Join members of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce for the 2015 Antioch State of the City Luncheon

Scheduled for Friday, May 29th from 12pm – 2:00pm at the Antioch Community Center, the featured speaker Antioch’s Mayor Wade Harper, joined by Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando and City Manager Steve Duran, who will share an informative presentation highlighting the exciting projects reaching fruition in our City.

This year, Mayor Harper is expected to share his vision regarding the many issues facing Antioch, potential solutions and the economic forecast for the rapidly changing face of Antioch’s local economy, and economic development.

Seating is limited and reservations are required. Food will be provided for all attendees. The price is $25 to RSVP. This event sells out quickly so RSVP early to guarantee your seat. Sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact the chamber to express your interest.

Title Sponsorship – $2500

Includes: 2 tables seating 8 per table, company logo in the program, sponsorship mention, and a promotional speaking opportunity at the event.

City Supporter Sponsorship – $1000

Includes: 1 table seating of 8, logo in the program and a sponsorship mention at the event.

Please contact the Antioch Chamber at (925) 757-1800 to express your interest or register online by clicking here.

If she wins on May 19, it will cost us an extra $1.3 million

By Allen Payton, Publisher

I wasn’t happy with the way the field of candidates was cleared of all Republicans, before and after filing closed in the Special State Senate election in District 7, to help Democrat Steve Glazer, have a better chance of winning. I wrote a lengthy and scathing analysis of how it happened, which you can read on the Herald website, by clicking here.

But, I believe Glazer, who is the Mayor of Orinda, when he told me he had nothing to do with it. So, to sit out the election in protest, as I had considered doing, and allow others to choose for me was just the wrong approach.

I thus had to do make an effort and do some work in considering whom I would vote for and whether or not I would endorse either of the candidates in the General Election, on May 19.

While there’s not much difference between Glazer and State Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, in her final of three terms, under the old term limits, on the moral issues, which are important to me, there are some differences on other issues, such as taxes and spending.

CORRECTION & UPDATE: Bonilla’s record on the Concord City Council, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and in the State Assembly, has been marked with irresponsible votes on spending, including giving herself a 71% pay raise when she was mayor, and rich pay and retirement packages to government workers, such as giving police dispatchers a 21.5% pay raise. Bonilla also supported the 60% pay raise for the Board of Supervisors, in 2006, when it was voted on while she was campaigning for the seat, and which she accepted, once in office. All of this was done at the expense of us taxpayers. To be fair, she did take a pay cut in 2009 along with county employees, of two-percent. (An earlier and printed version of this editorial stated Bonilla had voted for the 60% pay raise, which was incorrect).

While Glazer hasn’t been tested at the state level, he has proven to be responsible with spending as part of the Orinda City Council.

I was concerned he would be, in effect, a man without a country, by being a fiscally conservative Democrat in Sacramento. But, as one of only 40 State Senators, where the margin for a two-thirds majority is pretty slim, he can actually be the deciding vote on a variety of issues, which can benefit our county.

The final issue that did it for me was that if Bonilla is elected to the Senate, there will be a special election to fill the rest of her term in the Assembly. That, according to County Clerk Joe Canciamilla, will cost Contra Costa taxpayers another $1.3 million, assuming both a primary and a general election. That figure doesn’t include the costs in Solano County, which makes up the other part of the Assembly District. That’s on top of the $2 million he estimates we’re spending for the current special election.

Bonilla said she was already planning to run for the State Senate seat, next year, when Mark DeSaulnier would have been termed out. But, he started this game of political musical chairs, when he was elected to Congress, last fall, in the middle of his final term in the State Senate.

But, Bonilla didn’t have to run, this year and by doing so, shows that she places her own political career above the interests of the taxpayers.

She could have either waited, or backed former Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, with whom Bonilla seems to agree with, more than she does Glazer.

Whoever wins this year will have to run, again, next year if they want to retain the seat. So, Bonilla can just wait until then to run, or run for something else. Better yet, she could take a break from public office for a few years and get a job in the private sector to see what it takes to create wealth and the impacts of the decisions she and her fellow legislators made.

I like Susan Bonilla, and have been on friendly terms with her. But, this is not about personality. It’s about whom we are going to rely on to vote in our best interest in the areas of spending and taxes.

I don’t know Steve Glazer and have only spoken with him on the phone a few times.

But, I believe he is the better choice, this year. If there’s a better candidate, with whom I agree more, next year, I’ll consider them, then. For now, Glazer is the best choice to represent us in the State Senate, offering a fresh perspective and an independent voice.

I’m voting for him for Senate on May 19 and recommend you do the same.

By Barbara Zivica

The Antioch City Council has held several budget meetings, with more to come on May 12th and 26th, prior to presentation of the whole budget on June 23rd.

I won’t get into the facts and figures presented by the city’s finance director because I’m up to date on that subject matter. I did, however, became alarmed when Antioch resident and real estate broker Mark Jordan, asked where the city would find the money to deal with under funded retirement accounts. The solution he offered was to convert the city into a charter city and begin charging transfer fees on real property, two bad ideas that apparently drew favorable responses from Mayor Harper and Council Member Tiscareno who then asked City Manager Duran for more information. Let’s take a look at Mr. Jordan’s “solutions:”

Although Mr. Jordan is correct in stating that only charter cities may impose a real property transfer tax, both general law and charter cities have the power to tax. Currently the property transfer tax is limited to $1.10 per $1,000 with it split 50/50 between the county and city. If a charter city increases its property transfer tax, the county gets the full $1.10 per $1,000 and the city keeps the amount it sets above $1.10. The amount of revenue the charter city would receive depends on how many existing and new homes are sold and resold.

General Law Cities vs. Charter Cities

Just a few of the many differences are: General law cities are governed by a city council of five members, charter cities can provide for any form of government including the “strong mayor” and city manager forms (No wonder Harper is interested in this form of government although he did back off on his recent request for a mayor’s office assistant position.)

General law cities elections are conducted in accordance with the California elections code. Charter cites are not bound by the election code and can establish own election dates, rules and procedures. They can also establish their own criteria for city officers (provided do not violate the U.S. Constitution), set term limits, set council members salaries.

General law cities do not allow any public officer to expend and no candidate to accept public money for the purpose of seeking elected office. Charter cities permit public financing of election campaigns.

General law cities may not pass ordinances within five days of introduction unless an urgency ordinance (Mayor Harper and the council did that on 12/27/12 in order to evade a new voter approved state law increasing pension formulas for new public employees.)

Ordinances can only be passed at a regular meeting and must be read in full at time of introduction and passage. Charter cities can establish own procedures for enacting local ordinances.

General law cities require a majority of city council constitutes a quorum for transaction of business and all ordinances, resolutions, and orders for payment of money require a recorded majority vote of total membership of the council. Specific legislation requires super-majority votes for certain actions. Charter cities may establish their own procedures and quorum requirements. However, certain legislation requiring super majority votes is applicable to charter cities.

General law cities are required to have competitive bidding for public works contracts over $5,000. Such contracts must be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. Charter cities are not required to comply with bidding statues provided the city charter or city ordinance exempts the city from such statues and the subject matter of the bid constitutes a municipal affair.

General law cities must in general pay prevailing wages on public works projects over $1,000. In July 2012 the California Supreme Court ruled that the state’s charter cities are not required to pay prevailing wages under state law for local public works projects funded by local funds.

General law city zoning ordinances must be consistent with the general plan. Charter city zoning orders are not required to be consistent with the general plan unless the city has adopted a consistency requirement by charter or ordinance.

By Don Martin II

Four divisions will be competing Saturday night at Antioch Speedway.  The racing facility, located at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch, will host the popular IMCA Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars.

In the five races held so far, four different drivers have won the IMCA Modified Main Events.  Four time champion Troy Foulger of Martinez is the only two time winner while Kellen Chadwick of Oakley, Scott Busby of Martinez and Bobby Motts Jr. of San Pablo are the other winners.

The last time the Modifieds were on the fast three-eighths mile clay oval, Motts collected the win and moved into a four point lead over four time champion Busby.  With nearly 60 wins wins to his credit in his career, nobody has won more features in this division than Busby.

Nick DeCarlo of Martinez is currently 28 points out of the lead as Tracy’s Chris Elby and defending champion Carl Berendsen II of Antioch round out the Top 5 in points going into this race.

Two-time feature winner and three-time division champion Larry Damitz of Vallejo has a ten point lead over Mike Hynes of Susuin in the Limited Late Model division.  Just 18 points back is the division’s all time win leader, Mike Gustafson of Concord, while Antioch’s Mark Garner is 20 points back.  Garner and Gustafson each have a win.

A Concord based father-son team is trying to provide the competition for two time defending champion Danny Wagner of Bay Point in the Dwarf Car division.  Teenager Adam Teves and his father David Teves have each won a Main Event so far this season.

David made just his second start in a new car a winning effort last week, but Wagner finished second.  Wagner now has three wins and two seconds to lead David by 18 points in the championship battle. 

Tracy’s Mike Corsaro, Adam Teves and Kevin Miraglio of Pleasanton round out the Top 5 in the standings.  San Jose’s Jack Haverty is the other feature winner this year, but he missed the last race to repair a damaged front end.

Hobby Stocks return after a week off, and two time defending champion Kimo Oreta of Vacaville holds a nice 54 point lead over two time champion Melissa Myers of Brentwood.  Myers is a three time winner, while Oreta has one feature win and three seconds this season.
Michael Cooper of Bay Point, one time winner Nick Baldwin of Oakley and Danny Jones of Castro Valley round out the Top five in points going into this race.  Pittsburg’s Jason Jennings is the other feature winner this season.

Antioch Speedway is located within the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens, and $10 for children 6-12. Children under six years old are admitted free. A family four pack of tickets is $40. Secured parking is offered by the Fairgrounds for $5. Racing begins at 6:30 p.m.

By Mike Adaskaveg

It was a long road to the Antioch Speedway’s victory lane for San Pablo’s Bobby Motts. After four years behind the wheel of his plain blue modified stock car, Motts steered to the checkered flag in Saturday night April 25th’s International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) main event.

Winners in the five-feature card included Brentwood new mother Melissa Myers, who scored her third win of the season in the Hobby Stock Division; student Kyle Bakkie of Citrus Heights, who brought home the trophy in the Wingless Sprint Division; long-time Concord racer Mike Gustafson, who scored in the Limited Late Model Class; and, Danny Wagner of Bay Point, who fought off all challengers in the Dwarf Car division.

Motts Flawless in Drive to Victory

“I’m shaking like a leaf,” were the first words out of Motts’ mouth when he got out of his car in victory lane. ”All these years of trying, and it finally paid off.”

Motts’ car is devoid of graphics and sponsorship decals that cover most stock cars. Instead it is a collaboration of personal time and money of crewmembers Mike Ferry, Bill Garrell and Steve Cunningham.

“The guys have been with me for 18 years,” explained Motts, who won the Speedway’s Super Stock championship back in 2004.

The feature event unfolded with the twists and turns of an action movie. IMCA Champ Carl Berendsen of Antioch looked to be in route to a win. Then, halfway through the feature, a tap in turn two from Scott Busby spun out Berendsen and sent both he and Busby to the back of the lineup.

Fairfield’s Sean O’Gara looked to be heading for the win, but he was sidelined with engine problems with five laps to go. As Motts maintained his lead, it was Antioch’s Michael Salazar who charged forward.

“I just drove it as hard as I could,” Motts said of the last laps of the race.

Salazar, in his first appearance of the season, had to settle for second.

“My car just started fading away on me near the end of the race – I just couldn’t catch Bobby (Motts),” Salazar said. “I’m happy taking second on my first night out.”

Berendsen fought his way up to third from the back of the pack.

“You have to break out of the best line to pass – which is a risky move,” Berendsen said. “That late in the race I decided to do damage control and be content with third.”

Chris Elby of Tracy was fourth and Dustin Himes of Manteca completed the top five finishers.

Myers Takes Sponsor for Joy Ride

Sponsor Steve Huddleston, owner of Contra Costa Hardwood Floor Service, jumped into the passenger seat to get a thrilling perspective of his driver’s skills when Melissa Myers fought off champ Kimo Oreta of Vacaville to win the Hobby Stock main event.

“I loved every minute of it,” said Huddleston of his ride along. “I’ve been a passenger twice in this car and twice we’ve been in victory lane. Can a sponsor ask for anything more?”

Myers led from start to finish in the non-stop event.

“I could see the nose of Kimo’s (Oreta) car alongside of me,” Myers said. “But I knew as long as I did not mess up, I would be o.k.”

Oreta tried lap after lap to catch Myers.

“I just couldn’t get my car under hers for a pass,” Oreta said. “She drove clean and I wanted to keep it that way – a good, clean race.”

Jason Jennings of Pittsburg finished third, followed by Michael Cooper and Calvin Louis.

Saturday Night, April 25, 2015 Race Results

Winged 360 Sprint Cars

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Bradley Terrell, D.J. Freitas.   Main Event (20 Laps)-Alissa Geving, Justin Sanders, Jake Haulot, Peter Paulson, Shawn Arriaga.

Late Models

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Jeff Decker, Richard Papenhausen.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Troy Foulger, Papenhausen, Decker, Danny Malfatti, Mike Hynes.

IMCA Sport Mods

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Chuck Golden, Patti Ryland.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Fred Ryland, Golden, Paul Mulder, P. Ryland, Al Sotomayor.

Wingless Spec Sprints

Heat Winner (8 Laps)-Alan Miranda, Kyle Bakkie.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Jimmy Perry III, Marcus Smith, Al Ghiorso, Zachary Kavert, James East.

Dwarf Cars

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Kevin Miraglio, Danny Wagner, Adam Teves.  Main Event (20 Laps)-David Teves, Wagner, Mike Corsaro, A. Teves, Miraglio.

For the complete story and additional photos click here.

Don Martin II contributed to this report.

For the complete story and additional photos click here.