Sacramento – On Wednesday, Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D – Oakley) received the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers’ (CACVSO) legislator of the year award.

“These men and women have served our country in the greatest capacity. It is an honor to receive this award today,” said Assemblymember Frazier. “I admire the CVSOs’ commitment to serve veterans and relish any opportunity to be part of their hard work.”

Assemblymember Frazier authored AB 935 in 2014, which allows a special designation to be placed on a driver’s license to identify the person as a veteran. This makes it easier for veterans to access crucial services and benefits. Since the implementation of the bill in November 2015, CACVSO has issued 14,184 eligibility forms for the new license.

“We could never fully repay the debt of gratitude owed to our veterans. This designation ensures they receive every benefit that they are entitled,” stated Assemblymember Frazier. “I am proud to announce that since this option became available three months ago, over 1,458 veterans – who were unaware they qualified – have filed claims with the federal Veterans Administration (VA) for federal benefits through their local CVSO.”

With veteran’s claims in California averaging $18,000 annually it is estimated that these new claims will bring in an additional $26,244,000 in federal funds with the potential to bring in $750,000,000 annually to our veterans. This money goes directly to our veterans.

To learn more about how to receive a “veteran” designation on your driver’s license, please visit: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/coi/veterans/veterans_driver_license

Assemblymember Frazier represents the 11^th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Antioch, Bethel Island, Birds Landing, Brentwood, Byron, Collinsville, Discovery Bay, Fairfield, Isleton, Knightsen, Locke, Oakley, Pittsburg (partial), Rio Vista, Suisun City, Travis AFB, Vacaville and Walnut Grove.

By Patrick McCarran

It is a new year and spring is nearly here. One thing that has not changed this year is that most of the homebuyers in today’s’ market are looking for “turn key homes”, properties that don’t require a lot of work and a home that says “wow” to a buyer will still command top dollar and multiple offers.

Your goal is to get the buyer to say “wow” at least three times. First when they pull up to the house, aka curb appeal, next as they walk through the house and lastly as they leave. To accomplish this inspect both inside and outside the home. Make a list of repairs or upgrades include the little things and the larger things. Traditionally the staples for increased value are a fresh coat of paint on the walls, doors, and trim.  Paint the front door or at minimum give it a good cleaning. Powerwash the sidewalks, entry and driveways, add some fresh mulch around landscaping. Organize the closets and cupboards so they don’t looks stuffed. Take a look at the light fixtures, the bathroom and kitchen faucets. Repair dripping faucets and drains that aren’t operating or maybe they need updating. Think about upgrading to granite prices today are low and return is high. This is a great opportunity to update with minimal cost and excellent return. Remember it is often the little things such as burned-out bulbs, broken sockets or switches and loose railings. Replace torn screens, broken fencing and put a fresh coat of stain on the fences and the deck.

I recommend hiring a professional home inspector to thoroughly and impartially evaluate the property. A standard report will review the condition of the home’s heating system, central air conditioning, plumbing and electrical systems, the roof, attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, the foundation, and visible structure.

By obtaining the pre-inspection it avoids any surprises and allows you to review and prioritize the list of repairs.

Staging is an excellent way of showcasing the positive attributes of your home to maximize return. This does not necessarily need to be a full blown redecorating of your home but can be as simple as the need to depersonalize the home. This does NOT mean taking down and hiding every personal picture but it does mean to minimize. Start packing that rare clown collection or the special teddy bear room. What may be “charming” to the seller may seem off-putting to a prospective buyer. The basics of staging are neutral but not plain, less is definitely more, let the light in, and remember to review all the rooms.

A home in good condition demonstrates pride of ownership. Taking the time to give your home a tune up and make it say WOW to a buyer this will go a long way in making sure that you get the most return out of your home. Please feel free to contact me for a free consultation and to help you develop an action plan.

Patrick McCarran can be reached at pmccarran@yahoo.com, by phone at (899) 899-5536, or online at www.CallPatrick.com. Mason-McDuffie Real Estate is an independently owned and operated franchise of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Housing Opportunity.

By Acting Lieutenant Tom Fuhrmann, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

The victim who was found shot on Oakley Road on Monday afternoon, February 22, 2016 and later died at an area hospital, has been identified as Antioch resident, Kail Miramontes (18 yrs old).

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.

By Nick Goodrich

On Tuesday night, February 24, 2016, the Antioch City Council made a firm statement by removing Lamar Thorpe from the Antioch Economic Development Commission, and sending the card room initiative he supported to the city ballot in June.

Thorpe, an Antioch resident and former City Council candidate, was also removed from his position as a Standby Council Member or alternate for Council Member Monica Wilson, along with his wife Patrice Guillory. Wilson’s sole remaining alternate is former Mayor Antioch Donald Freitas, President of the Antioch Historical Society.

Thorpe is one of three Antioch residents listed as proponents of the petition for an ordinance that would limit the number of card rooms in Antioch to two, requiring a vote of the people for a the second one. Funded by the Pacheco-based California Grand Casino, which helped fund a mailer against the re-opening of Kelly’s Card Room a few years ago, the initiative forced the City Council to decide to either adopt the ordinance as presented, or send it to the June ballot, incurring a cost to the city’s General Fund between $132,771 and $177,028. Thorpe openly stated in a letter to the editor that he and his wife Patrice Guillory were leaders in the effort to put the initiative before City Council.

During the Council’s last meeting on February 9^th, Mayor Wade Harper and the Council Members discussed and subsequently sent the issue to the ballot in June. They reaffirmed their decision on Tuesday night and included an argument against it on a 4-0 vote, with Wilson abstaining. During the meeting, she admitted she had signed the petition for the card room initiative during its circulation, but stated that she did so in order for the ordinance to go to the ballot so that Antioch residents could have a say in the issue. Regarding her decision to abstain from the vote on Tuesday night, Wilson said “I just want to hear the voice of the voters.”

The City Council received some criticism for its decision to send the ordinance to the ballot at the city’s cost. One resident urged Council to simply adopt the ordinance as it was presented in the petition, and use the money the city would save in policing efforts. But the Council saw the initiative as a bigger issue: Would Antioch’s decisions be made by outside interests? During the last Council meeting, Harper determined that it would not, saying, “Antioch will not be bullied.”

During public comments, Tuesday evening, Wilson came under fire from several community members for her votes to abstain on the ballot language as well as for voting to remove Thorpe and Guillory as her City Council alternates.

Following the ballot measure vote, Antioch resident and one-time Council candidate Karl Dietzel took Wilson to task.

“I’m very disappointed in your double-sided decision making process,” he said.

Willie Mims, a non-resident but active member of the East County community, spoke before the Council.

“Lamar and Patrice were the victims of a bullying attack.” Mims asked, “Did any of you ask Lamar? Did any of you get his side of the story?”

In his letter to the editor published on this newspaper’s website, Thorpe defended his actions, saying that the current ordinance Antioch has in place leaves too many loopholes and was a “halfhearted effort” by the City Council to regulate gambling in the city.

However, Council Member Tony Tiscareno rebutted that statement.

“This wasn’t a truly local issue that folks brought in, this was originated by an outside agency, another casino,” he said.

The Council unanimously supported Wilson’s decision to remove both Thorpe and Guillory as alternates for City Council.

Following his removal as an alternate, the Council made Thorpe’s immediate removal from the Economic Development Commission official in a unanimous vote. Several residents spoke out both in support and in opposition of the decision, but in light of the recent events surrounding the card room initiative, City Council had made up its mind.

Thorpe spoke in his own defense, saying he was being removed because of a disagreement with the City Council over the card room issue.

In a rare display of public criticism, Council Member Mary Rocha added her concerns about Thorpe, separate from his leadership in the card room initiative effort. She spoke of a meeting in Concord at which Thorpe was publicly critical of the Antioch City Council and the city in general.

“There’s certain times that individuals have to have respect for the City,” Rocha said.

Harper added his comments about Thorpe before the Council took action.

“When you serve the City of Antioch as a Commissioner, you are representing the City of Antioch,” he said. “To prevent any further conflict of interest, I do not think he should serve on the Antioch Economic Development Commission.”

Following a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Lori Ogorchock, the Council voted unanimously to remove Thorpe from the commission, effective immediately.

Tickets are still available, but going fast! Click, here.

For the first time, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce announced their annual award honorees before their annual gala dinner. The dinner will be held on Friday, March 11th and will honor the the 2015 Citizens of the Year for Lifetime Achievement and Most Impact, as well as Youth, Large and Small Businesses, and Nonprofit organization of the Year.

Jane Parsons

Jane Parsons, an Antioch institution who has served her community as a volunteer and an elected official for more than four decades, has been named Antioch’s 2015 Citizen of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, along with Ken Turnage II as 2015 Citizen of the Year, Most Impact.

Citizen of the Year Lifetime Achievement

Jane Parsons was first appointed as a City Treasurer in 1983 and went on to win five elections, retiring in 2004. Jane has volunteered for over forty years for many community efforts including Rivertown Jamboree, Holiday De Lites and the Lighted Boat Parade, Soroptimist International of Antioch, Delta Thunder Boat Parade, Delta 2000 and is a past Commodore of the Driftwood Yacht Club. Jane is the longest serving member of the Antioch Chamber’s Ambassadors, supporting mixers, ribbon cuttings and more. She is one of those rare individuals who serves quietly and always has a smile and wonderful attitude. Those who have worked with her over the years do so because she is so inspiring and she serves without regard to personal gain and always for a good cause, women, children and the entire community.

Ken Turnage II

Citizen of the Year Most Impact

Ken Turnage II grew up in Antioch watching Antioch’s greatest mentors and influential families shape the community. Today, Ken serves on Antioch’s Economic Development Commission, is a member of the Antioch Rotary Club, supports and participates in the many events and activities of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, and is a strong supporter Antioch Police Activities League (PAL) and the Leo Fontana Family Foundation. Through these organizations, along with many others, Ken’s efforts work towards creating and sustaining a sense of pride in Antioch.  Ken continuously offers his support and guidance to community events, however, the highlights of 2015 were using his extensive construction skills building Santa’s Sleigh for the Holiday De Lites parade and creating a pool top dance floor for the annual Rotarian Luau.

The other winners of the 2015 awards are:  Large Business of the Year, Sutter Health Medical Center; Small Business of the Year, M.A.L.U. Fitness; Nonprofit of the Year, Antioch Rotary Club.  The Youth of the Year winners will be announced at the event.

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce Inaugural Gala will be held on Friday, March 11th, 6:00 PM at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. Tickets are on sale now at AntiochChamber.com, emailing JDossey@AntiochChamber.com or by calling (925) 757-1800.

By Barbara Zivica

Here we go again.  The City Council has once again decided on a ballot measure to make the City Treasurer an appointed position.  It will appear on the June ballot, in addition to the card room ballot measure.  Cost of placing the card room measure on the ballot is estimated to be $132,000 to $177,000, no additional cost to put the City Treasurer measure on the ballot at the same time.  The City is claiming, however, that by making the City Treasurer’s position an appointed position rather than an elected position the City would save $22,000.   Basically the savings would come from a future decision by Council to permit a finance director or existing staff member to take over the treasurer’s duties at the current salary.

State law requires a general law city, like Antioch, to have a city clerk and city treasurer.  The positions may be elected or appointed.  In 2012, 323 of California’s approximately 480 cities had an appointed city clerk, 307 had an appointed city treasurer.  Oakley and Brentwood both have appointed city clerks and city treasurers which, however, does not mean that Antioch should follow suit.

In case voters don’t remember, in June 2012 Council voted to place Measure L on the ballot.   If approved by a majority of voters, it would have made the offices of City Clerk and City Treasurer appointed rather than elected positions, allowing Council or the City Manager to make the appointment.  The results of the election:  29.15% YES votes, 70.85% NO votes.

When the question was asked “Shall the offices of city clerk and city treasurer be appointed”  the following basic argument was made against Measure L and still applies:  Keeping the positions elected means the voters hold the power, not Council who can fill the positions with their “rubber stamped” appointees.

Just look at Mayor Wade Harper’s recent request to remove Lamar Thorpe from the Antioch Economic Commission and Council Member Monica Wilson’s request to remove Thorpe as  one of her Standby Council Members.   Wilson recently admitted she signed the card room ballot petition filed by Thorpe, Patrice Guillary and LaTanya Harmon. That initiative, which will also be on the June ballot was sponsored by the California Grand Casino in Pacheco, in an attempt to eliminate competition. (Both Harper and Wilson are running for County Supervisor District 3 – Mary Piepho’s seat)

Prohibiting the public from voting on currently elected positions would only insulate City Council’s appointed cronies, preventing active, thinking, voting taxpayers the ability to publicly question their actions.  Folks, this is a Mayor and Council that can’t be trusted to appoint responsible people to city positions and are having to remove one of them, as a result.

I say it’s time for the public to start taking the reins back in our own hands.

Vote for Your Favorite Antioch Businesses  for Gold, Silver and Bronze awards and You’ll be Entered to Win Prizes from Local Businesses!

Our annual awards program is back to recognize those Antioch businesses, which the people like most.

The 2016 Antioch People’s Choice Awards will honor the best businesses as determined by your votes.

Be sure to see the official ballot on pages 13 and 14 of this issue, cut it out, write in your choices and mail or drop it off at our office at 101 H Street, Waldie Plaza, Suite 3 in downtown Antioch.

Ballots must be received by Friday, March 11 to be counted.

Winning businesses will be announced in our April issue and be given special decals for their business windows, and be able to use one of the logos, above in their advertising, throughout the year.

One ballot per person. Copies are accepted. Ballots will be entered into a drawing to win gift certificates from local businesses.

Download a copy of the ballot, here: 2016 People’s Choice ballot web