DeSaulnier’s election to Congress begins possible game of political dominoes

By Allen Payton

With State Senator Mark DeSaulnier’s victory Tuesday night in the Congressional election for District 11, he will now have to vacate his seat in the California Senate. In light of this, Governor Jerry Brown will soon be calling for a special election for California State Senate District 7, which will occur early next year.

Mark Meuser, a local attorney, has announced that he will be running for the open seat in the upcoming special election. He was the Republican nominee who ran and lost to DeSaulnier in the 2012 election. Senate District 7 (SD7) covers most of Contra Costa and Alameda counties, east of the Berkeley hills, and includes all of Antioch.

In addition to the special election in SD7, there will also be special elections held in SD21 and SD37, which are both in southern California, due to those Senators also being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday.

Meuser, whose law firm focuses on civil litigation for both individuals and small businesses, said in a news release on Friday, November 7, “that his priority is to insure that your future, your children’s future, and California’s future is bright. The spirit of entrepreneurs in California is as strong today as it was during the gold rush. It needs an advocate in Sacramento, and Meuser wants to be that advocate. Ensuring that our communities stay strong—and grow stronger—requires a long-term vision for future generations, and Meuser has that vision. It is time to elect a representative to Sacramento who will fight for the citizens of Contra Costa and Alameda counties.”

In addition to Meuser, Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, a Democrat, who was just re-elected to her third and final term, said she’s in.

“Yes, I will be running for the Senate seat,” she stated in an interview, today. “I had planned to run in 2016 and everything was accelerated due to George Miller’s retirement. We’re just in the beginning stages of developing the campaign.”

Miller decided to not run for reelection to Congress, this year, triggering DeSaulnier’s run for the seat.

When asked why she wanted to be in the State Senate, Bonilla replied “I really love my job and have seen the difference that can be made in Sacramento. I feel I’ve developed a level of experience to serve my constituency affectively and would be honored to continue that service as a State Senator.”

A former teacher, Bonilla served on the Concord City Council and as a member of the County Board of Supervisors before being elected to the State Assembly in 2012.

The process will be triggered by DeSaulnier’s resignation, which is expected before January 5, that day he is scheduled to take the oath of office as a new Congressman.

The governor will then have two weeks to announce the date of the election, which is expected to be in mid- to late-March for the Primary. In a special election a candidate wins if they receive a majority of votes. If not the top two candidates with the most votes in the Primary will face off in the General Election in June.

A state senate district includes roughly 800,000 people, which is larger than a Congressional seat and Senators are elected for four-year terms. With the new term limits, state legislators in California can serve a maximum of 12 years, regardless of whether they serve in the Assembly or State Senate. However, because Bonilla was elected before June 5, 2012 she is restricted by the previous term limits, approved in 1990, which limited legislators to three terms in the State Assembly and two terms in the State Senate. Since the election will be past the half-way point in DeSaulnier’s term, if elected, she will serve less than two years, allowing her two more full terms for a total of close to 10 years. The same would apply to Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, who is termed out this year, and is also rumored to be considering a run for the Senate seat. She did not respond to phone calls for this story.

“It’s not just about hanging around for more years, but using the knowledge and influence you gain to really serve the residents of Contra Costa more effectively,” Bonilla said. “If you don’t have experience, you don’t get assigned to be chair of a committee.”

She said she would stay in the Senate the entire time, if elected and re-elected and doesn’t want to be a career politician.

“I won’t be using this as a stepping stone to higher office,” she added.

Others whose names have been floated included Republicans District Attorney Mark Peterson, County Supervisors Mary Piepho and Candace Anderson, and Catharine Baker, who was just elected to replace Buchanan in the Assembly in the 16^th District on Tuesday night, was also floated as a possible candidate. But, Peterson stated recently he’s not interested in running for the seat.

Anderson’s whose star just rose with her vote against the 33% pay raise the Board of Supervisors gave themselves, two weeks ago, is also out.

“No I’m not running for Senate,” she said, today. “There’s a lot of work to be done in the county. I enjoy the breadth of issues I’m working on and am committed to this position.”

Another name put forward was Orinda City Councilman Steve Glazer, a Democrat, who ran for State Assembly, this year, also in the 16^th District, but wasn’t one of the top two winners to make it to the General Election.

Piepho, Baker and Glazer also did not respond to attempts to reach them for this story.

If Bonilla is elected to the seat, then a special election would have to be held for the remainder of her two-year term in the Assembly. If Piepho were to be elected, the Governor would be able to appoint her replacement for the time remaining of her term on the Board of Supervisors, which is in 2016, as well.

Voters will soon see if the game of political dominoes continues.

Check back for updates to this story.

 

By Tom Fuhrmann, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau Sergeant

On Thursday, November 6, 2014 at approximately 11:33 AM, Antioch Police Officers responded to a report of a shooting in the parking lot of the Somersville Towne Center, in front of the 24 Hour Fitness at 2632 Somersville Road. The officers arrived to find the 33-year-old adult male victim from Pittsburg, incapacitated from apparent gunshot wounds.

According to other news reports, the man was shopping in the mall with his brother. As they were leaving the mall, near the health club, a blue car drove by and multiple rounds were fired.

Life saving measures were implemented at the scene, but paramedics were unable to revive the victim and he subsequently died at the scene.

This case is being investigated by the Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau. They are in the preliminary stages of the investigation and no further information will be released at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Det. McManus with the Antioch Police Department at (925)779-6940. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

It was the third shooting in four days in Antioch and the city’s seventh homicide this year, according to statistics on the Antioch Police Department’s website, which can be viewed here.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

By Allen Payton

According to witnesses, a security guard was shot, today, near the Starbucks in the Grocery Outlet shopping center, located at A and 18th Streets.

According to one business owner in the center, who prefered to remain anonymous, the security guard, Linzy Gordon, got caught in cross fire between two gangs shooting at each other. He was hit in the back of the arm and shoulder and was in surgery at about 4:35 p.m.

UPDATE: According to a press release by Corporal William Dee, Patrol Division of the Antioch Police Department, received by the Herald, Wednesday evening:

At 2:09 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2014, officers were dispatched to the area of A Street and W. 18th Street for a report of shots fired with at least one person shot. As officers arrived, witnesses provided descriptions of the suspect. The suspect was soon detained a short distance away and was found to be in possession of a firearm. That suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

Officers at the scene also found a security guard had been struck once by gunfire. Based on information obtained during the investigation, it appears an argument at a nearby bus stop preceded the gunfire. An armed security guard observed this, drew his own weapon, and began to fire at the suspect.

During the exchange, the security guard was struck once and pulled into a nearby business. The security guard was taken to an area hospital and expected to make a full recovery. No other injuries were reported.

The case is under investigation and anyone with information is urged to contact the Antioch Police Department.

You may text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

 

By Allen Payton

According to the Contra Costa County Elections Office, as of 1:30 p.m., today, there were still 95,000 ballots left to be counted in the county. Those could affect the outcomes of close races, like Measure O, which is leading by just 180 votes and the County Board of Education race in Area 5, where Jeff Belle leads Cynthia Ruehlig by just 464 votes, or 2.59%.

In response to learning the news, Belle said by email “As far as I’m concerned, it’s done. No more comments.”

The uncounted ballots might also affect the outcome of the Antioch City Council race, where Lori Ogorchock, who is in first place, is leading appointed Councilmember Tony Tiscareno by just 267 votes or 1.59%, and he is leading current third-place finisher, Antioch School Board Member Diane Gibson-Gray by just 229 votes or 1.37%.

A total of 158,443 ballots have been counted and those are the ones reflected in the unofficial results posted on the County Elections website. That figure does not include the additional uncounted ballots. So only 62.5% of the total 253,443 ballots cast in the election have been counted, so far. With 37.5% of the ballots left to be counted, it could change the results of the close elections.

Of the uncounted ballots, 82,000 are vote-by-mail ballots that were turned in at drop boxes throughout the county since Saturday, November 1^st or delivered to the polling places.

The other 13,000 are what are known as provisional ballots, which include those by voters who voted in a different polling place than where they are registered to vote, and by vote-by-mail voters who misplaced their ballots.

The next update from the Elections Office will not be until this Friday, November 7 at 5:00 p.m. So those in the close races will have to sit on pins and needles until then. But, all the remaining ballots may not be counted by then. The County Elections Office has 28 days to certify the election.

For all the election results in the county, visit www.cocovote.us.

By Allen Payton

UPDATE 3:30 PM, 11/5/14 – Antioch’s Measure O, which, if passed will implement a business license tax on residential rental property owners, is leading by a slim margin of just 180 votes out of a total 10,236 cast in Tuesday night’s election. Due to 95,000 ballots left to be counted in the county, as of Wednesday, November 5 at 1:30 P.M.

In spite of being outspent $173,000 by the No on Measure O committee to about $13,000, the Yes on O committee succeeded in passing what many of its members had worked on for almost two years.

Committee Chairman Don Freitas was excited about the lead, in early returns, Tuesday night. But wasn’t ready to make any victory comments.

The current numbers are 5,208 votes or 50.88% in favor to 5,028 votes or 49.12% opposed to the measure, which only required a simple majority to pass. The next update from the County Elections Office will be at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 7.

The tax is expected to generate $2.27 million a year for the city.

Check back for more updates to this story. For complete election results in Contra Costa County, visit www.cocovote.us.

By Allen Payton

UPDATE, 3:30 p.m., 11/5/14 – Both incumbents on the County School Board in Areas 4 and 5, which include parts of Antioch, appeared to be going to down to defeat in Tuesday night’s election.

Antioch resident Richard Asadoorian trails Mike Maxwell of Danville in Area 4 by 1,712 votes. Maxwell had 14,846 votes or 52.81% of the vote to Asadoorian’s 13,134 votes or 46.72%. There were also 134 write-in votes in the election.

In the Area 5 race, which featured two more Antioch residents, challenger Jeff Belle is leadingf incumbent Cynthia Ruehlig, beating her 9,129 votes or 50.95% to 8,665 votes or 48.36%. There were 122 write-in votes cast in the election.

However, 95,000 ballots are left to be counted in the county, which could affect the outcome of both races, especially the one in Area 5, since it’s so close. The next update from the County Elections Office will be provided on Friday, November 7 at 5:00 p.m.

Belle had faced questions about his past and education claims during the race, yet was able to overcome the negative news articles about him, to win the race. But, he ran a stronger, more aggressive campaign and was able to garner the endorsement of the California Teacher’s Association, a point Ruehlig made earlier in the evening.

It was a contentious election, starting with a lively candidates forum in September, and continuing with accusations, a confrontation, and an emailed threat of retaliatory campaigning by both Belle and his wife, Carmen, toward both Ruehlig and her husband Walter, who was running for and elected to the Antioch School Board, Tuesday night. The Belles allege Cynthia emailed to others information from Belle’s ex-wife about his past. Walter Ruehlig denied any involvement by Cynthia. But Carmen Belle claims she has proof, but has yet to provide it to Herald staff.

In comments on his Facebook page, following the final election results, Belle posted the following:

“Congratulations to my wife, my anchor in the victory!”

“Many thanks to my supporters and critics. To God be the Glory!”

“To God be the Glory who alone defines me and keeps me in His plan.”

Then, today, Belle said in an email “As far as I’m concerned it’s done. No more comments.”

Check back later for updates to this story. For more information on election results in Contra Costa County visit www.cocovote.us.

By Allen Payton

Both incumbents in the Antioch School Board race, Joy Motts and Gary Hack, were defeated by challengers Walter Ruehlig and Debra Vinson, Tuesday night.  Ruehlig and Vinson led the other two from the first returns.

“I’m feeling a little nervous,” Vinson said after learning of the early returns. “It’s exciting. But I’m waiting.”

Earlier in the day, Vinson posted the following on her campaign’s Facebook page:

Today I am filled with gratitude. I appreciate all of the volunteers and those who contributed to my campaign to make it successful! It has been an unforgettable experience of sharing, listening, and an incredible opportunity to connect with parents, students and the community. Tomorrow a new chapter will begin and I accept the challenge. Education is the liberator for ALL students. As adults we must never give up on our students because they are the future. The zeitgeist is now!

Ruehlig, who ran for the Antioch City Council in 2012 instead of reelection, took first place in the race with 5,028 votes or 30.27%, with Debra Vinson taking the second of two seats up for election, this year, with 4,668 votes or 28.11%. Motts had 3,426 votes or 20.63% and Hack was close with 3,400 votes or 20.47%. There were 87 write-in votes, although there no officially qualified write-in candidates in the race.

Check back for updates to this story. For complete election results in Antioch and Contra Costa County, visit www.cocovote.us.

 

By Allen Payton

As of the 11:03 p.m. update from the Contra Costa County Elections Office, Lori Ogorchock had pulled into the lead for the two seats for the Antioch City Council, ahead of appointed Councilman Tony Tiscareno, who she had trailed all night. They both were ahead of Antioch School Board Member Diane Gibson-Gray, who was in a strong third place all night, ahead of fourth place candidate Lamar Thorpe.

“I’m just in total suprise,” Ogorchock stated about moving into first place. “It was unexpected. I’m overwhelmed.”

With the votes from 27 of the 49 Antioch precincts counted, Ogorchock had 2,909 votes to Tiscareno’s 2,825, while Gibson-Gray had 2,628 votes and Thorpe trailed the top three with 2,099 votes.

Tiscareno said he would wait until morning to make a comment, since the race was still too close to call.

The other four candidates, Anthony Segovia, Jeffrey Hall-Cottrell, Karl Dietzel and Steven Bado, were far back in the pack.

RESULTS, as of the 12:17 A.M., Wednesday, November 5 update by the County Elections Office:

49 of 49 precincts reporting

Lori Ogorchock – 3,935 votes, 23.47%

Tony Tiscareno – 3,668 votes, 21.88%

Diane Gibson-Gray – 3,439 votes, 20.51%

Lamar Thorpe – 2,792 votes, 16.65%

Anthony Segovia – 1,304 votes, 7.78%

Karl Dietzel – 564 votes, 3.36%

Jeffrey Hall-Cottrell – 530 votes, 3.16%

Steven Bado – 439 votes, 2.62%

Write-In – 97 votes, 0.58%

If her first-place finish holds, Ogorchock will serve as the city’s Mayor Pro Tem for the next two years.

UPDATE 3:40 PM, 11/5/14 – However, as of 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, the County Elections Office stated they still have 95,000 ballots left to count in the county. That could affect the outcome in this race. The next vote tally update will be provided at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7. For more details, please see the article, here.

Check back for updates. For the latest election results, visit www.cocovote.us.