2016 BVAL Basketball Calendar featuring the best players from each school, as chosen by their coaches. Antioch: forward Jake Perkey and guard Cee Cee Brown; Deer Valley: guard Brandynn Manning and guard Artearra Coffey; Liberty: guard Kavon Wise and guard Jamesha Green; Freedom: guard Tessa Cortez and guard John Ketchel; Pittsburg: guard Ifaenyi Udoh and guard Adorah Buggs; and Heritage: guard Anthony Dennis and forward Mikaila Wegenke.

By Luke Johnson

The Bay Valley Athletic League is in the midst of basketball season with league play just weeks away. The boys’ teams appear to be undersized, but make up for it with speed and long-range shooting ability; while the girls’ teams feature star players battling it out for the number one spot.

Freedom High School has claimed the BVAL Title the past two seasons in the boys’ division, and with a recent victory over two-time defending North Coast Section Champion Monte Vista, 48-46, the Falcons are poised to be in contention for a third consecutive pennant.

The only player remaining from both of FHS’s championship squads is senior guard John Ketchel (6’0”), who brings veteran leadership and offensive versatility to the team. Joining him are senior forward DeShawnte Collins (6’4”) and sophomore guard Baylei Coston (5’8”), who is said by coach Drew Torres to have the potential of being one of Freedom’s all-time greats.

Expected to give Freedom a run for its money is Heritage, who is the only remaining undefeated team in the league (10-0). Taking charge for the Patriots is their version of the Splash Brothers, seniors Marcus Wallace (5’9”) and Jason Augliera (6’2”), whom are accompanied by First Team All-BVAL selection junior Anthony Dennis (6’2”) and sophomore prospect Jonathan Ned (6’6”).

After graduating nine players, Liberty is still a team to keep close tabs on with a 9-1 record; while Deer Valley, Pittsburg and Antioch have near .500 records thus far into the season.

Opposing the biggest threat in the girls’ division is Liberty, who is ranked 33rd in the state and holds an 11-1 record. The Lions are powered by seniors Jamesha Green (5’8”) and Kaily Bigley (6’2”), who both received First Team All-BVAL honors a year ago.

On their tail is reigning BVAL Champion Pittsburg, who is led by returning league MVP Adorah Buggs (5’6”), currently possessing a 5-2 record.

The league will unexpectedly be without one of its biggest superstars, Cydnee Kinslow, who has signed her National Letter of Intent to Pepperdine University and will forgo her senior season at Freedom — as she has already graduated a semester yearly.

“It’s a great opportunity for her to get a jump start on her college career, on and off the court,” Pepperdine coach Ryan Weisenberg said.

The 6-foot-2 center dominated last year with a stat line of 16.2 rebounds, 13.2 points and 9.8 blocks per game.

Along with Freedom, Antioch, Deer Valley and Heritage consist of new head coaches, all of whom currently sport below .500 records.

Get your free copy of the 2016 BVAL Basketball Calendar section inside the January issue of the Antioch Herald, in homes and in racks and stacks throughout town.

Diners enjoy the new Hurricane Grill & Wings in Antioch, during a pre-opening session on Saturday, December 26, 2015.

By Allen Payton

If you’re looking for a new and unique place to go for a meal, watch some sports all in a light, cheery setting, then Hurricane Grill & Wings is the place to go.

The first of its kind on the West Coast, the restaurant offers a wide   variety of delicious menu items and an atmosphere that makes you feel you’re hanging out in a beach shack on an  island in the Caribbean.

The Yuengling Beer-battered fish sandwich was delicious.

“This restaurant is something different,” said Kitchen Manager Jorge Mazariegos. “It’s like bringing the   flavor of the Caribbean to Antioch and California.”

It’s owned by twin brothers David and Jack Nguyen, who’ve been in the restaurant business owning Denny’s for the past seven years, and their partner Paul Dhaliwal, who’s been in the industry far longer.

“We came to Antioch, because it’s a growing city and we love the family feel of the community,” David said. “We’re a family dining restaurant, first and sports bar, second.”

“We offer 37 rubs and flavors for wings and anything else we have on the menu,” said Paul. “We’re more than wings.”

On their menu you’ll discover that’s a fact. There you’ll see fish such as mahi, tilapia and salmon, a Philly cheesesteak, a build-a-burger with choices of toppings, plus soups and salads, tacos, sliders and desserts, too.

Austin Palmer, Corporate Trainer for new restaurants said their slogans are “Fresh and flavorful options” and “Live with flavor.” He’s right.

You have to try their unique and tasty flavors, such as Raspberry Ice, which includes horseradish, and Maple Pepper, as well as mesquite.

Antioch residents Monica Baumann and Mike Pollard joined me for dinner, there on Saturday, December 26th during a pre-opening.

A sampling of their wings and flavors, with garlic parmesan broccoli.

Monica ordered the Yuengling Beer-Battered fish sandwich and said “It was cooked to perfection and the sweet potato fries are not to be missed. The sea salt caramel cheesecake was amazing.”

Mike had the Hurricane Steak Philly sandwich and the house made kettle chips which were “tasty and crunchy.”

“The portions were hearty and the cheese steak was excellent,” he said. “The chicken salad lettuce wraps were just the right amount of spicy.”

The atmosphere is welcoming, the color scheme is cheery and it’s bright inside. Plus, the service was great with a team approach. We were asked, by four different wait staff if we liked our food or needed anything.

Located in the former Uno’s Chicago Grill at 4827 Lone Tree Way in Antioch, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday beginning at 11 a.m. and on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. They’re open until Midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday.

For more reservations call (925) 754-1842 and for their menu or more information visit www.hurricanewings.com.

By keeping a unwavering focus on creating a caring, nurturing and safe environment for its residents, Quail Lodge Retirement Community in Antioch, Calif., has won the 2016 Best of Senior Living Award from SeniorAdvisor.com, placing the community in the top 1 percent of senior living communities in the United States. Of the nearly 100,000 providers currently listed on SeniorAdvisor.com, just over 1,000 were recognized with this award.

Nestled in lovely Antioch, Calif., the affordable retirement living community offers 121 spacious apartments in three floor plans, all with kitchenettes and beautiful views, plus a host of amenities geared toward healthy senior lifestyle, featuring a chef-driven dining program and free local transportation.

The annual SeniorAdvisor.com Best of Awards celebrate the best of the best in senior living and home care across the United States and Canada. Winners of the SeniorAdvisor.com Best of 2016 Awards represent the top tier of in-home care, assisted living, and other senior living providers, based on the online reviews written by seniors and their families. This exclusive designation places the winners in the top one percent of senior care providers according to those who matter most – the consumers.

To qualify for inclusion in the Best of 2016 Awards, senior living communities must have maintained an average overall rating of at least 4.5 stars while receiving three or more new reviews in 2015.

“This award is quite meaningful for all of us who have the rare opportunity to work at Quail Lodge and spend our days with such amazing residents,” said Manager Timothy Thomas, Quail Lodge Retirement Community.

About Quail Lodge

Family-owned and operated by Sunshine Retirement Living, Quail Lodge offers 121 affordable and spacious, studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes and beautiful views. The vibrant, independent living retirement community provides three, chef-prepared meals daily, free local transportation, weekly housekeeping, beauty salon and library, and daily activities and events geared toward a healthy senior lifestyle. For more information, visit www.QuailLodgeRet.com.

About SeniorAdvisor.com

SeniorAdvisor.com is the largest consumer ratings and reviews site for senior living communities and home care providers across the United States and Canada. The innovative website provides easy access to the information families need when making a senior care decision, and features trusted reviews and advice from local residents and their loved ones. For more information, please visit www.SeniorAdvisor.com or call (866) 592-8119.

1/20/16  and 1/21/16  at 7 pm

Nick Rodriguez Theatre, 213  F  Street, Antioch

The timeless vampire play will be brought back to life this winter by The Drama Factory.

From Transylvania to London, a blood thirsty count stalks his victims under cover of night, only to return to his coffin before the sun rises. A strange illness has gripped a a doctors asylum, with no explanation of its origin….Will our band of heroes be able to stop this horrible ghoul, before a young woman dear to them falls prey to the vampire’s curse? Come and see. You may be the next.

Auditions are open to all, ages 13 and above. We encourage people of all experience levels to audition. As with all of The Drama Factory’s productions, there is no participation fee. For more information visit www.dramafactory.org.

Rangers House by Joel Summerhill.

The Arts & Cultural Foundation of Antioch (ACFA) exhibit at Antioch’s Umpqua Bank features five artists in the upcoming January – March Exhibit. The bank is a perfect venue for local artists to showcase their work, which changes every three months.

Featured artists are Gloria Cannon, Ken Tomlin, Beverly Prather-Martinez, Stanley Morgan, Joel Summerhill and  Beverly C. Turner.

Umpqua Bank is located at 3700 Lone Tree Way and is open Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM, excluding bank holidays.

ACFA is currently seeking artists for the ongoing exhibit. If you are interested in participating, please or for more information email Diane Gibson-Gray at Diane@Art4Antioch.org, call (925) 325-9897 or visit their website at  www.art4antioch.org.

GUEST COMMENTARY

Police officer and congressional candidate Kathryn Nance called out Congressman Jerry McNerney after his call for America to “promote peace and understanding” in the Middle East after the brazen Paris terror attacks, in November, by asking him to commit publicly on issues to promote understanding of his views on radical Islamic terrorism.

Police officer and 9th District Congressional candidate Kathryn Nance today called on Congressman Jerry McNerney to state with specificity his positions on issues of terrorism after his response to the Paris terror attacks was to “promote peace and understanding”. McNerney has avoided making public statements on his issue positions while continuing to vote in lock step with a dangerous Obama foreign policy agenda.

“The Congressman must spell out his beliefs and stop hiding them from the voters,” said Nance. “We deserve answers and if he does not have the courage to stand behind his beliefs then he does not have the courage to confront ISIS and Islamic terrorists as a Congressman.”

Sanctuary Cities: Nance believes that “sanctuary cities” are the modern equivalent of secession, refusing to obey the laws of the United States of America on national security matters of immigration and terrorism. She believes in full elimination of federal funding to all cities engaged in this unlawful and rebellious behavior. Jerry McNerney must state his position and what the rationale is behind it. The people of the 9th district deserve an answer.

Closing Guantanamo Bay Detention Facility: Nance states she supports keeping Guantanamo Bay open to keep terrorists out of American jails, which could radicalize our prisons and increase recruitment by ISIS and Al Qaeda in our own country. Nance believes terrorists need to be kept off of American soil and away from the already dangerous drug cartels and gangs. Congressman McNerney needs to state his position and whether he would stop President Obama if he closes the facility and continues to free known terrorists, including the 5 released from Guantanamo Bay, just days after the Paris terror attacks.

Place a Moratorium on Immigration from Middle Eastern Nations: With our broken immigration system and the Obama Administration’s war on law enforcement, Kathryn Nance joins the Governors of 27 States in fully supporting a moratorium on immigration from the Middle East to reduce possible terror infiltration and reduce pressure on our current security structure. Congressman McNerney needs to state his position clearly, and if he believes we should continue to bring hundreds of thousands of new refugees from the Middle East, why it would be safe and benefit American citizens.

Immediate Deportation of Overstayed Visas: Nance believes that those who have overstayed their visas and are in the country illegally should be deported immediately to reduce terror risk and to lessen the long term burden on law enforcement. Congressman McNerney should let us know his position on this issue.

Iran Nuclear Deal: McNerney not only voted to support giving the largest state-sponsor of terrorism billions of dollars and nuclear weapons, but was a co-signer on a letter to President Obama urging acceptance of the Iran Nuclear Deal at any cost. Kathryn Nance continues to oppose this potential disaster.

Editor’s Note: McNerney’s office was contacted for comment on this news release from the Nance campaign, but chose not to respond.

FULL FREEWAY CLOSURES:

State Route 4:

There are no full freeway closures of State Route 4 planned for this week.

State Route 160:

There are no full freeway closures of State Route 160 planned for this week.

HIGHWAY LANE CLOSURES:

State Route 4:

There will be highway lane closures in the westbound direction of State Route 4 between A Street / Lone Tree Way and Railroad Avenue on Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

There will be highway lane closures in the eastbound direction of State Route 4 between Bailey Road and Somersville Road / Auto Center Drive on Monday through Friday from 4:30 am to 12:00 pm.

State Route 160:

There will be highway lane closures in the northbound direction of State Route 160 between the State Route 4 / State Route 160 connector ramp and Main Street on Monday and Tuesday from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.

RAMP CLOSURES:

There are no ramp closures planned for this week.

LOCAL STREET CLOSURES:

There are no local street closures planned for this week.

For questions or comments please send e-mail to info@4eastcounty.org.

Angela Juarez Lombardi, Public Information Officer and Marketing Manager at Sutter Delta Medical Center, speaks to the Deer Valley High School girls, as part of a panel of local women, including Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson, attorney Amy Hilton and chiropractor Dr. Stacey Duckett, following the showing of the Empowerment Project film in October.

By Allen Payton

In order to motivate young women in Antioch on their own personal journey of empowerment, the Antioch Rotary Club sponsored the screening of the film “The Empowerment Project” to all female students at Antioch High School and Deer Valley High School, in October. The film, created by filmmakers Dana Michelle Cook and Sarah Moshman, follows the travels of them and two other female friends across 7,000 miles throughout the United States as they find strong, positive role models in a wide variety of industries.These role models include a Four Star Admiral in the U.S. Navy, social entrepreneur, pilot, professional athlete, chef and an architect.

All the girls at Deer Valley High School attended the special Empowerment Project event in October.

Besides the film, the club members, lead by their President, Dr. Stacey Duckett, arranged for five panelists, each a positive female role model, to be at each screening to be available to discuss their professional careers and to answer any questions that students may have.

“We are very committed to the success of the youth in our local community of Antioch,” said Duckett. “We want girls to know that their options are not limited and that there is a wide arrange of careers available to them.”

Last year, Lindsay Wisely from Antioch High School started the concept of “Girl Power” with its theme of female empowerment and organized a group of 20 Antioch High School alumni to speak to the female population.  Deer Valley High School is exploring developing a club that would focus on empowering its female students, if they have an interest in doing so.

As part of the project, the Antioch Rotary Club worked closely with Antioch High School’s Vice Principal Lindsay Wisely and with Deer Valley High School’s Vice Principal Susan Ceballos. Panelists included Iris Archlutta, Mary Rocha, Lindsey Wisely, Jennifer Yu, Lynnette Giacobazzi, Amy Hilton, Sylvia High, Julie Haas-Wajdowicz, Christine O’Brien, Angela Juarez-Lombardi, Monica Wilson, Misha Dunford and Duckett, following the two showings.

Kimberly Sbranti, the daughter of club member Sal Sbranti, was the transcriber for the film, and was instrumental in bringing it to Antioch.

During the screening of the 54-minute film at Deer Valley High, attended by all of the school’s female students, the greatest response of applause was given to former Miss USA 2012 Nana Meriwether and Michelle Howard, the first female Four-Star Admiral in the Navy, and an African-American.

Following the film and a strong round of applause, four of the women panelists shared their experiences and thoughts with the teens, including Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson, the first African-American female elected to the council; Angela Juarez Lombardi, the Public Information Officer and Marketing Manager at Sutter Delta Medical Center and an Antioch High School graduate; family law attorney Amy Hilton, and Duckett, a chiropractor in Antioch.

In response to the question, what advice would you give to your teenage self, Lombardi told the girls “You have to live out of your comfort zone.” She also said “and this too shall pass,” whether things are going good or bad in your life.

“Find what you’re passionate about,” Wilson shared, and “be open to new ideas, new experiences.”

Hilton said the girls should “first, pay attention in your English class,” to laughter from the audience.

“I’m not joking,” she continued. “Learn grammar and how to write and you’ll be in the top five percent of your profession.”

“Do everything and enjoy yourself,” Hilton added.

“Don’t give up,” was Duckett’s advice. “Pick something different. Have a cub or start a club, like Toastmasters, to help you communicate.”

One more bit of advice she would give her teenage self was “You really should have taken Spanish, not French,” with a chuckle.

To learn more about the Empowerment Project, visit www.empowermentproject.com. To learn more about the Antioch Rotary Club, visit www.AntiochRotaryClub.org.