Free Awareness Seminar, Thursday, April 16 and Run for the Health of It – 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, April 25

John Muir Health and the American Cancer Society invite everyone to join them at two events in April to raise awareness and learn more about the causes of and treatment options for esophageal cancer. 

According to the National Cancer Institute over 18,000 people are diagnosed with esophageal cancer annually, and the incidence numbers are increasing. The most common type of esophageal cancer can be linked to issues such as chronic heartburn.

“While the incidence of esophageal cancer is increasing, treatments have improved and survival rates are getting better,” said Wilson Tsai, M.D., co-director, Thoracic Program at John Muir Health. “Through events like our free seminar and run/walk, we hope to better inform the public about the risks of this steadily growing disease as well as risk reduction and early detection strategies.”

Free Esophageal Cancer Awareness Seminar

The seminar will take place on Thursday, April 16 from 6-8 p.m. at John Muir Medical Center, Concord and will feature:      

• Honorable Ellen Tauscher, esophageal cancer survivor (four years disease free)

• Wilson Tsai, MD, Thoracic Surgeon at John Muir Health

• S. Saeed Zamani, MD, Gastroenterologist at John Muir Health

• Susie Howard, Registered Dietitian at John Muir Health

The Honorable Ellen Tauscher will share her personal experience with GERD symptoms and her journey after she was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. John Muir Health specialists will also discuss the warning signs and the latest medical treatments for GERD and esophageal cancer. More information is available at www.johnmuirhealth.com/content/jmh/en/home/event-list/esophageal-cancer-awareness-seminar.html.

First Inaugural Run for the Health of It Esophageal Cancer Awareness 5K Run/Walk

The first inaugural Run for the Health of It Esophageal Cancer Awareness 5K Run/Walk, will take place on Saturday morning, April 25, at Heather Farm Park, in Walnut Creek.

This event features a scenic course using paved paths through the natural early spring beauty of Heather Farm Park. Chip timing and results will be provided by race-production company www.onyourmarkevents.com.

Along with being a great competitive race and walk, this will be a fun gathering for a great cause, promoting health and raising awareness about this curable disease. All attendees will learn how to decrease risk through diet, exercise, and more. Proceeds will benefit John Muir Health’s Esophageal Cancer Program.

Runners and walkers will receive a commemorative T-shirt, post-race refreshments, and much more. Pre-registered entry fees are $35 for adults, $15 children (12-17), and $10 children (11 and under). Race-day registration fees will increase $5.

Participants can pre-register two ways: download this application and mail in with a check, or register via online at Active.com. For more event information, contact On Your Mark Events at (209) 795-7832, or visit their Website.

Race-day registration and check-in will take place at the Heather Farm Park’s athletic fields, beginning at 7:00 a.m., with an 8:30 a.m. start.

About John Muir Health

John Muir Health is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health care organization east of San Francisco serving patients in Contra Costa, eastern Alameda and southern Solano Counties. It includes a network of more than 1,000 primary care and specialty physicians, more than 5,500 employees, medical centers in Concord and Walnut Creek, including Contra Costa County’s only trauma center, and a Behavioral Health Center. John Muir Health also has partnerships with San Ramon Regional Medical Center, UCSF Medical Center and Stanford Children’s Health. John Muir Health and Stanford Children’s Health will jointly open Contra Costa County’s first and onlyPediatric Intensive Care Unit at John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creekin April2015.The health system offers a full-range of medical services, including primary care, outpatient and imaging services, and is widely recognized as a leader in many specialties – neurosciences, orthopedic, cancer, cardiovascular, trauma, emergency, pediatrics and high-risk obstetrics care. For more information, visit www.johnmuirhealth.com.

Four Antioch drivers in contention in their divisions

By Don Martin, II

The popular IMCA Modifieds return to Antioch Speedway this Saturday night, to headline an exciting five-division racing program.  Also on the card this week will be the Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks, Wingless Spec Sprints and Dwarf Cars.

We are four races into the IMCA Modified season, and five drivers have emerged at the front of the pack as the top title contenders.  They are point leader Nick DeCarlo of Martinez (115 points), Scott Busby of Martinez (106 points), Antioch’s Bobby Motts, Jr. (103 points), Fairfield’s Terry Kaiser (83 points) and Troy Foulger of Martinez (80 points).

The competitive IMCA Modified division has had four different winners so far, and it was the four time track champion Foulger, who won last time out.  Another four time champion, Busby, won the previous race, and both drivers are anticipated for this event.

The Limited Late Models so far are a repeat of last year’s battle as defending champion Larry Damitz of Vallejo leads Susuin’s Mike Hynes by just two points.  Current Merced point leader Mark Garner of Antioch is 14 points out.  Damitz and Garner have won the Main Events so far in the competitive division.

Two time defending Hobby Stock champion Kimo Oreta of Vacaville leads Oakley’s Nick Baldwin by just two points in the Hobby Stock battle.  Both drivers have one win each and are definite threats to win this week.  Melissa Myers of Brentwood is a two time winner and is third in points at the moment.

The competitive Wingless Spec Sprint class features a tight, three car battle between Kyle Bakkie of Citrus Heights (198 points), Antioch’s Roy Fisher (194 points) and Rich Panfili of Antioch (188 points).  Fisher was impressive in winning his second Main Event last week, while one time winner Bakkie lost some of his point lead when he failed to finish that race.

The always exciting Dwarf Cars has a three car battle up front with two time defending champion Danny Wagner of Bay Point leading Concord’s David Teves and Adam Teves by eight and 18 points, respectively.  Wagner already has two wins and chased teenage sensation Adam Teves across the line last week for the second place finish that put him back into the point lead.

With so many competitive racers in all five divisions, it’s anybody’s guess who will win this week, but it’s sure to be a crowd pleasing show.

Antioch Speedway is located within the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, 1201 W. 10th St. in Antioch, Calif. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens, and $10 for children 6-12. Children under six years old are admitted free. A family four pack of tickets is $40. Secured parking is offered by the Fairgrounds for $5. Racing begins at 6:30 p.m.

For more information visit the track’s official website at www.ovalmotorsports.com.

Exciting arena events, a concert series, carnival rides, livestock, exhibits and more!

Mark your calendar for this year’s Contra Costa County Fair happening May 28th through May 31st, at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch.

Welcome to FAIRadise, is the theme for a fun planned four day event for Fair- goers of all ages. The Contra Costa County Fair is the perfect place to enjoy live entertainment, exciting arena events, delicious food, carnival rides, animals, and hundreds of exhibits – all in a community-friendly environment and at affordable prices!

For main stage entertainment, the Fair’s 2015 concert series features Summer Beach Party and Chris Gardner Band on Thursday, May 28th, Superlicious performing on Friday, May 29th, Journey Unauthorized performing Friday, May 29th & Saturday, May 30th, Metalachi and Cover Me Badd also on Saturday, May 30th, and Hispanic Musical Celebration on Sunday, May 31st.

All concerts are FREE with admission to the Fair.

While visiting the Fair, enjoy other highlights such Circus Imagination, Splash Dogs, Great American Duck Races, Wood Carvers, Undead Betty Roller Derby, Stock Car Races, Livestock and more!!!

Visit www.contracostafair.com for more information. The fairgrounds are located at 1201 West 10th Street in Antioch.

Dallas Ranch Middle School Boys and Girls 2015 Tournament Champion soccer teams. Photo by Michael Pohl.

By Luke Johnson

Dallas Ranch Middle School dominated in the Antioch Unified School District Soccer Tournament. In the championship matches, the girls defeated Antioch Middle 7-0, while the boys succeeded Black Diamond Middle 4-0, on Saturday, March 21st.

In five matches of the tournament (four round robin and one final), the Aviators boys and girls only allowed their opponents to score one goal each. They were led defensively by keepers Bryan Cruz (27 saves) and Juana Mendoza (22 saves). Cruz is one of the top ranked goalies in California among all 8th graders, according to coach Conrad Diaz.

Eli Orocio on his way to score one of his three goals. Photo by Michael Pohl.

Offensively the girls were boosted by Sarah Figueroa and Tatiana Elsea, who had seven goals and five assists apiece; while the boys were propelled by Elias Orocio and Gustavo Perez, who both had three goals and three assists. Figueroa performed a hat-trick by scoring four of her goals in the championship match. Overall DRMS outscored its opponents 19-1 for the girls and 12-1 for the boys.

Diaz, who coaches both teams and just won his first championship in his three-year tenure, said the biggest victory this season did not happen on the field but in the classroom. Earlier in the school year, six players had a 0.5 GPA and were ineligible. But all of them found encouragement in playing soccer and brought up their grades to over a 2.0, some over 2.5, to compete this season.

“This school was blessed with good players,” Diaz said. “They were enthusiastic about getting their grades up, and they were self-motivated… That is my success story; not the trophies. The trophies are great, and all that, but getting those six students to realize that academics are first, and that’s their future.”

Dylan Rath. Photo provided by and posted with permission of his family.

By Allen Payton

The family of Dylan Rath, who was involved in the motorcycle accident on the Antioch bridge on Sunday, is asking for volunteers to help search for Dylan. He still hasn’t been found. They are asking for all the help they can get to search by boat, car or even on foot. Any effort will be appreciated. Please leave a comment on the Antioch Herald Facebook page under this same post, by clicking here, if you are able to help. Thank you.

Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla announced, today that she has received the endorsement of the California Small Business Association, adding to the growing support for her campaign for State Senate by Democrats and Republicans, business and labor.

“Susan Bonilla is a fiscally responsible leader with a strong record of partnering with small businesses, giving them tools to succeed and create good jobs,” CSBA President Betty Jo Toccoli said. “The California Small Business Association is proud to endorse Susan Bonilla for Senate.”

The California Small Business Association is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit, non-partisan organization that provides small business with a meaningful voice in governments, advocating on a range of issues including: regulation, access to credit, insurance, taxes and budgets, affordable health care, and workforce education.

Their endorsement adds to the growing support for Bonilla from Democrats and Republicans, business and labor. Bonilla has recently earned the support of Republican leaders including Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern and Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor, as well as earning the support of Democratic state leaders including Attorney General Kamala Harris.

A full list of endorsements, as well as statements of support from community leaders, can be found at www.susanbonilla.com/endorsements.

Eddy Crowder outside of the County Spelling Bee.

By John Crowder

Students representing 120 schools from throughout Contra Costa County came together to compete at the 39th Annual Contra Costa County Spelling Bee sponsored by the Contra Costa Times, on Saturday, March 21, 2015. Antioch was well-represented at the event, as students from elementary and middle schools in the city, both public and private, vied for the top prize, an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee to be held in late May.

Two of the young spellers attending Antioch schools, Eddy Crowder (this writer’s son) and Cassidy Derita, made it to the second round in the written competition. Although both were ultimately thwarted from reaching their goal of advancing to the national level, each expressed their excitement and desire to continue competing in the future.

Eddy, an 11-year-old 6th grader who attends Paideia Academy, comes from a family of spelling bee participants. One of his uncles was a second-place finisher in a state spelling bee, and other uncles and aunts had also reached the state level. This was the second year that Eddy had competed at the county level, and he placed 36th in the contest, going out on the word, facetious.

Asked about his experience, Eddy said, “It was scary and exciting. I like spelling, because I like learning the new words.”

Eddy, whose hobbies include reading, Pokemon, and building with LEGO blocks, plans to continue studying and compete again next year. After college, he hopes to become a video game designer or a teacher (following in the footsteps of his mother and father).

Cassidy Derita, a 5^th grader from Marsh elementary, and daughter of Krishanna and Kurt Derita, also has spellers in the family.

Cassidy Derita at the County Spelling Bee.

“My older brother was in the spelling bee when he was my age,” she said. “My family gave me the confidence.” They inspired her to take up the spelling challenge.

Cassidy ultimately finished 55th in the bee, a strong showing in her first attempt at the county level. She went out on the word, rhinoceros.

When asked about her experience, Cassidy described it as, “challenging.”

“I studied with my parents and grandparents every night!” she said.

Like Eddy, Cassidy is planning to study and participate again, next year. Cassidy’s hobbies include reading, playing games, and bowling. Her near-term goal is to make it to the National Spelling Bee, and, after college, she hopes to be a veterinarian.

Given the strong work ethic these two, and many others in our local community display, Antioch will surely be represented with distinction at the County Bee next year, and in years to come.