Las Vegas, NV – Long before Brian Setzer’s “Jump, Jive & Wail”, David Lee Roth’s “Just A Gigolo”, and the motion picture SWINGERS, paving the way was the originator, the great Louis Prima.

Louis Prima, Jr. brings his famous father’s music to back to life, with an energetic performance and the unique, first hand perspective of being the son of a music legend.

Louis Prima was the original Sicilian “King of Swing.” His exuberant personality and energetic, raucous shows sold out the Sahara’s main room night after night with his band, The Witnesses.

Louis Prima and the Witnesses became a legendary landmark during the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Like most high rollers and celebrities, even the famed Rat Pack were regulars at the “Wildest Show” in Vegas. With hits like “Jump, Jive, an’ Wail,” “Angelina,” “Just a Gigolo,” “That Old Black Magic,” “Buona Sera,” “When You’re Smiling” and “Sing, Sing, Sing,” the shows remained sold out for years. When Elvis was asked where he got his wiggle, he answered “From Louis Prima, of course!”

Louis Prima Jr. performs an electric tribute to his father’s popular Vegas show. The Witnesses have been reborn. Talented vocalist Sarah Spiegel is his beautiful onstage foil. In the vein of his father, Prima Jr. has put together a show with a swinging and rocking band that will “Jive” you crazy with the feel of the “Wildest Show” in Vegas.

• “Louis Jr’s show was outrageously fantastic. Incredible energy, exciting music- they should have a permanent spot on the Vegas strip” (Robin Leach)
• “Blows the doors off” (Atlantic City Weekly)
• “Louis has serious swing chops and dynamite entertainment value just like his old man without a doubt. LPJ take the family lineage into the 21^st Century” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
• “LPJ revived his Dad’s hits in a high powered show. People were literally dancing in the streets” (Los Angeles Jazz Scene)
• “Prima and his sizzling 8 member band took fans back to the era when his father was the hottest act in America. The life, times, and music lives on in his son and the sensational present-day Witnesses” (Napa Valley Register)
• “Junior has recreated his Dad’s sound and wild antics” (NY Daily News)
• “Louis slayed the sold out Hard Rock Café. The band blew out the Vegas Strip. High energy. Packs ultimate power punch” (www.vegasnews.com)
• “It’s a show with infectious energy” (www.dailyfiasco.com)
• “Louis Prima Jr. is a dead ringer for his Dad” (www.neworleans.com)

Louis Prima Jr. is making his first ever appearance in Antioch at the El Campanil Theatre on Friday night, March 23^rd. The concert will benefit the Pittsburg Historical Society Museum and the California Historical Theatre Foundation. Doors/Reception (beer/wine) at 7PM. Concert at 8. Tickets available at El Campanil Theatre box office or www.elcampaniltheatre.com. For more ticket information, please call (925) 757-9500.

By Sgt. Tom Fuhrmann

A serious injury collision occurred on Friday, March 9, 2012 at 6:17 p.m. on Davison Drive at Garrow Drive, between 52 year old Antioch resident Jack Chapman and 28 year old Bay Point resident Andrew Ignacio.

Ignacio was westbound on Davison Drive on his motorcycle and failed to stop at the intersection of Garrow Drive, when a southbound Chevy SUV driven by Chapman entered the intersection. Ignacio struck the front of the other vehicle and was thrown from his motorcycle. Ignacio was transported to an area hospital where he is being treated for serious leg injuries and is expected to recover. Chapman was not injured. The collision is still under investigation and police suspect alcohol may have been a contributing factor.

By Barbara Zivica

As readers know, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on 3/7 in which I thought they would discuss issues and options for the 2007-2014 housing element implementation (ABAG mandates) which were presented to the Planning Commission in February. They did not. The only item under discussion was amending the existing Residential Development Allocation Ordinance sunset date to 2013.

I contacted Tina Wehrmeister, the city’s Community Development Director who advises me that currently ABAG is working on the Sustainable Communities Strategy (planning to 2040) and the Regional Housing Needs Allocation for the next housing element period of 2014-2022. Key dates and document releases coming soon.

On Friday, March 9th, the joint MTC/ABAG Planning Committee will release the preferred Sustainable Community Strategy scenario for public comment and on 3/15 the ABAG Executive Board will release the draft Regional Housing Needs Allocation for public comment. Both items will be brought before a future Council for discussion and direction to staff.

To all of you who showed up for the 3/7 council meeting to comment on ABAG’s mandates, my apologies. Know, however, you made an decided impact even though the Planning Commission did not discuss the staff report presented to them in February. City hall has been put on notice that residents are concerned about the quantity of low and very low income housing ABAG feels our city should accommodate.

2011 Antioch Youth of the Year Antonio Hernandez

Antonio Hernandez is currently a student at Dozier-Libbey Medical High School. In the past 4 years he has overcome many challenges to become a leader at Dozier-Libbey and Student President of California Health Occupations Students of America. Elected by 2,000 of his Cal-HOSA peers, he now presides over more than 3,500 members and also represents Cal-HOSA students at conferences and educational meetings around the state advocating for students to consider a career in health care.

He is on the tennis team at Antioch High School and assists with the girls’ tennis team as well. He participates in volunteer activities for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and is a member of the Young Entrepreneurs at Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. Everywhere Antonio goes, he exudes confidence and professionalism. Antonio joined HOSA his freshman year, became the HOSA chapter president as a sophomore and was elected State President as a junior. During his freshman year, he and two of his classmates competed in the Medical Reading event at the Cal-HOSA State Leadership Convention. As a freshmen (unheard of!), his team earned a spot in the Top 10 Winners and a trip to Nashville, Tennessee to compete at the National HOSA Convention. As sophomores, they competed in the same event and in California took home the gold medal at Nationals!

Antonio has always struggled with his weight. After learning about nutrition and exercise at Dozier-Libbey in his health science class, he took it upon himself to lose 70 pounds and has kept it off. He is an example to all students on how to take control of their life and shine as leaders.

Antonio is the first in his family to apply to a 4-year college. His goal is to become a surgeon. Antonio has overcome socio-economic odds, shyness and obesity to become an outstanding leader at Dozier-Libbey in the Antioch community and at the State level for Cal-HOSA. He is a shining example of a student who rose up, met challenges, and overcame those odds beyond everyone’s expectations. “Coming to this high school as a freshman I thought I would just take this opportunity and if I didn’t like it I would go back to regular high school.” Apparently, he liked it and as one newspaper headline read, “Senior thrives at Dozier-Libbey.”

By Sgt. Tom Fuhrmann

Police responded to the report of a solo motorcycle collision on Wagon Trail Way on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 10:52 pm. Upon arrival, Officers found a 23 year old male had been riding his off-road motorcycle in the street when he lost control and went over the sidewalk, through some bushes and collided with a tree and a fence. The man, who was not wearing a helmet, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Sutter Hospital where he died a short time later. His name is being withheld right now pending family notification. At this time it is unknown if alcohol contributed to the collision. The collision is still under investigation and nothing further is being released at this time.

Jim Clay, Vasili Millias, Lisa Kennedy and Janet Aceves

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce named accounting firm Clay, Millias & Company Small Business of the Year for 2011, at their annual gala on Friday night, March 9, 2012.

For many years, Clay, Millias & Company, has been supporting the community through their pro bono work on behalf of nonprofits. They have provided accounting services for approximately 18 local organizations.

The firm has been in existence for over 60 years and currently supports, on a pro bono basis, 12 nonprofits. Depending on the nonprofit needs, the Clay & Millias team, which includes Lisa Kennedy, prepares tax returns, payroll filings and Lisa is always willing go over and beyond to ensure their pro bono clients understand their books, accounting software and all that is needed to ensure their organization is in compliance with State and Federal laws. When there is a change in leadership in a nonprofit organization the Clay & Millias team is front and center to help go through the organization’s financials and teach the new executive director how to continue the business. It is amazing how quickly a nonprofit can get into hot water without the knowledge and support that the Clay Millias team provides.

Jim Clay received his Bachelors of Science degree from Armstrong College in Berkeley, California in June of 1980. After graduation he became employed with a local CPA firm in Pinole, CA until July of 1982 when he joined the practice. In 1983 he became a partner in the firm shortly after becoming a Certified Public Accountant. In addition to his public accounting experience he has been an instructor of Intermediate Accounting and Federal Taxation and other courses. Over the years he has also participated in various community service organizations and projects.

Vasili Millias graduated in 1982 with honors from California State University at Sacramento with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Upon completion of his degree, Vasili was employed by Schrambling & Chu CPA’s as a tax accountant and auditor until 1984 in which he then went to work for Price Waterhouse. At Price Waterhouse, Vasili worked as an auditor and tax consultant for both individuals and businesses of various sizes.

Vasili joined the firm in 1989 and two years later he became a partner. With over 27 years of public accounting experience, Vasili has acquired a broad skill set that includes supervised auditing, computer consulting, and tax engagements for clients in a wide range of activities. These engagements have included companies’ large and small, in the fields of retailing, professional services, real estate, governmental, and non-profit entities. In addition to being a principal of the firm, Vasili is also a faculty member at both Diablo Valley Community College and Los Medanos Community College where he teaches courses in accounting and accounting computer software.

Antioch Citizen of the Year Sean Wright

Ruehlig Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce honored civic stars at their annual Inaugural Gala Dinner held March 9th at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center, naming Antioch chiropractor Sean Wright as Citizen of the Year – Most Impact for 2011, for his work in rebuilding and revitalizing a struggling Chamber and for his considerable youth mentoring. Also nominated for Citizen of the Year were Kirkland Smith, Pastor of Grace Bible Fellowship and Debbie Walls, Manager of Umpqua Bank.

The Citizen of the Year – Lifetime Achievement award was given to School Board Trustee and Antioch Music Foundation President Walter Ruehlig for his considerable array of civic involvements. Youth of the Year honors was garnered by Antonio Hernandez, a senior at Dozier Libbey Medical High School and President of the California Health Occupations Students of America. The other nominees were Krist Jensen, Manager of the Dow Wetlands Team, and community volunteers Wayne and Carole Harrison.

Small Business of the Year status was awarded to Clay, Millias Co., LLP for significant community pro bono work with eighteen charitable organizations, assisting in tax returns and helping many non-profits in management transition by guiding them on proper accounting systems. Other nominees were Antioch Veterinary Hospital and Wild Orchids the Salon.

Corporate Business of the Year honors went to Allied Waste for their illegal dumping cleanups, intensive recycling efforts and for being a helping neighbor on innumerable community projects. Also nominated was the Antioch Unified School District.

The event was emceed by Chamber mainstay Michele Copeland of American Trophy. She was assisted in event organization by Jacqueline Clarke, Patty Deutsche, Diane Gibson-Gray, and Jennifer Victor; by staff members Martha Goralka and Jack Monroe; and by the Chamber Ambassadors, Monica Ambriz, Clay Baskin, Bonnie McKean, Sandy Henry, Josh Sauberman, Verna Sanz and Jeff Scalier.

Public officials present were Mayor Jim Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Wade Harper, and City Council members Mary Rocha and Gary Agopian, Supervisor Mary Piepho and Maurice Delmer representing Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla. Former citizens of the year gracing the audience were Rick Carraher, Barbara Herendeen and John Slatten.

The Chair was turned over from Sean Wright to Donna McGee of Kaiser Permanente. Donna also won the Chairman’s Award for best assisting the Chamber throughout the year. The Ambassador’s award went to Gwen O’Neill from Juice Plus.

Sean Wright Biography

Sean is most proud of his role as husband to his beautiful wife Lani and father to his five children Haley, Tyler, Dylan, Colby and Rylie. Their love and support has allowed him to spend time in community service but even still, he has never lost sight of the importance of time spent at home and the impact it has in their lives.

Last year came in like a storm after he took the opportunity to serve as the Chamber’s Chairman-Elect in 2009. He quickly realized the challenges he faced when his first unfortunate task as Chairman was to let all of the staff go to avoid financial ruin for a Chamber that has been around for more than 70 years. With the help of volunteers and a terrific Board of Directors he went to work to create a new vision and direction to better serve our Chamber members and our community. He played a key role in reshaping the mission, creating a new website, adding business learning opportunities, organizing the office and by the end of 2012, the chamber will have paid off all of the past debt.

Sean has always loved Antioch and is proud to live, raise his family and run his chiropractic business here. He decided to take action that would make a difference by creating a forum to celebrate the good things that are happening in our schools, through our police force and in our community. This forum, “A Celebration of Antioch,” gave our Mayor, our Police Chief, and our Superintendent of Schools the opportunity to highlight and celebrate the things that make Antioch great and the reasons that we have hope for a positive future.

Sean also had the opportunity to serve as a commissioner on Antioch’s Economic Development Commission where positive changes and a new direction are taking place with a focus on Antioch and East County’s competitive advantages. In addition, working together with the Antioch Unified School District the Chamber has begun to create opportunities for businesses to go into the schools and help our students see real world application of the things that they are learning. Sean serves on the Leadership Team for the Antioch Unified School District’s Linked Learning and Pathway Program where he is a cheerleader for our schools and the great efforts and groundbreaking programs that are being created. His voice is being used to bring business thoughts and understanding into the classroom.

Sean is also the Scoutmaster for Troop 28 in Antioch, on the board of the Antioch Chichibu Sister City Organization, coaches a baseball team for the Delta Baseball League, along with coaching numerous Delta Youth Soccer teams for four of his children. Other volunteer efforts include the Youth Intervention Network, the El Campanil Theatre, Kiwanis of the Delta and the Delta Youth Soccer League.

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Walter Ruehlig

Walter Ruehlig Biography

Walter Ruehlig wears many hats. Walter is a veritble cheerleading fixture around town with twin passions in youth mentoring and diversity. Walter counsels adults with disablilties seeking workforce re-entry and has given career workshops to over 6,000 East county residents through the Antioch One Stop Career Center.

Walter is in his eighth year as an Antioch Unified School District School Board Trustee. He has been Antioch’s Representative to the County Library Commission for seven years, securing large book donations and is the former President and five-year representative on the Citizen’s Mello Roos Board. In 2011, Walter helped revive the Rivertown Fourth of July Parade. He co-chairs the 2012 Parade/Fireworks Committee.

Walter is a newspaper guest columnist and initiated www.volunteer4antioch.com. He is St. Ignatius’s Communications Director. A Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, he has co-organized the Knights’ Police Officer/Firefighter of the Year Luncheon.

Walter co-founded the Antioch Music Foundation and since 2005 has donated eight pianos and raised over $80,000. The Foundation annually sends 250 students to the SF Symphony and 1,600 students to the El Campanil Theatre to see Percussion Discussion and organizes competitions like East County Idol.

Walter was the 2004 California Columbian Squire Chief Counselor of the Year. He is on the Advisory Board of community Resources 4 Youth and has mentored through Scouts, Little League and PTA. He assisted Antioch’s Katrina Relocation Project, volunteers with two Filipino-Americans Clubs, chaired the county Human Releations Commission and sits on the Advisory Board of the Interfaith Peace Project. He chaired the 2010 and 2011 Peace Celebrations, bringing together twelve diverse faiths and planning a Peace Pole at City Hall.

Walter was the 2004 Center for Conflict Resolution Peacemaker of the Year and the 2004 County Board of Supervisors Martin Luther King Humanitarian of the Year. One local official aptly calls him an “ambassador of good will.”

Between Loveridge Road and Contra Loma Blvd.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) are widening State Route 4 (SR-4) through Pittsburg and Antioch. As part of this construction work, the contractor for the Somersville Road project will close all lanes on eastbound SR-4 between Loveridge Road and Contra Loma Boulevard for several hours beginning Thursday, March 8 at 11:59 pm until 5:00 am on Friday, March 9 to move concrete barriers.

In addition, Somersville Rd. will be closed in both directions between Century Blvd. and Delta Fair Blvd. beginning tonight, Thursday, March 8 at 10:00 pm until 5:00 am Friday, March 9 for the contractor to switch traffic signals and apply striping.

Signs will be in place to direct motorists to alternate routes. Please be alert and carefully follow all directional signs when encountering detours.

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 we work to improve the highways. For the most current information on all SR-4 corridor closures please visit our web site at: http://widensr4.org.