Mayors will gain tools and training from the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, Bloomberg Philanthropies, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School to set strategic priorities and build an effective city hall organization through the first 100 days in office.

The new class hails from 12 states and represents more than 5 million residents nationwide.

By Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts – (December 4, 2024) – This week, Mayor-elect Ron Bernal of Antioch, CA, is participating in the First 100 Days program at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard’s Kennedy School. This program assists mayors in gaining the tools and training to help them set strategic priorities and build an effective city hall organization through the first 100 days in office. This year’s program is taking place from December 4–December 6, 2024.

In this year’s class, 24 new mayors from 11 states across the country will come together to receive world-class training from Harvard faculty, urban innovation and management experts, and other mayors on how to deliver for residents. Thanks to a generous gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies, participation for mayors is fully funded, including tuition, accommodation, most meals, and airfare.

“The Bloomberg Center for Cities Program for New Mayors: First 100 Days equips newly elected U.S. mayors with the tools and techniques they need to lead as they begin their transition from campaigning to governing,” said James Anderson, who serves as the head of Government Innovation Programs at Bloomberg Philanthropies. “You only get to be the new kid on the block once — and this program helps ensure these mayors have ready access to insights from seasoned mayors, evidence about what works in leadership and public management, and connections to a peer group that is going through the same things. Alongside the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard, our team at Bloomberg Philanthropies together with the Institute of Politics and the U.S. Conference of Mayors support these new mayors in building effective, talented teams, forging citywide coalitions, and injecting their city hall organization with a culture of innovation so that in their critical, early days in office, they can set ambitious priorities and deliver.”  

As new mayors prepare to take the reins in city halls across the country, 24 newly-elected U.S. mayors have been selected for the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University’s Program for New Mayors: First 100 Days, delivered in collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies, The U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School.

Cities increasingly confront complex global challenges at the community level. The Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard’s Program for New Mayors is designed to maximize mayors’ potential for innovation and problem-solving, equipping newly-elected leaders with the skills to make the most of their roles and improve residents’ quality of life. Through the program, mayors will receive training from Harvard faculty, urban innovation and management experts, and other mayors on how to set strategic citywide priorities, build effective city hall organizations, foster collaboration across departments and sectors, and deliver for residents—establishing a strong foundation for their administrations during their critical early days in office.

To kick off participation, the newly-elected U.S. mayors—collectively representing 11 states and over 5 million residents—will convene for a two-day immersive classroom experience at Harvard University. In addition to the core coursework and connection with peers, the Program for New Mayors provides opportunities for new mayors to share strategies with other mayors through the Bloomberg Center for Cities’ vast mayoral leadership network and learn about interventions that are already working effectively to better resident lives in other cities.

Program alumni have deployed the program’s learnings to lead their communities through unexpected crises, establish working coalitions with diverse stakeholders, and set ambitious goals to meet complex challenges — from tackling homelessness to improving housing access, critical water infrastructure, or government performance — in order to better serve residents’ needs.

The Program for New Mayors is housed at the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University, which serves a global community committed to improving public management, leadership, and governance. Founded in 2021 with Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Center is part of Michael R. Bloomberg’s commitment to the University to help bolster the capabilities of mayors and their teams.  The Center’s cross-Harvard collaboration unites expertise focused on cities across disciplines and schools to produce research, train leaders, and develop resources for global use. The Center is designed to have a widespread impact on the future of cities, where more than half of the world’s people now live, by informing and inspiring local government leaders, scholars, students, and others who work to improve the lives of residents around the world.

The Program for New Mayors builds on the longstanding tradition of a seminar for new mayors that originated at Harvard’s Institute of Politics in 1975.

Members of the Third Class of the Program for New Mayors: First 100 Days

1. Ron Bernal – Antioch, CA
2. Raj Salwan – Fremont, CA
3. Adena Ishii – Berkeley, CA
4. Kevin McCarty – Sacramento, CA
5. Dan Lurie – San Francisco, CA
6. Christina Fugazi – Stockton, CA
7. Andrea Sorce – Vallejo, CA
8. Alyia Gaskins – Alexandria, VA
9. Emma Mulvaney-Stanak – Burlington, VT
10. Bruce Rector – Clearwater, FL
11. Kaarin Knudson – Eugene, OR
12. David LaGrand – Grand Rapids, MI
13. Jimmy Gray – Hampton, VA
14. Beach Pace – Hillsboro, OR
15. Patrick Farrell – Huntington, WV
16. Michael Zarosinski – Medford, OR
17. Mark Freeman – Mesa, AZ
18. Janet Cowell – Raleigh, NC
19. Danny Avula – Richmond, VA
20. Julie Hoy – Salem, OR
21. Lisa Borowsky – Scottsdale, AZ
22. Jake Anderson – St. Cloud, MN
23. Dustin Yates – St. George, LA
24. Kevin Sartor – Surprise, AZ

Read more about the Program for New Mayors: First 100 Days.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Replaces “he” or “she” with “they” or “them”

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County

(Martinez, CA) – In a unanimous vote, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors has approved a significant update to the County Ordinance Code, removing gender-specific pronouns as part of ongoing efforts to modernize language and reflect the diversity of the community.

The ordinance code, which governs areas such as health and safety, administration, and land use, had not undergone a comprehensive review of its language since it was recodified in 1970. During this update, 841 instances of gender-specific pronouns were identified across more than 1,300 pages. Terms such as “he” were replaced with neutral descriptors like “the department head,” ensuring the code is inclusive and representative of all residents.

According to the Ordinance No. 2024-23, “SECTION II. Section 16-4.016 of the County Ordinance Code is amended to read: 16-4.016 Gender. Whenever a personal pronoun is used in the neutral gender, it shall include both the feminine and the masculine. ‘They/them’ shall indicate a singular individual, unless the context indicates the contrary.”

“Contra Costa County is a community for all, and our policies should reflect our dedication to serving everyone,” said Board Chair and District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover. “By updating the County Ordinance Code, we’re delivering on our commitment to create meaningful change that benefits all residents.”

The initiative marks a step toward broader modernization efforts, including plans to draft a policy mandating the use of gender-neutral language in all County policies and procedures, both existing and future.

“We are changing our county ordinances to reflect today’s reality and removing gender references turns the page on a practice that has no place in county policy,” said District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, Chair of the Board’s Equity Committee.

This update underscores the County’s commitment to responsive and representative governance.

“Removing gender-specific pronouns from the County Ordinance Code reflects Contra Costa County’s dedication to fairness and modernizing our practices,” said County Administrator Monica Nino. “This change ensures our policies and language honor the diversity of our community and promote dignity and respect for all.”

This project was sponsored by the County Administrator’s Office in partnership with the County Counsel’s Office with advice from the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice.

See agenda item 6.D.4. County staff Power Point Presentation, adopted Ordinance and Exhibit A.

Watch Dec. 3, 2024, Board meeting video.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

See over 35,000 lights and 70+ handmade wooden cut-outs

Special Guest Appearance by Belle for photos with guests

By Antioch Police Department

For 28 years, with the help of our family, friends and community, we have been providing holiday support to local families. Please help us continue our efforts this year during our Drive by Disney “Spirit & Support” at the home of Gary and Kristen Vistalli located at 3732 Colonial Court. The event will be held this Saturday, Dec. 7.

See have over 35,000 lights and 70+ wooden cut-outs all handmade and SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE by Belle who will be there taking photos with guests.

We’re collecting gift cards, new unwrapped toys, blankets, clothes including hats, gloves, scarves and socks, as well as money including Venmo payments. Items collected will be provided to the Antioch Police Department Giveaway Event for Antioch residents. Our goal is 100 families or even more!

We REALLY need items for TEENS!

Drive by and drop off between the hours of 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm. If you cannot come by in person, please consider a monetary donation or if local, we can arrange a pick-up. Just let us know. We truly appreciate your generosity for so many in need.

THANK YOU!

“But the righteous are as bold as a lion.”

Used axe to break in

By Antioch Police Department

When the pastor at First Family Church on Contra Loma responded to check an alarm in the early hours of Thanksgiving he was not expecting to confront a burglar, but that’s what happened. When the burglar saw his wicked deeds had been discovered he decided to fight with the pastor instead of repent. What he did not know was the pastor would win this battle of good and evil, and he held down the perp until APD arrived and placed the man in custody.

We are thankful today that the pastor was uninjured during this incident and hopeful that with amazing community members like we have been highlighting lately, we can turn the tide on crime in our city.

The axe in the photo was used to break a window on the church which is how the burglar entered.

The verse shared refers to what is written in the book of Proverbs in the Bible chapter 28 verse 1.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Following promotion in June

By Antioch Police Department

Congratulations to Lieutenant Matt Koch on his outstanding achievement of graduating from the prestigious Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI)!

SBSLI, established by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), is one of the most respected leadership programs in law enforcement. Over the course of eight months, participants engage in intensive training designed to enhance leadership, critical thinking, and team-building skills. SBSLI challenges its graduates to reflect on their leadership styles, develop emotional intelligence, and master the tools needed to inspire and guide their teams in today’s dynamic public safety environment. The institute is name for the 29th Sheriff of Los Angeles County.

The dedication and perseverance it takes to complete this rigorous program are a testament to Lt. Koch’s commitment to excellence. His graduation is not only a personal milestone but also a win for our entire team, as he brings back invaluable insights to help strengthen our department.

Interim Chief Brian Addington and Captain Joe Vigil were honored to attend the ceremony in Del Mar, California on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, to support and celebrate this incredible achievement. Lt. Koch, your hard work and determination continue to make us proud!

Koch began his career in law enforcement with the Antioch Police Department as a cadet in 1996, then served as a reserve officer in 1999 until being hired as a police officer in August 2001. He was promoted to the position of lieutenant in June.

Join us in congratulating Lt. Koch on this significant accomplishment! #leadership #sligrad #excellenceinprogress #proudmoment

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

To be presented during Board of Supervisors annual César E. Chávez Celebration in April

Deadline: Feb. 25, 2025

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO & Lia Bristol, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame Awards. These awards are presented annually to outstanding Contra Costa County residents between 12 and 18 years old. Students will be recognized at the 31st Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 11 am in Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez. Community members can also join the event live on Contra Costa Television channels and the County’s website.

Únase a nosotros el martes 1 de abril de 2025 para la 31ª Celebración Conmemorativa Anual de César E. Chávez. Actualmente estamos aceptando formularios de nominación para los Premios del Salón de la Fama Juvenil 2025. Haga clic aquí para acceder al formulario de nominación y más información sobre los Premios del Salón de la Fama de la Juventud. 

Nominees should demonstrate exemplary behavior in one of six categories:

• Good Samaritan: Goes out of their way to do for others without seeking recognition
• Volunteerism: Lends a helping hand for the good of the community; Gives their time and energy to a worthy cause or organization
• Teamwork: Works unselfishly for the good of the team
• Leadership and Civic Engagement: A natural leader who inspires others and works to make a difference in school and the community
• Perseverance: Has worked hard to overcome obstacles and achieve success
• Innovation and Empowerment: Lifts others up and inspires change through creative solutions

For more information and the application form to nominate youth in our community, visit
https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/FormCenter/Contra-Costa-County-Cesar-E-Chavez-Youth-42/2025-Contra-Costa-County-Youth-Hall-of-F-380

We invite you to submit your nomination by completing the form and uploading it to the County website or emailing the application and your letter of recommendation to Lia Bristol at YouthNomination@dcd.cccounty.us.

Nominations must be received or postmarked by February 25, 2025. Recipients will be recognized at the April 1, 2025, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors’ César E. Chávez Celebration.

Buscando nominaciones para el Salón de la Fama de la Juventud del Condado de Contra Costa

La Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Contra Costa está aceptando nominaciones para los Premios del Salón de la Fama Juvenil del Condado de Contra Costa 2025. Estos premios se otorgan anualmente a los destacados residentes de este mismo condado, para los jóvenes entre los 12 y 18 años.

Los estudiantes serán reconocidos en la 31ª Celebración Conmemorativa Anual de César E. Chávez el martes 1 de abril de 2025 a las 11 am en el auditorio localizado en el 1025 Escobar Street, Martínez. Los miembros de la comunidad también pueden unirse al evento en vivo por medio de los canales de televisión y de Contra Costa en el sitio web del condado.

Los nominados deben demostrar un comportamiento ejemplar en una de las seis categorías:
•Buen Samaritano: Una persona o’ joven que se desvive por hacer por los demás sin buscar reconocimiento
•Voluntariado: Es aquella persona que da una mano amiga para el bien de la comunidad; Cede su tiempo y energía a una causa u organización digna
•Trabajo en equipo: Aquella persona que trabaja desinteresadamente por el bien del equipo
•Liderazgo y Compromiso Cívico: Un líder natural que inspira a otros y trabaja para marcar la diferencia en la escuela y la comunidad
•Perseverancia: Aquella persona que a trabajado duro para superar obstáculos y alcanzar el éxito
•Innovación y empoderamiento: Es una persona que anima a los demás e inspira el cambio a través de soluciones creativas

Para obtener más información y el formulario de solicitud para nominar a jóvenes en nuestra comunidad, visite https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/FormCenter/Contra-Costa-County-Cesar-E-Chavez-Youth- 42/2025-Contra-Costa-County-Youth-Hall-of-F-380

Lo invitamos a enviar su nominación completando el formulario y subiéndolo en el sitio web del Condado o enviándolo por correo electrónico, acompañado con la solicitud y su carta de recomendación a Lia Bristol en YouthNomination@dcd.cccounty.us.

Las nominaciones deben recibirse o tener matasellos antes del 25 de febrero de 2025. Los ganadores serán reconocidos en la Celebración César E. Chávez de la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Contra Costa el 1 de abril de 2025.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Including hiring search firm for police chief recruitment, giving authority to Planning Commission to approve tentative maps, commission appointments

Also, Climate Action and Resilience Plan, lawsuit by Antioch Police Officers Association

By Allen D. Payton

Just two weeks before a new council majority is seated, with Antioch’s new mayor and two members to be sworn in, defeated Mayor Lamar Hernández-Thorpe has placed a variety of major issues on the agenda for the current council to decide during their “lame duck” meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. A lame duck government meeting occurs whenever an elected board meets after its successors are elected.

Prior to the regular session at 7:00 p.m., the council will hold a Closed Session beginning at 6:00 p.m. to discuss a significant exposure to anticipated litigation and two lawsuits, one by the mother of a man who died following interactions with police and one by the Antioch Police Officers Association.

The one issue that is the responsibility of the current council is their response to the scathing report from the Civil Grand Jury, from earlier this year. But the other major issues the current mayor has placed on the agenda include hiring a search firm for recruiting a permanent police chief, giving authority to the Planning Commission to approve tentative maps, appointments of two members to the Planning Commission, one to the Parks and Recreation Commission and two to the Police Oversight Commission, all of which could be left to the new mayor and council majority to decide.

The council will also consider giving a city-owned parcel on E. 18th Street to Con Fire for a new station, directing city staff to discuss with the county the use of a 4.7-acre city-owned lot on Delta Fair Blvd. for homeless shelter, and adopting a Climate Action and Resilience Plan.

The council will also consider under item #15 potential upgrades to the Antioch Amtrak Station to help keep it from being closed or decommissioned in the next two to three years as is the current approved plan of the San Joaquins Joint Powers Authority which oversees the Amtrak service in and through Antioch. Finally, under item #15, the council will consider allocating $60,000 for a Chinese Commemoration Public Art Project in the area of Rivertown which was the City’s Chinatown in the 1800’s.

Response to Grand Jury Report

Under agenda item #1, carried over twice from previous meetings, the council will consider, “Approving an addendum to specific Findings and Recommendations identified in the Grand Jury Noncompliance letters dated October 3, 2024 in response to the Findings and Recommendations resulting from the 2023-2024 Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury report of June 12, 2024 entitled: “Challenges Facing the City of Antioch” Addendum; and 2) Authorizing the Mayor to sign and submit it to the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury.”

Hiring Search Firm for Police Chief Recruitment

Under the Consent Calendar item #6L, the council will consider hiring executive search firm Bob Hall & Associates to recruit a permanent police chief. According to the city staff report, in September, the City issued a Request for Qualifications to attract qualified recruitment firms capable of conducting a nationwide search. The Human Resources Department contacted 29 firms and of those contacted, seven firms submitted applications.

On Oct. 31st, City staff and a representative from the Antioch Police Oversight Commission evaluated and ranked the applications based on the firms’ experience, proposed recruitment strategies, cost effectiveness, commitment to diversity and ability to meet the City’s timeline and goals. Two firms were identified as the closest matches to the criteria and were interviewed, during which they outlined “their strategies and processes for engaging the community and fostering trust between the Police Department and community members.” Bob Hall & Associates was ranked the highest and selected.

The Huntington Beach-based firm’s most recent police chief recruitment effort was in the City of Vallejo. According to the company’s LinkedIn profile, it’s founder and namesake, Bob Hall, passed away “on July 12, 2024, after a 5-month battle with cancer.”

UPDATE: Interim Chief Brian Addington said he was part of the decision-making process in selecting the firm and that it was Commission Chairperson Porsche Taylor as the member who participated, as well. He said he feels very confident in the search firm and that both finalists had the needed experience.

In addition, Rachel Hall, the firm’s Recruitment Manager, shared, “Bob Hall & Associates was founded in 2019 and we will be dedicating a specialized team to the Antioch Police Chief recruitment.”

Allowing Planning Commission Approval of Tentative Maps

According to the city staff report for agenda item #7, “In order to streamline Antioch’s development review process and make it more consistent with neighboring jurisdictions and the goals of the Housing Element, this proposed ordinance (“Ordinance”) amends AMC (Antioch Municipal Code) Title 9, Chapter 4, Articles 1 and 3 to assign the Planning Commission the sole authority to approve Tentative Maps as the Advisory Agency in compliance with the Subdivision Map Act, while designating the City Council to act as the Appeals Board for Tentative Map decisions and to continue approving Final Maps.”

Meeting Information

The regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown. The meeting can also be seen via livestream on the City’s website or viewed on either Comcast local cable channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99. See the complete agenda packet.

See separate article about the City’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan. An effort to reach Mike Rains, the attorney for the Antioch Police Officers Association for more details about their lawsuit was also unsuccessful prior to publication time.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Receives Achievers Award at annual SF Chapter luncheon

By Allen D. Payton

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton was honored on Wednesday, Oct.  30, 2024, by the San Francisco Area Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) with their Achievers Award at their 3rd Annual Achievers Luncheon.

The event was held at Scott’s Seafood Restaurant in Oakland and had the theme of “Staying the Course, Supporting Justice for the Next Generation.” During his welcoming remarks Chapter President Ja’Son Scott, Deputy Chief of the BART Police Department, said the theme, “emphasizes our collective commitment to fostering a brighter future for our leaders in law enforcement and our communities.”

“Today, we come together not only to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our honorees, but also to reaffirm our dedication to justice and equity for the next generation,” he continued. “Your presence here is a testament to our shared mission and the important role each of us plays in shaping a more just society.”

The luncheon’s Keynote Speaker was Jennifer L. Eberhardt, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Stanford University and author of Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do.

In a Nov. 18th post on her campaign Facebook page Becton wrote, “I am deeply humbled and honored to be recognized by NOBLE, National Association [sic] of Black Law Enforcement, San Francisco Area Chapter, with the esteemed Achievers Award, alongside distinguished honorees Janieth Glenn-Davis, Jonni Redick, Sean Washington, and Margaret Dixon.”

Glenn-Davis is the retired Deputy Chief for the BART Police Department, Redick is the retired Assistant Chief of the California Highway Patrol and Washington is Chief of Police for Fremont. Dixon was honored with the NOBLE Partner Award and is a retired Oakland Police Officer.

In addition, that same day Becton shared, “Law enforcement representatives from the Bay Area participated in a discussion with me, offering expertise on human trafficking activities, trends, and enforcement tactics.”

According to the organization’s website, founded in September 1976, “The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives™, also known as NOBLE®, consists of community leaders united in our mission to promote justice, equity, and excellence in the administration of justice.” Their slogan is “Justice by Action.”