Antioch businessman and 2015 Citizen of the Year, Ken Turnage II announced his campaign for the Antioch City Council in the November election, on Monday.

“As a life-time resident and business owner of Antioch, I am pleased and excited to announce that this fall; I will be running for Antioch City Council,” he said. “Antioch is the town that I have grown up in and love. We have seen growing pains lately and I have witnessed some questionable decisions made by the current city council. With deep ties into the community, I feel that I will bring a positive perspective not seen on the council in some time. I represent a fresh start with a new approach to the business as usual mentality in Antioch. With some hard work, we can get Antioch back on track.”

Turnage, who was recently named the 2015 Antioch Citizen of the Year for Most Impact, shared why he is running.

“I plan on running a transparent campaign and with an open line of communication with residents,” he stated. “I look forward to discussing many issues facing our city and working on realistic solutions on budget issues, crime, and future growth.

“As a business owner, I know some of the challenges our local businesses face and we must make some adjustments at a city level to attract and retain businesses while giving them a chance to succeed,” Turnage continued.

“I consider myself truly independent and free of special interest groups which will allow for honest conversation and apply decision making skills with what is best for the city and community as a whole,” he added. “In the near future, I will be releasing information on a campaign kickoff event, a website launch, and more.  In the meantime, you may follow me on my Facebook page here,  call me at 754-5232 or email me at k2gc@comcast.net with your ideas and concerns.”

Turnage is a licensed general contractor and owner of K2GC, Inc. in Antioch with 20 employees. He and his wife Teresa have two daughters. He serves on the City of Antioch’s Economic Development Commission.

By Allen Payton

During a ceremony on February 24th, the Antioch Police Department promoted four of their own to new positions. Following are the four with their new positions, with information provided by the APD:

Lieutenant Trevor Schnitzius graduated from Cal State Sacramento in 1997. He attended the Criminal Justice Training Center Police Academy, where Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando was his RTO. In May, 1998, Schnitzius was hired as a Police Officer with the APD. Throughout his employment he has worked a variety of assignments, including Driving Instructor, CPR/First Aid Training Instructor, Sexual Assault/ChildAbuse/Sex Offender/Missing Person Detective, Property Crimes Detective, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Department Armorer and Explorer Advisor.

Lt. Schnitzius was promoted to Polie Corporal in July, 208 and to Police Sergeant in September, 2012.

He has been married to his wife Leah for 16 years and they have two sons.

Sergeant Richard “Rick” Martin graduated from the Los Medanos Police Academy in 1996. In 1996 he was hired by the San Rafael Police Department and worked there until 2001. While working for the San Rafael PD, Martin worked a variety of assignments including patrol, Field Training Officer, narcotics, was a Detective and a member of SWAT.

He was hired by the APD in 2001 and assigned as a patrol officer and Field Training Officer. Martin returned to the San Rafael PD and worked there from 2002 to 2005. He came back to APD in 2005 and has been here, since, working in patrol and the traffic division.

In January, 2015 Martin was promoted to Corporal working in patrol.

In March, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Management.

Martin has been married for 19 years and has two sons, one graduating high school, this year.

Corporal Gary Lowther was born and raised in Union City, California and graduated from James Logan High School in 1999. After high school he attended Ohlone College in Fremont and subsequently earned an NCAA Division 1 baseball scholarship to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia in 2001. While at Old Dominion, Lowther met his wife Carinda, who was a meber of the university swim team. He graduated in 2004 with a B.S. degree in Communications.

Lowther returned to California in July, 2004 and worked for a Budweiser distribution company while searching for a career in law enforcement. He was hired by the APD in 2005, who sponsored him through the 130^th Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Basic Police Academy. While in the academy, Lowther was fortunate enough to be allowed a half day off to get married. He has been married for 10 years and has two boys.

He was sworn in as an Antioch Police Officer in January, 2006. In 2008, Lowther was appointed to the SWAT and has been a member since. He was appointed to the sniper team in 2010.

Lowther has worked as a Field Training Officer and was transferred to the Investigation Bureau in 2013, where he was responsible for investigations pertaining to AB 109 and Post Release Community Supervision. He spent the last 18 months with the Investigations Bureau as a Narcotics Detective. In 2015, Lowther was appointed as a Firearms Instructor.

Lead Police Dispatcher Korina Meads was hired by the APD as an entry-level Police Dispatcher in July, 2005. She was a Communications Training Officer in January, 2013. Meads worked as an acting Lead Police Dispatcher prior to being selected as Lead Dispatcher. In February of this year, she was appointed as a SWAT Technical Dispatcher.

Meads has been together with Powell Meads for 10 years and they have been married for two-and-a-half years. They have three children.

Congratulations to these four police personnel on their promotions.

Antioch, CA – March 19…The racers had a need for speed Saturday afternoon.  Over 50 drivers flocked to Antioch Speedway to get one final practice in before race day comes.  Next Saturday, the gates will open on the 56th season of racing at Antioch Speedway.  Promoter John M. Soares will be at the helm for his 19th season in charge, just one year shy of his father, John P. Soares, who opened the track for weekly racing back in 1961.

Next Saturday night is sure to be an action packed night of racing as Stock Cars will take center stage.  On the card for the March 26th event will be Late Models, Limited Late Models, B Mods, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars.  The season will run all the way through September 24th with a possible race to be announced for October 8th.

With Late Models on the card this week, David Newquist was at the track making some good laps in practice.  Newquist has been Top 5 ranked over the last two seasons at Antioch.  Lettering had just been completed on the Chester Kniss Late Model, but the team was saving that debut for this week’s season opener.

The A Modifieds were well represented on Saturday.  Though they don’t make their season debut until the $1000 to win race on April 9th, several Modified drivers were making good laps, including potential title contender Aaron Crowell.  Crowell was the track champion in 2004 and a two time feature winner last year as he debuted his new car.

Four time champion Troy Foulger was there as well.  Racing for points this season may not be in his plans, but if that changes, Foulger is the driver to beat.  After blowing a motor last year while running second, past Top 3 Modified driver Sean O’Gara missed the remainder of the season, but the second generation racer was back to test his new motor.

Also back making laps in his new Modified was Mikey Slaney.  Slaney is a past Top 5 driver in multiple divisions at the speedway, and son Anthony Slaney will also be racing this year.  Trent Wentworth, Norm Boeck and Josh Combs also put their cars through the paces.

B Mods get to race for $400 to win when the A Mods make their season debut on April 9th, but they are also part of next week’s opener.  Brian Pearce debuted his new B Mod at practice.  A top 10 driver in the A Mods during the early part of the previous decade, the cost factor took him out of the running, but he’s back and made some good laps on Saturday.

Two talented ladies, Megan Ponciano and Patti Ryland, were practicing for next week’s B Mod opener.  Ryland is last year’s “Rookie Of The Year” and third ranked driver, while Ponciano is a past runner up in points in this division.  Both of them have won championships in other divisions at the speedway.

Two second year racers, K.C. Keller and Tim Hammett, were making laps on Saturday.  Keller is coming off a Top 10 season last year, while Hammett is hoping to bounce back from a difficult rookie year with a new car.  Though he was still dealing with handling issues, he says this car is better than his old car.

Limited Late Models were well represented in their final tuneup before next week’s opener.  Kimo Oreta was making his first laps in his new car as he sets his sights on “Rookie Of The Year” honors this season.  Larry Damitz is back and could be in line for his third straight championship.  The 86 year old has been racing since the mid 1950’s at the old Contra Costa Speedway in Pacheco.

Set to give Damitz a run for the money is Jim Freethy is the beautiful #99 car.  Freethy was making some good laps on Saturday.  He bears the distinction of being the only driver to beat Damitz for a championship since 2010.  He won the 2013 championship.  Paul Hanley and Jon Haney were other Limited Late Model racers making laps at the speedway.

Dwarf Cars are at next week’s opener, and over ten cars were at the practice this week.  This included the team cars of 77 year old Charlie Correia and Mike Corsaro.  Correia, who has been racing in this division regularly for over 20 years, has recovered from a shoulder injury suffered in a hard crash at Merced Speedway last year.  Corsaro, meanwhile, could very will be the driver to beat in the championship chase after his impressive top 5 season last year.  Kevin Miraglio will also be a driver to watch as he got some good practice laps in as well.

Rookie Guy Alhwardt made his debut in a new car as the Hobby Stocks were well represented.  They will open their season this Saturday.  Danny Jones could be a serious contender.  He and daughter Jessica Jones were both making laps in their team cars.  Nick Baldwin was back for some laps after an impressive Top 10 season at Placerville after a late start last year.  Should he be back full time, he’s a definite contender.  Baldwin has ranked third twice at Antioch.  Chris Long was back in the old Bob Ackerman car.  He’s hoping to make a move up the point ladder this season.

Jack Haverty is just hoping to rinse the foul taste of the bad luck he had last year out of his mouth.  Haverty did get a win, but he had two of the harder crashes of anybody at the speedway last year.  Open wheel veteran Brian Gray, Tim Reeder, Josh Miller and Jenna Frazier were among the others taking their turns around the John M. Soares prepared three-eighths mile clay oval.

Sprint Cars aren’t on the card until April 2nd, but several winged cars made laps in tune up for the 13 race schedule they have this year at Antioch.  Veteran Dan Gonderman is hoping to improve on his fourth place ranking, and more importantly, get his first win.  Gonderman has raced in several divisions and has wins in Street Stocks, Dirt Modifieds and Wingless Spec Sprints, where he is a two time champion.  He was also making laps in the Marcus Smith #28 Spec Sprinter, which he will be racing this season.  Robby McMahan, Chico Econo Sprint champion Brandon Powell and the team cars of Shawn Conde were among the others in the winged class making laps.

Not to be forgotten are the Wingless Spec Sprints, who are set for an April 9th season kickoff.  Having ranked second in Dwarf Cars before getting his license during the winter, Adam Teves turned his first laps in the Dana Craig/Cameron Beard owned car.  Of significance is that this car is a tribute car to the legendary open wheel super star, Lloyd Beard.

It all kicks off at Antioch Speedway with a five division show this Saturday night, which will include Late Models, Limited Late Models, B  Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars.  It’s going to the start of an exciting season of racing.

Antioch Speedway is located within the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, 1201 W. 10th St. in Antioch, Calif. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, and $10 for children 6-12. Children under six years old are admitted free. A family four pack of tickets is $40. Secured parking is offered by the Fairgrounds for $5. Racing begins at 6:30 p.m.  For further information, check out www.antiochspeedway.com

By Sergeant Rick Smith, Antioch Police Community Policing Bureau

On Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 8:03 p.m., Antioch Police Officers and Medical Personnel responded to the area of Banyan Way for the report of a subject who had just been shot. Officers arrived on scene and found a single teenage victim suffering from a gunshot wound. He was alert and awake and transported to an area hospital for treatment.

No further information will be released at this time.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Antioch Police at (925) 778-2441. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

By Sergeant Wisecarver, Antioch Police Special Operations Unit

On Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at approximately 9:20 pm, an Antioch Police Department Patrol Officer conducted a traffic stop on 41 year old Deon Culberson for a traffic violation. Culberson was found to be in possession of a loaded and concealed firearm. Culberson was determined to be a previously convicted felon and was therefore prohibited from owning and or possessing a firearm. He was arrested and sent to the Martinez County Detention Facility.

Then, on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at approximately 10:00 am, an Antioch Police Department Patrol Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Culberson for traffic violations in the area of Lone Tree Way and Hillcrest Avenue. Culberson fled in his vehicle and led the officer on a vehicle pursuit through a residential neighborhood. Culberson jumped out of his vehicle on a residential street and led the officer on a foot pursuit. The officer quickly caught up with Culberson and attempted to take him into custody. Culberson fought with the officer, but was subdued and taken into custody. Culberson was arrested for the vehicle pursuit.

The Antioch Police Department Special Operations Unit obtained a search warrant for Culberson’s home and his vehicles. The detectives served the search warrant at Culberson’s house on Dali Court in the City of Oakley. The detectives located a large amount of cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as a large amount of cash and ammunition for various caliber firearms. The detectives also located evidence that the drugs were possessed for the purpose of sales. At 2:00 p.m. Culberson was again sent to the Martinez County Detention Facility.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Detective Brogdon with the Antioch Police Department at (925) 779-6895.

PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University announced that Mikah Erin Nunley of Antioch has made the President’s Honor Roll for the 2015 Fall semester.

The President’s Honor Roll recognizes students who stand above the rest with excellent academic performance. To be eligible for the honor roll, undergraduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of nine graded hours in a single term at WSU and earn a grade point average of 3.75 or earn a 3.50 cumulative GPA based on 15 cumulative hours of graded work.

The data displayed in the President’s Honor Roll may be affected by students who restrict the release of some or all information about themselves.

For more information on WSU, visit https://wsu.edu.

By Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed

Join us Sunday March 20th at 6PM for a viewing party of Open Roads with Doug McConnell featuring a segment on Marsh Creek.  Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed invited our friends from Save Mount Diablo, the John Marsh Historical Trust & the Independence High School Outdoor Wetlands Learning (OWL) Program to participate in a quick look at Marsh Creek top to bottom.

We will have food and soft drinks for $10.  This is a family event!

You can attend without eating just sign up for a free ticket.

When: Sunday, March 20, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM (PDT) – Add to Calendar

Where: Providence Bar & Eatery – 2085 Main Street, Oakley, CA 94561 – View Map

For the last few months I have been talking about the Advance Health Care Directive (AHD).  I covered who will make a good agent and why co-agents can be a bad idea.  Once the agents are specified in the AHD the next piece of information in the directive is a list of things that the agent should do and can’t do.  Some people try and get really exhaustive with their list thinking the doctor will be following it to the letter.

What most people don’t realize is that the list of do’s and don’ts is only for your agent.  The doctor will not be reading the list.  The doctor will be looking at the AHD to find out who is in charge and then will ask your agent what course of action to take.  Therefore, what is most important is whom you put in charge.  Moreover, as medical technology changes, a list of do’s and don’ts may become outdated before you know it.  In addition, as we age the list of do’s and don’ts might radically change.

The point I try and make to my clients is; it is more important to choose a good agent who you communicate with often so that they can execute your wishes around health decisions even in an environment of change.  Next month I will talk about probate.

Matthew Hart is a California Licensed Attorney who is an Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Specialist certified by the State Bar of California.  He can be reached at 925-754-2000 or www.MatthewHartLaw.com and he has offices in Antioch and Walnut Creek.