Author Archive

Antioch Man Sought in Shooting

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

Update: Jjuan Sanders was taken into custody without incident on May 11 at a home on Sycamore Drive in Antioch with the assistance of the Antioch Police Department SWAT Team and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.
——————–

Jjuan Sanders

On March 26 a 51-year-old Antioch resident was parking his car in front of his residence when a vehicle containing Keenan Lawson, 25, of Modesto, and Jjuan Sanders, 30, of Antioch drove by and shot multiple rounds into his car with two different firearms, according to police. The victim was in his car at the time and was uninjured.

Earlier in the evening all three men had been at a local nightclub when they ran into each other unexpectedly. The victim had recently been involved in a bad break-up with a female relative of both Lawson and Sanders, who are cousins, said police. An argument started between the three men, and the victim left.

A short time later as the victim was parking his car when the shooting happened. He recognized the occupants of the car as Lawson and Sanders, according to police. Warrants were issued for their arrest and a search was done at Lawson’s Modesto home on May 9. Lawson was taken into custody during that search and a firearm was found in his vehicle.

Keenan Lawson


Sanders is still wanted. He is believed to be in the Antioch/Pittsburg area. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Santiago Castillo at (925) 779-6933.

Participants Wanted for ‘National Night Out’

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

On Tuesday, August 2 (6 p.m. until 9 p.m.) the Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission will be sponsoring “National Night Out” throughout the City of Antioch.

“National Night Out” is a program sponsored by law enforcement agencies across the country. The intent of this program is to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and are fighting back.

The Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission wishes to extend an invitation to all current Neighborhood Watch Groups to participate in “National Night Out” by organizing and presenting a program in their neighborhood.

The Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission will award $100 certificates redeemable for food and refreshments to the first twenty five (25) Neighborhood Watch Groups who submit an application outlining their program for “National Night Out”.

If your neighborhood is not currently participating in a “Neighborhood Watch” Program, please contact the Antioch Police Department at 779-6878 for further information.

Applications for the “National Night Out” Program are available on the City of Antioch’s Crime Prevention website or by calling Lieutenant Robin Kelley at 779-6878. Please submit applications by Friday, June 24, 2011.

Georgia Koch, Chair
Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission

County Redistricting Webinar on Monday

Friday, May 6th, 2011

On May 3, 2011 the Board of Supervisors accepted a report from the Department of Conservation and Development. The Board approved release of four draft concept maps to be presented in public workshops scheduled from May 16-26. In addition, the Board agreed to include a map prepared by Contra Costa Times for the public workshops.

The County also announced the launch of DistrictBuilder – a web application that allows members of the public to create and share redistricting proposals. We are very excited to offer this new technology for the redistricting process.

We have scheduled a webinar for next Monday, May 9, 2011 at 12:30 pm (PST) until 2 pm. The webinar will provide information about basic redistricing guidelines for Contra Costa County, how to set up an account, how to create and edit your own district plan, and how to share and export your plans. We plan on recording the webinar and posting it to our website to allow those who are unable to attend to view online.

Contra Costa County Redistricting: District Builder Redistricting Website Training

Join us for a Webinar on May 9

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/242916862

Welcome to the District Builder training. Topics we will cover in the training:
– Basic redistricting guidelines for Contra Costa County
– How to set up an account
– How to create and edit your own district plans.
– How to share and export your plans.
Title: Contra Costa County Redistricting: District Builder Redistricting Website Training
Date: Monday, May 9, 2011
Time: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM PDT
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

Also of interest, the following information has been uploaded to the website dedicated to the 2011 redistricting effort at www.ccredistricting.org:
A copy of the May 3rd Board presentation is available online under the category “Timeline and Events”
A copy of the proposal submitted at the May 3rd Board meeting by Contra Costa Citizens Redistricting Task Force under the category “Public Input”

Landmark Bicycle Shop Rolls On

Thursday, May 5th, 2011


By Tami Barrera

In the late 1930s it began in a basement as side jobs for a lawnmower business. But by the time 1940 rolled around, those small jobs had grown big enough to launch a business, Schwinn City, at 814 A Street (at 10th Street) in Antioch.

Schwinn City’s newest owners, Ron and Kelly Lopez, took over the business from Michael Kary, who had obtained it from Dan Jacuzzi in 1974 and retired in September 2007.

What made the transition so smooth was the fact that Ron was Kary’s first employee and has been assembling, fixing and fitting bicycles for as long as Michael was the owner. Ron is a rider himself, so he is well aware of the bicycle world and all it entails to have fun. Whether you are a first-time rider or you have been riding for years, the Lopezes want you to know that your safety is their first priority and your pocket book is a close second.

If you’re on a tight budget, they have a layaway program for some models in which you can put down as little as $50 and be well on your way to owning a bicycle that is backed by a free service agreement for the life of the bike. Schwinn City is among the top in Northern California when it comes to BMX bikes and offers outstanding customer service.

“I would rather get my bicycle from Schwinn City than from anywhere else, because Mr. Lopez takes the time to fit the bike to you like that of a well tailored suit,” said a customer, Alex Ronning.

Ron was born and raised in Antioch and remembers when the city was more orchard than suburbia. But he’s transitioned with the times and is proud to be an owner of a landmark that is a staple to bike riders around the globe. He loves expanding people’s horizons and feels that everyone should be educated when it comes to bicycles.

The Lopezes believe in giving back to the community – donating to the Chamber of Commerce Gala and planning to give away a bike on May 7 – and sharing all they have with those that are interested in their passion of bicycles. They also allow test driving. So how can you go wrong with top of the line service designed to last a lifetime?

They are open every day except Tuesday – hey, they’ve got to rest sometime. The phone number is 925-757-0664. Their website is www.schwinncity.com.

Max Muscle Hosts Customer Appreciation Day May 21

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

Antioch’s Max Muscle Sports Nutrition is anxious to host its Spring Customer Appreciation Day this May. The in-store event is dedicated to the store’s 2011 Running Team for their hard work in preparing for the 100th annual San Francisco Bay to Breakers 12k foot race. This event will take place in-store on Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 12 noon-4 PM, at 5887 Lone Tree Way (at Empire Road) # R, Antioch (near Office Depot, Lumpy’s and Panera Bread).

Everyone from the community is encouraged to come out to this event and show their support for local business, take advantage of huge sales, all while enjoying free sampling, and giveaways. Max Muscle Brentwood will have it’s Certified Fitness Nutrition Coaches on staff to provide customers with expert advice and ensuring what they have become known for, providing a one-on-one shopping experience.

Max Muscle specializes in Customized Nutrition Plans for individuals, couples, sport teams, and professional athletes looking for strategic nutrition planning. Proven results have shown that our customers and clients reach their nutrition goals through the staff infusing education and knowledge with leading edge technology.

“We are pleased and proud to provide an event like this for our customers and clients. We are passionate each time we get out into our community, speaking with the youth about living healthy lifestyles by making better nutrition choices. Hosting events like these give everyone a chance to experience our dynamic store,” Pierre and Brenda Goudie explained. “The relationships that we have built with our customers is what truly sets us apart from any other nutrition stores.”

About Max Muscle Sports Nutrition: Established in 1990, Max Muscle Sports Nutrition offers a diverse but integrated product mix of innovative nutritional supplements, fashionable athletic apparel and Certified Fitness Nutrition Coaching. Max Sports & Fitness Magazine is the magazine published monthly that targets a broad consumer base with a true passion for fitness and health. This combination is unique within the industry and has allowed Max Muscle to establish itself as a market leader with the health and fitness industry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m28a-P53LG4

If you’d like more information about how you can contribute or schedule an appointment, please call 757-6299 or email MaxMuscleBrentwood@yahoo.com.

Performing Arts Camp at El Campanil

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

Kids,
Ever wanted to act on a real stage? The curtain is going up…on a summer filled with the excitement and magic of theater!

Students, from 7-17 will enjoy performing on the grand stage of the El Campanil Theatre.

Two week Performing Arts Camp begins with campers participating in theatre games and drama exercises in an encouraging environment. Morning instruction includes improvisations, skits and role-play.

Afternoons involve auditioning for a role in the play and beginning play rehearsal. The following days students learn how to create a character, develop the role, and rehearse the play to be performed at end of camp. Props and costumes make it all real.

Students will develop acting skills, and use their imaginations to create characters. Through drama, they will learn the importance of teamwork.Through creative drama, we will create a fun staged-production! We will work with a script, act, and end up with a play that friends and family are bound to enjoy!

It’s all under the guidance of our talented Artistic Director, Sharon Redman

Session 1: June 20—24 & June 27—July 1 9:30—3:30 Cost: $195.00
Session 2: July 11—15 & July 18—July 22 9:30—3:30 Cost: $195.00

FORMS AVAILABLE AT THE THEATRE
604 W. SECOND ST.
OR CALL (925) 757-9500
OR ONLINE:http://www.elcampaniltheatre.com/childrens_theatre.htm

3rd ANNUAL MEGA MIXER & EXPO FUNDRAISER

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

Antioch Chamber of Commerce MEGA MIXER & EXPO FUNDRAISER TONIGHT

Thursday, May 5th, 5:30PM-7:30PM
Humphrey’s on the Delta
1 Marina Plz- Antioch, CA 94509-7905

Exhibitor Opportunity: Space is limited-
$50 for Chamber members
Includes a 5 foot table and 2 chairs
Call today to reserve your space! 925-432-7301

Mixer is free to attend for all Chamber Members.
Come out and enjoy fun, food and networking. Don’t forget your business cards!
For more info call (925) 757-1800

COFFEE AT THE CHAMBER –
Tuesday, May 10th, 8:30AM-10:00 AM
Speaker- Randy Sabatte of Fast Signs
For more info call (925) 757-1800

BROWN BAG LUNCH @ The Chamber
Rich McDaniel- Mutual of Omaho
Retirement for the Small Business Owner
Thursday, May 19th, 12:15PM-1:15 PM
FREE- For more info call (925) 757-1800

ANTIOCH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MIXER
Thursday, May 26th, 5PM-7PM
Richard Pagano’s State Farm Insurance
2317 Buchanan Road – Antioch, CA 94509
Come out and enjoy fun, food and networking. Don’t forget your business cards!
For more info call (925) 757-1800

One Principal at Deer Valley High Makes Sense

Wednesday, May 4th, 2011

The change from a two-principal to one principal administration at Deer Valley High is is a sound financial and management decision by the board.

The student numbers do not support this luxury as enrollment has dropped to around 2,700. Antioch High has about the same number and is doing well as a one principal school. A good administrator with a strong support staff can run an effective educational campus. Very few school districts in the state operate with this dual model.

I salute Dr. Gill and the Antioch School Board for making the tough decisions.

I would hope that this “outraged” group against the change would direct their efforts by lobbying the State Legislature in restoring a budget that will ensure no cuts, no shortened school year, no P.E., Arts, Music cuts, librarians and nurses restored, etc.

Richard Asadoorian