A prolific writer since the age of fifteen, James Sanford has employed his prose to author numerous books, articles, stories, and one motion picture project. He sold his first short story to DC Comic Books, when he was fifteen. His book, Storm Treasure, inspired a major motion picture in 1999.

Now, his latest book, While the Gods Slept, demonstrates his profound knowledge of history, as well as his love for travel. Sanford will be holding a book-release signing of his historically-based, science-fiction work at Tailgaters in Antioch, this Saturday, March 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

While the Gods Slept brings together many of the disparate anomalies, myths, and religious beliefs that confound and confuse those who would like answers to age old questions. The story begins some four hundred thousand years into our past, when a great civilization occupied this planet. After a great cataclysmic event, the few survivors begin a project to rebuild and repopulate the Earth. Their efforts are recorded throughout the book, but there is a parallel story. One that is taking place around our globe today.

James and Linda Sanford

Sanford holds a B.A. Degree in Mass Communications and an M.A. Degree in Communication Arts from California State University, Chico. He has also earned a PhD. In Education. For the past forty-two years, he has worked as a Teacher and Education Administrator in various venues, including junior high, high school, community college, and within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He has taught science, English, creative writing, art, reading, Adult Basic Education, and Substance Abuse Education. In all, of these settings, Sanford has used his communication skills to teach, mentor, and coach individuals to express themselves through writing, music, poetry, and art. During his final years in education, James had the privilege of supervising and mentoring teachers who worked in jails and parole offices throughout California.

After retiring from full time employment as an educator with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, he has focused on his own creative endeavors and focused on his two great passions, travel and history.

While the Gods Slept is Sanford’s most ambitious effort to date. His capability to weave together real, historical facts with plausible fiction is masterful. He, has the ability, to take Dan Brown’s and Clive Cussler’s historical fiction to a new level. His chronicles are riveting, and his characters are memorable.

Sanford enjoys debating history, politics, and science. He claims it stimulates his writing process and forces him to keep up to date on various topics. His comprehension of what he studies, and reads is evident in every page of his books.  Sanford lives in Antioch with his wife and constant traveling companion Linda. They have two daughters, five grandchildren, and a great granddaughter.

Meet James and Linda Sanford and purchase an autographed copy of his book, this Saturday night at Tailgaters, located at 4605 Golf Course Road at the corner of Lone Tree Way.

Book Synopsis

In While the Gods Slept, one man, Simon Krall, is discovered to have unique DNA. His DNA could hold the secret to increased longevity, immunity from most diseases, and the end to dementia and Alzheimer’s. He meets a beautiful scientist named Dr. Irina Bronstine, who wants to study his unique genetic make-up. When Simon travels to Washington, DC for some physical tests, it sets off a chain reaction of deceit, betrayal, and chaos.

With Dr. Bronstine at his side, Simon travels half way around the world to escape from an eccentric billionaire who wants to dissect his body for all its secrets. Pursued by cruel and merciless men, Simon begins to tell a tale that is so fantastic, that Dr. Bronstine believes he is crazy or delusional. Through Simon’s on-going chronicles, a few scientists begin to see the possibility that Simon was preprogrammed genetically.

Aided by a growing number of scientists and researchers around the world, Simon’s story slowly comes out. He answers questions that have plagued curious minds for ages. Some of the answers are difficult to accept. Others are completely outrageous to his listeners. All responses he shares come straight from information programmed into his DNA thousands of years ago.

Recorded history goes back a mere five thousand years, yet researchers keep finding evidence of older structures, cultures, art, and remains. Much of what is being discovered today does not fit the accepted account of human history. Debates continue to rage between archaeologists, paleontologists, geneticists, paleo archeologists, geologists, and scientists from many other fields. In addition to arguing amongst themselves, they are also bombarded with theories from those who believe ancient aliens created mankind.

One theory, that has always held intrigue for those interested in the subject, is that there were great advanced civilizations here long before recorded history. There is a belief that an earlier society gave us our knowledge of engineering, math, astronomy, agriculture, and science. The question has always been asked, but never answered. How did a group of nomadic farmers suddenly develop the skills and knowledge to build the great monolithic structures found around the world?

While the Gods Slept gives plausible answers to the questions of the ages. It is an intriguing, fictional story wrapped in real history. The many characters in this book are based on real people who ask the hard questions about man, every day. Buckle up and hang on, you are about to go from outer space to the Earth and back.

By Daniel Borsuk

With the health consequences of second-hand smoke to children and the elderly well-documented, Contra Costa County is on the verge of becoming the 42nd jurisdiction in the state to ban smoking in dwelling units of apartment buildings, hotels, and motels once supervisors approve the ordinance that’s slated for the board’s March 13th meeting.

In a lopsided meeting where supervisors did not hear any opposition against the proposed ordinance, District 1 Supervisor John Gioia of Richmond asked Contra Costa County Public Health Director Dan Peddycord whether the proposed ordinance will also apply to short-term rentals.  Short-term rents have become a hot button issue in most part of the county and have impacted the county’s housing crisis.

Peddycord answered that the proposed ordinance will not apply to short-term rental units.

The full impact of the proposed county ordinance will require apartment owners and hotel and motel operators to post no smoking signs in dwelling units and to apply measures designed to eliminate second smoke from drifting into dwelling units where children and the elderly reside and are most susceptible to the respiratory effects of tobacco smoke.

The cities of Danville, El Cerrito, Richmond and Walnut Creek and the counties of Sonoma, San Mateo and Santa Clara are some of the jurisdictions that have already adopted second hand smoke prohibition laws.

In the county Public Health Department’s research on the proposed ordinance, officials garnered the full support from the California Apartment Association.  Health department officials drew a 50 percent endorsement from four major homeowners’ associations in the county.

In the department’s research, officials learned four major hotels in the county are already in compliance with the proposed law by posting no smoking signs in guest rooms and common areas.  Those hotels are the Burlington Hotel in Port Costa, the Crowne Plaza in Concord, Embassy Suites, and the Renaissance Hotel in Walnut Creek.

In Contra Costa County there are approximately 10,000 individual dwelling units that would be affected by the new ordinance supervisors will very likely approve at the March 13 meeting.

According to the Public Health Department, a majority of the 120 second hand smoke complaints received by the department’s Tobacco Prevention Program over the last three years continue to emanate from multi-family housing residents.  During that period, 96 complaints were filed concerning unit-to-unit and outside-to-unit drifting smoke during that period.

“We are very happy to support this ordinance,” said Randy Uang of Breathe California, a San Francisco-based non-profit health organization.  “This ordinance will help in reducing chronic breathing and lung ailments, especially among children in Contra Costa County.”

Stephanie Robbins, an apartment dweller in unincorporated Walnut Creek, told supervisors the proposed ordinance will help people like her who lives in an upstairs apartment unit and has to constantly endure second-hand smoke from a downstairs neighbor.  “I’ve already spent $2,000 in hiring an attorney,” Robbins said.  “I endorse this ordinance because it will help me and my child fight against second hand smoke.”

The ordinance will go into effect July 1, 2019 after Public Health Department officials have educated and trained apartment owners.  The program will be funded by state Propositions 99 and 56.

Round Hill Police District Tax Hike Election Approved – A 150% Increase

The 1,296 registered voters in the unincorporated Round Hill area of Alamo, will have the opportunity to vote on whether the county should hike their property taxes from $330 per parcel to $812 per parcel in order to maintain two county sheriff’s deputies and a patrol car.

With no one speaking during the public speaking portion, supervisors approved on a 4-0 vote to have Round Hill residents vote in the June 5 election on whether to boost taxes on 739 parcels in order to raise $596,820 in tax revenue to cover increased patrol expenses on a yearly basis.

The measure will require two-thirds voter approval to pass during the June election.

Supervisors also approved, on a 4-0 vote, the acquisition of up to $2 million of solar panels to be installed over the 651 Pine Street parking lot for a 10-year period, Feb. 27, 2018 through Feb. 28, 2028.  The county will buy the solar panels from ENGIE Services U.S. Inc.  ENGIE Services will also install the solar panels.

Draw, shape and paint! It is so easy to create your own land or sea creature….. popular instructor Beverly Turner will show you how. Registration is open for the class now!

The gun used in the attempted robbery found by Antioch Police located in the car occupied by the suspects. Photo by APD

From Antioch Police Facebook page

On Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018 at 12:14 am, Antioch Police Officers were dispatched to a report of an armed robbery at the Denny’s at 4823 Lone Tree Way. Three suspects entered the restaurant and ordered everyone to the ground. One suspect brandished a firearm, but all three fled before taking anything.

Witnesses gave a clear description of the suspects, the involved vehicle and the weapon they used. The business also had video surveillance that was reviewed by officers which captured the incident and the suspects. A detailed description of the suspects was obtained and distributed to all officers on duty.

Two hours later, at 2:15 am, while on routine patrol, Officer Inabnett saw a similar vehicle on G Street in downtown and contacted the occupants. Officer Duff was able to identify three of the occupants of the vehicle as the suspects in the robbery.

During a search of the vehicle, the firearm used in the robbery was located under a seat. As a result, a 20-year-old Oakley resident and two juveniles were arrested. The adult suspect was transported to County Jail and the two juvenile suspects were transported to Juvenile Hall.

This is another example of our citizens and officers working together to ensure the safety of our community.

Brizhit “Bree” Turner with her Freshman Girls Basketball Team MVP trophy and certificate. Photos by Rossolyn Turner

By Rossolynn Turner

Antioch High School no longer has a secret.  It came out when Brizhit Turner, a JV girls’ basketball player, scored a total of 25 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two assists against the Panther’s rival school, Deer Valley High beating the crosstown Wolverines 36-26 on Thursday, February 8. Brizhit showed her skills again on February 13 scoring a double double with 26 points and 14 rebounds, plus four steals, three assists and three blocks creating a victory against their other rival school, Pittsburg High, edging the Pirates 47-45.

Turner “breezes” by an opponent on her way to the hoop.

The sophomore Brizhit, also known by her nickname Bree, is a scholar athlete currently averaging 10.2 points per game, while maintaining a 3.5 GPA.  She was MVP and captain during her freshman year and is currently the captain of her JV team.

Bree had a slow start this year, but thanks to Coach Armenta, who believed in her, he was able to get that drive going again and the old Bree started showing up from her freshman year, causing everyone’s morale to fly high and score those victories.

Bree is a great leader keeping her team motivated and has great chemistry with her players, and  was recently chosen to move up to play for the Panthers’ varsity team in time for the playoffs. She is definitely one player to keep your eyes on.

Keep up the good work, Bree and congratulations on being moved up to varsity to play in the playoffs with your new team!

————-

Do you have a story about the accomplishments of your child or someone you know in Antioch, who you’re proud of and would like to share it with our readers? The Antioch Herald will publish it for free. That’s why we call ourselves The People’s Paper and The News Of, By and For the People. Please email your story as a Word document to us at editor@antiochherald.com with your name and phone number and relationship to the person about whom you’ve written. We reserve the right to verify the information, as well as edit and retain ownership of the article once submitted, without compensation to the author or photographer.

Joy Motts from Facebook on Oct. 31, 2017. Photo by the Hon. Monica Wilson

By Allen Payton

After serving on the Antioch School Board and running unsuccessfully for reelection in 2014 and then again in 2016, on Tuesday, Feb. 13, Joy Motts switched her sights toward the City Council and filed an intent to run in the November election. She is the first candidate to do so and will either face one of the incumbents Tony Tiscareno or Lori Ogorchock, if either decides to run for reelection or are able to should they live in one of the new districts that will be soon be created by the council. Form 501 – Joyann Motts filed 2-13-18 (1)

Motts served on the school board from 2010 to 2014. She has since been leading the effort to create a park and event center, named the Rivertown Square, on the former Antioch Lumber Company lot in downtown, also known as The Yard. Two efforts by the group to place an initiative on the ballot have failed. But, the council recently rezoned the property to mixed use which would allow the park and event center.

Motts is also one of the directors of the Celebrate Antioch Foundation which organizes Antioch’s annual July 4th Parade and Celebration, as well as the Holiday Parade and City Christmas Tree Lighting. She is also a member of the Rivertown Preservation Society, a group of homeowners seeking to preserve the historic qualities of the city’s downtown, north of W. 10th Street.

Filing for the two council seats up for election in November opens in July. However, neither Motts nor anyone else knows, yet if she will be able to run this year. She lives in the Rivertown area but, if and until the council approves dividing the city into four districts, the two that will have elections this year won’t be known until their meeting on April 10.

Asked why she wanted to run for the city council, Motts responded with the following via email:

“To start, service for my community is a part of my DNA.  My parents believed and instilled in myself and my siblings that it was a citizen’s responsibility to participate in making and leaving the world a better place. My father served our nation in World War II and my mother, served 20 years on the Antioch School Board.  I followed in her footsteps and served on Antioch’s School Board between 2010 and 2014, and I am proud of the work that was accomplished during that time, from being fiscally efficient and successfully weathering the economic downturn to the rebuild and renovation of Antioch High School.  I serve and still work on several Foundations and service organizations that support Antioch’s children, its quality of life and its citizens.

As a lifelong resident, it has been frustrating to watch surrounding communities thrive while Antioch continues to struggle with issues of crime, blight and homelessness.   Whereas recently I have seen improvements, we are still a community that needs a stronger and cohesive vision, and leadership that can collaborate on a brighter path forward. The perception that we are not a healthy or safe community, that our schools are failing is sometimes played out on social media, our local news and in the conversations amongst ourselves and all over the Bay Area and makes economic vibrancy very difficult. This should not be our story.  It is time for Antioch to recognize its potential!  We sit in a beautiful place, with unparalleled climate, on the San Joaquin Delta, one of the largest inland waterways in the world, in the middle of the State that has the seventh largest economy in the world. We are diverse, intelligent and are home to citizens with some of the highest salaries in the Bay Area.

As a city councilwoman, I plan to tackle those issues that are preventing us from changing our story.  We must maintain and improve the number of police that protect this great city. We must support the extension of Measure C to support law enforcement and all efforts to keep our citizens safe. We need Code Enforcement to return to pre-recession employee levels to tackle the negligent and irresponsible landlords and business owners who do not maintain their properties or shopping centers and all areas of blight in our community.  We must develop a long-term plan to support the rehabilitation, support of services and housing for homeless.

We must work together with the Antioch Unified School District as over 20,000 of our citizens attend Antioch schools, private and public as AUSD is our largest employer, their concerns and challenges are and should be the City of Antioch’s concerns and challenges.  We need to develop a strategic plan to address infrastructure needs for our entire city especially our older north Antioch community. We must work with other cities in the Bay area and aggressively promote job development in East County and along Antioch’s northern waterfront, a gold mine of possibility for good living wage jobs for our citizens.

We must sit down with our community, developers and other interests, in collaborating on what smart growth and development looks like before we end up at a stalemate.  We must listen to our citizens, promote community and civic events and create reasons for our community to come together to celebrate.  I am committed, passionate and capable of making a difference.  Hope this helps you understand why I am running.”

On Thursday, Feb. 22 Motts filed paperwork for the formation of her campaign committee, “Citizens for Joy Motts – 2018 City Council,” allowing her to begin raising receiving contributions. Form 410 – Citizens For Joy Motts – 2018 City Council rcvd 2-22-18

For more information about the city’s districting process, click here. For information about running for city council, contact the City Clerk’s office at (925) 779-7009.