Archive for May, 2013

DV boys volleyball team falls one win shy of NorCal throne

Friday, May 31st, 2013
DV goes up for the block in their game against Archbishop Mitty. by Ronald Rivera

DV goes up for the block in their game against Archbishop Mitty. by Ronald Rivera

By Luke Johnson

After dominating the competition all season long, the Deer Valley High School boys’ volleyball team came up short Saturday at Dublin High School for the CIF NorCal Division I regional final against Archbishop Mitty High School.

This was Deer Valley’s most successful season as the team went 42-2 and the deepest into the postseason in school history.

Nationally top ranked basketball recruit Marcus Lee had the most dominating presence on the floor. The 6-foot-10 high-flying senior soared across the court averaging 3.6 kills and a block per set.

Even with Lee’s impressive pedigree the biggest leader for the Wolverines was sophomore Jordan Ewert. Head Coach Lou Panzella believes there is no better sophomore in the state than Ewert.

Without a doubt!” Lee exclaimed when he heard about Panzella’s statement. “He’s a sophomore and he pushes me in practice, and I’m the one that’s supposed to be pushing everybody.”

Ewert averaged 4.8 kills and 1.9 digs per set. The 6-foot-4 sophomore is also one of the most experienced players on the squad despite being an underclassman.

Here is what Ewert had to say about playing with Lee, “When we go to tournaments everyone wants to take pictures with him… He’s not this big scary guy, he’s a nice little teddy bear. He’s funny and I love being around him. I’m gonna miss him next year.”

Following the final whistle Saturday the Wolverines came together to embrace each other in one big huddle. That is when the tears began to shed, and not a single player could hold it in.

The team’s motto is “together forever.”

It is not cliché to say these players have a relationship that goes beyond teammates, but a connection much stronger than that.

This loss is way above basketball’s loss,” Lee said. “These are all of my best friends, this has been pretty much my family.”

Deer Valley Boys 2013 Varsity volleyball team by Ronald Rivera

Deer Valley Boys 2013 Varsity volleyball team. by Ronald Rivera

Lee along with Jeff Brown and Muhammed Ali also took Deer Valley’s basketball team further than it has ever gone before earlier in the school year, before losing in the CIF NorCal Championship as well.

I’m leaving [behind] a legacy of champions,” Lee said. “As long as you work hard, you are going to get somewhere. We are not some random school in Antioch that nobody knows of, but a place where you can be the best that you can be as long as you work.”

Panzella says Lee is the ultimate team player and that he would give up all the glory to help the team win. He emphasizes that when Lee is sitting down during his rotation on the bench that he is always cheering louder than anyone in the gym.

This has been a fabulous season,” Panzella said. “I couldn’t be happier because of this group of players that we have… I’m fortunate that they allow me to come to the games and watch. They make me look smart.”

Assembly passes bill to allow non-physicians to perform abortions

Friday, May 31st, 2013

By Allen Payton

On Tuesday, May 28, 2013, AB 154, the bill to allow nurses, midwives and physicians assistants to perform abortions passed the California State Assembly. The bill will next be heard in the Senate.

Proponents of the bill claimed there is a necessity to expand access to abortions and that allowing non-physicians to perform abortions, women will not have to travel from rural communities to have abortions.

Assemblyman Jim Frazier, who represents Antioch in the State Assembly, voted for the bill.

“The indisputable fact is that expanding the categories of licensed abortionists will compromise the quality of women’s health in California.” Dr. Val Smith, Ph.D, a statistician in behavioral science testified at a recent hearing, “As a matter of public policy, I request that committee members weigh the inconvenience of women crossing county lines to obtain abortions against the certainty of compromised women’s health.”

Assemblywoman Marie Waldron, R-Escondido, says allowing nurses to do surgical abortion procedures places women’s lives and health at risk.

This is not a simple procedure. It is basically a surgery,” said Waldon, whose brother is a doctor. “Abortion at all costs, especially the cost of women’s health, is wrong.”

The 49-24 vote sent Assembly Bill 154 to the Senate, where pro-life groups hope to fight it.

California has the most abortions in the nation and the highest rate per capita. But that is not good enough for the abortion business,” says California Right to Life. “Assembly Bill 154 will no longer require that abortions be done by physicians, but allow mid-wives, nurses, and nurse practitioners to use the powerful instruments of death throughout the state.”

To read the entire and review the vote history of the bill, click here.

State Assembly approves Frazier’s tire recycling bill

Friday, May 31st, 2013

Increases Grant Funding to Cities, Counties, and Other Local Governmental Agencies

Sacramento, CA – A bill by Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Oakley) to increase funding to cities and counties for transportation projects that utilize environmentally friendly Rubberized Asphalt Concrete cleared the State Assembly and now moves on to the Senate. Assembly Bill 513 also increases grant funding to local governmental agencies, such as regional park districts that include access for people with disabilities.

Rubberized Asphalt Concrete (RAC) is a road paving material that combines waste tires and asphalt binder to create a strong and durable product that successfully recycles tires. RAC not only benefits the environment by reducing the number of tires that are landfilled or burned each year,  but it also provides more durability than regular asphalt and reduces road noise by around five decibels.

I had hands-on experience with RAC as Chair of the State Route 4 Bypass Authority and was able to see the direct benefits of this product,” said Assemblymember Jim Frazier. “This bill will help us be good stewards to the environment and incentivizes the use of this great product in paving and disability access projects.”

In California, about 23.4 million waste tires are landfilled, exported, or burned each year. If not managed correctly, these waste tires pose a threat to California’s environment, public health, and safety. Stockpiled waste tires are a major fire risk and are an ideal breeding ground for mosquitos, which carry many diseases such as West Nile Virus, Yellow Fever, and Malaria.

RAC is a proven product that has many benefits, including being cost effective, durable, safe, quiet, and a great alternative to traditional road paving materials,” said Karen Keene from the California State Association of Counties. “This bill would encourage activities that promote reducing waste tires going to landfills and eliminating stockpiling.”

To contact Assemblymember Jim Frazier please visit his website at www.asmdc.org/members/a11/ or call his District Offices at 707-399-3011.

Follow Assemblymember Jim Frazier on Facebook and “Like” him for updates on events and happenings in the 11th AD.

Writer says public should be concerned about police misconduct

Thursday, May 30th, 2013

Dear Editor:

In June, 2010 I personally went to the F.B.I. offices and submitted a written complaint concerning a number of reported police misconduct and suspected criminal activities by CNET’s Commander Norman Wielsch, Agent Louis Lombardi, private investigator Chris Butler used as their drug expert, and some Antioch Police detectives and officers. The complained of events included questioned search warrants raid (and some without search warrants), armed robberies, unaccounted for and stolen personal properties, false imprisonments of victims, violations of civil and constitutional rights, and many other reported and suspected civil and criminal violations by those identified law enforcement officers.

I also had complained about a March, 2008 suspected wrongful shooting death in Antioch due to the ‘Keystone Cops’ style of police raid upon the unarmed and obviously cooperative victim within his residence. CNET’s Commander Norman Wielsch and Agent Louis Lombardi were present in that case also, along with other involved area police officers.

In the spring of 2011, I also personally and in writing complained to the C.C.C. District Attorney, and his two assigned Inspectors/Investigators, providing them (and the F.B.I. as well) thereafter with additional documented questioned incidents, and the victims’ contact information for their assumed investigation purposes.

As part of my written and verbal complaints I also documented my alarm and fear that some future potential taking of innocent lives by some of these unrestrained rogue cops could occur, writing “These suspected rogue Cops must be stopped quickly before any more Victims are added to their suspected ……. scoreboard, and especially before death(s) of innocent civilians enter into their activities!

Lo and behold, in March, 2012 two of those complained of (Antioch detectives/officers) shot and killed an unarmed civilian during their questioned attempted contact of the Victim.

As a result a Federal lawsuit has been filed by the victim’s parents in April, 2013 (Katherine Harvey and Richard Lopez, Sr., vs. Matthew Koch, Joshua Vincelet, City of Antioch, et al, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District, court cases #2:11-cv-01820-LKK-KJN and #C13-1610DMR-ADR) wherein, among other things, millions of dollars are sought from them and the City of Antioch. Under the law’s discovery rules the defendant officers complained of can be identified in these and other unrelated court cases (civil and criminal) via a legal demand from the D.A.’s and F.B.I.’s Offices (whom I had warned and complained to in writing).

From one of those armed home invasion robberies, where over $50,000 in jewelry and cash was reported stolen from the tied up victims (one a pregnant female), one of the stolen expensive watches was later recovered from one of the identified and involved Officer’s home in 2011. No other stolen or unaccounted for property is known to have been recovered since then. And, none of the other reported and identified Officers are known to have been criminally pursued or charged to this day! Why not?

In another of those complained of cases an Antioch business, the owners and employees, were raided by some of these rogue Antioch Police detectives/officers without a search warrant (which was coincidentally later questionably obtained hours later). The owners were arrested, surveillance camera(s) and computer(s) were turned around or off, employees were reported to be falsely imprisoned, and various reported civil and criminal violations occurred (most was captured on the store’s surveillance tapes).

No criminal complaint was ever filed against the victim owners or their business. In the spring of 2011 the victimized owners and other victims filed a Federal lawsuit, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District, against the City of Antioch and the rogue Officers involved (case #CV 11-01502 EMC). That matter is still pending in the legal arena. This is but another example of Taxpayers’ liability as a result of the reported and documented wrongdoing by the out of control rogue Antioch Police Detectives/Officers. To date there are no known criminal charges filed against any of the involved Officers! Why not?

In April, 2011 some victims reported that in August, 2010 some police officers (CNET’s Commander Norman Wielsch was identified as one of them) conducted an armed home invasion robbery of their Antioch residence. One of the most outrageous acts of that raid was making a female resident to completely strip off her clothes, to her bare skin, by an overly aggressive female officer, all in front of an observing male Officer, obviously just to further humiliate and victimize the helpless female resident. The Victims report that not one law enforcement type of contact, inquiry, or investigation has been made, even though this case also was reported to the D.A.’s and F.B.I.’s offices. Why not? Who or what is really being protected? And for what reason?

There are many fine and honest police officers working in our state, county and cities. But, there are some few officers who take it upon themselves to go rogue, with what appears to be no unaccountability to anyone and with some form of blanket insulation and immunity from investigation, arrest, and prosecution. Why? Instead the public should be protected from them! Any other non-Police person who would have done these types of things would have been shortly arrested and criminally charged. But, obviously, not the Police involved in similar questioned and/or criminal acts! What gives? Equal justice and application of the laws? Why not? Where can the public get these latent ‘keep out of jail’ for free immunity from?

CNET’s Commander Norman Wielsch, Agent Louis Lombardi, and private investigator Chris Butler were the only ones arrested and charged in certain limited cases. This is supposed to apparently satisfy the public, making them the obvious scapegoats for what other officers were also present and/or involved in. That is not good enough. Many of these other rogue officers are still out there working as your police officers, with full access to you, the public.

We plan to submit in the future more published details of complained of events, and other very serious matters, that are of great public concern. Are you, the public then just going to take it and allow it to continue? Well, we are not and neither should you.

Ralph A. Hernandez, P.I., Antioch

Aardvark Investigations & Consulting

Free pet adoptions this weekend in Antioch, Pittsburg and Concord

Thursday, May 30th, 2013

Antioch Animal Services logoJoins Maddie’s® Pet Adoption Days to empty the Antioch Animal Services shelter

ANTIOCH ANIMAL SERVICES is participating in a gigantic weekend adoption event to place all of our currently adoptable dogs and cats in qualified homes. Free adoptions will be offered throughout the weekend at the following locations and times:

  • Antioch Animal Services [Cat & Dog Adoptions]: 300 L Street, Antioch, CA 94509

Saturday: 10am to 5pm and Sunday: 10am to 5pm

  • Antioch Petsmart [Cat Adoptions Only]: 5879 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA 94531

Saturday: 9am to 9pm and Sunday: 9am to 7pm

  • Pittsburg Petsmart [Cat & Dog Adoptions]: 4655 Century Blvd., Pittsburg, CA 94565

Saturday: 10am to 5pm and Sunday: 10am to 3pm

  • Concord Petsmart [Dog Adoptions Only] 1700 Willow Pass Rd., Concord, CA 94520

Saturday: 10am to 5pm and Sunday: 10am to 3pm

The following checklist items will qualify adopters for a no fee adoption from Antioch Animal Services during the Maddie’s Pet Adoption Days:

  • Complete an application

  • Must be 18 years of age

  • Have a valid photo identification

  • Show proof you own a home or proof that you have landlord approval

  • Bring along family members (Required for all adoptions)

  • Bring current dog(s) to meet potential dog

  • Pass a “get acquainted” visit, approved by Staff to insure that you and the pet are a good match

  • Purchase of an $18 Antioch Dog License (For Antioch Residents Adopting Dogs Only)

More than 200 shelters and rescues in eight communities throughout the United States are participating in the fourth Maddie’s® Pet Adoption Days sponsored by the Alameda, CA based Maddie’s Fund®. Maddie’s Fund has set aside $4 million to provide shelters and rescues with an adoption stipend per pet adopted during the event. Stipends range from $500 to $ 2,000.

Maddie’s® Pet Adoption Days is being held to increase awareness of shelter animals, boost adoptions, and support the shelters and rescue organizations in the eight participating communities. The event honors the memory of the foundation’s namesake, a miniature schnauzer named Maddie.

Please visit the Maddie’s® Pet Adoption Days website (http://adopt.maddiesfund.org) and Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/Maddiespetadoptiondays) for more information about additional locations and participating shelters.

Join Antioch Animal Services on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AntiochAnimalServices

Hayward teen injured in skateboard accident with car

Thursday, May 30th, 2013

By Sergeant T. Schnitzius, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On May 29, 2013 at approximately 4:53 p.m., the Antioch Police Department responded to a call of an injury accident at the intersection of Pawnee and Indian Hills Drive. Officers arrived to find an 18-year-old Hayward male in semi-conscious state with serious injuries. The male had been riding a “Rip Stick” down the street with no helmet, went through the stop sign at Pawnee and Indian Hills Drive.

The other involved party was in a vehicle traveling westbound on Indian Hills Drive at about 25-30 MPH. The male broadsided the vehicle and was thrown about 30 feet. The male was life flighted to a nearby hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. He is expected to make a full recovery. It does not appear based on our preliminary investigation that alcohol was a factor in the collision.

Zen in bloom – Tai Chi class this Saturday in Antioch

Wednesday, May 29th, 2013

A. Ben CabalA fun, free event promoting balance and health for mind, body, and soul!

Enjoy a Tai Chi class this Saturday, June 1 at Hillcrest Park, Antioch.

With instructor A. Ben Cabal from 9:00 – 9:30, special appearance by BJamin Cabal playing his soothing Didgeridoo music, Mary Kay Botanical facials with Tina Gutilla from 9:30 – 10:00, and 15 minute massages by Christine Stephens with Magical Moments of Massage. RSVP required so we can book your free massage!

Hillcrest Park is located on Larkspur, off Hillcrest Avenue.

Magical Moments of Massage

Writer opposes sales tax increase in Antioch

Tuesday, May 28th, 2013

Dear Editor,

During this time of high unemployment, very high cost of gas, food, utilities and an uncertain economy, it does not make sense for the City of Antioch to raise its sales taxes. The City will be creating another burden on residents already struggling to maintain a reasonable standard of living. Increasing the sales tax will not be a guaranteed reliable, steady stream of revenue. During low economic activity, City revenues decrease and the probability of more lay-offs of City employees remain a threat. New businesses would not view higher sales taxes as an incentive to locate in Antioch. We must attract more businesses, and in turn bring more jobs into the City.

Antioch must increase the number of Police Officers and Community Service Officers to address the crime that negatively impacts our quality of life. Code enforcement activity has to be increased to address blight.

Antioch needs a steady stream of revenue and I submit that since all businesses pay a license fee in order to do business in Antioch – then, non-owner occupied rental property dwellings should be included in this fee paying structure.  Rental property owners are running a business and it makes sense that the City should collect a license fee from them. This would be a reliable, steady stream of income that would provide an estimated $2.5 million per year based on a fee of $20.00 per unit, per month on approximately 11,000 rental units in this City.

Two initiatives have been proposed as potential ballot measures for this November 2013. One is a ½ cent sales tax increase and the other is the $20.00 per month, per unit business license fee.

Antioch voters; for a steady stream of funds for the City of Antioch, funding that will not be subject to a decrease/increase of sales taxes – please say “Yes” to a business license fee on non-owner occupied rental properties.

Marie Livingston, Antioch