By Allen Payton

At their regular council meeting, Tuesday night, August 12, 2014, the Antioch City Council will consider filling the vacant council seat held by the late Gary Agopian, who passed away after a 10-month battle with brain cancer.

According to the Council Agenda for the meeting, “with Council Member Gary Agopian’s death on July 28, 2014, state law provides the following options for addressing the vacancy on the City Council within 60 days of the vacancy:

1) Call a special election to fill the vacant seat, which would arguably not require the City Council to do anything further because the seat is already up for the regular election on November 4, 2014 and the City Council has already called for that regular election; or

2) Appoint a person to fill the City Council vacancy until the election results in November are certified and the elected Council Member seated.”

City staff has included two resolutions for the council to consider, one appointing someone at the meeting, and the other inviting applications for an appointment to the council at a later meeting.

However, an appointment is not necessary under state law and the council can leave the seat vacant, because the regular election will be held on November 4, which is within 114 days of the vacancy occuring. A special election could be called, but not held until November 19. According to staff, “a common sense reading strongly suggests that the regular election in November 2014 should fulfill the statutory option of having a special election.”

Leaving the seat vacant will save the city money, as it would incur no additional staff time, and no salary or benefits would be paid to the appointment Council Member.

If an appointment is made, that person would only serve until the new council members, elected in November, are seated some time in December.

Also on the council’s agenda is a discussion to consider a local minimum wage in Antioch higher than the state or federal minimum wage. Staff has brought the matter forward upon direction from the council, earlier this year, but is recommending against it.

The third major item on the agenda is the Community Outreach and Communications Plan for the proposed Antioch downtown east residential development project, which has become controversial due to the location of the project and the possible tearing down and replacement of the current Senior Center. The proposal is to have meetings with a two focus groups, one made up of seniors who use the center and another group that uses the Nick Rodriguez Center theater, as well as the Chamber of Commerce Economic Development/Government Affairs Committee and the city’s Economic Development Commission between now and October. Staff is proposing to have a council decision on which developer to choose for the project by sometime in October or November.

The Antioch City Council meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month and are held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 3^rd and H Streets in downtown Antioch or you can livestream them on the city’s website at www.ci.antioch.ca.us or watch them on Comcast Local Cable Access Programming Channel 24.

Since the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, I could have been a stranger to Gary Agopian and yet known his sterling character by witnessing his three children, Heather, Corey and Jason deport themselves through the Celebration of Life held August 9th at Golden Hills Community Church. They projected the graceful affirmation their dad so emphatically embraced, “Let Thy Will Be Done.”

No way such a threesome developed by happenstance. This was nurturing at its best as Gary’s investment in faith and family reaped a stunning harvest.

Having worked beside Gary for four years on the Antioch School Board I offer a few reflections from the community lens. We might ask, what made Gary such a leader?

ACCESSIBLE.: Gary never dismissed a call or e-mail. It must have been his close to three decades in retail management and real estate sales. As the customer was king, the constituent was the Master and he the public servant.

HANDS-ON: Again, invariably his store background which led Gary to roll up his sleeves and get down from the podium. He was not a drive-by photo-op kid of guy. Whether it was the Graffiti Task Force, where he got out the paint can, or the Youth Intervention Network, where he mentored a family, Gary got in the trenches.

PREPARED: Gary lived the Boy Scout motto, ‘be prepared’. He kept you on your A-Game because in his world there was no slouching. He religiously studied his Board and Council packet and knew the issues. In fact, there seemed no issue, local or national, where Gary was at a loss for a studied observation.

CURIOUS: This was a man with an insatiable appetite to learn and to test his limits. He was the consummate risk taker comfortable pushing his comfort zone. If the mountain was out there Gary was game to climb it; be it the likes of running for Mayor or County Supervisor.

COMMUNICATOR: Gary was gregarious. He loved socializing and was an avid enthusiast of discourse. He thrived in the public square where ideas were vigorously debated.

CIVIL: I never knew Gary to demonize an opponent He could respectfully disagree.

INTEGRITY: Honor meant all to him.

INCLUSIVE: Gary always wanted to study the various ideas of an issue. He leaned on the conservative side but could surprise you as he was no ideologue. In this feverishly partisan society of overheated rhetoric, Gary was a refreshing breeze, outspoken but pragmatic. He sought solutions and balance.

Lee Iacocca, former CEO of Ford and of General Motors, wrote a book, ‘Where Have All the Leaders Gone?’ No doubt, there has been a recent paucity of them as any politician with spine seems a virtually extinct species. Nobody seems willing to tell us the truth or make the hard choices. Where are the Harry Trumans, ‘where the buck stops here?’

Agree or disagree with all his votes, Gary was a leader. He will be sorely missed.

My prayer is that his legacy be in setting the bar higher for us all.

Walter Ruehlig, Antioch

By Sergeant T. Schnitzius, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Thursday, August 7, 2014 at 6:02 PM, Antioch Police were responding to a report of a hit and run accident on Garrow Drive and Sweeney Road when Dispatch began receiving calls of shots fired in the 2800 block of Stamm Drive and a suspect fleeing. At least one area resident followed the suspect from a distance providing Police Dispatch with the suspect’s location. Officers quickly arrived on scene and detained the suspect without incident. A firearm was recovered from the suspect .

Officers contacted a 51-year-old male victim on Stamm Drive who the suspect carjacked at gunpoint. The 16-year-old male suspect was unable to immediately start the victim’s vehicle and when family members of the victim exited their house the suspect fired several times at them with what was later determined to be blank rounds. There were no injuries. The suspect was also identified by witnesses at the collision scene as the driver of a vehicle which was determined to have been stolen a few minutes earlier.

The suspect was sent to Juvenile Hall on the listed charges.

If you witnessed this crime and/or have information please contact the Antioch Police Department at (925) 779-6900. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word Antioch.

By Allen Payton

In a brief conversation with Antioch City Clerk Arne Simonsen, after filing for Antioch City Council closed at 5:00 p.m., today (Friday, August 8, 2014) he said there were seven candidates who had qualified for the ballot. There are three more people who filed their papers in the final hour, which he was processing to determine if they will qualify. “Most likely they will,” he said.

Diane Gibson-Gray – Qualified

Lori Ogorchock – Qualified

Anthony Segovia – Qualified

Tony Tiscareno – Qualified

Lamar A. Thorpe – Qualified

Steven Bado – Qualified

Karl Dietzel – Qualified

Jeffrey Hall-Cottrell – Awaiting verification of signature count

Amber Avelino – Awaiting verification of signature count

Sandy McGee – Awaiting verification of signature count

So, we could have as many as 10 candidates for the two seats that are up for election in November. Check back for the final list of qualified candidates, later tonight or tomorrow.

Incumbent Ted Radke to retire and endorses Burgis

On Thursday, August 7, 2014, Oakley City Council Member and Executive Director for the Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed, Diane Burgis, announced her candidacy for East Bay Regional Parks District Board, Ward 7. Incumbent, Ted Radke, is retiring and not seeking re-election.

Ward 7 includes the Cities and communities of Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Byron, Clyde, Crockett, Discovery Bay, Hercules, Martinez, Oakley, Pacheco, part of Pinole, Pittsburg, Port Costa and Rodeo.

“Ted Radke has served our community with distinction on the East Bay Regional Parks District Board and I am honored to have earned his endorsement upon his retirement,” said Burgis. “My professional life has been devoted to conservation, protecting open space, habitat restoration, and clean water. I will use my experience to expand on Ted’s legacy and enhance our regional parks.”

“People were questioning whether he was getting ready to retire. A few people encouraged me to think about running,” Burgis said. “Then when the time came, I spoke with Ted about a month ago. and he said he was thinking about retiring but wanted to make sure someone who he felt good about was wanting to run. I told him I was interested and he was supportive of that.”

“I can think of no one better suited than Diane Burgis to serve on the East Bay Regional Parks District Board,” said Ted Radke, current Board Member of the East Bay Regional Parks District, Ward 7.  “Diane’s commitment to bettering our environment and ensuring access to open space, conservation of habitat, and environmental education programs makes her an excellent choice to replace me on the Board. I expect Diane to inject new energy and ideas into the Parks District organization.”

Burgis was elected to the Oakley City Council in 2012. Currently, she serves as Executive Director of Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed, a grassroots nonprofit based in East Contra Costa County that focuses on issues related to conservation, water quality, habitat restoration, and environmental education.  Since taking over the organization in 2007, Burgis has helped transform the nonprofit from a local grassroots group into a nationally recognized organization.  In 2011, Burgis was awarded the “Watershed Champion” award by the Contra Costa County Watershed Forum for her work to build partnerships and provide leadership in protecting, restoring and enhancing creeks and watersheds. 

Burgis has also been endorsed by Congressman Jerry McNerney, State Senator Mark DeSaulnier, Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, Assemblyman Jim Frazier, Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia, Contra Costa County Supervisor Mary Piepho, Supervisor Federal Glover, Oakley Mayor Randy Pope, Oakley City Council Members Doug Hardcastle and Kevin Romick, Hercules Mayor Myrna de Vera, Martinez Mayor Rob Schroeder, Pittsburg Mayor Sal Evola, Antioch Council Members Mary Rocha and Tony Tiscareno, Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor, Brentwood Council Members Steve Barr and Joel Bryant.

Nuhad Levasseur and In The Light Voice Studio present:

“ENCHANTED A Journey Through Disney and More”

In The Light Voice Studio Vocal Showcase

Saturday, August 16, 2014    3:00 pm  PLEASE NOTE NEW TIME

General Seating:  $13 Youth (12 & Under): $8

GENERAL SEATING 

“ENCHANTED” featuring highlights from many Disney shows, such as Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Enchanted, and many others. Also included in the showcase are highlights from the Broadway musical Wicked and the Broadway musical Into The Woods…

Many of In The Light Voice Studio’s singers have been on American Idol every year in the top 100 in Hollywood, have appeared in New York in Broadway musicals, have performed with some of the biggest names in the music industry, have been seen on major television shows , and have gone on to land recording contracts.

Come and join us for the most entertaining evening of magical, whimsical, and enchanting music you’ll ever hear all compiled in to one show… If you love Disney music and the Broadway musical Wicked, you will love this show!!

THE DIAMONDS

50’s Rock & Roll

Sunday August 17, 2014 3:00 pm 

Tickets: Adults: $27  Seniors (62 & Over): $25  Youth (Ages 6 – 17): Free With Paid Adult or Senior

RESERVED SEATING

Classic Rock & Roll with today’s attitude! In 1957 THE DIAMONDS released an instant million selling hit called Little Darlin’. The song continues to sell worldwide and has been dubbed “the National Anthem of Rock and Roll”. To date it has sold approximately 20 million copies. The Diamonds’ many accomplishments over the years include: 33 appearances on American Bandstand, Doo-Wop Hall of Fame, Vocal Group Hall of Fame, 16 hit records, 3 certified Gold Records, Soundtrack of “American Graffiti”, Soundtrack of “Happy Days”.

Through the years since the release of Little Darlin’, THE DIAMONDS have learned one important lesson-the durability of this classic rock and roll music is as much about the future as it is about the past. As a result, THE DIAMONDS continue to expand their audience to this day, performing in a variety of venues and settings worldwide. These performances include – with Symphony Orchestras, in Performing Arts Theatres and major concert halls, on cruise ships, in casinos, at county and state fairs, on tours of England, Ireland, Brazil, Chile, Korea, and Japan, for benefit concerts, corporate conventions and at nightclubs. “We’ve been pleased to find a growing audience among all age groups. They love songs they can understand, remember and actually sing the words to – today, tomorrow, or even 20 years from now.”

Close To You – Carpenters Tribute Concert

Sunday, September 7, 2014   3:00 pm 

Tickets: Adults: $27  Seniors (62 & Over): $25  Youth (Ages 6 – 17): Free With Paid Adult or Senior

RESERVED SEATING

The popular singing duo of the 1970’s and early 80’s focused on mid tempo pop and ballads with Karen Carpenter’s unique and expressive alto voice on lead vocals. Both Karen and Richard Carpenter contributed background voices which were overdubbed to create densly layered harmonies; an integral part of their signature sound. 

Michelle Whited performs a stunning presentation of reproducing Karen’s unique voice along with Don Stamey on piano. The entire live band consists of skilled musicians who perform flawlessly, assisted by only pre-recorded background harmonies. The result is a memorable performance that will keep you engaged as you revisit the remarkable music interlude from an era to be cherished for a lifetime.

Tickets May Be Purchased in Advance: At the Ticket Office 604 W. Second Street (next door to the theatre) Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 1 hour before showtime, by phone at (925) 757-9500 or online at www.elcampaniltheatre.org.

Convenience Fees: When You Buy at the Box Office: No Fees; By Phone: $2.00 Per Order; Online: $1.50 Per Ticket; Email Tickets: No Charge; Will Call: No Charge; Mail Tickets: Add $ 2.00 Per Order.

The Arts & Cultural Foundation of Antioch continues their partnership with Antioch’s Umpqua Bank and features six artists in their upcoming exhibit. The bank is a perfect venue for local artists to showcase their work, which changes every two months. The new exhibit is running now and continues through September 26th. 

Featured artists are: Michele Eakin, Jennifer Frost, Ron Johnson, Christine Mikulice and Andre’ Salvador.

Umpqua Bank is located at 3700 Lone Tree Way and is open Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM, excluding bank holidays.

For more information visit www.art4antioch.org or call Diane Gibson-Gray at (925) 325-9897.

By Lieutenant Tony Morefield, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Wednesday, August 6, 2014, officers and detectives of the Antioch Police Department, in partnership with members of the Pittsburg Police Department, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office and the FBI conducted a crime suppression detail in the City of Antioch and parts of Pittsburg. This operation was targeted at some of the high crime areas of these cities.

The entire operation lasted from early evening into the late night hours and yielded a total of 11 arrests for charges ranging from narcotics possession and sales to weapon possession and assault with a deadly weapon. In addition to these misdemeanor and felony arrests, four firearms were seized during this operation along with various amounts of narcotics.

Arrest Made in Recent Antioch Shooting

One of the subjects arrested during this operation was 20-year-old Emmitt Tippie. Tippie was wanted on two outstanding felony warrants. He was also the suspect in a recent Antioch shooting (which occurred on July, 31, 2014 in the 1600 block of Sycamore Drive) where a 29-year-old female was shot in front of her apartment. Information was developed in the subsequent investigation into that incident that identified Tippie as the shooter.

During his arrest, he was also found to be in possession of a loaded firearm. He was taken to the Contra Costa County Detention Facility in Martinez on his arrest warrants as well as charges of PC 245(A)(2) – Assault with a deadly weapon (firearm). The case is currently being prepared for filing with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

No additional information concerning this operation will be released at this time. Any further information will be provided by the Investigations Bureau at (925) 779-6939. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.