Dave Roberts who served as the first Editor of the Herald has written an analysis on Proposition 30 on the November ballot. To read his column on the Cal Watchdog website, click here.

By Allen Payton, Publisher

D’Juan “De’shawn” Woolridge from his campaign’s Facebook page.

A success story on the Los Medanos College (LMC) website about current candidate for the Contra Costa Community College Board of Trustees, D’Juan “De’shawn” Woolridge has been removed.

The discovery of the story, made by this writer on Saturday, October 6, 2012, while doing an online research about the candidates for Ward V, which includes most of Antioch, resulted in the removal of it by new LMC President Bob Kratochvil, today.

An email to Kratochvil, college district Chancellor Helen Benjamin and all five trustees asking them if they were aware of the story that showed a photo of Woolridge with another person, and mentioned he “ is currently running for public office,” and what they planned to do about it, received two responses. The first was from Trustee John Marquez, who represents Ward I, covering West County.

Marquez stated in an email, “I don’t see any implied endorsement or promotion of De’shawn Woolridge by LMC over the other candidates for Ward V. I just see this as an expression of pride by LMC of the successes of its alumni. I was not aware of this write-up. And, I’m not concerned about it since the other candidates have not raised any concern. If they do, I might personally ‘consider’ removal until after the election.”

He also wrote in the same email, “I read the biography of De’shawn referenced by you, and concluded that the story did not

D’Juan “De’shawn” Woolridge that appeared with his Alumni Success Story on the LMC website, until its removal on Monday, October 8, 2012.

mention anything about his current candidacy for College Board Ward V. While I have not endorsed De’shawn, I have known him for many years and knew he has always had  political aspirations. As I read the biography, I noticed all the excellent steps taken by De’shawn and staff at LMC to see his goals achieved. By the way, his hair is not as long as shown on the photo, which implies the biography was written sometime ago. LMC should be proud of the ‘success stories’ of all its Alumni. Further reading of the LMC website reveals the successes of other alumni such as Dave Tollefson, football player during the Super Bowl XLVI, and Wade Harper, candidate for Mayor of Antioch, among others.”

“Just to be fair about the political process, I will ask for consideration of a policy change by the Board at our meeting in November,” Marquez added.

New LMC President Bob Kratochvil had a different response.

“The story about Mr. Woolridge that is on our website is among several ‘stories of success’ regarding students and programs at Los Medanos College, a series that has been in place for quite some time.  It is my understanding that the article about Mr. Woolridge has been on the web page for more than a year, apparently written initially upon his graduation from LMC (approximately Spring/Summer 2011) and coinciding his candidacy for a council seat in the City of Pittsburg.  Subsequently, information in the article was updated after he graduated from University of the Pacific,” Kratochvil wrote in an email.

“I acknowledge that, since Mr. Woolridge is a candidate for a seat on the Contra Costa Community College Governing Board, such a story should be pulled from our website until after the November election so there is no inadvertent perception of endorsement.  We will do so immediately at the start of business on Monday morning. Thank you very much for bringing this matter to our attention,” he added.

When asked about the website story, Woolridge stated “The article has been up there for awhile. It was up there before the election and written two years ago.”

However, the story has been updated in the past few months, because it included two new facts about Woolridge: “De’shawn has completed his bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of the Pacific…and is currently running for public office.” He graduated in May, 2012 and filed for office by August 16.

Woolridge spoke with LMC Marketing Director Barbara Cella regarding the website story. “She contacted me and asked me if I had graduated and I said ‘Yes’,” he stated.

Cella was unavailable for comment when contacted Monday morning.

“The fact that it doesn’t even say ‘the governing board,’ I don’t have a problem with it being on the website, since it was written two years ago. It’s not really highlighted for a campaign,” Woolridge added.

Regarding removal of the article, he said “I don’t really have a problem with it being removed. I’m not going to sit there and have a heart attack. I would hope it goes back up after all the work I’ve done at LMC. It’s an honor to have the article.”

In a review of the list of Alumni Success Stories on Monday morning, October 8, 2012, the articles on both Woolridge and Harper, who is currently running for Mayor of Antioch, had been removed from the LMC website.

Stockton, Calif. – Congressman Jerry McNerney, who is running for reelection in the 9^th Congressional District, has received the endorsement of Vice-Chair of the Port of Stockton, Stephen Griffen, a longshoreman and business owner.

“This area has faced a lot of struggles: unemployment, the foreclosure crisis, a high crime rate, and more. Jerry McNerney has been standing with us every step of the way in addressing these challenges, and I am proud to endorse him in this year’s election. He will continue to stand with us and work on the biggest challenges we are facing,” said Griffen.

According to the Port’s website, “Mr. Griffen has worked as a longshoreman since 1977. A lifelong resident of Stockton,

Griffen

Mr. Griffen is the owner of Country Club Service and Bob’s Lube since 1984 and also owner of Country Club Smog. Appointed by the Stockton City Council in 2009.”

“I welcome the support of Stephen Griffen from the Port of Stockton.  We have tremendous potential at the Port of Stockton, and I have been proud to partner with them over the last six years.  We have been able to create local jobs and invest in our infrastructure – both key to getting our economy back on track.  I look forward to continuing my work to benefit local infrastructure and the Port,” said McNerney.

This adds to a growing list of local public figures and elected Democrat officials who have endorsed Congressman Jerry McNerney, also a Democrat. To view the entire list click here.

The new 9^th district is significantly Democratic, with a voter registration that is D+10.  The new 9^th includes the majority of San Joaquin County and portions of Contra Costa County.  The district voted decidedly in favor of President Obama in 2008.

Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton) was first inspired to run for office by his son, Michael, who volunteered for the armed services after 9/11.  He has served the area for nearly six years, getting to know the people and issues of the region. He is the Ranking Member of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, a post he has used to champion veterans’ issues, bringing back a brand new veterans’ medical facility that is creating 900 local jobs.  He authored the bill to help veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries and has fought tirelessly to create local jobs, prevent American jobs from being sent overseas, and to restore fiscal responsibility to our government while protecting Medicare and Social Security. He is facing challenger Ricky Gill, a Republican from Lodi.

Stockton, Calif. – Congressman Jerry McNerney has received the endorsement of Jim Frazier, former Mayor and current City Council Member, City of Oakley and the Democrat candidate in the race for the 11^th State Assembly District.

“I know Jerry personally, and it gives me great satisfaction to say that I can also support him in his re-election. Jerry McNerney understands East Contra Costa County, and has shown over the last six years that he will be an independent voice representing us in Congress. We’re facing some tough times, and we need Jerry McNerney to continue fighting for us,” said Jim Frazier, former Mayor and Current City Council Member, City of Oakley.

“I am proud to have the support of Jim Frazier.  He has been serving our community for a long time and understands what we need to accomplish here.  I look forward to continuing to work with him and everyone in our region to create a better future and get our economy back on track,” said Congressman McNerney.

Earlier this year, McNerney received the endorsement of the Contra Costa Times.  The paper noted that Congressman McNerney “focuses on policy issues and…has proved to be a centrist who thoughtfully discusses the nuances of the country’s complex problems.”

This adds to a growing list of local elected Democrat officials who have endorsed Congressman Jerry McNerney, also a Democrat:

-Susan Eggman, City Council Member, City of Stockton, and Candidate for State Assembly

-Mark DeSaulnier, State Senator, 7^th District

-Susan Bonilla, Assemblymember, 11^th District

-Ann Johnston, Mayor, City of Stockton

-Cathleen Galgiani, Assemblymember, 17^th District

-Federal Glover, Supervisor, Contra Costa County

-George Neely, Board Member, Lodi Unified School District

The new 9^th district is significantly Democratic, with a voter registration that is D+10.  The new 9^th includes the majority of San Joaquin County and portions of Contra Costa County.  The district voted decidedly in favor of President Obama in 2008.

Congressman Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton) was first inspired to run for office by his son, Michael, who volunteered in the armed services after 9/11.  He has served the area for nearly six years, getting to know the people and issues of the region. He is the Chair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, a post he has used to champion veterans’ issues, bringing back a brand new veterans’ medical facility that is creating 900 local jobs.  He authored the bill to help veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries and has fought tirelessly to create local jobs, prevent American jobs from being sent overseas, and to restore fiscal responsibility to our government while protecting Medicare and Social Security.

Democrats Look to Win Battleground California

Sacramento – New registration numbers give Democrats a commanding lead in the newly-drawn ninth congressional district (CD-9), putting Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton) in a commanding position as Election Day draws near.

The new CD-9 has 132,235 registered Democrats to the Republicans’ 103,560 – a commanding ten percentage point lead, with 45% Democratic voters to 35% Republicans.  Moreover, in a district that Barack Obama would have won by 58% in 2008, turnout will be key.  Historically, turnout in presidential election years mirrors the voter registration of the district.

“With these strong registration numbers and California Democrats working to turn out voters, Jerry McNerney will win his election, providing a platform for Democrats to pick up other seats in California,” said California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton. “We are going to make real strides this year – people are tired of the misguided, extreme-right leadership they’ve seen for the past two years that Republicans have been in charge of the House.  Strong Democratic candidates like Jerry McNerney will be leading the charge in California and we’re going to make sure Democrats turn out this election.”

Of importance is the fact that the new CD-9 has a significant amount of Decline to State (DTS) voters who historically vote for Democratic candidates.  These voters – undecided or independent voters – actually vote with a loyalty to one party or the other.  In Contra Costa County, these voters consistently vote Democratic 16-20% more than they do Republican. In San Joaquin County, 6-10% more of these voters are loyal to Democrats than are to Republicans.

McNerney’s old district, which he held for three cycles, actually had a Republican registration advantage just shy of one percentage point.

By Allen Payton, Publisher

The field of candidates is set in races for Antioch Mayor, Council, Clerk and Treasurer in the November election. Following are the candidates for each office in the order that they appear in the list from the County Elections website, as well as their self-chosen ballot designations and other information

Mayor

Gary Agopian, Antioch City Councilmember, Real Estate Agent and former Antioch School Board member for four years.

Wade Harper, Police Lieutenant/Vice-Mayor, who served two years on the Antioch School Board, appointed to fill the seat of the late Joyce Seelinger, then was elected in 2010 to the City Council. He works for the City of Tracy

Donald P. “Don” Freitas, Retired Environmental Manager, worked for the county for 30 years, is Antioch’s former Mayor from 2000-2008 and Councilman from 1998 to 2000, and represented Antioch on the Contra Costa Water District Board for 16 years.

Michael Anthony Leon, Marketing Manager for a heating and air conditioning company who is a newcomer to Antioch politics. He describes himself as a “regular Joe” or “Joe the Plumber” type who was encouraged to run by his neighbors after he was featured on Channel 4 news for helping get rid of squatters and some problem Section 8 tenants from his neighborhood.

Council

Noel Pinto, Manager, he’s the Director of Parking and Enforcement for the City of Oakland with a background in engineering.

Monica Wilson, College Dean Assistant, she’s the Executive Assistant to the Dean of Student Life for Mills College in Oakland., is a member of the Antioch Economic Development Commission, Vice Chair of the Contra Costa County Democratic Party Central Committee, is the Treasurer for the California Democratic Party Women’s Caucus, and serves as the staff adviser to the Feminist Democrats (Fem Dems), the Mills College Democratic Club.

James D. Davis “Jim”, Mayor/Banker, he chose not to run for reelection as mayor but for council, instead. He was first elected to the council in 1998 and works as a Vice President for Bank of the West.

Mary Helen Rocha, Councilmember / Community Liaison, she has served on the council and as Mayor off and on, and as an Antioch School Board Trustee for the past 30 plus years. This will be her final time running, win or lose.

Walter Ruehlig, Employment Training Director, he is currently an Antioch School Board Trustee, where he has served for two terms.

Clerk

Arne Simonsen, Retired Master Chief in the Navy, but also retired Antioch small business owner of Simonsen Mechanical and a former Antioch City Councilman for two terms.

Argentina Davila-Luevano, Social Worker, who has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with a Specialty in Child Welfare. But right now she’s the President and CEO of the California LULAC Institute also known as CLI, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. She does social work when she handles case management for families through CLI.

Treasurer

Donna Conley, Incumbent, she is running unopposed.

As a reminder, this Thursday October 4th from 7 PM – 9 PM at Antioch City Hall in the City Council Chambers, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a candidates’ debate for the Antioch Mayor and Antioch City Council.

The City Council candidates will debate from 7 PM- 8 PM followed by the Antioch Mayor debate from 8 PM – 9 PM.

Candidates will each have two opportunities to rebut their opponents during the debate, which should add some excitement to the format.

The Chamber apologizes but the League of Women Voters will not be participating in the debate, as was published previously, due to a difference in formats for the event.

“Come out and listen to your future leaders so that you can make an educated decision in November,” encourages Dr. Sean Wright, Executive Director of the Chamber.

Take Back Antioch (TBA) is hosting a non-partisan forum on Saturday, October 20, 2012 to allow citizens to meet and learn about the candidates running for mayor and city council of Antioch.  The forum will be held from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at the El Campanil Theatre, located at 602 W. Second Street, in the Rivertown area of Antioch.  .

Questions will be determined in advance, based on the most popular questions submitted on TBA’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TakeBackAntioch), and will cover a variety of topics, including:

·Crime and police staffing

·Blight and graffiti

·Volunteerism

·Downtown/waterfront revitalization

·Economic development

Questions with the most “likes” on TBA’s Facebook page will be asked by a panel of volunteers, and each candidate will be allowed to answer the questions within a preset time limit.  If time allows, candidates will be able to answer questions directly from the public.

For further information, or to find out how you can help, please visit the Take Back Antioch Facebook page: www.facebook.com/TakeBackAntioch or email TBA at info@takebackantioch.com.