On Feb. 13 at 8:23 p.m. a resident in the 4800 block of Wexler Peak Way was in his home with his young son, when he heard the door bell ring. He did not answer the doorbell right away and soon heard his front door being kicked in.

The resident confronted a man with a gun at his front door, and began to fight with him. The resident was able to take the gun away from the man and shoot him several times before calling the police. The unidentified man died at the scene.

The resident and his son were uninjured, and the Antioch Police are working on identifying the deceased man.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Bittner at (925) 779-6939.

For the first time, proponents and opponents of the State’s plans to transform the San Joaquin-Sacramento Delta will discuss the merits and drawbacks of the Delta Plan and the peripheral canal. The forum is scheduled Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the Civic Auditorium, in Stockton, and is open to the general public.

The purpose of this forum is to inform and explain to all residents in the Delta region the scope, and impact of changes that may forever alter the unique features of the Delta by redefining the character and future growth of communities that lie within the region, by eliminating family farms operating within the Delta, and by altering the fabric of life enjoyed by Delta residents.

“A Primer on Water and the Delta” is the first of three forums that are being hosted by the same coalition of environmental advocates, private business and local government that held community forums the past two years on how to employ sustainable practices in everyday life. Members of the coalition are the Sierra Club, Campaign for Common Ground, the A.G. Spanos Companies, the Stockton City Council and the San Joaquin Council of Governments.

“Water is vital to our local economy, our farms, and our cities. As residents of the region and stewards of this unique estuary and habitat to many species, it is important that we stay informed and alert to insure that we retain local control over our water and our future,” said Susan Eggman City Council Member.

Presentations at the forum will be made by Dr. Jerry Meral, Deputy Secretary for the California Natural Resources Agency; Jason Peltier, Chief Deputy General Manager, Westlands Water District; Jim Fiedler, Chief Operating Officer, Santa Clara Valley Water District; Ann Johnston, Mayor of Stockton and Chair for the Delta Coalition; John Herrick, an expert on local water issues; Jeff Michael, Director of the Business Forecasting Center, University of the Pacific; and Barbara Barrigan-Parilla, Executive Director of Restore the Delta.

The forum will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 12:00 noon. Each presentation will be followed by a question and answer period. Moderator for the entire series will be Susan Eggman, a City Council Member of the City of Stockton and Professor of Social Work at the California State University at Sacramento.

Members of the organizing committee are Dale Stocking, Sierra Club; Eric Parfrey, Campaign for Common Ground; Councilwoman Susan Eggman, Stockton City Council; Natalia Orfanos, A.G. Spanos Companies; and Andrew Chesley, Executive Director of the San Joaquin Council of Governments.

Vasant Lad, BAMS, MASc, world-renowned Ayurveda Physician, scholar and teacher, will be giving a weekend workshop on “Ayurvedic Principles for Body, Mind and Spirit March 16-18. Shri Anandi Ma, Self-realized master of the ancient yoga lineage of Kundalini Maha Yoga will join Vasant Lad for this workshop.

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that means “Science of Life.” It is probably the oldest authentically recorded healing science in existence, having been practiced throughout India for over 5,000 years. Its knowledge is empowering and timely. Ayurveda seeks to understand and correct imbalances and to restore the innate intelligence and harmony of the individual through diet, herbal medicines, lifestyle changes and other treatments.

It creates balance within and around us. It is a simple, practical science of life whose principles are universally applicable to each individual’s daily existence. Ayurveda speaks to every element and facet of human life, offering guidance that has been tested and refined over many centuries to all those who seek greater harmony, peace and longevity.

We are thrilled that Vasant Lad will be traveling to our Center in Antioch from his base at the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuqueque, NM.

Travelers Encouraged to Plan Ahead

The Bay Area’s award-winning 511 traveler information service is the one-stop source for transportation alternatives and detours during the Bay Bridge closure this Presidents Day Weekend, February 17 – 21.

Travelers can easily plan ahead by visiting 511.org or calling 511 from any phone in the Bay Area. Special Bay Bridge closure information is available at www.511.org/baybridge/PresDay2012.

Due to scheduled seismic retrofitting, the westbound deck of the Bay Bridge from Oakland to San Francisco will close Friday, February 17, at 8:00 p.m. and reopen Tuesday, February 21, at 5:00 a.m. The eastbound lower deck from San Francisco toward the East Bay will remain open.

Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and take public transit, such as BART or ferries, to reach San Francisco. The 511 website features updates about bridge closure status and special information on transit options during the closure; a detailed map of detours using the Golden Gate, Richmond-San Rafael, San Mateo-Hayward and Dumbarton bridges; and information about current traffic conditions and areas to avoid due to anticipated traffic congestion.

“511 is the best local source for comprehensive transportation information, especially during incidents and closures, like the upcoming Bay Bridge closure,” said Adrienne Tissier, chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). “511 offers information via the web, phone, mobile devices, text and social media, ensuring that people can obtain timely information whenever and wherever they need it.”

511.org features the popular 511 Transit Trip Planner, an online tool to help commuters plan transit trips anywhere in the nine-county region. On-the-go transit trip planning and current traffic conditions are available for people using smartphones at m.511.org. Motorists can also find current traffic conditions and driving times using 511’s interactive Traffic and Driving Times Map, the new 511 Traffic (Beta), or by calling 511 and saying either “traffic conditions” or “driving times” from the main menu.

As always, the 511 Traffic page provides the latest-breaking traffic news and emergency information affecting drivers. When urgent news breaks or emergencies occur, a ticker at the top of the page informs motorists about major traffic impacts and commuting alternatives. 511 Traffic updates are also available on twitter.com/511SFBay.

511 is a one-stop phone and web source for up-to-the-minute Bay Area traffic, transit, rideshare and bicycling information. It’s free of charge and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week from anywhere in the nine-county Bay Area. Call 511 or visit 511.org. 511 is managed by a partnership of public agencies led by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the California Highway Patrol, and the California Department of Transportation.

The popular Christian pop rock band from Australia, Newsboys, will bring their God’s Not Dead tour to Brentwood on Saturday, February 18 for two concerts at Golden Hills Community Church. The band, formed in 1985, has released 15 studio albums of which six have gone gold.

The 7 p.m. concert has been sold out for a couple weeks, so they added a second, matinee show, starting at 1:30 p.m. with tickets still available.

Presented by Compassion International, the concerts will also feature three other groups, The City Harmonic, Anthem Lights, Abandon, and evangelist Bob Lenz.

The City Harmonic, best known for their song Manifesto, is an award winning Christian rock band from Canada. According to Wikipedia, their music is described as “nostalgic Brit-pop meets campfire sing-along mix that features raucous gang vocals along with agile, soaring anthems crafted to include the listener” ^[4] Musically, their sound is often compared to artists like Coldplay, Aqualung or Arcade Fire. In 2011 they won three Covenant Awards from the Gospel Music Association of Canada for New Artist Of The Year, Recorded Song Of The Year and Modern Worship Song Of The Year. http://thecityharmonic.com

The band members of Anthem Lights, from Los Angeles, form an innovative, high-energy pop foursome with soaring vocals and hearts bent on ministry.  According to their website, the band has “an arsenal of influences including dcTalk, Michael Jackson, One Republic, Stevie Wonder, Gavin DeGraw, tobyMac, and Justin Timberlake… [and] has fashioned a dramatic pop experience that is all their own… a rarity in today’s music scene.” www.anthemlights.com

Abandon, an American Christian rock band from San Antonio, Texas, is best known for their song Live It Out, which is featured on The Food Network and at ESPN’s 2011 ESPY Awards Show. www.abandonrock.com

Lenz speaks to about 500,000 teens and adults across North America each year through school assembly programs and faith-based outreaches and events.

Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. Compassion helps more than 1.2 million children in 26 countries. www.compassion.com

Tickets are just $20 and are available online at www.itickets.com/events/281007.html. The church is located at 2401 Shady Willow Lane, off Lone Tree Way in Brentwood.

For more information on the tour visit www.newsboys.com and for Golden Hills Community Church visit www.goldenhills.org or call (925) 516-0653.

2012 St. Ignatius of Antioch Fil-Am Society Valentine Princesses and Queen are left to right, Erica Jeanne Soliman, Little Miss Valentine, Ina Cherub Limon, Miss Valentine, and Sophia Marie Bustamante, Little Miss Valentine, crowned at the 19th annual Valentine Dinner and Dance held February 11th.

Given the bleak state of public affairs these days, a Miss Valentines coronation may pale in significance. The rub, though, was precisely the lack of gravity. The annual Fil-Am Society Valentines Dinner Dance, held at the Walnut Creek Marriott Hotel February 11th was a smash hit exactly because it was a welcome respite from the hand-wringing and uber-seriousness of our times.

Little surprise, as anybody who has spent even a small stitch of time with Filipinos knows that they have an extraordinary ability to see the lighter side of life and a well-pronounced penchant to party. No exception at this shindig as the appetites were vigorous, the dance floor got worn out and the conversation, gaiety and cocktails flowed.

To be fair, the partying actually had its consequential side. Though the figures are not yet in, last year $27,000 was raised for the St. Ignatius Educational building fund. Good things are again hoped for as the program ads were bountiful and a sold out crowd of 320 attended this year’s bash, including City Councilwoman and former Mayor Mary Rocha, Councilman Gary Agopian, former Councilman Allen Payton, County Board of Education Trustee Cynthia Ruehlig and Emlyn Struthers representing State Senator Mark Desaulnier’s office.

Honored were 2012 Little Miss Valentines Sophia Marie Bustamante and Ericka Jeanne Soliman and Miss Valentine Ina Cherub Limon. All three showcased impressive talent before the formal coronation crowning after parading through an honor guard holding canopied swords.

The U.S. national anthem was sung by Rhica Fernandez and the Philippine anthem by Ed Patacsil and Rudy Fernandez. The invocation was given by Rev. Robert Rien, Parochial Administrator at St Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church.

Entertainment was provided by Luz Ocampo, Miss Valentine 2010, and by Elizabeth Abao, Miss Teen Valentine 201. The emcee was Maria Keepo.

The event was organized by Chairperson Marie Centeno, Event Coordinators Cely and Fred Ablaza, Lino Centeno and Ncri Kellerman.

Ongoing logistical support was given by the club’s Fil-Am officers, Coordinators Clarita Perez and Sofie Zimmerman, Corresponding Secretary Nancy Santos, Recording Secretary Divina Sevilla, Treasurer Norma Villegas, Asst, Treasurer Evelyn Ponce, Auditor, Divina Antonio, Parliamentarian Lilia Suarez. and Public Relations Directors Rudy Fernandez and Norma Delos Santos.

Good people, good times, good cause!

By Ray Faulkenberry

Steven Siegfried, CEO of Abbey Carpet, has been pushing a little toy truck out in front of store for over 20 years. People will often wonder where Steve’s place of business is located. When Steve tells them, they will invariably state, “Oh, you’re behind where that cool little car sits.” It’s funny in how they miss the huge sign but can see the little car that sits out front.

Located at 1802 Verne Roberts Circle, off Costco Way in Antioch, Abbey Carpet been serving Antioch and its neighbors since 1981. Steve’s two key staff members have been with him for over 23 years. Brad Russell, a jolly fellow with a great smile, was a carpet installer for Steve, and their relationship grew to where Brad is now the Store Manager. Jenny McClinton, Operations Manager, is a sweet soul who provides the magic ingredient of a female touch to balance the team.

I was immediately taken on a tour of the store by Steve, whose energy and enthusiasm for his business and the community is boundless. They pride themselves on a level of customer service and honesty that is just not very common in business these days. Steve and his team have survived all these years when other carpet and flooring businesses have fallen by the wayside.
How have they achieved this?

“Very simply,” said Steve. “We treat our customers like family and our customer service sets us apart. When there is a problem, we don’t contract it out to someone to go and fix it. You’ll get me or Brad out there and we will make sure things are taken care of ourselves. We have a 100% guarantee on our labor and we stand by it. We’re not here to get rich. If we can make enough money to survive, provide for our family and basic needs, we’re doing fine.”

Listening to Steve, Jenny and Brad poke fun at each other, laugh and talk about life made me long for the work environment where it was employer and employee but friends who truly care about each other who came together to not only do business but to enjoy each other’s company as well.

Many places have great ads that promise low cost and installation for only $99. However, what looks to be an incredible deal often ends up being 2 to 3 times higher than the ad’s price.

“I’m not wanting to make enemies, but most carpet and flooring places place a price on their carpet or flooring, but that is without pads, labor, and other materials,” said Steve. “By the time you add up all of the other expenses to go along with the cost of the carpet or flooring, you get a very different price than you were expecting.

“Every (Abbey) carpet price you see includes all materials, top-of-the-line padding, installation … everything. There is no hidden cost. We do one thing – we provide carpet and flooring. We don’t try and do what we’re not skilled at. We are still here for one reason – we do honest business and we treat our customers like family.”

Steve, Brad and Jenny are good souls who work together to serve Antioch and the surrounding community. I love their honest, straight-from-the-hip communication style.

I know from experience what it is like to try and get a straight price from a flooring store, and have come away every time disillusioned. We haven’t yet replaced our carpet or flooring in the house. At least I know where I’m heading when we need get ready to buy. I’m heading for that place right behind the cool little toy truck out front.

Ray Faulkenberry, Ph.D. is a business analyst, consultant, author, coach, and entrepreneur. Log onto his website and receive his books on success, leadership, and transformation for free. He can be reached at www.rayfaulkenberry.com or rayfaulkenberry@comcast.net.

The National Republican Congressional Committee today named Ricky Gill a “Contender” candidate, the third of four stages in its selective “Young Guns” election program. Gill is one of only 11 candidates nationwide who has achieved “Contender” status.

Advancing to “Contender” status required Gill to meet a rigorous set of fundraising and organizational benchmarks that demonstrate he is “on the road to victory,” according to the NRCC. To date, Gill has raised more than $1 million and has earned endorsements from leading national figures including South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, and former San Joaquin Valley Congressman Norman D. Shumway.

“Ricky Gill continues to prove himself by meeting these latest benchmarks in the ‘Young Guns’ program,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Ricky’s dedication and experience enables him to advocate effectively for pro-growth policies and fight the failed Democrat status quo in Washington. This will stand in stark contrast to the Democrats’ record of spending, borrowing and taxing that California families and small businesses know has failed.”

Gill is challenging Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton), a three-term incumbent who lives in the Bay Area, well outside the Valley and Delta communities of the 9th Congressional District.

Ricky Gill is a native of San Joaquin County, born and raised in Lodi, California. The son of immigrant parents, Ricky is a small business owner, a family farmer, and a former member of the California State Board of Education whose story speaks to the power of the American dream. Ricky grew up helping manage his family’s vineyard operation and serving the community as chair of the Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission. He has played an integral role in his family’s small business, which employs 60 people in the San Joaquin Valley, for several years. In 2004, he was appointed by the Governor to the California State Board of Education, where he served as the sole representative of more than six million public school students. He subsequently served as an adviser to the California Secretary of Education. Ricky now serves as a member of the Lodi Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Princeton University, he will soon complete his Juris Doctor at the University of California, Berkeley.
www.RickyGill.com