DeCarlo, Quinonez and Zuger also win

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…August 5…TJ Smith of Fresno collected the victory in the 30 lap USAC Western States Midgets Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. It was the inaugural appearance for the group at the track, and it came on Fan Appreciation Night. Fans got to attend for just $5. The win for Smith earned him a $2,000 payday.

Smith and David Gasper of Santa Barbara shared the front row with Smith bolting into the immediate lead. Jake Andreotti of Castro Valley settled into third and was soon threatening Gasper for second. The leaders caught slower traffic by the sixth lap as they ran in close formation. Andreotti found an opening and slipped past Gasper for second on the ninth lap. 

A yellow flag flew moments later. Smith continued to lead Andreotti and Gasper on the restart. The race had a red flag on Lap 14 as Caden Sarale flipped on the back straightaway. Smith resumed command on the restart ahead of Andreotti and Gasper, but Cade Lewis of Bakersfield bolted past Gasper for third on the 16th lap. Lewis didn’t put too much distance between himself and Andreotti, but he made the right moves when they counted and brought it home to victory. Lewis settled for third ahead of Ben Worth of Coalinga and Gasper.

Jarrett Soares of Gilroy made a thrilling late race pass on Bob Newberry of Brentwood to win his second 25 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event. The win could be crucial in his bid to become the division champion as he put a little more distance between himself and James East of Oakley in the battle.

Two-time champion Newberry had the pole for the race and took the early lead ahead of Oakley’s Jacob Tuttle and Soares. Newberry had a bumpy moment exiting Turn 4 of the fourth lap as Tuttle motored by on the front stretch for the lead. However, Newberry got back around on the back stretch on Lap 6 to resume command. A yellow flag bunched the field on Lap 7 with Newberry continuing to lead Tuttle and Soares on the restart.

The battle between the lead trio remained close and hit traffic with five laps to go. Newberry was very protective of the inside line, but Soares got some momentum on the outside on the 24th lap and put it between Newberry and a slower car to take over. Soares brought it home to an impressive victory as Newberry settled for second ahead of Tuttle, Blake Bower of Brentwood and Brentwood’s Jeff Scotto.

Oakley’s Andrew Pearce won his fourth 25 lap IMCA Modified feature of the season. Pearce maintains second in the track point battle while leading the State championship race as well as the IMCA National rookie battle. 

Pearce charged into the lead at the start, only to see a yellow flag wave after Jeff Browne and Terry DeCarlo Sr crashed on the front stretch. Browne went pitside as Pearce led point leader Troy Foulger and Ryan DeForest on the restart. Brown was sent back on the track and spun out the entry gate for the final yellow flag with three laps remaining. Pearce didn’t let that deter him as he led the restart and the final laps for the win, followed by Foulger, DeForest, DeCarlo and Browne.

Kenny Shrader of Pacheco won his third 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event of the season. The win kept him within four points of track and State point leader Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley in the hotly contested championship chase. Shrader had earlier won the $200 prize in the four lap Trophy Dash after a thrilling battle with Antioch’s Todd Gomez. 

Gomez set the early pace ahead of Joe Salvi of Modesto. A yellow flag waved after Mark Garner spun in Turn 2 to avoid another car on Lap 3. Gomez was involved in a tangle with Trevor Clymens of Brentwood at the opposite end of the track. This put Shrader in the lead on the restart ahead of reigning State champion Jacob Mallet Jr of Oakley and Ryan. Shrader drove a flawless race from that point on to score the win ahead of Mallet, Ryan, the resurgent Garner and Gomez.

Nick DeCarlo won the 25 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. The two-time reigning IMCA Modified champion has been struggling with motor issues this year, but he was unbeatable on this occasion. 

DeCarlo had the pole position and took an immediate lead ahead of Fred Ryland of Brentwood and point leader Troy Foulger of Oakley. DeCarlo began to pull away in the rapidly run event as Ryland held off the advances of Foulger. Even slower traffic with three laps to go didn’t slow DeCarlo. He made all the right moves and scored the satisfying win ahead of Ryland, Foulger and Rio Vista duo Kenneth Robles and Jason Robles.

Tony Quinonez won the 20 lap Print Club Mini Stock Main Event. This was the first win of the season for the Corning driver, who was piloting the second car for Delbert Rios. Teammate Tom Davis of Los Molinos had won six in a row going into this night to maintain the point lead.  

Davis had the pole and led a lap before an outside pass on the back stretch gained Quinonez the lead. Davis had issues and headed pitside on the third lap as Quinonez led David Carson of Antioch and Pittsburgh’s Don Abitz. The yellow flag waved for Billy Garner of Antioch on Lap 3. Abitz moved into second behind Quinonez on the restart, and the duo began to pull away from the pack. Abitz could keep pace with Quinonez, but he wasn’t quite able to gather the momentum to make a pass attempt. Garner passed Carson at the line to finish third as Davis was scored fifth.

Dan Zuger of San Jose won the 15 lap California Sharp Mini Late Model Main Event. Zuger took the lead at the start ahead of DJ Saenz of Manteca. Tyler Tucker of Delhi spun in Turn 2 for the yellow flag. He retired at that point as Zuger led Saenz and Caydon Foster of Oakley on the restart. Foster retired, and Zuger would stretch his advantage over Saenz in victory. Foster was scored third ahead of Tucker.

The race on August 12th has been rescheduled as a practice day, meaning the next race will be on August 19th, featuring IMCA Modified, Sport Modifieds and Stock Cars along with the Print Club Mini Stocks and Delta Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com. 

Antioch Speedway Race Results – August 5, 2023

USAC Western States Midgets 

FT-Brody Fuson 13.882. Heat Winners (8 laps)-Colby Johnson, TJ Smith. Main Event (30 laps)-TJ Smith, Jake Andreotti, Cade Lewis, Ben Worth, David Gasper, CJ Sarna, Danika Jo Faccinto, Nikko Panella, Samuel May, Jerry Kobza.

Wingless Spec Sprints 

FT-Jarrett Soares 14.184. Heat Winners (8 laps)-Bob Newberry, Jacob Tuttle. Main Event (25 laps)-Jarrett Soares, Bob Newberry, Jacob Tuttle, Blake Bower, Jeff Scotto, Colson Plourde, Dylan Newberry, James East, Anthony Bruno, Roy Fisher. 

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Jeff Browne. Main Event (25 laps)-Andrew Pearce, Troy Foulger, Ryan DeForest, Terry DeCarlo Sr, Jeff Browne, Sean Wilson DNS. 

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Tommy Fraser, Todd Gomez, Trevor Clymens. Main Event (20 laps)-Kenny Shrader, Jacob Mallet Jr, Jason Ryan Jr, Mark Garner, Todd Gomez, Chuck Golden, Trevor Clymens, Tommy Clymens Jr, Matt Pitts, Dylan Connolly.

IMCA Stock Cars 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Fred Ryland, Troy Foulger. Main Event (25 laps)-Nick DeCarlo, Fred Ryland, Troy Foulger, Kenneth Robles, Jason Robles, Scott Foster, Jared Baugh, Steve Stone, Dave Hill DNS.

Print Club Mini Stocks 

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Tom Davis. Main Event (20 laps)-Tony Quinonz, Don Abitz, Billy Garner, David Carson, Tom Davis, Roberto Monroy DNS.

California Sharp Mini Models 

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Dan Zuger. Main Event (15 laps)-Dan Zuger, DJ Saenz, Cayden Foster, Tyler Tucker.

To Aug. 22 meeting with one change; won’t have to start over

By Allen D. Payton

The renters in Antioch who have been seeking an ordinance on anti-harassment and retaliation from landlord will have to wait a little longer for it to pass and be implemented.

During their meeting Tuesday night, August 8, 2023, the Antioch City Council, with District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson absent and District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica recusing himself, voted 2-1 to continue the second reading of the tenant anti-retaliation and harassment ordinance with one change, so the process won’t have to begin again. That occurred after Mayor Pro Tem Tamisha Torres-Walker refused any additional proposed changes by District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock, who again cast the only no vote as she did during the July 25th council meeting.

One change was requested by a representative of the California Apartment Association (CAA) and it was included in the motion.

Ogorchock also asked for changes saying, “I don’t want to start from scratch and see everyone come back.”

“I do think we need a due process when we’re talking about the burden of proof,” she stated.

“The burden is always with the tenant,” Mayor Lamar Thorpe responded.

“There are some things we wanted changed that weren’t changed,” he pointed out. “At this point I think we need to continue. If we make any changes outside of that, then we need to start over.

However, Acting City Attorney Ruthan Ziegler, who was contracted to serve in City Attorney Thomas L. Smith’s absence, rebutted the mayor.

“You can direct staff to make changes and then those can be brought back for another second reading,” she said “What you would be doing is treating this evening as another first reading.”

“Oh, then in 30 days it would be starting, anyway,” Thorpe responded.

Torres-Walker spoke next saying, “I spent my last, three years on the council, and have been in the process that have butchered some really strong policies. I do not plan to be a part of any more processes where we sit in front of the public…to participate in the process that butchers an ordinance.”

“Can you walk us through that one change?” Thorpe asked the CAA representative.

She offered a “clean-up item” regarding “the mandatory acceptance of rent in direct violation of state law…when a landlord is in the process of eviction.”

“I’m not supporting any new exceptions,” Torres-Walker reiterated.

Thorpe asked for a motion to postpone.

Ziegler explained the options of continuing the item or adding the one change and bringing back the ordinance for a second reading at the next meeting on August 22.

Torres-Walker chose to make a motion to amend the ordinance and continue the item for a second reading until the next meeting. It was seconded by Thorpe.

“There’s a lot of frustration in trying to get this done,” he then stated. “I think we need to get something down on the books as soon as possible. If there’s something that concerns me, I’m willing to sit down and talk.”

Torres-Walker then asked the acting city attorney to clarify how the council can approve the motion with two council members not available to vote.

“A resolution or ordinance must be passed by a majority of the council members,” Ziegler explained. “But a motion like this only requires the passing on a majority of a quorum.”

The motion was able to be passed 2-1 with Ogorchock voting against.

But no funds for improvements on James Donlon Blvd. or W. 10th Street

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, the Antioch City Council voted 4-0 to change the speed and spend $1.5 million on traffic calming improvements on several streets. District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson was absent.

The first item the council addressed was changing and maintaining the speed on several city streets. (See related article)

The council voted to reduce the speed on Laurel Road and Wild Horse Road by five MPH from 45 to 40.

District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock requested one more change, to reduce the speed on James Donlon Blvd. from 40 to 35 MPH.

“By law we’re only permitted to reduce the speed based off the 85 percentile,” said Consultant Traffic Engineer Charmine Solla. “We’re permitted to round down to 45 and reduce that by 5 miles per hour. James Donlon is outside of that range. Assembly Bill 43, the new addition to the law, allows us to maintain speed limits that would otherwise decrease.”

The 85 percentile for James Donlon is more than 7 MPH over the posted speed, she continued. However, in 2024 the City can change the speed not based on the 85 percentile.

If the City changed the speed limit outside the boundaries of state regulations, “It means not being able to shoot radar or laser, there which would prevent us from enforcing traffic laws,” District 2 Councilman Mike Barbanica explained.

The motion passed 4-0.

Traffic Calming Improvements

The council then voted to spend $1.4 million on traffic calming improvements to James Donlon Blvd., Sycamore Drive and W. 10th Street. They include lane narrowing, low-cost medians and “pork chop” islands formed with delineators, buffered bike lanes, buffered lanes to allow for parking, high-visibility crosswalks, advanced yield lines, warning signs with flashing beacons, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons and speed feedback signs. (See city staff presentation) (See related article)

The improvements were approved by both the police and fire departments, Solla stated during the staff presentation on the item.

The costs for the improvements will be $425,000 for Sycamore Drive, $865,000 on James Donlon Blvd. and $220,000 on West 10th Street for a total of $1.51 million. There are currently no funds in the budget for the improvements on James Donlon Blvd. and W. 10th Street. The improvements on Sycamore Drive will be paid for from the City’s gas tax revenue.

Only four residents spoke on the item, two concerned about narrowing lanes on Sycamore Drive.

Mayor Pro Tem Tamisha Torres-Walker was the first to speak during the council discussion of the item saying, “I agree with every change that’s been suggested, here, tonight. Believe it or not, there are a lot of children and families along Sycamore Drive.”

She spoke of the lack of crosswalks on the street.

“That’s a huge challenge,” she said. “Is it possible to put a crosswalk on Manzanita…and Spanos?”

“There’s been complaints of speed on Mahogany,” Torres-Walker continued. “My concern is people will loop to avoid the traffic calming improvements.”

Solla responded, “The additional crosswalks, that’s something we can definitely look at. The state has requirements…pretty high pedestrian demand. We can look to see if the demand is there. It’s not uncommon for people to try and find other routes. So, we do have a way of studying if people are choosing new routes. We can definitely do that after a few months after the improvements are implemented.”

“Or we can go ahead and stripe Mahogany,” Mayor Lamar Thorpe said. “Mahogany runs parallel to Sycamore. Let’s not be fools. People use that, already.”

“Let’s start with a restriping. A study is going to take a long time. You can determine it,” he responded to a question from Acting Public Works Director Scott Buenting, narrowing the lanes to 11 feet as will be done on Sycamore Drive.

The motion passed on a 4-0 vote with the addition of the striping on Mahogany Way.

Cause of death not yet determined, but not an accident

By Ronn Carter & Allen D. Payton

A man who died while working at construction site in Antioch last Wednesday, August 2, 2023 has been identified. According to Contra Costa County Deputy Coroner Gonzalez, the man was Saul Cisneros, age 55, (born January 31, 1968) of Pittsburg.

While contractors were transforming the former ABC Rendezvous bar located on Walter Way near Railroad Avenue into what appears to be a commercial storage facility, a crew member collapsed on the job. Antioch Police and Con Fire paramedics were dispatched at 2:39 p.m. for a medical emergency. Soon after their arrival the medical team announced the individual as a ‘1055’ coroner’s case. In response to the situation, all construction staff were released for the day as APD took charge and roped off the area.

As of 4:15 PM that day, Antioch Police Department spokesman Sgt. Price Kendall said an officer was on the scene still investigating. On Sunday, he said no more details will be released, that the Coroner’s Office has the investigation, now and they will determine the cause of death.

On Tuesday, August 8, Gonzalez said, “the cause of death has not been determined and is labeled as ‘pending.’ It was not an accident.”

Take the 1-minute survey to share your input on the future of the Hwy 4 corridor.

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is developing the State Route 4 (SR-4) Corridor Vision Study in order to develop a long-term, comprehensive transportation plan for SR-4 that addresses congestion, safety, and other mobility concerns in Contra Costa County. SR-4 is the primary east-west highway in the northern portion of Contra Costa County, beginning in Hercules in the west and continuing into San Joaquin County in the east. This work is being done in partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

With this new vision established, CCTA will be able to make forward-thinking investments along SR-4 and the surrounding local roads, railways, waterways, transit systems, and bike and pedestrian connections.

What is a Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan (CMCP)?

This study is a crucial step in CCTA’s efforts to fund transportation infrastructure investments by meeting Senate Bill (SB) 1 Congested Corridor Program requirements for a Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan (CMCP). A CMCP is developed with state, regional, and local partners and is consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan.

A CMCP aims to:

• Provide holistic guidance for transportation investments.
• Reduce congestion in highly traveled corridors.
• Provide more transportation choices for residents, commuters, and visitors while balancing the character of the local community.
• Create opportunities for neighborhood enhancement projects.

State Route 4 Corridor Vision Study Goals

For more information and to take the survey visit State Route 4 Corridor Vision Study – Contra Costa Transportation Authority (ccta.net).

By Marisa Greenberg, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, 4CD

MARTINEZ, California – The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) has selected Dr. Tony Wold as the next Associate Vice Chancellor, Chief Financial Officer (AVC CFO). Following a nationwide search that began in May 2023, the 4CD Governing Board will vote on ratification of his contract at their August 9, 2023, meeting.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Tony Wold to 4CD. He brings an impressive amount of experience in finance, public education, labor negotiations, and bond programs. He embodies a student-first approach, complementing our focus on student equity and success,” shared Executive Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services Dr. Micaela Ochoa.

For the past year, Dr. Wold served as Chief Business Officer in Residence for School Innovations & Achievement, where he focused on rebuilding systems to bring students back into schools while addressing the learning loss and changes in attendance behaviors resulting from the pandemic. He recently served as Associate Superintendent, Business Services, for West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD), where he oversaw the daily operations and management of accounting, budget, purchasing, payroll, employee benefits, labor relations, school operations, athletics, safety, warehouse, transportation, nutrition services, and risk management. He also helped lead the passage of WCCUSD’s $575 million Measure R Bond in March 2020, and overcoming a $49.9 million structural deficit to restore the WCCUSD budget certification.

“I am excited to join the 4CD team and support their vision of a college-going culture for its diverse student population,” said Wold. “Community colleges are essential in providing an affordable and quality higher education given the changing job market locally and across the world, and I look forward to helping 4CD successfully achieve that mission.”

Dr. Wold received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California (USC), his School Business Management Certification and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at USC. He also earned Chief Business Official certifications from the Council of Great City Schools, and Lead Negotiators certification from the School Employers Association of California (SEAC).

The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The 4CD serves 1.2 million residents, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. 4CD is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College with campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, and Los Medanos College with campuses in Pittsburg and Brentwood. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez. Each college is individually accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. For more information visit www.4cd.edu.

By Allen D. Payton

An Antioch mother and daughter have recently published a book on potty-training and will read from and autograph copies this Saturday, August 12 at Barnes & Noble. Sharifa Akilah Trinay Washington co-authored the book with her only child, four-year-old daughter, Ziana Washington.

“My daughter and I have recently created a fantastic resource for parents who are potty training their children,” Sharifa shared. “Our creation, Potty-Training Day^TM, is a beautifully illustrated, 32-page book aimed at children ages 0 to 4 years old. It incorporates fun rhymes, songs, and colorful pictures to not only simplify the potty-training journey but also make it an enjoyable experience for both parents and children.”

The Oakland native self-published the book through her own company, Revision Publishing,

“I felt it was essential for me to share my talents and knowledge with the world,” Sharifah said. “I firmly believe that it is crucial for young children to be exposed to images that reflect their own likeness, and for us to have greater control over our intellectual property.”

“Representation in the toilet training industry is of utmost importance,” she continued. “Interestingly, a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine revealed that African American children tend to start and complete toilet training at least six months earlier than their white counterparts.”

The inspiration for their children’s book came from Sharifa’s personal experiences and challenges while potty training Ziana.

“I wanted to create a book that would keep young children engaged and interested in the process,” Sharifa shared. “I also wanted to publish a book with her. It was the perfect kind of way for teaching her how to be an author as well as potty-training.”

The former teacher and administrator said she “took the leap of faith in June to go into full-time entrepreneurship and become a full-time student.”

The single mom is studying for a doctoral degree in educational leadership at St. Mary’s College.

She started the book publishing company in 2020 and “in 2021 when my daughter was about two, we started the potty-training process.”

“To further expand our reach and cater to a wider audience, due to popular demand, we are in the process of creating a version of the same book specifically designed for boys. This book will provide more representation for black males and dads who are toilet training their sons,” Sharifa stated. “With a background in education, communications, and public relations, I believe I am well-equipped to provide valuable insights on how parents can make potty training a fun and interactive experience.”

Asked if she was excited about publishing the book, Ziana said, “Yes.” Asked what grade in school she’s attending this year the little co-author said, “I’m going to be in TK.”

This is the second book Sharifah has authored. Her first book, entitled Beyond the Hurt, is a fictional novel based in Oakland.

She wants to help other authors self-publish their books, as well.

“Through Revision Publishing, I am building my publishing legacy,” Sharifa explained. “I have a strong passion for helping individuals bring their ideas and stories to life.”.

She is also an education consultant, having co-founded Our Collective Impact, LLC with Dr. Kendra Carr.

“We consult with schools and organizations, including in Pittsburg and Antioch,” Sharifa said. “We work with the Family Justice Center and with Bridge Builders, which are both in Antioch.

Meet the mother-daughter duo at the Antioch Barnes & Noble located in the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center at 5709 Lone Tree Way this Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 2-3 p.m. and listen to Ziana read the majority of their book.

The book is available at the store and on www.revisionpub.com.