The Antioch Police Department is excited to announce the 72nd installment of the Neighborhood Cleanup Program. This is a collaborative community effort which involves active participation from The Antioch Police Department Crime Prevention Commission, Neighborhood Watch Program, Volunteers In Police Service, community volunteers and the Public Works Department.

Collectively, “We”, everyone who works and lives in the City Antioch, can make a difference and improve the quality of life. It’s our community and it’s our chance to make a difference.

The City of Antioch Neighborhood Cleanup program is not just for residential neighborhoods. It is a program that will change venues on a monthly basis and it will include business and commercial areas as well. Neighborhoods that are free of trash and refuse are inviting, and a clean community instills a sense of community pride.

The 72nd Neighborhood Cleanup event will occur on Saturday, July 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Volunteers should meet/check in at the Antioch Police Department at 8:30 a.m. The areas that we will be concentrating on are W. 4th, 5th and 6th Streets encompassing the 1100 through 1400 blocks, including Prosserville Park. (See map below)

Volunteers will receive trail maps, instructions, and the equipment necessary to accomplish the goal. The targeted area is within walking distance. Excluding inclement weather, future Neighborhood Cleanup events are scheduled for the first Saturday of every month and the locations will be announced in advance.

Remember, cleaning up your neighborhood can make life better for your family, your neighbors and your community.

Assemblyman Jim Frazier, D-Oakley, announced today that Assembly District 11’s 2016 Veteran of the Year is Stephen P. Todd, an Antioch resident whose advocacy and exemplary leadership has galvanized the East Contra Costa veterans community.

“Steve Todd truly leads by example and it’s an honor to recognize him today. After serving his country, he continues to be hands-on and support his community,” stated Frazier. “It’s a privilege to work side-by-side with Steve helping veterans in need. The world needs more people like Steve Todd and I’m extremely grateful that he is part of my community.”

Todd served in the U.S. Army and California National Guard from 1986 to 1997 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. His tours of duty included overseas postings to the Middle East during the First Gulf War and to Haiti in support of Operation Uphold Democracy, and domestic deployments such as the California wildfires of 1987 and the Rodney King riots in 1992.

Following his military service, Todd was with the San Mateo Sheriff’s Department for seven years before beginning a federal law enforcement career with the U.S. Treasury Department. He later transferred to the Federal Protective Service and then became a founding member of the Department of Homeland Security. In this capacity, Todd traveled throughout the country providing protection and security in courtrooms, such as the Cary Stayner arraignment and the “Unabomber” trial; at political venues, including the Democratic National Convention; and during natural disasters, such as the San Diego wildfires in 2003 and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.

He earned the rank of police captain before being medically retired in 2007, as a result of a leg injury he suffered on the job. For his heroic actions, he received the Award for Valor and has been nominated for the Department of Homeland Security “Purple Heart Medal.”

Since 2010, he has served as commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10789 in Brentwood. Under his leadership, the post supports the outreach to homeless veterans and works to connect all veterans to the benefits they have earned and the care they need. The group also supports numerous community service projects: It sponsors a Boy Scout troop, an Explorer Post and a high school Junior ROTC program; works with the Brentwood Police Activity League and Liberty High School Band; provides security details for community events, including one that traveled to Sacramento to protect the Traveling Wall memorial to Vietnam Veterans when Assemblymember Frazier sponsored its presence in 2014; and participates in numerous fund-raising ventures for veterans and community groups. The post is also a clearinghouse for donated wheelchairs and electronic scooters, which Todd himself helps to restore, and its members are currently providing labor to veterans on fixed incomes who need help with home-repair projects.

A true advocate for veterans in his District and wherever the need arises, Todd works closely with other veteran and civic organizations to make a difference in his community.

He presently serves as the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post District 10 Junior Vice-Commander, is a member of the American Legion Post 202 and the Delta Diablo Marine Corps League Det. 1155 and a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans Post 7. He is also Second Vice President of the Brentwood Lions Club.

Todd acknowledged being “excited” to be named the AD11 Veteran of the Year for 2016, but was characteristically modest about the honor. “It’s not just me – our whole VFW post does a lot of work. I’m just the commander who facilitates stuff and fields the calls. They make me look good,” he said. “Our goal is to help as many people as we can, especially the ones who don’t have money. We want to let our veterans know that there are others out there who are like-minded and still care for them.”

Todd is married and lives with his wife, Margaret, and their three children (Briana, Corina and Kenny) in Antioch. He also has two older children (April and Stephenie) from a previous marriage and five grandchildren (Briana, Dillon, Kaylen, Santiago and Nathan).

Todd was among 80 service men and women who were honored today during the California State Assembly Veterans Affairs Committee’s 9th Annual Veterans Recognition Luncheon.

Frazier represents the 11^th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Antioch, Bethel Island, Birds Landing, Brentwood, Byron, Collinsville, Discovery Bay, Fairfield, Isleton, Knightsen, Locke, Oakley, Pittsburg (partial), Rio Vista, Suisun City, Travis AFB, Vacaville and Walnut Grove. To contact him, please visit his website at http://www.asmdc.org/members/a11/ or call his District Offices at 707-399-3011 or 925-513-0411. Follow Assemblyman Jim Frazier on Facebook and “Like” him for updates on events and happenings in the 11th AD.

By Sergeant Tom Fuhrmann, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

The Antioch Police Department and the Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney are currently investigating an Officer Involved Shooting. At 12:33 a.m. on Tuesday June 28, 2016, Antioch Police Officers were dispatched to a domestic violence call in the 900 block of West 8th Street.

When the officers arrived they were confronted by a 56-year-old male Antioch resident armed with a firearm. Shots were fired by the police and the male was wounded. The suspect was transported to an area hospital and underwent surgery. The suspect is in stable condition at this time. No officers were injured.

This investigation is in its early stages and no further information will be released at this time. Anyone with information regarding this case is encour aged to call Detective Vanderpool with the Antioch Police Department at (925) 779-6988. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

By Sergeant Wisecarver, Antioch Police Special Operations Unit

On Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 4:47 p.m., the Antioch Police Department along with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District were dispatched to the 900 block of Burwood Way for the report of a large residential fire. Several homes were damaged from the fire that was rapidly spreading from house to house.

Antioch Police Officers arrived on scene and immediately started evacuating citizens in an attempt to protect them from the fire. During the course of the evacuations, the officers came in contact with Qiao Cen and Qiaohui Cen, both 24 years old, who were at one of the houses in harm’s way. It was determined that these two men were running and indoor hydroponics marijuana grow operation at the home. Qiao Cen and Qiaohui Cen were both arrested on numerous drug charges.

The Antioch Police Department Special Operation Unit was called in and took over the investigation. The detectives discovered over 700 marijuana plants growing in the home as well as more than 17 lbs of manicured marijuana buds. It was determined that the marijuana grow had nothing to do with the fire.

This incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to contact Detective Magana at (925) 779-6943.

Antioch Police highlights as published in City Manager Steve Duran’s Weekly Report dated June 24, 2016 and provided by Chief of Police Allan Cantando.

Weekly Calls for Service, Case Reports and Arrest Data Summary:

Time Period: 06/16/2016 00:00:00 – 06/22/16 23:59:59

Number of Calls for Service: 1,641

Number of Case Reports: 281

Number of Arrests: 77

Felony: 33

Misdemeanor: 43

Arrests with DUI charge: 1

The data is based upon unaudited CAD/RMS data at time of report generation.

• ·On 6/23/16 at 1:40 am, security officers performed a check of the vacant Food-Maxx building at 2950 Delta Fair Boulevard. They found a door open and during an interior check located 41 year old Marlon Pitre. When the security guard attempted to detain Pitre he pushed the security guard backwards against a wall. The security guard pepper sprayed Pitre in self-defense and Pitre fled the area on foot. Responding officers located Pitre in the area. Pitre was placed under Citizen’s Arrest by the security guard for the assault and trespassing. Pitre was cite released from the scene and transported to a local hospital for the pepper-spray exposure.
• ·On 6/23/16 at 12:54 am, officers responded to the area of Mattole Road and Mt. Hamilton Drive on the report of shots fired. During an area check, multiple spent casings were found in the roadway. Nothing was found to be struck by gunfire. A car was said to have been heard speeding away after the shots.
• ·On 6/22/16 at 11:44 pm, an officer attempted a traffic stop on a truck being driven by 22 year old Jesse Loyola in the area of W. 18th Street near L Street. Loyola failed to yield to the officer and continued to drive south on L Street at the posted speed limit. Loyola entered westbound Highway 4 from L Street and still failed to yield to the officer. A pursuit was initiated and Loyola exited at Somersville Road and headed south. Loyola turned west on Delta Fair Boulevard and as he was in the 3400 block, he threw a stolen .40 caliber Glock pistol and a box of .40 cal ammunition out of his truck. Loyola turned onto School Street and stopped his truck. 20 year old Armando Amaro was a passenger in the truck and fled on foot from the truck into Turner Elementary School. Loyola was arrested as he tried to exit the truck. Amaro was later located after a search and also arrested without incident. Both subjects were sent to county jail.
• ·On 6/22/16 at 10:23 pm, officers were dispatched to a local hospital on the report of a gunshot victim arriving at the location. The victim initially told the hospital that he was shot while attending a party at an unknown location in Antioch. Officers contacted the victim and he told officers he was shot while attending a party in the city of Pittsburg. The Pittsburg police department was notified.
• ·On 6/22/16 at 4:00 pm, officers responded to the Sports Authority at 5839 Lone Tree Way on the report of a robbery. 36 year old Duane Johnson entered the Sports Authority and selected several items including a backpack. Johnson went to the restroom where he filled the backpack with store items. When Johnson attempted to leave the store, he was contacted by the store security employee. During the contact Johnson shoved the backpack into the chest of the security employee causing the security employee to fall. Johnson then fled the store with other employees in chase. An off-duty police officer was in the area and assisted in detaining Johnson. Duane Johnson was arrested for robbery and for violating the terms of his probation. Johnson was sent to county jail.
• ·On 6/22/16 at 8:37 am, officers responded to the report of an intoxicated subject who was causing a disturbance with his neighbors. 18 year old Chris Revuelta was arrested for being heavily intoxicated.
• ·On 6/21/16 at 10:17 pm, officers responded to the area of 18 W. Madill Street in search of a suspicious truck and trailer. Officers located the truck and trailer in the area. 51 year old David Shoup came outside and claimed ownership of the trailer, which was reported as stolen. Shoup was arrested without incident and sent to county jail.
• ·On 6/21/16 at 8:24 pm, officers responded to the Shell Gas Station at 2701 Hillcrest Avenue on the report of two subjects who appeared to be passed out in a running vehicle. When officers arrived they located the driver, 30 year old Joseph Lowery, and the passenger, 27 year old Nathan Jones, asleep in the vehicle. Lowery had a large bag of suspected methamphetamine on his lap and there was a digital scale on the center console of the vehicle. Lowery and Jones were both woken up and detained by officers. Jones had a folded piece of paper in his hand that contained suspected powder heroin which he tried to destroy prior to being detained. Lowery also had over $500 in cash. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a large amount of suspected heroin in the driver door panel and numerous plastic baggies. Both Lowery and Jones were found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and were both arrested. They were both sent to county jail.
• ·On 6/21/16 at 4:51 pm, officers responded to the report of a male riding his bicycle in the middle of the road, chasing cars, and throwing things around. Officers contacted 27 year old Jimmy Salgado, who was extremely intoxicated and found to be on probation. Salgado was arrested due to his intoxication level.
• ·On 6/21/16 at 4:32 pm, 53 year old Carolyn Propes was contacted near 1623 A Street. Propes was found to have an outstanding arrest warrant for assault. Propes was arrested and sent to county jail.
• ·On 6/21/16 at 12:14 pm, 39 year old Samuel Walls was contacted on Fulton Shipyard Road near the boat ramp after a report of a suspicious vehicle in the area. A name check revealed that Walls had several outstanding arrest warrants for DUI. Walls was arrested without incident and sent to county jail.
• ·On 6/21/16 at 1:41 am, a 47 year old male was driving in the area of E. 18^th Street and Blossom Drive when his vehicle drove off the roadway. The driver’s vehicle collided into a light pole, street sign, and two city owned trees. The vehicle was totaled, but there were no injuries.
• ·On 6/21/16 at 12:25 am, a 27 year old male arrived at local hospital with a large laceration to his arm. The male told officers that he was stabbed in the arm by an unknown male while walking in the area of E. 18^th Street and Woodland Drive.
• ·On 6/20/16 at 11:12 pm, an officer contacted 26 year old James Chatman in the parking lot of 924 Fitzuren Road. Chatman was found to be a parolee at large. Chatman was arrested and sent to county jail.
• ·On 6/20/16 at 10:03 pm, an officer conducted a traffic stop near Highway 4 at Hillcrest Avenue for a vehicle code violation. 22 year old, Jose Castaneda was the driver and did not have a valid license. He was also on probation for weapons violations. Castaneda was compliant and told officers that he put a gun in his wife’s purse as the traffic stop was being conducted. The gun was located and Castaneda was arrested without incident. Castenada was sent to county jail.
• ·On 6/20/16 at 9:01 pm, officers responded to the area of G Street near W. 13^th Street on a report of a physical fight. Upon arrival, officers contacted 28 year old Thomas Palmer. A computer check revealed that Palmer had an outstanding arrest warrant for theft. The arrest warrant was confirmed and Palmer was arrested. Palmer was later released with a new court appearance date.
• ·On 6/20/16 at 5:40 pm, officers responded to Gumaro’s Auto Repair at 1705 Auto Center Drive on a report of a structure fire. The fire started to the rear of the business in a small field and quickly spread to the business and two residential homes causing major damage. The Fire Department requested our assistance for traffic control. The corporation yard and VIPS were also called for assistance. The fire appears to have started in or around a storage box to the rear of the business. Fire Investigators were on scene and advised it appeared to be accidental and not arson.
• ·On 6/20/16 at 11:58 am, 50 year old Kevin Addington and the victim engaged in a verbal argument over which one was going to occupy the intersection of A St. and Hwy 4 for panhandling. Addington armed himself with softball sized rocks from the center median and threw it at the victim, striking him on the ribs causing an abrasion. The assault was witnessed by officers and after interviews; Addington was placed under arrest for assault with a deadly weapon and sent to county jail.
• ·On 6/20/16 at 8:21 am, an officer was in the area of A St. and W 19^th St. when he attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle for expired registration. The vehicle quickly took off from the officer and drove south bound in the north bound lanes of A St. The officer did not pursue due to the minor traffic violation. It was later determined during follow up that the vehicle was cold plated. The officer later was able to identify the driver who had outstanding felony warrants for his arrest to including a parole violation. The subject and vehicle are still outstanding.
• ·On 6/19/16 at 12:42 pm, officers responded to Amber Dr. and Cavallo Road on the report of shots fired. The reporting party called 911 reporting that someone was shooting at her nephew. When officers arrived, the reporting party had left the area, but the nephew was eventually located. He said he was at the intersection of E 18^th St. and Cavallo Rd. when an older model silver sedan pulled up next to him occupied by several males. The vehicle pulled up next to him and fired 6-8 shots at his vehicle. He was only struck by breaking glass and declined medical attention. The vehicle fled the area and was not located.
• ·On 6/19/16 at 4:48 am, 26 year old Nathan Watson was contacted dancing and running in the middle of East 18th St near Olive Dr. He was ordered to the curb, but instead began removing clothing and became verbally aggressive toward officers. Watson displayed signs of being under the influence. He began to physically resist as officers attempted to handcuff him. He was taken into custody and transported to county jail.
• ·On 6/18/16 at 5:45 pm, 40 year old Sherry Ann Russ entered the Dollar General at 20 West Tenth St. and handed a cashier a note demanding cash and threatening that she had a gun. The incident was witnessed by several employees and captured on surveillance video. The employees refused to give her any cash. Dumbfounded, Russ left the store wearing distinctive clothing and a few hours later, an officer located her standing in front of 1313 “A” St. wearing the same clothing. He attempted to speak with Russ, but she backed away while reaching into her back pocket. He quickly gained control of Russ and ordered her several times to sit down and she refused. Russ tried to pull away and removed a pair of scissors from her pocket, but the officer was able to take Russ into custody before she could do anything. Witnesses positively identified Russ as the responsible. She was booked at county jail for robbery.
• ·On 6/18/16 at 5:20 am, the victim was awakened by a subject attempting to start his van in the 2800 block of Vista Way. He confronted a subject in his van, but the subject had managed to get it started. When the victim attempted to stop the subject from driving away, he was run over. The victim suffered a minor injury to his leg. The subject fled and was not located. The van was entered into the stolen vehicle system and surrounding agencies were notified.
• ·On 6/17/16 at 10:02 pm, officers responded with CCC Fire to the 4500 block of Deer Meadow Way for a house fire. The house was fully engulfed upon arrival. CCC Fire put out the fire, but the house was a total loss. Arson investigators responded and determined the fire appeared to be arson. The arson investigators took over the investigation. The actual owner of the property is not known at this time.
• ·On 6/17 at 7:37 pm, officers were dispatched to the area of Wexler Peak Way for a report of a male passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle. CCC Fire responded to the scene and located 57 year old Calvin McKinley passed out behind the wheel with the vehicle running. CCC Fire removed the keys from the ignition and detained McKinley until APD could arrive. Upon arrival, it was determined McKinley was intoxicated and he was placed under arrest for DUI. He was transported to APD where he tested over the legal limit. McKinley was booked at APD and later transported to county jail for a sobering period.
• ·On 6/17/16 at 5:31 am, area residents called regarding a subject looking into cars near Rubye Dr. and Kean Ave. 35 year old Nicole Farner was contacted and found to have a warrant for her arrest for drug and vehicle code violations. She was booked into county jail.
• ·On 6/16/16 at 11:10 pm, officers responded to an audible alarm at Tux of Class, 43 East 18^th St. On arrival, two of the front windows were found to be damaged. An unknown subject attempted to gain entry by using a tool to break the windows at the lower left corners. There were no witnesses or video. No entry was made.
• ·On 6/16/16 at 2:42 pm, last week, Code Enforcement red tagged 1 Helmuth Lane. We’ve received numerous complaints since then of people breaking into the house illegally. Today, 50 year old Tracy Mello and 55 year old Stephen King were located inside of the house and issued citations for trespassing and warned not to return or they’d be sent to county jail the next time.
• ·On 6/16/16 at 10:02 am, an adult female approached a bank teller at the Wells Fargo Bank inside Safeway on Deer Valley Rd. and told the teller she was robbing the bank. The teller handed the female an undisclosed amount of cash and the suspect fled the scene on foot. An officer located a previous bulletin with a suspect matching the description of the Antioch suspect who had robbed a bank in San Francisco. This case is still under investigation.

 

Former 49er Newberry, Crowell, Alhwardt also winners

By Don Martin II

With six races in the record books in the All Star Series Winged 360 Sprint Cars at Antioch Speedway, there have been six different winners.  This time it was Watsonville competitor Kaleb Montgomery making his first appearance on the three-eighth mile clay oval and bringing home the victory in the 25 lap Main Event, Saturday night, June 25.  Montgomery becomes the third different driver to win a Winged Sprint Car race in his first 2016 visit to the Speedway.

Marty DeMartini raced many years in Midgets at Antioch and elsewhere, and son Matt DeMartini impressed with his second place finish in his first appearance of the season.  DeMartni held off young up and comer Giovanni Scelzi for the finish. Matt Barber finished fourth ahead of open wheel veteran Burt Foland Jr.  Incoming point leader Art McCarthy’s championship bid took a hit with his mechanical problems prior to the start of the race

The Wingless Spec Spints gained their fifth different feature winner in six races as Jeremy Newberry won the 20 lap race.  The NFL Alumni Newberry is usually among the front runners any time he races.  Point leader Jim Perry Jr. crashed early to end his bid for a third win.  The former NFL All-Pro center for the 49ers, Newberry held off Rick Panfili, who was determined to get his first career feature win.  Panfilli settled for his second career best runner up finish of the season as he tries to maintain second in the standings and take advantage of Perry’s misfortune.  Third ranked Marcus Smith also kept in the title hunt with his heat race win and third place feature finish as Brandon Burd and James East finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Aaron Crowell won a caution filled B Modified Main Event.  After Anthony Giuliani crashed out the exit gate, the race was shortened to 15 laps.  Crowell blew a motor a month ago in his A Modified.  He’s getting another one together, but he was offered a ride in the Paul Mulder car on Saturday night.  Crowell responded with wins in his heat race and the Main Event. Despite spinning early in the race, Trevor Clymens still came back for a second place finish, but his point gain was minimized as point leader Al Johnson finished third.   Late Model veteran Joel Hannagan and Lloyd Cline completed the Top 5.

Mark Garner won a wild 20 lap Limited Late Model Main Event.  It was the second straight win for Garner, who should gain a little ground in his quest for the track championship.  Point leader Larry Damitz went pitside with six laps remaining.  Rookie Kimo Oreta spun while leading a lap later.  Garner was leading and second place Mike Gustafson spun on the last lap, collecting all but Garner and Steve Studebaker, who finished first and second.

Point leader Guy Ahlwardt continues to roll in the Hobby Stock division.  The rookie started the night off with a heat race win and then won the 20 lap Main Event.  It was his third win of the season, and he had to battle 2010 champion Chris Sorensen to get it.  Sorensen was a strong second as Tony Jennings Sr. grabbed the final podium spot in third behind the wheel of the Jason Jennings car.  Second generation racer Chris Brown and Micheal Cooper rounded out the Top 5.

Dave Mackey scored his second straight CHA Hardtop 15 lap Main Event win.  Heat race winner Rob Waldrop was driving the Bill McLaughlin car impressively in the lead.  Waldrop won the heat race earlier in the evening, but he suffered a mechanical issue with four laps to go.  Mackey was there to seize the opportunity for the victory.  Jason Clifford finished second with his father Ken Clifford and Steve Cloyes rounding out the Top 4.

Racing continues on July 9th with the $2500 to win Jerry Hetrick Memorial Race for All Star A Modifieds.  Also on the card will be the Wingless Spec Sprints, Late Models, B Modifieds, Limited Late Models and Hobby Stocks.  For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Unofficial Race Results, Saturday Night June 25

Winged 360 Sprint Cars

Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Kaleb Montgomery, Billy Aton.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Montgomery, Matt DeMartini, Govanni Scelzi, Burt Foland Jr. Matt Barber.

Wingless Spec Sprints

Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Adam Christian, Marcus Smith.   Main Event (20 Laps)-Jeremy Newberry, Rick Panfili, Smith, Brandon Burd, James East.

B Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Aaron Crowell, Trevor Clymens.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Corwell, Clymens, Al Johnson, Joel Hannagan, Lloyd Cline.

Limited Late Models

Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Steve Studebaker, Jim Freethy.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Mark Garner, Studebaker, Mike Gustafson.

Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Guy Ahlwardt, Danny Jones.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Ahlwardt, Chris Sorensen, Tony Jennings Sr., Chris Brown, Micheal Cooper.

CHA Hardtops

Heat Winner (8 Laps)-Rob Waldrop.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Dave Mackey, Jason Clifford, Ken Clifford, Steve Cloyes, Rob Waldrop.