By the Office of the Interim Chief of Police Allan Cantando

The City of Antioch has been and is still facing a serious fiscal crisis due to the severe recession that has devastated our state and national economies. The reduction in City services has been dramatic and the Police Department has 27 vacant police officer positions that cannot be filled. The Police Department was also forced to eliminate and lay off 20 Community Service Officers as well as additional support staff from the Police Department.

The City of Antioch and the Antioch Police Department are proud of the work being accomplished by the men and women of the Police Department and are extremely proud of the partnerships that have been forged with members of the community. Despite the doom and gloom of the current economic conditions, during the first quarter of this year we are glad to report a reduction in violent and property crimes!

Violent crime has gone down 18.8%

Excluding arson, property crime has gone down 9.5%

There can be countless reasons for crime reduction, but we can attest to the fact that much of the success in reducing our crime during this first quarter is a direct result of the tireless efforts of the men and women of the Antioch Police Department and the involvement of our citizens at large.

The City of Antioch has been nationally recognized for its exceptional level of partnership between its Police Department and the community, and will continue to work closely with the community to make Antioch a safer community.

PART 1 Violent Crime as reported to the FBI for their Uniform Crime Report.

PART 1 Property Crime as reported to the FBI for their Uniform Crime Report.

Our collective goal at the Antioch Police Department is to work collaboratively with City residents to promote safe, crime-free, environments so residents can live in peace and safely raise their families.

Protecting our City and its residents needs more than just a dedicated police force—it requires a community partnership. We couldn’t have realized the successes we have without caring citizens being willing to take an active role in helping us make a difference in their neighborhoods and City as a whole.

On April 24 at 5:17 p.m. a 24-year-old Pittsburg resident arrived alone at Sutter Delta Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds.

He apparently drove himself to the hospital after being shot at an unknown location in Antioch. The victim claims the shooting occurred when he stopped his car to look at his phone. The victim was uncooperative and refused to cooperate with the investigation. The wounds appear to be non-life threatening.

6 to 8 year old children make a dash for the eggs at Antioch's Williamson Ranch Park on Saturday, April 23, 2011.

By Allen Payton

The Salvation of Army of the Delta, located on E. 18th Street, under the leadership of recently promoted Major Jackie Smith, provided a day of fun, games, prizes and Easter eggs at the Williamson Ranch Park in Southeast Antioch, on Saturday, April 23, 2011.

The 3 to 5 yearr olds (with their parents' help) hunt the eggs.

Hundreds of children, ages 3 to 10 showed up to play the free games, win tickets they could turn in for free prizes and of course the Easter egg hunts. The hunts were divided into three age ranges, ages 3-5, 6-8 and 9 & 10 and consisted of plastic eggs with candy inside.

For more information about the Salvation Army of the Delta, click here.

Kolby Calia finds eggs while his mom Kim (far right) cheers him on.

Almost three-year-old Quentyn Valdez finds eggs with the help of Grandpa John Baca.

Antioch's Citizen of the Year Jim Lanter speaks at the Antioch Chamber of Commerce's Annual Gala, while Chamber Board Member Donna McGee and officials and representatives, including Brian Hooker of Congressman Garamendi's office, Mayor Jim Davis, Councilwoman Mary Rocha, Mayor Pro Tem Wade Harper and Supervisor Federal Glover listen.

By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

Jim Lanter was honored by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce at its annual Gala on tonight, Aprill 22 by being named 2010 Antioch Citizen of the Year. The other nominees were Pastor Kirkland A. Smith of Grace Bible Fellowship and Josie Monaghan, who is focused on serving the needs of military service men and women, and their families.

In his acceptance speech, Jim stated “Passion is something you have inside if you have the right vehicle you can ride on.” He introduces his family, including his mother, who was in attendance at the dinner.

An agent with State Farm Insurance, Jim has lived in Antioch for over 50 years and is a member of the Antioch High class of 1966. It was at Antioch High where Jim met his wife Earlene. They have been married over 45 years and have two sons, Jim and Jeff who also live in Antioch. Jim and Earlene love spending time with their family, which includes six grandchildren.

Jim started community service in Antioch at a young age. He was a PTA president at Bidwell Elementary School. He has served on the Antioch Little League board of directors. He is currently on the Delta Advocacy board; is a board member and past president of the Rotary Club of the Delta. He is co-chair for An Elderly Wish Foundation and is a current member of the Antioch Economic Development Committee.

Although Jim loves helping with the aforementioned organizations, his real passion the special needs community for adults and children in the Antioch area. In 1986 while acting as DJ for a wedding Jim noticed a special needs couple who danced the entire night. After the reception was over Jim introduced himself to the couple and their parents. One of the parents mentioned that it was too bad that the special needs community did not have a place to dance on a regular basis.

Antioch Citizen of the Year Jim Lanter enjoys an early copy of the front cover of the Antioch Herald newspaper in which his article and photo appear. photos by Allen Payton

A month later Jim met with one of the parents and in October on 1986, Born to Dance, a dance group for special needs adults was started. This year Born to Dance is celebrating its 25^th anniversary. With the help of many volunteers there have been over 220 dances.

Four years ago Jim was asked to bring his passion and love for music to the special needs kids’ community. He helps as DJ and sponsor for an annual Christmas party each year. This past Christmas the party was held at Paradise Skate in Antioch and over 225 special needs kids were in attendance.

Mike Quintana, a long time friend, had been doing the dances and asked for some support.

“I could not wait to help out” Jim said.

Jim is also active with the Antioch Little League Challenger program, for special needs youth, as a sponsor and can be found watching the Challengers play on Sundays during the season.

Last year Jim hosted the year end party for the challenger league. It was mentioned at one of the dances a few years ago that Jim had donated over 1200 hours to the special needs community in the East County.

Jim’s son Jim steps in for him when he is out of town to make sure the music never dies. Jim will have to take over some day and I am confident that as long as our special needs friends need a place to dance the Lanter family will be involved. We have received so much more from this special community than we have given.

Jim’s reaction to his nomination for citizen of the year – “I am humbled and thankful. This is a great way to bring attention to a very special community who has taught me the real meaning of giving.,” he said. “My special needs friends give me energy and love in a way that just makes my heart ‘dance’ whenever I am around them.”

“I have been truly blessed to have been introduced to this amazing community,” he added.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Citizen of the Year Winner Jim Lanter (left) congratulates Lifetime Achievement Award winner Bill Chapman at the Chamber's Annual Gala. photo by Allen Payton

By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

At the Annual Gala of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, William A. “Bill” Chapman was honored with the 2010 Antioch Lifetime Achievement Award.

The other nominees were Antioch School Board Trustee Walter Ruehlig, Give Always To Others & Company Founder Carmen Aguilar Ochoa, Antioch Mello Roos Board Member and Boy Scout Leader Larry Osorio, Antioch Rotarian, Junior Achievement and Dow Wetlands Team Leader Krist Jensen.

Bill was born on September 14, 1940 in San Francisco, CA. to George W. and Margaret Scott Chapman – aka Flapjack Bill, Willie, Chap and Pops.

The Chapman family lived in Sacramento for awhile and then returned to Winters, CA. His mother’s family operated a sheep ranch north of Winters – which is family owned and managed since 1850. Today you will find western grassland fed beef roaming the hills, not sheep.

During his four years of high school, Bill was a resident student at Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento. Upon graduation he matriculated at Saint Mary’s College of California, Moraga, CA., where he graduated in 1962 with a B.S. in Economics and a minor in Accounting. He was then employed by Arthur Young and Company, C.P.A.s, in their San Francisco office. In 1967 he changed from public accounting to private industry and was employed by the Fibreboard Corporation at their Francisco Street Office in the Internal Audit department. Eventually he arrived in Antioch – in 1969 – as the Plant Controller for the Antioch Paperboard, and Carton Mill.

In June of 1974 Bill met, courted and married Mary Carr on November 30, 1974. Their family grew by three with the children – Scott who is deceased, Paul 32 years an electrician and Julia 30 years of age – a Kindergarten Teacher at Discovery Bay Elementary.

In 1985 he joined the WindMaster Group as their Controller. When the Sacramento office was consolidated with the Byron Wind Farm in 1986; the family returned to Antioch. As Bill has sometimes refers to this period; he was working for “Don Quixote”.

In Antioch, two of our children were active recreational swimmers with the Delta Skimmers from the “get go”. Bill provided a grill for league events and cooked hot dogs, hamburgers, etc. But he really got a reputation for his “flapjacks” and eventually was assigned the nickname of “Flapjack Bill”. With additional cooking duties at the Bedford Center, Hunger Walk, Rotary, etc. The Delta Newcomers was another venue for getting involved with the community; along with the Rotary Club of the Delta and the Holy Rosary Parish. Bill has always been willing to help with a multitude of community programs from the Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, or the Parents Guild. Through the years he is best remembered as Santa for the Holiday Delites Parade and as the Santa at Carondelet’s Visions of Christmas.

One adventure that he choreographed was a field trip for some Holy Rosary students to tour the WindMaster Wind Farm in the Altamont Pass. Another Chapman event, from years past; was when he gave some of the Japanese Exchange students and their host families a “jeep tour” of the Clarence Scott Hill Ranch – a sheep ranch in Winters.

Upon retirement; community projects became a significant focus and involvement. He is currently the Chairman of the Antioch Committee on Aging, and the Antioch Low Cost Senior Housing at Hillcrest Terrace and Rivertown Senior Housing. He serves as the Treasurer for the Antioch Youth Sports Complex and Secretary for An Elderly Wish Foundation and the World Board of Directors. Additional Board commitments include: Delta 2000 – Rivertown Resource Center, and the Outdoor Sportsmen’s Coalition of California. A Bingo Caller at the Antioch Senior Center on Mondays. He is also involved at Holy Rosary Church. In addition to the above, he actively participates as the managing partner of the Clarence Scott Ranches properties in Yolo County.

Bill is a man with many hats but if you need or want anything he is right there for you. He is never too busy for his bride, children or his friends. You are always greeted with a smile or some humorous statement to bring a smile or make you laugh. Antioch has benefited from his friendship, humor and good ideas always working to make our city better.

By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

Matthew Satyadi

Announced at the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala on Friday, April 22, was the Youth of the Year for 2010. That honor was bestowed upon Matthew Satyadi, a 16-year old junior at Deer Valley High School who also received a $1,500 scholarship.

The runners up were Teron Schaeffer of Antioch High and Maureen Gil of Dozier-Libbey High, who each received a $1,000 scholarship. Scholarship funds were donated by the Antioch and Delta Rotary Clubs and the East Bay Community Foundation.

Matt is exceedingly involved in Deer Valley’s Leadership class, and is also a member of Deer Valley’s Varsity Water Polo and Swim teams. Matt first began his interest in leadership in middle school. Starting in seventh grade, Matt worked his way up to become Dallas Ranch Middle School’s student body president.

His assiduous journey prepared him for high school where he became Deer Valley’s Class Treasurer his freshmen year, Class President his sophomore year, and Class President his junior year.

He headed the 2010 Winter Ball and the 2011 Junior Prom, as well as organizing and helping coordinate the 2011 DV Fashion Show. In 2007, Matt was selected out of 350 students to attend the National Young Leaders State Conference.

The following Spring 2008, Matt won the California Junior Scholarship Federation’s Marian Huhn Award, representing outstanding eighth grade students in both academics and community service.

In 2010, he was selected out of 700 sophomores to attend the Northern California Youth Leadership Seminar. This June, Matt will be representing Deer Valley High School at California’s Boys State program.

His academic achievements include holding a 4.43 GPA, resulting in his being in the top 1% of his junior class. He is also an acknowledged scholar athlete by the North Coast Section, CIF.

Donna McGee of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce honors the Youth of the Year Runners Up and $1,000 scholarship recipients Maureen Gil (center) and Teron Schaeffer at the Chamber's Annual Gala.

Matt is also a Life Scout of Boy Scout Troop 450 and has been involved with Scouting for nine years. Being an active member of Boy Scouts of America, he has been able to contribute to the community through various projects: BSA’s Scouting for Food, Christmas Tree pick ups, volunteering as a waiter at the Bedford Center’s and Delta Advocacy dinners at Roddy Ranch, and Coastal Clean Up. Other projects include building and refurnishing benches, gardens, and sheds for John Muir Elementary, Deer Valley High, and Holy Rosary Schools; assembling planter boxes for Quail Lodge and the Rivertown Senior Center, making animal shelters for the Antioch Animal Shelter, and restoring the habitats of naked stem buckwheat and Lange’s Metalmark Butterflies at the Antioch Dunes Wildlife Refuge.

Youth of the Year winner Matthew Satyadi with a copy of the Antioch Herald article about him on the night he was honored by the Chamber of Commerce.

Within his troop, Matt has served numerous leadership positions including Senior Patrol Leader and Troop Den Chief. He is also a member of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s National Honor Society, and has completed the National Youth Leadership Training for Scouting.

Outside of Scouting, Matt sits on Antioch’s Parks and Recreation Committee as a youth advisor.

Among his peers, he is well liked not only for his sincerity, but for his ambition as well. Through his endeavors, Matt demonstrates creativity and hard work. He is well known for being meticulous and persistent. He takes responsibility and commitment very seriously. Matt is revered for his overall integrity.

Matt’s hobbies include swimming, snowboarding, traveling, watching movies, and playing the piano. He intends on pursuing Physiological Science and Economics degrees at Stanford University or the University of California, Los Angeles, in hopes of opening his own private practice in orthopedics.

Paradise Skate owner Jeff Warrenburg receives is presented with his plaque by Past Chairman of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce Rich McDaniel.

By the Antioch Chamber of Commerce

At the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Gala, on Friday night April 22, the winners of Small and Large Business of the Year were announced.

Paradise Skate, owned by Jeff Warrenburg was chosen Antioch’s 2010 Small Business of the Year. Also nominated were Fast Signs and Dow Great Western Credit Union.

For the past four years that Jeff Warrenburg has owned Paradise Skate, it has changed the way families in East County enjoy their leisure time. Paradise Skate provides an affordable option for family fun. Jeff has made it his mission to help as many local groups as possible. He believes that businesses should contribute to the community in many ways. 

Paradise Skate Roller Rink is open to the public, providing local schools and youth groups the ability to enjoy a fun, safe entertainment while raising money for their various organizations. Jeff also understands there are families who are less fortunate and need a helping hand. Once a month, Jeff opens Paradise Skate to groups of adults and children with disabilities to an afternoon of fun, free of charge.

In 2010, Paradise Skate became the first official permanent home to the C.A.P.S Organization Annual Christmas Party. This event allows hundreds of handicapped families the opportunity to have Christmas Dinner and visits with Santa Claus – including special gifts for everyone! Paradise Skate also contributed substantial donations to over 14 Antioch schools. Paradise Skate is a proud sponsor of numerous local sports teams, including Antioch soccer, baseball, baseball and basketball teams, to name a few. In addition, Jeff offers the use of Paradise Skate to the local Charter School for P.E. classes when the weather prevents the children from holding class outside, as well as other special events.

Jeff Warrenburg holds a copy of the front cover the first print edition of the Antioch Herald in which the article of his achievement appears, on the night of the Chamber Gala where it was announced.

Paradise Skate has always been an active member of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and the Delta Rotary. Jeff believes in giving back to his community, and in 2010, his ownership of Paradise Skate allowed him to impact the lives of hundreds of children, organizations and businesses in Antioch.

To quote Jeff, “Paradise Skate takes on a fresh air of excitement and down right fun. We are committed to providing a safe, clean environment, staffed by friendly folks. Paradise Skate is a fun place where a family can enjoy great times together.”

Congratulations, Jeff!

Publisher Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Jennifer Victor and Eric Maldonado (right) of Travis Credit Union's Antioch branch are honored by Antioch Chamber's Past Chairman Rich McDaniel.

By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce chose Travis Credit Union as Antioch’s 2010 Large/Corporate Business of the Year and announced the award at their annual Gala, tonight, Friday, April 22, 2011 in front of a crowd of 200 guests at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center. Also nominated was Sutter Delta Medical Center.

Headquartered in Vacaville, California, Travis Credit Union is a not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution serving those who live or work in Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, Placer, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Napa, Contra Costa, Alameda, Sonoma, Colusa, and Merced Counties. Currently, Travis Credit Union is the 13th largest credit union in California, with more than 175,000 members and more than $1.8 billion in assets. As one of the leading financial institutions in Solano, Contra Costa, Yolo, Napa, and Merced Counties, Travis Credit Union’s strength lies in its faithful commitment to its members; its solid, secure history; and its long-standing track record of dedicated service.

Travis Credit Union opened its Antioch location more than six years ago at the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center and are involved in many civic organizations in Antioch. Travis Credit Union has supported the Antioch Chamber of Commerce through participation and sponsorship of the Great Race of Antioch, Chamber of Commerce Inaugural Gala, Economic Summit and the Golf Tournament Fundraiser.  Demonstrating our commitment to the community, Jennifer Victor, branch manager of the Slatten Ranch branch serves as an ambassador of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and is a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Antioch.  In addition, Travis Credit Union supported the community through the involvement of Helen Raoufian, assistant vice president and regional manager of the Contra Costa region who has served as president of the Antioch Schools Education Foundation and Eric Maldonado, community involvement officer who has also served on the Antioch Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee.

Travis Credit Union supports the Antioch Community through sponsorship but most importantly through personal involvement. We are Travis Credit Union, the financial institution who demonstrates the credit union principle of “People Helping People”.

Photo by Allen Payton