By Allen Payton, Publisher

If you’ve been missing smoked, grilled barbeque in Antioch, then you’re in luck. The Rib Shack, opened by Ron and Mandisa Mixon on September 1^st, serves up just what you’ve been craving.

“We started the restaurant because there wasn’t many barbeque places in the area,” Mandisa said.

No one else was providing smoked, grilled barbeque, so they did.

“We were originally going to open a hot dog cart,” she shared. “But when Ron found this location, we decided to open a full restaurant.”

Mandisa is the chef. While they’ve never owned a restaurant before, she gained some experience helping her sister, who owns a restaurant and catering business in Foster City.

But, she learned her cooking skills from her grandmother, who is a native of Mississippi.

“We have a long line of entrepreneurs in our family,” Mandisa stated.

She makes the barbeque sauce and the batter for the fish.

Ron, who also owns a handyman business and has been pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship for the past four years since they moved to Antioch, handles the barbequing.

It’s a family business, with both their daughters serving customers and helping out, and Ron’s brother supplying the home-made sweet potato pie.

They serve ribs, chicken, links and fish, plus desserts. I’ve eaten there and found their barbeque sauce to be delicious.

The Mixons encourage everyone to “Come by and enjoy great barbeque!”

They’re located at 1803 West 10^th Street near the corner of Auto Center Drive, next to economy Auto Body and Paint, and across from Hazel’s. They offer dine-in, take-out, catering and lunch-time delivery for three orders or more.

By Ron Parish, PGA Director of Golf, Lone Tree Golf Course

For starters, this insight is not all my own, I remember an article in a golf magazine 30+ years ago about dining with good putters, and I have picked up a couple of tips here and there and have added to it across the years, but I wanted to pass the gist of it on because I think you will find it worthwhile. Essentially, the idea is, if you know a good putter or two, hang out with them. Practice putting with them. Play a round with them and watch them on the putting green. Continue to hang with them and do as they do. You will most likely find some common characteristics about good putters; from my dining, some of these characteristics are…..

• Shooter Mentality. Good putters are like good shooters in basketball. A good shooter doesn’t care about what happened on the last putt, they know they can make it and so they want the ball. If they missed the last shot, they feel like they are over due to make it and so their next shot is more likely to go in. A good putter is the same way, they are confident that they are going to “make it”. This is the strength of their game. They want to have a clutch putt.

• Distinctively and uniquely see the putt. Good putters see the ball precisely how they want to hit it before they hit it. They make that decision before they are set up over the ball. They decide on the speed and the line and the amount of break. Usually they see it or visualize it one of two ways:

  • Apex putting. They pick the speed that they want to hit it and then they see the apex of the putt (the spot where the ball breaks away from). They putt to that spot and then let the ball role and break out towards the hole.

  • Complete Line putting. Again speed is picked which determines the amount of break to play, but these golfers visualize a line along the break the entire length of the putt to the hole (and into it). Often, they will use their imagination and see the line in a certain color, say purple or neon green, in their minds eye. This distinctive image helps them be clear about what they want to do. Visualizing like this is just like all other parts of your game, taking a little practice to keep it sharp.

  • Additionally: On short putts, SEE the ball hit something in the hole. Often good putters see the ball hitting something specific in the hole like a smudge of mud on the cup liner, or a fleck of chipped paint, or possibly a certain blade of grass.

• They don’t worry. Good putters don’t worry about the consequences. This is huge. All they care about is hitting the putt the way they want to hit it, from there; good putters accept the results, whatever they are. If it goes in great, if it doesn’t go in, as long as they hit it the way they wanted to they are good with it.

• They don’t beat themselves up. Again, they give the putt the best chance possible but good putters have a wisdom and confidence to know that they are going to make many more putts then they are going to miss. So on the occasion that they miss one, they are their own best friend and don’t beat themselves up.

• Selective memory. Similar to the shooter mentality, what do you hear good putters remember and talk about? They talk about the putts they make not the ones they miss. They attach their emotion to the positive putts or the ones they make. What does this do? If all you remember are the putts you make, then you are building your confidence. If all you remember are the ones you miss, well you are only going to tear down your confidence.

• Love putting. Finally, and probably most importantly, good putters love to putt. How many of you dread putting?? You can often find good putters on the putting green. I had a buddy on my college golf team, Willie Williams, who was the best putter on the team. One time I played 9 holes with Willie who was also known for his mean hook (balata balls) and he didn’t hit one green in regulation and he shot even par. He made everything. While others were out beating buckets, Willie had his “Walkman” on (Yes, Coach Ron went to college in the 80’s) and he would be putting away and you could tell, Willie was enjoying himself. He was having fun. He wasn’t cringing, grinding, or necessarily trying to develop perfect fundamentals. He just loved to putt. Everything he was doing as he practiced was positive and you could just see it. He was good at it and enjoyed it. He would hit three balls from the same spot and role one soft, one medium, one firm speed; then move on to the next hole. He wouldn’t think about it too much, he would just work his way around the putting green and stay familiar with his stroke and keep the feel. He often could be found putting in a game with other golfers for hours at a time. How about you? Where do you spend your time?

I hope some of these insights help your putting and maybe even provided you a little vicarious dining. Putting in a lot of ways is like an art form and more about how you think about it then anything else. Hang out with some golfers you know who are good putters and you most likely will find some positive pointers like the above listed ones that you can pick up on. Good luck and have some fun with it.

Thank you for all you do for Golf and for Lone Tree Golf Course and Event Center.

If you are interested in reviewing other articles from Coach Ron go to www.lonetreegolfcourse.com under “The Course” tab.

STOCKTON, CA, November 7, 2012 – Congressional candidate Ricky Gill made the following statement tonight after conceding to his opponent, Congressman Jerry McNerney:

“Tonight, I called Congressman McNerney to congratulate him on his victory. I extended my best wishes to the Congressman and his family, and I expressed my willingness to act as a resource and to help him serve this community in any manner possible.

I am enormously proud of the campaign we ran, and I am humbled by the tireless efforts of the many volunteers, neighbors, and supporters who threw their efforts behind it. Although we did not emerge victorious in this campaign, I believe we accomplished something extraordinary. We put this community and its people first, and we took our story to the national stage. We fought for jobs, education, and common-sense government. We made clear that the American Dream will rise once again in this community we love so dearly. 

As this campaign closes, I encourage all residents of the 9th District to come together and work towards the bipartisan, lasting reforms this country so badly needs. I wish Congressman McNerney the best, and I congratulate him on a hard-fought victory.”

By Allen Payton, Publisher

I got the news through an email in September, that my friend and long-time community activist, Darnell Turner had died.

We had been friends for about 20 years and were both involved in the community. He served in a variety of capacities as a volunteer leader, but also as an elected member of the Los Medanos Healthcare District.

But that was after we first met and were part of something we called the Round Table, back in the early 90’s. It was made up of seven guys who wanted to make a difference in East County.

I only remember four of the members. Besides Darnell and me there was also Brett Howard, who led the effort to change the name of West Pittsburg to Bay Point, and Jim Becker, who led the non-profit Delta 2000 for a time. I went on to serve on the Antioch City Council from 1994-98.

Although a Pittsburg resident, Darnell was best known in Antioch in his capacity as President of the NAACP East County Branch and President of the Black Families Association – almost always with his sidekick, Willie Mims, with him at Antioch City Council and School Board meetings.

He would advocate and be a voice for those who were either afraid to talk or just weren’t sure who to talk to.

While we didn’t always agree on every issue, we maintained our friendship and mutual respect. Darnell was my Christian brother. I will miss him, and already do. He left this world too soon. But, he’s in a better place, now.

Those of us who he left behind must continue his work for equality for all.

Deacon Darnell Turner, son of the late Deacon Lenzo Turner, Sr. and Mrs. Birdine Turner.

He accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at an early age, uniting with Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized as a public confession of faith in Christ by the late Rev. Mose DeBro.

Darnell received his early education in the public schools of Helena, Arkansas. Graduating in 1978 from Central High School in Helena.

Later, he attended Los Medanos College and California State University at Hayward. Darnell moved to California in 1981 and united with Solomon Temple Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the great Pastor Dr. P. N. Sumpter in which he was formerly ordained as a deacon by Pastor Sumpter. Darnell worked for Bio-Rad Laboratories in Hercules, CA from October 26,1998 until just before his illness. He later united in holy matrimony to Dawn Sutton, and this union was blessed with one daughter, Adrienne Nicole (the apple of his eye). Darnell was very active in his community, having served as an officer of the local N.A.A.C.P. and president of the Los Medanos Community Healthcare District.

Darnell departed this life on September 4, 2012 at 4:25 am. He was preceded in death by his father; two sisters: Doris and Marjorie; and brother, Frederick. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Adrienne; his mother, Birdine; his brother, Lenzo Jr.; and his sister, Beverly.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (II Timothy 4:7)

Martinez, CA – The Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Committee is now accepting applications from individuals and groups interested in enhancing the fish and wildlife resources of the County.

Grant applications must be received by January 4, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. Application materials may be obtained on the Fish and Wildlife Committee website or by contacting Maureen Parkes of the Contra Costa County Conservation and Development Department by phone: 925-674-7831, fax: 925-674-7250 or e-mail: maureen.parkes@dcd.cccounty.us.

The Fish and Wildlife Committee strongly encourages applications related to improving habitat, public education, scientific research, and in addition, as a new additional focus for 2013, the Fish and Wildlife Committee wishes to fund high value, low-cost public education projects related to the scientific principles of fish and wildlife conservation in the County.

The Fish and Wildlife Committee generally does not recommend funding for operating costs and overhead, such as benefits or utilities, or on-going staff support for an organization. Further, projects awarded monies from the Fish and Wildlife Propagation Fund must meet the requirements of Section 13103 of the Fish and Game Code. Funding for the grant program is generated from fines for violations of the Fish and Game Code and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations. The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors receives the committee’s recommendations and holds final decision-making authority over the awarding of grants.

During the 2012/2013 grant cycle a total of $50,645 was awarded to 10 projects. The awards ranged from $1,060 to $10,000. A copy of the 2013/2014 grant application packet is available by clicking here.

Following are the responses to the questions posed to the candidates for Congress in California’s new 7^th District, which includes approximately 30% of Antioch, in the northwest part of the city. There are two candidates running, incumbent George Miller and challenger Virginia Fuller. The following information is posted here, as there was unfortunately not enough room in our November print edition.

1. Full name: George R. Miller, III

2. Background:

I’m 67 years old, have a BA from SF State University and a law degree from U.C. Davis. I was born and raised in Richmond and reside in Martinez. I’ve been a Member of Congress since 1975. I’m married to Cynthia Caccavo, have two children and six grandchildren.

3. Contact information:

David Johnson, Campaign Coordinator, 925-948-5165, dave@georgemillerforcongress.com,

www.georgemillerforcongress.com

www.facebook.com/georgemillerforcongress

4. What motivated you to run?

I first ran for Congress to end the Vietnam War, guarantee affordable health care for all Americans, and improve the education and well-being of our children. I’m running today to strengthen the middle class and rebuild the American Dream. And we’ve got work to do.

5. Top three priorities if elected – what do you plan to accomplish?

Create more jobs by strengthening the economy, improve public education, and reduce global warming by increasing energy efficiency and green energy.

6. Do you support Prop 30 and Prop 38?

I support Prop 30 to help avoid devastating cuts to education and other essential services.

7. What has been your greatest accomplishment? Why should people vote for you?

My greatest achievement as a lawmaker has been passage of the Affordable Care Act, President Obama’s health care law. I have a record of integrity and have had bills signed into law by presidents of both parties. I wake up every day ready to make a difference for people here and across our country.

 

 

Virginia O.  Fuller

As a legal immigrant, born in Suriname, I came to the United States in 1976 and gained my citizenship in 2000. I have lived in California for over 33 years. I was trained as a registered nurse in The Netherlands. My two children are both college graduates and model citizens.

I became a child advocate after I observed,, first-hand the shortage for quality long-term nursing care for children in my community, while working as a rehab nurse at Children’s Hospital, Oakland. In 1989 I established and operated two pediatric care facilities. One was a 24-hour Emergency Shelter Home for abused and neglected children located in Oakland. The other was a Nursing Care Facility in Richmond, licensed by the State Health Department.

Because that was happening in this predominately liberal and Democratic region, I became a political activist, as a result.

I am running for Congress because the incumbent, George Miller has demonstrated for 38 long years he is out of touch with his constituency. His partisan and neglectful policies have proven to be disastrous to traditional families and our communities. Many neighborhoods have deteriorated because of high crime rates and population exodus due to decades of neglect by George Miller.

As your Congresswoman, I will:

•Work to rebuild our inner cities by:

•Reducing the cost of doing business in America and keeping jobs in California.

•Giving parents school choice and greater access to better performing schools.

•Vote to repeal Obamacare and replace it with common sense healthcare reform.

•Balance the Budget by eliminating duplicate government services and departments.

•Return control of Education to the States.

•Enforce immigration laws.

•Support aid and asylum for persecuted Christians in the Middle East and Africa.

•Implement a Flat Income Tax.

•Support LIMITED government

I have integrity, decency and will maintain loyalty to the people. I am a proud Constitutionalist and a patriotic citizen with common sense and real life experiences. We need to elect a citizen politician, not career politician and lawyer!

Fuller for Congress

12 Ambrose Avenue, Bay Point, CA 94565 510-758-5854 or 925-565-4295

www.fullerforcongress.org

https://twitter.com/#!/FullerCD7ca

www.youtube.com/user/FullerForCongress

 

Democracy is Not a Spectator Sport

By Supervisor Federal Glover, Contra Costa County, District V

It is your vote,
your voice,
your future,
your chance,
your obligation
to take part
in the
democratic process.
_______
Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
To find your polling place, go to:
http://www.cocovote.us/