The WTF California Podcast

Bonafide Sisterhood Gets Raw Deal From City of Antioch

On this episode of WTF California, I chat with Nina Carter of Bonafide Sisterhood and the raw deal she received from the City of Antioch. I am joined by Attorney Amy Hilton as we go through what transpired and documentation showcased Antioch did not operate in good faith. Once Carter pulled her grant application, at the request of Antioch to come work with them, after getting $1.7 million in CalVIP program to help prevent community violence, Antioch led Carter and her organization down a hamster wheel of conversation never leading anywhere and eventually shut her out of the $693k she would have received in their portion of the grant.

Meanwhile, with lack of funding now coming in, Bonafide Sisterhood has had to give up their office space and is now working remote. Carter says Antioch is not serious about violence prevention and says they are a reactionary city, not proactive when it comes to violence.

An Interview With Hugh Henderson, District 2 Oakley City Council Candidate

On this episode of WTF California, a conversation with Hugh Henderson who is running for Oakley City Council in District 2. We talk about his top priority which is public safety and what that means to him. We get into development and where he is at with this whole moratorium commentary by Councilmember George Fuller. We talk E Cypress Road expansion, economic development and more.

 

For more on Hugh Henderson, visit him on Facebook.

An Interview with Sandra White, District 4 Antioch Council Candidate

On this episode of WTF California, I chat with Sandra White who is a candidate for Antioch City Council in District 4. We recap the recent Antioch City Council meeting and how women should be speaking up against sexual harassment and sexual assault. She also pushes back against statements made by Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker regarding her involvement over the past two years in the city. She calls on Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe to resign, calls for an open process on hiring the next city manager and urges the release of the police body camera footage involving councilwoman Torres-Walker. We talk Antioch Police and how to improve public safety, improve traffic safety while going over the embarrassing staffing levels at city hall which include economic development and public works.  We get into how to actually solve homelessness versus throwing money at it, rent control policy, cannabis and more as she aims to build a better Antioch.

For more on Sandra White, visit her at www.sandrawhiteforcitycouncil.com or on Facebook

An Interview with Lori Ogorchock, District 4 Antioch Council Candidate

On this episode of WTF California, I chat with Antioch City Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock, who basically got gerrymandered out of District 3. She is now running for District 4. We get into why she is seeking another term on the city council, public safety, economic development. She reiterates that she believes Mayor Lamar Thorpe should resign after sexual harassment claims. Believes they should move to an open and transparent process in hiring the city manager. We get into road safety, youth services, veterans, senior services and many other items.

 

For more information on Ogorchock, visit her on Facebook.

An Interview with Shawn Pickett, District 4 Antioch Council Candidate

On this episode of WTF California, a chat with Shawn Pickett who is running for District 4 Antioch City Council. As retired Richmond Police Lieutenant, we talk why he is running for city council from crime, lack of a code of conduct, city beautification, a need for safer streets and more.

This interview goes 90-minutes where Pickett says Mayor Lamar Thorpe should resign, the Antioch Police body camera footage in Tamisha Torres-Walker should be released and we talk comments made by Monica Wilson in a recent East Bay Times Article. He also calls for an open process in hiring the next city manager. He also talks about the need to work with Antioch Unified School District—is it a test score problem or a community problem. We close on what “building a better Antioch” actually means to him.

For more on Pickett, visit him at www,pickett4council.squarespace.com or on Facebook.

An Interview with Diane Gibson-Gray, District 1 Antioch Council Candidate

On this episode of WTF California, a chat with Diane Gibson-Gray who is running for District 1 Antioch City Council. She said she is tired and fed up of how the city is being run and the divisiveness occurring--she says "enough is enough". We talk homeless hotel, city manager hiring, police department and public safety to school resource officers. She also says the city should be focused on mentoring with a hand-up approach versus a hand-out approach to programs and offerings. She also discusses the need for the city and Antioch Unified School District to work together while highlighting it will be hard to attract business and growth if the city doesn't clean up its image. 

For more on Diane Gibson-Gray, visit her at www.dianegibsongray.com or on Facebook

An Interview with Joy Motts, District 1 Antioch Council Candidate

On this episode of WTF California, a chat with Joy Motts who is running for District 1 Antioch City Council. We get into how the city is being run and if she agrees with the direction. Motts shares her thoughts on the hiring of a city manager and police chief. We get into where she is at with Mayor Lamar Thorpe and if she would vote with him 99% of the time again if elected. We get into homeless hotel and possible solutions, economic development, stop the divisiveness coming out of the council, economic development and the Beede Lumber Yard. We also talk a little bit about Celebrate Antioch Foundation.

 

For more information on Joy Motts, visit her at www.joymotts.org.

An Interview with Tony Oerlemans, District 4 Brentwood Council Candidate

On this episode of WTF California, a chat with Tony Oerlemans who is running for District 4 Brentwood city Council.  He talks about why he is running for city council after being a Brentwood Police Officer and then going to San Francisco Police, including his thoughts on Antioch Police Chief Dr. Steve Ford. We talk about his thoughts on the Brentwood Police Department and how he would like to see more support to officers with a discussion on recruiting. He talks growth, supporting small business, open space overlay and how council meetings are being run.

For more information about Tony Oerlemans, visit him at www.facebook.com/Oerlemans4Brentwood

An Interview with Holley Bishop-Lopez, District 4 Brentwood Council Candidate

On this episode of WTF California, a chat with Holley Bishop-Lopez who is running for Brentwood City Council, District 4. We get into the Freedom Rally and how she did it to support the opening of local businesses, we also clear the air on other items of interest as well. Holley explains how politicians are not listening to the public and how the country as a whole has gone from “we the people” to politicians with investors. She says she will bring a voice of reason back to the Brentwood City council to preserve Brentwood and provides her thoughts on public safety, building, economic development and more.

 

For more information about Holley Bishop-Lopez, visit her Facebook Group.

 

An Interview with Patanisha Pierson, District 2 Brentwood Council Candidate

On this episode of WTF California, a chat with Patanisha Davis Pierson who is running for Brentwood City Council, District 2. She talks about her background as an attorney and being a Pro Tem Judge with the Contra Costa County Superior Courts. She talks about the need to promote public safety, increase job opportunities, becoming a more collaborative community while also needing more beautification projects in District 2. We get into how council meetings are being ran into the early hours of the morning, the need for youth services and bringing more community resources to the area.

 

For more information: www,patanishapierson.com

An Interview with Mark Duke, District 2 Brentwood Council Candidate

On this episode of WTF California, a chat with Mark Duke, a candidate for Brentwood City Council District 2. He drops in to discuss why he is running for city council. Having lived in Brentwood for 15 years, he aims to bring a logical voice to the council. He co-founded and operated Little Scholars Preschool and employed over 10 people in Brentwood as well as serving as the Executive Pastor at The Rock of Brentwood for the past 10 years. We talk about a variety of topics from the behavior of the current city council, the supporting of local business, working with staff, public safety and growth.

For more information about Mark, visit him at www.markduke.us or on Facebook

An Interview with Sinziana Todor a, District 2 Brentwood Council Candidate

On this episode of WTF California, Sinziana Todor, a candidate for Brentwood City Council District 2 drops in to discuss why she is running for city council. She regularly speaks out council meetings and the planning commission with a focus on growth and development urging for smart growth. We get into her ideas on PA-1, the police department. She shares her thoughts on the Planning Commission, youth services and a variety of other topics.

For more information on Todor, visit her at www.sinziana.org  or on Facebook.

An Interview with Brayden Haena, District 2 Brentwood Council Candidate

On this episode of WTF California, we kick off our 2022 election interviews with Brentwood District 2 candidate Brayden Haena. Recently graduating High School, Haena talks about why he is running for city council and his ideas on economic development, crime, homelessness and how council meetings are being ran. He also wants to see more done for the local youth.

To learn more about Brayden and his campaign, visit him at www.braydenhaena.com or on Facebook

A Conversation With Andrew Becker on Antioch Homelessness

On this episode of WTF California Podcast, Kenny and Mike have a chat with homelessness in the City of Antioch with Andrew Becker. This comes as the Antioch City Council just approved turning the Executive Inn into a homeless hotel. Becker, who has been advocating for shelter and services for homeless, discusses his journey the past two years, we talk solutions, future opportunities and we get into the Delta Fair proposal and in Contra Costa County. In this episode, we do find common ground on the issue of homelessness.

 

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We are back as Antioch Continues Down the Drain, Brentwood’s Gone Socialist and More

We are back! California and local cities still have us going WTF. City of Antioch continues to make poor choices, City of Brentwood has gone socialist and now we have this idea that main stream media and lawmakers get to change the narrative on a recession.  We also run down who has pulled papers for local elections in East Contra Costa County with a focus on Antioch. Meanwhile, Richmond resents to vote on rent control rates? We also rundown a bunch of state news and provide feedback. Claryssa Wilson calls in to talk about her upcoming Stuff the Bus Event in Antioch.

Tuesday Teaser: We release our interview with Andrew Becker who talks Antioch Homeless solutions.

Articles From the Show:

• Antioch Homeless Vote (insert link when posted)
• LA Public Health Agency Drops Threat of New Mask Mandate… For Now
• A look back: Video: Antioch Mayor Announces Hiring Program, Probation’s Partnership and Puts Property Owners on Notice
• 2022 Election: Who is Running in Local Contra Costa County Races
• Brentwood Agrees to Place Voter-Protected Open Space Overlay on Ballot
• Brentwood Announces Increased Penalties for Illegal Cultivation of Marijuana
• McKinney Fire in California-Oregon border explodes to 51,648 acres, evacuations ordered
• Judge strikes down San Francisco law allowing noncitizen parents to vote in school elections
• 13-year-old convicted of murdering Modesto food truck owner
• Woman killed, friend seriously injured by suspected DUI driver in Walnut Creek
• Richmond residents will vote on lower rent control rates in November
• Empire’ state? San Bernardino County developer pushes seceding from California
• Stockton, Caltrans partner to hire homeless for highway cleanup in city
• California court OKs death penalty in ’80s sex slave murders
• State worker collects $185,000 in unearned pay and benefits
• UCLA professor quits job, says 'woke takeover' of education 'intellectually corrupt'
• California is second-most broke US state

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Antioch Mayor Chooses Politics Over People by Refusing to Immediately Help Renters

In this episode of WTF California Podcast, we discuss how Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe continues to political grandstand at the dais versus actually helping people. Tuesday was a prime example of residents needing help and a city who had its act together could help--but the city council and staff is not competent to think to bring back the rental inspection program. Meanwhile, Anamarie Avila Farias, a member of the Contra Costa County Board of Education, calls for a 4th of July boycott. She should realize social media is sometimes not your friend. We touch on other issues across the state and give an update on our July show schedule while a listener brings us donuts.

Articles Referenced in the Show:

• Antioch City Council Meeting Video
• Antioch to use $1.8 million state grant to stem gun violence
• California school board member calls to 'boycott' July 4th
• 2 Oakland cops involved in deadly chase stripped of badge and gun, placed on administrative leave
• Two more women come forward with sexual assault allegations against Stockton police officer
• Defund LA County Sheriff? What's next for West Hollywood after voting to cut deputy funds
• California moves to limit where firearms may be carried and who can have them
• Give us a Break — From the Gas Tax 
• Senate Democrats Reject Republican Effort to Fund Gas Tax Holiday
• CA lawmakers OK nearly $308 billion spending plan, including inflation relief payments
• California budget won’t cover out-of-state abortion travel
• EDD’s CalJOBS site has been down for several days. Here's why that's a big deal
• Omicron subvariants BA.4, BA.5 are spreading 'like wildfire,' becoming dominant strains in US
• Chesa Boudin may run again for San Francisco district attorney, he says

Brentwood Planning Commissioner Removed, Feather Alert Proposal and Hate Crimes

On this episode of WTF California Podcast, we discuss the Brentwood City Council removal of David Dolter from the planning commission. Stats are in showing surge in hate crime. Lawmaker proposes "Feather Alert" for missing or endangered Native American. Pleasanton man opens fire on thieves. Gun owner's personal information exposed in data breech. Meanwhile, San Leandro considers $20k retention incentive for police officers. Plus more.

• Anti-Black, Gay, Asian Bias Fuel California Hate Crime Surge
• California lawmakers propose ‘Feather Alert’ for missing or endangered Native Americans
• L.A. County Board of Supervisors vote to return Bruce’s Beach to Black heirs
• Pleasanton man opens fire on men trying to steal his SUV
• California gun owners' personal information exposed in data breach
• AB 2098: CA Doctors Who Spread COVID ‘Misinformation’ Risk Losing License to Practice
• 1 in 3 applications denied California rent relief money, thousands still waiting
• San Leandro mulls $20K in retention incentives for police officers, dispatchers
• CA law upheld requiring property owners to pay 1 month's rent to tenants being evicted
• La Cabana Restaurant In Sacramento Has It Liquor License Suspended After Investigation Into May 2021 DUI Crash
• Bill to Revoke Tax-Exempt Status of Nonprofits ‘Engaged in Insurrection-Related Offenses’ Advancing
• How student loan forgiveness would impact California
• Santa Cruz County implementing disposable cup fee in unincorporated areas
• Millbrae couple says city manager stopped construction of their backyard 'granny unit'
• Fireworks for sale despite drought-related fire dangers
• Bay Area guide to July 4 fireworks, festivities

Brentwood’s Witch Hunt, Antioch Shootings and Pittsburg High QB to Miami

On this episode of WTF California Podcast, we highlight how the Brentwood City Council is on a witch hunt to remove a planning commissioner and how out of line they are. Antioch Police report three shootings over the week. Meanwhile, City of Richmond tax is hurting businesses. Abortion constitutional amendment will be on November Ballot. SF Muni fatal shooting may have been self defense. CHP makes large fentanyl pills bust. Kenny discusses potential of a homeless Olympics. Great America might close in 10 years and Pittsburg High Quarterback Jaden Rashada selects Miami to continue career.

Articles From the Show:

• Brentwood City Council to Discuss Removal of Planning Commissioner
• Antioch Police Investigating Three Weekend Shootings
• Some Richmond businesses may leave the city because of huge Measure U tax bill
• California voters to decide on abortion-rights constitutional amendment in fall
• San Francisco police say an officer was arrested on suspicion of theft, fraud and forgery
• Attorney: Man involved in Muni killing shot in self-defense
• 19-year-old arrested after fatal sideshow-related crash in East Oakland
• $225,000 and counting: Contra Costa jails were hotbed for EDD fraud
• Here's How Much Money to Expect From California's ‘Inflation Relief' Payments
• Tulare County deputies arrest 2, seize thousands of fentanyl pills worth $750K
• Birds saved after allegedly being used for illegal cockfighting in Placer County
• Man sentenced after sex assault that special education teachers witnessed on Zoom
• Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg proposes 24/7 respite facility for unhoused residents
• These California laws take effect July 1
• California's Great America to Close in 10 Years
• Chevron Selling San Ramon Campus; Headquarters to Remain in California
• California's largest private landowner closes all forestlands to public indefinitely due to wildfire, drought danger
• Imperial Beach Pier to host drone show in place of fireworks

• Pittsburg QB Rashada commits to Miami, reportedly in line for massive NIL deal

 

 

We Are Being Sold on ”Inflation Relief” Rebate, Roe v. Wade Protests and Train Crash

On this episode of WTF California, we touch on a couple local incidents over the weekend in the city of Brentwood and City of Oakley along with the protests over Roe vs. Wade. California seeking gas price relief are now being sold "inflation relief" with up to $1,050 for low income. We touch on other items across the state.

• 3 Dead After Train Strikes Vehicle on Orwood Road in Brentwood
• Update: Oakley Police Seek Stockton Man in Carol Lane Shooting
• California lawmakers reach a tentative deal to send families $9.5 billion in inflation relief
• California governor, lawmakers near deal on gas tax rebate
• California tax relief: What’s in the tentative deal
• Californians could get up to $350 in gas refund: tentative deal with Newsom, lawmakers say
• Newsom and Law Enforcement Labor Unions Agree on One-Time $1,500 Pandemic Bonuses
• As staffing declines, Contra Costa County labor unions push for better contract
• For years, one of Contra Costa’s most brutal homicides remained unsolved. Then a letter — addressed to police — arrived from prison
• LAPD arrest man accused of attacking officer with torch during abortion rights protests
• Man arrested after homophobic slurs, attempted assault towards Mountain View jogger
• The California native plants with the best chance of surviving drought

Ready for Concealed Carry? Inmates Making $15 an Hour and Antioch Mayor Needs a Watch

On this episode of WTF California Podcast, we talk about the SCOTUS decision to strike down New York gun law and the impact on California. Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia was correct in looking into costs of Orinda, Danville and Lafayette police services. More info comes out on the Antioch Police Department forums from this week -- including Kenny going on a rant about Mayor Lamar Thorpe always being late. Senator Steve Glazer makes great argument when discussing the now dead bill of involuntary servitude amendment which would have paid inmates $15 an hour.

 

• SCOTUS strikes down New York gun law, expected to allow more people to carry concealed firearms
• Orinda, Danville, Lafayette cost Contra Costa County $2M in police services
• California Senate rejects involuntary servitude amendment
• Bill to Encourage Schools to Teach Asian American and Pacific Islanders History Stonewalled 
• Bill To Force CalPERS, CalSTRS to Divest From Fossil Fuel Companies Dies in Assembly Committee
• Bonta, Hochman will face off in California’s AG race
• Fresno council members vote to increase their salaries
• San Bernardino dedicates 9 streets to city’s original police officers