The Way I See It

By Lou Davis

Many Americans may consider the election being held this year as the most important in our lifetime.

This is especially true now, with general elections being held which will determine many aspects of our futures. Nothing is more important when we vote than considering two of our country’s founding principles, both contained in our US Constitution: Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion.

Most seriously threatened of these Constitutional freedoms is the one regarding religion, threatened in the so-called affordable health care law, known as Obamacare. Christian religions, in an issue most identified by the Catholic Church, refuse to pay for health care which includes abortion and its related services. This question would force Christians to violate one of its chief religious principles, one that the Obama Administration completely overlooked.

Although President Obama says that Obamacare would not demand abortion services be paid for by the church, the law would still move forward with other aspects of the bill which would threaten Catholic hospitals, and other medical institutions. Also, just consider these facts:

It is still not clear who is to benefit when the much-needed health care reform is finally in place. There may not be a death panel set up -yet- but seniors and people with pre-existing health conditions are still not out of the woods, and are not being guaranteed anything by either political party.

Billions of dollars have already been spent or set aside for Obamacare, and the law is not even fully implemented yet. And despite more “hope and change,” the economy continues to worsen in several other areas:

The price of gasoline appears to be around the $4 and $5 mark for good, unless the country is allowed to explore its own resources, which would cut down on the Americans who are killed fighting over Middle Eastern oil.

Unemployment seems to be stuck above the 7% mark for good. And, no matter how many terrorist actions we witness, the Obama Administration seems to be afraid to call it terrorism.

Perhaps, we are not an official Christian country, but why is it that too many of us, who are so-called leaders in this country, especially the left-wing media report violations of other faiths, but when crosses are burned or other Christian relics are desecrated, the same people say nothing.

National Defense, Social Security, Immigration are still big issues still to be settled.

And, do we have something brewing in Benghazi, Libya that could make the Nixon Watergate cover-up scandal look like a children’s tea party? There is still much to come on this issue. Look for names in the future to help settle this question like; President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and UN Ambassador Susan Rice.

One thing is for sure: 2013 will be a very interesting year!

Tickets: (925) 757-9500
Box Office: 604 W Second St ~ Antioch
Online: www.elcampaniltheatre.com

El Campanil Children’s Theatre Presents The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Friday November 2, 2012 7:30 pm

Sunday November 4, 2012 2:00 pm

A classic ghost story by Washington Irving, adapted by Vera Morris

Based on the original story by Washington Irving, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow tells the story of Tarry Town, a place where strange things happen and the townsfolk seem entranced by spirits. Ichabod Crane, a well-educated teacher, is new to Sleepy Hollow and seems to fit right in. He’s taking over the choir, courting the wealthy daughter and sharing a ghost story or two. But not everyone is happy to see Ichabod and not everyone thinks he loves ghost stories as much as he says. He meets a mysterious fate. Legend has it that he is the victim of the dreaded “headless horseman” who allegedly haunts Sleepy Hollow.

Performed by our own Children’s Theatre Company. Performers usually range from ages 7 – 16.

Tickets: Adults: $ 12 Seniors (62 and Older): $ 10 Child (17 and Under): $ 8

 

Aja Vu – The Music Of Steely Dan

Saturday November 10, 2012 8:00 pm
The San Francisco-based Aja Vu band performs the music of Steely Dan.

Close your eyes and you’ll be there with AjaVu, the Dan that can!

From “Hey Nineteen” and “Reelin’ In The Years” to “Deacon Blues” and “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”, you can buy a thrill when you hear the tight chunky horns, vocals and solos note for note and phrase for phrase backed up by an unparalleled rhythm section.

The Aja Vu show recreates the combination of rock, jazzy blues and unique storytelling that has made the Steely Dan sound endure throughout pop culture for 30+ years!

Come join us at our show at El Campanil Theatre and keep the music of Steely Dan alive in America for die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

Tickets: Adults: $ 27 Seniors (62 and Older): $ 24 Child (17 and Under): $ 15

 

Summerset Big Band & Summerset Singers – Veteran’s Day Concert

Sunday November 11, 2012 3:00 p.m. (PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE)

Stay for the concert after the Veteran’s Day Parade (1 pm) – Along Second Street

A musical celebration of America and its veterans is coming to the El Campanil Theater in Antioch this Veterans Day, November 11, 2012. This patriotic tribute to our country and those who have protected it will feature two popular local groups, the Summerset Singers chorus and the Summerset Big Band, together in concert. The show will include such inspiring and rousing favorites as “America the Beautiful,” “Armed Forces

Medley,” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” The program will also feature some of the most beloved standards from the World War Two era.

The SUMMERSET SINGERS are currently in their thirteenth season of entertaining residents of Brentwood community and Contra Costa County. Over-the years the chorus has grown to over seventy members, and has achieved the stature of one of the best choral groups in the area. Directed by Ernie Macintyre, the Singers are best known for their annual summer show, which this year will include an additional performance at the new Brentwood Community Center. The Singers also perform numerous Christmas concerts throughout the county.

The SUMMERSET BIG BAND was formed in May of 2006 as a “rehearsal band” within the Summerset retirement community. At that time there were nine members. The band has now grown to a core complement of fourteen, plus “alumni” and alternates, all talented musicians from the Brentwood-Antioch area of Eastern Contra Costa County. The band is comprised of five saxophones, four trombones, four trumpets, piano, bass, and drums.

The Summerset Big Band has played to the delight of thousands people who enjoy listening and/or dancing as the band interprets the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, and others. It fills a musical gap for folks, many of whom become emotional because of the wonderful memories brought back by the band’s nostalgic music. Audiences cheer when the band performs a slow, melodic tune such as “Moonlight Serenade”; ups the tempo with “Two O’clock Jump”; or a vocal rendering of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.”

Tickets: Adults: $ 15 Seniors (62 and Older): $ 12 Child (17 and Under): $ 10

 

Tribute To The Music Of John Denver – Starring Jim Curry

Saturday November 17, 2012 8:00 pm

The music of the late John Denver is like an old friend, outlasting trends and standing the test of time. Join acclaimed performer Jim Curry for this tribute to the music of one of the most beloved singer/songwriters ever to grace the stage.

Tribute artist Jim Curry, who’s voice was heard in the CBS-TV movie Take Me Home: The John Denver Story, has performed Denver’s music in sold out shows throughout the country and has emerged as today’s top performer of Denver’s vast legacy of multi-platinum hits.

Jim’s uncanny ability to mirror John’s voice and clean-cut look takes you back to the time when “Rocky Mountain High” “Sunshine”“Calypso” and “Annie’s Song” topped the charts, and his popular music had the heartfelt message of caring for the earth and caring for each other.

Tickets: Adults: $ 27 Seniors (62 and Older): $ 24 Child (17 and Under): $ 15

 

Filmed in Europe, RESTLESS HEART is the first full-length feature movie on St. Augustine. Born in North Africa, Augustine studied in Carthage, becoming an accomplished but dissolute orator. After converting to Manichaeism, a guilt-free religion, he was called to the imperial court in Milan to serve as an opponent to the Christian Bishop Ambrose. But when the Empress Justina sent imperial guards to clear out a basilica where Augustine’s mother, Monica, was worshipping, her constant prayers and the witness of Ambrose won him over to Christianity. Serving in Hippo in 430 AD, Bishop Augustine urged the Roman garrison to negotiate with the Vandal King Genseric, but they proudly refused. He passed up a chance to escape on a ship sent to rescue him by the Pope, and stayed by the side of his people.

Christian Duguay directed the film, and the cast includes Franco Nero, Johannes Bandrup, Monica Guerritore and Alessandro Preziosi.

GENERAL SEATING General Admission: $ 10 Online Fee: $1

 

El Campanil Theatre and the International Film Showcase Present

Three Quarter Moon

(Dreiviertelmond)

Friday November 23, 2012 7:30 pm

Sunday November 25, 2012 2:00 pm

Germany 2011

Directed by: Christian Zübert

Run Time: 94 minutes

Language: German /Turkish

Subtitles: English

The world of grumpy taxi-driver Hartmut Mackowiak (ELMAR WEPPER) comes crashing down when he finds out his wife is leaving him after 30 years. Suddenly, he has to rethink his whole life – making him even more of a cranky loner. That is, until the day he gets six-year-old Hayat and her mother as a fare in his taxi. While her mother has to go back to Istanbul for a few weeks, Hayat is supposed to stay in Germany with her grandma. But then Hayat’s grandma falls into a coma. Although Hartmut initially doesn’t want to have anything to do with the precocious little Turkish girl, he gradually succumbs to Hayat’s stubborn charm and decides to help her. Little does he suspect it may also be a case of the little girl helping the big grouch to learn to enjoy life again…

General Admission: $ 8 Seniors (62 and Older): $ 7 Children: $7

Dear Editor:

By James Ott

It’s election season – and as such, two high-profile ballot measures were on the agenda at the Antioch City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 23, 2012.

Measure B is a ballot measure that seeks a $56.5 million in school bonds to provide modern renovations for 58-year-old Antioch High School. The bonds would be paid over 30 years by new property taxes within the Antioch Unified School Facilities Improvement District #1 (SFID #1).

The district estimates that the highest tax rate required from property owners within SFID #1 would be $49.80 per $100,000 of assessed valuation per year beginning next year. Currently that works out to roughly $6 per month per homeowner.

Measure B will require a 55 percent majority vote to pass.

Money generated by Measure B will be used for improvements to the Antioch High School campus such as classroom renovations, a larger cafeteria, a new library with a college and career center, new computers and technology supplies for students, and to update outdated athletic facilities.

The Measure requires all of the funds raised to be used to, “modernize, renovate, construct, acquire, equip, furnish, and otherwise improve school and related facilities at Antioch High School.” In addition it requires the school district to pursue matching funds from the State and other potential sources to finance those upgrades.

Measure B will require the district to perform independent financial and performance audits each year until all of the bond money is spent. And if it’s passed it will also require the district to elect local residents to a citizen’s oversight committee to monitor the bond moneys and make sure they are spent only on school improvements and not on things such as teacher or administrator salaries.

Antioch High School Principal Louie Rocha is a strong supporter of the ballot measure and he stressed during the council meeting how vital improvements are to the aging school. In particular he stated that the cafeteria is so small that the school is forced to have several lunch periods and even then he said that students are still forced to eat outside, regardless of the weather.

Also of note were the athletic facilities. Rocha said that the track cannot be used for any track and field events because it’s so old that its lengths are still measured in feet and yards instead of the standard meters. And the pool, he said, cannot be used for water polo because one side is only three feet deep because it was only designed years ago as a community pool.

Supporters of the bond measure such as Rocha say that the school is in sore need of repair and that there is no other money available to make such improvements. They say that up-to-date classrooms and facilities are necessary for students to meet state and federal standards and to graduate and be prepared for college.

Critics of Measure B say that school officials are ignoring what happened just this past June with Measure J – a similar $59.5 million school bond that was defeated by voters. Although Measure J failed to pass by a mere 31 votes, critics say that the school board is ignoring what voters want.

A resident at the council meeting spoke against the measure and said that although the yearly amount for Measure B was low, over the 30-year life of the bond he estimated he would have to pay an additional $115,000 in property taxes.

Like many in this deteriorating economy, a lot of Antioch residents are hesitant to vote yes when that vote means additional taxes.

Also at the Meeting:

The City of Antioch is seeking $114,723 owed to it by Contra Costa County as the successor agency to the city’s redevelopment agency.

When Antioch’s redevelopment agency was dissolved and its funds were spirited away by the state, the city had the option to become a successor agency to that redevelopment entity.

By becoming a successor agency, the city guaranteed itself about $250,000 a year as part of an administrative cost allowance.

Or so the city thought.

Back in January the city told the county that they needed $125,000, (the $250,000 is paid in two yearly installments), and the county forked it over.

But in June when Antioch asked for the rest of the money, Contra Costa County informed them that they did not have enough money to pay the city.

So they gave them about $10,526.

Now the city is attempting to retrieve the remaining $114,473.

Although the county now has the money to pay Antioch, they told the city that the regulations surrounding the city as successor agency program prevents them from making a back payment.

City of Antioch Finance Director Dawn Merchant held a meeting with the county recently and said that the county claims they have never run into this problem. Merchant called the meeting “positive” however, and said she came away with the impression that there is hope for the city to get they money it is owed.

Antioch City Attorney Lynn Nerland said that there are about 25 lawsuits pending in relation to the state-wide dissolution of redevelopment agencies and summed up the city’s most current debacle with the county.

“No one seems to dispute that we are owed money,” she said, “but it seems to be a bureaucratic issue of how to get it to us.”

By James Ott

United Professional Fire Fighters of Contra Costa County President Vince Wells came to the city council meeting on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 asking them to support Measure Q – a proposed parcel tax for residents within the Contra Costa Fire Protection District. The council voted unanimously to endorse the tax.

Measure Q seeks to help raise money for the firefighter’s district that has lost about $32 million since the 2008 housing market collapse, according to Wells.

If approved, Measure Q will levy a $75 parcel tax per year for owners of single-family homes. It would cost apartment owners $37.50 per unit and any commercial or industrial landowners would need to plunk down $300 per acre, or $75 per quarter-acre. And agricultural or vacant property owners would pay $37.50 per parcel.

The proposed tax would take effect from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2020 and is estimated to create $16.8 million a year for the county fire district.

Measure Q will need a two-thirds supermajority vote to pass.

There are 28 fire stations in the Contra Costa Fire Protection District and four of those are in Antioch. Wells said that the lack of money is forcing the fire district to close up to10 fire stations in the next two years, with the first closure coming as soon as January, 2013.

As for now, it isn’t known if any fire stations in Antioch are scheduled to be shuttered. Those that are scheduled to close will be notified in December.

Wells also said that lack of funding has cost the district 81 firefighters. Those that remain have taken a 10 percent pay cut and have also made concession to their benefits and pensions.

“I personally pay 26 percent of my paycheck toward my pension every month,” said Wells.

Like fireman Vince Wells, proponents of Measure Q say that the money is sorely needed, even in the rough economic times. Supporters point out that Contra Costa Fire Protection District is among the 14 largest metropolitan fire agencies in the state and they say that without additional money, response times to fires and other emergencies could be impacted.

Most people would only pay the $75-per-year parcel tax which adds up to only $1.44 a week.

Opponents of the measure such as “Halfway to Concord” Editor Bill Gram-Reefer accused Supervisors and union leaders of ignoring serious pension reform and restructuring that could have saved money without having to take from taxpayers.

Contra Costa Taxpayers Association President Kris Hunt said that the fire district has lived beyond its means for too long and thinks Measure Q is only a temporary fix.

And the Contra Costa Times editorial board went so far as to call the measure “political blackmail” for the district’s plan to close almost two-thirds of it’s fire stations if the voters don’t pass it.

It is worth noting that on the June 5, 2012 ballot, the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District proposed a similar parcel tax called Measure S. The $197-a-year tax proposal was soundly defeated when 56.2% of voters rejected it.

Dear Editor,

No matter who I or anyone else votes for at the local, state and federal levels, as well as the various measures up for consideration, my biggest concern for the city of Antioch, CA, is the incredible amount of signs all over every piece of fencing that I can see. In fact, some fences are not visible except for the signs! It’s hard enough dealing with all the general trash and mess that blows around, these signs are horribly annoying, and, quite distracting, sometimes obscuring a safe view of an intersection or street corner.

I urge the candidates, winner or loser, to respect our/their city and have a team of volunteers to remove every one of your signs. In accordance with city code, you’ve got 14 days after the event that the sign is for – so, on or before November 20th, you need to have all of your signs removed.

To be sure candidates are fully aware, there IS a city code that governs where signs can be placed, and, how long after the event they can remain. Based on my reading of the code, there are tons of places around Antioch that the signs are in direct violation of the code.

If candidates want to make an impression on me, then they would firstly ensure that every one of their signs is placed in accordance with the city code, and, that they have them removed on or before November 20th.

For everyone’s reference, the specific city code is contained in Chapter 5, article 5 of the city code;

§ 9-5.518  TEMPORARY SIGNS.

      (A)     Temporary sign defined.  TEMPORARY SIGN shall mean any sign, handbill, or poster which is placed to advertise or announce a specific event, or which pertains to a particular event or occurrence, or which is not designed or intended to be placed permanently.  Examples of temporary signs include, but are not limited to, signs, handbills, or posters relating to garage sales, political candidates or ballot measures, concerts, “swap meets,” and the like.

Lastly, for all residents of Antioch, the city code can be found at http://goo.gl/9nsGn, and it is fully searchable too!

James Marchetti, Antioch

 

HA.R.P. – the Homeless Animals Rescue Program – continues to need financial help and can use more foster families and volunteers. I have a dog that really needs a home. I have attached a pcture of Yahtze. He is a Basenji mix, but larger, at 50 pounds. Yahtze is affectionate, energetic and responds well to instruction given by a strong pack leader (needs an owner who is commanding in his attitude). Basenji’s have a soft yodel bark but they are very protective. Yahtze would make a good dog for someone who wants an only dog who is very loyal.

Update: Max, Manny, and Maddie, featured in the August issue of the Antioch Herald, were adopted into wonderful homes. They get along with all the family members and other dogs. Manny and Maddie went to different homes, but they play and get along with the dogs in each of their families and have adjusted very well to their new circumstances.

For more information visit www.harp-rescue.org.

By Ron Parish, PGA Director of Golf, Lone Tree Golf Course

Who is it? Hank Haney? One of the Harmon brothers? Jim McClean? Michael Breed? David Leadbetter? Martin Hall? Or should we go Old School? Bob Toski? Jim Flick? Tommy Jacobs? I could keep going. It would be nice to spend time with one of these guys wouldn’t it? But then you might have to look at the finances and see if you can afford such and engagement. Several of these instructors command a four digit fee. I propose that you already meet regularly with one if not the greatest teachers of all time. Do you realize that? Each one of you. Who? The golf ball. Really Coach Ron? Really? Yes, really. The question is, are you listening?

Granted, there are things that a qualified PGA instructor can and will help a student improve in their game. There are times when we don’t realize some things are going on and we need to have someone shed some insight, and getting lessons and an understanding of fundamentals is vital. But the golf ball is constantly teaching us and I don’t believe enough golfers are listening. I try and stress this to my students but I have to be honest, I get frustrated because they aren’t listening. So I will pose a few questions to help you get where I am coming from and hopefully help the golf ball teach you.

What does the golf ball know? Only the club head, and the golf ball is trying to tell you the message the club head is sending. By the way, the message it is sending is coming from the shaft, which is held by you and your body, and so you are ultimately telling the club head what to do and again it is the only thing the ball knows. So how does the golf ball teach us? Here are some of my top experiences with students and hopefully this will help:

Full swing

• The bladed ball. This one is pretty darn common with beginners. There is something innate for a beginner here. I think it comes from an uncertainty or doubt because they know they are new to the game, or because a fear to disturb the grass when hitting down on the ball, and so what happens? Blade after blade, singed night crawlers and nervous gophers. What’s the ball telling you? You are hitting the ball on the leading edge not the clubface. What do you do? Check your ball position, possibly move it back in your stance and then keep your eye on the back of the ball and hit down and brush the grass after you hit the ball. A little divot is good for a beginner. If you hit it fat, don’t beat yourself up, just keep at it and you will learn to hit the ball first.

• Slices. The golf ball is telling you the clubface is open in relation to the path of the club head. Remedy? Start with the grip. Rotate hands towards the back foot (stronger) when gripping the club and move the ball back in your stance until you start to hit it straight or with a draw.

• Driver that flies low and shoots offline. The ball is telling you the path of the club head is coming in too steep and not sweeping enough. Tee the ball high, keep the ball position forward and really sweep the take away low to the ground. On the way through, pretend there is a small nail sticking in the back of the ball just below the equator and the club head is going to sweep through and drive the ball squarely through the golf ball. A good drive should launch at about 45 degrees.

• Putts that don’t feel solid and come up short. If everything is square and the path is good, the ball is telling you it needs to hit the sweet spot of the putter. Tape two band-aids just outside of your sweet spot, leaving a small opening to hit the ball, and then practice hitting putts right on it. I bet you will find the ball rolling your intended distance soon.

• Chips that are chunky. The ball is telling you to hit the little ball before the big one. Move the golf ball back in your stance. Keep stance open. Keep your weight favoring the forward foot and keep your hands ahead throughout the motion. These things will help you meet the golf ball first. Still not getting it? Push yourself. Practice chipping and see how far you can move the ball back in your stance. 2”. 4’, 6’ behind your back foot? Try it and watch what happens, I bet you will start making good contact with the golf ball and you will figure things out.

These are just a few examples, there are many more, but my point is mainly made so to help yourself learn. Watch and listen to what the golf ball does instead of getting frustrated at a missed shot and you will be more easily able to make change and improve your game.

I hope this helps. Thanks to all the golfers that frequent Lone Tree and for all you do for our course and golf in the area. Please try to bring someone new to the game soon or let them know about a golf program offered here or elsewhere. Someone else is out there who would like to have the fun that you are having with this great game.

If you are interested in reviewing other articles from Coach Ron go to www.lonetreegolfcourse.com under “The Course” tab.