For open Trustee Area 3 seat on campaign of “Putting Students First”

By Allen D. Payton

The campaign for retired Antioch Unified School District administrator, former Dozier-Libbey Medical High School principal and English teacher, Scott Bergerhouse, shared the following information about the first-time candidate for public office running on the theme of “Putting Students First.”

“Hello, I’m Scott Bergerhouse, and I’m running for the Antioch School Board in Area 3. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to be engaged in school board elections, even if you don’t have children in the district. Our schools, once safe havens for learning, are facing unprecedented challenges. What we hear about education issues on the national stage is happening right here at home.

I believe in an education system that nurtures intellectual growth and fosters critical thinking. Our children deserve to be taught how to think, not what to think. It’s essential that our schools remain free from any political agendas, focusing solely on empowering students to become independent thinkers.

As a former School District Administrator, I am committed to prioritizing student wellness. I will advocate for programs that support not only academic success but also the overall well-being of our students. This includes enhancing mental health resources and expanding extracurricular opportunities.

My roots in Antioch run deep. My family moved here in 1965, and I am a proud graduate of the Antioch Unified School District. I have dedicated 40 years to educational leadership, with 39 of those years serving the Antioch community. I’ve been a teacher, a school administrator, and most recently, a district administrator. I have worked with thousands of students and families and remain deeply committed to this community.

If elected, I will focus on increasing student attendance and providing social and emotional support for students, families, and staff. Attendance is directly linked to learning outcomes, and we must ensure our students are in school and engaged. I will also work to enhance safety for both students and staff, and I am committed to fostering collaboration between the Antioch School Board and the City Council for the benefit of our entire community.

I humbly ask for your support. Together, we can address the challenges facing our schools and build a future where every student can succeed.”

Education Career Background, Honor, Leadership Experience

As previously reported, Bergerhouse began his career in the Antioch Unified School District as an English teacher in 1984 at what was then Park Junior High School. He then worked as an administrator at Antioch High School, Antioch Middle School, Park Middle School, Deer Valley High School and then, Carmen Dragon Elementary. In 2010, he was named High School Principal of the year by the Association of California School Administrators. For seven years, Bergerhouse was selected by administrators in the district to serve as president of the Antioch Management Association.

He served as the second principal of Dozier-Libbey and in 2019 he was hired to be the Director of Student Support Services in the school district’s offices.

Bergerhouse has also been active in the community having served as president of the Delta Advocacy Foundation.

Campaign Finances

The first-time candidate began his campaign on August 21st when he filed his Form 410. His campaign finance disclosure report, Form 460, for the period of July 1 through Sept. 21, 2024, shows he had raised $1,500 in contributions and spent $811.78. Bergerhouse received three contributions of $500 each from himself, Earlene Lanter and Tim Hurd, both of Antioch. However, the candidate said it was actually former Antioch High track coach Mike Hurd who made the contribution. So, the campaign will have to submit an amended report reflecting that correction. His largest and only expenditure of more than $100 was for $665.35 paid to Custom Printed Signs located in Austin, TX. (See Bergerhouse Form 460)

Personal Life

Bergerhouse has two adult children. His older brother Steve is a retired Antioch Police Investigator.

He faces one opponent, Educational Program Director Dee Brown, in the race for the open school board seat being vacated by Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis who chose to not run for re-election. The election is November 5th.

“We are open and willing to work with city leaders to identify strategies that can enhance our response to gun violence and improve the overall safety of our neighborhoods.”

On behalf of the Antioch Police Officers Association, we want to address the troubling incidents of gun violence that have recently affected our community. The violent weekend, marked by several shootings, has understandably left many feeling unsafe and concerned about the future. (See related articles here, here and here)

First and foremost, we want to express our deepest sympathy to those who were injured and to their families. Gun violence is a serious issue that impacts not only those directly involved but also the broader community. We recognize the fear and frustration expressed by residents and business owners, including Mr. Loinab, whose experiences highlight the challenges we face in maintaining the safety of our neighborhoods. (See related TV news report and article)

The Antioch Police Department is committed to addressing these incidents with urgency and diligence. Our officers are actively investigating the recent shootings, and we encourage anyone with information to come forward. While we understand that many feel the current situation is dire, we want to assure you that we are working tirelessly to restore safety and security to our community.

We are open and willing to work with city leaders to identify strategies that can enhance our response to gun violence and improve the overall safety of our neighborhoods. Collaboration with city officials is essential in developing effective solutions that address the root causes of violence and ensure a secure environment for all residents.

However, it is important to acknowledge the challenges posed by limited staffing and availability of officers. We commend the Department’s ongoing efforts to prioritize hiring and expand our workforce. This is a crucial step in enhancing our response capabilities, but we recognize that building a fully-staffed department takes time. Adequate resources are essential to ensure that we can effectively patrol our neighborhoods, respond to incidents promptly, and provide the support our community needs.

We urge residents to remain vigilant and support one another while working collaboratively with law enforcement. Community engagement is vital; we need your input, your eyes, and your voices to help us effectively address these concerns.

We are also committed to advocating for additional resources and support from city leadership to enhance our policing capabilities and preventative measures. Your voices matter, and we encourage you to continue expressing your concerns to city officials, as their support is crucial in our fight against violence.

As we move forward, let us remember that change takes time, but together, we can create a safer Antioch. We appreciate your resilience and commitment to our community during these challenging times.

Sincerely,
Antioch Police Officers Association

First one on south side of city; victim is 30-year-old man; police see unknown suspect

By Sgt A. Gonzalez #4336, Antioch Police Field Services Division

Antioch police officers are investigating an early Sunday morning shooting that sent one man to the hospital. On September 29, 2024, at approximately 4:01 A.M., Antioch police officers responded to a report of a 30-year-old man who had just been shot in the 2300 block of Huntsman Way at Whitetail Drive. Upon arrival, officers found a victim in the front yard of a house suffering from a gunshot wound to the stomach. Firefighters and paramedics provided aid, and the victim was transported to a local hospital. The victim is currently in critical but stable condition.

The suspect is currently unknown.

This investigation is in its preliminary stages, and evidence and witness statements are being collected. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.

It is the 15th shooting in the city, this month, not including one that was believed to be an attempted suicide, two of which have resulted in the deaths of young men. But it’s the first one on the south side of town. Most of the others were in the Sycamore corridor believed to be part of a turf war according to both Interim Chief Brian Addington and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker. (See related articles here, here and here)

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

UPDATE: The strike votes took place and would impact three clinics in Contra Costa County: Fresenius West Antioch, DaVita Concord and Fresenius Brentwood.

Margin of 97% in favor as Fresenius, DaVita, U.S. Renal and Satellite violate workers’ rights instead of improving working conditions and care for patients receiving life-saving treatments 

Strike votes come as more Fresenius clinic workers join SEIU-UHW amid growing momentum for industry-wide change

By Renée Saldaña, Press Secretary, SEUI – United Healthcare Workers West

OAKLAND, Calif. — Dialysis workers across California are preparing for unprecedented strikes aimed at addressing unfair labor practices over companies’ illegal union-busting tactics.  Workers are also concerned with unsafe working conditions. The same day the strike vote results were announced, frontline workers at Fresenius Kidney Care West March in Stockton voted to unite with SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW), marking another victory in the ongoing historic wave of unionization at dialysis clinics across the state.

The strikes, which could involve approximately 900 frontline healthcare workers at more than 38 clinics statewide, represent a critical turning point in the fight to hold dialysis corporations accountable for prioritizing profits at the expense of patient care. 

Dialysis caregivers are calling for executives at DaVita, Fresenius, Satellite Healthcare, and U.S. Renal Care to bargain with them in good faith over solutions to chronic staffing shortages, patient care concerns, and their demands for fair wages and to stop employing union-busting tactics in response to workers exercising their right to form their unions. They say this action is necessary to stop unfair labor practices and secure safer conditions for both workers and patients. The workers also want their employers to stop retaliating against caregivers who advocate for their rights and better patient care. 

“After years of unsafe staffing, substandard working conditions, and anti-union behavior by management, dialysis workers have had enough,” said Easen PeBenito, a certified clinical hemodialysis technician at Satellite Healthcare Blossom Valley in San Jose. “We’re taking this stand not just for ourselves, but for the patients whose lives depend on safe and compassionate care. Dialysis executives have ignored our concerns and violated our rights for far too long, and our strike is a last resort to stop Satellite’s illegal behavior and demand better for everyone.”

For years, healthcare workers at DaVita, Fresenius, Satellite Healthcare, and U.S. Renal Care have raised alarms about understaffing, high turnover rates, low-wages, and unsafe working conditions at dialysis clinics, where patients with critical kidney failure receive life-sustaining dialysis treatments multiple times a week. Caregivers at dialysis clinics across California, from Sacramento to San Diego, have been organizing to improve patient care, working conditions, and job standards.

The historic unionization wave amongst dialysis workers gained even more momentum the same day the strike vote was announced, as workers at Fresenius West March in Stockton voted to join SEIU-UHW despite management’s anti-union campaign which included captive audience meetings, and one-on-one meetings conducted by company executives and a union busting consultant.

“We voted to unionize so we can take better care of our patients and our families,” said Arnold Ballesteros, a patient care technician at Fresenius West March in Stockton. “We’re so short-staffed that we’re constantly rushing to give our patients the attention they deserve. Many of us are working multiple jobs just to get by because our wages haven’t kept up with the cost of living, and we’re paid far less than other healthcare workers. This is why despite management’s anti-union campaign and unfair labor practices we voted overwhelmingly to join SEIU-UHW. By joining the union, we’re gaining the power to fight for safer staffing, better pay, and the ability to provide the best care possible for our patients.  Our strike is a message to our employer to stop committing unfair labor practices.” 

As dialysis workers prepare to strike, the industry faces growing scrutiny from lawmakers and patient advocates, who are calling for reforms to improve transparency, safety, and accountability at dialysis clinics.

UPDATE: The strike votes took place and would impact three clinics in Contra Costa County: Fresenius West Antioch, DaVita Concord and Fresenius Brentwood.

SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) is a healthcare justice union of more than 100,000 healthcare workers, patients, and healthcare activists united to ensure affordable, accessible, high-quality care for all Californians, provided by valued and respected healthcare workers. Learn more at www.seiu-uhw.org.

Involved in a physical altercation with male victim weeks before incident considered an attempted homicide

By Sergeant B. Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

As previously reported, on September 22nd officers responded to a shooting at 20 E. 18th Street, to the rear of Rite Aid. When officers arrived, they located two gunshot wound victims in the parking lot. Officers rendered first aid until ConFire paramedics arrived. The female victim was transported to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The male victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Both victims are expected to survive.

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation.

During the investigation it was determined the male victim and suspect had been involved in a physical altercation weeks before the shooting. On September 26th the Violent Crimes Unit took the suspect into custody. The suspect, identified as Bobby Joe Grigsby, Jr. (age 44), was transported to county jail and is pending charges.

Any tips or other information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Ibañez at (925) 779-6890 or by email ribanez@antiochca.gov.

According to localcrimenews.com, Grigsby is Black, lives in Antioch and was previously arrested on Aug. 2, 2017, by the Concord Police for a warrants or holds only.

According to Investigations Lieutenant Desmond Bittner, the Sunday morning shooting is not connected to the rash of 13 other shootings in Antioch this month.

Both Ibañez and Interim Chief Brian Addington were asked for details about the suspect and if that person was one of two described by dispatch seen leaving the scene of the shooting. But they did not respond prior to publication time. Please check back later for updates.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Outstanding police work by Officers Kawalya and Tryner

By Antioch Police Department

Monday night, Sept. 23, 2024, at about 11 pm, Officer Tryner and FTO Kawalya conducted a proactive traffic stop near G and W. 10th Streets. During the stop, the driver showed signs of impairment and was subsequently arrested for DUI. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine, an unregistered loaded firearm, a scale used for weighing illegal drugs, and prescription medications.

If you’d like to join Officers Tryner and Kawalya in keeping Antioch safe, visit www.joinantiochpd.com to learn about our outstanding pay, benefits, and assignment opportunities!

Another gun off the streets of Antioch thanks to call from resident

By Antioch Police Department

On Sunday, September 22nd, 2024, Officer Molina was dispatched to a report of a suspicious vehicle on San Carlos Drive. Officer Molina contacted the driver who was less than cooperative with the stop and appeared extremely nervous.

When the driver was removed from the vehicle a loaded STOLEN firearm fell from inside the vehicle and landed on the ground!

It’s good police work and calls from citizens like this one, that will help to turn the tide on violence in our community.

Says he’ll show up at suspects’ sentencing hearings, but no arrests have yet been made

“We suspect there are some gang undertones. Our detectives are still trying to flush that out to see how much of that is accurate.” – Antioch Police Captain Joe Vigil

“There’s a difference between turf wars and gang wars and…I think it’s turf.” – District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker

“We haven’t had any more shootings,” since additional patrols began in the Sycamore are last Friday – Interim Police Chief Brian Addington.

“We don’t need to put a Band-Aid on the issue. We need to fix it…We need to find solutions together. Not individually…” – District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock

By Allen D. Payton

Without any arrests yet of suspects in the 14 shootings that have plagued the Antioch community this month, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe held a press conference on Wednesday repeating much of what he said in a recorded announcement, Sunday on his official Instagram account, that they’re being investigated as gang-related. That’s in spite of Antioch Police leaders saying on Monday they don’t know for sure the shootings are gang-related, they might be and four of the shootings are unrelated to the first shooting on Sept. 3rd that resulted in the death of 20-year-old Elijah Scales two days later while in the hospital.

However, unlike Sunday’s announcement in which the mayor can be seen standing alone behind a podium inside the Council Chambers, Antioch Police Captain Joe Vigil joined him on Wednesday to answer questions from the media. But he did not provide any prepared remarks.

During the press conference, Hernandez-Thorpe said, “I’m angry. Residents are angry and residents are demanding answers. Regardless of where you live in this city, if you live in the hills or you live in Sycamore, everybody in this community deserves peace and tranquility.”

However, again refuting the mayor’s claim that the shootings are being investigated as gang-related, Vigil would only say, “We suspect there are some gang undertones. Our detectives are still trying to flush that out to see how much of that is accurate.”

Hernandez-Thorpe repeated some of what he said on Sunday, that he wants more patrols in the Sycamore corridor, which Interim Police Chief Brian Addington said on Monday had already begun last Friday. The mayor also said he wanted support from partner agencies in the region and will push for more funding, specifically $100,000 in police overtime to cover the costs for help from one of those agencies that he didn’t name, and offered one new proposal, a permit parking program in the Sycamore area to reduce drug activity there.

About the outside assistance Hernandez-Thorpe said, “One agency has taken us up on that offer. We’re excited. I’m not prepared to announce what agency it is. But we will be working to finalize those details.”

Earlier on Wednesday Addington said he would not attend the press conference as he would be at the Contra Costa County Chiefs meeting at the same time. Vigil reiterated that saying, “The chief is at the county chiefs meeting, right now echoing that sentiment to the other county chiefs for assistance to address this regional problem.”

Chief Says Response, Including Additional Patrols Appears to Be Working

Addington also earlier shared some good news on the matter saying that the response including the additional patrols appears to be working and, “we haven’t had any more shootings.” Vigil pegged the timeframe for the calm at 72 hours.

The tough-talking mayor, who is running for re-election in November, also said, “Let me speak very clear to the people who have been wreaking havoc on our community. We are going to find you. We are going to hold you accountable, and you will pay the price for what you have done. And the day you find yourself in court I will be right there at your sentencing hearing to ensure they lock you up and put you away for a long time.”

However, there was no talk this time nor during his Sunday announcement attributing the cause of the shootings to the lack of jobs, as Hernandez-Thorpe stated in a KTVU FOX2 news interview on Sept. 17th.

Although the investigations have not yet resulted in any arrests Vigil said, “There is a lot of information out there that they’re compiling, putting together, trying to get cases ready to present to the D.A. to move forward with arrests and accountability.”

In an interview by ABC7 News following the press conference, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker who represents the Sycamore area also refuted the mayor’s claim that the shootings are gang-related. She said, “There’s a difference between turf wars and gang wars and what I think we’re dealing with, here in the city of Antioch, right now is not, is not, I think it’s turf” reiterating what Chief Addington stated on Monday.

“You have this level of conflict because there are people who are trying to maintain control of their territory,” she continued. “And I think it’s unfortunate that the City of Antioch didn’t address these issues years ago.”

In a separate interview by KTVU FOX2 District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said, “We need to fix the problem. We don’t need to put a Band-Aid on the issue. We need to fix it and find a way to keep that area safe. We need to find solutions together. Not individually, together and we need to work with the community in that area.”

On Monday, and Investigations Lieutenant Desmond Bittner answered questions of two media sources, including the Herald in which he shared more details about the shootings and that four of the five most recent shootings were unrelated to the others in the Sycamore corridor. (See related article and Facebook Live video)