Diner crew’s operations have expanded to include a catering business known as Elle Dee’s. The team caters everything from car show to weddings (check out our catering page). As we continue to grow one thing remains true… without all the strong support we get from our customers, we wouldn’t be where we are today. With 5 successful years behind us we thrive to continue as a community based establishment and offer a fun and exciting environment for you and your family to enjoy. Make sure to visit us at one of our annual events (fundraisers, car shows, burger contest and toy drive) or during the week for a laid back dining experience. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you!

World Famous Since 2008!”

Lumpy’s was known for their burgers, as well as their car, truck and bike shows and burger eating contests. Sturgill was known for his generosity, having his business sponsor Christmas toy drives with former 49er Jeremy Newberry.

On his Facebook page, Newberry wrote “R.I.P. Lump. You will be missed by many.”

Others posted photos they had taken with Sturgill, including one with East Bay Regional Parks Director Diane Burgis and her family.

Maria Lazzerini, the night manager at the Deer Valley Safeway in Antioch, wrote “R.I.P Lumpy! You will be missed! The community has lost of of the most caring and giving guys!! Way too young! Prayers to his family.”

Referring to a fundraiser held at Lumpy’s, for her daughter who had a brain tumor, Lazzerini added, “So young and so caring. He…was always so giving with the communities fundraiser, including Alison’s.”

“RIP Lumpy Sturgill,” wrote Doug Knowles who posted additional photos and a TV commercial for Lumpy’s on his Facebook Page. “You and Your Family are in our Thoughts and Prayers.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up by LaTasha Renée, entitled The Sturgill Family Fund.  By 5:00 p.m., on Tuesday, the goal of $10,000 had been surpassed by $1,570. Following is the message on that page:

“Last night our Fit Family member and friend, Marci Sturgill and their 2 boys, suffered a devastating loss and the earth lost an angel. Lumpy, beloved husband, son, father and owner of Lumpy’s Diner passed away.

Lumpy was known and valued for all he gave to others and for the friend and business owner he was in our community. He loved his family and his infectious smile, his passion for his customers and for his business will be missed

Please consider making a donation to help The Sturgill Family. They need the community that Lumpy so willing loved on to give back in an effort to help ease the financial pain that this devastating loss can cause a family that is self employed. All funds donated will go directly to the Sturgill Family.
Thank you in advance for your donation and it comes with much love and many prayers to you and your boys Marci! Xo”

Please check back for details on his official obituary and possible memorial service.

By Allen Payton

New details have emerged in the case of the melee that occurred at the Deer Valley Safeway in Antioch, Friday night, June 12, caused by some of the riders on a party bus from San Francisco. Antioch Police Corporal James McMurry, who was not on duty Friday night, provided information from the “shift highlight” from that night.

Antioch residents discussing the incident on Facebook wanted to know the name of the bus company, where the riders on the bus were from and why they came to Antioch. While that information has not yet been released, one new part of the story was revealed by McMurry.

It appears that some people on the bus were in Antioch to meet up with others in the parking lot.

“Some of the merchandise stolen from Safeway were taken to other vehicles and those vehicles fled,” he stated. “There were at least two other cars in the parking lot that had fled prior to the officers’ arrival.”

In addition, he provided the following information from the highlight:

– No name of the bus company was listed.

– Officers didn’t document the actual name in their report.

– Driver out of the City [San Francisco].

– The majority of people were from S.F. Some were from Vallejo.

– There were 40-50 people on the bus.

– Twelve people were arrested, ages 16-21. Officers didn’t include the names of the adults arrested in their report. Just wrote “too many to list.”

– Five guns were seized that were on the bus.

“We have the guns in evidence,” McMurry said.

– A total of 10 police officers and one CSO responded.

“They were cited and released at the scene with a court date to appear on various dates, based on whether they were adults or juveniles,” he shared. “The court dates are all for Superior Court in Pittsburg, except for juveniles who would most likely have to appear in juvenile court in Martinez.”

– One of the people had an outstanding arrest warrant.

When asked why that person was released, McMurry said, “they would have been released based on instructions in the warrant.”

The Antioch Police Department has a copy of all the citations with all the names of those arrested.

“Those would have been turned in with the police reports,” he added.

A request will be made to the police department on Monday, for the names of the adults arrested and the name of the bus company.

Click here to view the video of the incident that was posted by Casey Downey on his Facebook page. While he was not at Safeway at the time, the video was provided to him by someone who was, but wishes to remain anonymous.

The Night Manager at Safeway, Maria Lazzerini, was not able to speak to the media for this article and instead directed the Herald to speak with Safeway’s Public Affairs department. However, she did provide the following email she sent Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando on Sunday morning, June 14:

Chief Cantando,

My name is Maria Lazzerini and I am the night manager at the Deer Valley Safeway. I just wanted to take a few minutes to share some feedback from the incident that occurred on Friday June 12th with the party bus that caused a big ordeal.

First off, I commend your 911 dispatcher for her professionalism during the call. I know that it was a stressful situation on our part and she handled it awesome. Second, I want to share that in our time of need, your departments response time was phenomenal. In a time that I know your department is short staffed, your response was fast.

Lastly, I want to personally thank every single officer that came out to the scene. I don’t remember every single one but the following stuck out, Officer D. Hopwood, Officer J. Jeoung, Officer Chang, Officer Meads, your K-9 Officer and all of the other people there. I know that I was definitely stressed and shaken up over the whole situation but the officers were extremely professional and handled the situation the best that they could. Dealing with such a loud and obnoxious crowd of 50 kids was not easy, but they made it seem carefree. They took the time to fully investigate the situation and look at all the video surveillance to help determine all the culprits in this situation. Very time consuming but they never hesitated one bit.

I have worked at this Safeway store for almost 10 years and have had to call your department quite a bit. I have always found your officers to be extremely awesome, very approachable and never hesitant to give that helping hand. In closing, you should be a very proud Chief to have a great group of officers. You may not have the full force you need, but the force you have is a strong and great group of men and women.From myself and my crew at Antioch Safeway, I want to thank you again for everything you guys did the other night.

Sincerely, Maria Lazzerini Night Manager-Safeway #1259

Check back later as more details are made known.

Antioch Herald Writer Luke Johnson contributed to this report.