By Don Martin II

ANTIOCH, CA…January 1…New Year’s Day meant the Winter Classic was happening Antioch Speedway Monday afternoon. Oval Motorsports began their 21st season of promoting the 3/8-mile clay oval with a special four division program featuring A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Dwarf Cars and Hobby Stocks.

The A Modified Main Event was won by Williston, North Dakota’s Travis Peery. Peery competed at tracks in Medford, Oregon and Yreka, California before moving to North Dakota. He took the lead from Raymond Lindeman and then had a battle with five-time champion Scott Busby during the final 10 laps.

On a restart with 8 laps to go, Busby used the inside line to take the lead from Peery. However, when Chester Kniss rolled in Turn 4, the ensuing red flag negated Busby’s pass. Peery chose the inside on this restart and withstood an outside groove challenge by Busby over the next two laps to hold the lead. As Peery brought it home to victory, 2017 race winner Nick DeCarlo made a late pass on Busby for second. Busby settled for third ahead of reigning track champion Bobby Motts Jr. and Jeff Faulkner.

Fred Ryland took the lead from his wife Patti Ryland early on and won the B Modified Main Event. F. Ryland is the reigning Merced Speedway champion, and he held off reigning Chico and Marysville champion Philip Shelby down the stretch for a well-earned victory. Les Friend finished third ahead of Craig Nieman and Mark Garner.

Reigning champion Mike Corsaro scored an impressive victory in the Dwarf Car Main Event. Two-time champion Danny Wagner led the first half of the race before overheating issues sidelined him. During the second half of the race, Corsaro led with Jack Haverty and Michael Grenert in close pursuit. Grenert made a pass on Haverty for second with six laps to go. Two laps later, Grenert made a slide job move around Corsaro in Turn 2, only to drift too high as Corsaro raced back into the lead down the backstretch. Corsaro scored a hard-fought victory ahead of Grenert, Haverty, Chuck Conover and David Michael Rosa.

The Hobby Stock Main Event featured an entertaining side-by-side battle between Chris Long and Orland Raceway star, Brad Ray. After technical inspections following the race, Ray was disqualified and Long was elevated to first. Orland Raceway champion Jeremy Langenderfer was riding along in third when he spun on the last lap, handing the position to Chris Bennett. Bennett’s third place became second with the disqualification of Ray.

The Antioch Speedway 2018 schedule should be made available shortly. For further information on what’s happening at the track, check out the official website at www.antiochspeedway.com.

 

The Antioch Library Music Series sponsored by Keller Canyon Mitigation Funds continues with Drummm® on Monday, January 22nd at 6:30pm. Celebrate the New Year with the trained facilitators of this rhythmic event as we utilize the power of drumming to benefit our physical and emotional well-being. This popular Bay Area group lives up to their motto: “Connecting the world in rhythm…one beat at a time!” Registration is not required.

The Keller Canyon Mitigation Funds are administered through the Office of Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover.

The Antioch Library is located at 501 W 18th Street. The Library is open  Monday and Tuesday, 12-8, Wednesday and Thursday 11-6, and Saturday 12-5. For further information, phone the Library at 925-757-9224.

En Pointe Dance Studio Winter Spectacular

Saturday January 6, 2018  2:00 pm

At En Pointe, if you imagine it, you will achieve it. If you dream it, you can become it. Ballet- Jazz- Hula/Tahitian- Hip Hop

General Seating ~ Tickets. General Admission All Ages – (16 & Older): $15    Child (4-15 years): $10  3 and Under: No Charge

https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=81736 

 

International Film Showcase – The Divine Order (Switzerland)

​Sunday January 7, 2018  2:00 pm

Switzerland’s submission to the Foreign Language Film Award of the 90th Annual Academy Awards.

Political and religious leaders in Switzerland cited the Divine Order as the reason why women still did not have to right to vote as late as 1970. Director Petra Volpe explores this surprising history through the story of Nora, a seemingly unremarkable housewife from a quaint village who must learn to become an unflinching suffragette leader. After organizing the village’s first meeting to support women getting the right to vote, her family is mocked, bullied, and shunned. Despite the obstacles and backlash, Nora perseveres and convinces the village women to go on strike, abandoning their homes and families. A strong ensemble cast brings the story to its inspirational conclusion when Swiss women finally secure the right to vote in 1971. The Divine Order is a heartfelt and captivating film about regular people demanding their right to an equal voice.

Language: German | English | Italian | Swiss German

Not Rated   English Subtitles

No convenience fees – Save time later – Buy Online now

Tickets: Adults: $9   Seniors: $8    Students: $8

https://www.elcampaniltheatre.com/The-Divine-Order.html

Franc D’Ambrosio’s Broadway San Francisco’s Phantom Returns

Sunday January 28, 2018  3:00 pm

American singer/actor Franc D’Ambrosio brings “Songs of the Great White Way” to El Campanil Theatre in Antioch. Franc is best known for his role in the stage version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Called “The Iron Man of The Mask”, Franc D’Ambrosio was awarded the distinction as the “World’s Longest Running Phantom”. Recognized for his vibrant voice and legato singing, D’Ambrosio also played the opera singing grandson in Godfather III and sang the Academy Award winning theme song, “Speak Softly Love” – both in the film and on the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

D’Ambrosio’s resume also includes an Academy Award Nominated film, an Emmy Award Nominated television show, four-time Tony nominated Broadway show, Two Grammy Considerations, and a National Theatre Award Nomination.

D’Ambrosio also caught the eye of Barry Manilow. In early 2000 Manilow personally selected him to create and star as the male lead, “Tony”, in the pre-Broadway tour of Copacabana. The show enjoyed a successful year long tour. His performance earned D’Ambrosio his National Theatre Award nomination for Best Male Performer in a Musical.

Franc D’Ambrosio has toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe and South America with his critically acclaimed one man shows: “Franc D’Ambrosio’s BROADWAY – Songs of The Great White Way” and “Franc D’Ambrosio’s HOLLYWOOD – Songs of The Silver Screen.”

No convenience fees – Save time later – Buy Online Now

Reserved Seating ~ All Ages

Tickets- Adults: $29   Seniors (62 and Over): $27   Youth (Under 18):  $12

https://www.elcampaniltheatre.com/franc-dambrosio.html

RHINESTONE – A Salute to the Songs & Career of GLEN CAMPBELL

Performed by ANDREW KAHRS

Saturday February 3, 2018  8:00 pm

The distinctive voice of Rising Star ANDREW KAHRS is celebrating The Legacy of GLEN CAMPBELL in a Salute to the Songs of this contemporary Music Legend with Hits including Gentle On My Mind, Galveston, Wichita Lineman, By The Time I Get To Phoenix, Rhinestone Cowboy … And many more favorite Classics

Born and raised in Atlanta, GA, Andrew has never strayed from the soulful bends and warm twang of the music that sparked his desire to pick up a guitar and start writing at age 15. A cross-country move to San Francisco in 2014 deepened the love and longing for his southern roots, and now; at age 27, a seasoned blend of blues, country, and bluegrass can be heard in Andrew’s recorded music and live performances over 200 days of the year in the California Bay Area.

Contemporary Music Legend Glen Campbell tallied 21 Top 40 hits, 6 Top 20 albums, 27 Top 10 singles, 9 No. 1 Country albums, 5 Grammy Awards, 3 Grammy Hall of Fame honors, and 3 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. He was a 15-time CMA Award nominee and 2-time winner. Campbell’s final album Adios was released June 2017.

​Reserved Seating ~ All Ages

Tickets – Adults: $29   Seniors (62 and Over): $27   Youth (Under 18):  $12

Buy Online Now – No convenience fees – Save time later

Tickets: https://www.elcampaniltheatre.com/Rhinestone.html

This show is part of our 2018 Subscription Series.

Buy 4 Shows and Save 20%

Series Info: https://www.elcampaniltheatre.com/subscriptions.html

This One’s For You – The Songs of Barry Manilow

A Cabaret Tribute to a Pop Legend

Saturday February 10, 2018  2:00 pm

BARRY MANILOW wrote over 400 songs including This One’s For You; twelve #1’s and 47 Top 50 singles. His unparalleled career is made up of virtually every facet of music, including performing, composition, arranging and producing. He has triumphed in every medium of entertainment and has received Grammy, Emmy and Tony Awards, and an Academy Award nomination.

A celebration of the songs and career of a Pop Legend, this special show is performed in cabaret style with a stellar cast of Music and Theatre veterans features the popular Star of JOEL: The Band, Kyle Martin, reuniting with his former co-star from The World of Webber, Tielle Baker, who starred in last season’s CHICAGO: The Musical, and Theatre Bay Area Award-Winners Nikita Burshteyn (Jesus Christ Superstar) and Andrea J. Love (Urinetown: The Musical.)

With a repertoire including such enduring hits as I Write The Songs, Copacabana, Mandy, Somewhere In The Night, It’s A Miracle, and Can’t Smile Without You, the universal message of Manilow’s music has always been to inspire, uplift and to make it through. For so many of us it has done just that, and this show honors the message and the messenger. Buy Online Now – No convenience fees – Save time later

Reserved Seating ~ All Ages

Adults: $29   Seniors (62 and Over): $27   Youth (Under 18):  $12

Tickets:  https://www.elcampaniltheatre.com/this-ones-for-you.html

This show is part of our 2018 Subscription Series:

https://www.elcampaniltheatre.com/subscriptions.html Buy 4 Shows and Save 20%

El Campanil Theatre is located at 602 W. 2nd Street in Antioch. For more information call 925-757-9500 or visit www.elcampaniltheatre.com.

The Drama Factory is proud to announce auditions for its first show of the 2018 season, “TREASURE ISLAND”.

An adaptation of the classic novel by Robert Lewis Stevenson, about Jim Hawkins and friends hunting for the lost treasure of the pirate Captain Flint, while battling Long John Silver and his group of pirates!! Auditions will be held January 15 and 16 at 7pm, located at the Nick Rodriguez Theatre, 213 F Street in Antioch. Open to ages 13+ / Adult.

Adapted and Directed by Max Ballesteros.

During 2017 some really good things happened in Antioch. First, the Council hired a new city manager. Then the Planning Commission and Council approved plans for the new $14 million, privately owned, Rocketship public charter school in a challenged part of town. Plus, it will give at least 600 Antioch students the opportunity for a better education.

The Council approved the sale of the old Humphrey’s restaurant building and land at the marina to an investor who has plans for a seafood and nautical-themed, new restaurant.

They also approved the re-creation of the position of Economic Development Director as the city used to have, who will work attract businesses and their much-needed, well-paying jobs to our city.

And our police solved the 37-year-old cold case of Suzanne Bombardier’s kidnap, rape and murder.

Looking forward, we will see the opening of the eBART system and Hillcrest Station, which will both help commuters and the city’s economic efforts.

My hope is for the Council to rework the budget and hire the rest of the 22 additional officers promised under Measure C to get us to the 111 officers. But, at least use the honest base figure of 89 officers. That will help bring our crime under control – which is my biggest wish for the new year.

I also hope to see the Downtown Specific Plan Update finalized, the city-owned properties sold to the developer to bring new upscale housing and mixed-use projects to Antioch’s historic Rivertown, and the removal of that floating eye-sore of a house. That will help continue the revitalization of downtown. Plus, the renaming of L Street to Marina Way or Blvd. in time for the opening of the new restaurant at the old Humphrey’s location, which has been in the city’s plans since 1996, as well as renaming A and West Second Streets to Rivertown and West Rivertown Drive to provide permanent promotion of Antioch’s heart, where our city got its start.

Finally, my hope for the new year is that the city and county government, and the faith community will work to better solve the challenge of the homeless folks who live in town. There must be a way to shelter them, especially during the cold, wet winter months and the hot summer months. But, preferably year-round with programs to help them transition to a life of independence. Please at least for now the City must provide public restrooms that can be used 24-hours a day to provide our homeless neighbors with both dignity and keep them from doing their business in public. Perhaps like the kind on Market Street in San Francisco that have a time limit for their use. Something needs to be done about that immediately.

God bless you and may God continue to bless Antioch – Contra Costa County’s oldest city.

Happy New Year!