One of the motions before the Antioch City Council on Tuesday, August 9th is a consulting services agreement with Karate Consulting.

Lonnie Karste worked for the city’s recreation department back in the early ’90s, but later was transferred to the Antioch Police Department despite heated protests by the unions. He was transferred once again, this time to Prewett Park, before his retirement, after which he incorporated a consulting business.

City Manager Jim Jakel, who has contract authority for contracts under $50,000, has contracted with Mr. Karste to handle a couple of smaller projects such as emergency operations planning and exercises ($10,800) and a study of redevelopment records and transactions ($8,600).

Tuesday night the City Manager will be requesting council to approve a $48,000 agreement with Mr. Karste to oversee the Measure WW funds for three projects over the next year: lighting at the Lone Tree Golf Course, Prewett Aquatics Facility renovation and synthetic turf fields at the Antioch Community Park. Cost for the projects is approximately $3 million with up to 20% allowed for administrative costs.

I disagree with City Attorney Lynn Nerland’s statement to council that “With no staff resources available with the qualifications to handle this project management assignment, the City would be looking to contract it out to someone if not Karste Consulting.” In fact, I find the statement highly objectionable.

The Community Development Director and staff, with involvement from the six members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, should be overseeing these projects. Also why was Mr. Karste doing a study of redevelopment records and transactions? The city has a finance department to do that.

To the editor:

We were deeply disappointed to see Mr. Payton’s article on the “Gay History Bill” in your August 2011 issue. While this is not Mr. Payton’s first display of negativity toward the gay and lesbian community, it was extremely unfortunate to see this published as if it were an actual article based on fact as opposed to an “opinion piece” more suitable to an editorial page.

At a time when we are seeing an increase in the bullying of gay and lesbian youth as well as suicides, for Mr. Payton to refer to homosexuality as a “choice” is tragic. If homosexuality were a choice like choosing between chocolate and vanilla ice cream, why would so many of our youth take their life if it were just a simple choice? Why would anyone “choose” a lifestyle that continues to subject them to ridicule, discrimination and acts of violence?

It’s ironic this article appeared in the issue that included the appointment of our new police chief. My partner and I were subjected to ongoing harassment from a neighbor as a result of our sexual orientation and the members of the Antioch Police Department were more than supportive whenever we dealt with them. We have no doubt that compassion will continue.

At a time when people are struggling to simply keep their lives together, promoting discrimination and discord is the last thing that we should be doing. My partner and I have been together almost 15 years. We get up and go to work, pay our taxes, participate in our local community and are fortunate to have supportive, loving families. Other than the fact that we are lesbians, don’t we wish everyone could say the same?

Susan Kennedy and Stephanie Bonham
Antioch

By Lieutenant John VanderKlugt

The Antioch Police Department and REACH Project, Inc. collaborated in a Curfew Sweep in the city of Antioch on August 5. This program is designed to reduce the number of minors being out after curfew.

The program is intended to be supportive rather than punitive. The City Ordinance generally prohibits minors (under the age of 18 years) from being in any public area between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. seven days a week. The ordinance was adopted to promote safety of the City’s youngest most vulnerable residents from becoming participants or victims of crimes.

Officers from the Antioch Police Department detained a total of 35 minors. They were brought to the processing center at the police department and turned over to the staff of the REACH Project where the minors were counseled and released to their parents or guardians. Follow-up juvenile diversion services will be provided by REACH addressing decision-making skills and training, treatment for alcohol and other drug abuse, understanding youth and the law and applying principles of restorative justice.

This program was a success and future programs will be scheduled throughout the summer in an attempt to further reduce number of minors out after curfew and increase the accountability and responsibility of both the minors and their parents or guardians.

Lone Tree Golf Course and Event Center invites you to their upcoming Comedy Night Event. The $45 ticket includes a three course meal with a customized duo entree plate and two hilarious comedians performing throughout the evening! Call them today to make your reservation 706.4220 ext 215.  See you there!

Lone Tree Golf Course and Event Center is located at 4800 Golf Course Road, off Lone Tree Way in Antioch.

To the Editor:

Re: “Bonilla and DeSaulnier Vote for Controversial New ‘Gay’ History Law,” this is an editorial which the publisher tries to disguise as “reporting.”

“Controversial?” Every law is controversial unless it is unanimously agreed on. This is just a prejudicial term as used here.

“Even as young as age 5” is loaded, not balanced reporting. We teach five-year-olds lots of things, why not this?

“There is no opt-out” is similarly loaded. Cherry-picking for prejudicial factors.

“Now, not only…” At this point Mr. Payton abandons any pretense at reporting and lays on his views.

“… those who have chosen that lifestyle and the behavior that it includes.” Rubbish. Homosexuality is no more a choice than being ugly, or being stupid, or being only 4′ 10″ tall. It happens. And has our good publisher a list of the “behavior” — bad behavior, naturally — that has occurred among the gay population of this city?

No, I’m not gay, or, as Mr. Payton puts it in quotes, “Gay,” as if the word were not part of the language yet. But I respect good journalism, and this is not journalism. So don’t pretend to be a newspaper, just let it all hang out.

Of course, we have to take a shot at the two Democratic legislators who voted their conscience. Meanwhile I’m sure the publisher, who I’m sure just hates laws and regulations like a good right-winger, takes full advantage of the postal service’s generosity in having the paper delivered to my mailbox, without even an address, at minimum cost, while it costs me $.44 to mail a letter.

Frank Scalpone
Antioch

By Don Gill
Superintendent, Antioch Unified School District

It has been a great year for Dozier-Libbey Medical High School. In the short span of three years since this high school opened its doors they have amassed an impressive array of awards and recognitions. Dozier-Libbey Medical High School is a school that is the product of the collaborative efforts of the Antioch Unified School District and its affiliated administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents, businesses, and elected officials. The results of their efforts show the depth of their commitment to this school’s success.

The most recent recognition bestowed upon Dozier Libbey Medical High School occurred July 11th when the Antioch Unified School District was informed that this Academy earned the distinction of becoming an official Linked Learning Certified Pathway Program high school. This certification was granted to Dozier-Libbey Medical High School as a result of a two day site visitation by the Linked Learning Pathway Quality Review Team on March 30-31, 2011. According to Arlene P. LaPlante, Director, ConnectEd Network and Linked Learning Certification Coordinator, “The review team took special note of the strong spirit of collaboration, support, and leadership that is reflected in student outcomes.”

Nancie Castro, Principal of Dozier-Libbey Medical High School and her team of dedicated teachers and staff members need to be commended for their work in building such a strong connection with the students and families that attend this outstanding school. Nancie has worked very closely with Antioch Unified School District Executive Director of Programs & Intervention, Robin Schmitt, and the larger local and regional business community. They have worked as a team in support of promoting the Linked Learning initiative at this school which helps students pursue pathways to careers by combining rigorous academics with demanding technical education, work based learning, and academic interventions.

In addition to receiving the Linked Learning Pathway Quality Review Certification, Dozier-Libbey Medical High School recently joined 97 other exemplary California public secondary schools that were selected as 2011 California Distinguished Schools. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson stated “These schools are recognized for attaining high levels of performance and sustained growth and for making significant progress in closing the academic achievement gap.” He went on to state, “Becoming a distinguished school is a direct reflection of the dedication, hard work, and vision of each school’s education community. They have succeeded despite a bleak economic environment and have endeavored to maintain their momentum and focus.” As an added bonus, Dozier-Libbey Medical High School also earned the honor of receiving the Exemplary Career Technical Education Program award of which only five were granted this year.

Thanks to the generous and committed support of ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career, which is funded through the James Irvine Foundation, the Antioch Unified School District has been the recipient of $2.5 million in grant funding to support the District’s efforts to promote Linked Learning academies such as Dozier-Libbey Medical High School, Deer Valley Delta Academy for the Performing Arts, Deer Valley High School Law Academy, and Antioch High School’s Engineering and Designing for a Green Environment Academy. In addition, other smaller learning communities are active in their pursuit of connecting students to multiple pathways such as the Business Academy and Science and Research Academy both of which are located on the Deer Valley High School campus.

The Antioch Unified School District Board of Education is committed to preparing its students to meet the challenges that they face as they assume the roles and responsibilities expected of them upon their graduation from all the District’s high schools. The evidence mounts each year that this comprehensive approach to multiple pathways can raise achievement, reduce the dropout rate, and increase post-secondary persistence and career success. The District looks forward to continued expansion of its Linked Learning and Career Academies and is appreciative of the $2.5 million grant funding from ConnectEd: The California Center for College and Career, through the James Irvine Foundation, and the $2.5 million Smaller Learning Communities federal grant that was recently awarded to Antioch High School. These funds will continue to move the District forward in preparing students to meet the challenges of a fast changing world.

The economic impact and opportunity of ensuring that students graduate from high school with the necessary academic skills to assume high wage careers and post-secondary education are critical to our region. As stated in the Gateways Regional Cradle to Career Education & Workforce Partnership 2010 Annual Report to the community, the California Department of Education estimates, for example, that if just 1,000 more students completed high School in Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara counties, they would earn $20 million in additional income each year, purchase an additional $66 million of housing by the midpoint of the careers, support 100 new jobs in the region, increase the gross regional product by $24 million, and add $2.9 million to state and local government coffers.

The Antioch Unified School District is committed to replicate the successes that have been achieved at Dozier-Libbey Medical High School in their short history. This includes the Linked Learning academies and Smaller Learning Communities at both Deer Valley High School and Antioch High School. We see our District as a vital part of building local and regional pathways to prosperity, social cohesion, and equal access to opportunity. If you wish to be a part of the expansion of this exciting work, please contact Mr. Robin Schmitt at robinschmitt@antioch.k12.ca.us.

The Antioch Animal Shelter was established in 1978 when voters approved the following ballot measure: “The city of Antioch shall re-establish, maintain and operate a City Pound and Animal Shelter. Funds therefore shall be appropriated by the City Council annually. The City Pound and Animal Shelter shall be self-supporting to the extent that the fees for dog licenses and charges made for animal care shall be paid or credited to its operating budget. Such fees and other income shall no longer be part of the General Fund of Antioch.”

In January 2008, when the shelter subsidy was approximately only 1% of the General Fund budget, the city spent $50,000 for a consultant to prepare a study in regard to turning the Antioch Animal Shelter operation over to a nonprofit corporation. That never happened, and the shelter has continued to meet residents’ needs although its hours of operation have been cut and it remains underfunded and understaffed.

Although a lot of us love our pets (note the photo of my boxer Hootch), many residents don’t license their dogs or neuter their pets, which leads to the shelter’s high euthanization rates.

We all should give a warm welcome to the new animal rescue group in Antioch, Delta Animals Safe Haven (DASH). According to their website http://deltaanimalssafehaven.org, it was established to provide an additional and alternative co-operative adoption center for homeless animals in the Sacramento River Delta Area, thereby reducing overcrowding in the only animal shelter in East Contra Costa, the Antioch Animal Shelter.

Delta Animals Safe Haven, which received its tax exempt status from the IRS in June, had a booth at the annual Ramble hosted by HALO (Homeless Animals Lifeline Organization). and is hosting a meet and greet at 4 p.m. on August 20th. Call 925-219-0150 or email info@deltaanimals.org to receive address and directions info.

The contractor for the Highway 4 widening Loveridge Road project will close all lanes on westbound Highway 4 at Loveridge Road for several hours on Friday between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. This work is to ensure public and crew safety while crews work to place steel piles for the bridge structure at Loveridge Road.

The detour for this work will be as follows: motorists will be directed off the highway at Somersville Road/Auto Center Drive, left on Somersville Road, continue on to Auto Center Drive, left on Tenth Street, left on Loveridge Road, right on California Avenue, and left on westbound Highway 4. Motorists are advised to expect delays and allow extra time for their commute.

Please drive with caution through the detour and leave a safe traveling distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. Caltrans and CCTA appreciate your patience as they work to improve the highways. For the most current information on all Highway 4 corridor closures please visit http://widensr4.org.