By Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau
On March 16, 2024, at approximately 6:51 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the rear of the 2900 block of Melon Court at the request of Con Fire for a reported fire coming from the area.
When officers arrived, they located a person deceased who had been severely burned. The cause of death is unknown. The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation.
The cause of death is pending an autopsy from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.
Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Palma at (925) 779-6876 or by emailing kpalma@antiochca.gov.
Councilman Barbanica speaks against the ordinance banning sideshow organizing during the Antioch Council meeting on March 12, 2024 for which both Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe and Councilwoman Torres-Walker were absent. (Video screenshot) Spectators watch a sideshow in Antioch on Sept. 24, 2023. Herald file photo.
Barbanica, Ogorchock want fines for spectators, greater penalties included
“This is doing really nothing. It is absolutely useless.” – Councilman Barbanica.
“I want this stronger. I’m not going to vote for it, this time.” – Councilwoman Ogorchock
“Yes, this is kind of a weak ordinance,” Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson
“You know how you get people? You hit them in the pocket…and hit hard.” – Police Oversight Commissioner Leslie May.
Public speaker says San Joaquin Co. Sheriff arrested 150 spectators, impounded 88 cars from sideshow.
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the Antioch City Council failed to approve the second reading to adopt an ordinance banning organizing or advertising street racing, sideshows and reckless driving exhibitions. With Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker absent and Councilmembers Mike Barbanica and Lori Ogorchock changing positions on the matter, no motion was made by the three council members in attendance to adopt the new ordinance. The council had previously voted 5-0 to approve it at their Feb. 27, 2024, meeting, but the two councilmembers wanted a stronger ordinance with fines for those who attend sideshows and greater penalties. However, during the Nov. 14, 2023, meeting, the council majority opposed making it illegal to be a spectator at a sideshow.
District 2 Councilman Barbanica was the first member of the council to speak on the matter Tuesday night, under Item I on the Consent Calendar saying, “Yes, I voted for this when it came out initially. But it’s been no secret that I don’t think this goes nearly far enough. This is just a feel-good thing. The reality of it is, is our police department’s not truly going to be able to sit there and track down who organizes a side show. It could have been much more effective, a tool that was used much more effective if, in fact, we would have allowed our officers to cite. But unfortunately, there wasn’t an appetite for that. I think this is, it’s better than nothing but it’s pretty close to nothing. As we move forward with it, don’t expect to see a lot of citations issued for organizers, because the reality of it is determining who organizes something, how it’s put together is extremely difficult. So, it’s a tool on our books that we can all go, ‘woo, we did something’. We did almost nothing, here.”
District 3 Councilwoman Ogorchock agreed with her colleague saying, “I’m very frustrated with this ordinance, also. At our last council meeting when this was discussed I did vote for it because this is a beginning, it’s a start. But I was hoping the start would actually evolve into something.”
She then took City Attorney Thomas L. Smith to task stating, “I’m disappointed, right now, with the city attorney because I had a conversation with him, requesting that he reach out to other cities to find out what their ordinances were regarding the sideshows. Some of them have stricter ordinances than we have. I wanted it to go out across California to find out who else was doing different things within the state of California on this very specific issue.”
“Another part of the conversation was, we as a city, as we did with the rent control, we can make stricter ordinances of what the state makes,” Ogorchock continued. “This doesn’t mean anything, to me. This is just like a piece of paper saying we’ve got this ordinance. So, I want this stronger. I’m not going to vote for it, this time. It can’t pass, tonight. But if it comes back at another time it can pass at another time. But until we get some teeth behind this thing and make it to where these people are punished then I’m not going to vote for it just to have paper and say we have an ordinance. I’m not going to do it.”
During public comments, Leslie May, a member of the new Police Oversight Commission, said, “My goodness, I agree with Lori. This needs to have money. We need to put more money. You know how you get people? You hit them in the pocket…and hit hard.”
She also mentioned finding on Facebook “a link where these people are setting up sideshows. I called the mayor’s office. I think I got a call back from the police department and I told them where one big organizer was, located by Costco. They told me they couldn’t do anything about it.”
“The next time you rewrite this, you give the public a number directly into the police department to let them know and send a screenshot to let them know they’re planning this…so the police department can be prepared,” she added.
“Yes, this is kind of a weak ordinance,” Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson who chaired the meeting. “But I err on the side of I’d rather see something pass as a start. But this is probably going to be coming back.”
City Attorney Smith then said, “The discussion we had, previously was about misdemeanors and in fact, what we said was the misdemeanor was capped at $1,000 or six months in prison.” He then read from state law allowed either or both. “That’s what we have,” he added.
“What we did with the ordinance was, we found a gap,” Smith continued. “That was around the advertising as we noted in the ordinance, and we created a separate opportunity where we could apply that fine at the misdemeanor level. So, when we talked about the potential of what could happen to people who engage in sideshows, this ordinance provides an additional layer above and beyond what already exists. This is an additive tool. This is not something that is complete in terms of what the police officers have available to them when they encounter sideshows.”
Ogorchock responded saying, “Let’s talk about the misdemeanor. That’s the misdemeanor they get for driving. This is the misdemeanor for organizing. When we look…under remedies and penalties for rent control, we’ve added penalties to the rent control that the state had and we added more. We increased those fines. We’re not increasing anything, here.”
“It’s one of the things you and I talked about,” she said to Smith. “And I asked for another way to put more teeth behind this and to find out from other cities what other cities are doing.”
“We can put some teeth behind it and increase it. We can’t go lower than what the state says. We can increase it and that’s what I’m asking for,” Ogorchock reiterated.
Barbanica later said, “So, I actually had called…and hosted the meeting and Ms. May was in the meeting with me and she brought up the fact that we need to hit them in the pocketbook. While sitting in that meeting, I sent an email to the city manager and the mayor saying I want an ordinance brought in front of the council where we can actually cite people for attending these sideshows and there’s a financial penalty associated with that.”
“This has fallen way short of that,” he stated. “And each meeting I’ve pushed for let’s beef this up much more than it is. I can’t in good conscience just pass something just because, well, we want to say we did something. We want to hit the press tomorrow saying we did something. This is doing really nothing.” “Having this in addition to an ordinance that we can hit folks in their pocketbook when they’re out there destroying city property, and so on, I would be all for that,” Barbanica continued. “But all this did was just weaken this thing down. It is absolutely useless. You’re not going to hear a motion or a second coming from me, tonight on this.”
Ogorchock offered her final comments on the matter stating, “At the last council meeting, it was talking about having to reimburse for services that have to go out and take from other areas of town. The instance that I brought up was there were two firetrucks that couldn’t get to calls, because of these sideshows. So, whoever organized the sideshow actually stopped our first responders. So, they need to be fined for the diminishing of our services or paying back for our services.”
Public Speaker Says San Joaquin Co. Sheriff Arrested 150 Spectators, Impounded 88 Cars from Sideshow
Wilson re-opened public comments on the item with both in favor of fines for spectators.
Resident Andrew Becker said, “I agree with the comments made. If you’re concerned about being fined at a sideshow don’t be at a sideshow.”
Another member of the public, Eddie Gomes with ACCE, spoke of what is done in San Joaquin County. “Sheriff Patrick Winthrop, and he arrested 150 people. It was on video. Had the buses. Took all their cars. 88 cars. They don’t get them back.”
“I mean, you want to hit them in the pocket, have them kids driving their mama’s car and get it taken,” he continued to applause from the audience. “Laws can have law enforcement and getting on the internet and finding out where it’s going to happen, beforehand. I wouldn’t say a word. I would just show up just like the sheriff with the buses, take them away.”
Following the final comments from the public, Wilson asked, “Is there a motion?” Barbanica responded, “No, there is not.”
Since none of the three council members made a motion to adopt the ordinance, Wilson stated, “So, it dies without a motion.”
Barbanica then said, “I apologize to the city staff for the work you put into this. I know this had to be a lot of work. But I was pretty clear along the way where I wanted to go but I understand your position.”
Gun and ammunition confiscated during arrest on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Photo: Brentwood PD
Both already out of custody one – a former Deer Valley High cheerleader – on bond, the other with no charges filed
By Brentwood Police Department
On Sunday night, March 10, 2024, a Brentwood officer conducted a routine traffic stop in the area of Lone Tree Way and Fairside Way. The stop was initiated due to multiple vehicle code violations observed by the officer.
During the course of the stop, the officer found an un-serialized loaded high-capacity firearm in the backseat of the vehicle. As a result, 19-year-old Daekaylah Leiloni Little and 20-year-old Louis Edward Quinn, Jr., both of Antioch, were placed under arrest and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking.
According to localcrimenews.com they were charged with carrying a loaded firearm on Person or in vehicle while in public place, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle and a large capacity magazine.
At the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, 213 F Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. Hosted by the Contra Costa Health Department’s Violence Prevention Program and Gun Violence Prevention Coalition, and Bridge Builders to the New Generation.
According the CCHealth’s website, The Violence Prevention Program uses a public health approach to prevent and reduce gun violence in Contra Costa County by providing high-risk populations with social support and services informed by evidence-based practices and equity principles. The program, established in October 2022, was made possible through a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative.
The Violence Prevention Program is partnering with community stakeholders to develop a Gun Violence Reduction Strategic Plan for the county. The plan will focus on developing social-emotional learning programs for at-risk youth, building workforce development opportunities and career paths, and working with communities to improve the physical environment, neighborhood appearance and community engagement.
Currently, the program is working with the nonprofit consultant on a landscape analysis of the county’s existing violence prevention efforts.
The Gun Violence Prevention Coalition is a diverse, community and multi-agency-driven collaborative supported by Contra Costa Health’s Violence Prevention Program. The Coalition seeks to increase collaboration among residents, community partners, and agencies who are interested in and are actively involved in reducing gun violence and advancing gun-violence prevention policies. The Coalition’s goal is to prevent and reduce the incidence of gun violence and its associated negative community and health impacts.
Please help us identify an unknown suspect who was recorded on video stealing a vehicle and later dumping it. The vehicle was recovered near East 6th Street and ‘A’ Street, and the suspect is seen on camera walking away from that area afterwards.
If you have any information on the identity of this suspect, please contact Community Service Officer Collazo at (925) 778-2441, or via email: jcollazo@antiochca.gov, and reference case #24-1991. Any individuals coming forth with information can remain anonymous.
Over 400,000 have signed petitions to place the measure that will stop theft and fentanyl crimes onto the November 2024 ballot
Gains support of Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft, over 30 mayors & local leaders
Get petition to help gather signatures below
Over 400,000 California voters have signed the petition to place the Homeless, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act on the November 2024 ballot.
“We have seen a record number of voters seeking to sign the petition to place this measure on the ballot – sometimes waiting in line to do so,” said campaign chair Greg Totten who is also chief executive officer for the California District Attorneys Association. “This is consistent with polling that has shown that 70% of likely California voters support the Homeless, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act. The measure is commonsense and injects accountability back into our laws for repeat offenders of theft and for crimes involving fentanyl and other serious drug crimes.”
Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft endorses proposed initiative to reform Proposition 47
Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft (CARRT) announced last week its support for the proposed initiative called the Homeless, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.
“Our current system puts Californians at risk as crime continues to rise without any real repercussions. That is why Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft is supporting the Homeless, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Initiative,” said Matt Ross, spokesman for Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft.
“The initiative focuses on repeat offenders of retail crime. It provides an opportunity for those with substance abuse and mental health problems to seek help through diversion programs. At the same time, it also ensures that there are real consequences for individuals who continue to break the law.”
“Moreover, this initiative is a significant step towards putting an end to retail and residential theft in both Main Street and neighborhood areas.”
According to data from the Public Policy Institute of California, there has been a significant increase in commercial shoplifting, with a 28.7% rise in 2022 alone. Commercial burglary and robbery have also seen an increase of 5.8% and 9%, respectively. Furthermore, a recent survey revealed that 88% of retailers are experiencing more aggressive and violent shoplifters compared to the previous year.
CARRT is a diverse coalition consisting of over 200 business associations, local groups, and victim organizations. Their main goal is to advocate for California officials to take action and equip law enforcement with the necessary tools to reduce theft. Prominent members of the coalition include local Chambers of Commerce, California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, California Business Roundtable, California Black Chamber of Commerce, California Grocers Association, California Peace Officers Association, Crime Victims United, Klaas Kids Foundation, and the National Federation of Independent Business.
CARRT has been engaging in discussions with local officials, law enforcement, and legislators to ensure that they comprehend the true impact of retail and residential crime. They aim to provide public safety officials with additional resources to effectively address this problem. For more information about CARRT, please visit their website at www.carrt.org.
Over 30 mayors and local elected leaders endorse Prop 47 reform initiative
Bipartisan support continues to grow with over 30 mayors and local elected officials from across the state have endorsed the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act. The measure will increase community safety by holding those who repeatedly steal or traffic hard drugs accountable. The measure has collected 75% of the needed signatures from California voters to place it on the November ballot.
“Our city has continued to prioritize safety for our residents, businesses and visitors. We realize that the laws must adapt to the circumstances we see on our streets today. Retail theft and drug offenders repeat their crimes without any accountability or consequence which is why I am supporting this ballot measure,” said Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock. “We need smart changes to Prop 47 so that we can stop crime and hold repeat offenders accountable. Consequences act as a deterrent while at the same time, this measure prioritizes effective drug treatment and rehabilitation programs. This ballot measure will provide the tools our city needs to improve community safety.”
Local mayors and elected officials from every region across the state continue to endorse a measure that balances accountability and rehabilitation programs.
Bay Area Elected Leaders
Mayor Matt Mahan, City of San Jose
Mayor London Breed, City and County of San Francisco
Mayor Lily Mei, City of Fremont
Mayor Carmen Montano, City of Milpitas
Vice Mayor Renee Golder, City of Santa Cruz
Councilmember Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, City of Santa Cruz
Former Mayor Ryan Coonerty, City of Santa Cruz
Vice Mayor Sherry Hu, City of Dublin
Councilmember Liang Chao, City of Cupertino (title for identification purposes only)
Councilmember Kitty Moore, City of Cupertino(title for identification purposes only)
Mayor Yan Zhao, City of Saratoga
Councilmember Rishi Kumar, City of Saratoga
Councilmember Javed Ellahie, City of Monte Sereno
Northern & Central CA Elected Leaders
Mayor Jerry Dyer, City of Fresno
Mayor Karen Goh, City of Bakersfield
Supervisor Rich Desmond, Sacramento County
Southern California Elected Leaders
Mayor Phil Brock, City of Santa Monica Mayor Mark Arapostathis, City of La Mesa Mayor Richard Bailey, City of Coronado Mayor Keith Blackburn, City of Carlsbad
Mayor John Franklin, City of Vista Mayor Lesa Heebner, City of Solana Beach Mayor Rebecca Jones, City of San Marcos Mayor Tony Kranz, City of Encinitas Mayor John McCann, City of Chula Vista Mayor John Minto, City of Santee
Mayor Ron Morrison, City of National City Mayor Esther Sanchez, City of Oceanside Mayor Steve Vaus, City of Poway Mayor Bill Wells, City of El Cajon Mayor Dane White, City of Escondido
A survey of likely California voters found that 70% of voters support the title and summary of the Homeless, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act. The overwhelming support was consistent across every demographic and geography including the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Furthermore, 89% of likely voters support amending Proposition 47 for stronger penalties for those engaged in repeated retail theft and trafficking hard drugs like fentanyl. The measure also includes incentives to complete drug and mental health treatment for people who are addicted to hard drugs. The survey was conducted online from November 8-November 13, 2023, with a margin of error of +/- 2.28%.
To qualify the measure for the November 2024 ballot, the law requires 546,651 valid signatures. The campaign is required to notify the Secretary of State after 25% of the signatures from California voters have been collected.
New Antioch Interim Police Chief Brian Addington is administered his ceremonial oath of office by Deputy City Clerk Christina Garcia and followed by the pinning of the chief’s badge by his wife, Lori, Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 27, 2024. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Officially sworn in Monday before starting in his new position that day
“With a new day, there’s a renewed hope and we will rise to the challenge and achieve positive changes.” – Interim Antioch Police Chief Brian Addington
By Allen D. Payton
Antioch’s new Interim Police Chief Brian Addington was given a ceremonial oath of office Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 27, 2024, inside the breezeway of City Hall. It was attended by Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe, all four council members, city department heads, current and retired police personnel from Antioch and Pittsburg, as well as two chiefs and a former chief from other agencies in the county, plus, family and friends.
Addington began work in his new position on Monday, Feb. 26 and said he was sworn in that morning.
Addington signs his oath of office with the help of Deputy City Clerk Garcia.
During Tuesday’s ceremony, following welcome remarks by Hernandez-Thorpe and an introduction of the new interim chief by Acting City Manager and Economic Development Director Kwame Reed, Deputy City Clerk Christina Garcia administered the oath of office and Addington’s wife, Lori pinned the chief’s badge to his chest. He left the breezeway and entered the Council Chambers for a moment, returning with a bouquet of flowers which he presented to his wife.
Addington then shared his thoughts about his new, temporary role saying he recalled Councilman Mike Barbanica was the first to reach out to him. “I thought he was joking. I chuckled. I said, ‘nah, I don’t think so.’”
Then Addington said he was asked by a recruiter about the interim position last June, which he declined and said he didn’t know anyone who was interested. But when Addington was asked around November if he would reconsider, he responded, “I couldn’t say no. Somebody needed to step up.”
“I’m humbled to work here and to lend my hand in stabilizing this organization and taking the next steps that are needed to improve,” Addington stated. “Obviously, we need to increase staff and just as importantly, retain the dedicated women and men who are tirelessly working, here keeping our community safe.”
“My focus will be on assuring we have sufficient resources to keep our residents and businesses safe,” he continued. “I’m committed to being open and transparent both inside the department and with our community.”
“Accountability and consistency will serve as the foundational pillars for us to enhance our culture, ensuring continuous improvement and integrity in all that we do,” Addington stated. “I want every in Antioch to know the police department is here for you.”
Interim Chief Addington speaks following his ceremonial oath of office.
“We will have a renewed focus on customer service,” he continued. “Make no mistake, I have very high expectations for everyone who works at the Antioch Police Department, and I will hold them accountable.”
Addington then introduced his wife and family members and acknowledged Pittsburg Police Chief Steve Albanese and San Pablo’s Interim Police Chief Brian Bubar. (For those who remember him, Albanese is the son of Joe Albanase who was a Antioch Police Reserve Officer for 20 years and very involved in youth sports in the community).
Addington then closed by saying, “I’m an optimist” and shared two of 13 leadership principles he learned from one of his heroes, former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, and tries to live by. “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier and it ain’t as bad as it looks or ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning” the interim chief shared. “I think this especially applies to the Antioch Police Department as we face our current challenges.”
“With a new day, there’s a renewed hope and we will rise to the challenge and achieve positive changes, and I’m excited to be involved in leading these efforts,” Addington added.
(Watch video for Addington’s entire comments beginning at the 9-minute mark.)
Unlike the grand oath of office celebration for Steve Ford, Antioch’s last interim police chief to be sworn in two years ago, the ceremony was not publicly announced and a much more muted affair.
Reed said, “It’s designed to be a small event.” Asked why and reminded of Ford’s ceremony, the acting city manager responded, “Neither Chief Addington nor I want that.”
Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe wearing a Dashiki during Chief Addington’s ceremonial oath of office on Feb. 27, 2024. (Photo by Allen D. Payton) The Pan African flag hangs on the Antioch City Council dais during their meeting on Feb. 13, 2024. Video screenshot.
Hernandez-Thorpe, who spoke first during the ceremony, and Mayor Pro Tem and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson were dressed in African-style clothing. Asked about his clothing and if it was for Black History Month, the mayor said it was Dashiki from Nigeria and it was because the council would be raising the Pan African flag (also known as the Afro-American flag and Black Liberation flag, as has been displayed on the council dais during the Feb. 13th meeting) on the City Hall flagpole during the council meeting Tuesday night.
It is expected Addington will serve until a permanent city manager is hired, following the current nationwide search, who will in turn hire a permanent police chief. Read more about Interim Chief Addington, here.
By Sgt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau
On Saturday, February 24, 2024, at approximately 5:12 am, Antioch Police patrol officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Observation Way for a male who had been shot seated inside of a vehicle. Officers arrived on scene and located a 16-year-old male from Pittsburg with at least one gunshot wound. Officers on scene provided life-saving measures until relieved by ConFire and paramedics. The male victim was transported to an area hospital where he ultimately succumbed his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Officers discovered the shooting took place in the 2000 block of Tupleo Way. Officers canvassed the area and located the scene. The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be provided.
No other information is being released at this time including the names of the victim or suspect.
Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Duffy at (925) 779-6884 or by emailing aduffy@antiochca.gov. Anonymous tips or information about this – or any other incident – can be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ANTIOCH.
