Archive for February, 2016

Jessica Reedy of BET’s Sunday Best at Easter service at The Church@Antioch

Thursday, February 25th, 2016

Easter at The Church@Antioch

Los Medanos College seeks nominations for awards Celebrating the Life of César Chávez

Thursday, February 25th, 2016

Los Medanos College (LMC) is preparing to host the annual “Celebrating the Life of César Chávez” awards ceremony on Friday, April 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the college’s Recital Hall. The college is located at 2700 East Leland Road in Pittsburg. The public is welcome to attend and the event is free.

Los Medanos College hosts this annual event to honor the life of César Chávez and to recognize East Contra Costa County community leaders who continue his great tradition of service and social activism. A true American hero, César Chávez exemplifies service to community and non-violent social change.

The college is now seeking nominations for three recognition awards, which will be presented at the event. The LMC César Chávez Award for Exemplary Community Service, established in 1995, is awarded to one of our local citizens who best represents the following core values established by César Chávez: Service to Others, Sacrifice, Help the Most Needy, Determination, Non-Violence, Acceptance of All People, Respect for Life and the Environment, Celebrating Community, Knowledge, and Innovation. The East County Educator Award honors a member of the educational community who demonstrates the above values and a commitment to student success and equity, particularly for low-income students and students of color. The Chávez Spirit Award recognizes an emerging leader who is making an impact on East Contra Costa County in the areas of advocacy and social justice.

To nominate someone for one or more of these awards, please visit: www.losmedanos.edu/chavez/nominate/.

The deadline for nominations is Thursday, March 10, 2016.

For more information, contact Jennifer Adams, jadams@losmedanos.edu or (925) 473-7302.

Antioch School Board votes to hire superintendent search firm, splits on vote for Common Core textbook adoption

Thursday, February 25th, 2016

By Nick Goodrich

The Antioch Unified School District Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, February 17th and opened with the unveiling of a new AUSD commercial aimed at increasing attendance in Antioch schools, which has been a problem in recent years.

During public comments section, several parents of District schoolchildren brought complaints or questions before the Board. One parent, Julie Young, informed the Board that the California Department of Education recently released the records of some students in the District, as a result of an ongoing court case. As a result of Concerned Parents Association vs. California Department of Education, records were authorized for release of some students who have attended schools since up to 2008. Information made available in the Department of Education’s archives include these students’ state test scores, GPA’s, and attendance records, among others. The Board was able to waylay these fears to some extent by acknowledging that only students involved in the case would have their records released.

Soon after public comments, the Board made their choice of Leadership Associates official in their hunt for a new Superintendent. The search firm was voted in 5-0 Wednesday night, after being decided on during the last Board meeting on January 20th to glowing reviews. With the search heating up, the Board can begin the next steps to finding the District’s new Superintendent.

One issue raised during Wednesday’s meeting was that of digitalization. It is common practice for school districts to adopt new textbooks and update course materials that will last for up to a decade or more, and districts almost always pay in advance for the new set of books. The board voted to do so on Wednesday, as a result of the District’s adoption of Common Core.

However, as part of a larger conversation dating to last year, some members of the Board wondered whether paying in advance for 8 years of books is a good idea in what is rapidly becoming a paperless world. In fact, Wednesday’s meeting marked the first time the Board has been able to review their full meeting packets on computers, rather than receiving stacks of paper to sort through. This came about as a result of Claire Smith’s suggestion to save paper and condense the packets.

“What is the logic in paying eight years in advance for Common Core textbooks and curriculum?” asked tew Trustee Fernando Navarro. “We’re in an election year, and the next administration may not agree with Common Core.”

He also noted that several Districts have begun experimenting with digitalizing some aspects of their curriculum. Smith echoed this concern, wondering if the District would be “locked in” to a paper curriculum in the event that digitalization became a viable option in the near future. Board staff answered that while the books were Common Core, they still presented a good curriculum and could be used even if Common Core was thrown out in the next several years; and they informed the Board that it did not appear digitalization of the District would be likely within the time frame of the 8-year book contract.

Board Member Debra Vinson was on board with the adoption of the textbooks, but had some cautionary advice in the careful choosing of which books to adopt. She reminded the room that in the past, the District has bought books that sat unused for years, as they became obsolete soon after being adopted.

The Antioch School Board last adopted books in 2003. After a spirited debate among the Board, they voted 3-2 during the February 17th meeting to adopt the textbooks, with Navarro and Diane Gibson-Gray dissenting.

The Board then turned to a discussion of the vendors they employ to run mentor and college preparation programs, among others, in the District. These vendors are contracted by the District to increase students’ knowledge and ability in the college application process and prepare them for state tests, while also offering programs to help students in their classes.

However, as noted by the Board, oversight and accountability has been lacking in the District’s vendor process. This was brought to a head when a vendor working for the District asked for a $25,000 increase in pay from the previous years’ deal, or they would not be able to fully meet the contract’s requirements in serving District schoolchildren.

The Board was not pleased, and discussed how to better oversee vendor operations and revamp the vendor selection process to avoid situations like this one in the future. Board Member Walter Ruehlig suggested unannounced visits to vendor-hosted programs, in order to increase accountability and keep vendors on track. Daily reports on vendor expenditures were raised as a solution. Debra Vinson said that some groups, which get Title I funding without having to report much information to the District or the government, should be held to the same standard as those who don’t receive the funding. “We need to be more vigilant about monitoring data from all our vendors,” she said.

Members of the vendor in question were present at the meeting. Synitha Walker told the Board that her organization, Parents Connected, offers financial aid workshops, summer programs, and college tours for students, among other opportunities, and that the vendor employees do not receive a salary; they work full-time on a volunteer basis, and all the funding from the district goes straight to the students. If there is a rise in costs, she stated, it is for the students’, and not the vendors’, benefit.

In all, after another lengthy consideration, the Board voted against the extra $25,000 for the vendor. However, they promised to shore up processes and set new standards for vendor contracts in the future, and will look into taking action in future meetings.

High school basketball player in Antioch leads league in scoring, surpasses 1,200 career points

Thursday, February 25th, 2016
Cornerstone Christian School Basketball Team #10 player Devin Hicks, Antioch, Ca.,Feb.12. by Cathie Lawrence

Cornerstone Christian School Basketball team player #10 Devin Hicks, Antioch, Ca.,Feb.12, 2016. photo by Cathie Lawrence

Cornerstone Christian boys’ basketball has best season in program history

By Luke Johnson

Antioch’s Cornerstone Christian High School senior guard Devon Hicks was born with tight tendons in his hands, which makes him unable to fully extend some of his fingers on each hand. Despite that, Hicks leads the Small School Bridge Athletic League in scoring with 22.4 points per game.

“Some people look at it as a birth defect, but I look at it as motivation to get better,” Hicks said.

Thinking with positive mindset was not always easy for Hicks. He found himself frustrated at times attempting to perform simple tasks such as catching a ball. But he said he was able to persevere through his faith in God.

“I know God has a better plan for me,” Hicks said. “There are people out there who have it far worse… When I was little I sometimes questioned why it happened to me. But as I got older I realized instead of quitting to just keep working hard… That’s my motto.”

On Senior Night, the school presented Hicks with an honor of being Cornerstone Boys All Time Scoring Leader with 1,249 points and All Time Leader Three-Points Made with 182. He’s also a two-time recipient of All SSBL Honors.

In his freshman year, Cornerstone did not have a boys’ varsity basketball program because there were not enough players to fill the roster minimum of six. According to Pastor Steve Miner, the school has approximately 60 students grades 9-12, and less than half of them are male. Fast forward to the present — the team is having its winningest season with a 16-5 record, and earned a Division-VI North Coast Section Playoff berth for the first time in program history.

“It feels unreal, because I started out literally begging people to play,” he said. “I just want to set this up for future years to come at Cornerstone.”

Hicks is the only senior on team, and will soon leave behind a legacy that has encouraged the underclassmen to step up their game.

“He’s an inspiration to all of us by his work ethic, his good attitude [and] his sense of humor. He’s a good kid,” coach Ezra Hunter said.

The Cougars could not have reached this level of success if it were not for Hicks’s right-hand man, Amari Simmons. The 6-foot-2 junior ranks number one in NCS in rebounds with 11.2 per game, and is also among the top scorers with 19.7 points per game.

The postseason begins Wednesday, Feb. 24, and Cornerstone will start off by traveling 282 miles north to face Ferndale High School (15-10) in the first round of NCS.

Cornerstone is located at 1745 East 18th Street in Antioch.

 

Assemblymember Frazier receives CA County Veteran Service Officers’ Legislator of the Year Award

Thursday, February 25th, 2016

Sacramento – On Wednesday, Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D – Oakley) received the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers’ (CACVSO) legislator of the year award.

“These men and women have served our country in the greatest capacity. It is an honor to receive this award today,” said Assemblymember Frazier. “I admire the CVSOs’ commitment to serve veterans and relish any opportunity to be part of their hard work.”

Assemblymember Frazier authored AB 935 in 2014, which allows a special designation to be placed on a driver’s license to identify the person as a veteran. This makes it easier for veterans to access crucial services and benefits. Since the implementation of the bill in November 2015, CACVSO has issued 14,184 eligibility forms for the new license.

“We could never fully repay the debt of gratitude owed to our veterans. This designation ensures they receive every benefit that they are entitled,” stated Assemblymember Frazier. “I am proud to announce that since this option became available three months ago, over 1,458 veterans – who were unaware they qualified – have filed claims with the federal Veterans Administration (VA) for federal benefits through their local CVSO.”

With veteran’s claims in California averaging $18,000 annually it is estimated that these new claims will bring in an additional $26,244,000 in federal funds with the potential to bring in $750,000,000 annually to our veterans. This money goes directly to our veterans.

To learn more about how to receive a “veteran” designation on your driver’s license, please visit: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/coi/veterans/veterans_driver_license

Assemblymember Frazier represents the 11th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Antioch, Bethel Island, Birds Landing, Brentwood, Byron, Collinsville, Discovery Bay, Fairfield, Isleton, Knightsen, Locke, Oakley, Pittsburg (partial), Rio Vista, Suisun City, Travis AFB, Vacaville and Walnut Grove.

Real Estate Answers: Maximize your home’s value

Thursday, February 25th, 2016

Patrick McCarran column logo 2015By Patrick McCarran

It is a new year and spring is nearly here. One thing that has not changed this year is that most of the homebuyers in today’s’ market are looking for “turn key homes”, properties that don’t require a lot of work and a home that says “wow” to a buyer will still command top dollar and multiple offers.

Your goal is to get the buyer to say “wow” at least three times. First when they pull up to the house, aka curb appeal, next as they walk through the house and lastly as they leave. To accomplish this inspect both inside and outside the home. Make a list of repairs or upgrades include the little things and the larger things. Traditionally the staples for increased value are a fresh coat of paint on the walls, doors, and trim.  Paint the front door or at minimum give it a good cleaning. Powerwash the sidewalks, entry and driveways, add some fresh mulch around landscaping. Organize the closets and cupboards so they don’t looks stuffed. Take a look at the light fixtures, the bathroom and kitchen faucets. Repair dripping faucets and drains that aren’t operating or maybe they need updating. Think about upgrading to granite prices today are low and return is high. This is a great opportunity to update with minimal cost and excellent return. Remember it is often the little things such as burned-out bulbs, broken sockets or switches and loose railings. Replace torn screens, broken fencing and put a fresh coat of stain on the fences and the deck.

I recommend hiring a professional home inspector to thoroughly and impartially evaluate the property. A standard report will review the condition of the home’s heating system, central air conditioning, plumbing and electrical systems, the roof, attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, the foundation, and visible structure.

By obtaining the pre-inspection it avoids any surprises and allows you to review and prioritize the list of repairs.

Staging is an excellent way of showcasing the positive attributes of your home to maximize return. This does not necessarily need to be a full blown redecorating of your home but can be as simple as the need to depersonalize the home. This does NOT mean taking down and hiding every personal picture but it does mean to minimize. Start packing that rare clown collection or the special teddy bear room. What may be “charming” to the seller may seem off-putting to a prospective buyer. The basics of staging are neutral but not plain, less is definitely more, let the light in, and remember to review all the rooms.

A home in good condition demonstrates pride of ownership. Taking the time to give your home a tune up and make it say WOW to a buyer this will go a long way in making sure that you get the most return out of your home. Please feel free to contact me for a free consultation and to help you develop an action plan.

Patrick McCarran can be reached at pmccarran@yahoo.com, by phone at (899) 899-5536, or online at www.CallPatrick.com. Mason-McDuffie Real Estate is an independently owned and operated franchise of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Housing Opportunity.

 

Antioch Police identify teenage man shot and killed Monday, investigation continues

Wednesday, February 24th, 2016

By Acting Lieutenant Tom Fuhrmann, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

The victim who was found shot on Oakley Road on Monday afternoon, February 22, 2016 and later died at an area hospital, has been identified as Antioch resident, Kail Miramontes (18 yrs old).

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Detective Colley with the Antioch Police Department at (925) 779-6922.

You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

Antioch Council removes Thorpe from Economic Development Commission, votes for ballot language against card room initiative

Wednesday, February 24th, 2016

By Nick Goodrich

On Tuesday night, February 24, 2016, the Antioch City Council made a firm statement by removing Lamar Thorpe from the Antioch Economic Development Commission, and sending the card room initiative he supported to the city ballot in June.

Thorpe, an Antioch resident and former City Council candidate, was also removed from his position as a Standby Council Member or alternate for Council Member Monica Wilson, along with his wife Patrice Guillory. Wilson’s sole remaining alternate is former Mayor Antioch Donald Freitas, President of the Antioch Historical Society.

Thorpe is one of three Antioch residents listed as proponents of the petition for an ordinance that would limit the number of card rooms in Antioch to two, requiring a vote of the people for a the second one. Funded by the Pacheco-based California Grand Casino, which helped fund a mailer against the re-opening of Kelly’s Card Room a few years ago, the initiative forced the City Council to decide to either adopt the ordinance as presented, or send it to the June ballot, incurring a cost to the city’s General Fund between $132,771 and $177,028. Thorpe openly stated in a letter to the editor that he and his wife Patrice Guillory were leaders in the effort to put the initiative before City Council.

During the Council’s last meeting on February 9th, Mayor Wade Harper and the Council Members discussed and subsequently sent the issue to the ballot in June. They reaffirmed their decision on Tuesday night and included an argument against it on a 4-0 vote, with Wilson abstaining. During the meeting, she admitted she had signed the petition for the card room initiative during its circulation, but stated that she did so in order for the ordinance to go to the ballot so that Antioch residents could have a say in the issue. Regarding her decision to abstain from the vote on Tuesday night, Wilson said “I just want to hear the voice of the voters.”

The City Council received some criticism for its decision to send the ordinance to the ballot at the city’s cost. One resident urged Council to simply adopt the ordinance as it was presented in the petition, and use the money the city would save in policing efforts. But the Council saw the initiative as a bigger issue: Would Antioch’s decisions be made by outside interests? During the last Council meeting, Harper determined that it would not, saying, “Antioch will not be bullied.”

During public comments, Tuesday evening, Wilson came under fire from several community members for her votes to abstain on the ballot language as well as for voting to remove Thorpe and Guillory as her City Council alternates.

Following the ballot measure vote, Antioch resident and one-time Council candidate Karl Dietzel took Wilson to task.

“I’m very disappointed in your double-sided decision making process,” he said.

Willie Mims, a non-resident but active member of the East County community, spoke before the Council.

“Lamar and Patrice were the victims of a bullying attack.” Mims asked, “Did any of you ask Lamar? Did any of you get his side of the story?”

In his letter to the editor published on this newspaper’s website, Thorpe defended his actions, saying that the current ordinance Antioch has in place leaves too many loopholes and was a “halfhearted effort” by the City Council to regulate gambling in the city.

However, Council Member Tony Tiscareno rebutted that statement.

“This wasn’t a truly local issue that folks brought in, this was originated by an outside agency, another casino,” he said.

The Council unanimously supported Wilson’s decision to remove both Thorpe and Guillory as alternates for City Council.

Following his removal as an alternate, the Council made Thorpe’s immediate removal from the Economic Development Commission official in a unanimous vote. Several residents spoke out both in support and in opposition of the decision, but in light of the recent events surrounding the card room initiative, City Council had made up its mind.

Thorpe spoke in his own defense, saying he was being removed because of a disagreement with the City Council over the card room issue.

In a rare display of public criticism, Council Member Mary Rocha added her concerns about Thorpe, separate from his leadership in the card room initiative effort. She spoke of a meeting in Concord at which Thorpe was publicly critical of the Antioch City Council and the city in general.

“There’s certain times that individuals have to have respect for the City,” Rocha said.

Harper added his comments about Thorpe before the Council took action.

“When you serve the City of Antioch as a Commissioner, you are representing the City of Antioch,” he said. “To prevent any further conflict of interest, I do not think he should serve on the Antioch Economic Development Commission.”

Following a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock, the Council voted unanimously to remove Thorpe from the commission, effective immediately.