Dear Editor:

Over 9,000 citizens signed a petition for Measure E after the Council failed to adopt gambling reforms recommended by an Antioch citizens’ group.

Measure E supports the health and public safety of the Antioch community.  Measure E stops politicians from issuing gambling licenses to felons, keeps gambling away from our churches, schools, and stops card rooms from becoming mini-casinos.  Measure E also helps keep criminal activity that is directly connected to illegal gambling, drug and alcohol abuse and other violent crimes from infiltrating our community.  We need to fight back against dishonest gambling operators and fight the politicians who protect them.   That is why we need Measure E in Antioch.

I find Ms. King’s commentary full of passion and pride regarding her father’s service to our country.  I truly and respectfully appreciate her father’s service to our country as I also appreciate Mr. Wilkinson’s service in Vietnam and his father’s service as a Marine at Guadalcanal during WWII.  Measure E has nothing to do with the sale of Kelly’s Restaurant/Card Room, a business shut down years ago by the State.

I believe Measure E is necessary in order to protect our community, families and property values.  Money spent gambling does very little to boost the local economy.  In fact, gambling establishments can have a negative impact on our community, city government and can create additional strain on our police services.  I believe we do not need additional gambling establishments in Antioch.

You can learn more about Measure E at their website, www.stopantiochgamblingexpansion.com.

Jesse Zuniga

Antioch resident

Zuniga is one of five Antioch residents who signed the ballot argument in favor of Measure E.

Board Unanimously Adopts Visionary Transportation Expenditure Plan; Business and Environmental Groups Declare Support

Walnut Creek, CA – The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) Board unanimously adopted a transformative plan for the next 30 years at last night’s board meeting.

The proposed $2.9 billion Transportation Expenditure Plan (TEP) is the culmination of months of extensive public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and advocate input.  The plan focuses on innovative strategies and new technologies to promote a strong economy, protect the environment, and enhance the quality of life for all of Contra Costa’s diverse communities.

“We have moved from a Measure C, which started us on a path of tying transportation and development.  That was the first big step.  Then Measure J went further along that line,” said CCTA Commissioner and Danville Councilmember Newell Arnerich.  “That’s why we are sitting here tonight talking about trying to do something different.  We are putting more money than we ever have – in real dollars – into bike and pedestrian projects.  And we are going to do it in a smart way.  I know people want to define transformative in different ways – this is a big deal.

“This plan is the result of serious thought, care and effort to take into account the vast array of input that we’ve had, and to make compromises and stretch in areas that are uncomfortable,” said CCTA Commissioner and Pleasant Hill Councilmember David Durant.  “It’s an honor to be here with this group of people, working on something like this.  This process is the most inclusive that I’ve ever seen.”

The proposed plan contains unprecedented funding for new technologies and for bicycle and pedestrian improvements in every part of the county.  It commits substantial funding to improve BART service, increase access to BART stations, and add new BART cars.  It also significantly increases direct funding to local municipalities to maintain and repair local streets and roads.

At the meeting, advocates for the business, environment, and disabled communities spoke up in support of the plan and thanked the board for their leadership and inclusiveness in its development.

“The process has been very inclusionary and considerate,” said Debbie Toth, Executive Director of Rehabilitation Services of Northern California.  “I’m incredibly grateful for the support that we’ve had in the arena of accessible transportation for everyone.”

“We are in support of the proposed plan,” said Dave Campbell, Advocacy Director of Bike East Bay.  “Thank you for your support for better bicycling!”

“The goal of this measure is to improve transportation and to improve mobility – the movement of people and goods in Contra Costa County.  There are significant improvements [in the plan] that will be made by this measure across modes,” said Kristin Connelly, President and CEO of the East Bay Leadership Council.

The plan will now be presented to each of the cities for review and approval, before a final plan is adopted by the Board and then submitted to the Board of Supervisors for final approval and submission to the November 2016 ballot.

“There is $117 million for East County Corridor projects,” said Oakley Mayor Kevin Romick who is one of East County’s representatives on the CCTA Board. “Right now there is a $17 million improvement for Vasco Road. We don’t have the money to build a brand new four-lane freeway. It’s about a $1 billion project.”

“Sure we can get some state and federal matching funds. But not unless we put in a whole lot ourselves,” he added. “It will help us eliminate the cul-de-sac feeling we’re experiencing, now.”

“The people who spoke to us said get the trucks off Camino Diablo and out of downtown Byron,” he added. “So that became the top priority. We will make safety improvements to Vasco Road and the Byron Highway.”

Chair of Transplan, the East County division of the CCTA, Doug Hardcastle said, “While the plan doesn’t include funds for Route 239 from Brentwood to Tracy, the $117 million is a very nice first step. It’s been something in the plans for over 40 years.”

“Armstrong to Vasco will be a new road and will be a catalyst for bringing jobs to the Byron Airport and area,” he added.

No other region in the county is collecting a developer fee for the state and federal highways, like East County has been for the past 25 years. Those funds have helped pay for the Highway 4 Bypass and other regional roads. It is currently $20,000 per new home. Suggestions have been made to Concord that they also collect a developer fee on the new homes that are planned for the reuse of the Concord Naval Weapons Station to help pay for improvements to Highways 4 and 242.

About The Contra Costa Transportation Authority

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is a public agency formed by Contra Costa voters in 1988 to manage the county’s transportation sales tax program and oversee countywide transportation planning efforts.  CCTA is responsible for planning, funding and delivering critical transportation infrastructure projects and programs that connect our communities, foster a strong economy, increase sustainability, and safely and efficiently get people where they need to go.  CCTA also serves as the county’s designated Congestion Management Agency, responsible for putting programs in place to keep traffic levels manageable.  More information about CCTA is available at ccta.net.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Editor:

Doug Hardcastle is the only candidate in the race for County Supervisor who has served his country in the military, served in public office and owned a business in the county.

He has the best combination of experience, knowledge and commitment to serve the people of Contra Costa. Doug’s a proven leader and isn’t afraid to take on the tough issues.

He was the only candidate to jump in the race to take on the incumbent and speak out against the 33% pay raise she voted to give herself, as an example of wasteful spending by the county, before she backed out.

We need to elect him, this year, and provide new, strong, proven leadership on the Board of Supervisors. Please join me in voting for Doug Hardcastle on June 7th. To get involved in his campaign, please visit www.doughardcastle.com.

Sincerely,

Ron Yarolimek

Antioch

By Sgt Rick Martin #3343, Antioch Police

On Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Antioch Police Officers responded to the intersection of Cavallo Road and Sunset Drive on a report of a vehicle collision with a person trapped under the vehicle. Upon arrival, officers located a white pickup truck that had collided into a tree and had come to rest in the backyard of a residence.

The driver of the truck, a 20-year-old male from Antioch, and sole occupant of the vehicle, was ejected from the vehicle upon impact and pronounced deceased at the scene. The truck was traveling southbound on Cavallo at the time of the collision.

Speed is a factor in this collision. It is unknown at this time if alcohol and/or drugs were involved.

A witness, Antioch resident Robin Silver, said “I was on Cavallo Road at my mom’s house standing next to my car, with a friend helping me put some water into it. Then this big, white truck drove by at like 80 miles an hour about a foot away from me and almost hit me.”

“I screamed ‘Slow down you’re going to kill somebody,’ she continued. “Then just a minute later, boom. He crashed into a fence, and died instantly, with the truck rolled over on top of him, in someone’s back yard.”

“The police came about four minutes after it happened,” Silver added. “Thank you to the Antioch Police. It could have been my life and then his. Wish I could have done something more to stop him.”

The collision is still under investigation by our traffic division. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Antioch Police at (925) 778-2441 or Traffic Officer Robert Solari at (925) 779-6900 ext.82372. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

Ms. Brittany Fank, a Kindergarten to 2nd grade teacher – and Association of American Educators member – from Antioch Charter Academy II in Antioch, has been awarded a teacher scholarship by the Association of American Educators Foundation (AAEF). She was one of 15 award winners from across the country. Fank’s scholarship will be used to fund a Montessori training program that teaches curriculum in nine subject areas and thoroughly prepares teachers to inspire students with a unique style of Montessori learning.

“Thanks to this AAE teacher scholarship, I’ll now know critical Montessori lessons that have proven useful in so many classrooms across the country. Instead of having to learn each step as I come to them before presenting them to the classroom, I’ll now only have to review the lesson before teaching,” explained Fank. “Montessori lessons are presented in a certain series of steps and have extensions to teach if a student is ready for them which makes this knowledge critical to strong implementation. I plan to integrate my new knowledge into my everyday classroom routines and instruction by being well versed in all aspects of Montessori. The Montessori method encompasses tactics on teaching the whole child and not just the academic aspects.”

AAEF is committed to offering individual educators teacher scholarships and classroom grants to optimize student learning.

“AAEF applauds the dedication that Brittany has demonstrated by trying to implement proven teaching methods into her classroom,” said AAEF Chairman Gary Beckner. “Without question, teachers like Brittany make AAE scholarships and grants a worthy investment in empowering educators to meet their professional potential.”

The AAE Foundation’s National Scholarships and Grants competition is held twice a year in the fall and spring and is open to all educators. The deadline for the annual fall competition is October 1 and spring is March 1 each year.

The Association of American Educators Foundation is the non-profit charitable arm of the Association of American Educators (AAE), a non-union professional organization for teachers across the country. With members in all 50 states, AAE is the nation’s premier, non-union professional educators association, offering a modern approach to teacher representation and educational advocacy. Membership is 16.50 per month and includes $2 million in professional liability insurance, employment rights coverage, professional development resources, as well as a host of other benefits.

For more information about AAEF or the Association of American Educators, visit www.aaeteachers.org.

Editor,

As you may have heard, I have made a difficult choice not to run for re-election for the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors.  This choice was made easier because of one person, East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD) Director Diane Burgis.

Diane is uniquely qualified to serve on the Board of Supervisors. She is a true leader and has all of the qualities I feel are the most important to serve the citizens of District III.  Diane is a fiscal conservative; supports police and firefighters that work hard to make our communities safe; supports investment into our transportation system; she is approachable and knowledgeable; advocates to protect our Bay/Delta and our environment; and most importantly, Diane cares about you.

Diane has the most regional experience of all the candidates.  As a Director of the East Bay Regional Park District, Diane works to serve the taxpayers of two counties, Alameda and Contra Costa.  Diane has learned how to responsibly manage an annual budget of over $200 million dollars and oversee a District police and fire department.

As a recent council member for the City of Oakley, Diane knows the challenges of local government and how to fight for the needs of taxpayers and invest in public safety as a top priority.

Diane is a Delta advocate, having served as a member of the Delta Protection Commission she has worked to advance the federal National Heritage Designation to preserve, protect and promote our vibrant Delta region and has fought Governor Brown’s Twin Tunnel project.

As ​Executive Director of Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed, Diane knows that salmon are a vital link not only to our Delta and our environment, but also our economy.  Diane has fought to protect salmon migratory routes and save this valuable fish.

Diane is fiscally conservative.  As a former small business owner, Diane knows what it takes to make a budget work and meet the bottom line.  Diane puts Public Safety first by supporting a well staffed police force and fire department in order to protect citizens, property and make communities safe. Living in far East County, Diane is acutely aware of and supports the need to fully fund transportation and Vasco Road safety projects that allow for shorter commute hours and more time with family.

Diane has my vote for Contra Costa County’s District III Supervisor because she is the right candidate.  I ask you to give her your vote too.  If you have any questions I can be reached at 925-516-2358.

It has been my honor and privilege to work for you for nearly 12 years on the Board of Supervisors.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Mary Nejedly Piepho

District III, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors

Mario Serrano

By Tom Fuhrmann, Investigations Bureau Sergeant, Antioch Police

Some of you have been following up to confirm information that one news source reported on yesterday as to the identity of the subject arrested for shooting at two Antioch Police Officers and injuring one of them. The man arrested for the crime spree on May 4th was 25 year old Mario Serrano of Antioch.

Officer Thomas Smith was injured by the gunfire from Serrano and has subsequently recovered from his injuries. Officer Scott Duggar was also fired upon by Serrano, but was not struck. Both Officers returned fire before Serrano ran out of ammunition and surrendered to the officers.

Serrano was not struck by the officers returning fire.

This press release is intended to identify the subject arrested and the two police officers involved. The Antioch Police Department will not be releasing additional information on the investigation at this time. This preliminary information is made available by the Investigations Bureau.

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

Antioch Police investigate the suspect’s car at the end of the BART Park n Ride lot access road, following the end of the chase, late Monday night/early Tuesday morning. photo by Allen Payton

Alfredo Ardenas, born 8/21/71

By Sgt. Rick Martin #3343, Antioch Police

On Monday, May 16, 2016, at approximately 11:48 p.m., Antioch Police Officers responded to the Office Depot at 5885 Lone Tree Way on a report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival officers located 44-year-old Alfredo Ardanas from Pittsburg, inside the vehicle. It was learned Ardanas had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. As officers attempted to take him into custody, Ardanas backed his vehicle up, dragging an officer approximately 20 feet. Ardanas then fled in the vehicle and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit continued on city streets and on Highway 4.

Ardanas exited the freeway and entered the BART Park n Ride parking lot in Antioch where he surrendered without further incident. Ardanas was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

The officer had minor injuries.

There is no further information at this time. 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.

The suspect’s car with the rear passenger tire worn down to the wheel. photo by Allen Payton