Archive for August, 2015

Antioch’s Most Holy Rosary celebrates Father Vicente’s 60 years of priesthood

Monday, August 31st, 2015
A procession of children brought flowers to Father Vicente, center left, at the beginning of the multi-cultural mass in his honor, at Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Antioch, on Saturday, August 29, 2015.

A procession of children brought flowers to Father Vicente, (center left), at the beginning of the multi-cultural mass in his honor, at Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Antioch, on Saturday, August 29, 2015.

Bea Neal greets Fr. Vicente in the receiving line, as Fr. Roberto looks on

Bea Neal greets Fr. Vicente in the receiving line, as Fr. Roberto looks on

By Allen Payton

Parishioners and guests filled the Most Holy Rosary Catholic church sanctuary on Saturday, August 29 to celebrate the Father Francisco Vicente’s 60 years of priesthood with a multi-cultural mass. A reception followed, allowing all who wanted to personally greet, kiss and congratulate the beloved priest, who has served the Antioch church and Oakland Diocese for 40 of those 60 years.

Father Vicente is a member of the Dominicans order of Catholic priests, founded by the St. Dominic, known as the Order of Preachers, with the designation O.P. after their names.

According to the church’s website –

“Father Francisco Vicente, O.P., came as pastor in 1975, and began the residency program at Holy Rosary for Dominican Brothers studying for the priesthood. Holy Rosary has been home to approximately 20 Brothers over the years. In March of 1979, also under the pastorate of Father Vicente, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, or RCIA, was developed.

Father Vicente celebrates 60 years in the priesthood.

Father Vicente celebrates 60 years in the priesthood.

In January, 1993, after serving nine years as Assistant to the Master of the Dominican Order at its headquarters in Rome, and Judicial Vicar for the Oakland Diocese, Father Francisco Vicente returned to Holy Rosary as pastor. Training began the following June for Life Teen, a program to bring teens into a relationship with Christ through the Eucharist, teachings, and examples of the Core Group.

On Jan.3, 2002 Father Jordan Bradshaw took over as pastor and Father Vicente went on a well deserved sabbatical.

Father Jordan left in July 2009 and Father Roberto Corral, O.P. once again returned to Holy Rosary Parish and currently is the pastor. Holy Rosary is a parish of over 3,000 families and is continuing to grow and develop under Father Roberto Corral, O.P., Father Francisco Vicente, O.P. and Father David Bello, O.P.”

Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church is located at 1313 A Street in Antioch. For more information call (925) 757-4020 or visit their website at http://holyrosaryantioch.org.

Parishioners in the receiving line to greet and congratulate Father Vicente, center.

Parishioners in the receiving line to greet and congratulate Father Vicente (top right center).

County Airport Land Use Commission seeks applicants to fill vacancy

Monday, August 31st, 2015

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY – The County is seeking individuals who are interested in serving on Contra Costa County’s Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC). The Commission’s role and responsibilities are to:

– Formulate land use policies that restrict the development of lands to assure compatibility with planned operations of public use airports;

– Review the general plans of local agencies for consistency with the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan; and

– Review proposed modification to the airport master plans for consistency with the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.

Commission members are expected to attend at least one meeting a month. Regular meetings of the ALUC are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Zoning Administrator Meeting Room, 30 Muir Road, Martinez, CA 94553. Background study, occasional filed trips and extra meetings are sometimes necessary. Members shall serve without compensation. During the term of office, each member shall reside or work in Contra Costa County.

There are seven members on the ALUC. The current vacancy is for one commissioner that is an At-Large position representing the general public and appointed by the other six members of the Commission. Appointed members are required to comply with the Conflict-of-Interest reporting requirements in State law. The term of office of each member is four years and until the appointment and qualification of his or her successor.

An application form may be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by visiting the County webpage at www.cccounty.us or by calling (925) 335-1900. Completed applications should be returned to the Department of Conservation & Development, 30 Muir Road, Martinez, CA 94553 postmarked by Friday, September 25, 2015.

For further information, please call Jamar Stamps, with the Department of Conservation & Development, Community Development Division, at (925) 674-7832.

Antioch Speedway: Nick DeCarlo tops Shawn DeForest, Anthony Giuliani fourth win in IMCA Stock Car Racing; Art McCarthy launches to Sprint Car win; World of Outlaws returns Sept. 13

Monday, August 31st, 2015

World of Outlaws Antioch 09-13-15

Antioch, Calif. – Art McCarthy of San Jose averted disaster after his sprint car was launched spectacularly into the air but landed on all fours to win the Northern All Stars Winged 360 Sprint Car feature Saturday night at Antioch Speedway.

The seven-division summer spectacular saw Nick DeCarlo of Martinez take advantage of a fumble by Livermore’s Shawn DeForest to win in the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) modified stock car division. Anthony Giuliani of Morgan Hill out-dueled Brentwood’s Patti Ryland to win the IMCA SportMod feature.

Kyle Bakkie of Citrus heights won over Antioch’s Roy Fisher and Keith Shipherd in the Northern All Stars Wingless Sprint car feature. Concord’s Mike Gustafson was first in the Northern All Stars Limited Late Model main event. Mike Hynes of Suisun CIty and Lori Brown of Antioch chased him.

Bay Point’s Danny Wagner returned to victory lane by edging Mike Corsaro of Tracy in the Dwarf Car feature. Kimo Oreta of Vacaville, the reigning champ in the Hobby Stock division, again won the Hobby Stock main event.

McCarthy’s Spectacular Win

Coming out of the second turn on a super fast racetrack, McCarthy and Antioch’s Dan Gonderman were passing lapped traffic when they came together.

The track was great – very fast,” said McCarthy. “When we split to go around a lapped car, he (Gonderman) went high and I went low. We came back together he dropped down a little lower and I ran over his left front.”

That resulted in McCarthy’s car being launched high on the backstretch.

When the car came back down it was headed for the wall,” McCarthy said. “I kept my foot on the gas and it turned the car in the right direction.”

McCarthy went on to win with Robby McMahan of Sacramento and Antioch’s Shawn Arriaga following him across the finish line.

DeCarlo Over DeForest

DeCarlo’s win came by out-maneuvering Livermore’s DeForest in lapped traffic.

DeCarlo and DeForest started in the back of the pack. As they passed cars, DeCarlo made a bold move.

Nick (DeCarlo) just went around all of us,” said DeForest. “I fumbled and he got by me.”

With three laps to go, Aaron Crowell of Brentwood was holding onto first when DeCarlo passed him on the restart. Scott Busby of Martinez was challenging Crowell for second when DeForest made his move for DeCarlo with one lap to go.

Before I knew it the race was over. Running on the bottom of the track was good for me – every car I passed, I passed on the inside – which is uncharacteristic for me,” DeForest said. Oreste Gonella of Petaluma moved into third place.

Four for Giuliani

Giuliani scored his fourth IMCA SportMod win of the year after starting last.

When Fred Ryland of Brentwood’s hood flew off to bring out a restart, Giuliani still had to contend with Patti Ryland, Fred’s wife.

Patti was really running great – we raced very hard, side by side,” Giuliani said. “It was really fun. She is an excellent driver to race against.”

Trevor Clymens of Brentwood was third.

Labor Day Break & World of Outlaws Sept. 13

Antioch Speedway will be dark this weekend, and will return to action with the World of Outlaws 410 Sprint Cars on Sunday night, Sept. 13. SportMods will also be featured in the program.

Tickets for the special event can be purchased at woosprint.com.

The Antioch Speedway is located at the Antioch Fairgrounds, 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. Parking is accessible off L Street. For more information visit www.ovalmotorsports.com.

Thinking of buying a House? Now is the time – with no down payment

Monday, August 31st, 2015

Patrick McCarran 2015By Patrick McCarran

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

The primary reason to buy now is that mortgage rates are still at historic lows. This is driven largely by the continuing market corrections after the Fed pulled back on their bond purchases and the stock market continues to stabilize. However unbelievable low rates will not last forever and can increase literally overnight. The Fed has made it clear that they plan to raise the prime rate and while this does not directly effect mortgage rates it will effect the banks bottom line and almost definitely trigger an increase in interest rates.

We tend to make financial plans looking backward, learning the lessons of our past experiences but ignoring the future. That’s why we don’t buy stocks at the “bottom” but instead when they are “hot”; In a similar scenario, that’s probably why people aren’t buying homes right now, despite still relatively low home prices and historically low finance rates.

The why you should own is relatively easy. Rents will continue to rise and are unpredictable, when you own you know what the payments will be and it your home not the landlord to dictate rules. The mortgage interest is still the largest deduction for the middle class. Mortgage interest rates remain historically low and there is affair amount of inventory from which to choose. Long-term homeownership continues to be one of the best ways for the typical American to build wealth.

So what’s holding you back? Down Payment? Many people are intimidated by the widely publicized 20-percent down-payment requirement. They don’t realize that there are many federal programs designed to help homebuyers, and even those who have lost their homes to foreclosure.
For example, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have loans available to first-time buyers with as little as 3-percent down payment and the FHA has similar programs that require 3.5 percent down and payment. If you qualify there are a number of programs and grants that can help with the down payment. With a seller credit for closing costs I have gotten buyers into a home for as little as $1500 out of pocket. For veterans, the VA program has no-down-payment loans available for qualifying military members and veterans that can close with almost no out of pocket money.

Why wait? What’s the worst that could happen if you buy a home now? You’ve already seen it, the 2007 mortgage crisis. It will take generations, if ever, before the government lets the banking systems get that far out of hand again. It is far more likely that home prices will steadily climb as they have been. Americans are getting back to work and leading the global economy out of stagnation. So don’t be blinded to the future by your past experiences. The American population will continue to grow and build families of all types, creating more demand for housing. Don’t view your home as a trading vehicle or a one-way-up investment. Instead, look at the home-ownership benefits that are mostly forgotten by today’s potential homebuyers — the chance to build equity (instead of throwing rent down the drain) and the opportunity to customize your own environment.

That’s what has always motivated Americans to own their own home. And it isn’t going to change in the long run.

If you want to get started or have any questions give a call or send me an email and Debra Westlund (925) 783-2052 and myself would be happy to help you get started and help you set up an action plan.

Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and can be reached at (925) 899-5536, pmccarran@yahoo.com or www.CallPatrick.com.

©2015 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties an independently owned and operated franchisee of BHHS Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire.

Watchdog – Of council elections, police staffing and downtown development

Monday, August 31st, 2015

Watchdog-LogoBy Barbara Zivica

Next year residents will have a chance to vote whether to retain Wade Harper as Mayor or select another candidate. One candidate, Gil Murillo, has already recently posted his desire for the mayor’s seat and stated how he stands on a number of issues (education, crime, employment, housing, blight and graffiti). There’s also word that Dr. Sean Wright, CEO of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, may also be interested in running. Two council seats will also be open, those currently held by Monica Wilson and Mary Rocha. Remember, Ms. Wilson chose Lamar Thorpe as one of her standby council members.

Folks, this will be a very important election as it’s clear many residents are fed up and want change, change that didn’t come despite voters having twice approved tax measures. Where did the money go?

According to the just issued 2015 City Report, City Manager Steve Duran states that Council allotted 100% of revenues from Measure C to the Police Dept. and Code Enforcement. Prior to Measure C, the number of sworn Police Officers was 82. He doesn’t mention that 102 positions were authorized at that time, merely stating “in the current two year budget, the Council has funded 102 sworn officers.”

Remember when Mayor Harper ran for office, clearly stating that if Measure C passed in 2013, the city would hire 22 more cops? With 102 positions already authorized and 22 more promised, the Police Dept would have a total of 124 sworn police officers. However, according to the City Manager’s new report “prior to Measure C, the number of sworn Police Officers was 82. We have been aggressively hiring Police Officers – 21 since Nov. 2013, with 5 more in the Academy – but we currently still sit at 86 sworn.” As for Measure O, which passed in 2014, City Manager Duran states those funds are going toward a structural budget deficit.

Due to an inadequately staffed Police Dept, crime is rampant and Antioch’s acquired a bad reputation. In the past few years many small businesses in Antioch have closed, shopping malls are experiencing many vacancies, and blight and graffiti have increased citywide.

It’s true, however, that a lot of housing developments, on hold during the recession, are coming to fruition. That’s good for the economy but Council needs to listen to what residents want and they’re turning a deaf ear. For example, Council, behind closed doors approved a deal with City Ventures, a San Francisco company, to buy and develop numerous downtown parcels including the old Antioch Lumber Company site owned by the City.

City Ventures touts themselves as “sustainable homebuilders” e.g. using rooftop solar. Interesting to note that on August 3rd, PG&E and the state’s other big utility company proposed changing the state’s financial incentives for rooftop solar panels. They proposed adding monthly charges that would apply to solar homeowners alone, saying that would ensure all customers pay to maintain the electric grid.

Admittedly the city hasn’t yet officially signed the agreement with City Ventures, having a few details to decide before Council announces what appears to be a done deal in public session. The vote on the back door deal was 4-1, with Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock being the lone hold out.

Regrettably, Council rejected a proposal from Celebrate Antioch Foundation to turn the Lumber Company site into a park and event center.

Final Free Summer Concert, tonight in downtown Antioch – Toree McGee & Rodeo House

Saturday, August 29th, 2015
Toree McGee & Rodeo House

Toree McGee & Rodeo House

The final concert of the 2015 Free Antioch Summer series will feature Toree McGee & Rodeo House, tonight in Waldie Plaza in historic downtown Rivertown from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The band will perform country western music, including Toree’s new single, Amen.

Sponsored in part by the Antioch Herald, the series is presented by the Arts & Cultural Foundation of Antioch.

Be sure to bring your own lawn chairs or blanket to sit on and enjoy the music. You can also pick up dinner from downtown restaurants including La Fiesta Fresh Mexican Food restaurant, the New Beer Garden, Nuce Nuce Deli, Canton City on G Street and Riverview Lodge.

Antioch PAL to hold 8th Annual Golf Tournament fundraiser

Thursday, August 27th, 2015

PAL-logoCalling all golfers and Antioch PAL supporters. It’s that time of the year again! We are proud to announce the 8th Annual Antioch Police Activities League Charity Golf Tournament is open for player and sponsorship registration. Don’t miss your change to be part of this year’s fun and excitement! The tournament will be taking place on Friday, September 11, 2015, at the beautiful Lone Tree Golf Course and Event Center here in Antioch.

Attached you will find a form with additional information about how to register players, sponsor the event, or both! As in prior years, we are limiting our field to 128 players. Don’t wait too long to register, as you may miss out on participating in the premier tournament in East County!

Please remember, all proceeds raised from this tournament go toward helping the youth in our community stay active and socially involved through positive relationships with mentors and members of the Antioch Police Department. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and your donation/sponsorship can be considered tax deductible.

Contact Dineen Burdic, Antioch PALProgram Coordinator at (925) 864-0808 or dineenb@comcast.net or vsit http://antiochpalgolf.com

Running Your Money: Protecting your privacy – sort of

Thursday, August 27th, 2015

Running Your Money column logoBy Harry Stoll

About once a year, you’re no doubt receiving a missive from credit card companies informing you of what they do with your private information. This includes when you open an account or make deposits or withdrawals; pay your bills or apply for a loan; or use your credit or debit card. It also collects personal information for others such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.

I certainly have no quarrel with my credit card company, or loan holder getting such data; they are laying their money on the line and it’s good business to know what I’m up to.

But sharing information goes further. There are seven categories of private information and you can limit the sharing of only three categories. Here are the categories and what you can limit:

-For their everyday business purposes such as to process transactions, maintain your account, respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus. You cannot limit this sharing.

– For their marketing purposes to offer deals to you. You cannot limit this sharing.

– For joint marketing with other financial companies. You cannot limit this sharing.

– For their affiliates everyday business purposes. (An affiliate is an entity owned or controlled by the financial institution.) You cannot limit this sharing.

– For their affiliates’ eveyrday business purposes—information about your credit worthiness. Ta da! You can limit this sharing.

– For their affiliates to market to you. You can limit ths sharing.

– For their non-affiliates to market to you. You can limit this sharing.

I don’t mind my bank or credit company marketing to me. Mostly I hit the delete button, but occasionally they offer something I can use, such as a bonus for opening an account or using my card a bunch of times.

From childhood, we’ve been taught that it’s nice to share. But we’re (hopefully) all grown up now and should be able to decide with whom to share.

These categories were last laid out in the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999. It was enacted to thwart wholesale sharing of information, including sale of personal information to porn sites and to dodgy financial institutions offering high risk investments to low risk clients. The last time credit card reforms were enacted by the Federal government was in 2009, known informally as the Credit Card Holder’s Bill of Rights. It did not change the sharing of information rules.

So we have but three categories we can limit, but I urge you to limit what you can (assuming that’s’ what you want.) Formerly, financial institutions made it somewhat difficult to limit by requiring you to call an 800 number and work your way through the maze or to stamp and address an envelope. Now, they usually include a postage paid envelope.

We Californians can limit the sharing of personal and financial information with affiliates and outside companies the financial institution does business. That’s a step beyond.