By Luke Johnson

Isaiah Foskey, an eighth grader at Holy Rosary Catholic School, was offered a football scholarship from University of Kansas on Thursday, May 21.

“I didn’t believe it at first,” his father Terry Foskey said. “I thought he might have been too young, but as I researched on Google, I’ve seen people even younger than that who have received offers. This whole ordeal is new to me. My wife and I are really excited about it.”

Isaiah stands at six feet, two inches and weighs in at a chiseled 190 pounds at only 14 years of age. On top of that, he is able to squat three reps of 275 pounds.

When he attended school the day following his offer, fellow students took pictures with and flexed their arms to mimic the photo attached to this article that trended on social media. They also pretended to hold a microphone up to his mouth and interview him as if they were members of the press.

Foskey last played for East County Youth Football at tight end and defensive end, where he collected nine touchdown receptions and caused seven forced fumbles in 12 games according to him and his father. In high school, he plans to play for De La Salle in Concord, which has arguably the most illustrious high school football program in the country.

When asked where this scholarship offer ranks among Foskey’s other accomplishments in sports, he deferred to an academic achievement and said this compares to a certificate he received for having a GPA above 3.5.

“When I go to De La Salle I just wanna keep my grades up and play well in football,” Foskey said.

Foskey does not have to accept the offer from KU right away. He actually has to wait until February of his senior year, in 2019 to sign his letter of intent to whichever college he chooses.

by John Crowder

The temperature was rising outside, and the tempers of some local residents appeared to be keeping pace, as evidenced by the raucous crowd that showed up for the June 9, 2015, Antioch City Council Meeting.

A number of angry residents disrupted the meeting to voice their displeasure with the members of the City Council, and Antioch Mayor Wade Harper in particular, during the first half-hour of the meeting. From the very beginning, catcalls could be heard from those attending while Antioch City Clerk Arne Simonsen was conducting the roll call.

During the portion of the meeting set aside for community and civic announcements, Antioch resident Kip Stevens came forward to speak.

“Promise,” he began. “Do you understand the definition of promise?”

After reading the definition, he addressed the mayor by his first name, and said, “Your claim to fame, as you were running for office, was zero tolerance for crime.”

“Crime is the worst ever in Antioch,” Stevens continued. “Too bad the council is in denial.”

Stevens went on to complain about the conditions the city requires to be met before installing speed bumps.

“The speed table conditions are unrealistic,” he said.

He pointed out that Council Member Mary Rocha had been in office seventeen years ago when the requirements for installing speed tables had been implemented. He said that the council should have informed him and others of the procedures when they had appeared, asking for speed bumps to be installed on 11th Street, at a previous council meeting.

“Now it’s way out of control,” he said, referring to the installation of a speed bump on 11th Street by local residents, and city workers subsequently removing it, “and we’re going to keep fighting, until we get what we want.”

When the signal sounded that his time to speak had concluded, he continued on, saying, “I don’t care what the red light says, I want to be proud. I’m an Antioch citizen. Three generations here. We have businesses. Please help.”

As he left the podium, applause and calls erupted from his supporters in attendance.

Harper then informed those in the council chambers, “At this time, this is for civic announcements…after civic announcements, then we have public comments.”

Following Harper’s statement, the audience became more unruly. Harper began noting that some of those who had submitted speaker cards should be moved to the public comments section of the meeting, and people could be heard yelling things like, “Hold on there,” “Don’t cut me off,” “Really?” “Are you serious, now,” and other statements, unintelligible, as both the mayor and members of the audience were speaking at the same time.

Only two civic announcements remained to be given, however, and, once they were concluded, and Simonsen reported on board and commission openings, Harper called for public comments.

After Loretta Sweatt, a member of the City’s Economic Development Commission, spoke, saying she supported the council, and felt that they listened to everybody, Linda Hudson came forward.

Hudson, whose son, Timothy, was killed in April in front of her house on 11th Street in Antioch by a hit-and-run driver, said that when she had last come before the City Council [on May 26, 2015], she had requested that speed bumps be installed on her street. She then related that, after some sympathizers with her plight had installed them, city workers, overseen by police officers had, “on your orders,” ripped them out. She said this had all transpired while she was at her son’s funeral, and accused city workers of, “stalking her house,” waiting for her and her family to leave before taking the action.

Hudson told the Council that she had installed a camera at her home, was monitoring traffic, and would send evidence of speeding drivers to government officials outside the city in order to receive help. As she finished speaking, she twice rapped a gavel she had carried to the podium with her. (That was a reference to the last time she spoke, when the mayor had used his gavel to signal her time to speak had expired and she refused to stop talking). The audience broke out in loud cheers and applause.

Gerald Hudson followed his wife to the podium. After also complaining about the council not taking action on the request for speed bumps, he said, “It looks like to me right now, we’re going to have a long, hot summer in this council meeting.”

Paula Knight speaking after Mr. Hudson, was particularly unhappy with Harper, telling him, “You are the worst mayor we’ve ever seen.”

She complained about the level of crime in the city, referencing her sons’ car being stolen, and people being shot in town.

“This is not the Antioch I want to live in any more,” Knight said. “You have not come through with your promises on zero tolerance.”

Karl Dietzel continued on the theme raised by the previous speakers.

“All of you run your campaign on tough on crime,” he said.

He complained that the crime subcommittee was not meeting.

“You have failed, all of you,” he said. “We hear constantly, excuses, excuses, excuses.”

“I’m sorry the recall failed,” Dietzel concluded, a reference to the unsuccessful effort to recall Harper. “But we have 2016 coming.”

Public comments ended, but those in attendance were not yet done venting. As a review of the Prewett Park development project was about to begin, the meeting was interrupted by a member of the audience speaking loudly.

“Sir, can you remain quiet please?” Harper asked, as he banged his gavel.

“You could address all the situation,” the man yelled back.

“Can you remain quiet, I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” Harper said.

“I’ll be back,” was the response.

Another person could be heard saying, “Yeah, we’ll be back.”

Harper then said, “City council will take a break.”

There were a couple more catcalls, but the disruptive people in the audience were, at that point, filing out. In less than five minutes, the meeting resumed, with Harper saying, “Okay, had a little disruption there, but we’re back.”

A repeat of June 2nd meeting

This was the second meeting in a row that Stevens spoke and the Hudsons and their supporters were disruptive at a city meeting. That also occurred during the general public comments portion of the joint study session on the Downtown Specific Plan Update held by the Council, Planning Commission and Economic Development Commission on Tuesday, June 2nd.

“What was done on Monday was very, very. It’s hard because Tim was killed there,” Stevens stated. “You shunned us. The city doesn’t do anything for us.”

“You apologized in the newspaper,” he said to Harper. “You never came to any of us. Mayor mingle with us. Where was anyone in Antioch. Nobody showed up. We are here and we will be at every city meeting,” Stevens stated. “You just look astonished. We are amazed at what we’ve done. You guys just sit there like this guy’s another voice.”

“My street has been packed all day,” he continued. “I’ve never seen so many cop cars on my street before. Why? Because we stirred the pot. I’m the third generation in Antioch. It’s sad you just brushed under the carpet like some low life. We want our city back.”

“We want our town back,” yelled Linda Hudson from her seat, who, along with others was holding a sign supporting the recall of Harper.

“This agenda you sent us for the speed bumps, 14 years no one has applied for speed bumps,” Stevens continued. “We have to pay for speed bumps?”

“It’s wrong but we will make it happen,” he concluded to cheers from the audience.

Following Stevens’ comments, the group was noisy in the hallway, and Officer John VanDerKlugt spoke with them, as they were leaving.

Prewett Water Park Plans

Also at the June 9th meeting, a presentation was provided to the Council regarding the Prewett Water Park development plans by Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Kaiser and consultant/project manager Lonnie Karste, among others.

Kaiser first explained that the presentation would be given in parts, so that each part could be discussed as it came up, as there were several components to the project, beginning with security cameras, and moving to a spray park, and finally to an all-abilities playground.

Karste began his presentation with a discussion of the security cameras. He said that the installation of security cameras was already underway, and that it should be completed by the 15th of July. The budget for the security cameras is $128,000.

The importance of children with all levels of ability to have access to water play was discussed by Kaiser with reference to the spray park and splash pad.

Karste continued then, saying that one of the reasons the development team had decided in favor of hiring Royston Hanamoto Alley and Abey Landscape Architecture and Planning (RHAA) was because of the work they did with their subcontractor, Aquatic Design. Karste introduced Dennis Berkshire, President, Aquatic Design Group, who continued with the presentation.

Berkshire, after summarizing his firms’ credentials, discussed the history of spray parks, detailing their advantages, such as the fact that they have no standing water. “The actual water quality…is far superior than if we had…a swimming pool,” he said.

Berkshire detailed two possible options for the spray park amenity. He presented overhead slides illustrating conceptual ideas for the project.

Following his presentation, the council appeared to be in awe of the possibilities.

Berkshire related that his group works with another firm, Water Odyssey, a company that specializes in the design and manufacture of aquatic play equipment. (See their website, waterodyssey.com, for photographs of water structures created by them.)

Following Berkshire’s presentation, the council discussed the options presented and chose the one tied into the natural landscape as their preference.

Proposed Basketball Court Raises Concerns

When it came time during the Water Park presentation to discuss the all-abilities playground, the proposal to add a lighted sports court (basketball court) to the project received substantial discussion.

According to Karste, with respect to the sports courts, “There was some concern” about having a lighted sports court in close proximity to a family-oriented, all activities playground (the distance between the two would be approximately 90 feet). The concern was because of the different age groups each area would attract. “There was a lot of concern expressed by staff about the basketball court…particularly the language,” said Karste.

Kaiser confirmed this concern, saying that staff recommended removing the basketball court. She also noted that removal of the basketball court would allow the project to fall more within the budgetary guidelines.

Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock, clearly concerned about the basketball courts and their close proximity to the all-abilities playground, asked, “Are they supervised courts?”

“No, they are not,” Kaiser responded. “Drop in, informal play.”

Ogorchock asked if the basketball court was fenced in, and was told, “No.”

Harper asked how they chose the location for the basketball court.

Karste explained that this was the flattest area, and considering the soil, it was the least costly location.

Ogorchock continued voicing her concerns. She asked about police calls for service.

In response, Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando said, “For the last year, a year from today, there were 69 calls, but that encompassed alarms at the facilities.”

“I did notice from the standpoint of security at the skate park we’ve had incidents of assaults, thefts, weapons violations, those types of calls at the unsupervised skate park,” he added.

Kaiser, in response to another question, said there were other basketball courts near the facility. “Deer Valley has basketball courts,” she said.

Kaiser later noted there were 12 basketball courts in the Antioch park system.

Ogorchock summarized her concerns, saying that she was not for the basketball courts. She asked Cantando for his view on them.

Cantando responded, “What typically happens when you have unsupervised areas, like our skate park, you do have those assaults there. What tends to happen is the strongest of the fittest, basically, takes over. If there’s younger kids using the facility, older kids will come in and take over. It’s happened at the water park, and its been demonstrated.”

He went on to say that the City of Brentwood does not open their skate park unless it is supervised and staffed.

“So, Brentwood has staffed and fenced their skate park?” Harper asked.

“Yes,” Cantando replied.

Council Member Tony Tiscareno asked if the chief had data on complaints and calls for service at other basketball courts [in Antioch].

Cantando said he did not, but from his experience as a police officer, the courts were typically used by middle school students and teenagers.

“The language isn’t always the best,” he stated. “I have concern with this being in close proximity to kids playing in this park.”

Tiscareno said he envisioned kids having something to do after school.

“I just don’t want to take away from the teenage element that needs something to do,” he said.

Tiscareno discussed finding ways to staff the court, or closing it during certain hours.

“I do want to see accessibility for all ages, rather than having incidents at a shopping center,” he added.

Rocha also addressed the issue.

“It’s a hard thing for me to actually not consider this basketball, because I know that the young people need it badly in that area and we were promising something similar,” she said. “But it’s also hard for me to figure out how to put them next to special needs population.”

Rocha also thought it might be possible to provide basketball in some other location.

Harper asked how close the skate park was to the potential playground.

“A long way…at least 200-300 yards,” Karste responded.

Harper then expressed his support for the basketball courts.

“When I spent days out there at Deer Valley Plaza talking to the kids…that’s one of the things they said,” he shared. “They didn’t have enough to do. The courts at the community center, you have to pay $5 to get in, I know we’re looking at that, which is good. The courts at the school district, at Deer Valley High School, which some made a reference to, they’re taken up.”

“So, I’m going to listen to the voice of some of the young people that don’t have a voice, and, a lot of the teenagers, they don’t have a voice. We’re going to take a hit from the kids. They’ve spoken about this. I have listened, and I think we should have a court over there.”

He also said that it was not his opinion that there would be violent crime there, if the court was built, noting that, with surveillance and supervision, “those things are surmountable.”

Council Member Monica Wilson asked Kaiser if it would be possible to staff the courts, but Kaiser responded that, within the current budget, they could not do so.

Finally, Ogorchock made a motion to approve the recommended option with the expanded playground, but without the basketball courts Rocha seconded it.

Harper made another plea for the courts.

“Our kids need things to do,” he said. “We have the largest youth population in the county. For us to assume there’s going to be violent crime…we can tackle the challenge of making it safe.”

“I think we’re missing an opportunity,” he concluded.

Tiscareno said, “Thank you Mr. Mayor. I do appreciate your words. My sentiments exactly.”

The vote though, went against Harper and Tiscareno, by 3-2, and plans for the playground were approved without the basketball court.

The next city council meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 23. Meetings are held at the City Council Chambers, 200 H Street, and typically begin at 7:00 p.m.

Alia Bickham and Allen Payton contributed to this report.

The following is from Antioch City Manager Steve Duran dated June 1, 2015:

Department/Division: City Manager/Economic Development

Project/Program: Humphrey’s Restaurant

Project/Program Lead: Lizeht Zepeda/Steve Duran

Project/Program Description: The City of Antioch owns the former “Humphrey’s on the Delta” restaurant. It is currently vacant and in need of extensive interior and exterior renovations. The City is seeking a well financed restaurateur, with a vision for a vibrant successful waterfront restaurant. The 12,400+ square foot restaurant is located in the marina overlooking the San Joaquin River.

Status: The City continues to market the restaurant through the commercial brokerage community and directly to potential tenants with the goal of finding the right tenant for Humphrey’s. The economy continues to show positive forecasts, which has continued to generate more interest in Humphrey’s. Staff has shown the building to several potential parties in recent months. As part of our due diligence city staff has met with Delta Diablo Sanitary, County Environmental & Health, and various kitchen designers to go over code compliances for the restaurant.

Next Steps:

– Continue to market property and show the space to well financed restaurateurs.

–Receive and review business proposals from interested parties.

– Engage specific commercial/retail brokers to market Humphrey’s.

Police Hiring

Department/Division: Police/ Support Services

Project/Program: Police Officer Hiring

Project/Program Lead: Capt. Tammany Brooks

Project/Program Description: The Antioch Police Department is currently authorized 102 full-time sworn positions. With the successful passage of both Measure C and Measure O, we intend to continuously recruit until all open positions are filled. Additional budgeted non-sworn positions will be filled with prior approval from the City Manager.

Status: We are currently staffed with 86 full-time sworn employees. 2 of these sworn employees are in various stages of the field training program. 6 sworn employees have medical conditions preventing them from reporting for full duty. We have 3 police trainees currently attending the 177th Police Academy at the CCC Training Center in Pittsburg, which began January 26th, and has a graduation date of July 24, 2015. We have 2 additional police trainees attending the 178th Police Academy at the Training Center, slated to graduate on November 13th. This leaves us with 11 remaining police officer vacancies. Dispatch currently has 1 opening for a dispatcher and 1 opening for a Dispatch Supervisor. The dispatcher position is currently in open recruitment with HR. We have one lateral police officer applicant who has successfully completed his background process and we are awaiting the results of his medical evaluations so we can determine a start date. We have one entry level applicant who is near the end of his background process. He would be attending the 179th Police Academy, slated to begin in September. We have 2 other entry level applicants and 2 Academy Graduates who are in the preliminary stage of the background process.

We recently completed an agility test and written examination. Oral boards for these candidates are scheduled for June 19th. Successful entry level applicants would be attending the 179th Police Academy. Our next agility is scheduled for June 26th.

Next Steps:

– Complete pending background checks on the entry level and lateral officer applicants currently in the process.

– Work to establish an active list of entry level applicants from the current pool of candidates.

– Continue to recruit and process applicants for Police positions.

Following is from Antioch City Manager Steve Duran’s Weekly Report dated June 19, 2015:

Call Summary

Time Period: 06/11/15 00:00:00 – 06/18/15 23:59:59

Number of Calls for Service: 1,775

Number of Case Reports: 238

Number of Arrests: 79

Felony: 28

Misdemeanor: 51

Arrests with DUI charge: 6

The data is based upon unaudited CAD/RMS data at time of report generation.

POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Identity Theft Arrest -On 6/11/2015 at 9:45 am, officers responded to 1870 A Street (Contra Costa County Credit Union). Employees called dispatch regarding a subject who was known to them as being investigated by Concord PD for identity theft. They reported the suspect was in the credit union attempting to withdraw money from one of the fraudulent accounts. The suspect was contacted and detained by officers but not arrested at that time. A 36 year old Kim Watson was with the suspect and found in possession of stolen mail and other stolen property. Watson also attempted to dump a small amount of methamphetamine when officers approached him. Watson was determined to be on PRCS and taken into custody without incident. He was booked at Antioch PD and later transported to the county jail.

Suspicious person in neighborhood, arrested for meth possession -On 6/12/2015 at 3:02 am, residents on Shelbourne Way called to report seeing a suspicious person riding a bicycle up and down the street and looking into front yards with a flashlight. Officers arrived and located 50 year old Christian Dominguez on his bicycle. Dominguez tried to ride past the officers and said that he was not going to listen to them. Dominguez was pulled off his bicycle and onto the ground where he was detained without further incident. Dominguez was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. He was arrested and cite released from the station for the above charges.

DUI arrest following car accident -On 6/12/2015 at 10:46 pm, officers responded to the 2100 block of Viera Ave. for a traffic accident. Officers determined 32 year old Kevin Kerns was driving northbound on Viera Ave and collided with a parked car. Officers determined Kern and driving under the influence of alcohol. Kern was arrested and transported to the police department and found to have a .25 BAC. he was later issued a citation and released with a court date.

DUI arrest, driver speeding, crash -On 6/13/2015 at 11:42 pm, officers responded to W.18th and “G” streets regarding a traffic accident. Navarro was driving at a high rate of speed southbound on G St. approaching W. 18th St. when he lost control and collided into the iron fencing at the Antioch High School. Rafael Navarro, 42 years old, was contacted and determined to be the driver and operating a vehicle while being under the influence of alcohol. A section of the fence approximately 10 feet long was damaged. Navarro was not injured. He was arrested and later booked at the county jail.

Traffic stop for vehicle code violations leads to heroin possession arrest -On 6/14/2015 at 2:58 pm, Officer Adams conducted a traffic stop on vehicle at “K” and W.5th Streets. The driver, 36 year old Ellis Williams, was contacted regarding vehicle code violations. During the contact, officers searched the vehicle and located suspected heroin in the car. Ellis was cited and released from the scene for possession of narcotics.

Driver, passenger arrested for stolen car – On 6/1/4/2015 at 4:58 pm, officers were patrolling near W. Madill & “G” Streets when they saw a Nissan Sentra driving in the area. They drove towards the vehicle and it fled and pulled into the driveway of 108 John Gildi Ave. The occupants exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The license plate was run and the vehicle returned as reported stolen. The officers were able to identify the occupants of the Sentra as 24 year old Raymond Cardoza & 23 year old Steven Cardoza. Both Cardozas were located after a short foot pursuit. A third occupant, a female, was not located. Both Cardozas were booked at the county jail.

DUI arrest – On 6/14/2015 at 10:05 pm, an officer was proceeding through the intersection of A St. and E. 18th St. on a green signal light when a vehicle travelling south on A St. failed to stop at the red signal light at the intersection and nearly collided into the officers vehicle. The officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop and contacted the driver 34 year old John Walsh. Walsh denied drinking alcohol despite the objective signs noticed by the officer. Walsh was arrested and later provided a breath sample which indicated his BAC was .12%. Walsh was booked into the county jail.

Arrest for outstanding warrants including grand theft – On 6/14/15 at 11:45 pm, Officer Kint contacted 44 year old Denise Amador at the intersection of W. 20th and “C” Streets. A computer check revealed she had three no bail warrants for her arrest charging vehicle theft, drunk driving, and grand theft. Amador was arrested without incident and was later booked into the county jail.

Felony arrest for outstanding warrant for arson – On 6/15/2015 at 2:59 pm, officers went to 508 W.5th St. to serve an outstanding felony arrest warrant for arson on 24 year old Paul Roa. The bail on the warrant was $50,000.00. Roa was located inside the residence and taken into custody without incident. He was later booked at the county jail.

Arrest on outstanding warrant for robbery – On 6/15/2015 at 4:11 pm, officers were at the Bonfare Market at 907 W.10th St. investigating the report of a man with a gun call in the area. While doing so, officers contacted 23 year old Adolfo Bobino who is an Oakland resident. A records check revealed Bobino had an outstanding arrest warrant for robbery issued out of Alameda County. Bobino was taken into custody and later booked at the county jail.

Arrest for outstanding warrants including vandalism – On 6/15/2015 at 11:17 pm, an officer was patrolling in the 3400 block of Longview Rd. He contacted 30 year old Christopher Smith walking in the area. A records check revealed Smith had 3 outstanding arrest warrants charging possession of a controlled substance, vandalism and driving on a suspended drivers license. Smith was taken into custody without incident and booked at the county jail.

DUI arrest – On 6/15/2015 at 10:36 pm, an officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on Prewett Ranch Dr. at Mojave Way. The officer identified the driver as 20 year old Rhyan Gobbell. A computer check revealed Gobbell had an outstanding arrest warrant for DUI. Gobbell was arrested and later booked at the county jail.

Arrests of one for gun possession, one for parole violation following foot chase – On 6/16/2015 at 5:46 p.m., officers were working a proactive detail and paired up in a single patrol vehicle. They initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for vehicle code violations. The vehicle yielded in the parking lot of Joann Fabrics in Pittsburg. The rear passenger fled and one of the officers gave chase through the Big 5 and In-n-Out parking lots. The passenger was caught in the parking lot of the Burger King with the assistance of a citizen who tackled the him. The fleeing passenger was identified as 20 year old Luis Becerra and he was found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm pistol. The other occupants of the vehicle, 22 year old Rafael Madrid and 19 year old Anthony Dominguez, were detained by the other officer at the vehicle. Madrid was arrested for parole violation. Bacerra was arrested for the gun and they were both booked at the county jail. Dominguez was arrested and later released pending further investigation.

Arrest following gun shots by convicted felon– On 6/17/2015 at 11:03 pm, officers responded to a report of gunfire in the 400 block of “M” St. When residents in the area investigated the shots, they observed 37 year old Shawn McCowan walking away from the area where the shots were fired. The residents went to McCowan’s apartment to speak to him about the gunfire. When they did so, McCowan brandished a gun at them and threatened to kill them if they didn’t leave him alone. Officers determined McCowan was a convicted felon who had recently discharged parole. A perimeter was established around McCowan’s home. Officers called for the McCowan and his wife to exit the residence. They did so and were and were detained without incident. The gun, a sawed off shotgun, was located in the master bedroom hidden under the bed. McCowan was arrested and booked at the county jail.

Teenage boy arrested for throwing pine cone at teenage girl driving car – On 6/17/2015 at 7:36 pm, officers responded to Valley Way and Country Hills Dr. regarding a 17 year old girl who was driving westbound on Country Hills Dr. with the driver’s side window down. As she was driving, she was struck by a pine cone which had been thrown at the vehicle by a 16 year old male. The pine cone hit her in the left eye causing serious injury. She was able to pull to the side of the roadway and call 911. The 16 year old male remained on scene and identified himself to the occupants of the car before leaving. An ambulance was summoned and took the girl to the hospital. The 16 year old male was contacted at his residence and confessed to the assault. He was arrested and booked into Juvenile Hall.

DUI arrest following rollover collision– On 6/17/2015 at 10:47 pm, officers responded to Hillcrest Ave. at Via Dora Dr. regarding a rollover collision. When the officers arrived, they found 20 year old Isaiah Onitveros at the scene. He appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Witnesses reported Onitveros was driving at a high rate of speed and weaving in and out of traffic just prior to the collision. Witnesses also stated he attempted to pass several vehicles on the right shoulder and collided with the curb causing his car to roll into a chain link fence. He was taken to the hospital for evaluation and provided a blood sample. He admitted to drinking “hard alcohol” and driving recklessly. He was arrested and later released pending lab results.

Jeremy David Sturgill

“The One, The Only Lumpy”

December 5, 1979 – June 16, 2015

Jeremy “Lumpy” Sturgill, 35, of Brentwood, CA passed away unexpectedly on June 16, 2015. He was born in Concord, CA to parents Dave and Kathy Sturgill and a 1998 graduate of Clayton Valley High School. Lumpy owned and operated Lumpy’s Diner and Elle Dee’s Catering in Antioch, CA for the past seven years. This was his lifelong dream. Lumpy was a friend to everyone who walked through his doors and was an extremely generous man with a heart of gold.

Lumpy continuously gave back to his community by supporting events such as East County Little League, Tuberous Sclerosis Walks, Toys for Tots, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, several diner hosted car shows in conjunction with the Midnighter’s Car Club and his annual Burger Eating Contest that particularly benefited the Special Kids Foundation.

Lumpy was an avid Oakland A’s and San Francisco 49ers fan. While he favored sports he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, camping, playing softball, pranking diner patrons, whipped cream fights and most of all loving his wife and two sons.

Lumpy is survived by his wife Marci, sons Jaxx David Lumpy and Maverick Anthony Van; mother Kathy Spangler Sturgill (Brentwood), father Dave “Digger” Sturgill and his wife Kim (Concord); grandparents Joe and Waneta Spangler (Pittsburg); numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and close friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Orville and Eula Sturgill; and his cousin Joel Knight.

A viewing will be held on June 23rd from 6pm-8pm at Moore’s Mission Funeral Home, 1390 Monument Blvd, Concord, CA and services will be held on June 24th at 11:00am at Calvary Temple Church, 4725 Evora Rd., Concord CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank to The Jeremy “Lumpy” Sturgill Memorial Fund.

In life, Lumpy was surrounded by his angels and he will now forever be ours.

By Acting Lieutenant Tom Fuhrmann, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Saturday, June 20, 2015 at approximately 12:24 PM, Antioch Police were dispatched to the 1300 block of D Street on the report of someone with a gunshot wound inside the residence. Upon arrival Officers found a 46-year-old female with an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. She was declared dead on scene. Other occupants at the residence remained on scene and were cooperative with investigators. Antioch Police Department Investigators responded and are investigating this as a suspicious death at this time.

No further information will be released at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Detective Vanderpool with the Antioch Police Department at (925)779-6988. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

Sport Pool involved in chemical malfunction remains closed

Contra Costa County Environmental Health Department completed their facility inspection at the Antioch Water Park Friday evening and approved opening on Saturday, June 20, 2015. Pool chemistry was recorded compliant with California Health and Safety Codes.

The Sport Pool will remain closed to allow the City of Antioch and the County to conduct further testing in conjunction with the State of California. Sport Pool was the only pool involved in the chemical malfunction on Thursday, June 18, 2015.

To accommodate all guests the admission fees will be reduced to $12.00 for general admission. The lap pool will be available for use and all slides will be ready for visitors. Antioch Water Park provides unique summer fun for friends and families, and water play is great exercise!

If anyone has any questions about the Antioch Water Park they should call the Parks and Recreation Director at (925) 779-7078.

The Antioch Water Park is located at 4701 Lone Tree Way. For hours of operation or other information visit www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CitySvcs/Prewett.

Hello. My name is James Britto.

I am a third generation Antiochan.

I am a homeowner, Mello Roos taxpayer, small business owner, and I am also President of the Delta Association of REALTORS® for 2015.

Antioch and the entire East Contra Costa region have experienced a great recovery of value in our properties. This has tremendously impacted many owners, positively. With a recovery of equity, they can refinance to improve their properties, put more money into our local economy, or sell their property. All of these create jobs and revenue and are good for our economy.

Inventory is still low in our area for the amount of demand there is for housing. This has contributed to the prices rising steadily, combined with a favorable mortgage market.

What we are coming to see more and more, are individuals and families coming from 30, 50, 70, 90 miles away or more to seek affordable housing here, yet their jobs are elsewhere, often Oakland, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Sacramento, Modesto… you name it, we have people who work there…. Spending two to three hours a day, often each way, to find what they need… good jobs and affordable housing.

The Delta Association of REALTORS® strongly supports the expansion of housing opportunities and programs that support average to median income earners being able to afford to buy and occupy homes and work where they live. It’s better for families, cities, the environment, and the economy. Commuters spend money elsewhere since they are not local a majority of their time.

We want to be a partner with the City of Antioch, as well as other local municipalities, to work together on options and opportunities to expand options for people with good jobs, good credit, and a desire to live in a home and work near home. The opportunities for Antioch and all of East County are improving, especially with the eventual arrival of eBART, but we have to expedite our work with attracting employers and job opportunities, now, not in 10 years, and finding ways to assist individuals who meet the criteria, to buy and occupy a home of their own in our terrific Delta region.

Thank you.

James Britto, President, Delta Association of REALTORS®

Antioch