By Barbara Zivica

I was amazed to read that the Chamber of Commerce nominated the Antioch Unified School District as one of the two contenders for the title of Large Corporate Business of the Year; the other contender being Allied Waste Services who ultimately won the title.

Folks, the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) is NOT a corporate business. Corporations, which come in two different forms – the C corporation and the S corporation, are the most complex and structured of all legal business structures. Corporations operate as a separate entity from their owners and shareholders and can make income and suffer losses. A Corporation can sue other parties when its rights have been violated and can be sued by other companies or shareholders. A school district does not hold stock or shares which investors can buy or sell.

The Antioch Unified School District does, however, have a huge portfolio of land not being used for school sites or other district use, land which if sold could used for capital projects or improvements, such as facility renovation or building new schools instead of asking voters to approve another bond measure. (Ongoing maintenance is supposed to come out of district operating funds, districts being required to dedicate 3% of their general fund budget for this purpose.)

Furthermore, AUSD is going to structure the proposed $59.5 million June ballot measure to modernize Antioch High School, whose principal is the son of Councilwoman Mary Rocha, in the same manner as the previous 2008 $61.6 million bond measure, by forming a school facilities improvement district (SFID) which is similar to a Mello Roos district, but which requires only 55% voter approval rather than two-thirds voter approval.

In addition to voting no on this bond measure, voters should “pink slip” district administrators and school board members that support this unjust parcel tax measure.

Five additional public meetings have been added to the schedule, for a total of 10 in March, to get feedback on critical issues including a proposed fare increase. If you are unable to attend one of the meetings, you can review the materials online and take an online survey. For additional information, including a link to the meeting schedule and to the online survey, read more.

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.