Early Voting Sites open today, Friday, Nov. 1st

By Kristin B. Connelly, County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters & Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department

The Contra Costa Elections Division would like residents to know that our staff and volunteers are ready for Election Day! Five Early Voting Sites will be open beginning Friday, November 1st and polling places will be open from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th.

Voters can still return their ballots by mail, postmarked on or before Election Day – make sure to check mailboxes for pick up times – or drop their ballot off at one of the County’s 43 official drop boxes before 8:00 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th, to ensure we receive your ballot on time.

“We encourage voters to vote early if they can,” said Kristin B. Connelly, the County’s top Elections Official. “Voting early means voters have less stress around rushing to vote before the deadline and finding time on one day to vote. Even if voters wait until just before Election Day, or on Election Day to cast their vote, there are plenty of options for Contra Costa County residents to ensure that their voices are heard at the ballot box.”

In-Person Services
If you prefer to vote in person or need in-person services to cast your ballot, Contra Costa County residents will have early voting options at five Regional Early Voting sites throughout the county beginning today, November 1st.

All registered Contra Costa voters will be able to vote at any of the Regional Early Voting locations, which will be open Friday November 1st from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday, November 2nd from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM; and Monday, November 4th from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Here are the locations of Contra Costa’s Regional Early Voting sites:
• Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Brentwood
• Pittsburg Library-Community Room, 80 Power Avenue, Pittsburg
• Richmond Library-Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond
• San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church, 902 Danville Boulevard., Alamo
• Walnut Creek City Hall, 1666 North Main Street., Walnut Creek

Polling Places
Polling places will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Please check the back of your Voter Information Guide for your assigned polling place or go to our website and check “My Voting Information.”

Drive-Thru Drop Off
Drive-thru drop-off will be available at the Clerk-Recorder-Elections Office on Monday, November 4th from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Conditional Voter Registration
If you missed the voter registration deadline, you still can register and vote in-person using Conditional Voter Registration. It is a one-stop opportunity to register and cast your ballot and is available at our office at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez, Regional Early Voting sites, and all polling places.

Accessible Voting Equipment and Additional Language Access
Official ballots and voting instructions are provided in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Voting equipment with accessible features is available at every in-person voting location for voters who may need assistance due to a disability. Additional language resources are available through ballot translation guides which are available online and at in-person voting locations.

Be Prepared
If you vote in person, many voters find it helpful to come prepared. Make your choices ahead of time and bring your pre-marked Sample Ballot to the polls to help you save time. Copies of the Voter Information Guide are available at the polls and the information is also available online.

Leave the Campaign T-Shirts, Buttons, and Hats at Home
Please remember that voters have the right to cast a ballot free from intimidation or distraction. Electioneering, including wearing anything with a candidate’s name on it, is prohibited within 100 feet of any voting location. Anyone wearing items with a candidate’s name will be asked to remove or cover them while they are at the voting location. Please help our poll workers by refraining from electioneering and leave your campaign t-shirts, buttons and hats at home.

For more information on voting options for the General Election, visit www.contracostavote.gov or call 925.335.7800.

For additional mature, respectful, responsible and experienced leadership

By Allen D. Payton, Publisher

After endorsing former Antioch City Manager Ron Bernal for mayor, yesterday, he’s just one of the three pieces needed to complete the puzzle that will provide our city with a new, common-sense direction. We also need former Antioch High School Principal Louie Rocha elected in District 2 and former Mayor and Councilman Don Freitas elected in District 3 to join Bernal in providing mature, respectful, responsible and experienced leadership with a new council majority.

Do I always agree with Rocha and Freitas? No. But on the major issues of dealing with crime by increasing our police force, helping grow our economy with well-

District 2 – King’s Dishonesty Disqualifies Her, Rocha is Right Choice for Council

In the race for the District 2 Council seat, which is being vacated by incumbent Mike Barbanica who is running for County Supervisor, I was willing to give Dominique King a chance, this year, after her failed campaign for school board against Rocha’s mother, Mary in 2022, in which she aligned herself with Councilwomen Monica Wilson and Tamisha Torres-Walker and the local, far-left, progressive wing of the Democratic Party, and was backed by Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe.

But I became quickly disappointed in her for starting off the campaign claiming to be something she’s not. In an effort to compete with Louie Rocha’s education bona fides, having 17 years of experience as the principal of Antioch High School, King is using the term “Educator” for her ballot designation, even though she hasn’t earned a four-year college degree, doesn’t have a teaching credential and isn’t a teacher at any school. She says that’s due to the fact she and her husband through their Lean In With The Kings marriage and family counseling business, she “educates” their clients. But just because the City Clerk granted her the right to use the term by making up an entire new definition for the word not found in any dictionary, King didn’t have to do that. She could have simply been honest and instead listed herself as an “Educational Advocate” and “Businesswoman”, which are both true.

Then, on the Form 460 finance statement for the period of July 1-Sept. 21, for King’s loan to her campaign, she didn’t show her and her husband’s business but instead, shows her occupation as “Columnist, Clayton Pioneer Newspaper,” which is very part time, as King has only written nine columns this year. Knowing the publisher, I guarantee you King isn’t earning a full-time salary from that local newspaper.

So, King’s stretch of the truth, which, frankly, is just a desperate act of dishonesty, is an automatic disqualifier as far as I’m concerned. But her alliances and views just make things worse. My fear if Dominique is elected is that she would merely continue helping lead Antioch on the same path it’s on, most likely siding with the two councilwomen who remain in their positions for the next two years until their terms are up.

As for King’s opponent, another first-time candidate for public office like Bernal, Louie Rocha, brings with him years of experience hiring and managing employees, dealing with budgets and all kinds of challenges, including interacting with the police department, as well as his community service, all while working collaboratively with others to achieve collective success. He truly has made a difference in Antioch and wants to continue to do so, this time, on the council.

Rocha’s slogan of “Focused on Our Future” is what we need for council members to do instead of the divisiveness of the past four years and Antioch’s history, to redirect the City from the path it’s currently on. His platform highlights the key priorities that need work and in correct order: Public Safety – “Hire Chief of Police, Restore police officer staffing, Reduce violent crime and Increase traffic enforcement;” Leadership & Governance – specifically, “Hire…other city leadership positions” and “Model civility, respect and integrity;” Economic Development – “Support local businesses, Grow new business development and Rebuild closed business buildings;” and Community Services, specifically, “Provide necessary resources to our unhoused community.”

Asked to clarify what he means by “Rebuild closed business buildings” Rocha said, “When businesses close up and leave their buildings they get boarded up and become blighted and attract homeless and others. We need to work to attract new businesses to fill the vacant buildings.”

Named after his father, Louis, Sr., the former principal has lived in Antioch for 55 years where he grew up and graduated from Antioch High, has a college degree, is married to Tammy who, together have twin adult sons. One son, Ruben is working with him on the campaign, and the other, Louis, III who, with his wife Ischia, made Jr. a grandfather of four, and they live in Florida.

Rocha says what we all know is true: “Decisions made today will determine the future of our beloved community. I’m committed to restoring city leadership and law enforcement staffing. I will focus on solutions to create a safe, healthy and inclusive community for all of our residents and businesses. Let’s move forward together and focus on our city’s future.”

From getting to know and working with him some over the past three decades, I know Rocha can and will do that for Antioch. That’s why endorsing him for City Council in District 2 is like the slogan in the Capital One Bank commercials, “the easiest decision in the history of decisions.” (No, the Herald wasn’t compensated for that mention – although it’s not a bad idea!). Seriously, please join me in doing the same when you vote in next Tuesday’s election.

To learn more about Rocha and his campaign visit https://louierocha.org.

District 3 –Webster Must Decide Which Side He’s On, Peterson’s a Possibility for Public Administration, Freitas for Antioch’s Future

In the race for the District 3 council seat, from which incumbent Lori Ogorchock was gerrymandered out, I know two of the candidates, Don Freitas and Antwon Webster, and have enjoyed getting to know about the third, Addison Peterson during the campaign. All three offer some good ideas and different life experiences. But I had to make a choice.

I endorsed Webster for the same seat in 2020 and he has an impressive background both in the military, as an Air Force veteran, and his work with the Army Corps of Engineers, as well as his ownership of a business in Houston, TX focused on management consulting, engineering and general subcontracting.

Webster has also served the community as a member of the City of Antioch Board of Administrative Appeals, for which he currently serves as vice chair, and serves as president of the Antioch-Chichibu Sister City Organization. He is also founder of the non-profit EastBay Forward Economic Development Association and is the former president of Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch.

Plus, I like and agree with all of his platform. But my main challenge with Webster, as I have expressed to him, is he can’t seem to pick a side and is still wanting and willing to ally himself with the current mayor. So, should Antwon get elected, I don’t know on which side of the major issues he will end up nor how he will vote. That unpredictability is unsettling at a time that we need a new, dependable council majority and direction for our City.

As for Peterson, I appreciate the fact that he responded to and answered all of my questions about himself, his background and campaign platform. He has a compelling life story having been homeless as a child. While Peterson is new to the community, I don’t have a problem with that, as I only lived in Antioch three-and-a-half years before being elected to the city council, and as the top vote-getter, making me mayor pro tem from my first council meeting, and acting mayor during my second meeting, since Antioch’s mayor at the time, Joel Keller, had just been elected to the BART Board half way through his third term. Plus, at age 31, I was also the youngest council member in the county. So, his age and time as a resident in our city are not issues for me.

He also has a background in both government and non-profit organizations, currently working to represent farmers in California, which is a good thing. Plus, he’s educated with a Master’s in Public Administration.

My challenges with Peterson are his alliances and being backed by organizations such as the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) Action, which pushed for the unnecessary, citywide rent control policies and ordinances passed by the council, and is heavily backed by Democratic Party organizations, including the Marsh Creek Democratic Club which is also backing King and Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe. I have a serious challenge with any candidate injecting partisan politics into local, non-partisan office. Plus, his views align with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, like Wilson and Torres-Walker. So, my concern is he will perpetuate the policies of the current council majority which has led to the city facing double-digit deficits in the next three fiscal years.

Plus, he wouldn’t commit to supporting the upscale housing in the Sand Creek area which are needed to complete Antioch’s housing mix and to attract business owners who will bring with them well-paying jobs for our residents to help them get out of the commute, each workday.

The other challenge I have with Peterson is, after multiple requests, he refused to provide me with his phone number, forcing me to only communicate with him via email. That’s frustrating for both a reporter and a constituent, as I live in District 3.

I wish Addison well in his future endeavors, but don’t think they should include serving on the city council, right now. My hope is he works in the private sector to gain more of an understanding of what it takes to create jobs and wealth, and the challenges businesses face with government regulation and taxation before running again. With his education and experience, perhaps, instead, he should consider a role in city management, rather than elected office. I hope we can still have the in-person meeting that we planned, for which I unfortunately, ended up being sick and had to reschedule but ran out of time.

My choice in the District 3 race is Don Freitas, Antioch’s former councilman and two-term mayor, who I have known for 30 years, since I first ran for and was elected to the city council seat his wife held and chose to vacate. He was, in turn, elected to my seat in 1998 when I chose to run for State Assembly instead. He also took my place on the East County and countywide transportation boards where he continued the work we had begun and helped complete the widening of Highway 4, as well as fund and build the State Route 4 Bypass / extension to Balfour Road in Brentwood, which included the new overpass and interchange with Highway 160 which travels north to the Senator John A. Nejedly-Antioch Bridge.

So, Freitas and I never served together, and Don and I haven’t always agreed on the issues. In fact, in 2008, I ran a write-in campaign for mayor to defeat him, because Jim Davis, who I was supporting, was running for a third time for mayor against Freitas but with an ineffective campaign. So, I jumped in, spent about $30,000 and beat up on Freitas’ record as mayor and garnered 8.5 percent of the vote, helping Davis win by just 1.5 percent.

But fortunately, Freitas didn’t go away and continued to be involved in the community. He came back four years later and ran for mayor again, even though I had encouraged him to instead run for council to demonstrate he’d learned some things about being more pro-business while out of office. But he lost that year to both Wade Harper who was elected, and the late Councilman Gary Agopian.

Since then, Freitas has continued to be involved in the community, primarily with the Antioch Historical Society, which I appreciate. While we still don’t see eye-to-eye on every issue, and over the years we have put our differences aside, worked together in some ways to benefit the community, we do agree on the main ones which he has outlined in his campaign. Freitas says, “My Top Priority: Provide essential services to residents. Protecting residents starts with a cultural change in our police department and filling patrol officer positions.” I agree. The other priorities of his campaign platform include filling the “budgeted, vacant City staff positions.” Plus, Freitas wants “a completely transparent public accounting of funds” and to “conduct a thorough financial audit.” That must be done to address the structural, annual budget deficit the City is facing.

Don not only brings with him his years in both government as the County’s Clean Water Manager and as an elected official, first as a Board Member for the Contra Costa Water District, but also the strength to stand up for what needs to be confronted, and the experience and results to get things done.

On his campaign website he writes, “Many issues in Antioch are not being addressed and citizens are demanding positive change. Residents are tired of the chaos that’s occurred during the past several years. The chaos has divided us – not unified us. Residents are frustrated with: dangerous and illegal sideshows, violations of public meeting laws by our elected officials, increased homelessness, police misconduct, and a revolving door of city staff departures that have deteriorated public services to citizens.” I completely agree.

The life-long Antioch native and resident whose father was a Contra Costa Deputy Sheriff, Freitas is married to former Antioch Councilwoman Cathryn Freitas, and they have one adult son, Patrick. Don is a graduate of U.C. Davis with a major in Political Science/Public Service.

Finally, he shares, “I want to be the change we need to turn our city around. Let’s be proud to call Antioch home.” I too want to be proud to call Antioch home, once again. Don’t you? If so, please join me in supporting and voting for Don Freitas for Antioch City Council in District 3.

To learn more about Freitas and his campaign visit https://freitasforantioch.org.

Bernal, Rocha and Freitas Must All Be Elected

To summarize my endorsements for Antioch’s council leadership, with the elections of Ron Bernal as mayor and Louie Rocha in City Council District 2 and Don Freitas in District 3, Antioch can and will have a new majority of mature, respectful, responsible and experienced leadership, providing our city with the common-sense direction it so desperately needs.

Calls the challenger, “the ideal leader Antioch needs at this most critical time.”

By Allen D. Payton

In a text message received on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, the Bernal for Antioch Mayor campaign announced former Police Chief Steve Ford had endorsed the candidate in this year’s election against incumbent Lamar Hernández-Thorpe.

Ford wrote:
“Hello…this is Ret. Antioch Chief of Police, Steven A. Ford. I want to let you know why I am endorsing Ron Bernal for Mayor of Antioch.

As a law enforcement professional, practitioner, academic, and researcher with over thirty-three years of experience, I have learned the importance of a balanced approach to the co-production of public safety between community and law enforcement; anchored in community trust, transparency, and proactive community engagement.

Ron Bernal embodies the character traits essential to cultivating a vibrant-healthy community.

As a long-time resident, former city servant, and community steward, I know Ron is committed to strong relationships, accountability, and a solutions-based approach, which makes him the ideal leader Antioch needs at this most critical time.

As Antioch’s forthcoming Mayor, I am confident Ron Bernal will make public safety and community partnerships his main priority while also anchoring city-wide trust and collaboration which is sorely needed now more than ever.

Ron has a healthy vision for the city that will coalesce everyone under a strong sense of belonging and community.

I strongly suggest Ron Bernal receive your consideration for Mayor. The city of Antioch needs and deserves a compassionate forward-thinking leader.

Thank you for reading!”

Also, on Oct. 30th, a brief video of Ford was posted on Bernal’s Facebook page in which the former police chief said, “Hello, my name is Steven Ford and I’m the retired Chief of Police, here in the City of Antioch and I’d like to make it very clear that I endorse Mr. Ron Bernal for Mayor for the City of Antioch.”

Earlier, on Bernal’s Facebook page on Oct. 14, a message from Ford was posted which read the same as two portions of the text message and that he endorsed the first-time candidate for public office, that day.

Hernández-Thorpe announced Ford’s hiring as the interim police chief on Feb. 23, 2022, during a press conference to which he didn’t invite the other council members. Then in April 2022, Ford was celebrated during an unprecedented, grandiose ceremony. The acting chief was then promoted to the permanent position on Oct. 23rd and less than nine months later, on Aug. 11, 2023, he retired.

By Dawn Kruger, Community and Media Relations Coordinator, Contra Costa Elections Division

Election and law enforcement officials in Contra Costa County are taking steps to make the safety and security of the 2024 election paramount on multiple levels.

“Contra Costa County voters have several safe and convenient ways to vote in the November 5, 2024, General Election,” said Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Kristin B. Connelly. “Specific information on different options can be found in our Voter Information Guide that went out to all registered voters the last week of September, or on our website, www.contracostavote.gov. Our Elections team has prepared diligently to ensure every valid ballot is counted and that our county residents’ voices are heard.”

AB 2642, the Protecting Elections from Armed Coercion and Extremism – Peace Act, went into effect September 24, 2024, creating protections for California voters and the workers who administer our elections in all 58 counties. Of note the Peace Act protects voters and election officials by explicitly prohibiting intimidation and threats. There are also legal protections that make the presence of a firearm – or even a replica of one – at a polling place unlawful intimidation. Moreover, the Peace Act will provide voters, election officials, and election workers with civil legal recourse against intimidation and coercion.

Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton said, “My office and local law enforcement will work in concert to protect our fundamental right to vote in Contra Costa County. Any threats, intentional disruptions, or intimidating acts designed to stop a citizen from legally voting or officials from administering an election will be held accountable.”

According to a September 27th Memorandum addressed to “All County Clerks/Registrars of Voters” in the state from Robbie Anderson, Elections Counsel in the California Secretary of State’s Office, “The purpose of the Act is to supplement, and not limit or replace existing statutes that prohibit the intimidation of voters and others in the election process and the carrying of firearms where votes are cast and counted.”

“Our focus is on the safety and security of election workers, voters, and the election process,” said Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston. “Additional arrangements will be put in place and we encourage anyone to report suspicious activity or crimes by calling 9-1-1 or their local law enforcement agency.”

County officials are collaborating to ensure that the 2024 General Election in Contra Costa County is safe, secure, and free from threats and intimidation.

For more information on how or where to vote, visit the Contra Costa County Elections website.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

County reports show 74.8% increase in Households Who Lost Their Housing, 81.1% increase in homelessness in Antioch

By Allen D. Payton

In a text for his campaign for Mayor of Antioch received on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, former city manager Ron Bernal is claiming, “Antioch’s Homelessness Crisis has increased 74% in the last four years!”
The text message reads further, “This is Ron Bernal, candidate to be Antioch’s Next mayor and I have a plan to tackle this crisis!

As your next mayor, we will:

• Expand mental health & addiction services
• Partner with nonprofits & faith groups for real solutions
• Build affordable, sustainable housing
  It’s time for change in Antioch!”

Antioch Households Who Lost Housing Increased 74.8% from 2022-23

To verify the accuracy of Bernal’s claims, a review of the reports by Contra Costa County Continuum of Care (CoC) and for the annual Point-In-Time homeless count was conducted. According to the 2022 CoC report 1,096 Antioch households lost their housing.

The 2023 CoC report shows 1,916 Antioch households lost their housing, a 74.8 percent increase over the previous year, supporting the first-time candidate’s claim.

Point-In-Time Counts Show 81.1% Increase in Antioch Homelessness

The County’s Point-In-Time (PIT) Count report for 2023 shows there were 334 homeless residents in Antioch compared to 228 in 2022, which was only a 40.3 percent increase. However, the 2024 PIT Count report shows there were 413 homeless residents in Antioch, a 23.7 percent increase over the previous year and an 81.1 percent increase since 2020 more than supporting Bernal’s campaign claim.

Bernal is challenging incumbent Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe who also face the third candidate in the race, Rakesh Christian who is running for the City’s top job for a second time.

The election is Tuesday, November 5th.

In coordination with Genesis Church and Word of God/Palabra de Dios Christian Church.

UPDATE: The event has been cancelled due to the mayor having a scheduling conflict with a previous commitment to attend the Islamic Center of the Bay Area’s event the same night, and Ron Bernal was also committed to attending the other event. The third candidate in the race, Rakesh Christian also attended the Islamic Center event. More details later.

City ran deficits three out of four years he’s been mayor and are projected to increase

By Allen D. Payton

In the slate mailer entitled, “Budget Watchdogs Newsletter” received by voters this past week, which Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe’s campaign paid for him to appear on, he claims to be “A fighter for fiscal responsibility” and “has delivered balanced budgets over the last four years and helped build a rainy day fund of over $63 million.”

The first claim has been determined to be false while the second is considered accurate. The mayor was twice asked about both of his claims, but he did not respond.

Rainy Day Fund – Accurate
According to the City staff report for the General Fund Budget Stabilization Fund in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-25 Budget adopted by the council on June 13, 2023, “In fiscal year 2018, the City established a Budget Stabilization Fund to set aside monies for future budget variances, unexpected occurrences, emergencies and the like. General Fund reserves over 20% of unassigned fund balance were used to establish the fund and future General Fund unassigned reserves over 20% can be moved into this fund. Per City Council direction, beginning in fiscal year 2020, these funds will be used to pay the difference in the full Actuarial Determined Contribution for OPEB payments from the pay as you go costs currently made by the City to address the unfunded liability for OPEB.”

OPEB refers to Other Post-Employee Benefits for retirees.

When asked about the claim of the “rainy day fund” without mentioning who made it, City Finance Director Dawn Merchant responded, “I am not sure about the claim as we do not have a $63M rainy day fund. I can only assume that claim is adding the Stabilization Fund and General Fund reserves, however, again, I am not sure.”

She also shared, “As of 7/1/24, the Budget Stabilization Fund balance is $37,627,378.” On that same date, the General Fund reserves balance was $32,555,999. So, by adding the two the total was $70,183,377 which supports the mayor’s claim as accurate.

UPDATE: Later, Merchant shared, “The $32,555,999 beginning fund balance is based on the revised FY24 budget, so that is not an actual, that is a projected based on the FY24 budget. Once the books for 6/30 are wrapped up, we will have the actual ending 6/30/24 fund balance.”

Balanced Budgets Claim – False
However, Hernandez-Thorpe’s claim he “has delivered balanced budgets over the last four years” is false. Because the budgets approved by the City Council for the current and past two of the four years during his term as mayor, have spent or are spending more than the City has been or is receiving in sales, property and other tax revenues. The budgets include the following deficits:
$3,995,625 in FY2022-23.
$5,343,928 in FY 2023-24; and
$4,617,143 projected for the current, FY 2024-25.

That last amount is being covered by the Budget Stabilization Fund.

City Budget Projects Increasing Deficits
In addition, according to the General Fund Projections for 2023-2028 presented to the city council on June 11, 2024, the General Fund is projected to run the following deficits:
$12,995,259 in FY 2025-26;
$13,561,074 in FY 2026-27; and
$14,855,649 in FY 2027-28.

The first two are expected to be covered by transfers from the Budget Stabilization Fund, but it will only cover $1,253,902 in the third year of what could be Hernandez-Thorpe’s second term as mayor if he’s re-elected because that Fund will be depleted in FY 2028. That would result in a projected net deficit for the City of $13,601,748 by June 30, 2028, which would be covered by the General Fund reserve leaving it with an Ending Balance of just $17.4 million or 17.06% in reserves versus over 31% and 32% for the previous fiscal years.

The mayor faces two challengers in the campaign, former Antioch city manager, Ron Bernal and second-time candidate for mayor, Rakesh Christian.

The election is November 5th.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Claims Jovita Mendoza won’t respond to request to “revoke the flyer”; ally of Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson

Editor,

I am writing to clarify the situation of a political flyer that has been distributed including a photograph of Jovita Mendoza and myself.  In my position as a Priest of the Diocese of Oakland, the Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish of Antioch, and the Lead Chaplain for the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, I am not allowed to support or endorse any candidate for public office nor give the impression that I do so.  The flyer in question gives the impression that I do support Jovita Mendoza for public office, and it is not true.  My consent and permission to make use of my photograph for that flyer was never sought or given.

More than a week ago, I sent her an email requesting that she revoke the flyer and clarify that she used my photograph with her fraudulently to suggest that as the fire chaplain (and possibly a priest) that I do in fact endorse and support her effort to win a seat on the Brentwood City Council.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  I write to you today to make sure that my parishioners, the members of our diocese, and the citizens of East County that I have not

violated the directives given to me by both my Bishop and the Fire Chief.  My hope is that this incident would give the citizens of Brentwood pause as to who this person really is and her disregard for ethics, professionalism, morality, and fitness for the position she seeks.

Father Robert Rien

Pastor

St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish

and

Lead Chaplain, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District