Come join Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando on Saturday, March 10th from 9-11 A.M. in a casual setting to discuss public safety issues, crime statistics, etc. Captain Steve McConnell will also provide a brief presentation on Community and Problem Oriented Policing. Open communication about community issues is encouraged.

The location for this casual “Coffee with the Cops” workshop will be held in the Antioch Police Department Community Room located at 300 L Street. Members of the Antioch Crime Prevention Commission will be in attendance, and make themselves available to answer questions with a focus on enhancing Neighborhood Watch programs for Antioch residents.

The “Coffee with the Cops” concept was developed as a pilot program by the Antioch Police Department in an effort to improve communication between the Police Department and the citizens they serve. These meetings will consist of a “one-on-one” type format with a member of the police command staff and members of the community. The format of these meetings has been designed to be informative.

The Antioch Police Department is dedicated to promoting the quality of life in Antioch in partnership with our community, by proactively reducing crime with integrity and commitment to excellence.

The Antioch Police Department is excited to announce the 32nd installment of the Neighborhood Cleanup Program on Saturday March 3, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Volunteers should report to Eagleridge Park located at 4200 Eagleridge Dr. Volunteers will receive instructions and the equipment necessary to accomplish the goal. The targeted area is within walking distance. Excluding inclement weather, future Neighborhood Cleanup events will be scheduled for the first Saturday of every month and the locations will be announced in advance.

Remember, cleaning up your neighborhood can make life better for your family, your neighbors and your community! Collectively, “We”, everyone who works and lives in the City Antioch, can make a difference and improve the quality of life. It’s our community and it’s our chance to make a difference.

The City of Antioch Neighborhood Cleanup program is not just for residential neighborhoods. It is a program that will change venues on a monthly basis and it will include business and commercial areas as well. Neighborhoods that are free of trash and refuse are inviting, and a clean community instills a sense of community pride.

This is a collaborative community effort which involves active participation from United Citizens for Better Neighborhoods (UCBN), community volunteers, and the Antioch Police Department Crime Prevention Commission; Neighborhood Watch Program, Target Volunteers, Volunteers in Police Service, community volunteers and the Public Works Department.

By James Ott

While violent crime in Antioch declined 5.3 percent in 2011 compared with 2010 and its record breaking 13 murders, property crime has jumped over 25 percent, according to a presentation at Tuesday’s City Council meeting by Police Chief Allan Cantando.

Cantando said the cause of the sharp rise in property crimes, including increases of nearly 23 percent in burglary and 50 percent in theft, is hard to pinpoint because of a new online crime reporting system that simplifies the reporting of property crimes. “It’s difficult for me to say if it actually went up that much or if people are reporting more accurately,” said Cantando. “But those are the figures so those are what we have to live with.”

The increase in crimes like theft could also be related to the state’s release of some criminals from prison, he added. No direct explanation was provided for the more than 51 percent increase in arsons – 56 in 2011 versus 37 in 2010.

Despite the large uptick in non-violent crimes, total arrests last year were down an average of 8 percent. That is most likely a direct result of a reduced police force, said the chief. The department is currently looking to hire two new officers, although Cantando said that more are needed.

After the presentation, the council floated the idea of approving the hiring of more than two new officers – perhaps as many as five. Public Employees Union Local 1 and the Antioch Police Officer’s Association, however, are still in labor negotiations with the city. As many as 120 officer positions have been authorized, but due to budget constraints the city can only afford 92 sworn officers.

The council and police chief agreed that more funds are needed to hire more officers, lamenting the fact that the majority of voters seem reluctant to pay out of pocket to help the police force. Council Member Mary Rocha cited the rejection in November 2010 of the Measure P half-cent sales tax hike for public safety.

To view the complete police crime statistics presentation as part of the city council agenda or as part of the city council video, visit the city website at http://www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CityGov/CouncilMeetings/021412/

City Clerk and Treasurer on June ballot

Also at the meeting, the Council voted unanimously to place a measure on the June 2012 ballot to make the City Clerk and City Treasurer both appointed positions. Currently the two positions are elected. Salaries and benefits cost $12,000 to $20,000 per position, according to city staff. At a previous meeting the council decided that it would be more cost effective to have the positions be appointments by the city council rather than paid, elected positions.

The clerk and treasurer duties have been increasingly handled by professional staff and consultants. The cost of placing the measure on the June 2012 ballot is estimated at $105,000.

Former Antioch Council Member Martha Parsons suggested that Antioch adopt a rotating mayor’s position in which every elected council member would get a chance to serve as mayor of Antioch for one year, instead of electing a mayor for four years. Parsons said that the switch would provide Antioch with fresh views each time the mayoral seat was rotated to a new council member. She pointed out that only Brentwood, Martinez, San Ramon and Richmond have an elected mayor, while the other 14 cities in the county use the rotating system.

Mayor Davis added the item for council discussion and consideration at the next council meeting.

As part of the consent calendar, the council purchased a tractor through the National Joint Powers Alliance and Peterson CAT for $160,509 and entered into a 36-month lease with Xerox Corporation for $190,259 plus the unit cost per copy for copiers.

The council did not vote on entering into a contract with Raney Planning and Management for environmental document preparation for the WalMart expansion project. It also held off on filing a grant application with the state’s sustainable communities planning grant and incentive program to gain funding for a plan to upgrade the city’s downtown area.

Antioch resident Julie Young, who lives on and represents the residents of Mimona Court and Minona Drive, addressed the council about concerns with the new Neslon Ranch Park located behind her home. Young said that the park less than ten feet from her back fence is too close and poorly planned and that it threatens nearby residents’ privacy and safety. She claimed that she city staff were unresponsive to her attempts to resolve the issue.

The council will add the item to a future meeting agenda for discussion.

Curves In Antioch collects a decent amount from our members (last year we collected 1380 lbs of food and $625 cash for Loaves & Fishes), but we could do more with the community’s help.

Curves In Antioch participates in the March food drive in 3 ways –

1) we collect both physical food and virtual food for the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano

a: Any one can bring non-perishable food to drop off at the club. The food bank can not accept donations that are past their expiration/sell-by date. We make the arrangements to get all of the donations to the food bank from the club.

b: Any one can contribute to the virtual drive by going to this link – www.bit.ly/curvesfooddrive
They don’t have to go to the store, they don’t have to stop by the club, they can do it all from the comfort of their home as they finish reading the paper. The added benefit is that the food bank purchases the food at their discounted rates, so the money goes further.

2) for those that like to keep their money really, really local, we also collect for Loaves & Fishes.
Loaves and Fishes gets food from the food bank, but they also need cash to fund their operations and to buy things that are not available from the food bank. Loaves and Fishes has kitchen facilities in Pittsburg. They bring hot meals from their to dining rooms in both Antioch and Oakley, as well as Pittsburg and Martinez. There is no charge for the meals and anyone that needs may attend.

To encourage people to donate, Curves In Antioch also waives our sign up fee for people joining in March if they give a generous donation (a FULL bag of groceries, $25-30 to Loaves & Fishes, etc).

Again – any help you can give us to get people aware and dropping food/cash off or making a virtual donation is greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, the need is as great as ever.

So Big Preschool is non-profit, non-sectarian, parent cooperative preschool in Antioch, California. It was founded in 1955 by a group of doctors in East County and has been operating from the same building at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds since that time. We are licensed by the State of California and have been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

So Big Co-op Preschool is dedicated to providing a warm and nurturing environment that helps each child develop emotionally, socially, intellectually and physically at his or her own pace. Our program is play based and encourages each child to question, to wonder, and to explore the environment in order to foster a lifelong love of learning. By involving parents at every level, families gain a sense of community, parent to parent support and the basis for future involvement in their child’s education.

Open House
March 6, 2012

5:30PM – 6:45PM
Followed by Parents Meeting at 7PM

Antioch, CA 94509
License # 070200750
Phone: 925-757-6474
Web: www.sobigpreschool.org

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Antioch/Pittsburg is just around the corner. Register your team by calling the American Cancer Society at This “celebration of life” brings the Antioch/Pittsburg community together in a united effort to celebrate the lives of those who have faced cancer, remember the loved ones lost and fight against the disease.

Former and current cancer patients and caretakers, those who have lost a loved one to cancer, families, businesses, civic organizations and the public are invited to take part in this exciting event. Relay For Life takes place from 10:00 am on Saturday, June 23rd to 10:00 am on Sunday, June 24th, 2012 at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, California.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a family-orientated event where participants enjoy the camaraderie of a team and also raise funds to help eliminate cancer. Participants camp out at the Relay site, and when they are not taking their turn walking, they take part in fun activities and enjoy local entertainment. The event helps communities celebrate those who have faced cancer, remember the loved ones lost and fight back against the disease.

Teams from companies, churches, organizations, hospitals, and schools collect donations and can win individual and team prizes for their efforts.

“Relay For Life brings the progress against cancer to the forefront,” said Judy Dawson, Event Chair. “Many participants are our family, friends, and neighbors who have dealt with cancer themselves. Their environment is proof of the progress that has been not only reducing death rates, but also in the quality of life following cancer treatment.

“The funds raised enable us to continue our investment in the fight back against cancer through research, education, advocacy, and patient services,” said Judy Dawson. “Thanks to the generosity of corporate sponsors like Starbucks and Wal-Mart, the money raised by participants goes directly to the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving programs.”

Information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay For Life is available by contacting Event Chair Judy Dawson: judy_dawson@att.net, 925-787-9021 or Event Co-Chair Michele Littlefield: mmm5864@comcast.net, 925-813-5274 or visit www.RelayFor Life.org/antiochca

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 with the national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States.

By Ray Faulkenberry

Antioch and the East Bay have been famous in recent years for either our housing foreclosures or the kidnapping and holding of Jaycee Dugard. Neither of these events did much for enhancing the image of Antioch or its citizens.

A feature film project called CHOICES will be shot in the East Bay during the summer of 2012. There’s a great chance that it will be successful in enhancing the positive aspects of Antioch. We R One Productions, rooted right here in Antioch, will draw on local talent, locations and resources to bring a touch of Hollywood to our corner of the state.

We R One Productions specializes in developing entertaining, meaningful, and commercially successful projects. Its presence in the community, along with a strong desire to contribute to the economy of the city and its citizens, is paramount in its mission. I’m the CEO of We R One Productions, and it is my dream to bring opportunity, enterprise, and positive exposure to Antioch in particular and our neighbors in general.

I have been fortunate in that I have been mentored by a long-time Hollywood producer who has shown me the way to make a Hollywood-type project at a small fraction of the cost. For the time being I’ll keep his identity anonymous, but once the film is released I’m sure he’ll be proud to say, “Yep, I helped them succeed!” That’s completely okay with me because he will be telling the truth!

By keeping the locations local, using local talent, crews and resources, we can shock the world by making a film that not only entertains, but also brings notoriety, exposure, and business to our city.

We’ll be looking for support in a number of different ways. Cast, crew, locations and resources are just a few of the items on our agenda. We’re confident that everything we need can be found right here! We won’t need to access Hollywood for anything.

We are planning a unique opportunity for people ONLY in our area to be able to pre-order the DVD package. We’re looking for businesses to support the project by providing a gift or certificate or coupon that will be of value to our customers but also bring exposure and sales to their business as well. We’d love to get as many people and businesses on board as possible so that when people get their special pre-ordered DVD packages, they’ll not only get a great movie, they’ll receive gifts and opportunities to go patronize participating stores and restaurants.

We’ve just started a crowd-funding platform online in order to provide people with gifts for their support. You can go right to http://www.indiegogo.com/choicesmovie and learn all about the project, its history, gifts, and how to help. A summary of the available gifts are located at the bottom of the article and can also be seen online.

The feature film is in the thriller genre, and yes, we understand that thrillers are not for everybody. CHOICES started out as a project inspired by my daughter Meg and has grown considerably. The storyline is one that most people will easily identify with; it unearths some of those deep down fears, the ones that frighten us – all of us. It’s an emotional roller-coaster type of film that doesn’t rely on gore, heads getting hacked off, or any high-tech special effects. Instead it’s a good, old-fashioned thriller that draws you in and plays on what you don’t see as opposed to what you do see.

Personally, although a scary film, I found the plot to be very inspiring as it makes me acutely aware of the day-to-day choices that we all make in our lives. It is well suited to a more mature audience that doesn’t mind sitting on the edge of their theater seats. Our projected hope at We R One Productions is to eventually write a pilot for this feature film to become an HBO or Showtime series! The series would be even more engaging as we would move from the end of CHOICES into the mystery of what happens in the pilot. I know this sounds vague but I don’t want to spoil the plot for you!

To be able to see updates on our current project CHOICES and get information on our future projects go to http://www.weareonefilm1.com It’s free, and we’ll be posting updates to the project very regularly.

We’re planning on getting this film into one of the MAJOR festivals as that will provide us with the best opportunity to publicize our feature film.

Here is how you can become a part of the CHOICES feature team:

1. Please go to http://indiegogo.com/choicesmovie to get information about the project. Make your pledge today starting at minimum pledge of only $10. We’re also open to sharing the profits with individuals and/or businesses who are interested in investing in CHOICES. For specific information please contact me rayfaulkenberry@comcast.net

2. Share this with your network. Forward through emails, work, family, and friends and encourage them to come and check us out at the listed website.

3. If you’re a business and want to be a part of the DVD package, please contact us as we’d love to chat with you.

4. If you just want to be involved, drop us an email and tell us what you have in mind and we’ll see what we can do! We’ve already tapped local talent, to compose the music and score the film.

The Pledge Prizes:
Everyone who pledges $10 or more will receive a digital download package that we are continuing to add to. This package will include all posters, banners, and desktop wallpaper used in THE CHOICES campaign – All official CHOICES promotional material. In addition, you will be sent the first 15 pages of the official script.

Pledge $25 or more and you’ll receive the digital download package PLUS a personal phone call from Ray or another Director or Producer! Yes, they’ll need your phone number to call and NO, they will never bother you again.

Pledge $50 or more and you’ll receive the digital download package, a personal phone call, and a limited edition “CHOICES” movie poster signed by Ray, and select cast and crew.

Pledge $100 or more and you’ll enjoy the stylish CHOICES movie T-Shirt. (Plus enjoy the poster, phone call, and digital download package!)

Pledge $150 or more and receive your very own CHOICES the movie coffee mug. PLUS enjoy any 3 of Ray’s books that can be found on his website at http://rayfaulkenberry.com (and the poster, T-shirt, personal phone call, and digital download package!)

Pledge $200 or more and you’ve just become an associate producer and will be credited as such in end title crawl of the movie! You’ll also receive a special edition “CHOICES Associate Producer T-shirt (plus the poster, phone call, coffee mug, books, and digital download package). Your name will appear alphabetically during the end title crawl under the heading “Associate Producers,” and will run on the left side of the screen alongside the traditional credits on the right. This way, you can impress your movie-going friends relatively quickly when your name comes up on the big screen!

Pledge $350 or more – PARTY! Two tickets for you and a guest to attend “The CHOICES” screening in Antioch, California, along with Ray, and cast and crew. Red Carpet posing is (semi) optional. (Includes the Associate Producer package – transportation not included)

Pledge $500 or more – 45-minute personal or Skype call with Ray (along with Associate Producer package). The call can be on whatever you want – Film Q&A, Writer’s insight, director’s commentary, writing secrets, thoughts on their next project, behind-the-scenes secrets, helping you brainstorm your own project in whatever industry you’re working. (Ray’s background also includes consulting, training, and project creation).

Pledge $1,000 or more – Appear as AN EXTRA in the movie (on location in Antioch, California) and join the cast and crew for lunch! (Comes with Associate Producer package – transportation not included.)

Pledge $3,000 or more – (10 opportunities) – One Day as Director’s Assistant, and credited as such in the end title crawl! You’ll also spend an evening having dinner with Ray and his family! (Comes with Associate Producer package – transportation not included.)

Pledge $5,000 or more – (10 opportunities) – Receive once a month coaching for one hour for ONE YEAR from Ray. You can focus on whatever you choose. Ray focuses on helping people build success personally and professionally. More information can be learned from Ray’s website at http://rayfaulkenberry.com under coaching. (Comes with Associate Producer package.)

Pledge $10,000 or more – Ray Faulkenberry will come to you and do a seminar or training for you, your friends, or your company. Topics can be on communication, team-building, success in the new millennium, or whatever topics you can agree upon. In addition to being a consultant and trainer, Ray is an ordained Interfaith minister and focused on realized the inherent talent within to become the best you can be personally and professionally. (Comes with Associate Producer package.)

Hollywood would make this film for between $2 and $4 million dollars. I’ve set our funding goal of $175,000 at http://indiegogo.com/choicesmovie. Would we like to have more money than that? Of course! If we raised more than the $175,000 we would be able to pay our cast, crew, and post-production people more, but we realize we want to get the film out and showcase not only our talents, but our community, its businesses and its people as well!

One way or another, we will create this film to showcase Antioch and the talent it holds within its community. We hope you will join us in this adventure and check us out as we reach for the brass ring and shine a spotlight on our corner of the world. Don’t forget to share this with your world.

Ray Faulkenberry, Ph.D. is an author, consultant, coach, and entrepreneur. You can read more about Ray at his website and for a short time receive his books for free. His website is www.rayfaulkenberry.com and he can be reached at his email at rayfaulkenberry@comcast.net The film funding site is once again located at www.indiegogo.com/choicesthefilm.