Editorial: Endorsements in Contra Costa County Elections

National politics has divided this country for several years which has now trickled down to local Contra Costa County elections as topics often come up in county, council and school board chambers.

This is sad.

We have got to do better as a nation, but more importantly as a community within Contra Costa County. We do not always have to agree nor do we have to like one another, but there has got to be more civility, partnerships and teamwork in the local community.

Its time we stop with the over-dramatic blame game, pointing fingers and bullying all because we disagree on an issue. We all deserve to be heard in a respectful matter without being called “Karen”, “racist” or pushed towards someone being “cancelled”. Just as others do not want to be called “ghetto”, “anti-police” or “anarchist”. We get enough of that nationally, lets knock it off locally.

We should be focused on leadership and not hot button words that trigger emotional responses because when one becomes triggered, it eliminates any reasonable common sense solution that will appease both sides at a local level–at least as much we can hope for.

And finally, lets also eliminate this idea that “special interest” is a bad word because let’s be honest, EVERYONE has an agenda whether they admit it or not–even non-profits and advocacy groups.  So, again, these trigger words are ruining the ability to come together or have any open dialogue.

Its time we raise the bar and standards for our local leaders, not continue to tolerate people all because of status quo and talking points. We deserve leaders who have both vision and ability to not only lead, but find solutions without making everything so political.

I would encourage we find candidates that want to bring the community together, not get things done by division through the Democratic or Republican Party as these are non-partisan races at the local level.

Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor, District 5: Mike Barbanica

Mike Barbanica is the best choice to replace Supervisor Federal Glover because Contra Costa County needs leaders, not followers. Barbanica is responsive, Scales-Preston will hardly return a phone call, let alone an email.

The truth is, Mike Barbanica and Shanelle Scales-Preston are similar on many issues except for public safety. Barbanica takes a no-nonsense approach while Scales-Preston is holistic. We have seen “holistic” in Contra Costa County and it’s been a disaster–just ask business owners and victims of crime.

Sure, the knock on Barbanica is the City of Antioch, but one could argue under the hood, Antioch is in better shape than the City of Pittsburg – who has done its fair share of protecting Scales-Preston by not placing a ballot measure for roadways on the November Ballot. Another recent stunt was the “rosy picture” Pittsburg Police crime report which was inaccurate and misleading. Scales-Preston also failed to encourage her council to take a position on Prop 36, that is not acceptable. Barbanica is in full support of Prop 36. Scales-Preston has also been silent on crime issues and economic development that have plagued her city along with programs the city has invested in, without much results.

Sadly for Scales-Preston, Pittsburg has one of the worst crime rates in the nation for car thefts, they have no grocery store and roads are a mess. One would think working for Congressman DeSaulnier and access to funding and programs, solutions would have been brought forward, instead, its been business as usual which Pittsburg will wake up one day and wonder why they will need a tax increase to fund basic city services.

As for Barbanica, while being in the minority of the council has gotten some pretty big wins while dealing with circus like antics from a foolish mayor and majority council. Barbanica has brought body cameras to the police department, a sideshow ordinance, and even called for assistance from the sheriff and CHP—a year before the mayor finally realized Barbanica was right. And lets not forget the push to increase code enforcement. He also has the right approach to homeless and blight—something Scales-Preston sticks to talking points.

Barbanica is ultimately the better choice for District 5 because it means more equity and resources spread out evenly across the county versus District 1 continuing to get the attention and resources—that in itself is a big win for central and east county.

Other Endorsements:

Antioch Mayor – Ron Bernal

This is easy!  Bernal will bring stability, common sense, fairness and integrity back to the city. Given his history, there is no doubt morale would immediately improve, staffing levels would stabilize and they can begin filling open positions—especially in the police department where it could jump from 79 officers to 100+ within 16 months. A vote for Bernal would also bring investment and business back to Antioch as many will not do business in Antioch until Mayor Hernandez-Thorpe is gone.

You all have read the articles and can google Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe, but I can think of a 1,000 reasons why the current mayor should be given the exit from sexual harassment settlements, claiming a 1-drink DUI, bullying tactics, false promises to many lies. Hernandez-Thorpe had his chance and he has failed the city.

Ron Bernal is the easy choice and would behoove Antioch voters not to screw this one up as they have found over the past few years elections have consequences. That said, Bernal can’t do it alone, he needs three votes which is why I am also supporting Louie Roch and Donald Freitas for city council.

Antioch City Council, District 2: Louie Rocha

Rocha understands Antioch and realizes what is needed to make it successful. He wants to do right by the city and focus on public safety. More importantly, Rocha wants to be a bridge to the Antioch Unified School District, something that has been needed for more than a decade as the school district and city simply do not work together. His opponent, Dominique King has potential, but Rocha is the better candidate today.

Antioch City Council, District 3: Donald Freitas

Freitas is best of class in this race and is the best choice by miles. He knows the history, how things work, and will bring positive change to the city council—he is focused on unifying the community, not further allowing it to be divided. He also understands public safety, economic development and transparency matters if a city hopes to change its trajectory. The fact he is the only candidate to speak about ensuring essential services to candidates matters shows his experience. His advocacy for better transparency is also a win for all.

Mayor of Brentwood: Gerald Johnson

Gerald Johnson gives Brentwood a fresh start and could be a boost for bringing people back together given his experience as President of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce. He has also demonstrated leadership on the Planning Commisison with some very tough votes and deep conversations. I don’t agree with Johnson on all issues, but he has navigated the planning commission topics with grace in a not so friendly environment. Johnson also understands the need for both public safety and economic development improvements.

For Susannah Meyer, who I like, I can’t think of one accomplishment in her four-years on the city council that she can take credit for or is an original thought. Nor can I recall her taking a stand on her own, without having the support of Mendoza by her side–as seen in this campaign cycle where both of them are tied at the hip. That does not demonstrate leadership.

Brentwood needs a leader, not a follower. Johnson has proven his leadership ability by his actions, not campaign stump speeches. Ultimately, voters in Brentwood need to realize when you start getting compared to the City of Antioch, perhaps its not best to give Meyer another term on the council, especially as mayor.

Brentwood City Council, District 1: Faye Maloney

How much different would Brentwood be today if Maloney beat Jovita Mendoza in the 2020 race? Maloney (23.61%) and Brian Swisher (24.49%) split votes which allowed Mendoza (30.1%) to earn the seat and we are where we are today, a dysfunctional city with Mendoza being the main cause.

Since that election, Maloney has used her time to work in a county role with Contra Costa County and the Contra Costa Commission on Women and Girls and how they serve the community. This is vital, as Brentwood needs resources and Maloney could work regionally with neighboring cities on services for low-income, seniors, and unhoused. Being a police officer, Maloney will ensure public safety is more improved and police are given the tools needed to keep the city safe. Maloney also has a grasp of the importance of economic development and housing needs while understanding the need to ensure staffing levels across the city stop dipping.

Brentwood City Council, District 3: Brian Oftedal

Oftedal is the best choice by a mile as his opponent, incumbent Jovita Mendoza has been an absolute disaster on many levels starting with antics on the dais to no civility towards the community, staff or fellow councilmembers. To her credit, however, she has gotten very good at using “buzz words” to spark reactions from her supporters through surrogate public comments. Enough is enough.

I can’t think of any other elected official, including the Antioch Mayor, who abused staff so poorly, that it would prompt a 3-page letter response from Director of Community Development, Alexis Morris, in response to actions by Mendoza.  Nor can I recall a time when Brentwood staff, has spoken so negatively about a city council based on their behavior that it has gone full blown public. Mendoza has also flipped from attacking businesses, to now somehow supporting them–voters should not forgot the havoc she caused some local business from alcohol licenses to outdoor dinning to using the municipal code against them. She has also found ways to pit people against one another for her own political gain versus bringing people together for a win-win outcome.  The cat is out of the bag that Mendoza is just bad for Brentwood and its future.

Meanwhile, Oftedal is level headed, calm, and is not reactionary which will bring the much needed civility back to Brentwood. Its not like Oftedal is “green” to politics. He is a career firefighter while also serving as the President of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District working with cities and the county on a merger with Contra Costa County Fire–something many said would never happen. And it has to be said, while Mendoza is attempting to take credit for a role in this, she actually caused more problems on the merger than solutions. Also, Oftedal is Chair of the Contra Costa County Fire Advisory Commission so he clearly knows how to work with a wide variety of elected official and community members to bring people together.

Oftedal would be a breath of fresh air not only to his District, but to all of the community and region.

Clayton City Council: Holly Tillman

I don’t think Clayton realizes how much they need Tillman on that council given the dysfunctional antics going on in the city. Tillman has proven she is all for transparency, open meetings, integrity and laying all the facts on the table—rather than seeking power and abusing public office. I don’t always agree with Tillman on the issues, but at least she listens, is respectful and willing to work with all parties. Clayton would be foolish not to re-elect her and listen to the disgusting group of individuals spreading misinformation and telling half-truths.

Contra Costa Community College District 5: Fernando Sandoval

Sandoval has the right focus and I really enjoyed my chat with him on the podcast. The fact the Community College District is now on stable ground is huge so there is no reason to change. His opponent, who shall remain nameless, is a complete disaster and provided more problems than solutions when she was serving on the Antioch Unified School District Board of Trustees. Sandoval is the easy choice.

Oakley City Council, District 5: Oleskii Chuiko

Chuiko is the clear choice. While I like Cristina Pena Langley and she deserves consideration, she just is not well versed on the issues in the City of Oakley while Chuiko has spent his time on the planning commission and understanding the issues, municipal code, and rules. He also has invested his time with the newly launched Oakley Chamber of Commerce learning more about business needs within the community. This comes down to “anyone but George Fuller”.  The only concern here is will Chuiko and Langley split the vote and allow fuller to have a second term. Oakley voters need to get behind Chuiko.

Additional Endorsements

• Antioch School Board, Area 3: Scott Bergerhouse
• Antioch School board, Area 4: Gary Hack
• Concord City Council, District 2: Carlyn S Obringer
• Martinez City Council, District 2: Dylan Radke
• Pittsburg City Council: Juan Antonio Banales & Jelani Killings
• Richmond City Council, District 1: Jamelia Brown
• Richmond City Council, District 5: Ahmad Anderson
• Richmond City Council, District 6: Shawn Dunning
• Walnut Creek City Council: Kevin Wilk & Brendan Moran
• Ironhouse Sanitary District: Dawn Morrow, Peter Zirkle & Sue Higgins

Other Thoughts:

Assembly District 11: Lori Wilson vs. Dave Ennis

With the right candidate, Assemblywoman Lori Wilson is beatable. But it won’t be this election because Ennis has not done enough to get his name out there—he is also too smart for his own good going into complex details on many topics. However, if voters are tired of Wilson not exactly representing her district and instead focusing on super progressive bills, perhaps an upset could occur. Wilson has moved into “out of touch” with her District territory, but voters are not paying enough attention.

Assembly District 15:  AnaMarie Avila Farias vs. Sonia Ledo

Simply put, if you like the way Sacramento is behaving, vote Avila Farias. If you want change and talking poins, vote Ledo. Both candidates deserve each other and will likely be a one-term assemblymember.

Its pretty sad these were the two candidates that made it through the primary and if these are the best two the district has to offer, it has to give one pause and at least question what in the world is going on.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the cuckoo left the clock a long time ago with Avila Farias, but she looks like a lock for the Assembly.

State Senate District 3: Christopher Cabaldon vs. Thom Bogue

Having interviewed Cabaldon in the spring, I think he has a lot going for him and would really help the District in many areas from transportation, programs and economic development. Bogue, I question if he is even seriously running for the seat. I don’t agree with Cabaldon on all issues, but he is the easy choice as I think he would work for the entire District and help local elected leaders on solutions.

State Senate District 9: Tim Grayson vs. Marisol Rubio

Honestly, I wish Senator Glazer would have challenged the term limits. That said, this has been a race that has fizzled. Tim Grayson has his faults, a lot of them, but he is still the best overall candidate and hope he focuses more on home insurance and housing solutions. I like Rubio and she will do great things in the future, but she is just out of her league in this 2024 race. My hope is that while in the Senate, Grayson will come more to the middle.

US Representative 8 & 10

Hardly worth a second thought, both John Garamendi and Mark DeSaulnier should have no issues being re-elected.

Mike Burkholder
Publisher of  ContraCosta.news
[email protected]