As published in City Manager Steve Duran’s Weekly Report dated December 10, 2015 and provided by Chief of Police Allan Cantando.

Service Call and Arrest Data Summary:

Time Period: 12/03/15 00:00:00 – 12/09/15 23:59:59

Number of Calls for Service: 1,509

Number of Case Reports: 305

Number of Arrests: 56

Felony: 26

Misdemeanor: 30

Arrests with DUI charge: 5

– On 12/9/2015 at 8:15 pm, officers responded to the area of the 4600 block of Golf Course Rd regarding a report of a Mercedes Benz driving erratically and almost colliding with several cars. Officers arrived and located the vehicle parked with 54 year old Sherri Brown behind the wheel exhibiting symptoms of intoxication. Brown refused to conduct field sobriety tests but did provide a breath sample via the PAS device which returned as 0.193% BAC. Brown was arrested for DUI and later released on a promise to appear after providing a blood sample.

– On 12/8/2015 at 10:12 am, an officer observed 33 year old Lawrence Wiley riding a motorized scooter on Sycamore Dr. near Manzanita Way. He was doing so on the wrong side of the road and without a helmet.  When officers attempted to stop him he parked the scooter and fled.  Wiley was quickly detained and he provided a stolen ID. The ID was obviously not his and he was identified via the mobile print reader. Wiley was arrested for providing false information to a police officer, using someone’s identity, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of probation. He was booked at the county jail.

– On 12/8/2015 at 9:33 am, officers responded to 2301 Sycamore Dr. regarding trespassers in an apartment. Officers determined several subjects had unlawfully entered a vacant apartment and begun taking up residence. This has been a continuous problem with this group of people, who were identified as 57 year old Tony Cotton, 33 year old Jamal McClinton, 53 year old Lawanda Washington, 48 year old Fredrick Perkins and 26 year old Rikia Asberry. The subjects were removed from the apartment without incident and issued promises to appear for trespassing.

– On 12/8/2015 at 5:29 am, an officer saw a suspicious vehicle parked in the dirt lot of 6600 Deer Valley Road.  The officer observed the vehicle pulling out of the dirt lot.  A records check indicated the vehicle was stolen.  The officer followed the vehicle while waiting for assisting units to arrive. The vehicle pulled into the Kaiser Hospital lot at 4501 Deer Valley Road and stopped. John Foster, 33 years old, was taken into custody without incident and later booked at the county jail on auto theft charges and violation of probation.

– On 12/8/2015 at 12:41 am, officers responded to 50 Worrell Rd. regarding a vehicle striking a pole and rolling over.  Officers arrived and contacted 49 year old Toby Pagnini who was the driver of the vehicle.  Pagnini had collided into a parked vehicle and then into a PG&E pole causing minor damage to the pole.  Officers determined Pagnini was under the influence of alcohol.  Breath tests showed his BAC was .24%.   Pagnini was arrested and booked at the county jail for DUI.

– On 12/7/2015 at 11:29 pm, officers responded to the ABC Rendezvous at 101 Walter Way regarding 30 year old Colin Nelson causing a disturbance at the bar. Officers arrived and located Nelson hiding behind a dumpster at Keep U Neat Cleaners.  Nelson was extremely intoxicated and arrested without incident for being drunk in public. He was booked at the county jail.

– On 12/7/2015 at 4:40 pm, an officer was driving through the CVS parking lot at 4028 Lone Tree Way and conducted a records check on a parked occupied vehicle. Dispatch advised the vehicle was reported stolen out of Antioch.  There were three occupants inside the vehicle identified as 29 year old Antione Rice, 36 year old Erick Galarza and 33 year old Antonia Buccellato. All three were arrested without incident.  Rice and Galarza were later released pending further investigation. Buccellato was booked at the county jail for auto theft.

– On 12/7/2015 at 9:48 pm, officers responded to the 7-11 store at 2700 Hillcrest Avenue regarding a robbery. The clerk reported a male, later identified as 31 year old Jamal Garrett had concealed beer in his pants pocket.  When the clerk confronted Garrett, Garrett threatened to shoot him.  Garrett fled on foot and a perimeter was established.  A police canine was used to track Garrett. The canine and officers located and apprehended Garrett hiding under a bus at the La Petite Academy parking lot.  Garrett was uncooperative and sustained puncture wounds to both legs. Garrett was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Garrett was later booked at the county jail on the charges of robbery and making threats.

– On 12/7/2015 at 2:33 pm, officers were dispatched to the apartment complex at 3126 Lone Tree Way due to residents calling dispatch and reporting that 53 year old Joe Dennis was on a rampage yelling and screaming from the front balcony.  Dennis was also threatening to burn down the complex.  Officers spoke to Dennis who was standing on the upper walkway in front of the doorway to his apartment. He refused to come down to the parking lot so officers went up to speak with him. The officers could hear a large dog inside the apartment and asked Dennis to shut the door.  Dennis refused and he remained uncooperative.  As the officers tried to speak with him Dennis quickly reached into the threshold of the doorway and grabbed for his Rottweiler mix.  Dennis held his dog by the neck and directed him to towards an officer releasing his grasp. The dog charged at the officer and bit at him twice.  As the dog was upon the officer, he drew his firearm and discharged two rounds downwards at the dog.  The dog immediately ran back into the apartment and Dennis was quickly detained.  Animal Control responded to the scene.  Officers entered the apartment conducting a protective sweep and the dog was impounded by Animal Control. The rounds were accounted for as was their trajectory.  Dennis was arrested for assault on an officer and a felony resisting arrest. He was booked at the county jail.

– On 12/7/2015 at 11:21 am, an officer saw 25 year old Nathan Watson loitering at the Jack in the Box on “A” St. The officer knew Watson from prior contacts and conducted a records check. The check revealed there was an outstanding no bail warrant for his arrest charging a violation of probation. The officer attempted to contact Watson who fled. The officer tackled Watson in front of the restaurant and pinned him to the ground until he complied with commands and stopped resisting. Watson was taken into custody and booked at the county jail. Neither the officer nor Watson reported injuries.

– On 12/6/2015 at 1:12 pm, officers responded to a shoplifter in custody at the Target store located at 5769 Lone Tree Way. Francesca Maufas, 28 years old, was detained by loss prevention for attempting to steal $1263.80 worth of merchandise. A records check indicated she had an outstanding arrest warrant issued out of Santa Clara County charging theft. She was booked at the county jail for theft as well as the warrant.

– On 12/5/2015 at 11:59 pm, an officer was patrolling in the area of Davison Dr. and  Lone Tree Way when he witnessed an Infiniti Q35 make a right turn and the rear end losing traction. The vehicle then accelerated to 50 MPH in a 35 MPH zone. The officer initiated an enforcement stop and contacted the driver, 24 year old Nicholas Steiner. Steiner exhibited symptoms of intoxication and was detained. After Field Sobriety Tests he and providing a breath sample on the PAS of 0.185% BAC, he was placed under arrest for DUI. Steiner was booked at the county jail where he provided a blood sample.

– On 12/5/2015 at 7:36 pm, officers responded to the 3400 block of Blue Jay Dr. regarding a vehicle striking a fire hydrant.  Upon arrival, officers located a silver Infinity G35 which had collided with the fire hydrant and a retaining wall.  The vehicle was found to be stolen out of Richmond. It was determined the driver and passenger fled prior to police arriving. During an inventory search of the vehicle, a ballistic vest was located in the trunk. Witnesses observed a male and female running from the vehicle.

– On 12/5/2015 at 3:54 am, officers responded to the 4500 block of Wolf Way regarding a hit and run collision. The investigation determined 20 year old Alexandria Blackwell was driving a Toyota Scion when she collided into the rear of a parked Toyota Tundra. Upon impact, the Tundra was moved approximately 50 feet. The Scion rolled over and came to rest on its roof. Blackwell was not ejected. Blackwell fled from the scene prior to officers arriving. She was contacted at her residence and had suffered a small laceration to her head. She was arrested for Hit and Run as well as DUI and taken to Kaiser for treatment. She was later cited released on the charges. Both vehicles were totaled.

– On 12/5/2015 at 2:15 am, officers responded to the 2400 block of Diablo Ave. regarding a “911” call of an assault . While investigating the assault, it was determined 28 year old Joseph Cardoza had an outstanding arrest warrant with a $10,000 bail charging DUI. Cardoza was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

– On 12/4/2015 at 7:26 pm, officers were dispatched to 4501 Montara Dr. regarding a burglary in progress.  The reporting party stated several subjects were seen loading items into a U-Haul truck in the driveway and were not known to the area.  Upon arrival, officers located two males putting large black trash bags into the rear of the U-Haul.  One of the bags contained marijuana. Christopher Karopoluos (25), Cameron Guthrie (28), Francisco Rodriguez-Amexcua (41), Francisco Nunez (27), and Jose Ramirez-Green were detained on the premises. Officers located evidence of a recent marijuana grow which appeared was in the process of being dismantled. The subjects detained were arrested and booked for cultivation of marijuana and later released pending further investigation.

– On 12/4/2015 at 9:55 am, officers responded to the 2800 block of Center Ln. regarding a subject trespassing in a backyard and being inside the home. When they arrived, officers contacted the caller, 43 year old Israel Navarro. It was determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance and no intruders existed. Officers located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the home. Navarro was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and being under the influence of a controlled substance. He was booked at the county jail.

– On 12/3/2015 at 9:19 pm, an officer conducted a traffic stop on E.18th St. at Hillcrest Ave. for expired registration. Susan Ornellas, 37 years old, was contacted during a traffic enforcement stop and a records check indicated she was on probation with a search cause. A search was conducted and a small plastic bag containing methamphetamine located. Ornellas was arrested and later released on a promise to appear for possession of a controlled substance.

– On 12/3/2015 at 12:08 pm, officers responded to the report of a robbery at W.6th and “A” streets. The investigation revealed the 51 year old victim was approached by 29 year old Arthur Castro, 29 year old Matthew Ellis and 19 year old Jacob Sahagon. Castro punched the victim in the face and he fell to the ground.  All three subjects began assaulting the victim while he was on the ground.  The subjects brandished a knife and then stole the victim’s bicycle and cash from his person before fleeing down the railroad tracks towards the Fulton Shipyard area.  The victim sustained swelling and bruising to his face and a cut to his nose, but declined medical treatment. Sahagon and Castro were located hiding in the marsh area between Fulton Shipyard Rd and Wilbur Ave.  They were both identified by the victim and arrested.  Ellis was not located but was identified by the victim.  Probable cause was issued for his arrest.

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

The following report, for the same time period, is available at www.crimereports.com –

Vehicle Recovery	12/09/2015 11:44 PM	3300 Block BUCHANAN RD AND SOMERSVILLE RD	15012319	AUTO RECOVERED – STOLEN	Antioch Police Department
Theft	12/09/2015 04:51 PM	1600 Block A ST AND W 17TH ST	15012304	THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft	12/09/2015 04:00 PM	700 Block W 18TH ST AND L ST	15012340	THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft of Vehicle	12/09/2015 02:00 PM	2500 Block AUBURN LN AND GEORGETOWN LN	15012313	AUTO THEFT – 10851 VC	Antioch Police Department
Assault	12/09/2015 01:18 PM	1400 Block W 6TH ST AND O ST	15012293	ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC	Antioch Police Department
Breaking & Entering	12/09/2015 04:30 AM	1 Block E 13TH ST AND BEVERLY ST	15012315	BURGLARY RESIDENCE – 459 PC	Antioch Police Department
Breaking & Entering	12/09/2015 04:00 AM	2100 Block BANYAN WY AND SYCAMORE DR	15012305	BURGLARY RESIDENCE – 459 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft of Vehicle	12/08/2015 10:00 PM	2900 Block CARMONA WY AND LUCENA WY	15012279	AUTO THEFT – 10851 VC	Antioch Police Department
Assault	12/08/2015 09:30 PM	CONTRA LOMA BL AND LONGVIEW RD	15012259	ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC	Antioch Police Department
Vehicle Recovery	12/08/2015 09:00 PM	2200 Block WASHINGTON WY AND JEFFERSON WY	15012308	AUTO RECOVERED – STOLEN	Antioch Police Department
Assault	12/08/2015 08:49 PM	3100 Block LONE TREE WY AND ROBERT ST	15012258	ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC	Antioch Police Department
Vehicle Recovery	12/08/2015 08:30 PM	600 Block SHADDICK DR AND HARBOUR DR	15012277	AUTO RECOVERED – STOLEN	Antioch Police Department
Theft of Vehicle	12/08/2015 07:30 PM	2700 Block E TREGALLAS RD AND LONE TREE WY	15012274	AUTO THEFT – 10851 VC	Antioch Police Department
Vehicle Recovery	12/08/2015 06:38 PM	200 Block W 4TH ST AND C ST	15012253	AUTO RECOVERED – STOLEN	Antioch Police Department
Breaking & Entering	12/08/2015 05:28 PM	100 Block W 10TH ST AND C ST	15012247	BURGLARY RESIDENCE – 459 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft	12/08/2015 02:20 PM	300 Block L ST AND W 3RD ST	15012245	IDENTITY THEFT CASES	Antioch Police Department
Robbery	12/08/2015 11:07 AM	3400 Block DEER VALLEY RD AND DAVISON DR	15012227	ROBBERY AND ATTEMPTS	Antioch Police Department
Vehicle Recovery	12/08/2015 09:56 AM	3100 Block CONTRA LOMA BL AND LONGVIEW RD	15012237	AUTO RECOVERED – STOLEN	Antioch Police Department
Vehicle Recovery	12/08/2015 07:50 AM	BOND CT AND HARBOUR DR	15012249	AUTO RECOVERED – STOLEN	Antioch Police Department
Vehicle Recovery	12/08/2015 05:00 AM	2900 Block MELON CT AND SEQUOIA DR	15012216	AUTO RECOVERED – STOLEN	Antioch Police Department
Theft of Vehicle	12/08/2015 05:00 AM	3600 Block E 18TH ST AND HWY 4 HY	15012252	AUTO THEFT – 10851 VC	Antioch Police Department
Theft of Vehicle	12/08/2015 12:00 AM	3900 Block DELTA FAIR BL AND FAIRVIEW DR	15012236	AUTO THEFT – 10851 VC	Antioch Police Department
Robbery	12/07/2015 09:37 PM	2700 Block HILLCREST AV AND E TREGALLAS RD	15012210	ROBBERY AND ATTEMPTS	Antioch Police Department
Vehicle Recovery	12/07/2015 08:30 PM	2200 Block PINENUT WY AND VIERA AV	15012311	AUTO RECOVERED – STOLEN	Antioch Police Department
Vehicle Recovery	12/07/2015 08:00 PM	1000 Block CLAUDIA CT AND L ST	15012221	AUTO RECOVERED – STOLEN	Antioch Police Department
Breaking & Entering	12/07/2015 07:30 PM	3100 Block ALMONDRIDGE DR AND ALMOND TREE CT	15012388	BURGLARY AUTO – 459A PC	Antioch Police Department
Assault	12/07/2015 06:41 PM	3400 Block HUDSON CT AND FAIRVIEW DR	15012209	ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC	Antioch Police Department
Breaking & Entering	12/07/2015 06:00 PM	2400 Block SHADOW LN AND DOGWOOD WY	15012215	BURGLARY RESIDENCE – 459 PC	Antioch Police Department
Assault	12/07/2015 04:57 PM	700 Block W 18TH ST AND L ST	15012204	ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC	Antioch Police Department
Assault	12/07/2015 04:10 PM	L ST AND SYCAMORE DR	15012202	ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC	Antioch Police Department
Assault	12/07/2015 02:12 PM	4500 Block DELTA FAIR BL AND CENTURY BL	15012212	ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft	12/07/2015 12:16 PM	3000 Block G ST AND DONHAM CT	15012193	THEFT – GRAND – 487 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft	12/07/2015 12:14 AM	2000 Block SOMERSVILLE RD AND HWY 4 HY	15012180	THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC	Antioch Police Department
Assault	12/07/2015 12:00 AM	2000 Block LOPEZ DR AND SEVILLE CIR	15012243	ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft of Vehicle	12/06/2015 08:57 PM	2600 Block SOMERSVILLE RD AND BRADLEY LN	15012175	AUTO THEFT – 10851 VC	Antioch Police Department
Assault	12/06/2015 07:02 PM	100 Block E 18TH ST AND EVERGREEN AV	15012166	ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft	12/06/2015 02:32 PM	2600 Block SOMERSVILLE RD AND FAIRVIEW DR	15012161	THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft	12/06/2015 02:00 PM	3400 Block DEER VALLEY RD AND DAVISON DR	15012160	THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC	Antioch Police Department
Vehicle Recovery	12/06/2015 12:02 PM	3300 Block BUCHANAN RD AND SOMERSVILLE RD	15012155	AUTO RECOVERED – STOLEN	Antioch Police Department
Theft	12/06/2015 01:16 AM	2700 Block HILLCREST AV AND E TREGALLAS RD	15012149	THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC	Antioch Police Department
Assault	12/06/2015 12:48 AM	300 Block BURBANK RD AND GARROW DR	15012148	ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft of Vehicle	12/05/2015 10:00 PM	900 Block W 6TH ST AND K ST	15012152	AUTO THEFT – 10851 VC	Antioch Police Department
Assault	12/05/2015 07:14 PM	1000 Block W 7TH ST AND K ST	15012141	ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft of Vehicle	12/05/2015 06:00 PM	2900 Block CARMONA WY AND LUCENA WY	15012206	AUTO THEFT – 10851 VC	Antioch Police Department
Breaking & Entering	12/05/2015 03:36 PM	2500 Block SONORA LN AND AUBURN LN	15012136	BURGLARY RESIDENCE – 459 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft of Vehicle	12/05/2015 03:26 PM	3100 Block TALBOT WY AND NEAH CT	15012254	AUTO THEFT – 10851 VC	Antioch Police Department
Assault	12/05/2015 12:00 PM	300 Block L ST AND HWY 4 HY	15012129	ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC	Antioch Police Department
Assault	12/05/2015 08:15 AM	600 Block W TREGALLAS RD AND SAN JOAQUIN AV	15012125	ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft	12/05/2015 05:00 AM	2900 Block EL PASO WY AND MISSION DR	15012131	THEFT – GRAND – 487 PC	Antioch Police Department
Assault with Deadly Weapon	12/05/2015 02:15 AM	2400 Block DIABLO AV AND SUNSET DR	15012122	ASSAULT, AGRAVATED – 245 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft of Vehicle	12/05/2015 12:30 AM	2400 Block CROCKER WY AND SILVEROAK WY	15012134	AUTO THEFT – 10851 VC	Antioch Police Department
Assault with Deadly Weapon	12/05/2015 12:25 AM	1 Block WILBUR AV AND A ST	15012121	ASSAULT, AGRAVATED – 245 PC	Antioch Police Department
Breaking & Entering	12/04/2015 02:00 PM	4500 Block REIMCHE DR AND SHEPPARD WY	15012114	BURGLARY RESIDENCE – 459 PC	Antioch Police Department
Assault	12/04/2015 12:13 PM	1700 Block PUTNAM ST AND JACKSON PL	15012101	ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft	12/04/2015 11:45 AM	100 Block PLEASANT PL AND ALMOND ST	15012099	THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft	12/04/2015 11:42 AM	300 Block L ST AND W 3RD ST	15012098	IDENTITY THEFT CASES	Antioch Police Department
Assault with Deadly Weapon	12/04/2015 03:29 AM	2400 Block L ST AND LEMONTREE WY	15012088	ASSAULT, AGRAVATED – 245 PC	Antioch Police Department
Vehicle Recovery	12/03/2015 09:30 PM	2000 Block SAN JOSE DR AND VERMONT LN	15012079	AUTO RECOVERED – STOLEN	Antioch Police Department
Assault	12/03/2015 07:22 PM	300 Block LAWTON ST AND D ST	15012074	ASSAULT, SIMPLE – 243 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft	12/03/2015 06:00 PM	1800 Block A ST AND W 20TH ST	15012075	THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC	Antioch Police Department
Vehicle Recovery	12/03/2015 05:08 PM	900 Block ORCHARD LN AND SHADY LN	15012069	AUTO RECOVERED – STOLEN	Antioch Police Department
Vehicle Recovery	12/03/2015 05:06 PM	2400 Block SEQUOIA DR AND REDWOOD DR	15012077	AUTO RECOVERED – STOLEN	Antioch Police Department
Robbery	12/03/2015 12:08 PM	W 6TH ST AND A ST	15012059	ROBBERY AND ATTEMPTS	Antioch Police Department
Theft	12/03/2015 08:32 AM	1 Block E 18TH ST AND A ST	15012076	THEFT – PETTY – 488 PC	Antioch Police Department
Theft of Vehicle	12/03/2015 06:00 AM	1000 Block PUTNAM ST AND MISSION DR	15012051	AUTO THEFT – 10851 VC	Antioch Police Department

Dear Editor:

Assemblyman Frazier’s AB-935…a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

In April, 2013, Assemblyman Jim Frazier (of Oakley) introduced AB-935, a bill which, among other things, allowed veterans to have a veteran designation on their drivers’ licenses.  After its passage in the August 2014 session, he held a press conference in every town in AD-11, touting how hard it was to pass this legislation, as well as talk about the speed bumps along the way in its passage.

I would agree with him that the veteran’s designation is a useful designation, to all California veterans, the affluent as well as the homeless, and something that has been a long time in the making, to help veterans attain the services they have earned by serving this great nation.

After a careful legislative analysis, the designation was deemed “non-mandatory” in its current state, but what Assemblyman Frazier failed to mention in his press conference is the $5.00 fee to receive the designation, with the agency (CA DMV) reserving the right to raise that fee to a figure as high as $15.00.  Meaning, if you want the designation, which you deserve, you’ll need to pay for it.

In my estimation, the introductory program amounts to a promo code time period in which the DMV will assess the success of the program. At that point, if successful, they will unleash Section 14901.1 of the Vehicle and Traffic Code to raise the veterans’ designation fee, to the fee they wanted to charge all along, which is $15.00 per veteran.

According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, there are 1,851,470 living veterans, from all branches of our nation’s service, residing in the State of California.  What Mr. Frazier is seeking, is that $15.00 “cover charge” from each California veteran, which translates into over $27 million over five years’ time, into most likely transportation/infrastructure  earmarks.

If I were to speak to every veteran from around this state, I would tell them to not get too excited about this very long, overdue veterans designation on their driver’s license.   I would tell them to wait until your current DMV License expires in a few years before committing to a new one, or wait until Republicans in the Legislature, can offer this at a price it deserves to be offered at, which is free of charge.

If Democrats are going to insist on charging for this, they should put it where it will do the most good, that being county veterans service agencies.   We’ve already seen the federal government whitewash how they handle things at the Veterans Administration, and the state is no better.   Now, when they finally come up with a great idea, to help veterans earn the benefits they deserve, they find ways of making money off your service to our nation.  I won’t even bore you with the statistics that Assembly Appropriations came up with when they drafted this bill, suffice it to say, that was their first and only consideration.

If elected to replace Mr. Frazier, in California’s vast 11^th Assembly District, I will introduce new legislation to amend this otherwise well-meaning law, striking the fees to veterans from it.  I agree with Mr. Frazier that we should always honor our veterans; what I vehemently do not agree on is imposing a tariff to receive the veteran designation. What I see is nothing more than a revenue generating bill, that Mr. Frazier and his colleagues are secretly imposing on our veterans…and it is utterly despicable.

Dave Miller, Conservative Republican Candidate for California State Assembly 11^th District

California’s 11th Assembly District includes Antioch, Brentwood, Knightsen, Bethel Island, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Vacaville, Fairfield, Suisun City, Rio Vista and a portion of Pittsburg.

Antioch middle and high school students can win prize money in the 2016 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Program. Open to middle and high school students who reside in the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) boundaries, this year’s contest theme is  “If I Were President of the United States.” Judges will be looking for work that best represents Dr. King’s vision and incorporates the 2016 theme.  Application deadline is January 7, 2016. Submissions may be written or visual.

Written submissions may be a poem or essay, short story, etc. Visual entries may be a story told through video, photographs, music, drawings, paintings, collages, etc., and must incorporate 2016 theme.

Winners will be announced and scholarship awards will be presented at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Event on January 18, 2016, from 1 – 3 PM at Deer Valley High School. Scholarship Awards levels are: High School: 1st Place $400, 2nd Place $200, 3rd Place $150 and Middle School: 1st Place $200, 2nd Place $150, 3rd Place $100.

Submission Requirements: The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Program is to open middle and high school students who reside in the Antioch Unified School District boundaries. Application submission deadline is Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 4 PM. Applications and submissions must be received by that date. No late submissions accepted.   It is important that you include your contact information.

Written submissions may be submitted at Antioch City Hall or sent by email to Diane@Art4Antioch.org.  Visual electronic media needs to be submitted on a CD or DVD and 3-D art (posters, drawings, paintings, collages, etc.) must include the student’s name, school, grade and contact information on the back of the visual entry and submitted at Antioch City Hall, 200 H Street, 3rd Floor, Attention: Y’Keyah Johnson. Write on the envelope or package “MLK Scholarship” and your name, school, phone number and email address. Please check the city website for holidays and open to the public hours.

All submissions must include the student’s name, school, grade and contact information on the top of the electronic document or included in the email message. Submissions become the property of the MLK Scholarship Committee and will not be returned. For questions regarding the scholarship contact Diane Gibson-Gray at Diane@Art4antioch.org or (925) 325-9897.

Following are the winners of the three races run at Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch, as part of the annual Holiday Run & Walk for Health, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of the Delta and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, on Saturday, December 12, 2015:

1-Mile Run/Walk Winners

Overall and Top Male – Eben Zaragoza, age 10, of Antioch, with a time of 7:29

Top Female – Riley MacPherson, age 10, of Brentwood, with a time of 7:36

3-Mile Run/Walk Winners

Overall and Top Male – Marcus Dawal, Jr., age 15 of Brentwood, with a time of 18:29

Top Female – Madison MacPherson, age 15, of Brentwood and a sophomore at Liberty  High School, with a time of 20:01

Assistant Coach for the Antioch High School Cross Country team, William Berger, age 29, placed first in his age division and second overall, with a time of 18:30, providing a good example for his team.

10K Run/Walk Winners

Overall and Top Male – Brian Mohrlant, age 35 of Napa, with a time of 42:18

Top Female – Roxanna Aranda, age 53 of Antioch, with a time of 53:04

See all race results by clicking here. For more information about the Holiday Run, visit www.holidayrun.org and for more information about the Kiwanis Club of the Delta, visit www.delta-antioch.kiwanisone.org.

 

 

 

By Allen Payton

Muslims, Jews, Catholics, including three Francisco Friars in monk robes, and other Christians joined together on Sunday, December 13th, at the Islamic Center of East Bay in Antioch, at an open house meeting and vigil, and to say prayers for the victims of the massacre in San Bernardino, earlier this month.

In an email invitation to Antioch Mayor Wade Harper and Council Members, Mohammad Chaudhry, President of the Center condemned the killings.

“The Muslims associated with the Islamic Center of East Bay, Antioch, Ca are holding an Open House Meeting and Vigil in the memory of the senseless killings of 14 innocent people, and the wounding of 27 at San Bernardino, Ca.,” he wrote. “They wholeheartedly condemn the massacre of these victims, and they share the grief and sorrow of the bereaved families. As a mark of solidarity with the departed souls, Islamic Center of East Bay, Antioch, Ca shall hold this Open House Meeting…at the Center. You are requested to join us in prayers for the deceased, and for peace in America, and everywhere.”

Signs across the front of the room had messages the Islamic Center members want the community to know.

“I love America as much as you do,” stated one of the signs. “Every inch a proud American,” stated another. “America stands for values not hatred and division,” stated yet another.

Several speakers shared their thoughts and perspectives on what impact the San Bernardino killings have had on Muslims in Antioch and East County, the fear it has caused and what can be done to build better understanding and relationships.

Hamza Sultan, a 16-year-old Muslim and student at Heritage High School in Brentwood, read a variety of prepared statements.

“We must empower the gun control movement in America,” he said.

Sultan also had some tough words for those of his faith committing acts of terrorism. “Islamic extremists cherry pick from the Qur’an to justify their actions,” he stated. “If they would complete the sentence they would know the sins they have committed.”

“The killing of one human being is like the killing of all humanity,” Sultan continued. “The saving the life of one human being is the saving of all humanity. If the San Bernardino shooters would have realized the privileges they had in this country they would have lived lives of peace.”

“Using our First Amendment rights can enlighten…about the truth of Islam,” he added.
Sultan also spoke of the true definition of jihad, which means struggle, and includes on the battlefield.

He also mentioned and finished by mentioning “purifying ourselves. There’s no better place to do that than in the United States of America.”

His mother, local pediatrician, Dr. Sobia Sultan, who works for Kaiser in Antioch, shared her experience and concerns.

“I moved to this area, 10 years ago when the medical center was built, serving as a pediatrician,” she said. “This is a beautiful place. We have to do more interfaith work.”

“Due to circumstances beyond our control there is a change in the atmosphere,” Dr. Sultan shared. “A feeling of fear coming into our community.

“You don’t need to be fearful of me. I’m your friendly, neighborhood doctor,” she said to laughter from the audience.

“I have built a lot of bonds in the local community,” Dr. Sultan continued. “I have seen this beautiful community spirit here.”

“ISIS, what have you, added on by the fear mongering politicians and the media,” is causing “peace loving, good meaning people are scared of Muslims.”

“Is there anything we can do to push back against the atmosphere of fear,” she asked. “Open your homes, your hearts? Invite them in to pray.”

Dr. Sultan had shared concerns about the fear and challenges she and her family have experienced.

“We’re not afraid of buffoons like Donald Trump, but the 57% of the silent majority,” she stated. “Muslims are also fearful. Everything negative on the TV is associated with Islam. I worry about my children, our future. I want them to live in the America I came to 20 years ago. I want them to believe in E Pluribus Unum – out of many, one.  My children are being marginalized. They sometimes are called terrorists. Also when they don’t participate in things that others do.”

Dr. Sultan finished on a positive note saying, she was happy “that we’re not alone that there are others who stand with us in this subject.”

Antioch resident, Tabarak Mughal, spoke briefly.

“We are all Americans and we should all support the values of this country,” he stated.

Antioch Council Member Monica Wilson, followed him and offered her thoughts and comments to those in attendance.

“Thank you so much for this beautiful ceremony,” she stated, then quoted one of the signs on the wall behind her in agreement. “Please do not judge me without knowing me.”

“Let’s hold onto the positive spirit, the positive programs,” Wilson continued. “How do we push back this wall of hate? This is the beginning. How do we spread it to the broader community?”
“I’m really encouraged by the positive energy, today,” she added. “Let’s not make this a one-time thing.”

Finally, Chaudhry shared his closing thoughts.

He spoke of the fire that burned the Center in 2007.

“Wherever we go we go with our identity,” he said. “If we are not safe, here we are not safe anywhere. You can turn your adversity into prosperity. This is a place, a house of God. Come.”

“Unless I visit a church and hear the things they say, am I going to learn of their faith? Chaudhry asked. “We don’t have to wait for something bad to happen. We have to be the people who take the initiative.”

He then spoke of the people who were killed in San Bernardino “at no fault of their own,” then referred to the 11,000 people who have been killed in the U.S. each year, in the 14 years since 9-11. “Forty-five got killed by Muslims,” Chaudhry stated.

“True faith is what unites people,” he continued. “All people of faith, they approach God in their own way. We are all human beings. How come we divide people?”

He spoke of “the wisdom of the Founding Fathers.”

“Now I understand why they made this a secular country,” Chaudhry added. “Everyone tries to monopolize God. But he is the God of all. His ways are strange.”

He then encouraged those in attendance to do something to help foster understanding.

“This is not our cause. It’s your cause, too,” he finished.

The speeches were followed by a time of prayers in an adjacent room of the Center.

The Center is located at 314 W. 19th Street and fronts on West 18th Street. For more information call (925) 756-1652.

By Acting Lieutenant Tom Fuhrmann, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Monday, December 14, 2015 at approximately 2:15 AM the Antioch Police Department received several calls that a person had been shot and the victim was in his residence in the 3200 block of Longview Road.  Officers responded and found the victim. a 24-year-old Antioch man, lying in his residence.  The victim was suffering from several gunshot wounds.  The officers rendered aid and summoned medical personnel to the scene.

The victim told officers that his female friend’s husband, Fernando Escobedo, a 23-year-old Bay Point resident, came into his residence and shot him. Officers determined from witnesses the identity of the responsible and a description of the vehicle he fled in.

Medical personnel arrived, provided medical aid, and transported the victim to a local hospital where he underwent medical treatment for the gunshot wounds and is expected to survive.

An Antioch Police Officer located Escobedo driving on State Route 160 and followed him onto State Route 4.  A high risk car stop was performed on west bound State Route 4 east of the Loveridge Road off ramp.  Escobedo was taken into custody without incident.  Escobedo will be transported to the Martinez Detention Facility and booked on charges of Attempted Murder, Burglary and a weapons enhancement with a total bail of $2,050,000. No further information will be released at this time.

There is no booking photo available at this time.

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