– Analysis –

By Allen Payton, Publisher

Humphrey the whale would be shedding a tear if he knew what was happening to his namesake restaurant in Antioch.

Humphrey’s on the Delta restaurant has been in the news, lately, due to some back rent owed to the city of a little over $48,000, because the city owns the land upon which the restaurant sits, as well as the filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy in order to reorganize their finances, to avoid foreclosure and remain in business.

Let me first state, Humphrey’s is still open and in business, and owner Eva Romero and her new partner Samir Rohayem plan to keep it that way.

But the question is how did Humphrey’s get here? Well that’s the whale of a true tale of competition and inconsistent and unfair treatment by the City of Antioch, over the past 10 years.

A little understanding, first. The city has an incentive to make sure Humphrey’s is successful. Why? Because their rent is based upon a flat rate or a percent of gross sales, whichever is greater. So the more business Humphrey’s does over a certain amount, the more money paid to the city.

Let’s go back to 2001 when the City Council chose to go into direct competition with Humphrey’s, when they approved construction of the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center’s new banquet facility.

Up until that point, Humphrey’s was the only place in town where you could hold a seated event for up to 300 people.

The Lone Tree facility was originally planned to be a 150-seat banquet hall at a cost of $3.6 million. Instead, the City Council at the urging of then Mayor Don Freitas, approved a 300-seat, $4.8 million facility. Then with construction cost overruns of $900,000 that figure increased to $5.7 million.

The city loaned that $900,000 to the golf course, but the first payment of $48,379 wasn’t required until this year.

Once the new facility was open at Lone Tree, city, Chamber of Commerce and other events started being held, there instead of at Humphrey’s where they all had been held in the past.

Then the city chose to go into the restaurant business, again. This time with the Downtown Restaurant Incentive Program, in which they had $500,000 in redevelopment money to give to two restaurants.

They ended up granting $300,000 to help Bases Loaded open on G Street, which offered a full bar, food and live musical entertainment, just like Humphrey’s does. Now they’re struggling to stay alive, too.

At the time I argued that whatever the city did for a new business, they need to offer an equal benefit to existing businesses that the new one would compete with.

Instead, the city spent $20,000 on a consultant for Humphrey’s who told them three things, two of which they did: 1. change the staff uniforms, 2. make changes to the menu, and 3. spend $500,000 to $750,000 to fix up the place. The Romero family didn’t have that kind of money for improvements.

All they asked from the city was a new sign at the end of L Street at 2nd Street so people would know that Humphrey’s was there, since the trees in the marina parking lot had all grown up and now block the view of the sign on the front of the restaurant.

Then along came the new Antioch Community Center at Prewett Park which can also hold sit-down, catered banquet events for 220 people in one room and as many as 1,000 in the gymnasium. So, not only was the City competing with Humphrey’s, again, they’re now in competition with Lone Tree – which is owned by the city but operated by a nonprofit board of directors.

City staff recognized that, in their report to the City Council on February 10, this year, when they pointed out the challenges facing Lone Tree – “loan debt, downturn in the economy, creating a larger event center facility desired by the community leaders, the new Antioch Community Center.”

In that same report, staff pointed out that Lone Tree was in arrears almost $542,000 in payments on the loan for construction of the facility.

I don’t fault the golf course board. It was the Council at that time that strapped the board with a much larger debt than was planned or manageable.

But if they can’t make their loan payments, the city’s General Fund – which pays for police – has to pick up those costs.

Fortunately, according to one board member, they have made all the payments required by the city, this year. That included a $281,000 loan payment reducing the amount in arrears to about $260,000 and a $74,055 payment on the loan for the parking lot improvement, reducing that balance to either $74,055 or $148,110.

However, that doesn’t include the approximate $850,000 remaining from the loan for construction cost overruns.

The Prewett Park Fund, for both the new Community Center and Antioch Water Park, received a subsidy of almost $300,000 in this past year’s budget from the city’s General Fund. So that tells me unfortunately, they’re not making it on their own, either.

So now there are three facilities competing for the same banquet room rental business – which needless to say has dropped off dramatically since 2008 – and two of them are owned by the city, and all are struggling. One council member said the city now rotates events among the three.

Another shot from the city was the replacement of the Marina Park with the new Boat Launch Facility. Why? Because people would use the park for weddings then have their receptions at Humphrey’s, afterwards.

Finally, the latest shot was when the Council voted against changing the name of L Street to Marina Way or Parkway, as has been in the city’s Economic Plan since 1996. Humphrey’s address would have been 1 Marina Way or Parkway. The signs on the freeway would have provided permanent marketing for the waterfront and the road. Currently Humphrey’s address is 1 Marina Plaza, but there are no signs with that name on it and is confusing.

Yet the city is coming down hard on a 70-something, Hispanic female and longtime Antioch business owner and resident, over $48,000 in back rent.

Eva Romero attempted to sell the business two years ago, but she claims when the managing partner of the LLC defaulted on payments, she had to take the restaurant back.

She really doesn’t want to be in the restaurant business any more. She wants to retire.

One council member said it was because Romero filed for bankruptcy protection, the city was done dealing with her. They’ll be happy to negotiate with a new owner on the back rent. But not with Romero, because he doesn’t believe they can due to Humphrey’s being in bankruptcy.

Something smells about this entire situation, and it’s not from the fresh fish served at Humphrey’s or from a whale.

The City Council needs to work with Romero and her new partner, and let Humphrey’s deal with their creditors and stay alive until they can find a new buyer. It’s only fair after all the competition the city created for them.

Seventh Year for $15,000 Community Competition

The Dow Chemical Company’s Community Advisory Panel (CAP), in conjunction with Dow’s Pittsburg Operations, is accepting applications for its seventh annual competitive grant program.  Grants will range from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on the scope of the project.  Prospective grantees, serving the East Contra Costa communities, must focus on education, science or the environment.

The competitive grant program was established in 2006 to help fund sustainable community service projects in Eastern Contra Costa County.  Though Dow Pittsburg Operations gives more than $150,000 throughout the year to non-profit organizations in the surrounding communities, designating $15,000 for competitive grants enables Dow to diversify the amount of charitable giving within the community.

Applicants must meet certain criteria to be eligible.  Guidelines, criteria and the application itself are all available online at www.dow.com/pittsburg/community/cap/index.htm.   The deadline for submitting the application is September 6 and grant winners will be announced in early October.

Members of the Dow CAP Grants Committee will rank applications based on relevance, sustainability, and overall impact and benefit to the community.

Max Muscle in Antioch will hold it’s Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, August 18 from Noon until 4 p.m. Owners Brenda and Pierre Goudie invite their customers, and everyone else who is interested in getting in shape through proper supplementation and sports nutrition, to stop in to meet them and their staff to learn more and enjoy free samples, raffle prizes, contests by Crossfit Antioch, huge sales and other specials.

The store is located at 5887 Lone Tree Way at Empire Road in Antioch, near Office Depot, Lumpy’s Diner and Panera Bread.

But you don’t have to wait until the 18^th to get started on the right road to success. Call, click or come by, today at (925) 757-MAXX (6299) or www.maxmusclebrentwood.com and take advantage of this month’s special, by downloading the coupon below and learn more about Vit-Acell Energy Advanced Liquid Nutrition by clicking here.

Max Muscle Sports Nutrition has been a leader in the sports nutrition industry since 1991. Committed to improving the health of people from all walks of life, men, women, young adults, everyday fitness enthusiasts, high school and college athletes, as well as bodybuilders. Each of our employees are extremely knowledgeable and take the time with each client to pinpoint their health and fitness goals in order to find the best program, products and supplements for them to achieve those goals. Whether your goal is weight loss, weight gain or simply dedicating yourself to a healthier lifestyle- Max Muscle Sports Nutrition provides the best products and services.

Our sports nutrition supplements are renowned in the health and fitness industry and with our customers for their high quality and level of purity. High 5 and Max Pro are our top selling proteins, made to optimize protein uptake and absorption, while using only the best ingredients.  2TX is not just a Testosterone Booster, it’s a Natural Testosterone Amplifier, safe with many benefits.  Emerge, a powerful fat loss and body composition slenderizing system, delicious in taste, fast to see results.  Beyond the supplements we manufacture ourselves, at Max Muscle Sports Nutrition, we are committed to promoting and carrying only the safest, most effective products.

But supporting your health and fitness goals doesn’t stop there. We also provide expert advice through our award-winning monthly magazine, Max Sports and Fitness, Personalized Nutrition Plans, our MaxFormation Life Challenge, as well as cutting-edge fitness apparel to keep you comfortable and looking great.

Personalized Nutrition Plans… Each store is staffed with a Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach™ who knows the right nutrients for you and when you should take them. They assist you to figure out what your body needs to get the results you’ve been longing for.

An experienced Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach™ will customize your nutritional program according to your gender, age, height, weight, Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), the thermic effect of foods, your body composition, daily schedule, food preferences, etc. – all to calculate the perfect combination of nutrients for you. These programs are based on science and research, not hype and latest diet trends.

After completing your initial assessment and scheduling your follow-up sessions, your CSNS will provide you with a complete printout of your program and eating schedule. You will also receive your easy-to-use customized nutrition program via e-mail.

Men Were Dressed in Police Uniforms

By Sergeant Steve Bias, Antioch Police Investigations\

A suspect wanted in a home invasion robbery on May 25, 2012 in Antioch was located and arrested on Thursday, July 12.

In the early morning of May 25, at 1:20 am, two males knocked on the victim’s front door in the 3600 block of Baywood Circle in Antioch. When the resident answered, the men who were dressed in partial law enforcement uniforms told him that they were there to serve a search warrant, and went into the house. They began to search through the front portion of the house and directed a second resident to remain in a bedroom while they were there.

After a few minutes of the resident asking questions, he began to suspect that the males were not law enforcement by the answers received, and unusual aspects of the uniforms they were wearing. When confronted, the males left the residence. No weapons were seen.

Antioch detectives followed up on minimal leads at first, which eventually led them to a possible connection regarding uniforms from a volunteer of an unnamed agency that were not returned. Kelsey Scales was found to be a suspect and identified by the victims of this robbery attempt. A search was completed at Scale’s residence, and the two uniforms were recovered. Scales was located and arrested last Thursday, July 12.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s office filed charges against Scales for burglary, possession of stolen property, attempted auto theft, and impersonating an officer.

The second suspect, described as a black male, age 25 to 30, 5’6” and 150 lbs. is still at large.

Anyone with further information regarding this incident should contact Detective Eric McManus at (925) 779-6940.

This preliminary information is made available by the Investigations Bureau. Any further information or additional press releases will be provided through the Media Access Line at (925) 779-6874. Anonymous tips may be texted to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword ANTIOCH in the body of the narrative.

Come join Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando on Saturday, July 28th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in a casual setting to discuss public safety issues, crime statistics, etc. Chief Cantando will be providing a brief presentation on crime statistics. Open communication about community issues is encouraged.

This month’s casual “Coffee with the Cops” workshop will be held in the Antioch Police Department Community Room located at 300 L Street. Members of the Antioch Crime Prevention Commission will be in attendance, and make themselves available to answer questions with a focus on enhancing Neighborhood Watch programs for Antioch residents.

The “Coffee with the Cops” concept was developed as a pilot program by the Antioch Police Department in an effort to improve communication between the Police Department and the citizens they serve. These meetings will consist of a one-on-one type format with a member of the police command staff and members of the community. The format of these meetings has been designed to be informative.

The Antioch Police Department is dedicated to promoting the quality of life in Antioch in partnership with our community, by proactively reducing crime with integrity and commitment to excellence.

 

University of Phoenix celebrates graduation of students in the Bay Area

University of Phoenix Bay Area Campus will commemorate the graduation of more than 1,800 students earning associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees with a ceremony at HP Pavilion in San Jose on July 21 at 10:00 a.m. Nearly 1,000 of those students will walk in the ceremony, including Norma Watson and Will Pearsall, a mother and son from Pleasant Hill and Antioch, respectively. Both will graduate and walk across the stage together, each with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management.

“I would like to congratulate Norma Watson, Will Pearsall and the entire class of 2012. Every student graduating has succeeded because of their hard work and determination, and we are incredibly proud of them,” said University of Phoenix Bay Area Campus Vice President, Stacy McAfee. “Education in and of itself is not the end goal, but the means to achieve a larger life goal where graduates can be successful and do even more to give back to their communities.”

Watson, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business, with a concentration in small business management and entrepreneurship, chose to return to school at a critical time in her life; after her husband of 18 years passed away. She coped with her loss by tackling challenges posed in the classroom, and thanks to the support of her son, who she also took several classes with, Watson feels she has developed the skills and confidence to begin the next chapter of her life. For more than 25 years, she has owned a small business, a beauty salon, and with her bachelor’s degree Watson plans to take the next steps to expand her business.

“After the passing of my husband, I needed to make a positive change in my life. Returning to school was just what I needed,” said Watson. “My education at University of Phoenix taught me the practical skills that will make me a better businesswoman and manager. I am incredibly proud to graduate this weekend, and for our family it has an added special meaning since Will and I will walk together. This experience has truly changed my life, both personally and professionally, for the better.”

Pearsall, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in management, is continuing higher education goals that he had temporarily put on hold. A father to four daughters, with another on the way, Pearsall made the decision to return to school once he realized a bachelor’s degree could open doors that professional experience alone could not. Currently a software salesman, Pearsall hopes to manage an emerging technology company, a dream that only recently become a possibility.

“Returning to school was something I always wanted to do, but never thought was possible,” said Pearsall. “University of Phoenix offered a flexible schedule, but also challenged me every step of the way. Obtaining my degree has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my life, and knowing that my mom and I did this together, even though we had different goals, will undoubtedly open doors for both of us.”

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning can help students pursue personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.