By James Ott

Antioch’s crime rates in most categories are still on the rise while arrest rates and the clearance rates of most of those crimes are still trending down according to a report by Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando.

Cantando’s presentation at the Antioch City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 compared crime statistics from the first three quarters of 2012 – Jan. through Sept. – through those same months in 2011. Comparing this year from last showed that total violent crime was up 37.8 percent and total property crime was up 45.4 percent over last year in the first three quarters.

While those numbers seem alarming, when compared over a longer period of time, some of those numbers seem a little less overwhelming. During his presentation, Cantando provided a chart that compares the same crime totals from Jan. to Sept. of this year with those same months in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. This chart provides a more accurate and detailed look at the changes to crime rates so far this year.

For example, when looking at violent crime, cases of homicide, rape and robbery in Antioch are actually at or slightly below the averages of the previous four years. But aggravated assault is way up at 498 cases so far this year; well above the previous four-year average of 365.

Mostly because of that sharp rise in aggravated assault cases, total violent crime is at 784 cases in the first three quarters of this year, that’s 137 cases – or 21 percent – more than the previous four-year average of 647. A 21 percent increase in violent crime, while not good, is a little easier to swallow and a lot more accurate than the 37.8 percent increase shown when just comparing last year and this year.

When comparing property crime, (burglary, theft, and auto theft), rates from the last four years with this year, however – it’s an entirely different and more alarming story.

From 2008-2011 there was an average of 743 burglary cases from Jan. to Sept. From Jan. to Sept. of this year there are already 1277 burglary cases. That’s 534 more burglary cases or 72 percent more burglaries than the previous four year average.

It’s a similar story with cases of theft in Antioch. There was an average of 868 cases of theft during the first three quarters of the year from 2008 to 2011. There are 1458 cases of theft in those same three quarters this year. That’s a 68 percent increase over the previous four-year average.

And auto theft? Antioch averaged 600 auto theft cases in the first three quarters of 2008-2011. In those same three quarters, (Jan. to Sept), of this year Antioch had 844 cases of auto theft – 41 percent more than the previous four-year average.

So when compared to last year property crime seems to be up 45 percent, when you compare the average property crime rates over the last four years with the same period this year, it’s actually up an average of about 62 percent.

Chief Cantando blamed the large increase in both property crime and violent crime to the city’s reduced police force, the overall poor economy and the passing of assembly bill AB 109 which allows some convicted criminals to serve short stints in jail instead of prison. He stated that several nearby cities are experiencing rises in property crimes as well.

He also said that the new ability for residents to report crimes online could make the numbers skewed.

“I equate the change in the numbers for Property Crime to the change in reporting,” said Cantando. “We have online reporting now. Many of those cases can be reported online and that’s why I think we’re seeing a rise in [property crime] because it’s easier for the public to report [crime].”

Cantando also cited the reduced police force as a main reason that arrest rates are down.

Total arrests were down 7.99 percent from 3,306 arrests from Jan. to Sept. 2011 to 3,042 arrests from Jan. to Sept. 2012.

Antioch police response times are also down. The average response time from the time a police officer is dispatched to the time they arrive at the scene was 4 minutes and 41 seconds in 2010. In 2012 that response time is now an average of 5 minutes and 39 seconds.

Due to previous budget cuts, Antioch has 86 full time police officers – far below the 126 it is approved for.

East County Shared Ministry (ECSM) celebrates the Christmas season with opportunities to give and to enjoy the holiday spirit with a variety of possibilities.

This year ECSM has three Christmas projects: Adopt-A-Family, Christmas Angels, and Turner School Kids. The congregations are providing Christmas dinner and gifts to those in need and who might not otherwise have a Christmas celebration.

ECSM also has a year-round food donation program, and contributions are divided equally between the PICES (Pittsburg Emergency Food Pantry) in Pittsburg and the Antioch Ministerial Food Closet in Antioch.

In addition, ECSM in partnership with the Don Brown Shelter in Antioch and Steeltown Coffee and Tea in Pittsburg is sponsoring a used towel drive. The towels are part of the Shelter’s drop-in services for homeless folks who are offered support in small and large ways, from taking a shower (where the towels come in), to using the phone, to having access to emergency shelter information, to counseling for substance abuse. Towels may be dropped off at Steeltown Coffee and Tea, 695 Railroad Avenue, Pittsburg. Drop towels off on December 9 and receive a free drink as a thank you.

East County Shared Ministry is also offering many opportunities to enjoy the true meaning of Christmas including mid-week Advent Services, special musical celebrations, candlelight services and a Christmas Day orphan’s dinner:s

December 5, 12 and 19 (Wednesdays) mark the days for Mid-Week Advent Services at 2 p.m., an opportunity for quiet, meditative reflections on the season of anticipation.

On Sunday, December 9, 10 a.m., the East Bay Festival Chorus, under the direction of local maestro Clayton J. Foor, will be singing several works including an original composition by Foor as well as several traditional carols. This is also the first day of Hanukkah, and the children’s message will include a story and music about dreidels.

Sunday, December 16, 10 a.m., the children of ECSM will be presenting “A Super Christmas,” a story by Victoria Unti about how Jesus might have threatened the jobs of superheroes. Children of all ages are participating in the unique perspective on Christ’s birth.

On Friday, December 21, the winter solstice, a Longest Night service will be held jointly with Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church at their facility: 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. Decorations, music, lights, jolly laughter, candy, cookies, bells, carols all declare this to be the most wonderful time of the year. But for some, it is not. While the holiday spirit may bring out the best in some, it can also produce unpleasant conditions such as depression, grief, sadness and loss. The service is for those who experience difficulty through the holiday season.

On Sunday, December 23, the ECSM Chancel Choir will perform a cantata entitled “The Silent Night,” conducted and accompanied by Karen Hastings-Flegel.

On Monday, December 24, Christmas Eve, two candlelight services will be held: one at 5 p.m., led by Rev. Christy Parks-Ramage and Elaine Palmer, and another at 10 p.m., led by Rev. Will McGarvey and Karen Hastings-Flegel.

On Christmas Day, at 1 p.m., those who are far from family are invited to celebrate with the ECSM church family. Members Richard James & Jerry Castleberry are hosting a traditional holiday meal with all the trimmings although attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share. Reservations are required for this event. Please contact the church office to sign up at 925-439-9361 or cpcpittsburg@sbcglobal.net.

On Sunday, December 30, 10 a.m., the New Way Team, led by Michael Miller, will lead the worship service in a morning version of a “watch night” service, providing an opportunity to review the year that has passed and then prepare for the year ahead

East County Shared Ministry extends a very warm Merry Christmas to the East Contra Costa County community. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, all are welcome here. “I love the support we offer each other within our community and how that support flows through outreach to the greater community where we share our love with a wider range of people,” commented Rev. Christy Parks-Ramage.

About East County Shared Ministry

East County Shared Ministry is based in the historic Stoneman Chapel located at 200 E. Leland Road (between Railroad and Harbor), Pittsburg, CA. ECSM comprises Community Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg (PCUSA) and First Congregational Church of Antioch (UCC) who have embarked on a continued exploration of shared ministry that will enrich, enhance and strengthen their collective progressive ministry to the congregations, the community and the world at large. ECSM recognizes, celebrates and gives thanks for the many diverse gifts of God among us. All are invited to participate in their community and worship life including, but not limited to, believers, seekers, agnostics, women and men, those of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions, those of all races and cultures, those of all classes and abilities, those who hope for a better world and those who have lost hope.

Brought to you by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce

Councilwoman-Elect Monica Wilson

By Allen Payton, Publisher

The county Elections Division have completed counting the remaining ballots and have certified the November election one day before their legal requirement. The results, posted on their website at www.CoCoVote.us, show Monica Wilson beating Mayor Jim Davis for the second council seat by 666 votes, or 1.4% of the vote.

Wilson ended up with 11,190 votes or 23.48% to Davis’ 10,524 or 22.08% of the vote. Councilwoman Mary Rocha was the top vote-getter in the council election with 11,795 votes or 24.75%, beating Wilson by 605 votes. She will be voted in as the city’s new Mayor Pro Tem for the next two years, tomorrow (Tuesday) night, following the Oaths of Office for her, Wilson and current Mayor Pro Tem and Mayor-Elect Wade Harper, who will be sworn in as the city’s new Mayor. Also taking the oath will be the reelected City Treasurer, Donna Conley who had no opposition in the race.

Ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. in the Antioch City Council Chambers at 3^rd and H Streets in downtown Rivertown.

For more information on Tuesday night’s Council agenda click here.

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 3, 2012 – Kids are willing to do almost anything to get the toys they want for Christmas according to Walmart’s Talking Holiday Toys Survey, which found that 68 percent of kids said they would clean their rooms daily for a year, while 84 percent would work hard and give up playtime. But every child has limits; only 23 percent of kids would eat spinach for a year to get their holiday toys. The Walmart-commissioned survey also found that mom and dad favor educational toys and are focused on price. 

“The survey reflects what we are seeing in our stores. Parents are intent on fulfilling their kids’ holiday toy wish lists and at the same time, are looking for the most affordable options,” said Laura Phillips, senior vice president of toys, seasonal and celebrations, Walmart U.S. “As the largest seller of toys in the U.S. we have a unique ability to leverage our size and scale in a way that meets those needs and helps parents deliver a Christmas to remember.”

Walmart’s Talking Holiday Toys Survey, which polled 1,009 children between the ages of 3 – 11 and their parents, also discovered:

• Naughty or nice? Kids who’ve had a few time outs this year are in luck. While the majority of kids think their behavior impacts the amount of holiday toys they get, 78 percent of parents plan to buy the same amount of toys for their children regardless of how naughty or nice they’ve been throughout the year.

• Wish list toys – parents and kids disagree: The top toy gifts parents want to give their kids this Christmas are “toys that teach;” however, the top toys on kids’ wish lists are dolls and action figures.

“We have seen that educational toys – including kids’ tablets – are one of the most popular categories this year,” shared Phillips. “To meet this demand, we have significantly increased the quantity of educational tablets in our stores and are adding new products throughout the season. This is just one example of how we’ve worked closely with our suppliers to help ensure we have the toys both kids and parents want.”

• Those sneaky kids: Parents are in the dark when it comes to knowing whether or not their kids find their gifts ahead of Christmas. Nearly twice as many kids as their parents say they found their gifts before the big morning (23 percent vs. 14 percent). The top hiding place? The closet.

• Nagging works.  Asked about the most persuasive technique their child uses to get the toy he/she wants for Christmas, the top response for parents is their child asking them repeatedly for the gift. Similarly, when kids are asked what they think is the best way to ensure that they get the toy they want for Christmas, the most popular response was to keep telling Mom or Dad over and over and over again. 

• The toy store parents are looking for: Price is the most popular factor among parents for determining the type of store to shop at for Christmas toys. Walmart is committed to offering low prices and currently has hundreds of toy rollbacks in store and online. Walmart.com also features an expanded assortment of the hottest toys plus free shipping options that help customers save even more. Thousands of toys are eligible for free shipping to home on qualifying toy purchases of $45 or more, or free shipping to any Walmart store across the US.  

In addition, as part of Walmart’s Toyland Tuesday toy rollback program, where Walmart has been rolling back prices on toys every Tuesday beginning in October, the retailer is offering parents the opportunity to vote on their toy savings.  On Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 parents can choose between two toys to go on rollback the following Tuesday. 

For more on Walmart’s Talking Holiday Toys Survey, please visit news.walmart.com/holidaytoys.  Watch the video by clicking here.

Survey Methodology

The “Walmart Talking Holiday Toys Survey” was conducted by GfK Public Affairs & Corporate Communications utilizing GfK’s KnowledgePanel. The survey polled 1,009 children between the ages of 3 –11 and each child’s parent in September 2012.

About Walmart

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices.  Each week, more than 200 million customers and members visit our 10,400 stores under 69 banners in 27 countries and e-commerce websites in 10 countries. With fiscal year 2012 sales of approximately $444 billion, Walmart employs more than 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmartnewsroom. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.

Ticket requests to the 57th Presidential Inauguration oath of office ceremony on January 21 at the Capitol in Washington are available through the offices of Rep. John Garamendi, who still represents Antioch in the House of Representatives.

Constituents can call his offices in Antioch at (925) 757-7187, Walnut Creek at (925) 932-8899 or Washington at (202) 225-1880; or request tickets online by emailing him by filling out a contact form on his website at garamendi.house.gov. Include your full name, full address, phone number (preferably cellphone), email address and number of tickets requested.

A limited number of tickets are made available to each member of Congress for standing-room admission to the ceremony. Because of the large volume of requests, congressional offices cannot guarantee that all requests will be granted. Those selected will be notified by Dec. 21 and will receive further instructions. Tickets are nontransferable and must be picked up in person by the requesting constituent. Photo identification will be required at the time of pick-up.

Schools and other organizations interested in participating in the Presidential Inaugural Parade may obtain more information and apply at 2013inaugurationparade.army.mil/.

Those interested in attending the president’s inaugural balls, galas and parties should contact the Presidential Inaugural Committee at inaugural.senate.gov for further information on tickets.

Detectives from the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff are continuing to investigate a Bay Point death case. On Tuesday night, November 27, 2012, at about 11:49 PM, Deputy Sheriffs responded to a shooting call at the 400 block of Clifford Court in Bay Point. Deputies found a 25-year-old woman suffering from a gunshot wound in a driveway. She was later pronounced deceased. She has been identified as Samantha Holderman of Antioch. The autopsy was conducted this morning. The cause of death is pending toxicology tests.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Office of the Sheriff at (925) 313-2600. Anonymous tips can be left at (866) 846-3592.

By Patrick McCarran, Prudential California Realty

With new home construction going strong again, you can avoid the bidding wars in the resale market. Although you may not think it is necessary to involve a real estate professional in a transaction where a buyer can deal directly with a builder. Think again!

The builder’s agent is representing the builder’s best interest. As your buyer’s agent a Realtor can guide you along the right path, smooth the rough places and help ensure you make a decision you can live with (and in) for many years. As your agent, the Realtor is representing your best interests.

Just as a real estate professional calls on experience and knowledge of an area to help buyers locate re-sale homes in a community, the same applies to guiding buyers interested in newly built homes to developments and communities that match their wants and needs. Your agent can suggest builders based on their reputation for delivering a high-quality product, responding quickly to issues, and being financially sound. Your agent may be familiar with how a builder prices his products and where there may be room to negotiate price or upgrades.

Your agent can assist you as you face hundreds of design choices and consider which upgrades provide the best value in terms of resale and whether to upgrade from an outside vendor. The upgrades, or options available, will vary from builder to builder and the choices you make will depend on personal decisions. Often a buyer can pay far less after the home is built by contracting with a third party but price is not always the only consideration you need to consider the convenience, cosmetic ramifications and if it is even feasible to perform after the home is built.

REMEMBER the builder will require your agent to accompany you on your first visit to the site. So let them shop with you, it is not an inconvenience to them it is there job.

By now, you should be convinced of a real estate professional’s value as you search for and purchase a newly built home. Still, here’s one more great reason to work with an agent—the builder pays the agent’s commission. You enjoy individual attention and support at NO cost to you. What a great way to start life in a new home!

Patrick McCarran can be reached at (899) 899-5536. www.PatrickMcCarran.com. Prudential California Realty is an independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. is a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity.