Public Testimony Meeting – Youth Programming

In 2018, Antioch residents overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure (Measure W) co-authored by Council Members Lamar Thorpe and Monica Wilson for a 1 cent sales tax for public safety, youth services and quality of life issues. As a result, the City Council established a Youth Services Task Force to explore the needs and possibilities for youth services including before and after school programming to inform the city’s budget development process. The task force includes Mayor Sean Wright and Council Member Lamar Thorpe.

On March 5th, 2019, the task force will be receiving public testimony from 4-panels to help identify community needs that can be supported through youth programs. The agenda is as follows:

8:00 – 9:00 am – Understanding Youth Services and Programs
1. Michael Dunn, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa
2. Nancy Kaiser, Director, Antioch Parks & Recreation Department
3. Fran Gallati, President & CEO, YMCA of the East Bay

9:15 – 10:15 am – A View from Elementary & Middle School Principals
1. Monte Gregg, Principal, Mission Elementary School
2. Phyllis James Principal, Black Diamond Middle School
3. March Hemauer, Principal, Carmen Dragon Elementary School

10:30 – 11:30 am – Faith Community Leaders
1. Dr. Lamont Francies, Pastor, Delta Bay Church of Christ
2. Kirkland Smith, Senior Pastor, Grace Bible Fellowship
3. Golden Hills Community Church, TBA
4. Fellowship Church, TBA

12:45 – 1:45 pm – Gangs & Community Violence
1. Sgt. James Stenger, Antioch Police Department, Gang Unit
2. Corp. Rick Hoffman, Antioch Police Department, Gang Unit
3. Laura Delehunt, Assistant District Attorney, Contra Costa County

*Following this public testimony meeting, the task force has scheduled the evening of March 21, 2019, for a meeting to gather additional public testimony from parents and teachers. Please save the date.