Senior Class President’s singing inspires students, faculty, staff and Principal to join in dancing

By Frances Spijker

Students at Dozier-Libbey Medical High School displayed their knowledge and talents during an evening that included a science fair, as well as art and talent shows, in the school’s multipurpose room on Friday, May 6. A variety of students participated with the Garden Club serving a pizza dinner.

Following are the winners of the Science Fair.

9th/10th Grade:

1st place:  Chinyere Umozurike   $100 prize

2nd place:  Stephanie Spijker  $75 prize

3rd place:  Jordin Lara  $50 prize

11th/12th Grade:

1st place:  Andie Lindeman  $100 prize

2nd place:  (group project)  Matthew Beland, Sierra Abel, Mina Hernandez  split the $75 prize.

3rd place:  Lucas Stuart-Chilcote $50 prize.

Honorable mentions for great projects:  Madison Miller, Sarah Bohannon, both freshmen. Were given Starbucks gift cards

I have requested from the science teachers that they offer some type of extra credit to their students for their extra effort and helping us to promote this new annual event that I hope to grow bigger and better each  year.  I hope to work with the administration next year as PTSA Pres. to set up the fair earlier so that the students have time to participate in the larger fairs available in the district/region.  Thanks to Callida Martinez, one of our science teachers, for her help in organizing this event.

The awesome participants in the art show by the DLMHS Art Club, included Matthew Beland, Chinyere Umozurike, Cheyanne Jellich, Madison Miller, Ismal Obad and Graciela Ornelas.

Club Sponsor:  Gretchen Kohl (she did an awesome job organizing the amazing artwork.)

Talent Show performers:

The Hula Club

Freshman Nicole Cadigan sang Love Story by Taylor Swift

Sophomore Xavia Tanner sang NO by Meghan Trainor

Sophomore Merry D Wilson played Hey Jude on the saxophone and the audience sang along with “nah, nah, nah, nananana, nananana, hey Jude.”

Senior Class President and President of the Garden Club, Lucas Stuart-Chilcote sang the 1972 song Dancing in the Moonlight with Senior Andreas Soto, as his back up dancer.

Chilcote’s performance inspired other students and staff, and even Principal Scott Bergerhouse to join in and dance to the music.

We would like to give a special Thank You to our prestigious Science Fair judges:  DLMHS science teacher, Callida Martinez;  AUSD Board President Diane Gibson-Gray, Trustees Walter Ruehlig and Fernando Navarro,  and Interim Superintendent Stephanie Anello.  Thanks also to School Board Trustee Debra Vinson for representing the board and attending our event.

Our upcoming year will be filled with many new and exciting events at Dozier-Libbey to stimulate the young minds of the future.

Spijker helped organize the science fair. She is the Executive Vice President of the Dozier-Libbey PTSA.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

 

 

Editor:

The campaign ads in the June 2016 issue are not surprising and all enjoy their freedom of expression.

I just have one question to ask.

The full-page ad for Hardcastle is identified as paid for by Friends of Hardcastle.

The quarter-pager for Amador is identified as paid for by Amador for Congress.

And the full-page No on E ad is identified as paid for by Antioch Friends for Local Control.

All these show either an active FPPC ID or a Facebook page.

So riddle me this:

Who paid for the full-page hatchet job on Wilson?

Neither group name, nor FPPC ID, nor any mechanism of contact is offered from this party, which ends its layout with a fusillade of well-worn dog-whistles concerning our economic refugees, nearly non-existent voter fraud, and any manner of advanced understanding of citizens of alternate gender classification. This following a ceremonial shaming of someone for being a member of the so-called “precariat”.

I have been lucky to work at my present employer for nearly 15 years, but my work record before this would not have passed this ad-maker’s muster of being employed somewhere longer than five-and-a-half years. What are we to make of these unnamed snobs who thumb their noses at those of us to have had to work to find work?

For a faction positioning itself as a watcher, they sure like their invisibility.

Avery Colter

Antioch

By Allen Payton, Publisher

It has come to my attention that some people think the full-page ad about Antioch Councilwoman Monica Wilson who is currently a candidate for Supervisor, entitled “The Wilson Watch” in the June, 2016 issue of the Antioch Herald was paid for by me or was from the Doug Hardcastle for Supervisor campaign. This is to clearly state that it was not paid for by me, nor by anyone associated with Doug Hardcastle or his campaign, for which I am a paid consultant, as I explained in the March, 2016 print edition of the Antioch Herald.

The ad was purchased by a party who chose to place it in the paper, and remain anonymous, which is why I required the words “Paid Advertisement” be placed at the top of the ad.

While the purchaser is not required to be identified, because the ad is not considered a political advertisement under state law, as it does not advocate for or against a candidate, I informed the purchaser that if I am legally required to provide their name(s), I will. They accepted that fact before placing the ad.

Refusing to run such an ad would be considered censorship. However, neither I nor the Antioch Herald accepts any responsibility for the content of the ad.

Friday, June 3 FUN FAMILY FRIDAY

• Kids 12 & Under– FREE admission all day for kids 12 and under!
• Family Carnival Deal-Buy 1 Ride Wristband & Get 1 FREE until 6:00pm…$25 savings

12:00 Gates Open
12:00 Splash Dogs Registration begins
1:00 Splash Dogs
1:30 Circus Imagination
2:00 Wild About Monkeys
3:00 Splash Dogs
4:00 Circus Imagination
5:00 Splash Dogs
5:00 Rabbits & Cavy Show – Small Animal Barn
5:30 Circus Imagination
6:30 Wild About Monkeys
7:00 Splash Dogs
7:00 Pop, Rock, & Soul- Main Stage
7:30 Jr. Sheep Lead – Shady Oak Arena
7:30 Undead Betty’s Roller Derby– Paradise Skate
8:00 Wild About Monkeys
9:15 & 10:30 Big Bad Boogie Rock- Main Stage

 

Saturday, June 4

9:00 Swine Show-Livestock Arena
11:00 Gates Open
11:00 Splash Dogs Registration begins
12:00 Splash Dogs
12:00 Pocket Pets-Shady Oak Arena
12:30 Circus Imagination
1:00 Wild About Monkeys
1:30 The Doritos Rollerskating Dance Team-Paradise Skate
2:00 Splash Dogs
3:00 Circus Imagination
3:30 The Doritos Rollerskating Dance Team-Paradise Skate
4:00 Wild About Monkeys
4:00 Small Animal Showmanship-Livestock Arena
5:00 Woodcarver Auction
5:30 Gwen In Doubt-Main Stage
5:30 The Doritos Rollerskating Dance Team-Paradise Skate
6:00 Large Animal Showmanship-Livestock Arena
6:00 Splash Dogs
6:45 Circus Imagination
7:00 Metalachi-Main Stage
7:30 Wild About Monkeys
8:00 The Doritos Rollerskating Dance Team-Paradise Skate
9:15 & 10:30 Long Duck Dongs- Main Stage

 

Sunday, June 5 Fiesta De La Familia Day

10:00 Junior Livestock Auction-Livestock Arena
11:00 Gates Open
11:00 Splash Dogs Registration begins
12:00 Circus Imagination
1:00 Wild About Monkeys
1:30 Splash Dogs
2:00 Live Hispanic Musical Entertainment – Main Stage
2:00 Battle of the Bullriders-Antioch Speedway
2:30 Circus Imagination
3:00 Undead Betty’s Roller Derby-Paradise Skate
3:00 Wild About Monkeys
3:00 Livestock Awards Ceremony-Livestock Arena
3:30 Splash Dogs
5:00 Splash Dog Finals
5:30 Woodcarver Auction
6:00 Wild About Monkeys
6:30 Circus Imagination

Sponsored in part by the Antioch Herald.

Concert Schedule and Features at the 2016 Contra Costa County Fair

THURSDAY JUNE 2

TRUE WILLIE

Chosen as the most authentic and convincing tribute act to Willie Nelson in America, the True Willie Tribute Band is fast becoming the first choice with audiences across America. If you’re a Willie Nelson fan, you won’t want to miss this show.

THUNDER COVER

Thunder Cover hails from Sacramento, CA and is one of the most energetic and fun cover bands you will ever see. In an area that is full of cover bands, Thunder Cover separates themselves with a high energy show and a unique set that features some of the biggest hits of all time.

FRIDAY JUNE 3

POP, ROCK, & SOUL

Pop, Rock, & Soul has the best of all music in one show! Nathan Owens has put together another unforgettable show featuring tribute performances of three of the music industry’s biggest legends…Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, and James Brown. Come experience this amazing show!

BIG BAD BOOGIE ROCK

The name says it all! Let’s boogie down, get funky, and let’s rock to the music of the 70s and early 80s! Afros, long hair, and guitars…what more could you ask for?Big Bad Boogie Rock Band is where the very best of Disco and Rock…EXPLODE! It’s high energy will have you shaking your booty all night long.Let the party begin!

SATURDAY JUNE 4

GWEN IN DOUBT

GWEN IN DOUBT has been entertaining audiences with the high energy performances of the music of Gwen Stefani and No Doubt for nearly a decade. Whether you are a hard core fan or a newcomer to this music, the authentic vocals, staging and performances will have you on your feet.

METALACHI

What do you get when you mix the best heavy metal rock music with a crazy mariachi band…METALACHI! Back by popular demand, it’s the outrageous experience that brought down the house last year! This one of a kind show should not be missed, it will blow your mind!

LONG DUCK DONGS

Long Duck Dongs was voted “Best Cover Band” in Coachella Valley. All the classic 80’s hits you remember from junior high dances and mix tapes. Their high energy performances will keep you on your feet dancing and singing along!

 

Prehistoric Adventures

Prehistoric Adventures provides a fascinating and thrilling experience that will captivate both adults and children alike. The newest addition to the Prehistoric Adventures family is “FIRE STRYKER”, a smoke blowing, fire breathing, wing flapping, one of a kind Dragon. Led around on a leash by a “medieval Viking” handler, large crowds will want to gather to get up close and personal to this incredible flying beast.

 

Fables of the West

Get ready to ride with the biggest little cowboys in the Old West! This strolling cowboy comedy team is always 100 % G-rated, family friendly, and fun. Performing at over 550 Fairs from California all the way to Alaska, these crazy cowboys have been entertaining crowds of all ages for over 10 years. Be sure to keep a look out for them and their trusty steeds during your visit to the Fair!

 

 

Flo the Clown

The one and only Flo the Clown is back! Flo and her clowning antics have been delighting audiences for more than 20 years from the West Coast of the United States to Russia, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Singapore. She has even toured with the Yankee Doodle Circus in New York and beyond. Look for Flo riding her tricycle down the midway, carting fair guests around in her custom car, or running all the fun games and activities at the Kids Korral stage…she’s a delight to fairgoers of all ages!

Circus Imagination

Expanding the imagination of children through learning and playing experience, Circus Imagination is a sure crowd pleaser for both children and parents.  Up to 25 children can participate per show, dressing up, and joining the circus as the stars of the show!  No talent or special skills are required…just a great imagination. Don’t miss this circus when it comes to town at the Fair!

 

Wild About Monkeys

When a movie producer needs a performing baboon, chances are they will call “Wild about Monkeys”. Combining the rare skills of excellent trainers and the incredible instincts of the wild as well as domestic animals with which they have become friends, your hosts Kevin and Martina will delight and amaze  audiences with fun, education and great entertainment for the whole family. “Wild about Monkeys” is the only traveling animal exhibition that features trained baboons. Come “monkey” around with them!

 

Splash Dogs

Splash Dogs is a nationally recognized dog enthusiast company that organizes and promotes dock jumping events across the United States. Splash Dogs strives to provide a family oriented competitive atmosphere. Splash Dogs is a sanctioning body for dock jumping and dock diving events. Splash Dogs tracks overall event and individual rankings as well as offering a multi level titling program for all participants. Come check out all the dock jumping, tail wagging, water splashing fun!

The Contra Costa County Fairgrounds are loated at 1201 West 10th Street in Antioch. For the complete, current schedule and special offers or more information visit www.contracostafair.com.

 

By Allen Payton

The self-named Watchdog of local politics, Barbara Zivica, passed away on Saturday, May 21 following a long battle with cancer. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she graduated from East Rockaway High School and earned a degree in Management from St. Mary’s College in Moraga. Before she was the columnist for the Antioch Herald, Barbara was a columnist for the Dawn newspaper chain in East Detroit, Michigan, the Valley Merchant in Concord, CA and the Ledger-Dispatch in Antioch. She also worked at the Antioch Police Department for many years.

Barbara served on the Antioch Waterfront Commission, was a Charter Member of the Delta Toastmasters, and Executive Director of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association.

She was especially proud of being in charge of a referendum to locate the Walnut Creek City Hall where it is, today. As a result, in 1980, the Mayor gave her a brick and certificate of commendation for her efforts, which she had on display in her home.

She is survived by her two daughters, Stephanie Simonson of Scottsdale, Arizona and Stacey Anderson of Benicia, and five grandchildren, Destiny, Todd, Skyanne, Jacey and Jenna, and Barbara’s long-time companion, Hank Bagwell.

Barbara wanted the following poem shared, which it’s believed she wrote:

Beneath the bridge and waves so blue

I commit my soul to life anew.

To those I love I leave this thought

Don’t let life be lived for naught.

Taped to her computer monitor she had the following quotes:

If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do things worth writing.  – Benjamin Franklin

Then, of course, this quote:

Our liberty depends on freedom of the press and that cannot be limited without being lost. – Thomas Jefferson

I enjoyed her writing and our discussions on local issues. Although we didn’t always agree, I respected her opinion and research skills. Barbara wouldn’t let me pay her, even with gift certificates from local businesses. She created the logo for her column, a photo of her dog Hooch, who she also left behind.

Her final column, about water issues, was posted on the Antioch Herald website on May 10, 2016 and will appear in the July issue of the paper.

Dr. Sean Wright, a local chiropractor and the CEO of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce announced his campaign for Mayor of Antioch in the November election.

“I am running for Mayor because this town desperately needs someone with experience and a proven track record in the ability to create lasting change,” Wright said. “Antioch has a rich history that should be celebrated and the potential for a bright future. The speed at which we get to that bright future is dependent on the person who takes over the city’s leadership position. It is crucial for the success of our city and the people who live here, and for our future. I feel confident in my ability to be Mayor, leading us into the future we all desire for Antioch.”

In a press release issued on Wednesday, June 1st, it states: “Five years ago, Dr. Sean Wright took on the challenge of turning around the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, which was on the brink of bankruptcy. Now, he wants to bring that same vision, passion and energy to lead Antioch as Mayor.

As a successful small business owner, Wright feels the need for new leadership and a new direction for Antioch.

His past performance shows his ability to lead collaboratively and create a vision for the future in Antioch. Partnering with leaders from many different areas including elected officials, business, education, volunteers and government staff, his focus was, and remains, on problem solving and creating an environment conducive to future growth and vision.

Programs that Wright has successfully helped initiate include, regional economic development collaboration in the creation of EC2: The Collaborative in partnership with the County’s Northern Waterfront Initiative and Agricultural Growth Initiative which will help to create the needed local jobs to allow more of our residents to live, work and play in our community; Suburban Poverty Task Force bringing the City, County, Police, Code Enforcement, churches, and non-profit organizations together to educate, collaborate and initiate positive campaigns to help those in need and clean up the city; Education reformation at the high school level, helping business leaders and academics work together resulting in programs that are copied state-wide for their success, better preparing our Antioch students for the workforce; and Police support and public safety through the Business Neighborhood Watch program which brings businesses together, helping to police their own areas and supporting our officers.”

“I take great pride in being a resident of Antioch,” says Wright. “Fifteen years ago we purchased a home, and my wife and I and our five children moved here. We opened our chiropractic practice, served in the schools and Kiwanis. I joined the Chamber, becoming Chairman and ultimately CEO, making decisions that were good for the Chamber and businesses.  I volunteered nearly 20 hours a week to create a new purpose and vision and led impactful efforts in education, economic development, public safety and poverty.”

Wright held his campaign kick-off party at his home on Wednesday, June 1st where he says about 60 people attended. On the event’s invitation, his three issues are listed as leadership, safety and economic development, and his slogan reads The Wright Choice for Antioch Mayor. Robin Agopian is listed as his campaign’s treasurer.

Filing for Mayor of Antioch and the city council seats currently held by Mary Rocha and Monica Wilson, opens in July.