Just before midnight on Dec. 16  a 36-year-old man was leaving Cruisers Saloon at 1611 A Street when he was confronted by Pedro Santos, 33. A fight ensued and Santos is suspected of stabbing the man several times in the upper chest, back and face, according to police.

The victim was transported to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek – his wounds do not appear to be life threatening. Santos was arrested at the scene and booked into the Main Detention Facility in Martinez.

Antioch Police were dispatched to Knoll Park on Country Hills Drive on Dec. 16 just after noon when neighbors reported hearing multiple shots fired in the area and people running from the park.

A short time later a 20-year-old man was found in front of a residence on Country Hills Drive suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the torso and one to the face. He was airlifted to an area hospital where he was being treated for what appear to be non-life threatening injuries, according to police.

It appears the victim was sitting at a table in the park when he was approached by several males who attempted to rob him at gunpoint. When he resisted, the gunman opened fire on him. The victim ran and got away from his attackers.

Officers did an extensive area search for those responsible, but were unable to locate them. This shooting is still under investigation and witnesses are encouraged to contact Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau.

Council Members Were Not Informed

By Allen Payton, Publisher

According to Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA) President Tom Fuhrmann, Chief of Police Jim Hyde handed out layoff notices to six police officers, today. They’re effective in two weeks.

In response to a question about the statement on the APOA’s website (www.APOA.com) regarding the layoffs, Furhman said “Yes…it is true. The Chief notified each of the six officers personally, today.  I believe they were told ‘two weeks.’”

The council members were not aware the notices were given out, today, nor was it mentioned by either City Manager Jim Jakel or Chief Hyde at last night’s council meeting.

“This is the first I have heard, as well,” Mayor Jim Davis said. “However, it was inevitable. This city must remain solvent. I firmly advised that the City Council make the ultimate decision based on the indecision of the bargaining units.”

“I was not notified, per say,” Davis added. “We authorized Jim Jakel the dollar amount to reduce. He made and makes the decision where and when. The two weeks is a total surprise, however.”

Councilman Gary Agopian also wasn’t aware of the notices.

“No announcement I have seen,” he replied to this reporter’s question. “But we did authorize $700,000 in reductions to this fiscal year to balance the budget. Without concessions there will be potential layoffs.”

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Police Union Warns of Six Officer Layoffs

By Dave Roberts

Seeking to keep Antioch’s government out of bankruptcy, the City Council late Tuesday night agreed to cut $737,000 from the budget – possibly including police officer layoffs – if city employees don’t continue to agree to salary and benefit concessions.

That cut follows a $700,000 budget reduction that the council authorized on November 30, which will take place regardless of employee concessions. And it could be a prelude to an additional $2-$5 million in cuts in the next fiscal year beginning in July 2011.

“We have a responsibility to stop the bleeding,” said Councilman Brian Kalinowski.

He noted that the city’s five employee unions have previously agreed to defer salary and benefit increases, but that some of those deferred compensation agreements are due to expire in January, putting the city on the hook for the extra employee costs.

“I’m not underestimating, understating or trivializing the reductions made by any bargaining group,” said Kalinowski. “Everybody has taken a hit. The problem is we have additional challenges on top of this number, and if we don’t move we are financially insolvent. If it doesn’t happen, we are not in business. We need to make the modifications to close that number.”

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Superintendent Don Gill gives oath of office to Gary Hack as his wife Diana holds the Bible.

The two newest school board members, known as Trustees, were given their oaths of office, last Wednesday night and took their seats at the dais, and soon created a new majority with their first major decision of who would become Board President.

Retired teacher and former teacher’s union president Gary Hack, who was the top vote-getter in the November election was given the oath by School District Superintendent Don Gill, with his wife Diana holding the Bible, by his side and mortgage consultant and former Antioch High School staffer Joy Motts was sworn in by Councilwoman Mary Rocha, who is a former school board member. Joy’s brother Kerry held the Bible for her during the ceremony.

Councilwoman Rocha pointed out to the audience that Mott’s mother, also named Joy, who served on the school board in the 1960’s and 70’s, said her daughter would take her place on the board one day.

“I want to thank everybody and my family who had to stand there and tolerate me during the campaign,” Motts stated. “I am truly honored and look forward to the next four years and the challenges ahead.”

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Through changing times, the Kingston Trio has played on, remaining popular for a simple reason: great songs that sound as good today as the first time you heard them. And 52 years after “Tom Dooley” shot to the top of the charts, the Trio is still on the road 30 weeks a year, bringing back all the great memories and making new ones.

In March 2004, Bob Shane suffered a heart attack, which has prevented him from returning to the road fulltime. Enter Bill Zorn, fresh from leaving the Limeliters, to rejoin the Trio and step in for Bob. Then in August 2005, Bobby Haworth left the group once again, and Rick Dougherty, also of the Limeliters, took over the spot. The addition of Rick’s beautiful voice has made the current lineup the most vocally complete group since the original days.

The Kingston Trio today consists of Bill Zorn, George Grove and Rick Dougherty. They are continuing the Kingston Trio legacy with fantastic reviews, command performances and many standing ovations wherever they perform.

The show starts at 4 p.m. on Sunday January 9 in the El Campanil Theatre, 602 West Second Street in downtown Antioch. Tickets: Adults: $32, Seniors: $27, Youth: $15, Gold Circle (first three rows): $45. Phone: (925) 757-9500 or go online to www.elcampaniltheatre.com.

A 42-year-old Antioch woman was killed by a hit-and-run driver in the 2400 block of L Street on December 10 at 5:03 p.m., according to police.

As she was walking in the crosswalk, a car stopped to allow her to cross, but a newer model purple or dark blue mini-van went around the stopped car and struck the victim in the crosswalk. The woman suffered major head injuries, and was rushed to a local hospital where she died several hours later.

Police are still searching for the van. which fled onto westbound Highway 4. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Santiago Castillo at (925) 779-6933.

The Ninth Annual Heart to Heart Ball benefiting An Elderly Wish Foundation, which helps make wishes come true for seniors, will be held Saturday, February 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Lone Tree Golf Course & Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch.

The event includes an elegant dinner dance and silent and live auctions. Black tie is preferred. The cost is $60 per person (Tables will seat 8). Sponsors: $1,000, $500, $300 and $150. Donations of gifts and services a welcomed.

Reserve early because seating is limited. Phone: 925-978-1883 – Fax 978-1884. Email: info@elderlywish.org. Website: www.elderlywish.org.