“…effective immediately without cause.” – Board President Antonio Hernandez

Anello was in discussions with school board on “transition plan”, offered to stay on through May

“We agreed to a resignation that she proposed to begin with” – Trustee Mary Rocha

Reads Anello’s accomplishments

The “longest serving Superintendent in the history of AUSD”

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Wednesday night, August 21, 2024, the Antioch School Board agreed to the terminate the employment agreement of embattled Superintendent Stephanie Anello who has spent several months on full or half-time medical leave. The move followed calls from the district’s unions, that night, asking for the board to take “decisive action”. It also follows the controversy surrounding accusations of bullying by a district department supervisor and claims of its mishandling by Anello and senior district leadership as well as the multiple attempts by Hernandez to terminate Anello in spite of the fact she has not been given her performance evaluation in four years.

Anello, who was recently placed back on full-time medical leave by her doctor after returning to work half-time, offered to stay on through next May and continue to be paid while on leave instead, according to Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha. But she said the board felt they needed to make a change now and voted unanimously to terminate Anello’s employment agreement immediately and pay her the severance package.

According to district staff, the motion was to, “Terminate the superintendent’s employment agreement effective immediately without cause pursuant to the terms of that employment agreement.” Made by Lathan and seconded by Board President and District 1 Trustee Antonio Hernandez and the motion passed unanimously with the support of Rocha, Lewis and Area 4 Trustee Gary Hack.

Unions Speak Unanimously

Flanked by Amy Bettencourt, the district’s Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, representing the administrators and California School Employees Association, local Chapter 85 President Brian Atkinson, representing the classified employees, Antioch Education Association president Bob Carson, representing the district’s teachers, spoke during public comments before the board’s Closed Session on Wednesday night.

Reading from prepared remarks, he asked the board to take, “decisive action regarding the position of superintendent” at last night’s meeting. “As leaders of our respective associations we are deeply committed to the success and well-being of our district. However, the current uncertainty surrounding the superintendent’s role has created challenges in our ability to move forward effectively. For the sake of our students, staff and the broader community, we believe it’s crucial that the board establish a clear path forward. We request the board promptly address this matter, ensuring our district is guided by stable and visionary leadership. This will allow us to continue our mission of providing quality education and support to every student in Antioch. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. We look forward to working collaboratively to achieve a positive outcome for our district.”

That was met with applause from those in the audience.

Board Votes Unanimously, Lewis Attends Closed Session by Phone

The board then adjourned to Closed Session which lasted over an hour, at which only four members were in attendance in person, and Area 3 Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis attending via phone “due to a COVID-positive test” according to Hernandez. (His participation is under review as to whether it complies with the state’s Brown Act open meeting law). However, later Lewis said the district’s legal counsel said it was legal.

When reporting out Hernandez said, “the board took action in Closed Session to terminate the superintendent’s employment agreement effective immediately without cause, pursuant to the terms of that employment agreement.” He added, “It was unanimous, five-zero.”

That was also met with applause from the audience.

However, according to Rocha, the board accepted one of two resignation options Anello offered.

“We agreed to a resignation that she proposed to begin with,” the Area 5 trustee stated. “One was to avoid paying her the severance for six or nine months. Or do we cut ties now and pay her out. Because it was her request to be released. She gave us two options saying, ‘I have to be released, I can’t come to work.’ First it was, ‘I can only work half-day.’ Then all of a sudden it was the doctor telling her to go back on leave and she needed to be released.”

Anello’s Accomplishments

Following the announcement by Hernandez, Rocha read a list of Anello’s accomplishments while superintendent since being promoted to the position in 2016.

“As the senior member, I’ve been given the privilege to at least say a few words on behalf of the superintendent,” she stated before reading the statement. “I would like to say that this is without cause, and I hope you understand, the circumstances here, is we need to go forward. We need to take care of this business. This is a new year and so, I want to read some of the things we feel her leadership has done.”

 “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Superintendent Anello for her 25 years of dedicated service to our District, beginning in 1998 when she first served as a substitute teacher,” Rocha said reading from prepared remarks. “Ms. Anello is only the second female superintendent to lead the District and is the longest serving Superintendent in the history of AUSD. Some of her notable achievements as Superintendent include:

• Increasing accessibility for parents and guardians who speak languages other than English by ensuring bilingual assistance at all school sites and the District office;
• Expanding social-emotional support for students by reintroducing and increasing the number of counselors and mental health supports at every school;
• Instituting a comprehensive restorative justice program throughout the District, providing secondary sites with access to restorative justice coaches;
• Writing and implementing the District’s first Local Control Accountability Plan;
• Navigating the unique challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, making AUSD one of the first districts in the county to offer free meals, computers, hotspots, and remote instruction;
• Overseeing the implementation of Measure B to upgrade and renovate Antioch High School;
• Successfully passing Measure B, the measure that we just did, which will bring over $195 million in much-needed upgrades and repairs to school sites.”

“So, we hope that Ms. Anello gets better in the future and that we look forward to at least having a direction of going forward in our district,” Rocha stated. “And I thank you and I hope we can all come together and understand that Ms. Anello has done a good job in this district.”

During general public comments Atkinson thanked, “the board for listening” and said, “I think it’s time to move on. Thank you, guys. It means so much to us.”

News Report on Leaked Information About Board, Anello’s Discussions

A report by NBC Bay Area on Thursday, August 15, 2024, claimed Anello was in discussions with the board on an exit plan. Posted to her official Facebook page on Friday afternoon Aug. 16th, Area 5 Trustee Dr. Jag Lathan wrote about the article, “Time to heal.”

However, when reached for comment about the matter, Anello said, “In my message to employees, it was called a transition plan. If anything was discussed in Closed Session, I was not there.”

The superintendent who was on medical leave, earlier this year, then returned to work at 50% under direction of her doctor, said, “My doctor has taken me off work, again due to my health.”

Questions for Lathan Ignored, Won’t Say if She Was Source for Report

Lathan was asked about her Facebook post asking if it was about Anello healing, who was placed on medical leave by her doctor, again or about the district healing over the claims of bullying. She was also asked if she believed Anello mishandled the matter of the accusation against Kenny Turnage, the department supervisor. He is still on paid administrative leave as of last week, pending the outcome of two additional investigations, which according to Acting Superintendent Dr. Rob Martinez earlier this month, have not yet been completed.

Because the report claims, “Antioch Unified School District’s superintendent is working with board trustees on her exit plan from the district, NBC Bay Area’s Investigative Unit has confirmed through multiple sources with knowledge of the discussions” Lathan was asked if she had spoken to Anello and if her “exit plan” discussed in Closed Session during the August 7th meeting at which the superintendent was not in attendance.

Because the NBC report also claims their “Investigative Unit has confirmed through multiple sources with knowledge of the discussions,” Lathan was asked, if she was one of the sources and if she had spoken to the media about Anello’s “exit plan”.

Finally, the Area 2 trustee was asked if she thinks it’s appropriate to post reports about personnel matters that are under discussion by the board and have not yet been decided and for anything else about the matter she’d like to share.

But Lathan did not respond.

Questions for Other Trustees Also Go Unanswered, Also Won’t Say if They Spoke to Media

Questions were also emailed on Saturday to the other four board members asking if any of them had spoken to Anello, if her “exit plan” was discussed in Closed Session during the Aug. 7th meeting at which the superintendent was not in attendance.

They were also asked if Anello had he send the message sent to district staff about her “transition plan” was sent to them, as well and if any of them were the sources for the NBC Bay Area report and if they had spoken to the media about Anello’s “exit plan”.

They were asked if they think it’s appropriate to post reports about personnel matters that are under discussion by the board and have not yet been decided, as Trustee Lathan did on Friday, Aug. 16.

Hernandez was specifically asked why he continued to place the same items on the Closed Session agenda when the superintendent was not in attendance for one or two of the matters and if the board had given Anello her annual evaluation this year, yet and if not, how could they consider her Discipline/Dismissal/Release if that agenda item was for her. He was also asked if he was attempting to put pressure on Anello hoping she will resign.
Finally, they were asked if Martinez is still the Interim/Acting Superintendent and, if so, are they planning on appointing someone else to that position while Anello is on medical leave, and, if not, why was it on the agenda, and for anything else about the matter that they’d like to share

None of the trustees responded. However, later Rocha shared that Anello was represented by an attorney during the Closed Sessions meetings of the board. “Everyone has attorneys, including the district,” she said.

Efforts to reach Anello for comment were unsuccessful prior to publication time.

The board will now have the option of promoting from within the district or hiring a search firm to recruit a new superintendent.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Starts August 26th

By Monique Binkley Smith, Manager, Media Relations, Sutter Health

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Aug. 12, 2024 – Northern California-based not-for-profit Sutter Health has named Trevor D. Brand to be the next CEO of Sutter Delta Medical Center in Antioch.

Brand comes to Sutter Health from City of Hope Atlanta, where he was chief operating officer, managing operations across six states and overseeing $2 billion in annual revenue. Under his leadership, service line performance improved, increasing hospital revenue by 13%. At City of Hope Atlanta, Brand also focused on fostering a culture of trust, implementing “people plans” that enhanced employee retention and engagement and reduced turnover rates by 5% annually. He also initiated a capital planning process resulting in a $10 million equipment and facilities improvement plan.

“Trevor Brand is an experienced and dynamic healthcare leader with a proven track record of excellence in hospital operations,” said Tosan Boyo, president of Sutter Health’s Greater East Bay Market. “I am thrilled to welcome him to Sutter Health to lead Sutter Delta Medical Center. In his new role, Trevor will focus on strengthening and growing Sutter Delta’s community partnerships and physician relationships and ensure the medical center continues to the deliver high-quality, connected and equitable patient care for which it is recognized.”

Brand’s previous roles include chief operating officer/senior vice president of Operations at City of Hope Phoenix and chief of staff and vice president of Strategic Initiatives at City of Hope National. He also held leadership positions at Erlanger Health System in Tennessee and North Carolina.

Brand holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Georgia State University and a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management from Austin Peay State University. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Brand succeeds Sherie Hickman at the helm of Sutter Delta. Hickman retired earlier this year after a long and successful career at Sutter.

Brand starts at Sutter Delta Medical Center on Aug. 26.

By Antioch Police Department

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you about the passing of Reserve Officer Frank Rupani. Frank was a dedicated member of the Antioch Police Department for over 26 years, serving our community with utmost commitment and professionalism.

He began his service on October 30, 1997, and has received numerous commendations and letters of appreciation from the public. In May 2014, Rupani was honored by then-Chief Allan Cantando as a Reserve Sergeant.

Prior to his retirement from the APD Reserve Unit in 2017, Rupani was assigned to assist the Parking Enforcement unit with a huge backlog of abandoned vehicles in the City. According to then-Police Chief Tammany Brooks, Rupani had been instrumental in getting the number down to a manageable level. He continued to serve the citizens of Antioch by transitioning to the Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS) program and could be seen at community events, including parades in downtown Rivertown, as well as Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies.

Officer Rupani’s unwavering dedication to his duty and his selfless service to the Antioch community will always be remembered. He was a true asset to our department, and his loss will be deeply felt by all of us.

During his time with us, Officer Rupani exemplified the values of integrity, compassion, and bravery. He was not only a respected colleague but also a trusted friend to many. His positive impact on our community and the lives he touched cannot be overstated.

As we mourn the loss of Officer Rupani, let us also remember and celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind. His contributions to public safety and his unwavering commitment to serving others will continue to inspire us all.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Rupani’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences and offer our full support to those affected by this loss.

According to his Facebook page, Rupani is from Burgettstown, Pennsylvania and studied for his Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Akron.

Born on June 24, 1944, Rupani had just turned 80 and is survived by his wife Inelda who, according to family members, was by his side when he passed on July 10, 2024.

Please join us in honoring Officer Frank Rupani’s memory and the invaluable service he provided to our community.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Office of Representative John Garamendi

WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) on Monday, July 8, 2024, released the following statement about his diagnosis of early stage, treatable blood cancer:

“My wife Patti, a leader in the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program, ensures I stay vigilant about preventative screenings and care. Freezing abnormal bumps is standard, but a call from my doctor changed everything: “When will you be back in California? You need to come in for a series of tests.” Thus began my journey with early-stage Multiple Myeloma, a form of treatable blood cancer. 

“Today, I started my path to remission with chemo-immunotherapy as an outpatient at Kaiser Oncology in Sacramento. With early detection, excellent doctors, and the love and support of Patti, our entire family, my extraordinary staff, and congressional colleagues, I know I’ll get through this while continuing to serve my constituents and advance American democracy. I’m grateful our President initiated the Cancer Moonshot and that California’s efforts in stem cell research and taxing cigarettes in the 1980s for cancer research have advanced therapies benefiting not only me, but every family dealing with cancer.

“Throughout my treatments, which my doctor expects will last a few months, I will continue working on my long list of projects and goals for my constituents in Contra Costa and Solano counties. However, alongside destroying cancer cells, chemotherapy weakens natural antibodies and the immune system. My doctors have cautioned me to minimize exposure to COVID-19, flu, and other viruses, so I will limit travel to Washington and public events during the treatment process.

“My thoughts and support are with families managing cancer or any health condition, and with the doctors, nurses, and medical personnel who offer comfort and hope. I am confident that the treatments will be effective, allowing me to continue serving impacted families and my constituents in Congress for years to come.”

In a video post on his X (formerly Twitter) feed on Monday, Garamendi read his statement and wrote, “Like 1.9 million Americans each year, I recently received the dreaded call from my doctor informing me that I had cancer. I am thankful to have caught this early, and we are confident that I will soon be in remission.”

The 79-year-old Garamendi represents the northern waterfront and western communities of Contra Costa County including the northern portion of Antioch in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Skylar Schaefer, Communications Specialist, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region

WALNUT CREEK, CA – Meals on Wheels Diablo Region (MOW Diablo Region) is pleased to announce that Lindy Maynes-Kolthoff has been elected to the organization’s Board of Directors. Maynes-Kolthoff has a close relationship with MOW Diablo Region as a volunteer for the Breakfast Bag Program.

Maynes-Kolthoff spent over 35 years serving students in higher education at both the university and community college levels. As the Executive Director of the Los Medanos College Foundation, she was active in her East Contra Costa County area as a member of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce, member of the Industrial Association of Contra Costa County, was presented with a Proclamation honoring her volunteer work in the City of Pittsburg and served 21 years on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Antioch. Maynes-Kolthoff currently serves on the Board of Directors of Delta Advocacy Foundation as the Grants Chair.

In addition to her volunteering for MOW Diablo Region, Maynes-Kolthoff has personal experience with the organization. Her father volunteered forty years ago and said that it was the best job he ever had. Ten years ago, when her father-in-law needed services, she says that the meal deliveries literally saved his life.

When reached for comment about her new position Maynes-Kolthoff said, “I’ve been volunteering for about two years, now and I deliver breakfast bags to clients in Antioch. Then I substitute, here in Pittsburg when they need a driver.”

“Board Chairman Tim Argenti (formerly of Republic Services) is the one who asked if I’d be willing to serve on the board and I said, ‘sure’,” she stated. “I enjoy volunteering because I think it’s important to support our seniors in our communities. I’m more than happy to, now serve on the board.”

“I’m very humbled to be a part of this amazing organization,” Maynes-Kolthoff added.

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s mission is to keep seniors nourished, safe, less isolated, and independent for as long as possible. MOW Diablo Region is the only Meals on Wheels that delivers both meals and supportive services to the entire county. In addition to home delivered meals, the organization provides breakfast bags, grocery bags, cultural cuisine, cafés, fall prevention, friendly visitors, callers, and helpers, case management, and exercise classes. All services are free of charge. To learn more about services, volunteering, or donating, visit mowdiabloregion.org.

About Meals on Wheels Diablo Region:

For more than 50 years, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has improved the lives of vulnerable seniors in Contra Costa County by delivering nutritious meals and supportive services that allow seniors to remain in their homes safely and with dignity. Programs include home-delivered meals, Breakfast Bags, Grocery Bags, Fall Prevention, Cafés, Care Management, Friendly Visitors, Health and Wellness, and more.

About Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. By providing funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time.

For reversing death sentences; plaques to be unveiled for Rose Bird at new plaza named for her in Capitol World Peace Rose Garden during Tuesday ceremony

Glazer was her spokesman during her failed 1986 retention campaign

SACRAMENTO – Former California Supreme Court Chief Justice Rose Elizabeth Bird will be recognized Tuesday, May 7, for her trailblazing work as a jurist – the first such public dedication in California.

Current Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, Patricia Guerrero, and retired Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, will lead the 10 a.m. unveiling of two plaques at the new Chief Justice Rose Elizabeth Bird Justice For All Plaza at the State Capitol World Peace Rose Garden 25 years after her death in 1999.

Speakers will also include Stephen Buehl, former Justice Bird’s chief of staff, Senator Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, the chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, and Kathryn Meola, president of the Women Lawyers of Sacramento.

“Honoring Chief Justice Rose Elizabeth Bird is long overdue,” said Senator Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa, who authored a resolution, SCR 47 (2023) to create her place of honor in the Capitol Rose Garden. Senator Glazer was Bird’s spokesman during her retention campaign in 1986. “We now have the benefit of time in recognizing her courage and integrity in upholding the Constitution and rule of law – especially in protecting the poor and oppressed.”

Justice Bird was the first woman Chief Justice of California; the first woman Chair of the Judicial Council; the first woman on a California Governor’s Cabinet and the first woman deputy public defender in Santa Clara County. She served as the Chief Justice under Governor Jerry Brown from 1977-1986.

She was also the first and only chief justice in state history to be voted out of office. Bird and three other justices voted to reverse murderers’ sentences, and she, two of her colleagues, Reynoso and Grodin, were subsequently voted off the state supreme court. Bird was overwhelmingly removed in the November 4, 1986, election by a margin of 67% to 33%.

What: The Unveiling of the Chief Justice Rose Elizabeth Bird Justice For All Plaza

When: May 7, 2024, 10 a.m.

Where: State Capitol World Peace Rose Garden

Speakers: Senator Steve Glazer; Patricia Guerrero, Chief Justice of California; Tani Cantil-Sakauye, retired Chief Justice of California; Stephen Buehl, chief of staff to Chief Justice Rose  Bird, Senator Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, the chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, and Kathryn Meola, president of the Women Lawyers of Sacramento.

Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaE6NUxkuv0

https://sd07.senate.ca.gov/video/honoring-chief-justice-rose-elizabeth-bird

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report

In the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards; to be honored along with Businesses, Youth and Non-Profit of the Year during March 22 Gala

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of the annual awards, and local veterans leader Gerald “JR” Wilson was named the 2023 Citizen of the Year for Most Impact and Antioch School Board Trustee and former Mayor of Antioch Mary Rocha was named Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement.

In addition, Service Pros Plumbers was named Small Business of the Year, Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring was named Large Business of the Year and Soroptimist International of Antioch was named Non-Profit of the Year. As previously reported, Antioch High School junior, Fifita Grewe was named Youth of the Year.

Citizen of the year – Most Impact Gerald “JR” Wilson 

With a background in the US Army, Gerald “JR” Wilson has been a strong presence in Antioch, advocating for the well-being of local residents. His dedication shines through in his work with veterans, helping them access the benefits they deserve. Through his organization, DVG, he has made a significant impact on the community, improving the lives of many individuals. Stand Down on the Delta organized by JR Wilson’s unwavering commitment to serving others is truly commendable.

Citizen of the Year – Lifetime Achievement Mary Rocha

Mary, a resident of Antioch for many years, has dedicated over 50 years to serving the public. She made history as the first Latina Mayor of Antioch and currently serves on the school board. Mary is deeply committed to improving the lives of children and frequently volunteers to read to first graders. Additionally, she holds a special place in her heart for honoring veterans. She is one of the founding members for the Luminary Lighting project honoring members who have passed in active duty from East Contra Costa County. Friends describe Mary as Shakespeare quoted, “Some people are born great, some achieve great, and some have greatness thrust upon them”, this is Mary in all three situations. Mary has a deep wealth of political experience but at her core, she is all about serving our community. 

Each of the winners will be honored at the Chamber’s annual Gala on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center. Tickets are $80 each or $640 for a reserved table of eight, and can be purchased on the Chamber’s website at www.antiochchamber.com.

To two former Antioch residents posthumously, three Pittsburg residents and one Oakland resident

By Allen D. Payton

During Antioch’s Black History Month Closing Celebration, this evening, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe will present a Key to the City to each of “six deserving individuals who have significantly impacted our community,” according to the Eventbrite invitation. “This prestigious honor recognizes their outstanding achievements and dedication.”

The recipients include two former Antioch residents who have passed away, Antioch’s first African American councilmember, the late Hon. Reginald “Reggie” Moore and the late Dietra King, co-owner of Dad’s BBQ and owner, broker of Hearts Realty. In addition, three Pittsburg residents, Board of Supervisors Chair Federal Glover, local civil rights and community activist Willie Mims and NAACP East County Branch leader and Building Black Political Power PAC President Frances Green will also receive a Key to the City.

Finally, a sixth Key to the City will be presented to Oakland resident Shamawn Wright, Founder of the non-profit Bridge Builders to the New Generation which has an office inside the East Family Justice Center in Antioch and serves Antioch youth.

The mayor chose each of the recipients and has said in the past that it doesn’t require council approval.

The event will be held at Delta Bay Community Church, 1020 E. Tregallas Road in Antioch. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the program begins promptly at 7:00 pm. A special reception with music and hors-d’oeuvres will follow the program.