Editor:

I was disappointed to see a religious publication as part of the Antioch Herald. Is this group paying for the space in the paper, which makes it an advertisement? Or is this content – an editorial decision reflecting the beliefs of the publisher? I don’t mind a column written by a member of the clergy, from any denomination or religion, but ceding so much space to one group clearly sends the message that Antioch is not a diverse community.

Sandra Follansbee

Antioch

The damaged motorcycle of a CHP Officer who was injured in a crash on eastbound Hwy 4, Monday night, Jan. 15, 2018. Screenshots from NBC Bay Area News report.

Three of the eight vehicles damaged by the three, chain-reaction crashes.

According to the CHP – Contra Costa Facebook page, “This evening at about 6:15 pm, one of our CHP Officers was involved in a traffic collision at SR-4 eastbound and Port Chicago Highway (in Concord). He suffered major injuries, non-life threatening, and was transported to a local hospital. The scene is still active for the investigation. We have no further details at this time, but we will advise when we do. Thank you.”

Further reports on NBC Bay Area TV Channel 3 News and ABC7 News he was a motorcycle officer, and an SUV flipped an landed on the officer including a broken leg. It set off a chain reaction including at least eight cars and three separate crashes. It backed up traffic on Highway 4 for miles.

By Officer Eric Johnsen, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Sunday, January 14, 2018, at approximately 9:38 pm, an Antioch Police officer was travelling on E. 18th Street near Blossom Drive and Hillcrest Avenue, when he came upon a motorcyclist lying in the roadway. A 25-year-old male Oakley resident was found with major injuries. Life saving measures were attempted, but the male was later pronounced deceased at the scene by the Contra Costa County Fire Department. The Antioch Police Traffic Unit responded to the scene to conduct the investigation.

No further information will be released at this time. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is encouraged to contact Officer Eric Johnsen at (925) 779-6900 Ext. 84265. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

Please check back later once the police have released the victim’s identity.

The historic John Muir House in Martinez. Photos courtesy of Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder

Couples can get married at the historic John Muir House by Clerk-Recorder officiants

Get hitched in style this year! The Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder office is offering a special venue for couples who wish to exchange wedding vows at a special location on Valentine’s Day.

The Clerk-Recorder Division, in partnership with the National Park Service, will host weddings at the historic John Muir House from 10:20 am to 3:20 pm on February 14th. There are 16 appointments available for this “Destination Wedding” opportunity.

“We are excited to partner with the National Park Service and the staff of the John Muir National Historic Site to offer couples the option of being married at this historic location on Valentine’s Day,” Clerk-Recorder Joe Canciamilla said. “It is with a great deal of local pride that we can highlight the history of our region and of Martinez while offering this memorable option for couples’ special day.”

“We think it’s great that the local community can use the grounds for a really special day,” said Jim MacDonald, Supervisory Park Ranger at the John Muir National Historic Site.

MacDonald shares a quote from Louisa Strentzel Muir, John Muir’s wife, that he says is applicable to what weddings represent.

“Now I know that neither time nor space can ever separate us, and that wherever you be, here or there, I am with you truly.”

Weddings will be held inside one of the well-decorated rooms of the Italianate Victorian-style home, which was built in 1882. The room features an elegant chandelier and grand piano, detailed architecture and a stunning backdrop for the ceremony with an archway in front of a window overlooking the property.

Couples interested in a ceremony at the John Muir House should call 925-335-7908.

Couples can also make appointments to have their Valentine’s Day wedding ceremony at the Contra Costa Clerk-Recorder Office, located at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez. The office features two beautifully appointed ceremony rooms adorned with handcrafted stained glass windows. Appointment times are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Walk-in couples are welcome and will be accommodated based on availability of ceremony rooms. Appointments are recommended, as Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for civil ceremonies.

Those looking to book a ceremony at Clerk-Recorder’s office can do so online at www.contracostacore.us.

A civil marriage ceremony is $60. Couples can obtain a public marriage license for $86 or a confidential license for $90.

To save time, marriage license applications are available for completion online at www.contracostacore.us prior to visiting the office and may also be purchased before the ceremony date.

For more information, contact Joseph Barton, Clerk-Recorder Services Supervisor at (925) 335-7928.

The suspect on a stretcher is wheeled to an ambulance following shooting by Pittsburg Police Friday night, Jan. 12, 2018. Photo by CBS SF Bay Area.

Identity of 43-year-old who was allegedly reaching for gun not yet released

From Pittsburg Police Facebook page

Late Friday night, Pittsburg Police Officers were called to Nation’s Hamburgers at 3789 Railroad Avenue after a community member reported a suspicious vehicle at the location. Officers were informed by the community member that a man seated inside the vehicle appeared to be conducting a drug deal with a person sitting inside another vehicle that had just left the area.

Several minutes later officers arrived at the restaurant and found the vehicle described by the community member. As two Pittsburg Police Officers walked towards the car, they saw a man seated in the driver’s seat. Shortly after reaching the vehicle, officers saw a handgun in the center console of the car and both officers immediately began instructing the man to place his hands up and not to touch the gun.

Initially the man did as instructed, and placed his hands on the steering wheel. As officers continued to give the man instructions not to reach for the firearm, the man dropped his right arm in an attempt to retrieve the handgun from the center console. As the man began to raise his hand back up, one of the officers fired his service weapon. The man was stuck and our officers immediately removed him from the car and administered first aid until an ambulance arrived. He succumbed to his injuries at John Muir Hospital.

The man was 43-years-old and from Antioch. Our thoughts are with the man’s family during this difficult and tragic situation all around. We are also waiting to release his name, until his family has been notified.

The Contra Costa County Officer Involved Fatal Incident Protocol was enacted and the Pittsburg Police Department has entered a joint investigation with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

Patrick Vanier. Herald file photo

Today, Friday, January 12, 2018, Patrick Vanier, Supervising Prosecutor in Santa Clara County, and a candidate for Contra Costa County District Attorney issued the following statement:

“When I announced my candidacy for District Attorney last spring, I made it clear that my candidacy was not about me, but about bringing real reform to the office of District Attorney and instituting best practices to bring Contra Costa County’s criminal justice system into the 21st Century.  I was the first to declare my candidacy to challenge former DA Mark Peterson and I am proud to have started the dialogue for change.

A little more than a month later, Mark Peterson resigned from office.  Upon his resignation, the County initiated an appointment process to fill the vacancy. I was honored to be selected by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors as a finalist in that process.

During the appointment process in the summer and fall, I again made it clear that if a person was appointed who can bring progressive leadership to the office of District Attorney and will modernize and standardize how cases are prosecuted, I may not seek election.

Ultimately, the Board of Supervisors voted to appoint retired Judge Diana Becton to be District Attorney. (See related article) Although I was disappointed in not receiving the appointment, I respected the Supervisors’ decision as they recognized the importance of selecting a candidate from outside the dysfunction of the current office. While I was in this race to win, as I felt that I possess the skills this County needs, I also realize the importance of ensuring that change does indeed occur.

Over the past several months I have been following the developments within the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office under District Attorney Diana Becton.  I believe she has undertaken a course of action to run the department in an honest and ethical manner and will utilize the latest technologies, data analytics, and community prosecution models to prevent crime and prosecute cases. I want this County to be focused on ensuring that change continues.

For these reasons, I have decided to withdraw from the race for Contra Costa County District Attorney and fully support and endorse Diana Becton.

I want to thank my supporters for their unflagging support and encouragement and I will be urging them to support Diana Becton.”

On his campaign website, Vanier said he offered “progressive leadership” to the people of Contra Costa County. With him out of the race the remaining candidates, currently are the appointed incumbent, Interim Contra Costa DA Becton and Contra Costa Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves, who entered the race last spring to take on Peterson, prior to his resignation and has the support of most law enforcement organizations in the county. If no other candidates enter the race the winner of the Primary Election in June will be elected. According to the County Elections Office website, the filing period for the election begins February 12 and ends March 9.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

The Southern Cafe in Antioch, Ca

Proudly presents Pete Escovedo and his Latin Jazz Band

Featuring Peter Michael Escovedo

Saturday January 13, 2018

Two Shows: 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm • Doors open at 5:30 pm

General Seating: $40.00 / Preferred Seating $50.00 / VIP Seating $60.00

Two Item Minimun per person (drinks or drinks & dinner)

Information: (510) 708-2013,  (925) 754-1172 or  prbellsoutherncafe@gmail.com

Online tickets:pescovedo.eventbrite.com

Pete Escovedo Bio

Legendary Percussionist Pete Escovedo is an artist who broke down the barriers between Smooth Jazz, Salsa, Latin Jazz and contemporary music. His name has been synonymous in the music industry for more than 50 years. Born in Pittsburg, CA Pete is known worldwide for his live performances, session work and solo albums.

As a young boy he would sit on the steps of nightclubs and watch musicians play. Music became his outlet. When he was 15 years old he began to also sketch and paint on wood or cardboard. Anything he could get his hands on, he would start to draw.

Pete did not know that his love for music and art combined would change his life forever. And this is how it began.

With his two brothers, Pete formed Escovedo Bros Latin Jazz Sextet, before Carlos Santana hired Pete and Coke Escovedo for his group. He led the 14–24 piece Latin big band Azteca.

He is the father of musicians Sheila Escovedo (Sheila E.), Peter Michael Escovedo, and Juan Escovedo; and dancer, manager and promoter Zina Escovedo. His brothers are fellow recording artists Alejandro Escovedo, Coke Escovedo, Javier Escovedo (The Zeros), Bobby Escovedo, and Mario Escovedo (The Dragons). He is the biological grandfather of Nicole Richie, daughter of son Peter Michael Escovedo.

Escovedo participated in the San Francisco music scene for several decades. In 2002, he appeared on the “By the Hand of the Father” episode of the PBS series Austin City Limits.

In 2014, he and his sons Peter and Juan were invited by producer Gerry Gallagher to record with El Chicano, Alphonse Mouzon, Brian Auger, Alex Ligertwood, Ray Parker Jr., Vikki Carr, Salvador Santana, Marcos J. Reyes, Lenny Castro, Siedah Garrett, Walfredo Reyes Jr., Jessy J, and David Paich.