By F.D. Purcell

Antioch Herald

“Still on a high,” were the words of Regina Jackson the day after receiving a new vehicle for her community center. The President, CEO and Executive Director of the East Oakland Youth Development Center in Oakland for the past 13 years, she and her staff have been using an older, beat-up van to carry students to various programs.

On Tuesday, after he was presented with the 2014-2015 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, Golden State Warriors Guard Stephen Curry walked over to the black 2016 Kia Sorento LX CUV and handed over the keys to Jackson and her excited staff.

“I got a message around 10:30 pm last night and told that I had been chosen to receive the car,” said Jackson.

“I called up a couple of parents and told them that I needed to borrow their kids for a couple of hours the next day,” she said with a laugh.

As part of its support of the Kia NBA MVP Award, Kia Motors America donated the vehicle on behalf of Curry who finished balloting with 100 first place votes.

“It’s very important to give back. Four wheels can do a lot of good,” said Curry. “It’s important for athletes to explore outside of their bubble and impact the life of others.”

The face of the league, Curry has made it his mission to give back not only nationally, but globally as an ambassador for Nothing But Nets, a grassroots program that raises awareness about malaria. Earlier this year, he spoke at the White House about the number one killer in Africa and how it can be prevented.

The two-time All-Star has also been vocal about his faith, which he credits for all that he does on the court. While most may think he’s beating on his chest out of passion for the game when he makes a great play, that’s just part of it. It’s actually because of his faith.

“I do a little sign on the court every time I make a shot or good pass, and I pound my chest and point to the sky, and that symbolizes that I have a heart for God,” Curry said.

He also said he and his mom Sonya came up with the signal while he was in college.

While strolling the streets of New York with good friend and college roommate, Bryant Barr during the All-Star Weekend in February, Curry came upon a large group of young African-American men. According to Barr he then took the group into a nearby store and bought them all a pair of his signature Curry Ones – Charged by Belief basketball shoes, just because.

“That’s just the type of guy he is,” said Barr.

During a time when claiming faith is a sensitive issue and an athlete’s arrest record is more common than the score of the game, it’s refreshing to see a man of faith like Curry. Driven by his faith, passion, drive and will, Curry’s profile is listed as a believer, husband, father and son to his two million Twitter followers.

“I am just blessed and thankful to be where I am,” Curry said during his MVP press conference.

The Bay Area is blessed and thankful that you’re a representation of a class act on and off the court.

For more on Nothing But Nets visit: www.nothingbutnets.net.

Follow F.D. Purcell @sportsinthebay_

Video contest includes $10,000 Grant, Local Spotlight Feature and Business-building Packages

Nominations are open for the inaugural Umpqua Bank (NASDAQ:UMPQ) Made to Grow Grant campaign, which will recognize small businesses that are helping to inspire thriving communities. This effort kicks off during National Small Business Week, May 4-8, 2015, and brings to life Umpqua’s ongoing commitment to help small businesses grow.  

Starting today, small business owners can enter to win Umpqua’s Made to Grow Grant grand prize by visiting facebook.com/umpquabank and sharing a short video on how $10,000 can grow their business and local community. In addition to the $10,000 prize, the winning business will also be featured in Umpqua’s Local Spotlight program, which features the products of local vendors for sale in select Umpqua stores. 

“At Umpqua, we recognize the important impact small businesses have in our communities,” said Ray Davis, president and CEO of Umpqua Bank. “More than half of all Americans either own or work for a small business, which create nearly two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. Umpqua’s Made to Grow Grant campaign is an opportunity for us to celebrate and give back to small businesses in the communities we serve.”

In addition to the grand prize grant winner, five contest participants will receive their choice of a business-building package developed to address some of the issues small business owners confront most often. They include: 

• Umpqua Bank Financial Counseling: Financial advice on all things small business. 

• Social Media Specialist: Expert assistance on a company’s social media presence. 

• Digital Review: A review of digital and print assets from a creative professional. 

• Storefront Facelift: A refresh of a company’s digital or physical storefront. 

• Logo Redesign: Hand-crafted redesign of the company’s logo.

Small businesses are an essential part of the country’s economic vitality, accounting for between 60 and 80 percent of jobs in the US, according to several sources. Umpqua Bank’s Made to Grow Grant campaign is one of multiple programs the company has developed to support the growth of small businesses. Others include Local Spotlight, as well as a comprehensive selection of business banking and lending products and services. 

Submissions for the Made to Grow Grant are due by May 20. Entries must be within Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho and Nevada to qualify. Finalists will be announced on May 27 and the winner selected by popular vote. Umpqua will announce the recipients of the grant and business-building tools on June 8. 

For more information on the Made to Grow Grant campaign or to submit your video, visit facebook.com/umpquabank. For inspiration to help your small business grow, visit umpquabank.tumblr.com.

About Umpqua Bank

Umpqua Bank, headquartered in Roseburg, Ore., is a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corporation, and has locations across Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California and Northern Nevada. Umpqua Bank has been recognized for its innovative customer experience and banking strategy by national publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, BusinessWeek, Fast Company and CNBC. The company has been recognized for the past eight years in a row on FORTUNE magazine’s list of the country’s “100 Best Companies to Work For,” and was recently named by The Portland Business Journal the Most Admired Financial Services Company in Oregon for the tenth consecutive year. In addition to its retail banking presence, Umpqua Bank owns Financial Pacific Leasing, Inc., a nationally recognized commercial finance company that provides equipment leases to small businesses.

Umpqua Holdings also owns a retail brokerage subsidiary, Umpqua Investments, Inc., which offers services through Umpqua Bank stores and in dedicated offices throughout Oregon. Umpqua’s Wealth Management Division serves high net worth individuals and nonprofits by providing customized financial solutions and offerings. Umpqua Holdings Corporation is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. For more information, visit www.umpquabank.com.

By Matthew Hart, J.D.

Greetings readers, my name is Matthew Hart and I am starting a monthly column in the Antioch Herald talking about all things regarding Wills, Trusts, Probate and the Law. I will take the opportunity in this first column to introduce myself and offer a little background about who I am.

I am an Antioch native. I have been married to my lovely wife Dr. Theresa Hart for almost 25 years and we have one daughter, Rebekah, who is 20. 

Although I have lived in Antioch my whole life, I commuted to San Francisco for 20 years, for the first part of my career.  In 2008, I was blessed to be able to open my own law practice here, in Antioch.

I am a Certified Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Specialist by the State Bar of California. This specialization is distinguished by the fact that out of 182,000 active attorneys in California, only 984 are currently Certified Legal Specialists in the area of Estate Law.

Over the next several months, I will be writing a series of columns to cover the different areas of Estate Planning. Join me, next month to begin learning what you need to know in order to protect you and your family.

Matthew Hart is a California Licensed Attorney who is an Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Specialist certified by the State Bar of California.  He has offices in Antioch and Walnut Creek and can be reached at either 925-754-2000 or www.MatthewHartLaw.com.

Antioch City Manager Steve Duran announced today that Forrest Ebbs has accepted the position of Community Development Director for the City of Antioch. Forrest currently works for the City of Stockton as the Deputy Community Development Director. He will begin his new position in Antioch on June 1^st.

Mr. Ebbs holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Policy and Analysis from the University of California at Davis and brings over 14 years of community development experience to Antioch. He worked for the cities of Watsonville, Seaside and Monterey before going to Stockton in 2012.

He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, the professional arm of the American Planning Association, providing recognized leadership nationwide in the certification of professional planners, ethics, professional development, planning education, and the standards of planning practice.

“Forrest has the technical knowledge and real world experience we need to continue to move Antioch forward.” said Antioch City Manager Steve Duran. “He understands the financial challenges that cities face, as well as the balance between economic development, sound planning practices, and the need to fund city infrastructure and services. He is a great addition to our team.”

1. Why are you running for state senate?

I’m not part of the political establishment. I’m a local Mayor who is a problem solver – not a partisan. My record demonstrates the courage to take a stand against entrenched special interests. I was the first elected official to oppose the BART strike and support a permanent ban on transit strikes, like they have in New York and San Francisco.

I’m a father of two daughters who have gone through our public schools. We need education policies that put students first and allow local school board to ensure quality teaching in classrooms regardless of seniority.

I support pension reform that creates a sustainable financial model and ends pension spiking. We need to prioritize road improvements I oppose high-speed rail without a sound financial plan because it drains money from local transportation needs.

I’m fiscally conservative. As a local elected official and Mayor, I balanced 10 straight budgets without ever taking a salary. As Trustee of the 23-campus California State University system, I fought for affordable and accountable higher education. I oppose the proposed Delta tunnels.

Our legislators exercise poor financial discipline that contributes to billion dollar deficits and tax increases. They use a loophole so they can receive tax-free income for being in Sacramento on weekends and holidays even when they are not there.

It’s time for smart priorities that focus on education, job creation, the environment and caring for those in need without new taxes.

2. What philosophy would guide your legislative decisions?

I should conduct myself in the campaign and in office with honesty and transparency.

Government closer to the people will be more responsive and trustworthy. Always ask why state legislation is needed rather than leaving those choices to local government, school boards, and commissions.

We should strive for be-partisanship and consensus when ever possible.

A balanced budget and fiscal responsibility is a foundational requirement if you want government to help people.

Always advance accountability and efficiency in every government program.

Education is the gateway to opportunity and prosperity.

3. Would you oppose any new taxes?

Yes. We just increased taxes by $8 Million dollars. Californians cannot afford a government that won’t balance its books and live within its means. And Sacramento cannot continue to look to taxpayers to bail it out from bad decision-making. I will work to avoid new State tax burdens. Fiscal security requires greater focus on creating jobs and growing the economy. The best way for California to pay its bills and keep its promise to future generations is to build a strong economy, which will increase tax revenues.

4. Do you support or oppose changes to Proposition 13?

Oppose. I am committed to maintaining Proposition 13 and the protections from higher taxes that it provides homeowners.

5. What steps would you take to improve education?

We need to continue to invest in our schools and universities. The State Senate plays a critical role in education. It goes beyond funding – which is vital – to creating educational reforms to ensure that each student who attends a public school has an equal opportunity to succeed. There isn’t a one-size fits all solution to improve public education. My priorities include:

• Local empowerment. We need to empower local school boards to lead on educational issues.

• Restore School Reserve protection. We need to restore school reserve protections that were stripped away by the Legislature in a last-minute budget deal in 2014.

• Teacher Accountability. We need to support our teachers in every way possible, while holding them accountable for performance.

• Allow families to select the best schools for their children. I support the ability of families to select the best school environment for their children, be that a public charter school or a nearby public school. I don’t support private school vouchers as they siphon vital tax dollars from public schools.

• Greater educational resources. As a Member of the Senate, I will work to strengthen California’s economy and bring greater resources to our K-through University education system.

• Accessible and affordable higher education.

6. What steps would you take to reduce crime?

I support our law enforcement officers. They are doing all they can to combat crime, but they need adequate resources to do their jobs.

Eleven years ago, in October, 2003, I was shot in the neck by a high-powered pellet rifle while driving with my family. The .17 caliber projectile just missed my carotid artery and lodged next to my spine. The perpetrator was caught but never charged with a crime because pellet guns were classified as toys in the criminal code. I was able to get the law changed to treat these guns as serious weapons.

I have provided critical support to ensure perpetrators of rape are caught and prosecuted, and strongly support victim’s compensation.

One of the expectations of living in a free and civilized society is that citizens follow the laws of the land. Lawbreakers must be swiftly and justly prosecuted.

7. What steps would you take to deal with homelessness?

I would support another affordable housing bond, as well as other legislative efforts to address California’s housing affordability problems.

I have organized campaigns to fund homeless shelters, affordable housing and residences for abused women and foster children.

We need increased state involvement in helping homeless veterans to find safe and adequate housing.

8. Do you support or oppose the Twin Tunnels project?

Oppose. The current plan to build massive tunnels to take Delta water to Southern California does not make environmental sense, and increases the dependence on the Bay-Delta as a water source. We need to protect California’s long-term water availability through recycling, reuse and better groundwater practices.

9. What is your position on AB 60, “driver’s licenses for undocumented workers?”

Licensing and verifying the true identity of all drivers in California, with proper background checks and other security measures, contributes to improved security for all Californians.

10. What is your position on AB 1266, regarding gender confused youth using opposite sex school bathrooms and locker rooms?

I appreciate and recognize the unique challenges and obstacles faced by transgender and gender non-conforming youth, and I support efforts at the local level to protect the rights and safety of these students. I feel that local school boards should be responsible for setting policies to protect the rights and safety of all students.

By John Crowder

State Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, candidate for State Senate in the special District 7 election on May 19th, recently provided answers to ten questions asked by Antioch Herald staff. The questions and her answers are provided below.

1. Why are you running for state senate?

I am the only candidate with a proven record of building bipartisan consensus to get results, both on the state and local level, from balancing budgets, creating jobs, improving schools, fighting crime, opposing the twin tunnels, and protecting our water and the Delta.

2. What philosophy guides your legislative decisions?

As a local Mayor, County Supervisor, and State Legislator, I’ve always focused on bringing people together, Republicans and Democrats, to solve problems. I believe that the principles that have guided my life as a public servant are the reasons why I have been a successful legislator. I believe a successful legislator is someone who is accessible, approachable and trustworthy, who listens and respects others, leads by example, stands strong for their beliefs, advocates fiercely for their community and has the leadership skills to find common ground and solutions especially in tough times. In may of those respects, I believe that my approach to public policy and public service is one of the key differences between me and my opponent.

3. Would you oppose any new taxes?

In California new taxes have to be approved by a two-thirds majority of the legislature or by a majority of the voters. This sets a high bar. For me, the decision is always focused on the need and a cost benefit analysis. For example, like my opponent I strongly supported Prop 30 because our state faced historic debt, and a fiscal emergency after years of drastic budget cuts where education and other vital services were slashed to the bone. Prop 30 was necessary to make our state finances solvent and we made the case to voters to make the ultimate decision.

4. Do you support or oppose changes to Proposition 13?

I have always supported and am 100% committed to protecting homeowners under Prop 13. I could not support any changes to Prop 13 that would put a new fiscal burden on homeowners.

5. What steps would you take to improve education?

I’ve led efforts to modernize our public schools, improve academic standards, and bring more funding to our local schools. For example, I succeeded in bringing more than $3.6 million in additional funding to Antioch schools for technology upgrades, professional development, and new instructional materials. I have passed historic reforms by working with Governor Jerry Brown in changing the state’s education funding formula so that more money would be allocated and streamlined directly into local schools, giving control to local school districts and parents. I want to continue modernizing our schools to ensure our teachers and students have the resources they need to succeed. When our schools perform at high level, we all benefit. I have worked – and will continue to work – to make college more affordable for middle-class families, and I will continue opposing tuition increases at UC and CSU university systems.

6. What steps would you take to reduce crime?

As a mother of four daughters, grandmother, and as an educator, I have always made the safety of our families, children, and seniors as a top priority. I have a proven record of keeping prisoners behind bars, cracking down on child predators, fighting back against gangs and drugs, and protecting seniors from abuse. For example, I have worked to ensure that local law enforcement would have the resources to ensure each officer carries a mobile fingerprint device to keep criminals off our streets. That’s why I have earned the trust and support from law enforcement leaders in Contra Costa County from Sheriff David Livingston and from District Attorney Mark Peterson, and Attorney General Kamala Harris, as well as local police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters who put their lives on the line to keep our streets and neighborhoods safe.

7. What steps would you take to deal with homelessness?

I support the proposal of Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins to address housing instability and create more affordable housing in California, using a comprehensive approach that includes new funding as well as improving government efficiency.

We also must continue to work on core issues like creating jobs and improving job-training programs that help people improve their own lives. At the same time, we must continue to support services like mental health counseling – especially for veterans, who make up a high proportion of those who are homeless, which is why I helped pass the Veterans Housing Bond last year.

8. Do you support or oppose the Twin Tunnels project?

As Mayor, Supervisor, and as a State Legislator, I have strongly opposed the twin tunnels, and have actively worked to stop them. For me, it isn’t just a recent campaign pledge like it seems to be for my opponent. That’s why I have earned the trust and support of key leaders in the fight against the twin tunnels – including Congressman Jerry McNerney and Congressman John Garamendi, as well as local environmental leaders across the district.

I have consistently opposed the tunnels and protected the Delta, but it isn’t enough to just say no. Leadership is standing strong and stopping bad policy, but also bringing people together to find solutions, especially during crisis. I’m proud of my work in protecting our water, and helping pass historic water legislation to protect our local water supply and address the crisis of the drought.

9. What was your reasoning behind your vote on AB 60, driver’s licenses for undocumented workers?

This is a public safety and a consumer protection issue. We need to face the reality that undocumented workers are driving on our streets, roads, and highways, and as such, we need to make sure that everyone on the road, including undocumented drivers, have auto insurance and are fully educated on driving safety, and the rules of the road. That’s good for public safety and for our local communities.

10. What was your reasoning behind your vote on AB 1266, regarding gender confused youth using opposite sex high school bathrooms and locker rooms?

As a parent, educator, and leader, I looked at both sides of this issue very closely, and it is a complex and emotional issue. At the end of the day, this legislation is about protecting vulnerable students, many of whom are being bullied and ostracized, facing physical violence, emotional abuse, and some even turning to suicide.

Public schools needed to do a better job meeting the privacy needs of all students and this bill has moved schools in that direction. The old days of locker room hazing are not something we need to protect. All students will benefit from this bill as schools update their restroom and locker room designs and standards. This bill will result in schools having more single stall self contained restrooms that many students will appreciate.

This issue can’t be ignored, and if we can help children feel valued, save young lives, and protect many, then we’ll have done our jobs. As I have said, I have always put protecting the safety of children as a top priority. This legislation is another step towards that goal.

Local artists welcome you to visit their studios the weekend of May 16 and 17 during the popular Contra Costa Open Studios event. Meet the artists, enjoy a wide variety of original fine art, chat with fellow art-lovers and shop for unique, creative gifts. Many of the artists will be demonstrating their techniques and some will offer hands-on art activities.

Groups of artists are sharing studios in Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley and Discovery Bay. Each group has its own unique personality, so visitors are encouraged to plan a fun weekend of studio-hopping. Most studios will be open Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For a complete guide to the artists and a studio map visit www.contracostaopenstudios.com.

By Allen Payton

A political action committee, JobsPAC, co-chaired by the California Chamber of Commerce, has mailed campaign literature to voters in special State Senate District 7 election, that prominently displays the Sierra Club logo.

The SD 7 race will fill the State Senate seat vacated by Mark DeSaulnier following his election to Congress in November, midway through his term.

Sierra Club California Director Kathryn Phillips released a statement regarding the logo.

“The mailer from JobsPAC to Senate District 7 voters is deceptive,” she said. “It implies that Sierra Club has endorsed one of the candidates for the Senate District 7 seat. In fact, Sierra Club has not endorsed any candidate in that race. The irony is that one of the long-time barriers to environmental policy progress, the California Chamber of Commerce, has used the Club’s logo on its JobsPAC mailing to try to win votes for its favored candidate. Is this the start of a trend? Has the Chamber decided environmental groups are correct after all? Can we now expect the California Chamber to actually support good environmental legislation?”

“I doubt it. But hope springs eternal,” Phillips added.

Sierra Club California is the legislative and regulatory advocacy arm of the Sierra Club’s 13 chapters and more than 150,000 members in California.

In response, Martin Wilson, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs for JobsPAC offered the following statement:

“The mailer’s intention is to make it clear that Susan Bonilla is a typical politician who says one thing and then does the opposite. In this case, during the 2012 legislative session, Bonilla sided with the NRA against the Sierra Club and other environmental and animal rights groups who wanted to ban lead ammunition. Mrs. Bonilla was present and voting that day but when it came to voting for the environment she was AWOL.”