Steph Curry and his daughter Riley, at the press conference following the Warriors Tuesday night playoff victory.  photo by F.D. Purcell

F.D. Purcell

The Antioch Herald

The Babyface Assassin strikes again. It was the MVP vs. his runner-up in Stephen Curry and James Harden. ROARACLE was loud as usual, but Golden State started off slow with Game 1 jitters. Then, when they found their rhythm all systems were go. Curry would finish with 34-points and Harden with 28-points.

“I think we finally realized it was the Western Conference Finals” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. “Honestly, sometimes with Game 1 in a series, there’s kind of a feeling-out process.”

“You play against a team that has a certain style, that first 24 minutes in this series is going to be a little bit different, and it took us a while to kind of figure out the pace,” Curry told The Antioch Herald.

The leagues MVP tallied his league-leading sixth 30-point game of the playoffs and his 11th career postseason 30-point game to add to his game-high 34-points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals. On Monday he also added a 2015 BET Awards nomination for Sportsman of the Year.

Houston center Dwight Howard would leave the game in the first half after banging knees with teammate Josh Smith preventing him from running or jumping, he would not return. It is unsure whether he’ll be a go for Thursdays game.

“I hope not. We get a day to rest and we will look at it in the morning. We will see how it feels tomorrow,” Howard said afterwards.

The small lineup Kerr implemented worked for Golden State and Shaun Livingston scored 18 from the bench. Forward Klay Thompson who finished the game with 15 points talked about what the smaller lineup provided for the team who they swept 4-0 in the regular season.

“The ability to push the ball in transition and switch up on defense, and we play with great length.” “They’ve obviously gotten better,” Thompson said of the team they swept in the regular season who came back from a 3-1 deficit over the L.A. Clippers in the Western Conference Semifinals becoming the ninth team in NBA history to do so.

With a 1-0 lead in the series Curry brought his other leading lady to the press conference, his adorable two-year old daughter Riley who kept reporters laughing with her outspoken nature, telling her father he needed to lower his voice while speaking.

Clearly it was past her bedtime and as most two-year old’s would do she became bored and bolted from the risers heading for the exit as her exasperated father finished up his press conference mumbling, “I gotta go chase behind a two-year old,” as he walked up the aisles.

As Riley came into the press conference with energy it is no doubt the Rockets will come in with the confidence and defense they displayed in Game 1 in Thursdays Game 2.

Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday at ORACLE Arena.

Game Mentionables:

Shaun Livingston scored a playoff-career high 19-points, the most by a Warriors reserve this postseason scoring a half career-high 16-points in the first half.

Draymond Green secured his eight double-double of the playoffs (12th career in the postseason) with 13-points and 12 rebounds to go with eight assists in a postseason career-high 43 minutes.

Festus Ezeli rolled in with playoff season-highs of six points and four rebounds in 11 minutes.

James Harden finished with a team-high 28 points to go with a playoff-career high 11 rebounds and in assists, missing what could have been his second career postseason triple-double by one assist.

Follow F.D. Purchell on Twitter: @sportsinthebay_

Steve Glazer from his campaign Facebook page.

By Allen Payton

Awaiting a call from Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, following the final vote count in the special 7th State Senate District election, Tuesday night, Orinda Mayor Steve Glazer was happy with his victory and said he would post a statement on his Facebook page in a few minutes.

Millions of dollars were spent by both sides in this election, with mainly business interests on one side backing Glazer and union, education and health care interests backing Bonilla.

“It was a hard fought battle,” said Martin Wilson, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs for the California Chamber of Commerce’s JobsPAC, which paid to send out a variety of pro-Glazer and anti-Bonilla mailers during the campaign. “We’re gratified with the results. The voters made a wise choice. He will represent the people of this district from both parties, well.”

According to the California Secretary of State’s website, as of 11:22 p.m., with the votes from all 645 precincts counted, Glazer leads Bonilla by 60,824 to 50,569 votes or 54.6% to 45.4%. In the Alameda County portion of the district he won by 56.9% to 43.1% of the vote. In Contra Costa County, much of which has been represented by Bonilla in the Assembly, Glazer won 54.08% to 45.92% of the vote.

Glazer posted the following statement on his Facebook page at 11:07 p.m.:

“Today we saw that people are more important — and more powerful — than special interests, and that’s a great message for our state to hear. Our campaign struck a chord with voters frustrated by the gridlock and dysfunction in Sacramento. They want leaders who are more pragmatic than partisan, more focused on answers than ambition.

One new state senator can’t change California government on his own, but I hope to work with my colleagues to restore confidence in public policymaking and advance progressive ideals in ways that are financially responsible.

This election offered voters a clear choice. I promised to be an independent thinker committed to solving problems and serving my district. I will work hard to make sure the voters are always proud of their decision.

I am grateful for everyone who participates in our democracy and especially for the volunteers and voters who believed in my message. Thank you!”

According to Paul Burgarino, Voter Education and Engagement Specialist with the Contra Costa County Elections Office, the ballot that have been counted, were “At this point the vote-by-mail up through today and the ballots turned in at the polls.”

Those vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Tuesday will be counted as they are received by the two county elections offices, and are expected to be received over the next three days. The officials have 10 days to certify the results of the special election.

By Corporal R. Martin #3343, Antioch Police

On Monday, May 18, 2015, at approximately 11:39 P.M., Antioch Police Officers responded to the 1300 block of Sycamore Drive on a report of a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. Officers arrived on scene and contacted both involved parties. The pedestrian, a 42-year-old female Antioch resident, sustained major injuries and was transported to John Muir Hospital. The driver, a 57–year old male Antioch resident, was on scene and cooperated with the investigation.

The preliminary investigation suggests that the female pedestrian was actually riding a scooter in the opposing lanes of traffic when she was struck by the vehicle. Alcohol or drugs does not appear to be involved in this incident. No status of the female pedestrian is available at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Antioch Police at (925) 778-2441 or Corporal R. Martin at 925-779-6900 ext.83343. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

Police crime scene tape covers the teller window where the robbery occurred at the Wells Fargo Bank branch in the Deer Valley Safeway store, Saturday night, May 16. photo by Allen Payton

Shawn McGee, Sr.

By Acting Lieutenant Tom Fuhrmann, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Saturday, May 16, 2015 at approximately 6:15 P.M, a male walked into the Safeway store on Deer Valley Road and approached a teller at the Wells Fargo bank branch inside the store. The suspect produced a firearm and demanded money from the bank employee. The suspect was given an undisclosed amount of money and fled the store. The suspect got into a nearby vehicle and fled north on Hillcrest Avenue.

A witness to the robbery followed the suspect as he entered westbound Highway 4 and was able to provide Antioch Police Dispatch with a license plate, description and location of the vehicle. Antioch Police Officers intercepted the vehicle and attempted an enforcement stop. The suspect vehicle did not yield and a pursuit ensued involving both Antioch Police Officers and Officers from the California Highway Patrol.

The pursuit came to an end in Oakland when the suspect ran from the vehicle and into an apartment in the 10500 block of Topanga Drive. This was not the suspect’s residence and he took a resident hostage. Oakland Police Department’s SWAT team responded to address the standoff. Eventually the hostage was able to escape and Oakland Police were able to affect the arrest of the suspect without incident. There were no injuries as a result of this incident. The money stolen from the bank was recovered. Antioch PD Investigators were in Oakland coordinating the cooperative investigation with Oakland PD, CHP and the FBI.

An Antioch Police Officer interviews a witness inside the Deer Valley Safeway store following a robbery of the Wells Fargo Bank branch. photo by Allen Payton

Shawn McGee, Sr., age 51 of Oakland, was arrested and booked into Contra Costa County jail on multiple charges, including robbery, burglary, making terrorist threats, unlawful imprisonment and felony evading of police.

The bank branch was forced to close early for the investigation of the robbery.

The case is still being investigated by the Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Detective Colley with the Antioch Police Department at (925)779-6922. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

Saturday Night – Papa Doo Run Run

AMERICA’S MUSIC ~ CALIFORNIA’S BAND

Saturday, May 23, 2015 8:00 pm

Tickets: Adults: $27 Seniors (62 & Over): $ 25

Youth (Under 18): Free when accompanied by an adult or senior.

RESERVED SEATING

Formed in 1965, the now legendary California band, PAPA DOO RUN RUN, quickly discovered their forte – they sounded like the Beach Boys! That sound led them to surf music icons, Jan & Dean, and from 1976-80 Papa toured North America with the duo. In the 80s Papa graduated from J&D to the Beach Boys, and toured and recorded with members of that band throughout the next 2 decades. The group also had an unprecedented 15-year run as the “Celebrity House Band” at Disneyland from 1975-90! In the mid 80’s Papa Doo became the darlings of corporate entertainment, performing at up to 150 corporate events a year! Their fun packed show is still a favorite of dozens of Fortune 500 companies.
Papa’s 1975 Top 40 hit “Be True To Your School” reached No. 1 in California. Their ground breaking CD “California Project” (1985) exploded onto the Billboard Hot 100 Chart at no. 17 and earned the band their second Gold Record and a Grammy Nomination. Additionally, Papa Doo Run Run appeared in, and recorded the soundtrack album for the CBS-TV movie “Deadman’s Curve”. The band currently has 10 CD releases and a full length DVD.

Today, Papa Doo Run Run still performs worldwide. Their act encompasses all the great Classic Rock hits of the 60’s and 70’s, with a special emphasis on their award winning re-creation of the hits of the Beach Boys. Their best kept secret… Papa Doo Run Run is who the Beach Boys call when they need someone to fill in in their band.

“The Phantom Of The Opera” Star Returns…

Sunday – Franc D’Ambrosio

“I’ll Be Seeing Youz” …A Bronx Boy’s Musical Perspective of WWII

Sunday, May 24, 2015 3:00 pm

Tickets: Adults: $27 Seniors (62 & Over): $25

Youth (Under 18): Free when accompanied by an adult or senior.

RESERVED SEATING

Franc D’Ambrosio – I’ll Be Seeing Youz…A Bronx Boy’s Musical Perspective of WWII. The show features more stories from Franc’s colorful family and remembers the Greatest Generation with a nostalgic walk through the popular music of WWII.

San Francisco’s longest-running Phantom of the Opera star presents his program of song and stories – and, of course, a medley of Phantom tunes. D’Ambrosio’s resume includes an Academy Award Nominated film, an Emmy Award Nominated television show, a four-time Tony nominated Broadway show, two Grammy Considerations, and a National Theatre Award Nomination.

“Some think (including me) that the War Years were the best of times. The music then was real music.Not electronic gimmicks. These World War ll songs sure bring back the memories, as Franc sings “Long Ago and Far Away”, “Oh How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning”, and that tear jerker “I’ll Be Seeing You.” Lee Hartgrave (Beyond Chron).

Tickets May Be Purchased in Advance: At the Ticket Office 604 W. Second Street (Next Door To The Theatre) Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and 1 hour before showtime or by phone: (925) 757-9500 or ONLINE

Convenience Fees: When You Buy… At The Box Office: No Fees; By Phone: $2.00 Per Order; Online: $1.50 Per Ticket; Email Tickets: No Charge; Will Call: No Charge; Mail Tickets: Add $ 2.00 Per Order.

El Campanil Theatre is located in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown, at 602 West Second Street.

The Improved Order of Red Men Erie Tribe 281 invites you to attend their bi-monthly community fundraiser breakfast, Sunday, May 17 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. They have the breakfast fundraisers each month on the fist and third Sundays.

They serve a two-egg breakfast with all the fixins’ including bacon, sausage, choice of pancakes, waffle, french toast or biscuits and gravy. Or you may choose “Big Daddy’s Breakfast Sandwich – two eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese, hash browns. on either regular toast or Texas toast. If you’re really hungry have it smothered in country gravy. Yum!

Cost is a $6.00 per person. Children’s plates are $5.00. Proceeds benefit Alzheimer’s research, the blind, and other needs in the community. Come down and join them for breakfast and chat it up with some really nice people.

The breakfasts are held at the Red Man and Pocahontas Hall, 1403 Main Street in Oakley.

By F.D. Purcell

Antioch Herald

The last time the Golden State Warriors were headed to the Western Conference Finals, Jimmy Carter was in the White House and disco was king.

For the first time in 39 years, the number one team in the NBA will be one series away from the NBA Finals winning 4-2 games over the Memphis Grizzlies 108-95.

“Their length at the win gave us trouble all series,” said Memphis Head Coach Dave Joerger, who lost three straight to Golden State after leading the series 2-1.

The Splash Brothers were making buckets out the gate and Memphis would make a come back but would never take the lead.

Steph Curry finished the game with 32-points, scoring 8 out of 14 3-point field goals and 10 assists. Klay Thompson scored 20-points and had 8 rebounds.

“Each step you have to sit back and reflect a bit, we have a couple of days to do so,” said Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr, who has championship rings with Chicago and San Antonio.

Golden State has several days to rest before facing the winner of Game 7 in the Rockets versus Clippers series on Sunday.

Follow F.D. Purcell on Twitter: @sportsinthebay_