By Chris Williams

January 14, 1998 was no doubt one of the worst days of my life, while leading a bible study my pager begin buzzing; my pager, wow.

It was a 911 page from my father’s home. After asking someone to return the call for me, I would soon discover that my father and best friend had died suddenly, at 53-years-old of a massive heart attack, while preaching a revival in Oklahoma.

Fast forward. Just nine days later I was standing in front of thousands of people performing the daunting, yet honorable task of delivering his eulogy. I remember it as if it were yesterday. My title was “A Father’s Dream but a Son’s Reality.”

Within the duration of my time, I vowed to finish what my father had started. You see it was really a statement of legacy, in which I made a promise to him that I would carry on the ministry that he, and his father before him, had begun.

Fast forward, 17 years later. Here I am planting The Church at Antioch, all because I had a promise to fulfill and a legacy to carry out, not just my own ambition, but one that is fueled by the life of two great men.

I am the proud product of Moses L. Williams and Merkle J. Williams. While I realize that most are not privileged to have before them the stalwart examples that I had, that does not mean that legacy cannot be realized.

Fathers, I challenge you to make a vow this Father’s Day that you will start now, in your generation, to build and create a legacy that your sons and daughters can carry on.

Do this, so that one day they can make the same promise to you, like I made to my dad on January 23, 1998. I vowed to him that I would finish what he started.

Passing on faith and a life purpose to your children is the most important legacy you can leave.

Happy Father’s Day.

Williams is Pastor of The Church@Antioch.

According to Wikipedia, “Juneteenth commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas in June 1865, and more generally the emancipation of African-American slaves throughout the Confederate South. Celebrated on June 19, the term is a portmanteau of June and nineteenth, and is recognized as a state holiday or special day of observance in most states.

By 1865, there were an estimated 250,000 slaves in Texas. As news of end of the war moved slowly, reach Texas until May 1865, and the Army of the Trans-Mississippi did not surrender until June 2. On June 18, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived at Galveston Island with 2,000 federal troops to occupy Texas on behalf of the federal government. On June 19, standing on the balcony of Galveston’s Ashton Villa, Granger read aloud the contents of ‘General Order No. 3’, announcing the total emancipation of slaves:

‘The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.‘”

It has now become a worldwide celebration. For more information, visit www.juneteenth.com. To purchase tickets to the event, call the the California Theatre at (925) 427-1611 or go online to www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. For more information about the visit www.grownwomendance.org.

 

 

 

Consultant offers alternative with downtown park, event center, at the request of Ogorgchock, Rocha and Harper

By Allen Payton

Now is the time for interested residents and business owners to provide input to the City Council before they take their vote on the preferred plan for Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown area, Tuesday night’s council meeting. Comments can be sent either by email to Mayor Harper and Council Members, or by phone calls or by speaking at the meeting, during public comments on the agenda item number 10.

The study session held by the Council, Planning Commission and Economic Development Commission on Tuesday, June 2 was standing room only, with a variety of residents and business owners sharing their thoughts and concerns with the plan. The majority of comments and applause were about having a downtown park and event center, specifically located at the old Antioch Lumber Company yard property. The lumber company was owned by Henry Beede and his family.

The lot, which has been owned by the city since the late 1990’s, bordered by West Second, West Third and F Streets, has been planned for multi-family housing of condominiums or townhouses, or a mixed-use development with retail, commercial and residential uses, during that time.

Ever since the city replaced the Barbara Price Marina Park with the new boat launch facility, downtown residents, represented by the Rivertown Preservation Society, whose president is former Antioch School Board Trustee Joy Motts, have been pushing for an event center on the lot, instead of housing.

The Celebrate Antioch Foundation, lead by Chairman Wayne Harrison, has taken the lead on the effort, submitting a rendering of a proposed event center. The non-profit organization has been organizing Antioch’s July 4^th celebrations for this year and the past two years, as well as last December’s Holiday Delites Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

While most speakers weren’t opposed to additional, upscale housing in downtown, to bring more people to the area who would shop and dine in the area’s stores and restaurants, some speakers said they don’t want any housing.

Residents, business owners offer their thoughts

“Who wants high density between Second and Third Streets, where there are the vest views of the river?” asked downtown homeowner Latasha Wallace, to loud applause. “We want a farmer’s market. We want car shows. We want concerts, again. We don’t want more people downtown.”

“It is beyond reason why staff has not listened to the public,” said Motts. “Over one thousand signatures have told you not to put housing on the Beede lumber site. Celebrate Antioch Foundation has proposed an event center plan.”

“Help us create something special,” she implored.

Downtown business owner and Celebrate Antioch Foundation board member Jim Lanter shared his thoughts.

“We think too small,” he stated. “I’ve lived in downtown for 30 years and have had a business for 15 years. We need another place to stage events. I don’t think anyone talked to any retail business owners in downtown.”

“We can bring thousands of people to downtown, if we create 10 to 12 events a year,” Lanter continued. “We just need the opportunity and the place to do it. Please help us.”

Former Councilwoman Liz Rimbault offered a historical perspective.

“In the 1990’s the CRAWDADS defeated a development on the site,” she shared. “It’s taken us decades to reclaim some of our water front for the benefit of our citizens.”

“Let’s not forget the high-pressure pipe placed underneath that lot. It pumps poop to 7A District,” Rimbault added.

One neighbor shared her thoughts.

“I live across the street from the Beede Lumber site. I oppose the petition for a residential development because we’re in a serious drought, not to mention the lack of law enforcement.”

Lucy Meinhardt supported both housing and an event center.

“I have a compromise,” she said. “Go for the most quality of life for all Antioch citizens. I am not opposed to a condo-type housing downtown. But, if we built one of those medium-density down by the marina. Give it time. See if the enhancements bring people to downtown. Just try and see what happens.”

“A really important question is ‘who is it for, to increase revenues to the city through property tax or enhance the community that exists there, right now,” Carol Kuhn asked. “If it’s all about the money, I think it’s a mistake to think that way.”

“Bring a higher quality of life up in priority,” she added. “Don’t worry about the money. The money will follow.”

Commissioners and Council Members ask questions, make statements

Commissioners and Council Members then asked their questions of the city’s consultant, Dick Loewke of Loeweke Planning Associates.

Economic Development Commissioner Joseph Adebayo asked him how he rated each of the three alternative downtown plans for economic and quality of life.

“The quality of life issues are paramount, regardless of the plan,” Loewke responded. “Alternative 2 runs out of gas in five to 10 years. We tend to favor flexibility…”

He favored Alternatives 1 and 3, and it is those plans, with modifications and three sub-plans which are included in the staff report for Tuesday night’s council meeting agenda.

Loewke then added comments about “the importance of corridors that lead to downtown, L Street in particular. But A Street, as well.”

The issue of crime was broached.

“A lof of people were concerned about crime. How will the high-density housing affect that?” asked Economic Development Commissioner Josh Young. “My family has been in the town for over 100 years. Beede Lumper was my uncle Frank’s business. I would like to see the lumber yard develop into a park.”

Loewke responded, “Crime has correlated into vacancies and deterioration. You have a spiraling downward. The crime issue is more of an issue of a lack of people presence.”

Another Economic Development Commissioner, Ken Turnage asked about the type of proposed housing.
“Is the housing medium- to high-income?” he asked. “If you’re going to bring money downtown, it has to be affluent people.”

Loewke agreed.

“We want to bring as much disposable income to downtown,” he stated. “To support business activity, that would be ideal.”

Planning Commissioner Keith Archuleta offered his perspective.

“What we’re looking for is balance,” he said. “I don’t see this an either or. We need foot traffic, downtown and consistent traffic. Events won’t be enough.”

“It’s about what the market will support, over time,” Loewke responded.

Parsons wants to see action

“What I want to see come out of this is action…now,” Planning Commissioner Martha Parsons stated emphatically. “Entrances into downtown, A Street needs landscaping. L Street needs a total revamping.”

Planning Commissioner Kerry Motts spoke in favor of a park on the lumber company lot.

“A part at Second and Third provides a grand entrance to Rivertown,” he said. “It should be designed as a park.”

“Celebrate Antioch has offered to build his park with no costs to the city,” he added. “Alternative 3 is preferred.”

The council members then shared their thoughts.

Ogorchock pushes for alternative with a park

“If we truly are listening to the community, is there a reason we didn’t have Alternative 4 that includes a park at the lot?” asked Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock.

“It can be easily added to any of these alternatives,” Loewke responded.

“The parking lots need to bmoved to the outside of downtown,” Ogorchock stated. “We need low- to medium-density housing in downtown.”

“I want you to talk about transit-oriented and walkable and bicycle-friendly communities,” Councilwoman Monica Wilson said.

“Those are excellent ideas to include in any plan for downtown,” said Loewke. “This is a theme that needs to weave into the plan.”

He spoke of the three corridors that lead to downtown, Auto Center Drive, L Street and A Street.

“One of the ideas is a shuttle system to the eBART station to bring people to the downtown and back,” he added. “Part of the General Plan is the circulation element, which includes bicycles.”

Wilson also mentioned the need for “renovations of some of our older buildings.”

“Some require earthquake retrofit of unreinforced masonry buildings,” she added.

Councilwoman Mary Rocha said she supports “a fourth proposal, too, including a park.”

“Now, we’re going to have to work together to finance this,” Rocha added.

Councilman Tony Tiscareno kept it brief, in support of additional housing, downtown.

“We need the population, the folks to come in to have the businesses,” he stated.

Loewke offered additional comments on the alternative proposals presented at the June 2 meeting.

“These alternatives were not intended to be one better than the other two,” he stated. “I tend to favor Alternatives 1 and 3 over 2 because it give you flexibility.”

He also said that “Alternative 1 has the greatest potential to support” a ferry terminal.

“Getting people down there, keeping them down there, and the answer is move forward on all fronts,” he dded.

Harper said he wants “to come up with a plan we can all support to make this city better.”

“As we consider adding more crime prevention through environmental design, proper lighting, proper landscaping, more accessiblity to police, small gathering places,” he continued. “I will support the two council members for a fourth alternative looking at the Beede lumper lot for a park.”

Duran offered his final comments to wrap up the meeting.

“Retail follows residential,” he shared. “There’s a direct correlation between the density of the residential and the vibrancy of the retail.”

To see the complete council meeting agenda and staff report, for Tuesday night, June 23, please click here. See item 10 and click on Staff Report.

Antioch Council meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, between West Second and Third Streets in downtown, or can be viewed on Comcast Channel 24 or via live stream video on the city’s website by clicking here.

By Battalion Chief Bob Atlas, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

On June 18, 2015 at approximately 2:31 pm Contra Costa County Fire – Engine 82 (Antioch), Quint 83 (Antioch), Engine 81 (Antioch), Engine 88 (Antioch), Engine 85 (Pittsburg), Battalion 8 (Pittsburg), 1113 (BC of EMS) and 1102 Asst. Chief of Operations responded to a report of 10 to 12 children getting sick from drinking pool water at the Antioch Water Park at 4701 Lone Tree Way in Antioch.

Upon arrival of the First AMR Unit (PM175) the incident was upgraded to an MCI Tier 1 based on reports of 15-20 patients. Battalion 8 upgraded the response to add 2 additional Engines. Engine 82 arrived on scene established Prewett IC and requested County Hazmat. A medical group was established with Captain 88 as Med. Group Supervisor.

After carefully assessing the incident it was found that more patients were coming forward and the incident was escalated to a Tier 3 MCI. Notifications were made to all agencies. A total of 34 patients were treated, 17 were transported to area hospitals and 17 were released to their legal guardians.

Per County Hazmat, County Health and CCCFPD Investigators and with the cooperation of the City of Antioch and its Recreation Department a joint investigation into cause and origin was initiated. Those results are not available as of this writing. During this hour and a half incident no responders were injured and the water park remains closed this [Friday] morning.

Incident Statistics

RESPONSE: 1Truck Company, 4 Engines, 1 Battalion Chief, 1 Battalion Chief in charge of EMS, 2 Public Information officers, 1 Assistant Chief, 2 AMR Supervisors, 1 AMR Assistant Chief, 9 AMR ambulances, 4 Network Provider BLS Ambulances, Antioch PD, County Hazmat, County Health, 1 Tri-Delta Transit Bus.

ASSISTING AGENCIES: AMR, Antioch P.D., County Hazmat, County Health, Norcal Ambulance, ProTransport Ambulance, Falk Ambulance

TOTAL FIRE PERSONNEL AT SCENE: 19

Nathan Bingham’s Hawaiian Style Rentals& Sales offers mopeds, scooters, bicycles and more

HONOLULU, HI, June 16, 2015 – When entrepreneur, Nathan Bingham, started his business out of the back of his pick-up truck at the ripe old age of 19, little did he know that it would grow into one of the most popular locally owned and operated activity companies in Hawaii. Established in July 2005 with just a couple of mopeds, Bingham has proudly grown the business slow and steady to a staff of six employees, a fleet of mopeds, bicycles, and the new environmental friendly Scoot Coupes, along with its headquarters now located in the heart of Waikiki.

With a lot of hard work and determination, Bingham and the staff of Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales (HSRS) are on their way to celebrating their 10-year anniversary on July 4, 2015. As anyone knows, getting to such a successful milestone anniversary is no small feat for any business.

“At HSRS, we have a sense of purpose,” said Bingham. “Most of our customers are first-time riders and visitors to Hawaii. We not only show them how to safely operate their new vehicle, but we also help give them cool suggestions on where to go and what to do for that day. They always have a great time and we receive a number of reviews and compliments about how much fun they had on their rentals.”

The company has also found itself in the position to reach out and give back and have established several partnerships in the community including the Hawaii Food Bank, Parents And Children Together (PACT), and Make-A-Wish Hawaii.

“At the end of 2014, our staff was able to collect 546 lbs. of food consisting of canned goods and bags of rice during the holiday season,” Bingham shared. “In February 2015, we partnered with PACT, and each quarter, will donate a bicycle for an under privileged youth through our Bikes For Tikes program.”

“In April 2015, we worked with our friends from Make-A-Wish Hawaii and donated a portion of proceeds from our brand new blue and white Scoot Coupes (an enclosed three-wheel scooter that seats two people side-by-side) to assist with local wishes,” he added.

With an international clientele of guests, every day at HSRS is exciting and different.

“We connect with people from all around the world and have visitors from U.S., Germany, Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, Italy, Brazil – the list goes on and on,” stated Bingham. “It is amazing how many cultures we get exposed to and they all come here to for one common purpose, and that is to experience the beauty and culture of Hawaii. Our job is to assist in making that experience come true, two-wheels (and sometimes three-wheels) at a time.”

About Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales

Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales is Hawaii’s premier rental specialist for touring Oahu. Whether cruising the bustling streets of Honolulu by bicycle, burning up the highway on a scooter, or zipping up and down coastal roads on top-of-the-line mopeds, many quickly discover that experiencing Hawaii really is better on two wheels. Every Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales booking includes lessons, maps, helmets, and locks. If you’re in or planning a trip to Honolulu, visiti their website at www.hawaiianstylerentals.com or call 866.91-MOPED (866.916.6733). You can also connect with them through social media via Instagrams: HSRS, Twitter: @HIStyleRentals or Facebook: Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales.

By Barbara Zivica

Mayor Wade Harper, who survived a recall petition which failed to gather sufficient signatures to qualify,  recently declined to comment about the city’s crime situation and the police chief told Council that crime in Antioch has declined in nearly every category.  The prroblem is, residents don’t agree.

In 2012, the police department had 88 officers which Police Chief Allan Cantando stated was the same staffing level as in 1995.   Council subsequently authorized a force of 102  and councilman Wade Harper decided to run for mayor telling constituents that he would hire 22 more officers, bringing the force to 124 sworn.  Folks know that never happened.

The police department, which is having a hard time keeping up with calls for service,  currently has a force of 88 officers, five of which are in various stages of the field training program and three police trainees, who will graduate from the Police Academy at the CCC Training Center in Pittsburg, next month.  According to my count, that would bring the department to a total of 91 officers, 11 short of the 102 authorized back in 2012.  Unfortunately, more officers are nearing retirement age and leaving the department which basically has been resulting in a zero net gain.

Recently, the police chief stated he’s having a hard time recruiting ideal candidates.  Wonder if it’s due to Antioch‘s declining reputation or the politics at City Hall?  It certainly can’t be the money.  A high school diploma, and a less than six-month police academy, can make you over $85,000, and as much as $104,000 a year, plus benefits.

Here’s the breakdown from the city web site:  Academy graduate/student full time, regular $7,134 – $8,672 monthly, Lateral police officer full time, Regular $7,134 – $8,672 monthly; Police trainee, Regular, hourly $21/hour.   No wonder the police department consumes 70% of the city’s general fund, not to mention lately over $600,000 from the water and sewer enterprise funds.

By John Crowder

A self-described, “African-American Promotion Ceremony” for students moving from 8th to 9th grade who reside within the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) boundaries, held on May 29, 2015, generated tremendous controversy on local social media, both during and following the event. Many expressed surprise that such an event took place, with some calling it, “segregation.” Now, other school district programs, interventions focused on African American students, are also being questioned.

Antioch Herald staff have been researching these practices, though, and have found that events and programs targeting African American students are common throughout the state of California, they have been for some time, and are supported at all levels of public education, from the California State Board of Education (SBE) to local school boards and school districts.

Throughout the state, since the identification of a substantial gap between the learning outcomes of African American students and their peers several years ago, California’s local school districts have implemented numerous programs designed to close that gap. These programs have included: African American promotion ceremonies, school/parent organizations focused on African American students, reviews and modifications of policies related to the suspension and expulsion of African American students, training of teachers in “cultural awareness,” honor rolls for African American students, and special summer program classes for African American students.

In addition, and related to the achievement gap, the data regarding suspensions and expulsion rates indicate a vastly disproportionate number of African American students being subject to these two disciplinary measures which remove students from the classroom. Locally, this has been acknowledged repeatedly by District staff at AUSD board meetings in recent months.

In this article, we detail some of the history behind the initiatives that have been undertaken to address these matters, and relate current practices, typical of California school districts, focused on African American students.

SBE Creates African American Advisory Committee

As early as 2009, the SBE had become “alarmed” at the “achievement gap that exists between African American students and their counterparts.” On January 8 of that year, the SBE released a press statement regarding the creation of an “African American Advisory Committee.” The committee was to be composed of people, “from throughout the state who are knowledgeable about best practices and research related to improving the academic achievement of African American students.”

The need for an African American Advisory Committee was based on the results of two tests, the 2008 Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program and the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), and on other statistics regarding such things as high school graduation rates. On the 2008 STAR test, only 33% of African American students in California scored at proficient or above on the English portion of the exam, and only 28% scored proficient or above on the math portion.

Other statistics showed that, in the 2006-2007 academic year, only 57.6% of African American students graduated high school. On the 2008 CAHSEE, African American students scored, “substantially lower” than other ethnic groups in both the English and math sections of the test. (Data was taken from a report provided to the California SBE by the African American Advisory Committee, and reflect statistics for the entire state.)

African American Advisory Committee Makes Recommendations

From January 12-14, 2011, the African American Advisory Committee presented their recommendations to the SBE. These recommendations included such things as:

• Revise school accountability reports to more prominently display subgroup data

• Take corrective action with, or sanction, local school districts that, “have compliance issues” relative to “disproportional rates of suspension and expulsion of African American students

• Create, “culturally responsive systems”

Local Control Funding Formula requires Local Control Accountability Plans

Programs at the local school district level that focus on specific subgroups, such as African Americans (other subgroups that are delineated include Asian, Hispanic, Caucasian, Socioeconomically Disadvantaged, English Learners, Students with Disabilities, and Foster Youth), took a major step forward when, a little over two years after the recommendations were provided by the African American Advisory Committee, the state legislature created a new methodology to pay for California schools.

In July, 2013, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), significantly changing the way California funds its schools. In an effort to obtain more transparency from local school boards while at the same time ensuring greater accountability, schools were now required to create a Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). School districts were required to create these plans with input from “parents and the community.”

LCAP plans must show how a local school district will spend funds and its goals for improving student outcomes according to priorities set by the legislature.

On the Local Control Accountability Plan Template, it states, “the LCAP must describe, for each school district and each school within the district, goals and specific actions to achieve those goals for all pupils and each subgroup of pupils identified in Education Code section 52052…for each of the state priorities and any locally identified priorities.”

According to CA Education Code 52052, “a school or school district shall demonstrate comparable improvement in academic achievement as measured by the API by all numerically significant subgroups at the school or school district, including: (A) Ethnic subgroups.”

State priorities include, “score on API,” “efforts to seek parent input in decision making,” and “promotion of parent participation in programs.”

Antioch Unified LCAP

Like many school districts in the state, AUSD has recognized an education gap with its African American students. A specific subgroup identified in AUSD’s LCAP is the African American subgroup. Additionally, one of the groups specifically identified as a “stakeholder group” in AUSD is the membership of the district-created African American Male Achievement Initiative (AAMAI).

Within the AUSD LCAP, and in accordance with state mandates, are stated “goals and specific actions” which then lead to various initiatives designed to address the identified learning gap with African American students.

Cultural celebrations, which is how many supporters of the African American Promotion Ceremony characterized it, are identified specifically in the AUSD LCAP (6/08/2015 Draft) as something the District intends to support.

Goal 2 of the AUSD LCAP says, “Antioch Unified School District will build inclusive school communities where all students, families, and members of the community feel welcome and valued.” Section 2.5d of the LCAP states, “Allocated school site funding will be used to provide activities that focus on connectedness, which includes, but is not limited to, cultural celebrations.”

Willie Mims, Education Chair for the East County NAACP, referenced this section of the LCAP document at the AUSD School Board meeting this last Wednesday, June 10, when he spoke in support of the African American Promotion Ceremony that had been the subject of the recent controversy. In a follow-up statement, Mims said, “Allocation of school site funds, cultural celebrations, promotions, holding and funding events beyond the school day to engage parents are all contained in Goal 2 of Antioch’s LCAP plan.”

African American focused programs in AUSD

Beyond the African American promotion ceremony, within its LCAP, AUSD includes several other actions/services that, according to the document, are specifically targeted toward African American males. For example, Section 3.2 of the document states, “The District will continue to support and strengthen the African American Male Achievement Initiative (AAMAI).”

Actions to be taken in order to accomplish this goal include such things as continuing to support AAMAI, expanding a “preschool program for African American males entering kindergarten,” expanding the African American Male Preparatory Academy (a program for students making the transition from middle school to high school), providing college tours and a college fair related to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, parent training and the creation of parent resource centers.

Section 3.12 lists several strategies to be implemented in order to, “reduce the number of days and occurrences of suspension especially for African American students who are disproportionately suspended and expelled.” The strategies include increasing, “the number of schools participating in Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS),” and strengthening, “restorative justice practices.”

Section 4.5 says the District will “Provide eight week summer program for students entering kindergarten,” specifically noting the African American subgroup as a target demographic. (The District emphasizes, in promotional literature for the program, that it is open to all, but also states that the curriculum is designed with the African American student in mind.)

Other School Districts Have Similar Programs

As noted above, Antioch is far from unique in the steps it is taking to see African American students achieve greater success in school. An examination of school district websites for districts in the Bay Area alone reveals that programs and strategies, similar to what AUSD has instituted, have proliferated.

For example, while Antioch has the AAMAI, in the Pittsburg Unified School District (PUSD) the Parental African American Achievement Collaborative Team (PAAACT) works toward similar goals. According to a brochure produced by the group, “PAAACT is an organization formed to advocate for parents and families of African American students in all grades and in every school of the district.”

Just as in Antioch, an African American Promotion Ceremony was held in Pittsburg, for students moving from 8^th to 9^th grade. While the Antioch promotion ceremony was held in a local church, and the resources used came primarily from private funds, the event in Pittsburg was clearly and visibly supported by PUSD. Their Superintendent, Dr. Janet Schulze, spoke at the event. PUSD school board member, Da’Shawn Woolridge, attended.

When asked about PUSD support for the Promotion Ceremony, Schulze said, “I was happy to attend, support and participate in the event. I thought it was a beautiful celebration and the PAACT did a great job in organizing it and the students and families were terrific.”

PUSD provided the use of the gymnasium at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, and the use of the school’s cafeteria to serve refreshments afterward. PUSD used LCAP funds in support of the event. According to Schulze, “We have funds in Goal 3 of our LCAP for supporting parent and family engagement as well as student celebrations.” Other supporters of the event included the East County NAACP and the City of Pittsburg. All students attending the event received certificates of accomplishment. Students obtaining a 3.0 or above were awarded medals, and three students who had obtained a 4.0 or better were awarded laptop computers.

PUSD, in its LCAP (approved by the PUSD Board on January 14, 2015), has language very similar to that found in the AUSD LCAP. PUSD recognizes both an achievement gap and a disproportionate number of disciplinary actions taken with African American students. The African American subgroup is specifically addressed throughout the document. Goals for this subgroup include reducing the percentage of suspensions and increasing the percentage of students meeting the UC/CSU graduation requirements. Actions include such things as providing workshops and training in “cultural competency” to staff, creation of an “equity task force,” restorative justice training, and strengthening community partnerships.

Community Groups Remain Engaged

With the implementation of LCFF and the requirement that local school districts create an LCAP with community involvement, there now exists an unprecedented opportunity for members of a community to band together and, ultimately, direct school resources toward the education of those students they represent. In Antioch, such groups regularly participate in LCAP development meetings, and lobby for funding of programs that they believe will help the students they represent succeed.

Community groups advocating for African American students are not the only ones attending these meetings, but they have been particularly effective in seeing programs, targeted toward their youth, funded and implemented. Certainly, as long as an achievement gap with African American students remains, or disciplinary measures remove African American students from classrooms at a disproportionate rate, the advocacy efforts being undertaken by these groups will continue, as will the targeted intervention programs they promote.

For more information about the AUSD LCAP and the AAMAI, visit the AUSD website, www.antioch.k12.ca.us. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the AUSD School Board is Wednesday, June 24, 2015. Meetings typically begin at 7:00 p.m., and are held at the School Services Building, 510 G Street, in Antioch.

On Friday, June 19, 2015 the Antioch Water Park will remain closed to allow for continued testing of all operations and further review by Contra Costa County Environmental Health Department. Facility safety is the primary concern for all parties.

The Antioch Water Park closed at approximately 2:30 on Thursday, June 18, 2015 in response to a chemical malfunction in one of the five pools. All guests were escorted safely from the facility and individuals needing medical attention were treated.

“Parks & Recreation Director Nancy Kaiser and her staff did a great job handling this incident,” said City Manager Steve Duran. “They were the first responders. They made decisions quickly.They removed the kids from potential danger and got the help they needed from CC Fire. When I got there, I saw no chaos or confusion. Contra Costa Fire had incident command and they, along with EMTs, CHP and Antioch PD were terrific.”

“When Chief Cantando and I arrived and were briefed by Nancy, CC Fire, etc., it was clear that everyone was communicating, working as one team and had the situation in hand,” he added.

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