Archive for October, 2015

Antioch’s Travis “TJ” Carrie is a “New and Improved Raider”

Wednesday, October 14th, 2015
TJ Carrie takes the time to take a selfie with a Raiders fan after a pre-season home game.

TJ Carrie takes the time to take a selfie with a Raiders fan after a pre-season home game. photo by F.D. Purcell

F.D. Purcell, Bay Area Sports Reporter

Antioch Herald

That is the quote on the Oakland Raiders’ second year player, Travis “TJ” Carrie’s Twitter page. Not many get the opportunity to play for their home team – selected in the 7th round, 219th overall in the 2014 draft – but this Antioch native is and he’s taking it all in stride. Carrie is accustomed to playing for a team that’s under the microscope having played at football powerhouse De La Salle. Carrie fell in love with the game watching his three older brothers and one younger brother.

It didn’t matter where the former ball boy played football: in the mud, concrete or street, as long as he played. That passion shows when he’s on the field breaking up plays on receivers or gunning for balls on special teams. It was that very foundation of family and passion that helped cultivate him to the solid young man he is on and off the field. And it shows on his social media pages which are flanked by motivating quotes, family, football and the love o his life fiance and college sweetheart Tyisha, who he’s set to marry next June.

Antioch Herald: What’s it like playing for the hometown team?

TJ Carrie: A tremendous blessing, tremendous opportunity that I was given and I’m having fun out there. I think that’s the biggest most exciting thing is being able to play in front of players you’ve watched and grown up with and there’s nothing better than having this opportunity.

AH: When you go into the season are there any goals you get for yourself?

TJ: Definitely. I always set goals and standards for myself. The #1 thing is to be a different player than I was last year. Growing and understanding that last year was a rookie season and coaches allow you to make a little more mistakes when you’re a rookie. Being able to come into a second season and take advantage of the opportunity and know that I have a tremendous amount of growth that I can excel to. That’s one of the biggest goals that I’ve had coming into this year.

AH: Since you’re from the area how do you deal with the ticket requests from family and friends? That comes out of your pocket.

TJ: I have a great family support system. That has definitely been something we had to talk about as a family. They are understanding and they understand the situation that I’m going to try to get everyone and we make the best of that opportunity but I break it up on a good system. I’m glad we’ve been able to get on the same page.

AH: What’s been that largest ticket request?

TJ: When I traveled to Cleveland last season it was about 35 with coaches and players I grew up with, aunts and uncles. It was probably one of the biggest ones I’ve had. It’s great to have them there at the game supporting me. It’s HUGE!

AH: Your family support is tremendous, talk about that.

TJ: My parents moved to Cleveland so they could be near me when I was in college and now I’m back out here (laugh). I have other family members here, but it’s a big homecoming when we play there, because my fiance is from there also.

AH: It’s crazy they’re gone but you have your fiance here, right?

TJ: Yes, and it’s crazy because before I was drafted were here visiting and she said, “Wouldn’t it be great to live here?” Now we’re here and planning to get married next June in Cleveland.

AH: I saw she did something great for your birthday?

TJ: (smiles) Yes we had a helicopter ride and we went to Napa. (You can view the photos on his Instagram page leon18_tj)

AH: Having attended De La Salle you know a thing or two about winning cultures. How do you apply that mindset on a professional level and do you set goals going into each season?

TJ: The biggest things those schools have given me are the traits I have today: dedication, working hard and discipline. All those things are lifestyle changes in itself and bringing them here is something that transforms you more into an athlete because this game is more mental than physical. High school and college experiences have shaped and carried me into this season.

AH: What would you be doing if you weren’t playing football?

TJ: I have my masters in coaching and education so coaching is definitely something I like to do. Something with kids, younger or high school and training them so they can be powerful, successful and helping them pave their future.

AH: What is your greatest Raiders memory thus far?

TJ: The moment it happened (getting drafted) and getting a call from then head coach Dennis Allen on draft day and thinking in my mind, “Wow, I’m going back home.” I’ve been away for so long but having this opportunity is a tremendous blessing to go back home and play the sport I love is really what’s the biggest memory for me and it still is today.

AH: Any final words to the Raider Nation?

TJ: Yes, I’m looking here to stay for the long-haul. You can depend on me and look for me to make some big things happen this year Raider Nation.

You can follow him on Twitter @tj_carrie and Instagram leon18_tj. Read more about him on his Wikipedia page here.

Writer says Antioch Mayor Harper has failed

Wednesday, October 14th, 2015

Dear Editor:

Antioch’s Mayor, Wade Harper, is a failure. Antioch is no safer since his election. Let’s take a look at the facts.

His claimed primary, election campaign platform was to improve Antioch’s public safety. He boasted “The City of Antioch will be a safer city on my watch” and “Stopping crime now starts with Police Lieutenant Wade Harper.” His campaign crowed “How about we elect a City Councilmember who has experience fighting crime – well beyond talking about it.”

He also promised “more police” and “less crime” in his overzealous support for a “yes” vote on the Measure C tax. What a farce that also has turned out to be. He was one of its main proponents for its passage. Same Police, same crime results since.

Antioch’s Police manpower hasn’t really been increased, even with Mayor Wade Harper at the helm, with the approximate same number (90 currently) of sworn Officers, as before. Antioch’s crime rate hasn’t really been reduced, it’s just been an illusionary misleading ‘dog and pony’ show when publicly discussed by him and others. Mayor Harper should’ve been put to a more successful recall effort. Unfortunately it failed due to technical problems by the proponents, from the start.

Where are the 20 plus “more” Officers that were promised? And where is the “less crime” he promised? Fooled you, didn’t he? Antioch’s documented crime rate is 46% more than California’s average crime rate, and 49% more than the National crime rate average, as last reported.

Antioch’s 2014 total police reported person crimes proves it’s increased by an additional 30% more since his election. And Antioch’s 2014 total police reported property crimes proves it’s doubled (by an additional 101% more) during his Council tenure.

Let’s face it, Antioch’s Mayor Wade Harper is a failure and needs to be replaced. We can do better without him. His boasting promises to our community have been hollow and full of self-promoting emptiness that has cost Antioch overall.

Ralph A. Hernandez

Antioch

Antioch’s Rodney Smith to be inducted into Motorcycle Hall of Fame, Saturday

Wednesday, October 14th, 2015
Rodney Smith racing in the Suzuki RMX250 Trophy Team USA, ISDE 1997, from his Facebook page.

Rodney Smith racing in the 1997 International Six Days Enduro as part of the Suzuki RMX250 Trophy Team USA.  from his Facebook page.

 

By Allen Payton

World champion motorcycle racer Rodney Smith, of Antioch, will be inducted into the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2015, during a ceremony, this Saturday in Orlando, Florida.

Rodney Smith was one of the most versatile motorcycle racers of the 1990s, excelling in both motocross and off-road at the highest levels,” said Ken Ford, a member of the AMA and American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation boards of directors. “{His) contributions to the world of motorcycling are enduring and substantial.”

According to the AMA website, “Each year, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame welcomes new members.” Smith will be one of six inductees who “will join the ranks of motorcycling’s greatest advocates and champions…during the American International Motorcycle Expo.”

Rodney Smith

Rodney Smith

Born in 1964 and a 1982 graduate of Antioch High School, Rodney Smith started riding motorcycles in the hills of Northern California with his family in the 1960s and ’70s, and his first race was at age 13 at Sand Hill in Brentwood. From there, he blossomed into a local motocross standout and then an international contender. Smith accepted an offer to race in Brazil in 1985 and won five Brazilian national championships. He then moved to the world level and finished third in the 1988 Fédération Internationale de Moocyclisme 250cc World Motocross Championships before returning to America in 1990.

Back in the United States, Smith turned his focus to off-road racing, where he became one of the most dominant riders of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Smith won 13 AMA-sanctioned national championship series, including five Grand National Cross Country titles, three AMA National Hare Scrambles titles and five AMA National Reliability Enduro Championships. He also excelled in the International Six Days Enduro, winning multiple gold medals, competing on the premier U.S. Trophy Team and twice earning top-American honors. He mainly raced wearing number 31 on his jersey.

His major accomplishments include: 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002 & 2004 Grand National Cross Country Champion; 2001 Parts Unlimited World Off-Road Series – 2nd place; 1996 & 1997 AMA Hare Scramble Series Champion; 1994 & 1995 International Six Days Enduro Gold Medalist; 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 & 1998: AMA National Reliability Enduro Champion; 1988 World Grand Prix Motocross 250cc – 3rd place; and five-time Brazilian Motocross Champion.

Rodney Smith's trophy case in his home in Antioch - from his Facebook page.

Rodney Smith’s trophy case in his home in Antioch – from his Facebook page.

A true champion can ride in all different conditions, and just when you think you’re done, push harder,” Smith states. His advice to younger riders is “to always remember why you started riding a motorcyle. Because it is fun.”

Since his racing days, according to his website, Smith “has scaled his racing plans back a bit, and after injuries and some frustration, decided to transition into a full-time coach/advisor…to students of all ages and skill levels.”

His RSMX & Offroad Acadmey offers a motorcross riding school, private and group lessons, fitness and dietary training and weekend camps.

According to his father, his parents and brother will be joining Smith in Florida for the ceremony.

For more information on Smith, visit his website at http://rodneysmith31.com/. For more information about the 2015 Hall of Fame, click here.

Congratulations, Rodney!

Antioch Police Department calls for service highlights, Oct. 1-8, 2015

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015

From Antioch City Manager Steve Duran’s Weekly Report, dated 10/9/15, as provided by Police Chief Allan Cantando:

On 10/8/2015 at 2:31 a.m., an AMR Paramedic Unit called dispatch to report a vehicle resting on the curb at Hillcrest Ave. and Larkspur Dr. Officers responded and contacted 27 year old Melissa Doronila in the vehicle. Officers noted both of the driver side tires were missing and only the rims remained. The investigation determined she was under the influence of alcohol and she was arrested for DUI. Doronila had apparently driven for several miles on two rims. Her tires were later located on Hillcrest Ave and Country Hills Dr., however there was no obvious indication of what caused the tires to come off the rims. There were no other witnesses to her driving on Hillcrest Avenue. Doronila was booked at the county jail.

– On 10/7/2015 at 7:32 p.m., officers responded to Sutter Delta Memorial Hospital regarding a 13 year old girl with a gunshot wound to the hand. The juvenile claimed earlier in the day that she found a revolver in a bathroom at a middle school. She placed the revolver in her backpack and kept it all day. When she got to her home in Antioch, she was going to show the firearm to her grandmother and accidentally shot herself in the hand. Officers responded to the home and recovered the revolver. The 13 years old girl has long list of police contacts and arrests, as well as a pending juvenile case. She was arrested for weapons related charges and booked at juvenile hall. Officers continue to investigate ownership of the firearm as well as how the girl obtained the weapon.

– On 10/7/2015 at 1:01 a.m., officers responded the 1300 block of Mission Dr. regarding a suspicious circumstance where some subjects had gotten out of a car and climbed over a fence into a rear yard of a residence. Officers found a 14 year old male juvenile hiding in the vehicle, but the other subjects were not located. The juvenile’s parent was contacted and it was learned that he had stolen the car from his grandmother and drove to Antioch. He was arrested and released to his mother for auto theft and violation of juvenile curfew.

– On 10/7/2015 at 12:31 a.m., an officer saw a suspicious vehicle at the Economy Inn on E. 18th St. A records check on the license plate number revealed the vehicle was reported stolen out of Pittsburg. The vehicle drove out of the parking lot and an enforcement stop was made at Biglow Dr. and Kean Ave. Carlos Montanez, 30 years old, was identified as the driver and 46 year old Mario Hernandez was a passenger. Montanez and Hernandez were arrested without incident. Montanez was booked at the county jail for auto theft related charges as well as an outstanding arrest warrant for child endangerment. Hernandez was released pending further investigation.

– On 10/6/2015 at 5:59 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop at W. 10th and “L” streets. The driver was identified as 60 year old Whitney Jacobs. Upon running a routine records check of Jacobs, he was found to have several outstanding arrest warrants for felony and misdemeanor charges including petty theft, failing to properly register as a sex offender and violation of probation. He was taken into custody without incident and booked at the county jail.

– On 10/6/2015 at 9:50 a.m., officers assisted Code Enforcement with multiple encampments in the open space to the rear of 1620 Sycamore Dr. While doing so, officers contacted 41 year old Marcella Martin. A records check indicated she had an outstanding arrest warrant charging burglary, forgery and possession of stolen property. Martin was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

– On 10/6/2015 at 8:55 a.m., officers responded to 901 Rotherham Dr. regarding trespassers attempting to move into a vacant home. Officers located 46 year old Derek Jones, 56 year old Katherine Adams, 30 year old Clayton Dortzbach and 30 year old Jeremy Robinson inside the residence. The homeowner was contacted and placed them under citizen’s arrest. Katherine Adams also had an outstanding arrest warrant for petty theft. All of the subjects were released on promises to appear. Code Enforcement red tagged the residence as there was no water or power to the house.

– On 10/5/2015 at 6:21 p.m., an officer made a traffic stop at W. 10th and Diamond Streets. The officer ran a records check on the driver, 31 year old Mysunn Turner. Turner had an outstanding arrest warrant issued in Nevada County for exceeding the speed limit and driving on a suspended license. Turner was issued a new court date and released from the scene.

On 10/5/2015 at 5:10 p.m., an officer was patrolling near Lemontree and Peppertree Way and saw 26 year old Robert Lay driving recklessly though the area. Lay continued to drive erratically while the officer attempted to catch up to him. Lay hit a parked car and eventually pulled into the 76 gas station on Contra Loma Blvd. Officers made contact with Lay and detained him. A records check revealed he had an outstanding felony arrest warrant for the charge of possession of stolen property. Lay was arrested for the warrant, hit and run and reckless driving. Lay’s vehicle was impounded and he was booked at the county jail.

– On 10/5/2015 at 4:24 p.m., detectives were in the 1000 block of W. 9th St. They observed 31 year old Michael O’Brien and a 22 year old female arguing. O’Brien threw a large rock at the female and it struck her in the back. Detectives detained O’Brien and placed him under arrest without incident. Officers responded and took over the investigation and custody of O’Brien, who was later booked at the county jail for assault with a deadly weapon. The female suffered minor injuries.

– On 10/5/2015 at 10:13 a.m., an officer contacted 31 year old Miranda Mirati, who was standing in front of the Rite Aid store at 20 E. 18th St. A records check indicated she had an outstanding arrest warrant for petty theft. Mirati was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

– On 10/5/2015 at 8:39 a.m., officers responded to the Bedford Center at 1811 “C” St. on a report of subjects refusing to leave. When officers arrived, they contacted 37 year old Jacque Watts. A records check revealed Watts had an outstanding no bail arrest warrant for being a parolee at large. Watts was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

– On 10/4/2015 at 10:53 p.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of E. 13th St. regarding a disturbance. Officers contacted 37 year old Barton Ramsey at the location. A records check indicated he had an outstanding arrest warrant for possession of a controlled substance. He was issued a new court date and released.

– On 10/4/2015 at 7:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Drake St. for a welfare check of a male who was standing in the middle of the street. Officers arrived and contacted 18 year old Eric Bell. A records check indicated he had an outstanding arrest warrant for auto theft and assault with a deadly weapon. Bell was taken into custody without incident and later booked at the county jail.

– On 10/4/2015 at 4:35 p.m., officers responded to 1006 W. 7th St. on the report of a suspicious occupied vehicle parked at the location. The license plate of the vehicle was provided to dispatch and a records check revealed it had been reported as a stolen car. Upon their arrival, officers contacted 26 year old Curtis Brown in the driver’s seat and a 17 year old female in the passenger seat. Brown and the female were taken into custody without incident. The female originally gave the name of her adult sister who had a warrant out of Sonoma County. The female was fingerprinted and her true identity was confirmed. A records check on the juvenile female indicated she was a runaway from Sacramento County. Brown was booked at the county jail on auto theft charges and violation of probation. The female was booked at juvenile hall on charges of auto theft and using a false name.

On 10/4/2015 at 1:35 a.m., officers responded to Sutter Delta Medical Center at 3901 Lone Tree Way regarding a subject refusing to leave the property. When officers arrived, they contacted 22 year old Ronnel Jones. A records check revealed that Jones had two outstanding arrest warrants for possession of a controlled substance and attempted robbery. Jones was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

– On 10/4/2015 at 12:12 a.m., an officer was patrolling the area of “A” and 18th Streets. The officer saw 33 year old Jean Higby walking in the area. Knowing her from priors contacts, the officer conducted a records check and found she had an outstanding felony arrest warrant for auto theft. The officer made contact with Higby and took her into custody without incident. Higby was booked at the county jail.

– On 10/3/2015 at 6:38 p.m., an officer was on a call at 3421 Hudson Ct. The officer saw 19 year old Richard Palacio, whom he recognized from a prior threats investigation. Palacio had fled prior to police arrival on the threats investigation so the officer contacted him. Based on the previous reports of Palacio being armed with a gun, the officer pat searched him and recovered a loaded 9mm semi auto pistol that had been reported stolen in San Jose. Palacio was taken into custody without incident and booked at the county jail for weapons violations and possession of stolen property.

– On 10/3/2015 at 5:50 p.m., an officer was patrolling the 1000 block of “F” St. in a police vehicle equipped with an automated license plate reader. He received an alert on a stolen car. The officer located the stolen vehicle and conducted a stop. The driver, 28 year old Vernon Smith, was taken into custody without incident and later booked at the county jail.

– On 10/2/2015 at 6:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of Badger Pass Way regarding a male holding a knife. A caller reported the male, 53 year old Richard Higgins, had threatened to cut his (the caller’s) throat with a knife. Higgins was located standing on the sidewalk, holding a razor blade knife. Higgins was ordered several times to drop the knife and he responded by telling officers he would not do so and that they should just shoot him. The standoff went on for a few minutes and Higgins finally agreed to place the knife on the ground. Higgins was told several times to step away from the knife but he refused. Higgins was taken to the ground in order to get him away from the knife. A struggle ensued and Higgins was handcuffed and secured. Higgins did not live in the area and was found to be heavily intoxicated. He was booked at the county jail on charges of making threats, drunk in public, resisting arrest and violation of probation. He was found to be on probation for DUI.

– On 10/2/2015 at 8:38 a.m., an officer contacted 43 year old Gary Duarte on “A” St. near Railroad Ave. He was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a glass pipe. Duarte was issued a promise to appear for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia and released.

– On 10/1/2015 at 9:18 a.m., officers responded to 2300 Sycamore Dr. on the report of vandalism and restraining order violation. The victim identified 46 year old Sandra Rosemon as the person who had thrown a rock at a window. Rosemon was located a short distance away and was arrested for vandalism and violation of a court order. Rosemon also had five outstanding arrest warrants charging vandalism, violation of a court order, theft, possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest. She was booked at the county jail.

– On 10/1/2015 at 8:29 a.m., officers contacted 32 year old Frank Mercado on Sunset Dr. near Diablo Ave. A records check revealed he had an outstanding arrest warrant for the charges of auto theft and failing to yield to a police vehicle. Mercado was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

Time Period: 10/01/15 00:00:00 – 10/07/15 23:59:59
Number of Calls for Service: 1,597
Number of Case Reports: 257
Number of Arrests: 83
Felony: 27
Misdemeanor: 56
Arrests with DUI charge: 1
The data is based upon unaudited CAD/RMS data at time of report generation.

 

Speed boat races on the river, car show in Antioch’s downtown Rivertown, this weekend

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015

Delta Thunder 2015 & Car Show

National Feral Cat Day fundraiser in Antioch’s downtown Rivertown, Saturday

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015

Feral_Cat_Day_Flyer_web

Payton Perspective: Antioch Council should reject college, approve new auto dealer in the AAA building on Auto Center Drive

Monday, October 12th, 2015

Payton Perspective logo 2015By Allen Payton

At Tuesday night’s meeting, the Antioch City Council will consider the appeal of the Planning Commission’s approval for a medical college in the AAA building and property, at 1700 Auto Center Drive at the corner of Costco Way. The appeal is being brought by Tom Nokes, the owner of the dealerships of the Antioch Auto Center, who owns the land next to the AAA building and parking lot.

He plans to open another auto dealership using the building, parking lot and the two adjacent parcels.

The building is currently occupied by the CSAA Insurance Exchange, which will be relocating to the former Johnny Carino’s restaurant at Slatten Ranch and has put their building up for sale.

Nokes says he was in negotiations with AAA, when they told him they accepted another offer, from the college, instead.

According to the city staff report for the Council’s agenda item, #3, at their August 19, 2015 meeting, the Antioch Planning Commission approved a Use Permit on a 6-1 vote for the Contra Costa Medical Career College. But Nokes appealed the decision to the city council.

While the zoning for the property is Business Park and Planned Business Center which allows for the college, the property is on Auto Center Drive and should have a focus of auto related businesses.

More importantly, an auto dealership will produce more revenue for the City of Antioch through sales and property taxes, as well as more jobs than the college will.

The current dealerships of the Antioch Auto Center generate more sales tax for the City than any other business in town. Those funds go into the General Fund which mostly pays for police. The Antioch Auto Center also currently employs about 250 people, according to Nokes, and he estimates the new dealership would create about another 100 well-paying jobs.

It makes no sense to me to have a medical college locate in the AAA building on Auto Center Drive, instead of another auto dealership. The college can locate in one of a variety of empty retail buildings, throughout the city, such as the current CVS location across the freeway, which will soon be vacant, as the store will be relocating to its new building on Buchanan Road, near Somersville Road.

We need the City Council to do whatever it can to approve Nokes’ appeal, deny the Use Permit of the college, work with them to find a more suitable location, and allow a new auto dealership to be located in the AAA building, instead.

The Council meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and will be held in the Council Chambers between West Second and Third Streets in downtown. To read the complete Council meeting agenda item, click here: Appeal of college by Nokes ACC101315

Law enforcement endorses one of their own, Kathryn Nance for Congress against Rep. McNerney

Monday, October 12th, 2015

Stockton, Antioch and Lodi Police Officers Associations, along with Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs and San Joaquin County Probation Officers all endorse Nance for Congress

In a strong show of support, the Kathryn Nance for Congress campaign announced, today, the endorsements of five law enforcement groups: the Stockton Police Officers Association, Antioch Police Officers Association, Lodi Police Officers Association, Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriffs Association and San Joaquin County Probation Officers Association.

Kathryn Nance is exactly the kind of leader we need in Congress,” said Travis Rowe Jr., President of the San Joaquin County Probation Officers Association. “Her 19 years of experience as a member of the Stockton Police Department gives her the insight and toughness to fight for us back in Washington.”

I am both honored and humbled to receive the support of my fellow peers in the law enforcement community,” said Nance. “They, like me, are sick of the politics-as-usual games that people like Jerry McNerney play on a daily basis back in Congress. The people of the 9th Congressional District are ready for a leader, not a career politician, as their Congressperson.”

The 9th Congressional District encompasses part of Antioch, far East Contra Costa County, the majority of San Joaquin County, the City of Galt in Sacramento County.

Born and raised in the Stockton area, Kathryn Nance is a 19 year veteran of the Stockton Police Department, currently serving as a Sergeant with the Department’s AB109 Task Force and as President of the Stockton Police Officers Association. She has previously served as a Field Training Officer and as a member of the Department’s Gang and Homicide units. She is married to her husband of 10 years, James Nance, who also serves as an officer with the Stockton Police Department. Together, they have a blended family of four children, ranging in ages of 16 to 23. Kathryn is an avid outdoors enthusiast and enjoys activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking and CrossFit. Kathryn also serves as the Chairwoman of Stockton’s annual “Strides Against Cancer” relay.

To learn more about Kathryn Nance for Congress, visit us online at www.Nance2016.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @Nance2016.