By Luke Johnson

Antioch High School used its contemporary, $7-million football field, Eells Stadium, for the first time for graduation, during its 61st annual commencement ceremony to graduate the Class of 2015 Friday, June 5.

“I felt really honored,” Student Body President Sami Surges said about breaking in the new stadium. “We kinda set the tone for the rest of the years to come.”

A new format came with the new facility. The biggest one being the graduates had to exit the field before meeting with families and friends. This was to maintain the new surface and prevent holes from poking into the artificial turf. Also, chairs had to be modified and graduates’ footwear had to be monitored.

This school year marked the beginning of reconstruction under Measure B, approved in 2012, which granted AHS a $56.5-million bond to renovate and modernize the campus. Throughout the year, students had to avoid construction zones and forego a cafeteria.

“Our football team played with no stadium. They were a road warrior team, literally. They didn’t one game at home,” Principal Louie Rocha said. “Yet, they were successful and went to the North Coast Section Playoffs. That’s just a tribute to our students. They overcame many numerous obstacles. The campus was closed in some areas due to construction all year. We had to use the auditorium as our entrance. But the students just adjusted, continued on and really excelled.”

When asked what their favorite memory from this year was, both Rocha and Surges immediately responded with the Powder Puff football game, where the Panthers defeated crosstown rival Deer Valley High School in overtime. It was the first event hosted in the new Eells Stadium.

By Allen Payton

According to an email from Antioch City Clerk Arne Simonsen, the recall effort of Antioch Mayor Wade Harper is dead.

“This afternoon, Monday, June 8th, the proponent (Mr. Richard Buongiorno) of the recall petition of Mayor Wade Harper presented for filing all sections of the petition to the City Clerk in accordance with Elections Code 11222(a),” Simonsen’s email stated. “In accordance with Elections Code 11222(b), as the elections official I determined that the number of signatures, prima facie, did not equal or exceed the minimum number of signatures required and in accordance with Election Code 11222(b) “…the petition shall not be filed. Any petition not accepted for filing shall be returned to the proponents. All sections of the petition were returned to the proponent.”

They needed approximately 9,000 valid signatures of registered voters in Antioch.

“We had a deadline to meet, which was June 8^th, today,” said Buongiorno, who was the original organizer of the recall effort. “The problem that exists is I had bowed out of the recall on March 5, because I was going to get a transplant.”

He explained what occurred, further.

“On March 10 a committee of five people was formed, to follow through,” he said. “I kept referring people who wanted to sign the petition to one or two of the primary committee members.”

“I found out a week-ago Friday, after making numerous referrals to these two ladies, that they had disbanded the recall committee and they told me ‘we are not in the recall any more.’

That started a frenzy. I had to recruit over a dozen people to help get signatures. Even up until 3:30 p.m., today I was driving around the city to gather petitions with recall signatures to count, because I had a meeting with Arne at 4:00 p.m., today.

Simonsen immediately saw problems with the petitions. So, now I’m going to have to go through it, for my own piece of mind, to see how many signatures we have,” Buongiorno added. “But, we are done with the recall.”

However, he attempted to offer supporters a bright side.

“We currently have sufficient information to continue with our efforts to replace Harper as Mayor in 2016. It’s only 515 days away,” he said with a laugh. “Not that I’m counting.”

“But, it’s not just Harper,” Buongiorno added. “It’s all the council members who are up for election, next year. All those people not doing their job.”

“People are tired of it. They’re sick of it. It’s all the lying. They’re not doing their job.”

In response to the recall failing, Buongiorno changed the name of the Facebook page from Recall Wade Harper to Fire Wade Harper 2016.

In a post on that page, Buongiorno wrote the following:

“This is an advisory, which will be followed up on very soon.

I arranged for an appointment this afternoon with the Antioch’s Election Official, Arne Simonsen. I submitted everything I had received for the recall, including the incredible amount of signatures gathered in the last 10 days.

It would appear that there would be insufficient signatures to proceed with the filing.

First, I would like to thank all the people that worked on recall, many of who stuck it out to the very end. I do acknowledge there were a lot of hours invested in this effort and I certainly appreciate all that time invested.

Second, even though it was a blessing and I would not have changed a thing, I have not doubt that had I not been grounded by the transplant medical team and support staff, I am confident that the outcome would have been different.

Once it has been determined that the recall is definitively not proceeding, I will be receiving written confirmation. However, once the determination is made it becomes public which is why I am posting this advisory. No doubt the media will catch wind of it, as early as today.

My respect for you and the movement is my major concern and I wanted you to know before you read it elsewhere.

As indicated, I will be posting additional information since I have received so many requests.

Sincerely expressing my appreciation to all, Rich”

Harper is expected to seek reelection, next year, having held a Mardi Gras themed fundraiser, earlier this year.

The only other candidate for mayor, so far, is Gil Murillo, who announced at a Brazil Night music event at Tailgaters in March, that he organized.

Murillo posted the following on the Facebook page he created for his campaign, www.facebook.com/murilloformayor:

“What is my platform…it is simple.

First, work with the County and Local School District to design a plan to improve our schools. We are a community and before we can make it better, we need to have an inspiring environment for the children of our City. I know it is the School District that needs to be responsible for this, but this is a community issue which is all of us.

Crime – this is a tough subject and I don’t have the answer but I will work with community, ADP and consultants who can provide great insights on a long term plan. But for sure, look at expanding our mutual aide agreements with Brentwood and Pittsburg for expanded patrols. Look to see if we can engage County or State services for police services. I would work on developing a Police Reserve program for residents who want to serve once more from the heart. There is much we can do quickly.What is important, is to ensure revenue streams exist to ensure that we have a strong force.

Employment – In targeting education and crime, employers will consider Antioch once more. My goal is to bring high paying jobs to our community. By bringing these jobs, the organic change in our community will occur. If you have great paying local jobs, you will shop more in the community and it will also bring property values higher. I will work in allocating General Fund dollars to our local Economic Committee and Chamber of Commerce to promote Antioch.

Housing – With so many development plans already approved or in flight, we need to make sure that developments are aligned to the community. Important that the community style is maintained. I will also push for a local HUD office to open in Antioch with the emphasis of managing the issues that surround Section 8 housing. We have to realize that the property owner who is local or overseas, is overall responsible for their tenants. Having a local HUD office will ensure that property owners are responsible for the tenant and appearance of the property, the tenant will adhere to the regulations of their HUD agreement. I will stop development efforts on the condo complex and move forward with the community park in Downtown.

Blight and Graffiti – I will increase funding for City services to ensure that these issues are addressed quickly. I would work with the local school district to elicit students to help combat graffiti by having them paint.

This is a quick narrative but it gives you some ideas. Happy to speak with you directly.

We can make a difference in working together. I am not seeking this position for any personal agenda, but seeking this position to bring your thoughts forward for consideration. We all have the answers.

Thank you for spending your time in reviewing my thoughts and God Bless you all and God Bless our wonderful city of Antioch.”

Buongiorno added one final comment, via email to the Herald:

“There were two primary goals of the recall group. First being the recall, the second being an introduction to what the City of Antioch staff, including all council members, are doing to it’s residents and constituents (where applicable).

The constant and continual ‘smoke and mirrors’ is not acceptable. After specifically expressing the lack of transparency, questionable tactics and what appears as malfeasance and possible collusion. Nothing has changed.

The people of Antioch have learned to do what they learned as children to, ‘Stop, Look and Listen.’ It is doesn’t look or sound right they have learned they have the right to question and receive a reasonable answer.

I personally believe that 515 days from now, the people of Antioch will express their voting rights and change this city, even if it takes new recalls to do it.”

Harper responded via email, with the following statement:

“While I believe the recall attempt was not warranted, for me this has been a blessing in disguise; I have gained supporters that I didn’t know I had. My supporters have stated that they would not vote for, support or allow a recall; they see me out there in the community. I have continued to work hard for the citizens of Antioch. I will continue to do so, as long as I am able. We all want a safer community. We are working hard to make that happen. The recent report by Chief Allan Cantando has shown that violent crime continues to decrease. As a retired law enforcement professional, I understand that crime trends are cyclical, and as crime continues to rear its ugly head, we will continue to fight it.

Now that the recall attempt has ended, I am asking Mr. Buongiorno to please cancel the ‘Committee to elect Wade Harper,’ it is misleading, dishonest and it is not a committee to elect me. The recall events were disguised as ‘stop the violence’ rallies (I noticed online that there were photos with the recall wording covered up). I have a lifetime of community service and I will continue to work hard for the citizens of Antioch. My plan during these last few months was simply to continue to work hard in the community and continue to be visible. Let’s end the divisiveness and let’s work together to make Antioch safe and build our economy.”

The next election for Mayor of Antioch will be held in November, 2016.

By Allen Payton

Former Antioch police officers want to work on the cold case of Suzanne Bombardier, who was 14 when she was murdered on June 22, 1980, after being kidnapped, raped and stabbed through the heart. Her body was later discovered after being dumped in the river.

Greg Glod, a former Antioch Police Detective, who spent 26 years with the Secret Service and is now the Deputy Director for Threat Analysis of the Pentagon Force Protection Agency in Washington, D.C., is spearheading the effort. Joining him are retired Antioch Police Sgt. Larry Hopwood and Detective Ron Rackley.

“There are suspects in the case that can be investigated,” stated Glod, who was a juvenile sexual assault detective at the time and worked the case.

According to Jennifer Kathleen Gibbons, who wrote about the case, earlier this year:

“Thirty-five years ago this June, Suzanne Bombardier was babysitting her nieces in Antioch, California. She was talking to a friend of hers, then around 1:30 in the morning said she was ‘really beat’ and was going to bed. It was the last time anyone talked to her. Sometime between 1:30 and four, Suzie (as she was known to her family and friends) was kidnapped. Her body was found several days later in the Delta. It was an incredibly sad moment in Contra Costa history, foreshadowing the kidnappings of other girls (Tara Burke, Amber Swartz, Illene Mischelhoff, Michaela Garecht and Nikki Campbell) and boys (Mitchell Owens and Kevin Collins).

I have an interest in this story: Susie is buried near my grandparents at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette. I wrote about her in Salon, which was republished on Alternet.org.

Following is an excerpt from Gibbons’ article:

“They lived in Antioch, California. These days, it’s known as the city where Phillip Garrido held Jaycee Dugard hostage for 18 years.

When her sister Stephanie got home that night, the house looked fine. There were no signs of a struggle or forced entry. Suzanne wasn’t on the couch, but her sister figured Suzanne had fallen asleep with the girls while putting them down. Her sister headed to bed. It wasn’t until the next day when their mother called, looking for Suzanne, that they both began to worry. The only trace of her was her suitcase still near the couch.

They called the police. There were no signs of a forced struggle or entry. They had to wait 24 hours until they could start searching (customary back in 1980) . On June 27, her report card arrived in the mail. She received straight A’s, ending up on the honor roll. The same day a body was spotted by a fisherman in the San Joaquin River near Antioch. Suzanne’s stepfather identified the body. She had been stabbed through the heart. Her killer was never found.”

According to other news reports, at that time, “On Friday June 27th, a nude body was found in the nearby San Joaquin river. Dental records provided by the family confirmed the body was indeed Suzie’s. She had been stabbed. The gold necklace she wore was missing.

Antioch police questioned several suspects including a boy named Terry. Terry, according to Suzie’s best friend Leesa Metznger, was a boy Suzie was seeing. He was slightly older. He had an alibi which was checked out by the police. Other suspects were cleared as well.”

Bombardier’s case was profiled, last year, on the Defrosting Cold Cases website for their case of the month, the Antioch Herald, and the San Francisco Chronicle. Gibbons also had a commentary about Susie, broadcast on KQED.

“Susie’s murder took place during a time when police services were cut back, and although her case received attention,” Gibbons added, “It didn’t get national attention like Elizabeth Smart or other missing children.”

“We just need Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando to allow us to help his department,” he said. “There would be no cost to the public and we could get started, right away.”

Cantando spoke about the idea of a cold case unit made up of retired police officers.

“It’s something that we’re not going to consider,” he stated. “That model doesn’t work for us. We don’t have the staffing. They have this back east, where they have larger departments. These volunteers are not the ones who are going out and doing the work. They’re basically reading the reports and giving paid staff direction to go out and follow up on leads.”

“We’re in the process, right now trying to fight violent crime,” said Cantando. “We’re not alone. There aren’t a lot of departments doing this.”

“Periodically we review our cold cases,” he added.

Glod responded to Cantando’s comments, in an email.

“There are numerous police departments in the United States and California, effectively utilizing retired police officers and criminal researchers to support cold case units,” he stated. “They support the police departments by spending the endless hours of reviewing the cases, developing leads and research to provide the support that the detectives and officers do not have the time to conduct.”

“Charlotte, North Carolina’s retired cold case unit, was presented a distinguished service award by the Department of Justice in Washington, DC for their involvement in solving numerous cold cases,” Glod argued. “This model has repeatedly proven to be effective in departments of all sizes. This concept is strongly recommended to law enforcement by the Department of Justice, the International Association of Police and National Institute of Justice, all recommending the utilization of retired detectives and police officers as a strategic means to support policing now and in the future.” Implementing a Cold Case Unit  Cold Case Squads

“In addition, the National Institute of Justice provides grant funding to police departments for this cold case unit concept,” he offered. “In a recent publication in Volunteers in Police Service, an article titled ‘An Emerging Sector in Law Enforcement, Volunteers in Investigations’ profiles the success across the country with the utilization of retired local, state and federal law enforcement professionals.” VIPS article

“There is a baby boom generation of retired law enforcement and professionals from other related fields in Contra Costa County that would be more than willing to provide volunteer assistance to the City of Antioch,” Glod continued. “This resource must be utilized in the police culture, such cities as Antioch, who are currently experiencing high crime rates. Crime is not only stopped by additional police and detectives on the street, but also behind the scenes with a cadre of experienced and dedicated volunteer professionals, who support the operational mission of policing, thus improving the identification and conviction of criminals.”

“With regards to budget constraints and high crime there needs to be creative and new strategic thinking in law enforcement, many departments in the United States are developing the methodologies,” he added.

“The tragic murder of Suzanne Bombardier, a beautiful, 14-year old girl from Antioch, who was so full of life, which was horrifically cut short, should never be forgotten by the citizens of Antioch, California,” Glod concluded. “This case clearly needs to be reopened by the law enforcement authorities in Antioch and Contra Costa County. They should leave no stone unturned until this case is solved and justice served for Suzanne and her family and friends who have suffered for so many years.”

Rackley summed up the interest the retired officers have in the case.

“We want closure for the family and ourselves, too,” said Rackley, who took the original report. “We believe there are still more investigative leads available.”

In response, Cantando said, “If they have any leads, they haven’t shared them with us, yet. If anyone else out there has any leads on this case, they need to contact the Antioch Police Department with their information. They can call Lt. Morefield at (925) 779-6929.”

“This case is not closed and we work cold cases (including this case), but we do have to prioritize in order to optimize our effectiveness,” he added. “When new leads are presented to us, we follow up on them. Lastly, we do not release information to the media that we are working a specific cold case in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation.”

 

 

By Allen Payton

Bank of Agriculture and Commerce (BAC) is celebrating its Golden Jubilee. Ronald A. Berberian, president and chairman of the board, stated the bank achieved many milestones since 1965, and he’s excited about what the future holds.

“BAC is kicking off the celebration with a new name — BAC Community Bank (BAC),” said Berberian. “The name maintains BAC’s strong brand while denoting it’s a community bank serving individuals and a variety of business sectors including agriculture.”

Chief Executive Officer William R. Trezza added that the bank’s new companion tag line “banking. always connected.” reflects the bank’s strong connections to its communities and customers through investment, relationships, and technology.

“As we launch BAC Community Bank, we’re introducing new high interest and rewards based checking accounts. The name change also brings ECC Bank – a division of BAC and East Contra Costa’s oldest community bank – under the BAC Community Bank brand,” said Trezza.

Trezza, who’s been with the bank since 1982, said the transition is seamless and effortless for customers.

“The principals of the bank remain unchanged, as do other incidentals such as staff, phone numbers, web address, etc.,” he shared. “Customers can expect to receive our same commitment to unmatched personal customer service they’ve come to know and expect.”

Trezza explained the name change, further.

“We’ve always wanted to get rid of agriculture. Not that we didn’t welcome agricultural businesses. But, because it steered other businesses away,” he stated. “Plus, we’re going to do these new chip cards and the size of the name, with the two brands, it became very difficult. So, we went back to the original BAC name. It’s a better place for customers to be. It will be one brand, BAC Community Bank.”

“Other than simplicity and consistency, it’s something to call ourselves for the next 50 years,” Trezza said with a chuckle.

“It will take a little while, with new signs,” he added. ““We’re putting up new banners, in the meantime.”

BAC invites its customers interested in learning more about the name change and its new innovative banking products to check the Frequently Asked Question section at its website: bankbac.com, or call BAC at (877) 226- 5820.

BAC Community Bank

The Berberian family of Stockton owns BAC Community Bank. It was chartered in 1965 and serves San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Contra Costa Counties. BAC has 10 branches in Stockton, Modesto, Lodi, Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Antioch, and Concord.

The Bank’s expertise lies in its ability to personalize and customize its products and services to meet the needs of its customers. BAC offers innovative electronic banking products and cash management services. The Bank is well positioned to service the credit and operation needs of small to large businesses, from corporations to sole proprietors. BAC offers a wide variety of consumer banking products to satisfy the personal banking and investment needs of individuals, business owners and their employees. For more information visit www.bankbac.com.

Jeremy Newberry crashes

By Mike Adaskaveg

Shawn Arriaga of Antioch made a daring last lap, last turn, inside pass to snatch victory away from San Jose’s Art McCarthy in the Northern All Stars Winged Sprint Car main event, Saturday night, June 6, 2015, at Antioch Speedway. Back to back thrills came as Scott Busby battled Kyle Wilson side by side for nearly half of the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) modified stock car main event prior to Arriaga’s Win.

Early in the program, Larry Damitz of Vallejo dodged spinning cars and fender-benders to win the Northern All Stars Limited Late Model Feature. In the Hobby Stock main event, Kimo Oreta of Vacaville came from the back of the pack after changing a flat tire to top leader Chris Sorensen of El Sobrante.

The Northern All Stars Wingless Sprint Car feature had to be red-flagged with leader Jim Perry III being awarded the win after a two-car backstretch flips involving Kyle Bakkie III of Citrus Heights and Jeremy Newberry of Brentwood.

McCarthy Admonishes Arriaga in Victory Lane

“That wasn’t cool!” veteran sprint car racer McCarthy said to Arriaga as the two met in victory lane. Young Arriaga tried to hug McCarthy after the win. At first McCarthy shunned Arriaga’s gesture.

The move, in which Arriaga used every inch inside of McCarthy and the inner edge of the track, could have sent both cars into a spin or worse.

“I didn’t mean to race like that – it’s the last lap of a short track race – it kind of takes over your instincts,” Arriaga told McCarthy

Fans hooted and hollered a full ten minutes after the race.

“I had a head of steam going into the last turn,” Arriaga tried to explain. “I tried to hug Art (McCarthy) on the inside. It turned to be very risky.”

Third place Dustin Golobic of Fremont had the bird’s eye view of the move. He was waiting for the miscue that would hand him the win. It was his first race at Antioch Speedway.

“If it had gone a few more laps, I know I would have caught the both of them,” said Golobic, who came on strong in the last five laps, passing Jeremy Burt from Grass Valley in the process. “It was fun to be where I was and see what happened in front of me.”

When the drivers calmed down, smiles prevailed, and McCarthy got philosophical about the win being taken from him.

“It is what it is,” he said. “Shawn is like a son to me. It isn’t good to give up a race that you led from start to the last lap. If I’m going to be beaten like that, I’d rather it be Shawn (Arriaga) who did it.

Busby Knows the Speedway Better than Anyone

Scott Busby is a living legend in California stock car racing and is said to be the state’s most winning driver of all time. He showed newcomer Kyle Wilson of Salinas that he still had a few tricks as the two raced side-by-side and clean for the checkered flag in the IMCA Modified feature.

“He (Busby) has been racing and winning since well before I was born,” said 21-year-old Wilson. “With him having all those years of experience, I was smiling that I was able to race alongside him like that.”

A tense moment on the last lap saw Clarence Holbrook of Galt spin sideways in the third and fourth turns, with Busby backing off just enough to miss him while keeping ahead of Wilson

Busby just picked off drivers one by one until he reached Wilson.

“I was worried in the beginning because I had to come from the back,” Busby said. “But it turned out to be a great race – all the guys drove their lines. I was able to run down low or up high. It was a great race on a great track.”

Busby offered compliments and encouragement to Wilson in victory lane.

“If you had won, I would be just as happy as I am now,” Busby told Wilson. “The day is coming when our first and second place finishes will be reversed.”

Third went to Bobby Motts of San Pablo, closely followed by Carl Berendsen and Mike Salazar, both from Antioch.

Crazy Night of Crashes for Wingless Sprinters

“There were quite a few nasty crashes to avoid,” said Wingless Sprint Car Feature winner Jim Perry III of Concord. “Luckily I was in the front of the pack most of the time.”

The first incident resulting in a car turning over was when Marcus Smith of Manteca and Kyle Standley from Marysville tangled in the third turn. Smith went for a tumble and Standley was able to continue. On the restart, it was Standley flipping on the front stretch.

After more than half the event was completed, Newberry and Bakkie both entered into a frightening double flip down the backstretch. None of the drivers were injured.

After a prolonged red flag, Perry was named winner of the event.

“We had all the bugs worked out of the car, and it was able to perform well enough to stay up front,” Perry III added. Alan Miranda of Fairfield was second.

Damitz Untouchable

The oldest race driver continuously competing in a top division, Damitz continued the winning ways he began in 1952. His car smashed front and rear, he was able to win the Limited Late Model Feature with a quarter lap lead over second place Paul Hanley of Emerald Hills and Alamo’s John Evans, who finished third.

Top cars crashed or suffered mechanical failure. Eliminated were front-runners Brian Zachary of Oakley, Mike Gustafson of Concord, Mark Garner of Antioch and Mike Hynes of Suisun City.

“I don’t understand what happened out there tonight,” Damitz said. “But it was a terrible night for those guys.”

Oreta Comeback

Oreta raced the first half of the race with a softening tire after he made contact with a competitor on the opening lap. In the meantime, Sorensen, in his first race since 2010, began thinking the race was his.

While Sorenson and fellow season first-timer Brent Curran of Antioch raced one-two, Oreta started back in the pack of the 15 car field. The tire change put him in the rear with about 10 laps to go.

“No, no, no, I didn’t ever think I would catch him or win after having a flat tire,” Oreta said in victory lane. “When I came back out I found the groove down low that no one was running in. I put the tire on the inside hump of the track and raced as hard as I could.”

Oreta knew driving the shortest distance around the oval would pay off, and it did. Sorenson was passed late in the race and had to settle for second, with Curran, Russell Shearer of Bay Point and Frank Furtado of Antioch following.

“I tried,” Sorenson said in victory lane. “Kimo has a great car and he is a great driver. It’s been a long time for me – but I’ll be back.”

IMCA Modifieds, DIRTcar Late Models Return This Saturday Night

The fastest stock car classes on dirt – the IMCA Modifieds and the DIRTcar Late Models headline the five-division show Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. The Hobby Stock, Dwarf Car aqnd Vintage Hard Top classes will complete the card. All five divisions will have qualifying races and feature events.

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

By Allen Payton

Antioch’s American Legion Harding-Noia Post #161 welcomed home Janet Wilson, the first California State Commander, at a dinner in her honor, Saturday night, June 6, 2015.

During the event held at the Veterans Memorial Building on West Sixth Street in Antioch, Wilson was presented with special certificates from local elected officials, including State Assemblyman Jim Frazier, who was in attendance, as well as a plaque for her year of service, which ends in three weeks.

According to her bio on the American Legion’s website:

“Janet has served the Legion for over 26 years; served as Post & District Commander twice and Post Adjutant for over 10 years.

She is a graduate of American Legion College 2008, also a duo member, serving positions in both the Legion and the Auxiliary at Department levels.

She has served as Dept. Ca. as Vice Commander Representing Women Legionnaires and as Department Vice Commander Representing Area 2, as well as three other State appointed positions, and has been on numerous Committees and Commissions as well as National Americanism Council member and Children and Youth for the National organization, and is member of ANAVICUS.

She continues to act as Chairman of the Post and District Blood Donor program; and has actively organized numerous Blood Drives, is an ongoing donor of more than one gallon.

She has helped to complete the ‘Legion Family’, organized a squadron of the Sons of The American Legion. Continues as the “acting” adjutant and is currently the Squadron Advisor. She continues to mentor the squadron in protocol and leadership.

Having mentored the newer members of the Post and Riders Chapter: teaching the members about the Legion. Hoping to get them to move up and move into the ‘legion’ life outside our Post, into the District and beyond. Enjoys assisting the Riders at some of the events in our Community, like the Santa run to the local V.A. hospital, and Memorial Day Event, and Veterans’ Day annual parade.

A longtime member of the Past Commanders Club and held position of Recording/Secretary for the Department of California Past Commanders Club and was PCC District President.

After 11 years as Secretary/ Finance officer she continues to work on behalf of the Annual Golf Tournament at Yountville. This Golf Tournament not only allows Legionnaires a wonderful opportunity to mingle with the residents, but it also creates a source of funds for the Veteran-Residents of the Home, and fulfills a ‘wish list’ of items they otherwise could not acquire.

She has donated numerous hours to charitable organizations within the community. Working on quilts of Valor, and Quilts of Honor, these groups provides quilts to charities such as Wounded Warriors, VA hospitals, and numerous area hospices. Helps with the choices as to who needs our quilts and helps to distribute them, this year alone, we have given out over 100 quilts.

She has recently added docent to the list of hours of Community service, at the Rosie the Riveter National Park in Richmond, which she has just put on hiatus while being commander.”

By Luke Johnson

Over 600 graduates filed in for Deer Valley High School’s commencement ceremony for the Class of 2015, on Thursday, June 5, in what was the most attended event in school history, according to Principal Ken Gardner.

“This is the fullest we’ve ever seen the stadium,” Gardner said during his graduation speech. ”The culture of the school is changing and evolving into become accepted by the community to be a college- and career-going culture, and that’s what we’ve been striving for.”

Despite constant negative news about student behavior, valedictorian Hannah Howard feels the school is misrepresented and that viewers outside looking in only the trouble makers.

“There are a lot of misconceptions about this school,” Howard said. “Whenever my family or anybody says, ‘Hey, there’s a lot of stuff happening at your school,’ I always say, ‘Well, you aren’t looking at the 99 percent of the other people who all get along.’ They are just paying attention to the one-percenters who are the bad apples.”

Gardner added that the negative news happened off campus, and that suspension and disciplinary rates have dropped while attendance has improved (well over 95 percent) in the past four years.

“The school, for some reason, has always had a bad reputation and we’ve been struggling for years to overcome that, and I think this class proved in,” Gardner said. “Community members were taking small things and making them much bigger than they needed to be.”

By John Crowder

Parents, children, teachers, and administrators connected with Kids’ Club Preschool marched to the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) School Services Building and held a rally in support of their program prior to the May 27, 2015, AUSD School Board meeting.

Following their rally, those who participated headed inside and filled the small board room, prompting Board Vice President Diane Gibson-Gray, chairing the meeting due to the absence of Board President Claire Smith, to ask people to move to the lobby, where she said they would be able to hear the proceedings over the speaker system. According to Gibson-Gray, it was necessary to clear part of the boardroom in order to maintain the safety of everyone present. Many of those attending quickly moved, and the board meeting was then able to proceed.

With a large number of people asking to address the board during public comments, the order of business was slightly modified, with public comments beginning earlier than had been scheduled.

Those who addressed the board on behalf of the preschool had two requests. The first was for an extension of time on their lease, set to expire in July, 2015. The second request was for the school district to provide the operators of Kids’ Club with vacant land, on which they said they could place modular, or portable, buildings, in order to keep the program in Antioch.

This was the largest group yet to have spoken out at a public meeting over the last few months about the impending end of the lease the preschool has held with AUSD at Bidwell Elementary School, 800 Gary Avenue, in Antioch, since 2012.

Speakers supporting Kids’ Club have been addressing both the city council and school board with various requests since early February:

• February 11, AUSD School Board – Mark Mokski, Executive Director of Kids’ Club

  and Cheryl Miller, Kids’ Club Site Supervisor, ask board members to visit the facility and view their program.

• April 14, Antioch City Council – Mokski states, “I’m asking for political help, to raise

  the money.” “I ask for your support. I do not ask for money, I do not ask for property, I do not ask for buildings. I ask for political support. Stand besides Kids’ Club. Help us raise some money.”

• April 15, AUSD School Board – Mokski states he is not asking for a renewal of the

  lease, but help in raising, “$100,000 to $200,000” to renovate one of a number of buildings he has access to. Other speakers ask that the Kids’ Club lease be renewed.

• May 26, Antioch City Council – Mokski states, “We ask for empty land.”

As previously reported, the original lease was set to expire on July 31, 2014, but contained a one-year option to renew. In exercising that option, Mokski also wrote in a letter dated May 22, 2014, that, “Kids’ Club Preschool acknowledges, based upon a verbal conversation on May 20, 2014 that the leased space will no longer be available after next year.”

AUSD has addressed the issue with a statement on the District website. According to that statement, the District needs the space currently occupied by the preschool in order to, “expand its current special education programs at Bidwell.”

At the end of the board meeting, Board Member Debra Vinson brought up the Kids’ Club issue. Expressing concern with the lease termination, she advocated reviewing that decision. “I’m definitely concerned,” she said. “There must be other options.”

State-funded preschool program to open

Following the board meeting, Herald staff learned that at least some of the children attending Kids’ Club may have another option available.

Kathy Coletto, Director of The Child Day Schools, located at 112 E. Tregallas Road in Antioch, said that she has been informed that their program is being awarded a contract from the state of California to operate a state-funded preschool program.

“Some of the families from Kids’ Club will qualify for our program starting July 1^st, 2015,” Coletto stated.

She went on to say that they have enough space for 87 preschoolers, and will be hiring additional staff, as well. Parents interested in The Child Day Schools program should call Coletto at (925) 754-0144 for more information.

The next school board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, at 7:00 p.m. Meetings take place in the School Services Building, located at 510 G Street.