By Sherrill Hecock

On August 9, 2016 at the City Council Chambers, the Antioch High School class of 1956 received a proclamation from Mayor Wade Harper declaring August 27th the “AHS Class of 1956 Day.”

Five members of the class were there to receive the proclamation which was shared with all at their reunion. Those in attendance that evening were Bob Franchetto, Sue Carris Siino, Joan Price Bell, Gayle Gibbs Autentico and Sherill Beckett Hecock and their guests. This class was the second to graduate from the newly built high school at 18th and L Streets.

On August 26th at the 7:00 p.m. football game against Lincoln High school, the class was again honored with special seating, several announcements and a “Class of ‘56…Welcome home” sign prepared by the current high school students. This was arranged courtesy of Principal Louie Rocha. Nineteen class members and their guests were present at the game. (Not all pictured here below).

Their 60th class reunion was held at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center on August 27th, and attended by 80 classmates including their guests. Masters of Ceremonies were Lanny Bown, who came all the way from North Carolina for the event, and Randy Autentico.

The class was treated to a fabulous “Italian House Buffet” prepared by chefs at the Golf Course. Grace was offered by Sue Carris Siino. Each attendee was greeted by Sue Siino and Gayle Gibbs Autentico at the door and received a packet containing a raffle ticket, name tag with their high school photo courtesy of Teri Bell Johnson, a copy of Mayor Wade Harper’s Proclamation, their class song “No Man is an Island” and a current roster of classmates.

During the evening, Lanny Bown read the bios of Antioch Sports Legends 2011 and 2012 inductees Ray Harrington and Randy Autentico, Gayle Autentico memorialized those who have passed away from a list prepared by Olga Jacques Martinez, and Renee Hunt Holding read the class song lyrics. Olga also prepared memory boards with photos from the past 60 years.

Beautiful flower arrangements were on each table compliments of Paula’s Family Florist. Principal Louie Rocha also arranged for the class to receive a gift basket for their raffle during the evening. It was a month to remember. A year of planning proved to be well worth the effort.

 

Editor:

As someone who has built a business around communication and relationship building, if elected to serve on the Antioch Unified School District Board of Trustees, I plan to take those skills and find ways to create more opportunities for the school district to reach the public.

Often times, as publisher of eastcountytoday.net, I am asked why I did not cover this school event or that student’s achievement or share how a teacher was recognized. Sadly, it typically comes down to no one from the District providing the information.

While I admit new Superintendent Stephanie Anello has done an outstanding job with media relations when compared to the outreach done by her predecessor—which I might add was like pulling teeth—she cannot go at it alone simply performing social media duties. She needs a team around her and needs additional tools.

If elected, I will make it a priority to improve communication to students, parents and the community. After all, the City of Antioch has an “image problem” and what better way to improve the overall image of the city than highlighting the many wonderful things occurring within the school district.

For example, over the summer, several Antioch students worked on a project which was so brilliant, it’s now being used by NASA after the Antioch Rotary Club helped fund the effort. This is a perfect example of the community working with students to create success–unfortunately it never hit the newspapers because no one knew about it.  This is just one example of many that could begin to change the way at how the public perceives the school district.

Through improved communication, it improves the relationship between students, parents and teachers—it creates buy-in because goals can be achieved together. Thus, it brings back to the joy of teachers teaching and students learning because all parties can be on the same page.

My communication plan for the District includes the following:

Public Information Specialist

There are teachers and staff doing great things. Both parents and the community should know about it. I would like to see the District hire a public information specialist to assist the Superintendent in gathering information from all schools and showcase to the community what great schools and staff we have.

This position can also respond to issues as they come up and help improve transparency in a timely manner.  There are a lot of things occurring in a school district that both parents and taxpayers may not even be aware of that can be an opportunity to shine a positive light. With this position, the District can now tell its story with better uses of press releases, photographs, social media, newsletters, announcements and other tools.

Ultimately, this position is a rather small investment cost wise for the amount of public trust that can be built if implemented correctly.

Put School Board Meetings Online

Currently, if you want to know what occurred at a school board meeting, you can view the agenda and minutes online. That is not good enough.

The District, at the very least, should place the audio from all school board meetings online—the cheapest option. I would go a step further and invest in web-only cameras to record all school board meetings and place the video online which most local governments already do.  This provides much needed transparency to those in the community who seek it.

While some may argue the District should invest in “live television” of a school board meeting, that is expensive and money can be better spent elsewhere on students—especially given how the District is in deficit spending mode.

Take Advantage of the Web

Today, anyone and everyone can take advantage of the internet. The school district is no different. The district should not be forced to rely on a newspaper to tell their story; instead they should simply tell it using their own website.

As publisher of eastcountytoday.net, I’ve built a business around telling stories and providing information. The AUSD can do it too with the creation of their own “news site” to produce information for students, parents, and the community—the newspapers can even pluck stories and photographs right off the website.

Thus, this is where my goal of a public information specialist comes in to help manage this undertaking–students could even become involved in the form of internships.  The goal of this effort would allow the District to stop relying on others (or social media for that matter) to distribute the Districts own information and instead take control of what goes out and how it goes out. I see this as a huge win for the entire community.

Empower Principals and Teachers

The school district has 18,000+ students; the daily face of the district is each site principal and the teachers. We must find ways to better allow them to shine whether it’s a morning breakfast with the parents on campus, hosting off-site coffee meetings, forums, etc. The goal, here is to provide staff with the ability to “do them” and interact with parents as best they know how under the Districts message.

Each school has a different culture that should be embraced, not try to force a one-culture fits all mentality.

Communication within the school district should be more than “feel good” actions; it should be real and sincere. By using a mixture of technology and empowering staff, the school district can improve its public perception. For Antioch, there can be no better way to improve its perception than showcasing its very own students and teachers.

Michael Burkholder

Burkholder is a candidate for the Antioch School Board in the November election. He has a child at both Orchard Park School and Carmen Dragon Elementary School. For more information about his campaign, visit www.mikeburkholder.com or visit him on Facebook.

By Acting Sergeant James Stenger #3604, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Wednesday, September 7, 2016, at approximately 1:39 PM, Antioch Police Department dispatch received several calls regarding a solo vehicle collision into a fire hydrant at Hillcrest Avenue and Lone Tree Way. APD Officers arrived on scene and found a single vehicle roll over collision. It was learned that an 18-year-old Antioch male was driving with his 19-year-old Antioch female passenger southbound on Hillcrest Avenue. The male left the roadway for an unknown reason and struck a fire hydrant. The vehicle then rolled over ejecting the female passenger.

Both the male and female were transported to a local hospital in critical but stable condition. Speed was a contributing factor in this collision.

This preliminary information is made available by the Field Services Bureau. There will be no further information released regarding this case at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

By Sergeant Dimitri Barakos #2176, Community Policing Bureau

This morning, Wednesday, September 07, 2016, at approximately 3:12 a.m. the Antioch Police Department received a call of a house fire at a residence in the 5100 block of McCormick Court. Officers determined that an unknown responsible spray painted a racial slur and a swastika on the victim’s residence. The responsible also threw Molotov cocktails at the residence, catching the roof and bushes on fire. Damage to the residence was minimal and no one was injured.

“The APD is treating this incident as very serious,” said Chief Allan Cantando during a press conference at the Antioch Police Facility, this morning. “The members of this department and myself, and our community are appalled and disgusted by this event.”

“Currently, we have multiple investigators assigned for this incident, as well as working with Con Fire Arson Investigator, [Vic] Massenkoff.”

This morning I had the opportunity to visit with the family…and explained to them we will be putting a lot of resources towards this incident to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the chief continued. “This is a case that we are going to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”

Asked if it was  Jewish family, with the spray painting of swastikas on the house, Cantando responded, “There was some painted racial slurs on the house, the N-word was painted on a couple different parts of the home, that’s why we’re treating this as a hate crime.” He confirmed that swastikas were painted on the house, as well.

The victims are an African American family, made up of three adults and four children, according to Massenkoff. The oldest daughter, an adult, is the one who “awoke to it and alerted her mother to the fire.”

According to a question from KRON-4 News TV reporter, Terisa Estacio, the home owner said there was some surveillance video and described the perpetrator as a caucasian man driving a distinctive vehicle.

Cantando would not confirm that information, stating “when we have more details on that, we will be putting that out.

“We are looking for more surveillance video for the media’s help and the public’s help to solve this crime as soon as possible,” he added.

In a late night press release announcing a press conference for Thursday at 5:00 p.m., Antioch Mayor Wade Harper offered his thoughts.

“I have received the report from the Antioch Police Department regarding the hate crime committed against a family on McCormick Court today in the City of Antioch,” he stated. “It is difficult for me to understand why anyone would commit such hateful acts against anyone. Make no mistake this is a senseless act that will not be tolerated in any way, form or fashion.”

The case is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Call Detective Allendorph at 779-6933. You may also text an anonymous tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

To view a video of the press conference, please see the Antioch Herald Facebook page at www.facebook.com/antiochheraldca. To see video showing the damage to home on KRON-4’s website, click here.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016, 5:00-7:00pm

Please join us and tour the new BART to Antioch Train!

Testing has begun on this new Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) vehicle – you may have already seen it traveling in the center median of Hwy 4.

This is your opportunity to view it in person at a public open house.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

5:00-7:00pm

BART’s Antioch Maintenance Facility

End of Slatten Ranch Road (formerly Sunset Drive), Antioch

Just east of the Park & Ride lot at the new Antioch BART Station
at Hillcrest Avenue and Sunset Drive, Antioch, CA.

To RSVP please visit:  eventbrite.com/e/bart-to-antioch-train-preview-open-house-tickets-27182466489 or call (510) 464-6257.

For more information about the project: http://www.bart.gov/about/projects/ecc

At their most recent meeting on August 24, 2016, the Antioch School Board voted to hire Dr. Adam Clark as the District’s Associate Superintendent for Educational Services. He began his new position on Thursday, September 1 and replaced Stephanie Anello who was promoted to Superintendent, in June.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Clark to AUSD,” Anello said. “He brings with him experience leading change at the elementary, middle and high school levels and will be an asset to our educational program. Most importantly, he is excited to serve the students and families of the Antioch community.”

According to his contract, Clark will be paid $190,056 per year, a $300 per month automobile stipend and other benefits, which are received by and afforded to other certified management staff in the district. It also includes a six month severance package. To see the complete contract, click here: Dr Adam Clark contract

Clark most recently served as the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services in the Liberty Union High School District.  Prior to that time, Dr. Clark served as principal for Miramonte High School for five years.  His experience also includes principalships at Adams Middle School and Krey Elementary School in Brentwood, as well as teaching positions with schools in Brentwood and Richmond.

“I’m very excited to be a part of the Antioch Unified School District,” he said. “I’ve been in far East County since 1999.”

In his position with Liberty he worked on various services, such as foster kids, homeless youth, and health and safety.

“When this position opened up with the Ed services piece, I was very excited to come on board to help with education, student services as well as special education,” Clark stated.

He also said he was excited to work with Anello.

“She’s very committed to the students in Antioch and the community at large,” Clark offered

He is diving right in, working to get up to speed on the Antioch district.

“Since starting last Thursday, I’ve been visiting with stakeholders and school sites,” he continued. “I’ve been learning about the various programs in the district and will be working to  implement the LCAP in our schools and making sure our community understands the LCAP and getting input from the community to make sure we capture their desires and expectations.”

Clark received a BA in Sociology from San Jose State University, and a masters degree and doctorate in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, which he completed in May.  He holds a multiple subject and an administrative credential.

Dr. Clark and his wife Michelle have three children. Their oldest son, Marcus, is 22 and recently graduated from Arizona State University.  Their son Rene, who is 19, attends the University of San Diego, and their daughter Jazmyne is 17 and a high school senior.

By Luke Johnson

One of the greatest prides in the City of Antioch is high school football and the 2016 season began Friday, August 29. Antioch High School has gained a lot of attention and is expected to be one of the best teams in California, while Deer Valley High School aims to recover after going winless against the Bay Valley Athletic League the past two years.

Antioch had a miracle season in 2015 under head coach John Lucido, considering the Panthers finished a mere 1-9 two years prior. The campaign was capped off by the black and gold defeating arch-rival Pittsburg for the first time in years in a 44-42 shootout. Antioch won a league championship for the first time in 31 years and went undefeated (10-0) for the first time in 38 years.

All eyes are on Alabama-bound senior Najee “The Mayor” Harris, who is the number one running back in the country, ranked unanimously by every scouting website. The 6-foot-3, 226-pound freight train already holds every school rushing and scoring record, including 2,744 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns from last season.

Although the Panthers graduated key components to last year’s success, such as linebacker Kobie Beltram and playmaker Ryan Payne, the team returns six players with college offers alongside Harris: seniors Isaiah Dunn (CB/WR), Antoine Tanner (WR/DB), Issac Freytes (WR/DB), juniors Omair Harris (LB/RB), Iuni Mauga (TE) and sophomore Gaudie Campbell (WR).

Special Education Teacher Robert Hubbard enters his second year at the helm of Deer Valley’s football program. It was a bit of bumpy road during his season year due to a controversy with Pittsburg’s band preluding game seven. Hubbard missed two of the final three games, but was able to return after an investigation found no wrongdoing on his behalf.

The Wolverines finished 3-7 in 2015, and Hubbard said the biggest difference this year is the players’ knowledge and understanding of the system. The team’s top returner is 6-foot-4, 270-pound lineman Jamaar Hardy, who has offers from San Diego State University and the University of Hawai’i. Surrounding him are seniors safety Ronald Preston, linebacker Abe Weinert, wide receiver Daniel Lado, juniors quarterback Dior Walker and kicker Ryan Redman.

Antioch opened up the season hosting Lincoln of Stockton, beating them 67-38, with 44 of the Panthers’ points scored in the first quarter. Harris scored four of the touchdowns that quarter.

Deer Valley traveled to Danville to take on Monte Vista, in their non-conference, season opener. The Wolverines lost 49-7.

On Friday, September 2, Antioch lost Milpitas 49-28, while Deer Valley beat the visiting Amador Dons of Pleasanton 34-21.

Conference play begins Friday, September 23.

By Allen Payton

The Antioch School Board was hit with a two-fold challenge when approving the budget for Fiscal Year 2016-17. Revenue is down because enrollment continues to decrease in the district. But, at the same time there have been increases in district staff retirement costs.

The presentation, by Interim Chief Business Officer Chris Learned, began with him saying “your enrollment is declining” and ”your deficit spending is continuing to be a problem.” That was followed by Learned stating, “It’s starting to be scary.”

Enrollment in the district has decreased since the 2004-05 school year by 4,285 students, for a total of 24.15%. It decreased by 485 students between Fiscal Years 2014-15 and 2015-16 and projected to decrease another 434 students for this new school year.

Revenue to the district increased, this year, by $6.4 million in Local Control Funding Formula funding and $100,000 from the federal government. However, revenue from the state decreased by $7.2 million and other revenue is down by $1.8 million. That created a net decrease of $2.46 million in annual revenue.

The costs for CALSTRS, which is the state retirement plan for teachers, and for CALPERS, the retirement plan for all other district personnel, increased.

“The cumulative effect is an $11.2 million hit to the district,” Learned said.

The district will experience deficit spending of $1.2 million, this year, $2.1 million next year, and $2.4 million in Fiscal Year 2018-19.

The district is required to have 3% in reserves, which “doesn’t even cover one payroll for the district,” he shared. “We want to keep reserves at 7%, preferably 10%.”

The district currently has $15.3 million in reserves or 8.1% of the total $190 million budget.

Learned said he’s concerned that “one-time money is being used for ongoing expenses.”

Trustee Debra Vinson spoke, first.

“Our desire is to protect the district and remain in the black,” she said. “I’m very impressed with your management team, here” adding because it’s “conservative.”

Trustee Walter Ruehlig asked “is it too early to project if there’s going to be layoffs?”

Learned responded, “It’s too early.”

Trustee Fernando Navarro asked “why are we dipping into the budget for books and supplies?”

“We’re doing a big text book purchase,” Learned said. “Budgeted this year. Purchase next year.”

Navarro later clarified that his question was to ensure that the funds for books and supplies were not being for use any other purpose, “and not balancing the budget on the backs of the students.”

The board members voted unanimously to adopt the budget totaling $190,423,184.15.