By Allen Payton

Givans Taekwondo has been serving the youth and adults of Antioch for over 10 years and has expanded their program over that time

Now, owner, and martial arts Master Instructor, Ed Givans, has expanded their programs, once again, to add after school homework assistance, as well.

“Our goal is to help kids and to provide them with great programs,” Givans said. “In order to better accomplish that, we have opened our new after school program.”

They have homework stations for students to do their after school work, an entertainment center, computers and more.

Because Antioch is a commuter city, they provide extended hours until 8 pm for pick-up so for parents who work outside the area.

Givans offers the first program with Olympic Taekwondo and an after school program. Taekwondo is the only Martial arts in the Olympic Games. Our program goes beyond just kicking and punching.

At Givans Taekwondo and Learning Center children and adults can learn martial arts, respect and discipline, and improve their education, all in one place. Please visit their new learning center at 4851 Lone Tree Way, Suite A1 (behind Uno Chicago Grill), call 925 777-0227 or visit their website at www.givanstkd.com.

Wild Orchids the Salon in Antioch is collecting food and toys for local, needy families during the holidays. The Scavengers local motorcycle club have adopted a few families, to whom the toys and food will be given. Please, stop by the salon and drop off a toy or canned food item, and receive 10% off any one product!

The salon is located at 1328 Sunset Lane, near the corner of Hillcrest, next to Highway 4. For more information visit www.WildOrchidstheSalon.com or call 756-0666.

By Corporal William Dee, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Friday, December 6, 2013, Antioch Police responded to a call of man having been shot in the 2400 block of Horizon Lane. Upon arrival officers located the victim suffering from non life threatening gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local area hospital where he is listed in stable condition and expected to recover. No one is in custody at this time.

This case is still under investigation and anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department.

You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

By Corporal Rick Smith, Antioch Police Community Policing Bureau

On Thursday, December 5, 2012 at 7:26 a.m., a victim witnessed a subject, identified as 33-year-old Tammy Lechucia, driving away in his wife’s car. The victim gave chase in a second vehicle towards the Antioch downtown area. Lechucia refused to stop for the victim and during her effort to flee, Lechucia broadsided another uninvolved vehicle after running a stop sign. Lechucia fled the collision scene in the stolen vehicle. The stolen vehicle finally succumbed to the damage of the earlier collision and stalled.

Lechucia was taken into custody without incident. She was later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges of auto theft and felony hit and run.

The driver of the vehicle that Lechucia struck was transported to a local hospital for treatment for injuries she suffered as a result of the collision. All injuries were determined to be non-life threatening.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Antioch Police at (925) 778-2441. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

By Sergeant Santiago Castillo, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at 2:05 p.m., Antioch Police received a call of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident on A Street at W 15th Street. Callers indicated a young child was hit by a car at that location and was complaining of head and neck pain.

The 10-year-old male juvenile was conscious and alert at the scene, but was airlifted to Oakland Children’s Hospital as a precaution and is expected to recover.

The driver of the vehicle, a 75-year-old Pittsburg resident, remained on scene and was cooperative with the investigation. The preliminary investigation revealed that the juvenile attempted to run across A Street in the path of the vehicle, which subsequently struck him. It does not appear speed, alcohol or drugs were a factor in this incident.

By Sergeant Santiago Castillo, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at approximately 10:45 a.m., Antioch Code Enforcement Officers conducted a property inspection at an 8-unit apartment building in the 200 block of West 3rd Street. During the inspection, they located a suspicious item that appeared to be a homemade explosive device. Antioch police officers arrived on scene and evacuated the complex and surrounding homes. All traffic along W 2nd St. was also blocked off as a safety precaution.

The Walnut Creek Bomb Squad was called to the scene and was able to render the device inoperable. Per the bomb squad, the device was capable of being detonated.

The Antioch Police Department is handling the investigation. At this time, we have no leads as to a motive or who may be responsible for creating/placing the device.

Anyone with information that would be helpful in this case is encouraged to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at 925-778-2441. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.