Former Antioch Police Commissioner Lesli May speaking at the Antioch City Council meeting on Jan.. 17, 2025, at which she made her racist comment and during the Commission meeting on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. Councilman Don Freitas at the council meeting on Jan. 28, 2025, at which he called for May to publicly apologize or resign. Video screenshots
Leslie May claims she and her family “have endured numerous attacks on [her] individual property” and from local media baselessly saying they were “constantly pushing false narratives…inciting violent rhetoric”
Blames Councilman Freitas for “cultural misunderstanding” of her racist comments without explaining what she meant
Claims her “work on the commission has been transformational”
By Allen D. Payton
The City of Antioch finally released the resignation letter from former Antioch Police Oversight Commission member Leslie May, following her use of “the N-word” twice during the Jan. 17, 2025, special council meeting to describe City Manager Bessie Scott and then-City Attorney Thomas L. Smith. May submitted it on Monday, Feb. 10, after District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, who initially called for her to publicly apologize and resign from the commission.
After she refused to do either, he later requested to have a vote for her removal placed on this past Tuesday’s city council meeting agenda. Scott announced May’s resignation on Monday but did not provide the letter emailed to her, Mayor Ron Bernal, the City Clerk’s office and copying District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker that day. (See related articles here, here and here)
As previously reported, each council member could choose one member from their district to be nominated for appointment to the commission during the council meeting on Feb. 13, 2024. Torres-Walker nominated May for a two-year appointment that was to last through November this year, but she served a little less than a year.
In her resignation letter, below, May claims Freitas called for her “resignation due to a cultural misunderstanding” but did not explain what she meant by that.
Following is her emailed letter of resignation:
From: Leslie May To: Bessie M. Scott; Ron Bernal; City Clerk Cc: Tamisha Torres-Walker Subject: Resignation Date: Monday, February 10, 2025 8:35:22 AM Date: 02/10/2025 Time: 8:30 am
To whom it may concern,
After talking with family and reflecting on my personal experience, it is in the best interest of my safety and health, I, Leslie D. May, am resigning effective immediately from my role as a commissioner for the Antioch Police Oversight Commission. My family and I have endured numerous attacks on my individual property, attacks from local opinion papers constantly pushing false narratives about my advocacy, inciting violent rhetoric now and prior to my appointment with the Antioch Police Oversight Commission. The dangerous attacks against me have increased since my appointment and most recently fueled by Councilmember Don Freitas calling for my resignation due to a cultural misunderstanding.
As a 73 year of age Black woman, I am a grandmother, a great grandmother, and a surrogate mother to many in our community. I am a physically disabled person from birth and over the past three years I have experienced derogatory statements about my facial features, my physical disabilities and false statements to my employer threatening the economic stability of family.
Related to these attacks the Federal DOJ has received reports, the California DOJ has received reports, the Antioch Police Department has received reports, the Federal Bureau of Investigations has received reports, and the Contra Costa County District Attorney Office has received reports. These agencies are actively investigating threats and actions made by community members in Antioch, surrounding cities, as well as local elected Officials.
Despite these attacks, my work on the commission has been transformational and has clearly defined Constitutional non bias policing in the City of Antioch starting with the following actions I have taken. I have been present, prepared, and attentive to the needs of those impacted negatively by policing in Antioch since my appointment. I have spent time reviewing the budget, policies, practices, and procedures of the police department and due to my due diligence, I have made credible recommendations like increasing mental health services for officers, increasing staff to meet these needs with a sense of urgency, and increased community engagement in our highest needs communities to foster trust and transparency.
I have been an advocate and activist, fighting for the civil rights of everyone. I have marched in Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, Georgia, the Carolinas, with Ceasar Chavez and the farmworkers, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jesse Jackson, and many more activists since I was 8 years old. I can assure the City of Antioch and all my supporters that I will continue my advocacy and activism as a private citizen uninhibited by bureaucracy and the status quo.
Former Antioch Police Oversight Commissioner Leslie D. May
Publisher’s Note: Neither the Antioch Herald, nor I as the publisher and reporter on this matter, ever attacked Ms. May, published false narratives about her or her advocacy or incited violent rhetoric either in articles on the website or on the Antioch Herald Facebook page, prior to or since her appointment to the commission nor since her racist comments that were made during the special council meeting on Jan. 17, 2025.
I stand by and will defend the reporting of the facts about what she said, and what she and others have said about the matter. Furthermore, I rarely offer my opinion on the Antioch Herald news website but do so frequently on the Facebook page as I engage with our readers, as I, too am a resident of Antioch.
Yet, I have always shown Ms. May respect when challenging some comments she has written on that social media outlet and gave her the opportunity to edit them as I afford all of those who choose to comment there but include certain words that get them automatically hidden by the settings on the page – based on the community standards I have determined for it – or were administratively hidden.As I’ve said to politicians in the past, if you don’t like or want what you say, write or do reported, then don’t say, write or do those things. The same goes for any government official or candidate for public office.
Help shape the future of Antioch’s Police Leadership! También en Español
By Antioch Police Department
The City of Antioch is searching for its next Police Chief, and we want your input! Join us for a Community Meeting to share what qualities and experience you believe are essential for our city’s next law enforcement leader.
Thursday, February 20, 2025 6:30 PM Antioch Police Department (Community Room) 300 L Street, Antioch
This is your chance to shape the future of public safety in Antioch—don’t miss it!
En Español
¡Ayuda a dar forma al futuro del liderazgo policial de Antioch!
La ciudad de Antioch busca a su próximo Jefe de Policía y queremos conocer tu opinión. Únete a nuestra Reunión Comunitaria para compartir las cualidades y la experiencia que consideras esenciales en el futuro líder de nuestras fuerzas de seguridad.
Jueves, 20 de febrero de 2025 6:30 PM Departamento de Policía de Antioch (Sala Comunitaria) 300 L Street, Antioch
¡Esta es tu oportunidad de moldear el futuro de la seguridad pública en Antioch—no te lo pierdas!
New Antioch Police Captain Desmond Bittner (center), as an Explorer (Cadet) in 2000 (left) and in his early years as an Officer (right). Photos: Antioch PD
Inspired by his late uncle, a Pittsburg cop, to pursue a law enforcement career, Antioch native Desmond Bittner worked “his way up through the ranks” from cadet
By Antioch Police Department
During a ceremony at the Antioch Police Facility on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, Interim Chief Joe Vigil administered the oath of office to the department’s new Captain Desmond Bittner.
The chief said and later posted on the APD Facebook page, “Today we are excited to announce the promotion of Captain Desmond Bittner.
Bittner participating in a NorCal Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run. Photo: APD
A true Antioch native, Captain Desmond Bittner has dedicated his entire law enforcement career to the Antioch Police Department—starting as a police Cadet (then called the Explorer program) and working his way up through the ranks to Captain!
Over the years, Captain Bittner has: Served in Investigations Been a Recruit Training Officer at the academy Led the SWAT team as Commander Overseen Field Services & Operations (But you won’t catch him in Traffic or Canine—he doesn’t like writing tickets and is allergic to dogs!)
With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration, plus advanced leadership training, Captain Bittner is a well-respected leader in the department.
Outside of work, he: Coaches his son’s baseball team Practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu Once competed professionally in CrossFit!
New Antioch Police Captain Desmond Bittner offers his appreciation and thoughts during his oath of office ceremony on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. Photo: APD
During the ceremony, Chief Vigil shared about the new captain:
“Captain Desmond Bittner was born and raised in the City of Antioch. He began his law enforcement career with the Antioch Police Department as a police cadet. While working as a Community Service Officer, he was hired as a police officer. Throughout his time in the Antioch Police Department, Captain Bittner has been promoted through the ranks and has served as a Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and most recently acted as Captain.
“Throughout his career Captain Bittner has worked in investigations, been a recruit training officer at the police academy, and has served as the departments Special Weapons and Tactics commander. He has overseen field services and operations and has never worked in traffic or canine because he does not like writing tickets and is allergic to dogs.
“Captain Bitter has also completed Management School and participated in California’s Police Officers Standards and Training Leadership and Wellness Symposium.
“He has been married to his wife Kristel for the last twenty-one years and they have a fourteen-year-old son named Patton. In his spare time Captain Bittner enjoys managing his son’s baseball team and practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu. In his younger years, Captain Bittner competed professionally in the world of sports and fitness, which we know to be CrossFit.
“Fun Fact: Captain Bittner met his wife Kristel when they were just eight years old!
Join us in celebrating Captain Bittner’s leadership and dedication to our community!”
New Antioch Police Officers Canaan Lutu and Charise Holloway, and new Captain Desmond Bittner are given their oaths of office by Interim Chief Joe Vigil on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, as friends and family look on. Photo: Antioch PD
As previously reported, Vigil administered the oath of office to Bittner, along with two new officers, Canaan Lutu and Charise Holloway. The chief later led them, new Dispatcher Paige Garner and part-time Records Technician Sirinity Burkett in reciting the International Association of Chiefs of Police Oath of Honor.
Bittner then shared some thoughts and thanks for the promotion.
Offers Thanks, Says He Was Inspired by Late Uncle – a Former Pittsburg Cop When reached for comment about his promotion Bittner said, “First and foremost, as a Christian, I always thank God first in looking over my family and the department and guiding me in my career.”
He then shared what he said at the ceremony.
“I thanked Chief Vigil for the promotion,” the new captain stated. “I invited the retired APD officers I worked with through my career and thanked them and made sure they know they’d never be forgotten. I also invited some officers from the Pittsburg PD and thanked them for all they do for the City of Antioch and our department.”
“I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Pittsburg PD,” Bittner continued. “My uncle Norm Bittner worked for Pittsburg PD in the 1980’s. He was instrumental in me becoming interested in law enforcement. He passed away some years ago. It’s always been a big part of my life.”
“I also gave thanks to all the staff I’ve worked with through the years who worked under me and always made me look good as a lieutenant,” he added.
The new captain is one of two currently on the Antioch Police force including Captain Matt Koch. Bittner currently oversees Support Services which include investigations, Internal Affairs, training, recruiting and dispatch. Koch oversees Field Services, which includes patrol, SWAT, the Crisis Negotiation Team, the UAS-Unmanned Aerial System (drone) Team, traffic and volunteers.
“There will be a third one, soon,” Bittner stated. “They’re creating a new division in for the agreement with DOJ, which should be operational sometime in July.” That captain will take on some of Bittner’s responsibilities “to spread out the work,” he added.
New Antioch Police Officers Canaan Lutu and Charise Holloway, and new Captain Desmond Bittner are given their oaths of office by Interim Chief Joe Vigil on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, as friends and family look on. Photos: APD
Brings total to 83 sworn
Welcome to the APD Family!
By Antioch Police Department
We’re thrilled to introduce four amazing new team members joining the Antioch Police Department! Two new police officers, a records technician and new dispatcher were celebrated during an oath of office ceremony on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. In addition, Acting Captain Desmond Bittner was promoted to Captain. (Read more about him later).
New APD Officer Canaan Lutu.
Canaan Lutu– Police Officer Canaan was born in Oregon but raised in Long Beach. He moved to the Bay Area in 6th grade and attended Freedom High School in Oakley and then Independence High School in Brentwood. Canaan worked in the restaurant industry from age 16-20 and then worked at a car dealership. He is now ready to start his law enforcement journey and excited to go to the academy and begin working with APD. Fun Fact: Canaan is a great mechanic!
New APD Officer Charise Holloway.
Charise Holloway – Police Officer Charise was born in Fremont and raised in Tracy. She played basketball at Saint Mary’s High School and received a full ride Division 1 scholarship to the University of Arizona where she received her undergrad degree in Criminal Justice. Shortly after graduation, she received another full ride Division 1 basketball scholarship to further pursue her career and education at Santa Clara University. Charise earned a Master’s degree in Psychology & Educational Leadership. She’s had an aspiration to join law enforcement, be a part of the Antioch Police Department Family and is excited to bring her skills to APD! Fun Fact: Charise is fluent in American Sign Language!
New part-time APD Records Technician Sirinity Burkett.
Sirinity Burkett – Records Technician (P/T) Sirinity was born and raised in Antioch. She was busy raising her three children before deciding to go back to work. She has always wanted to work in law enforcement and is excited to be here. She loves baseball, soccer, football, and loves to bake. Fun Fact: She once won a car on The Price is Right!
New APD Dispatcher Paige Garner.
Paige Garner – Dispatcher Originally from Southern California, Paige moved to Northern California sometime after high school. She was a manager at Shell gas station in Oakley for 11.5 years before deciding to grow more professionally in her career with APD and being hired as a Dispatcher. She is looking forward to this great new journey and ready for this exciting new chapter! Fun Fact: Paige loves taking trips and cooking!
Please join us in welcoming Canaan, Charise, Sirinity, and Paige to the team!
With the two additional officers, that brings the total sworn on the force to 83 according to Lt. Michael Mellone. “We are getting a lateral officer on Feb. 24th. So, that will bring the total to 84,” he added.
District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker and then-Commissioner Leslie Mays – holding a copy of the ordinance creating the commission – speak at the APOC meeting on Feb. 3, 2025. District 3 Councilman Don Freitas speaks at the council meeting on Jan. 28, 2025. Video screenshots.
Under threat of being removed for racist comments during council meeting, Leslie May steps down Fellow commissioners take her to task, two defend her Torres-Walker defends her, takes swipes at Freitas who requested item placed on Tuesday’s agenda “The City of Antioch will not tolerate racist behavior or language from any city employee or representative of our city.” – City Manager Scott’s official statement “We really need to heal and focus on the important issues and not be distracted by this nonsense.” – Councilman Don Freitas
By Allen D. Payton
Under threat of being removed by the Antioch City Council during their meeting tomorrow night, Feb. 11, 2025, for racist comments made at a previous council meeting, Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC) member Leslie May resigned from her position effective immediately according to an announcement issued by City Manager Bessie M. Scott. During the APOC meeting on Feb. 3, 2025, at which her comments were discussed, May did not apologize for them, three commissioners took her to task while two defended her saying they “were taken out of context”. In addition, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker also defended May’s comments that included using “the N-word” twice, and took a swipe at District 3 Councilman Don Freitas for his successful efforts to remove the former city attorney and requesting May resign from the commission during the Jan. 28, 2025, council meeting. He later asked for tomorrow’s agenda item for the council to vote to remove her, which is now no longer necessary.
The statement, issued Monday afternoon, Feb. 10, 2025, reads: “Antioch Police Oversight Commission member Leslie May has submitted her resignation from her role as the commissioner of the committee, effective immediately. May’s announcement to step down follows several contentious interactions with city leaders, including during a special council meeting on January 17th. During the special council meeting, May used several racist epithets to describe the Antioch City Manager and former City Attorney.
“District 3 Councilman Donald Freitas had called for the council to consider her removal as commissioner during its next regular meeting on February 11. The City of Antioch will not tolerate racist behavior or language from any city employee or representative of our city. We are committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, professionalism, respect, and accountability.”
As previously reported, during public comments at the Jan. 17, 2025, council meeting, May, who is Black, referred to City Manager Scott, who is also Black, as the “house ni**er” and then-City Attorney Thomas L. Smith, who is also Black, as the “field ni**er”.
Commission Chairperson, Fellow Members Take May to Task, Two Defend Her Claiming Her Comments “Were Taken Out of Context” During the commission’s raucous meeting on Feb. 3, 2025, which both Torres-Walker and Freitas attended, Commission Chairperson Porshe Taylor asked to add an emergency item to the agenda to discuss May’s comments. (See 22:00 mark of meeting video)
“The item is regarding racial slurs that were spoken by a commissioner on Jan. 17th,” she said without mentioning May or what they were. The motion was approved unanimously, including May, by the five current commissioners. There are two vacancies for the council to fill.
Taylor then read from prepared remarks calling May’s comments, “a deeply concerning matter that not only impacts our commission but the trust of several community members that we serve. It is with great disappointment that I learned about words that were said. The behavior is not what I expected. On behalf of this full commission, I apologize to the community. Our role as commissioners is to serve with integrity and impartiality, and unwavering commitment to justice.”
“The ordinance that governs this commission is clear,” the chairperson continued. “We are here to ensure accountability, transparency and fairness in matters of policing. A responsibility that requires each of us to hold the highest ethical standards and to conduct ourselves without bias or prejudice. Any deviation from this standard not only discredits the hard work that we put in as commissioners but also threatens the progress that we are striving to achieve.”
“As chair, I recognize the importance of addressing situations like this with both urgency and accountability,” Taylor stated. “Moving forward, I will be implementing an agreement of etiquette for all members of this commission to ensure our conduct aligns with the mission and values outlined in our ordinance. The commission’s work is far too important for it to be overshadowed by simple bad decisions, and I will not allow it to deter us from the mission at hand.”
“Additionally, I do want to provide my fellow commissioner an opportunity to speak because you deserve that,” she said while looking at Mays who sits to the chairperson’s left. “We had a council member who, and we are all sitting up here at will of the council, and we had a council member who publicly recommended for you to resign. That is your choice. I cannot hold you to that. Right?” to which Mays nodded. “But I do want you to take your own stance because as chair I have to take a stance as well.”
Commissioner Alicia Lacey-Oha said, “I am in agreement with Chair lady Commissioner Porshe Taylor. I don’t really curse…but when I watched the special council meeting let me tell you, words started coming out of my mouth. What happened on that night is unacceptable…There’s a level of respect that we have to show when we come into these meetings. That was the wrong platform to use to start…using examples. Our former mayor said, we as commissioners have to remain neutral. Regardless of how we feel on the inside about our police department, about our city council, we have to stay neutral and I’m standing by that, today.”
“We as commissioners, we are held to a higher standard,” she continued. “I do know this has had an impact on residents in the city of Antioch. And I’m not talking about…what I hear but what I see. I’m tired of it. When I come to these city council meetings, I’m tired of the same old rhetoric. It’s time for us to come together. We have to come together. We have to stop this division.”
“And I believe in freedom of speech,” Lacey-Oha stated. “But there is a time and a place to use the rhetoric that was used on January 17th. That was not the platform, the appropriate platform. And I stand by that and I’m gonna always stand by that.”
Taylor spoke again saying while looking at May who sat to her left on the dais, “I will also say that I did watch the video and I do believe that what you said was misconstrued, right? Because I know. However, it was misconstrued. It shouldn’t have been said.”
Vice Chairperson Devin Taylor spoke next attempting to walk a fine line, first, defending May’s comments and apologizing to the public for not understanding what she meant by them, and then gently chastising his colleague and spoke of the need for commissioner to have “decorum” and “standards”.
He said, “Being in a position of leadership in the community has always been tough. I don’t believe that certain things…what do they say? Words have power. And again, I do understand as Commissioner May that evening, because I was in the room that evening. What she meant, I know that it was not taken into context that it was meant. And I…as Chair Taylor, I apologize on behalf of the commission that it was taken out of that context for the community that does not understand. But I will not apologize for people who need to educate themselves on history. And that is not our job to do that.”
“Our job is to sit up here and lead,” he continued. “Our job is to collaborate with our police department and our city council on shaping, reshaping policies that better enhance our community. It may seem like there are those who have agendas, who have been asked to act on those agendas. May it be the blogs or the public at large that they communicate with. But our duty here is to not partake in that. Our duty is to live in the scope of our ordinance and work in the scope of our ordinance.”
“I hate that this has to be…a huge debate,” Williams stated. “But I just wanted to take some time to remind us why we are here and that is to discuss our roles and…why we’re here and wear these titles. It’s to perform in a setting with conduct and decorum.”
“I also have to say that it being Black History Month it is a little ironic that we are arguing with each other,” he said referring to some of the members of the audience who yelled out at the commissioners, especially Lacey-Oha when she was speaking, at which Taylor pounded her gavel to restore order to the meeting. “And I understand that I get a little upset, too. But we have to remain calm, and we can’t let them see us fight. So, with that said, I trust that this commission can come up with a standard of how we present ourselves and I know that we can do that. And it’s good and healthy that we are having this conversation tonight.”
“I believe that Commissioner May has heard all that she needs to hear. I believe that her decision on what she does next is up to her and we will support you in any way we see fit,” Williams said as he concluded his thoughts. “And I will go by leadership. As Chair Taylor’s co-chair, here I want to make sure that we move forward on our work, and we work within the scope of our ordinance. I think that’s all I need to say.”
The final commissioner to speak was Treva Hadden who also defended May’s comments. She said, “I was not at the meeting, nor did I watch the meeting. But I work with each and everyone up here. And I’ve never…actually, we worked together at Santa Rita,” Hadden said while looking at May who sat to her right. “I’ve been knowing her a long time, and I’ve never, there’s never been a disciplinary action against her for anything of the sort.”
“I’m not sure what the people against her…are thinking should happen,” the commissioner continued. “However, we’re here because we have a police department that has gone rogue and done whatever they want to do. And they’ve been out there doing what they want to do as long as they want to do it. And all of them have not had any consequences for what they’re doing.”
“So, I am not sure what people are expecting to happen to Commissioner May regarding her speech, her freedom of speech,” Hadden reiterated. “But I’m on board with etiquette, training. I know that as an ethics investigator, for something of this sort, what we normally say is, ‘provide training for everyone to reinforce what we are supposed to be doing, how we’re supposed to be conducting ourselves in the public and otherwise.’”
“So, I have nothing to say in terms of any kind of disciplinary action for her speaking her words and what she felt and in the context she said what she said,” the commissioner added.
Williams then spoke again saying, “I did also want to say for my own self that I follow my own standards, and I don’t need to listen to anyone else who doesn’t look like me to make decisions. I feel that we all have a duty here to think for ourselves and come up with smart decisions…and execute smart decisions.”
“I want to say, ‘thank you’ to Commissioner Hadden for stepping up and to say that,” he continued. “We do need training. We do need to stand by decorum in the work history we’ve had with Commissioner May. We can vouch for her that she is an upstanding citizen in your history of working with her. Even though the public may not see that all the time. We do need to recognize that she does have experience and history. But also, at the same time, we have to recognize that even though our elders, our people do make mistakes, we do have to have those conversations to let you know that this probably wasn’t the best decision that you’ve made. But I understand where it came from. And I…think what needs to happen here is just a conversation about moving forward and how we conduct ourselves in public spaces. Not limiting your free speech but just be mindful of how we execute and conduct ourselves.”
“I think that’s the best way to say that,” the vice chairperson stated. “And I love when the community comes out to support one another. I just think we need to be mindful of how we conduct ourselves and executing our freedom of speech rights.”
Chairperson Taylor then spoke again while looking at Mays saying, “Before I give you the mic, do you want to speak? Do you want to?”
“Yes,” Mays responded.
“Before I give you the mic to speak, I just wanted to remind you of something that co-chair said earlier. He mentioned the word arguing. And we are not arguing, Commissioners,” Taylor stated. “This is our duty. Right? We are discussing an issue and figuring out how to fix it and listening to community’s choices about what we’re discussing. And so, we never want to use words like arguing because that’s not what we’re doing. We are professionals and we are executing our duties.”
However, members of the public in attendance were arguing with commissioners while speaking out of turn.
An unapologetic Mays spoke last defending her comments saying, “All I’m going to say is this. That evening, I was very passionate because I had community members coming to me and talking. Plus, I was reading and hearing the attacks against the city manager, Bessie Scott, before she even set her foot in this city and the attacks against our city attorney and also the attacks against the APOC commission which no one wanted to see. Well, some people. But a lot of people here did not want to see this happen. That’s all I’m going to say about that.”
“The second thing I’m going to say is they did not state in the blogs that when I started to speak, I opened up with a scripture that mysteriously disappeared,” the embattled commissioner continued. “So, finally, as a commissioner, I know the ordinance. I know I raised my hand and swore to take an oath as a commissioner. My business…of this commission is outlined in this ordinance that everybody should have,” while holding a copy of a document. That’s what I’m doing. That’s what I shall continue to do.”
“And in terms of moving forward, I think that’s all,” Mays concluded while looking at Taylor.
The chairperson then tried to conclude the discussion by saying, “OK. For me I still stand at as we move forwards towards our agenda items for a future agenda, that we will talk about etiquette training and making sure we have some kind of decorum document.”
“Everybody, we’re good with that?” she asked. Mays then asked about the other items on that night’s meeting agenda. Taylor then asked, “Is there anything else you want to mention in the finishing of this agenda item?”
“Yes,” Lacey-Oha said. “I will ask that we get started on this as soon as possible” referring to the code of conduct proposed by Taylor. “I stated earlier, hopefully we can come up with something in the month of March. No later than April.”
The commission then went on to other items on the agenda.
Torres-Walker Defends May’s Racist Comments Calls Them “Speaking Plainly” During public comments on the item, Torres-Walker defended May’s comments, partially reading from prepared remarks, and chastised her colleague. The councilwoman said, “The job of this commission is not to push the political rhetoric of individuals in this city who didn’t want you to be here, anyway. The job of this commission is not to find comfort in the blanket of respectability politics. Our job as a community is that it’s our right to speak and we all should be speaking plainly.”
“And when we jump to political rhetoric and we think our community is going to understand what that is it doesn’t translate,” Torres-Walker stated and then referring to Freitas. “And rather than push an agenda of a councilmember that wants to seem benevolent on behalf of staff when his first day on the city council he publicly threatened to fire the city attorney and then had a Freudian slip and said he also wanted to fire the city manager.”
“But this is the man we’re taking his call to action, today on behalf of protecting the same staff that he threatened to fire, publicly and publicly humiliated a city attorney that retired and is no longer here because it would have been an arduous working conditions,” the District 1 Councilwoman continued.
However, she was incorrect. As previously reported, during the council meeting on Dec. 10, 2024, Freitas called for the resignation of Thomas L. Smith as city attorney but inadvertently said, “city manager” twice. Then Torres-Walker who sits next to him on the dais asked if he meant the city attorney and Freitas corrected himself. Smith was later forced out during a special, Closed Session meeting on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.
“Commissioner May, I know what it feels like to speak plainly,” said Torres-Walker. “And I know what it feels like to be attacked for that because we want to find comfort in the white gaze. We want to find comfort in respectability politics, and we want to demonize those who speak plain, plainly based on their experience and the history that they know, which is American history.”
“The history of the house slave and the history of the field slave is American history,” she continued. “And as we sit here in Black History Month, we should acknowledge that the history of slavery is not Black history it’s American history and we should interrogate that. We should never forget that. In the times that we in, right now when everything that exists, historically is under attack and under threat.”
Torres-Walker then shook her head as her time to speak ran out and walked away from the podium, while some of those seated in the council chambers applauded.
Screenshot of Torres-Walker’s post about the announcement by City Manager Scott Monday afternoon Feb. 10, 2025.
Torres-Walker Doubles Down In a post of the announcement on her official Facebook page Monday evening, Feb. 10, 2025, while mentioning completely unrelated matters, Torres-Walker wrote, “This media advisory is rich coming from a City that allowed its police force to racially profile and intimidate residents of color for more than two decades.
While the Antioch city council is fighting over who can say the N-word, Opportunity Village is set to end in April, displacing unhoused residents in need of services back on the streets.
The crisis response team focused on meeting the needs of those suffering from mental illness and substance dependence will end in December with no plan to secure additional funding.
The police department is still understaffed after more than half the department was involved in racial discrimination, aggressive use of force, taking bribes, falsifying police reports and more.
I guess the immediate threat to public safety is the N-word.” She ended it with a raised shoulder emoji.
Freitas Responds After receiving the news, when reached for comment, Freitas said, “I think Ms. May made the right decision to resign, and I look forward to implementing a code of conduct for the council and all boards and commissions, so this doesn’t happen again.”
He was sked about his colleague’s comments about him at the APOC meeting last Monday night, Feb. 3, 2025.
“I don’t think Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walkers comments deserve a response,” Freitas stated. “They’re unfortunate and divisive, and it undermines our ability to work together for the benefit of the community.”
“We really need to heal and focus on the important issues and not be distracted by this nonsense,” he added.
The commission is left with four members, the bare minimum to have a quorum and hold a meeting.
Police ask help ID’ing a Target Antioch store retail theft suspect. Photo: Antioch PD
Over past several months
By Antioch Police Department
The Antioch Police Department is asking for the community’s help in identifying a female suspect responsible for over $9,000 in thefts from Target on Lone Tree Way in Antioch over the past several months.
Retail theft impacts businesses, employees, and consumers alike. We are committed to holding those responsible accountable, but we need your help!
If you recognize this individual or have any information that could assist in this investigation, please contact Officer Kawalya at ckawalya@antiochca.gov or call Dispatch at (925) 778-2441 (option 9).
Tipsters can request to remain anonymous. Let’s work together to stop retail crime and protect our community!
After a record-setting 2023 combatting organized retail crime, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) continues to aggressively disrupt and dismantle illegal operations throughout California. Thanks to the state’s continued investment in combating organized retail crime, the CHP is proud to announce its most successful year yet for the Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF). In 2024, the task force set new records for investigations, arrests, and recovered stolen goods since its launch in 2019—surpassing all expectations and demonstrating its unparalleled effectiveness.
Source: CHP
In the 12 months of 2024, ORCTF efforts have resulted in:
✔ 879 investigations ✔ 1,707 arrests ✔ 676,227 stolen goods recovered ✔ $13.5 million in recovered goods value
With increased funding since 2022, CHP has expanded its efforts statewide, adding more investigators and enhancing proactive crime prevention strategies. This past holiday season, ORCTF teams partnered with local law enforcement and more than 50 retailers to safeguard shoppers, merchants, and retail districts across California. Their heightened presence deterred crime and led to in-the-moment arrests of retail criminals.
Source: CHP
CHP’s unwavering commitment to stopping organized retail crime underscores its dedication to public safety. Recent legislation signed by Governor Gavin Newsom has further strengthened law enforcement tools to hold offenders accountable, reinforcing the ORCTF’s mission to ensure the safety and security of California communities.
No commissioners attended Jan. 6th meeting, 7th meeting since Julythat couldn’t be held
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting, tonight, Feb. 3, 2025, the Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC) will discuss their 2024 Annual Report to Council which recommends three additional policies for the department’s policy manual. They will also elect a new chairperson and vice person.
The last meeting of the APOC at which they had a quorum of at least four members was on Dec. 2, 2024. Video screenshot.
The meeting follows the cancelled meeting on Jan. 20 and none of the commissioners showing up for the Jan. 6th meeting, for which the following was posted on the Commission’s page of the City’s website: “NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regularly scheduled Antioch Police Oversight Commission Meeting for Monday, January 6, 2025, has been ADJOURNED due to lack of a quorum.” That left only City Clerk Melissa Rhodes and then-City Attorney Thomas L. Smith seated at the dais. It was the fourth meeting without a quorum of members since Oct. 10th and seventh since July 1st.
According to the 2024 Annual Report, the “APOC has identified key areas that need to be addressed in the APD policy manual. This report highlights three critical recommendations for inclusion: the Angelo Quinto Crisis Response Team (AQCRT), Officer Mental Health, and a comprehensive community engagement policy. These additions address gaps that impact community safety and trust, aligning the manual with modern best practices.”
However, the city council learned last week that one-time federal COVID-related funding used for the Crisis Response Team runs out at the end of October. Yet, the council members stated a desire to find grant funds to continue operating the program.
Proposed Antioch Police Policy Manual Additions Under the Crisis Response Team:
Deployment Protocols: Clear guidelines for dispatchers to determine when AQCRT is deployed versus law enforcement.
Operational Collaboration: Frameworks for how APD officers and AQCRT professionals coordinate during overlapping or escalated incidents.
Under the Community Engagement Policy:
Community Outreach Standards: Establish clear expectations for APD participation in town halls, neighborhood meetings, and collaborative events.
Engagement Programs: Develop and formalize initiatives such as youth outreach programs, cultural competency workshops, and public forums to strengthen relationships.
Measurement and Accountability: Implement metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of community engagement activities and their impact on public trust.
Under the Officer Mental Health and Wellness Policy:
Mandatory Mental Health Check-ins: Require officers to participate in regular, confidential mental health check-ins with licensed professionals.
Therapeutic Support Programs: Provide access to ongoing therapy services, including trauma-informed counseling and stress management resources. We already do this. We have a contact with a counseling firm.
Mental Health Education: Integrate mental health and wellness training into officer development programs, emphasizing resilience and coping strategies.
Confidentiality Assurance: Ensure that participation in mental health services is protected and does not negatively impact an officer’s career. This is also already done and is codified in CA law.
Rationale: • Improved Officer Performance: Mental wellness supports sound decision making and situational judgment. • Reduced Burnout and Stress: Regular access to mental health care mitigates job-related stress and reduces the risk of burnout. • Enhanced Public Safety: Mentally healthy officers are better equipped to handle high-stress situations calmly and effectively. • Long-term Resilience: Fostering a culture that prioritizes mental health helps officers sustain long and productive careers.
The commissioners also want Ongoing Training for the Commission asking the council to “Allocate funding from the current budget to support the training and development of APOC members, ensuring effective oversight.”
Finally, the commissioners want “a thorough evaluation of the upcoming budget cycle, with a focus on transparency, resource alignment, and investment in critical programs.”
Looking Ahead: 2025-2027 Budget APOC plans to conduct a comprehensive review of the proposed 2025-2027 budget once it is presented in January 2025. This review will prioritize: • Greater transparency in budget allocation and reporting. • Expanded funding for critical initiatives such as the Angelo Quinto Crisis Response Team (AQCRT) and community engagement programs. • Ensuring resources are aligned with both community safety and equity goals.
Commissioners The current commissioners include Chairperson Porshe Taylor, Vice Chairperson Devin Williams, Commissioners Treva Hadden, Alicia Dianne Lacey-Oha, and Leslie May with two vacancies.
The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. inside the Council Chambers at Antioch City Hall, 200 H Street in historic, downtown Rivertown. It can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website.
