DeCarlo, Baugh, Davis, McLeister also winners

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…July 15…Jason Ryan, Jr. of Oakley won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. This was his third win of the season as he regained the point lead from Kenny Shrader of Pacheco. Ryan also won the Main Event at Watsonville a night earlier.

With a front row start, rookie Billy Garner bolted into the lead when the green flag flew, pursued by his father Mark Garner, both of Antioch. Ryan settled into third very quickly and took up pursuit of Mark Garner. Ryan and the elder Garner went side by side for several laps before a low pass in Turn 4 of the 11th lap gained Ryan second as Garner pushed too high.

Billy Garner continued to lead the way until an inside pass in Turn 4 of the 14th lap gained Ryan the lead. Mark Garner passed his son for second before a yellow flag waved on Lap 18. Ryan maintained his cool on the restart and held off Mark Garner for the victory. Billy Garner impressed with a third-place finish, followed by Kelly Campanile of Oakley and Trevor Clymens of Brentwood.

Terry DeCarlo, Jr. of Martinez won the 20 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. A week earlier he led the first half for the race before being passed. This time around, he gained the lead when brother Nick DeCarlo had mechanical issues on the ninth lap.

Nick DeCarlo of Martinez took the early lead over Terry DeCarlo Jr and Kenneth Robles of Rio Vista. They ran that way until Nick DeCarlo fell off the pace as they went down the front straightaway on ninth lap, surrendering the lead to his brother. Kenneth Robles held second ahead of father, Jason Robles of Rio Vista.

However, Jason also fell out, leaving Kenneth Robles to battle Mitch Enos of Manteca and point leader Troy Foulger of Oakley in a good race for second. Foulger made a Turn 2 move around Enos on Lap 18 for third. As Terry DeCarlo Jr sped to a straightaway advantage in victory. Foulger tried to get underneath Kenneth Robles exiting Turn 4, but Robles held him off at the line for second. Enos ended up fourth ahead of Jason Robles.

Jared Baugh of Pittsburg won his second-straight Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. Point leader Grayson Baca of Brentwood set the pace on the opening up, but a yellow flag waved for debris on the track. Baca surrendered the lead to Baugh on the restart with James Thomson of Pittsburg settling into second on the third lap. Aidan Ponciano got past Baca for third on Lap 6 and led Baca around Thomson for second and third on the eighth lap.

They ran that way until Colten Haney of Brentwood spun in Turn 4, collecting Ken Johns of Antioch on Lap 16. Baugh continued to lead the way with Ponciano in close pursuit in second. However, Baugh would prevail at the checkered flag. Reigning champion Misty Welborn of Castro Valley made a late surge for third ahead of Baca as San Pablo’s Bobby Motts Jr beat James Graessle of Antioch back to the line in a drag race for fifth.

Tom Davis of Los Molinos won his fifth-straight 20 lap Print Club Mini Stock Main Event and took the point lead from Tom Brown of Santa Rosa in the process. Brown was a Main Event scratch.

Wyatt Lakin of Diamond Springs set the early pace ahead of Davis, but Davis went low in Turn 3 of the third lap to grab the lead. An inside move on the back stretch of the fifth lap gained Tony Quinones second. Davis set a rapid pace during the final 10 laps and won by a straightaway ahead of Quinones. Lakin ended up settling for third, followed Austin Struthers and Thomas Jensen, both of Placerville.

Don McLeister of Stockton won the 15 lap 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. This was his third win in as many races. He wasted little time charging into the lead from his pole position start as Ryan Holden of Lodi took up close pursuit. The first two positions never changed as McLeister picked up the win ahead of Holden. Devin McLeister of Stockton ran third until pulling off on Lap 8, giving the position to eventual third place finisher Swen Johnson of Marysville. Devin McLeuster settled for fourth ahead of Charlie Kight of Antioch.

Racing resumes next Saturday night with the Wingless Spec Sprints and Xtreme Late Models back in action along with the Delta Dwarf Cars, Super Stocks and Hardtops. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway Race Results – July 15, 2023

IMCA Sport Modifieds 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Trevor Clymens, Jason Ryan Jr. Main Event (20 laps)-Jason Ryan Jr, Mark Garner, Billy Garner, Kelly Campanile, Trevor Clymens, Tom Fraser, Kenny Shrader, Raymond Lindeman, KC Carpenter, Al Johnson.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Grayson Baca, Jared Baugh, Aidan Ponciano. Main Event (20 laps)-Jared Baugh, Aidan Ponciano, Misty Welborn, Grayson Baca, Bobby Motts Jr, James Graessle, James Thomson, Colten Haney, Ken Johns, Gavin Griffiths.

IMCA Stock Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Mitch Enos, Kenneth Robles. Main Event (20 laps)-Terry DeCarlo Jr, Kenneth Robles, Troy Foulger, Mitch Enos, Jason Robles, Nick DeCarlo, Dan Gondeman, Scott Foster.

Print Club Mini Stocks 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Tony Quinones, Tom Davis. Main Event (20 laps)-Tom Davis, Tony Quinones, Wyatt Lakin, Austin Struthers, Thomas Jensen, Logan Lakin, David Carson, Tom Carse, Tom Brown DNS, Dana Gardner DNS.

600 Micro Sprints

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Don McCleister. Main Event (15 laps)-Don McLeister, Ryan Holden, Sven Johnson, Devin McLeister, Charlie Kight, Ryan Dotson DNS, Devin Baxter DNS.

As voted by you in the 2022 People’s Choice Awards!

Cancelling all afterhours events for now, will focus on family-oriented events

By Allen D. Payton

In posts on the Monica’s Riverview Instagram page over the weekend, Monica Barajas responded to the fatal shooting that occurred early Saturday morning, July 15, 2023 near her Antioch restaurant, Monica’s Riverview where a Club Night entitled “RnB and Chill” was held. She then shared more about the event, what was done to provide necessary on-site security, and discussions with police prior to the night of the event, as well as plans for the future at the newest hot spots in the Rivertown Dining District and Antioch as a whole.

The initial post on Saturday reads: “We are extremely saddened by the events that transpired after RnB & Chill and we want to send our love & support to anyone who was affected by the altercation that took place in the surrounding areas of our business last night. We are heartbroken with you and we wanted nothing more than to provide you a safe place for [sic] to enjoy yourself in your city. Although we cannot control the actions of others, we will do everything in our power to continue to provide a safe place for our community.

All afterhours events are cancelled for the foreseeable future, while our policies are being reviewed. We will be focusing on more family oriented events.”

On Sunday, Barajas commented and pinned it below the post. Her comment reads, “Thank you everyone for your thoughts. I’m from Pinole, grew up in the bay, and its sad to me that people have given up on the idea and the possibility that we can have these things. I have been working and serving the public all my life. I never opened this place thinking to myself, “I’m going to make this a club”. The vibe at Monica’s happened organically, and yes we expanded on it bc fr (because for real) people wanted it, folks want to stay and have fun in their own communities. I love my customers, they’re my family and it’s very personal to me, always has been. People who truly know me, know my heart. My heart is broken for the families of those who didn’t make it home. As tragic and horrific as this was I will not let it define me or Monica’s. We will continue to serve this community with love and respect. I just wish everyone could see the vision I have for this waterfront from Stockton all the way to Pt Richmond, thriving businesses and restaurants and people coming together having fun in their backyard. We deserve that, Antioch deserves it, and I won’t give up on it. 🙏🏻✌🏻❤️Monica”

Monica’s Riverview is located at One I Street, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. For more information and their menu go to www.visitmonicas.com.

Started with altercation during event at nearby restaurant; over 70 gunshots fired; police seek help identifying unknown suspect(s); deceased victim not yet identified

By Allen D. Payton

On Saturday morning, July 15, 2023, Antioch Police crime scene investigators and detectives investigated a fatal shooting on W. First Street near I Street in Antioch a little after 2:00 am Saturday. According to Acting Lt. James Colley, a Black male age 45 is deceased and two Black females in their late 20’s had superficial, non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.

More than 60 bullet casings could be seen on the ground, Colley shared. Two cars had been shot up, including a white sedan sitting in the adjacent dirt lot Saturday morning which “is the victim’s vehicle” he stated. The other vehicle was an unrelated SUV, sitting on W. First Street Saturday morning, and had its windows shot out, was “caught in the crossfire”, Colley added.

Asked if any of the victims had been in attendance at the event at Monica’s Riverview, he said, “we don’t know that at this time.”

Asked Monday afternoon for the identity of the deceased man, Deputy Sanchez of the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office, “we have not released his name because we don’t have ID nor next of kin, yet.”

Colley, of the APD Investigations Bureau, released the following information Monday afternoon:

“On July 15, shortly after 02:00 am, Antioch Police received several calls for service regarding a shooting near the 200 Block of I Street. Upon arrival to the scene, Antioch Police located one Black male adult who was shot several times. The male later died of his injuries at a local Bay Area hospital. The Antioch Police Investigations Bureau responded to the scene and took over the investigation. No further information will be released at this time.

The Antioch Police Investigations Bureau responded to reports of a homicide on Saturday, July 15 shortly after 2:00 am at Monica’s Riverview, located in the downtown area of Antioch. Detectives learned Monica’s hosted an afterhours party (RnB and Chill), which per witnesses had several hundred people in attendance. During the event, several patrons began to exchange words, which led to a physical altercation outside of the restaurant. During the physical exchange, over 70 gunshots were fired, resulting in the death of a 45- year-old Black male adult. During the gunfire, two females were also hit, but sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The deceased male was an Antioch resident.

The Investigations Bureau is still actively working this homicide and following up on potential suspect leads. Any witnesses with information are strongly encouraged to contact detectives for follow up.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

As voted by you in the 2022 People’s Choice Awards!

Walnut Creek man also involved, arrested; victim who shot back not yet arrested

By Captain Walter O’Grodnick, Brentwood Police Department

On Friday, July 14, 2023 around 7:45 PM Brentwood Police officers were dispatched to the 800 block of Marjoram Drive for a shooting that just occurred. A preliminary investigation suggests two males exchanged gunfire, both were hit by gunfire and transported to local hospitals for treatment, one of which sustained serious injuries.

Others were detained on-scene as part of the investigation. This was an isolated incident with no apparent threat to public safety and the motive for the shooting is still under investigation.

While a group of people were leaving a home on Chili Court in Brentwood, two suspects, a 17-year-old male resident of Antioch, and a 20-year-old male resident of Walnut Creek attempted to rob a 21-year-old male resident of Antioch, while all three were armed. All three exchanged gunfire on Marjoram Drive, striking the 17-year-old suspect and 21-year-old victim. The 20-year-old suspect was not injured. Three firearms were recovered at the scene.

The 21-year-old victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The 17-year-old was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. The teen later succumbed to his injuries.

The 20-year-old from Walnut Creek has been arrested but not the 21-year-old from Antioch, yet.

All names are being withheld at this time and there remains no threat to public safety. The investigation is ongoing and no additional information is being released at this time. Anyone with information related to this shooting is asked to contact Detective Inerbichler or Detective Goold at 925-809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

As voted by you in the 2022 People’s Choice Awards!

Celebration of Life August 26

Ronald Joseph Molina

September 17, 1947-May 30, 2023

Resident of Antioch and Discovery Bay

It would be an understatement to say he was just a Music Man. He was also a charming coach, engaging educator, marvelous mentor, fabulous friend and loving husband.

Ron Molina, iconic director of Antioch High School’s Music Masters, passed away at home on May 30, 2023, after a lengthy illness.

Raised by parents Joseph and Dorothy Molina, he started his life at the old hospital in downtown Antioch. The eldest of three (brother to Debi and Susan), he attended AUSD schools, graduating from AHS in 1965.

It was at that school where he formed deep and lifelong friendships, which would eventually pull him back to Panther Country as a much-admired teacher.

When the young Molina wasn’t singing or playing ball, he spent summers fishing, hunting and camping in the Redwoods with his parents and sisters. It was a team effort with Dorothy setting up camp for the summer, Joseph working during the week and all gathering during the weekends. The family also enjoyed visiting and exploring the rich history of California’s missions.

Alter graduating high school, Ron attended Diablo Valley College before transferring to San Jose State University to major in music – the subject he loved most. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree, he worked in the private sector for several years.

Ron was a natural entertainer with a gift for singing and playing various instruments. He had the voice of an Italian tenor and would captivate audiences with his remarkable personality and melodic voice. He performed in a vast array of venues, including Carnegie Hall, and entertained passengers on many ocean cruises.

In 1986, after years in the spotlight, he returned to Antioch High initially splitting his time between running football plays and leading the music department – both with winning and long-lasting results. It’s nearly impossible to count the competitions, games, performances and student trips to Hawaii.

It’s even more impossible to measure or comprehend how many young people’s lives Mo – as he was affectionally called – helped shape, influence and guide. That was evident during the 2013 surprise concert featuring 150 of Mo’s Music Masters, who gathered to show their love when he retired. It was a mix of choir students from 1988 to 2013.

At the time, Jason Mullen (Class of 1996) said: “It needed to be larger than life because that is exactly what Mo is.”

Ron met and fell in love with his beautiful wife, Darcy Lauck, while teaching at Folsom High School. Their 1993 wedding was in Hawaii – their peaceful place, for which they shared a love. Darcy adored the tranquility of swimming with dolphins and turtles while Ron would enjoy a delicious pina colada or an ice-cold beer.

“I’m deeply touched (by everyone’s) kind words and thoughtfulness,” she said. “I am eternally grateful to each of you.” She added that “Ron is now singing in heaven for the angels, his voice resonating with a harmonious refrain.”

He leaves behind his wife of 30-plus years, son Joe (Dyan), grandsons Mason and Logan, sisters Debi and Susan, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Darcy will host a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. Aug. 26 in Antioch High’s Beede Auditorium. In the meantime, those interested can donate to the Ron Molina Memorial Scholarship. Checks may be sent to Antioch High, 700 West 18th St., Antioch, CA 94509.