Confetti falls on the crowd in celebration of the Golden State Warriors victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semi-Final series Wednesday night, May 13, 2015. photo by Allen Payton

Take lead 3-2 in playoff series

By F.D. Purcell

Antioch Herald

Sounds of the chant “Warriors” permeated ORACLE Arena for the 128th consecutive sellout crowd of 15,596 during Wednesday night’s victory in their game against the Memphis Grizzlies. A completely different energy than the Tuesday before when the league’s MVP, Steph Curry was honored in a pregame ceremony. That night Golden State received their third loss in three months, but Wednesday night was different.

After struggling in Game 3 and snagging a win in Game 4 in Memphis, Golden State got their regular season playing mojo back upon returning to ORACLE for Game 5 versus breaking their 2-2 tie with a 98-78 win.

“This win is significant to win the series, we would love to win on the road,” said Warriors coach Steve Kerr following the game. “You have to try to get it done when you can, you can’t mess around. We have to play the defense we played the last few games.”

Golden State also ended an18-year Game 5 losing streak dating back to May 3, 1987 against the Utah Jazz in their victory.

“This is the kind of defense that is going to be what it takes to close the series out,” Kerr added.

The Grizzlies started out the gate making it their game, leading by as much as 13 points in the first quarter, until Golden State found their rhythm capitalizing on rebounds and a jump start of offense by Curry in the second quarter.

Forward Klay Thompson led all scorers with 21-points, Curry was second with 18 but it would be the Warriors bench that would be the spark finishing with 32-points versus Memphis‘ 17.

“I don’t think Shaun Livingston gets the credit he deserves, as a low-length defender and he gives them stability,” said Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger. “Their bench has been tremendous.”

For Memphis, they’re just looking forward to getting back to the drawing board and Game 6, Friday at FedEx Forum.

“We are going to execute a litle better,” said Memphis Center Marc Gasol.

Playing without one of their key players, Tony Allen, Memphis certainly missed the “juice” that he brings, as well as the defensive threat, according to Joerger.

“We really missed that from Tony tonight, let alone what he does as a defender, which I could go on and on for that,” Joerger added.

The Warriors capitalized on the loss, executing effectively, and Kerr feels his team has yet to reach their playing potential.

“I don’t think we’ve hit our stride, yet with the way they’re playing us offensively,” Kerr stated.

Golden State looks to close out the series Friday in Memphis at FedEx Forum. Should they tie the series they will play Game 7 at ORACLE on Sunday.

Read more by following @sportsinthebay_

Safe-Driving Video Wins Two Awards in National Competition, Students Will Receive $12,500 and Behind-the-Scenes Trip to Velocity Network Show Taping

Silver Spring, Md. (May 11, 2015) – Toyota and Discovery Education announced today that  Jordan Bjorklund, Daniel Harte, Joseph Salazar and Karina Vazquez – students at Antioch Unified School District’s Deer Valley High School– triumphed over 1,000 entrants from across the country to be named winners in the annual Toyota TeenDrive365 Video Challenge. The four teens from Antioch created a video on the importance of driving safety which has won both third place and the People’s Choice Award in this national competition.

Now in its fourth year, the Toyota TeenDrive365 Video Challenge, a key component of an ongoing partnership between Toyota and Discovery Education, invited teens across the country to create short videos to inspire their friends to drive more safely and avoid risky behavior behind the wheel.

The team from Antioch was chosen as third place winners by a panel of judges at Toyota and Discovery Education, netting them a prize of $7,500. In addition, the students’ video was named the ‘People’s Choice Winner’ through an online public vote, garnering them an additional $5,000 cash prize and a behind-the-scenes trip to a taping of a Velocity network show. You can view their winning video here.

“We loved how this PSA addressed driving safety with creativity and a clear-eyed view of the distractions that face drivers of all ages,” said Michael Rouse, president of the Toyota USA Foundation. “We offer the team our heartfelt congratulations and are proud to help share their vision for encouraging other teens to drive more safely.”

“The TeenDrive365 initiative addresses the need to keep students safe on the road by providing engaging digital resources and experiences that encourage smart choices behind the wheel,” said Bill Goodwyn, President and CEO, Discovery Education. “We are honored to stand alongside Toyota in congratulating Jordan, Daniel, Joseph and Karina and the rest of this year’s winners for their creativity, innovative thinking, and dedication to positively influencing the behavior of their peers.”

The Toyota TeenDrive365 Video Challenge, which was recently named a winner in the annual Communitas Awards, is one component of Toyota and Discovery Education’s TeenDrive365: In School initiative, a comprehensive program offering a range of tools designed specifically for school educators and teens.

The program is part of TeenDrive365 (www.teendrive365.com), Toyota’s comprehensive initiative to help parents model safer driving behaviors for their children. Building on the programs and resources Toyota has offered for more than a decade, the program offers a collection of online tools, events, expert advice and tips as well as social media elements.

About Toyota

Toyota, the world’s top automaker and creator of the Prius, is committed to building vehicles for the way people live through its Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands.  Over the past 50 years, Toyota has built more than 25 million cars and trucks in North America, where it operates 14 manufacturing plants and directly employs more than 40,000 people.  The company’s 1,800 North American dealerships sold more than 2.67 million cars and trucks in 2014 – and about 80 percent of all Toyota vehicles sold over the past 20 years are still on the road today.  Toyota partners with philanthropic organizations across the country, with a focus on education, safety and the environment. To date, Toyota has contributed more than $700 million to American nonprofit groups. For more information about Toyota, visit Toyota.com/USA.

About Discovery Education

Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content and professional development for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content that supports the implementation of Common Core, professional development, assessment tools, and the largest professional learning community of its kind.  Available in over half of all U.S. schools and primary schools in England, community colleges and in 50 countries around the world, Discovery Education partners with districts, states and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that accelerate academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

Black Diamond Middle School PTSO Golf Tournament winning team of Mike Stoiber, Dan Smith, Tim Stiehr and Ross Lopez.

By John Crowder

The Black Diamond Middle School (BDMS) Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO) has been very active this year, and recently sponsored a science fair at the school and a golf tournament fundraiser at the Lone Tree Golf Course and Event Center.

Science Fair

The PTSO-sponsored science fair was open to all students at the school, and garnered about three-dozen entries. Cash prizes ($100 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for third place) and ribbons were given to the top finishers at each grade level, 6th through 8th. All students submitting entries received extra credit points in their science classes.

Frances Spijker, BDMS PTSO President, recruited school “celebrity” judges for the event, including Dr. Donald Gill, Antioch Superintendent of Schools, and school board members Diane Gibson-Gray, Debra Vinson, and Walter Ruehlig.

Top placing students were:

6th Grade: Dylan Riley (1st), Sabrina Puri (2nd), and Amari Joyner & Jeffery Boatright (3rd)

7th Grade: Nayeli Canedo (1st), Ashanti Jackson & Pilar Pedro-Del-La-Sol (2nd), and Fred Edgmond & Adagoke Adeyemi (3rd)

8th Grade: Jordin Lara (1st), Stephanie Spijker (2nd), and Patrick Queiroz & Tabasom Bahramand (3rd)

Golf Tournament

The BDMS golf tournament fundraiser, sponsored by the school PTSO, took place on Sunday, March 22, and began with a shotgun start just after 1:00 p.m. at the Lone Tree Golf Course and Event Center. The money raised at the event will help fund the BDMS STEM program, the Academic Achievers Gala Event, and other student programs. Following the tournament, participants enjoyed a tri-tip dinner as awards were handed out.

The winners of the tournament, with a team score of 64, were Ross Lopez, Mike Stoiber, Dan Smith, and Tim Stiehr. The “longest drive” was won by BDMS student Jackielou Caniete. “Closest to the pin” went to Chris Santos.

The PTSO organizing team extends their thanks to their business sponsors: A & B Creative Trophies, Ed Caniete of Sun Edison, Jacquelyne Gettone of IG GETTDONE, Kinder’s Meats, Sheffield Orthodontics, and State Farm Agent Ross Lopez.

More Events

The PTSO is sponsored a “Fun Day,” consisting of outdoor fun and games for all students on Wednesday, May 6. Tonight, May 13, the PTSO is sponsoring a “High Achievers Dinner Gala.” This event, to be held at the Veterans Memorial Building in Antioch, is for all students who achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher in the Third Quarter.

For more information on the BDMS PTSO contact Frances Spijker at francesjs1030@aol.com, or visit their website, www.bdsm-pts.org.

Dear Editor:

During a debate with Assemblymember Susan Bonilla on KQED Forum, last week, State Senate candidate Steve Glazer claimed:

“I have not sent out any mail. And I’ve not put on any radio ads or TV ads.”

That’s quite unusual for any campaign – even one for City Council or a Water Board, never mind a State Senate campaign in a competitive district.

How can Glazer not spend a dime on voter communication that’s part and parcel to nearly all political campaigns?

Because he relies exclusively on independent expenditures by special interests in a too-cute-by-half strategy that flirts with the law.

Those interests are shattering all records. As of last night, they have spent a record $4 million on his campaign:

– LA Republican developer Bill Bloomfield has now spent $ $1,771,013.95 [$596,000 in the first election, $8,400 in direct contributions from Bloomfield and his wife and $ $1,119,149.36since the March 17 election]

– JobsPAC, described by the Sacramento Bee as a political committee funded by tobacco, drug, and oil companies, has spent $1,242,322.85 [$376,476.53 in the first election and $865,846.32 since March 17]

– Charter Schools IE has spent $856,375.39 [$175,207.09 in the first election and $681,168.30 since March 17]

– EdVoice has spent $710,685.79  [$36,794.93 in the first election and $673,890.86 since March 17]

– Govern for CA Action Committee has spent $11,549.84, all since April 29

– Koch Brothers affiliated Independent Women’s Voice has spent $8,600 since May 6.

Meanwhile, as for the candidates:

– Glazer has raised $255,500.00 since March 17.

– Susan Bonilla reported $749,501.69 since March 17.

So how does the Glazer strategy work? Simple. Glazer posts information on his Facebook page and website. And bingo – they instantly become mail pieces and TV ads. In the last few weeks, this has included “letters” from his wife, his daughter, and even Glazer himself that turned into direct mail pieces. This is a far cry from the days when IE’s typically took images off a candidate’s website; Glazer knowingly posts this information directly for IE use since he admits his campaign has no direct mail, TV or radio effort.

(Glazer’s patron saint, GOP LA developer Bill Bloomfield, even owns and operates the website www.steveglazer.com).

So don’t believe Glazer’s consultant-talk about “special interests.” Without them, he’d have no campaign. And he knows it.

Steven Maviglio, Spokesman, Working Families Opposing Glazer for Senate 2015

Working Families Opposing Glazer for Senate 2015 is sponsored by labor organizations.  Major funding by California State Council of Service Employees Political Committee and California Teachers Association Independent Expenditure Committee.  Not authorized by a candidate or committee controlled by a candidate. 

By Acting Lieutenant Tom Fuhrmann, Antioch Police Investigations

On Monday, May 11, 2015 at 7:44 PM, Antioch Police Officers responded to the 4900 block of Ridgeview Drive on the report of a burglary in progress. The homeowner advised she was in the home holding her baby when she saw an intruder enter her home through an unlocked door.

She fled out of the front of the house with her baby. Upon fleeing she had left her four-year-old daughter behind in the house. Officers arrived, conducted an interior check of the residence and located the four-year-old at the top of the stairs. The child was directed to go outside to her mother as officers continued to check inside. The four-year-old daughter told her mother, who then alerted the officers that the intruder was hiding in the little girl’s bedroom closet. Upon checking the little girls bedroom, they located 21-year-old Antioch transient male, Demaria Lopez hiding in the closet.

Lopez would not comply with commands. A brief struggle ensued and Lopez was taken into custody without further incident. Lopez was transported and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility on charges of burglary and resisting arrest. There were no injuries to any involved.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Det. McManus with the Antioch Police Department at (925)779-6940. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

There will be lots of positions to be filled!

WHAT: The Contra Costa County Fair will be holding a Job Fair and interviews on Saturday May 16^th. Applications and interviews will take place for the 2015 Contra Costa Contra Costa County Fair which will be held Thursday May 28^th – Sunday May 31^st . Available positions include but are not limited to: parking and ticket sellers, ticket takers, parking attendants, customer service representatives, janitorial staff, maintenance staff, security guards and more.

Fair Management and Department Supervisors are looking for people with a strong work ethics and a high level of customer service who want to be part of the Contra Costa County Fair event. Interested applicants must bring their photo ID and a social security card to the Job Fair. Applications will be available to fill out on-site or are available on-line in advance at www.contracostafair.com

WHEN: Saturday, May 16^th from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Contra Costa County Fairgrounds Office, 1201 West 10th Street, Antioch, CA 94509

WHY: Each year the Contra Costa County Fair hires roughly 50 – 100 people to work at the annual event, not including the local employees hired directly by our individual food vendors, carnival providers and Livestock department.

We are looking for top-notch workers who believe in keeping the Contra Costa County Fair a place where families can expect superior customer service. The goal with the Job Fair is to create a greater level of awareness among Contra Costa County residents that these job opportunities exist at the Contra Costa County Fair. The fact that we are hiring hard working local residents creates a big opportunity for those looking for work.

Says Susan Bonilla campaign received the same funding from the Koch Brothers as does IWV: zero

WASHINGTON, DC – Independent Women’s Voice (IWV) would like to correct the record as certain false statements about IWV, that were deliberately not checked with us for accuracy, are being floated in a desperate bid to create an issue where there is none.

Those false statements are that

a) IWV is a Koch proxy group and receives funding from the Kochs.

b) IWV made a TV ad buy in the May 19th CA SD-7 special election.

c) IWV is violating its non-profit status by making a political expenditure.

None are true. Sadly those special interests – the same ones that wanted the BART strike and prefer sex-offender teachers over children, and who are supporting Assembly member Susan Bonilla — want headlines and a bogeyman in order to distract from themselves and their opposition to Steve Glazer’s independence from such interests.

What Koch Funding?

In the summer of 2009, IWV received funds from the Center to Protect Patient’s Rights (CPPR) to do education on the health care issue as it affected women, particularly women with cancer.

That 2009 funding was reported on CPPR’s 2010 filings and is the basis for claiming that IWV is a Koch entity, since CPPR eventually seems to have become a vehicle for Koch funding.

But CPPR did not become a Koch entity until sometime in at least 2010, when its director started working for the Kochs, well after IWV’s work was done and complete.

IWV, a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization, contrary to allegation, has never received any funding from the Koch’s or from any Koch-related entities. We wouldn’t mind receiving some, but we don’t seem to be their cup of tea.

What TV buy?

As for the short video we made to shine some light on Susan Bonilla’s track record, there is no TV buy – the distribution is simply digital. Oh, and if you want to read why we support Steve Glazer, (think anti-special interests and fiscal responsibility), you can see that too.

What rule violations?

IWV is a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization, and as such is permitted to make political expenditures. We are not a Single Purpose Committee, much as the Bonilla campaign might wish we were. We care about ethics and about fiscal sanity, and so are working, independent of any campaign, to educate people both for Steve Glazer and against Susan Bonilla and the special interests she represents – all while accurately and scrupulously following the laws as established by the Fair Political Practices Commission.

It is sad that the Bonilla campaign is so desperate for sympathy and attention, and so short of an appealing track record, that they would manufacture wholesale charges to throw at Independent Women’s Voice. Really, isn’t it time politics got out of that gutter?

Independent Women’s Voice is a 501(c)(4) nonpartisan, nonprofit organization for mainstream women, men and families dedicated to promoting limited government, free markets, and personal responsibility. IWV is an affiliate organization of the Independent Women’s Forum. For more information visit www.iwvoice.org.

See the news released from Bonilla’s campaign regarding their complaint against IWV, here.