By Acting Lieutenant Tom Fuhrmann, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

At 3:50 hours, today, Monday, February 22, 2016, Antioch Police Officers were dispatched to the 3400 block of Oakley Road on the reports of shots being fired in the area and a subject down. Upon arrival officers located an 18-year-old male who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and transported the victim to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Antioch Police Detectives were called to the scene and are actively working the investigation as a homicide. If it is determined to be, it will be Antioch’s fourth homicide of the year.

The location of the crime scene was between Phillips Lane in Antioch and Highway 160. Police had Oakley Road blocked off between Phillips Lane and Neroly Road in Oakley.

No further information will be released at this time as we are in the early stages of the investigation. 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.

As published in City Manager Steve Duran’s Weekly Report dated February 19, 2016 and provided by Chief of Police Allan Cantando. More serious or interesting crimes highlighted in bold.

Calls for Service and Arrest Data Summary:

Time Period: 02/11/16 00:00:00 – 02/17/16 23:59:59

Number of Calls for Service: 1,736

Number of Case Reports: 260

Number of Arrests: 96

Felony: 38

Misdemeanor: 58

Arrests with DUI charge: 3

The data is based upon unaudited CAD/RMS data at time of report generation.

• ·On 2/17/16 at 6:40 pm, an unknown adult male wearing a mask entered Clear Comm Wireless in the 2500 block of Sycamore Dr and brandished a firearm. The responsible demanded the money from the register and ordered the clerk and customer to give him their money and cell phones. The customer told the responsible he was not going to give up his money and wrestled the responsible for the gun. During the struggle for the gun, the magazine fell out and the responsible fled the store as the customer gave chase. The customer was unable to catch the responsible and returned to the store. A short time later the responsible returned to the store and demanded the money and cell phones a second time. This time the responsible shot the customer who chased him one time. The customer sustained a gunshot wound to the left hand and left thigh. The responsible left the store with several phones and an unknown amount of cash. The customer was transported to the hospital for his injuries which were not life threatening.
• ·On 2/17/16 at 5:33pm, officers were dispatched to W 11^th St and Diamond St on a report of subjects hanging out in a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, officers contacted 29 year old Vernon Smith. Smith was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a glass pipe. He was issued a citation was released from the scene.
• ·On 2/17/16 at 12:35 pm, officers attempted to contact 24 year old Raymond Cardoza on a bicycle and he fled. Ultimately, Cardoza got tired and was contacted by police. He lied about his name and was found to be in possession of burglary tools. He was arrested and booked into the county jail.
• ·On 2/16/16 at 11:42 pm, officers responded to Starlight Lane and Mahogany Way on a report of a vehicle rollover collision with people trapped. Officers arrived and located a vehicle on its roof and having collided into the backside of two apartments at 2201 Sycamore. The subjects in the vehicle fled prior to arrival and it was determined the vehicle was an unreported stolen out of Oakley. There are no suspect leads. The two tenants were displaced due to the extensive damage to the building. Red Cross was called and provided assistance to the tenants.
• ·On 2/16/16 at 10:54 pm, an anonymous caller reported that a drunk female had just left Lou’s bar and was last seen driving southbound on A St. Officers located the vehicle and conducted an enforcement stop in the area of 18^th St and A St. They contacted the driver, 55 year old Janet Wilson, who was found to be intoxicated. Wilson was subsequently arrested and booked into county jail for DUI.
• ·On 2/16/16 at 8:45 pm, officers made a traffic stop on 28 year old Daryk Robinson and during the contact located methamphetamine in his possession. He was taken into custody and site released.
• ·On 2/16/16 at 1:09 pm, an officer responded to 1015 Fitzuren Rd on a report of an argument and possible fight. There, the officer contacted 30 year old Zarina Wilson who was found to have a warrant for her arrest. She was taken into custody and transported to county jail.
• ·On 2/15/16 at 9:29 pm, officers responded to a home in the 4900 Waterford Way on a report of a family disturbance. Upon arrival they contacted 41 year old Daniel Bryant. A computer check on Bryant revealed he had a no bail warrant for his arrest. The warrant was confirmed and Bryant was arrested without incident and booked into county jail.
• ·On 2/15/16 at 8:48 pm, Rio Vista PD pursued a red Jeep driven by 21 year old Danny Walton into Antioch. Walton had a felony warrant for assault with a deadly weapon and a probation violation. Walton crashed into a parked car at E 13th St and Marie Ave, causing major damage to his vehicle. Walton was able to continue for a short distance further until his vehicle became disabled on Cavallo Rd near E 13^th St. Walton fled on foot and was not located. No APD units were involved in the pursuit. We assisted with a perimeter, extensive area check for Walton, and took the collision report.
• ·On 2/15/16 at 8:48 pm, as a follow up to Rio Vista PD’s pursuit, information was obtained that the responsible driver, 21 year old Danny Walton may have gone into 323 Nash Ave. Officer’s made contact with the homeowner, 33 year old Terrence Smith, who was less than cooperative. A records check on Smith revealed he had a warrant out for his arrest for a weapons violation. Smith was arrested without incident. The original suspect, Walton was not located. Smith was booked into county jail.
• ·On 2/15/16 at 3:56 pm, officers were dispatched to the 2300 block of Buchanan Rd for a complaint about homeless setting up a camp. Officers arrived on scene and contacted 38 year old Steven Davenport. Davenport had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. He was arrested without incident and booked at county jail.
• ·On 2/15/16 at 12:40 pm, officers were dispatch to 2301 Sycamore Dr regarding two subjects breaking into a vacant apartment. Officers arrived on scene and located 39 year old Julian Owens and 29 year old Vartisha Jones inside the apartment. They were arrested and cited for trespassing. Owens was sent to county jail on five outstanding bench warrants.
• ·On 2/15/16 at 12:27 am, officers responded to calls of shots fired in the 2100 block of Peppertree Way and contacted a victim who was sitting in his vehicle in the carport. There were two bullet holes in his vehicle and one in an unoccupied vehicle next to him. The victim denied seeing anything and no suspects were located. We located two .40 cal casings near the vehicles. There were no other victims and no other property damage.
• ·On 2/14/16 at 11:24 pm, 24 year old Luis Avila-Cervantes was stopped and contacted for traffic violations. Officers obtained consent to search his vehicle and found metal knuckles in the center console area. Avila-Cervantes was taken into custody without incident and sent to county jail.
• n 2/14/16 at 5:00 pm, officers were responding to a shots fired call in the area of West 11th and G St when they located a stolen vehicle occupied by 30 year old Justin Hernandez. Hernandez was taken into custody without incident and later sent to county jail. No victims, casings, or property damage was located regarding the shots call.
• ·On 2/14/16 at 2:46 pm, an officer was dispatched to West 8^th St for a suspicious subject call. The officer contacted 52 year old Mark Arroyo who was on parole. During a search of Arroyo, he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Arroyo was arrested and a parole hold was placed on him. He was booked into county jail without incident.
• ·On 2/14/16 at 2:43 am, officers were dispatched to the 2100 block of Beechwood Ct for a report of two males breaking into a vehicle. Officers arrived on scene and no one was located. During an area search, an officer located 25 year old Johnny Ramos inside of a vehicle on Mahua Way. Ramos advised he was at his friend’s house and provided a false name to the officer. The officer contacted the homeowner who advised he did not know Ramos and advised Ramos should not have been in his car. Ramos was arrested and admitted to breaking into the car. He was booked at APD and released on a citation.
• ·On 2/14/16 at 2:43 am, an officer was clearing the cover for the above stop. He located 35 year old Ansu Bailey at Bamboo Way and Muirwood Way who matched the description from the original burglary call for service. He conducted a pedestrian stop and learned Bailey was on parole. He conducted a parole search and located several items belonging to another victim. The victim was contacted and it was learned she lived a few blocks away from the pedestrian stop. The victim did not know Bailey and he was not supposed to be in possession of her belongings. The victim went to her vehicle and discovered someone ransacked the interior of her vehicle stealing some of her belongings. Parole was contacted and placed a parole hold on Bailey and he was transported to county jail.
• ·On 2/13/16 at 1:29 am, officers were on foot patrol in the area of W. 9th Street, J Street, and the cottages nearby when they observed 23 year old Timothy Crabtree who they knew had a warrant. Crabtree was contacted with 25 year old Joseph Curiel and arrested without incident. Crabtree was sent to county jail.
• ·On 2/13/16 at 9:35 am, an officer was on routine patrol when he saw 52 year old Dale Saunders run a stop sign. The officer stopped Saunders and found him to be on probation. The vehicle was searched and the officer located 3.4 grams of methamphetamine inside of the vehicle. Saunders was issued a citation and released.
• ·On 2/13/16 at 3:39 am, APD received a call regarding a blue Honda parked in the Wal-Mart parking lot with a possible intoxicated male inside. Upon our arrival, we located 35 year old Cesar Briones parked in the middle of the parking lot asleep, ignition on, windshield wipers moving, car in drive, and foot on the brake. Officers observed there to be two empty wine bottles on the passenger seat along with two empty beer cans. Officers were able to place the vehicle into park prior to Briones waking and crashing. After a series of field sobriety tests, it was determined Briones was under the influence of alcohol and he was arrested. He was transported to county jail.
• ·On 2/12/16 at 10:21 pm, APD received a call for service regarding vehicles making quick stops at a house in the 4200 block of Merced Cir. The reporting party also indicated the address may be involved with the sales of narcotics. Two APD Corporals have prior knowledge of the owner of the home, 40 year old, Denice Marshall, and knew her to be on probation for the sales of narcotics. Officers from Swing shift and Graveyard partnered and conducted a probation search at the home for Marshall. Upon arrival, Marshall fled upstairs into the master bedroom closing the door. Officers were directly behind her and forced the door open as she was attempting to manipulate a dresser drawer. She was placed into handcuffs without further incident. During the probation search a total of 1/2 ounce of methamphetamine, 3.1 grams of heroin, 5.2 grams of cocaine, and hundreds of prescription pills for sale were located. There was also over $1,100.00 cash located and asset seized.
• ·On 2/12/16 at 9:00 pm, officers were dispatched to the area of 1000 Apollo Ct for a report of 7 to 8 subjects fighting. Upon APD arrival everyone was gone except a 38 year old male, 29 year old Arthur Castro, and a 33 year old male who were preparing to leave in a truck. An officer made contact with the three and Arthur was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia. There was no other party to the altercation located. Arthur Castro was arrested for the narcotics and released on a signed promise to appear.
• ·On 2/12/16 at 2:19 pm, 33 year old Tawny Garrison attempted to leave JC Penney’s with $213 of stolen merchandise. Loss prevention officers attempted to detain Garrison and she violently struggled with them in an attempt to flee. She was taken to the ground and during the struggle bit one of the loss prevention officers on the arm. The other injured her left index finger during the struggle. Garrison claimed that one of the loss prevention officers placed her in a choke hold causing her not to be able to breathe. Due to the claim of being choked, Garrison was medically cleared on her way to county jail for attempted robbery.
• ·On 2/11/16 at 12:24 pm, an officer contacted a suspicious vehicle in front of Dollar General located at 20 West 10th St occupied by 25 year old Johnny Ramos. Ramos had a warrant for his arrest and he was transported to county jail.
• ·On 2/11/16 at 9:18 am, officers made contact on E. Madill St while investigating an unoccupied stolen vehicle parked in front of the residence. Several suspicious subjects were contacted and 38 year old Carlos Montanez was identified as the suspect associated with the vehicle. 20 year old Mitchell Moore was also contacted at the residence and arrested on outstanding warrants. Both were arrested and transported to county jail.
• ·On 2/11/16 at 5:18 am, officers were dispatched to the area of Wildhorse Dr and Folsom Dr for a report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival they made contact with 24 year old Cesar Acosta who was found to be in possession of a concealed knife and shaved keys. Acosta was arrested and sent to county jail.
• ·On 2/11/16 at 3:41 am, officers were dispatched to Goodwill at 2701 Verne Roberts Cir on a report of a video verified alarm. The alarm company advised a subscriber would be en-route to the location. Officers arrived on scene and contacted both 29 year old Joseph Dalessio and 38 year old Angela Pena. They were placed under citizens arrest by the subscriber for trespassing and petty theft. Dalessio was recently identified by APD for Brentwood as a responsible in a grand theft case based on a flier Brentwood PD distributed. Dalessio is on probation and he was sent to county jail. Pena was released on a signed promise to appear.
• ·On 2/10/16 at 12:18 pm, the victim arranged to sell 19 year old Darion Boswell four pairs of tennis shoes and they agreed to meet at Williamson Ranch Park at 5000 Lone Tree Way. The victim and his girlfriend met with Boswell at the park and Boswell robbed both at gunpoint. Boswell then forced the victims into their own vehicle at gunpoint and made them drive him several blocks away from the scene. The victim’s cell phone was pinged and it showed at Gas City/Shell on Lone Tree Way. Officers responded and were able to identify a suspect vehicle on video. An officer located the vehicle driving and made a traffic enforcement stop. Boswell was identified as the person who committed the robbery and was found to be in possession of a loaded Sig P220. Officers interviewed Boswell who admitted to committing numerous residential burglaries and armed robberies in Antioch. Investigations were notified and took over the investigation due to the number of crimes Boswell was admitting to. Boswell was later transported to county jail.

Endorsement shows growing strength for Nance Campaign in Contra Costa portion of 9th Congressional District

Police officer and 9th District Congressional Candidate Kathryn Nance announced that her campaign for Congress has been endorsed by the Republican Party of Contra Costa County. This latest endorsement, coupled with endorsements from the Contra Costa Deputy Sheriffs Association and the Antioch Police Officers Association, shows growing strength for Nance in the Contra Costa County portion of the 9th Congressional District, and area that incumbent Jerry McNerney has always counted on in past elections.

“Kathryn Nance is exactly the kind of candidate we need to take back the 9th Congressional District of California. Her 19 years as a Police Officer for the City of Stockton shows that she not only has the toughness to get things done in Congress, but a commitment to our community that has been lacking from our current representative”, said Rohit Joy, Chairman of the Republican Party of Contra Costa County. “Unlike Jerry McNerney, Kathryn Nance will give us a Representative who will protect our borders and work towards a sensible immigration policy that puts American workers first, will not shrink from the fight against Radical Islamic Terror, and won’t vote to spend our hard earned tax dollars on a disastrous train to nowhere. The Republican Party of Contra Costa County gives its enthusiastic endorsement to Kathryn Nance for the 9th Congressional District.”

“I’m honored that the Republican Party of Contra Costa County have placed their faith and trust in my campaign”, said Nance. “Every day our campaign continues to gain more and more momentum. The people of the 9th Congressional District know it’s time for a member of Congress they can count on.”

The 9th Congressional District encompasses the majority of San Joaquin County, as well as parts of Contra Costa and the City of Galt in Sacramento County.

Born and raised in the Stockton area, Kathryn Nance is a 19-year veteran of the Stockton Police Department, currently serving as a Sergeant with the Department’s AB109 Task Force and as President of the Stockton Police Officers Association.  She has previously served as a Field Training Officer and as a member of the Department’s Gang and Homicide units.  She is married to her husband of 10 years, James Nance, who also serves as an officer with the Stockton Police Department.  Together, they have a blended family of four children, ranging in ages of 16 to 24.  Kathryn is an avid outdoors enthusiast and enjoys activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking and CrossFit.  Kathryn also serves as the Chairwoman of Stockton’s annual “Strides Against Cancer” relay.

To learn more about Kathryn Nance for Congress, visit us online at www.Nance2016.com, like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KathrynNanceForCongress and follow us on Twitter @Nance2016.

Today, candidate for County Supervisor in District 3, Doug Hardcastle announced he has received the endorsement of former State Senator and Contra Costa County Sheriff Richard Rainey and his wife Sue Rainey, former Mayor of both Walnut Creek and Moraga.

Richard served in the California State Assembly from 1992 until 1996 and then served in the State Senate from 1996 until 2000. In 1995, Mr. Rainey was named Legislator of the Year by the California Probation & Parole Correctional Association. Also, during the 1995-96 legislative session, Mr. Rainey served as Chairman of the Assembly Local Government Committee.

“We need a leader on the Board of Supervisors who knows that public safety must be the county’s top priority and is committed to being responsible with the use of our tax dollars. Doug Hardcastle has demonstrated that in his elected positions on the Oakley City Council and sanitary board. That’s why we support him for County Supervisor and encourage you to do the same,” the Raineys said.

Sue Rainey is a former Walnut Creek City Council Member and Mayor. Before moving to Walnut Creek. Rainey worked on the effort to incorporate the Town of Moraga and was on that town’s first council and served as Mayor. She was also a former elected director of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, is founder and president of the Contra Costa Sewer and Water Agency, and was a member of the Contra Costa County Local Agency Formation Commission.

Richard Rainey was hired by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s department in 1964 and he was promoted through the ranks as a deputy sheriff, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain before he was elected County Sheriff in 1978. Mr. Rainey was appointed by Governor George Deukmejian during the 1980’s to the State Board of Corrections and the Board of Trustees of the Robert Presley Institute of Corrections. He served until 1992 when he was elected to the Assembly.

Following his service in the state legislature, Richard served as Director of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Region 9 for both the Bush and Obama Admininstrations. Region 9 covers California, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, the Territory of Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa.

“Having Dick and Sue Rainey’s endorsements means a lot,” Hardcastle said. “Their service to our county provided the strong leadership we needed in Contra Costa. I appreciate their support in my campaign for Supervisor.”

Doug Hardcastle was elected to the Oakley City Council in 2012 and recently completed a year as Mayor. From 2000 to 2012 he served as a Director on the Ironhouse Sanitary District Board, for which he served as President in 2010-2011. He currently serves on both the Transplan Committee and the Tri Delta Transit Board of Directors. Doug and his wife Lyn own Hardcastle’s RV in Oakley and have for over 40 years. Doug was selected Oakley Business Person of the Year in 2006. He’s a life-long resident of Contra Costa County. For more information visit www.doughardcastle.com.

Supervisor District 3 includes Oakley, Brentwood, Discovery Bay, Blackhawk, Diablo, Camino Tassajara, Bethel Island, Byron, Knightsen and a portion of Antioch. The election is on June 7, 2016.

By Devon Minnema

I’ve recently been in Nevada working for a Super PAC. While it was truly nice to be surrounded by coworkers who share my ideology (for the most part), it served as a reminder for why I believe what I believe. While moderates would probably like to label me a “libertarian,” I consider myself a conservative first and foremost. I have found, especially in speaking with voters during my time out of state, that few people truly understand what a conservative really is. Conservatives are not nationalists, nor are they budget busters, nor are they the so-called “moral majority.”

A conservative believes in Renaissance ideals; Freedom, equality, liberty, respect, and diplomacy. Unlike Donald Trump’s fallacious supposition that conservatism is about, “conserving our money, conserving our wealth,” it is in fact all about conserving order in the pursuit of those ideals. In America, this concept has been adapted to protect the Constitution, which is more than just a piece of paper, but rather the enshrinement of those ideals. Peaceful transition of power, restrictions on the influence of the federal government, and the protection of states’ ability to make their own laws and economic systems are key pieces in the Constitutional puzzle. This is why conservatives are so often constitutionalists as well.

Simply wanting smaller government or even good governance does not a conservative make. You must ask yourself why. Why do you want smaller government? Is it so you can enjoy freedom and liberty? Or is it simply because you don’t trust Democrats?

The Renaissance was much more than simply writers coming up with new political concepts. The Renaissance was a renewal in the Greek and Roman tradition of being at peace with our humanity. This also meant that you could be at peace with other’s humanity, whether you agreed with their interpretation of the world around them or not.

Our “Western Civilization” developed due to shared suffering under Roman Catholic rule after the fall of the Roman Empire. Rather than continue to live under the oppressive and corrupt ways of the Medieval Church and it’s approved monarchies, the Renaissance brought back the Greek and Roman interest in secular governance. Roman Catholicism preached that people needed to be ashamed of their humanity. Piousness and subservience to the church was the ideal. A life of comfort or success was seen as gluttony and greed, as any and all profit beyond what was needed for survival should be “given” to either the church or the church-approved ruler. The “Dark Ages” was a period of civilizational formation, where nomadic tribes fell into this shared experience in which tyrants and the occasional real leader would unite and/or subjugate them. It took approximately 1500 years for our civilization to realize that despots, with unlimited power over their subject’s lives, was not a very good idea.

The Renaissance was just as much a historical breaking point as it was an intellectual and scientific enlightenment. The educated members of this civilization were able to look back at the previous 1500 years and realize that not one kingdom had sustained prosperity for more than a few decades at a time. That was because rulers who had been easy on their people or stood up to the church in defense of their subjects were more often than not followed by a ruler who didn’t care about their living conditions or natural rights.

When our nation’s founders put together the Constitution, they knew that never before had a government been formed with the intention of protecting people’s rights rather than impeding upon them. The founders had already tried a straight representative democracy, but knew that it had been too chaotic and simply resulted in either the smaller states being trampled or the larger states being stifled.

Our country is special. It is not because our people are somehow inherently “better,” or that we have some secret “superior” values or even that there is any specific cultural difference, as many nations within Western Civilization share, to some degree, our values. Nor does it have anything to do with our soil. The area of the United States could just as easily be ruled by a despot as it could be a republic.

It is that our government was founded upon the idea of liberty and then that was anchored with the Constitution.

There is no threat nor technology that changes the importance of freedom.

ISIS is scary, and social networking makes it all the more apparent, but the anarchist movement of the 1800s was just as scary and that resulted in the assassination of a United States president. The Tripolitan Pirates declared war on us and actively captured and tortured American citizens but we didn’t give up our Constitution. The British invaded and burned Washington, D.C. and we still didn’t give up our Constitutional rights.

Despite our resolution to hold the Constitution sacred in the first half of our national history, we hail those presidents that amassed more power for themselves, or even broke the law. Democrats romanticize Franklin D. Roosevelt when he imprisoned American citizens and denied them due process, all in addition to abusing the Interstate Commerce Clause to the point of logical yoga. We hail Lyndon B. Johnson as a hero for the working class when his policies bastardized the 10th amendment and have kept the American south poor and uneducated for decades. We put Truman on a coin despite nationalizing an entire industry and shredding property rights as well as the aforementioned 10th amendment..

To invalidate even one piece of the Constitution is to invalidate the culmination of the sum experiences of Western Civilization and essentially say that “We know better.” Do you really have that much hubris that you would risk forcing posterity to live under tyranny. Invalidate the Constitution and you invalidate what made us great.

So go ahead, tell me that you have nothing to hide and that the FBI should force Apple to risk the cyber security and privacy of the entire country, but realize what you are saying by invalidating the fourth and first amendments. Go ahead and claim that presidents shouldn’t be required to get a declaration of war, as required by the Constitution, but realize the consequences of perpetual intervention overseas.

Conservatism isn’t about conserving wealth or conserving resources, it is about conserving freedom and liberty, the ideals that faux conservative politicians so quickly bastardize in the name of nationalism or national defense. If what you want is nationalism or military dominance, go ahead. Vote for the Hillary’s, and Trump’s, and Marco’s of this world. But true conservatives will be fighting to defend our rights, our Constitution, and not just the bits that are politically expedient.

Minnema is a 20-year-old college student and small business owner.

The 2016 Antioch Speedway schedule was just released, and it details a season that begins with March 12 and 19 playdays, followed by the season opener on March 26.  Racing is booked nearly every week from then through September 24 with a race to be announced on October 8.  Generally, there will be five divisions on race night with the occasional six division show.

Notable on the schedule are the 25 races currently listed for the B “Sport” Mods and 20 races for the Hobby Stocks.  Those two divisions will be doing the “heavy lifting” for the speedway as the next most races are booked for the A Mods (15).  Dwarf Cars, Wingless Spec Sprints and Limited Late Models all remain on the schedule.  On alternate weeks, Winged 360 Sprint Cars and Late Models will headline the show, and California Hardtops have been scheduled five times.  The BCRA Midget Lites make two appearances.

Details of purse and point fund money for Winged 360 Sprints and Late Models are forthcoming.  Last year, and despite some low turnouts, the Sprint Cars still paid $1200 to win and $150 to start.  This year’s schedule has 13 dates for the popular Winged Sprint Cars, five more than last year.

The real question is who will be supporting the class, and will car count increase?  Oval Motorsports has made a commitment to establishing this division at Antioch.  Defending champion Shawn Arriaga, past champion Art McCarthy, Dan Gonderman, Ricky Brophy and possibly two cars from the Haulot Racing Team are among those expected to return, and the potential is there to at least maintain 10-12 cars per race.

The Late Models, meanwhile, are coming off of a season in which they usually had no less than then ten cars throughout the 14 race schedule.  It’s not anticipated that this will change for this 11 race season, but who will be coming back is the question.  Jeff Decker, Chester Kniss, David Newquist and Mike Hynes are anticipated, along with cars from the Guglielmoni racing stables, Rob Norris, Dennis Souza, Danny Malfatti and Troy Foulger.

B Mods are being put to the test with a heavy schedule.  Ryland Racing is expected to return with defending champion Fred Ryland and his wife Patti Ryland both racing.  Chuck Golden, Al Johnson, Ron Brown, Trevor Clymens, Keith Brown Jr., Megan Ponciano and K.C. Keller are others to watch for.  We should be seeing a few rookies in the class, including Jeremey Jennings and a car from the Swank Racing Team.

Some of the biggest buzz centers around the Hobby Stocks as 2015 champion Kimo Oreta moves up to Limited Late Models. This leaves the race wide open, and one question centers around how much racing past champions Brad and Melissa Myers will do this year.  Jordan Swank is anticipated to be one of the front runners along with Michael Cooper, Danny Jones, Natalie Perry, Robert Niven and Frank Furtado.

Two past champions, Dan McCown and Chris Sorensen, and hard charger Chris Long are both anticipated to be on the highly competitive roster as well Steven Rogers, Chase Templeton, Mitchell Loccicere, Jim Robbins and at least one car from the Jennings Racing Team.  Also joining the fray are rookies like Billy Garner, Brent Curran, Guy Ahlwardt, Lindsey Buirch and Natalie Waldrop.  The fact is, the Hobby Stocks are poised for a big season since it appears as if the rules situation has settled down.

Speaking of rules issues settling down, the Wingless Spec Sprints should have a better season this year as well.  While champion Kyle Bakkie may not be racing as much as he concentrates on his studies, Rick Panfili, Alan Miranda, James East, Peter Carlotto and Jeremy Newberry are anticipated this season.

It gets better as Jimmy Perry III will be joined by his father, Jim Perry Jr., this year.  Perry Jr. and Perry III are both past champions and are first and third, respectively, on the division’s all time win list.  After a runner up season in Dwarf Cars, Adam Teves is moving up to Spec Sprints to make a run at top rookie honors.

Furthermore, last year’s top rookie, Marcus Smith, was preparing a car for the new season when he landed the ride in Richard Basden’s #20 car, numbered in honor of the retiring division original Keith Shipherd.  Meanwhile, Smith’s car will be driven by two time champion Dan Gonderman.  Speaking of two time champions, Billy Macedo is anticipated for the coming season as well.

The A Mod roster should remain competitive.  Aaron Crowell should be ready out of the gate this year, which could put him in line for his second championship.  Five time champion Scott Busby may have something to say about that.  Other drivers to watch for include Bobby Motts Jr., 2014 titlist Carl Berendsen II, Trent Wentworth, Nick Viscusi III, Troy Foulger, Shawn DeForest, Josh Combs, Mike Salazar, Clay Twigg and Ed Daviess.

David Teves will return to attempt to defend his Dwarf Car championship, but he can expect a challenge from two time champion Danny Wagner and hard charger Mike Corsaro.  Ageless veteran Charlie Correia should also be back, while Kevin Miraglio is poised for a breakout season.  Other hard chargers like Kurtis Craig, Miranda Chappa, Thomas Leiby, Tim Reeder, Brian Gray, 2010 champion Jerry Doty and Josh Nelson will make this another strong season for Dwarf Car racing in Antioch.

Not to be forgotten in the equation is Limited Late Models, where Larry Damitz has won four of the last five championships and just may be the driver to beat.  As he has dialed in the car he debuted last season, 2013 champion Jim Freethy may have something to say about that, and Mark Garner will be out to improve on last season’s third place ranking.  John Evans will field the former Mike Hynes car, while Lori Brown, Eric Berendsen, Calvin Louis, Kimo Oreta, Jim Robbins, Gene Haney, John Keith, Ryan Cherezian and all time Limited Late Model feature win leader Mike Gustafson should also be on the roster.

The California Hardtops will get five races, making Antioch the track giving the Northern California vintage racing division the most races on dirt.  Mike McCann certainly assisted in the process of making this happen as he began discussions with John M. Soares.  CHA leader John Philbert was able to finalize the deal.  Rob Waldrop was the top dirt track racer last season in this group, driving for Bill McLaughlin, and he will be back this year.  Other drivers we’ll be anticipating this season include Tommy Thomson in the car he raced at Vallejo Speedway in the late 1970’s, Dan Williams, Ken Clifford, Jason Clifford, Dennis Armstrong, Jason Armstrong, Rick Ruiz, Dave Mackey, Larry Damitz and Doug Braudrick.

More details on the schedule should emerge, such as what is and isn’t sanctioned and any special races.  March 26 is the opener and will feature Late Models, Limited Late Models, B Mods, Dwarf Cars and Hobby Stocks.  As always, the schedule is subject to change.  What is not subject to change is the fact that the 19th season of Oval Motorsports promoting Antioch Speedway should offer lots of excitement for the racing fans out there.  The official www.ovalmotorsports.com website will be updated soon for Antioch Speedway information.

2016 Antioch Speedway Schedule

March 12 Practice

March 19 Practice

March 26 Opening Day Late Models, Limited Late Models, B Mods, Dwarf Cars, Hobby Stocks

April 2 Winged 360 Sprints, B Mods, Dwarf Cars, Hobby Stocks, BCRA Midget Lites

April 9 A Mods ($1000 to win), B Mods ($400 to win), Spec Sprints, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks

April 16 Late Models, Spec Sprints, Limited Late Models, A Mods, B Mods

April 23 Winged 360 Sprints, A Mods, B Mods, Dwarf Cars, Hobby Stocks

April 30 Late Models, A Mods, B Mods, Spec Sprints, Hobby Stocks, Hardtops

May 7 Winged 360 Sprints, Limited Late Models, Spec Sprints, B Mods, Hobby Stocks

May 14 Late Models, A Mods, B Mods, Dwarf Cars, Hobby Stocks

May 21 Winged 360 Sprints, A Mods, B Mods, Limited Late Models, Dwarf Cars, Hardtops

June 4 Late Models, B Mods, Spec Sprints, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks

June 11 Winged 360 Sprints, Spec Sprints, A Mods, B Mods, Hobby Stocks

June 18 Late Models, Winged 360 Sprints, A Mods, B Mods, Dwarf Cars

June 25 Winged 360 Sprints, Spec Sprints, B Mods, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks, Hardtops

July 9 Late Models, A Mods, B Mods, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks

July 16 Winged 360 Sprints, Spec Sprints, B Mods, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks

July 23 Late Models, Spec Sprints, Dwarf Cars, B Mods, Hobby Stocks

July 30 Winged 360 Sprints, A Mods, B Mods, Limited Late Models, Dwarf Cars, Hobby Stocks

August 6 Winged 360 Sprint Cars, A Mods, B Mods, Dwarf Cars, Hobby Stocks

August 13 Late Models, Spec Sprints, A Mods, B Mods, Limited Late Models, Dwarf Cars

August 20 Winged 360 Sprints, BCRA Midget Lites, Limited Late Models, B Mods, Hobby Stocks, Hardtops

August 27 Winged 360 Sprints, Spec Sprints, A Mods, B Mods, Hobby Stocks

September 3 Late Models, Spec Sprints, A Mods, B Mods, Dwarf Cars

September 10 Winged 360 Sprints, A Mods, B Mods, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks, Hardtops

September 17 Late Models, Winged 360 Sprints, A Mods, B Mods, Dwarf Cars, Hobby Stocks

September 24 Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Spec Sprints, Limited Late Models, B Mods, Dwarf Cars, Hobby Stocks

October 8 To Be Announced

* Schedule Subject To Change

Grocer gives first percent of net profits to support local nonprofits

On Wednesday, February 17, 2016 Smart & Final, the value-oriented food and everyday staples retailer, announced the launch of its new giving campaign, First Street First Percent, which donates the first one percent of net profits from the sale of its First Street® private label brand products at its US-based Smart & Final banner stores in California, Nevada and Arizona to the Smart & Final Charitable Foundation™ to support local nonprofits.

“Smart & Final has a long history of giving back to the communities we serve,” said Smart & Final CEO Dave Hirz. “With our new First Street First Percent program, we are taking our community commitment to the next level.”

First Street, Smart & Final’s flagship private label brand, features more than 2,000 quality products and represents over 23 percent of Smart & Final’s total sales. Customers can find First Street® products across most categories throughout the store, from grocery, frozen and dairy to packaging and cleaning products.

Starting today, Smart & Final customers will see signage throughout the store that provides information about the First Street First Percent program and showcases how their purchase of First Street products can benefit local communities.

“Now when customers buy First Street products, our premier private label brand, they will be giving back to local communities through our Smart & Final Charitable Foundation,” Hirz added.

Through the Smart & Final Charitable Foundation, funds generated will support local nonprofits, e.g., food pantries, Little Leagues, Boys & Girls Clubs, the American Heart Association, Special Olympics, Olive Crest, local schools and many more.

“Buying First Street products will mean better playgrounds, more music in schools, more new uniforms and more meals for friends and neighbors in need,” Hirz continued.

Throughout the years, the Smart & Final Charitable Foundation has donated millions of dollars to causes and organizations focused on four key areas – health and wellness, education, hunger relief, and team sports and youth development.

Recipients of donations range from local Little Leagues and Boys & Girls Clubs to food pantries and organizations such as The American Heart Association, Olive Crest and the Special Olympics. In 2015, the Smart & Final Charitable Foundation gave more than $900,000 to community organizations in California, Arizona and Nevada where the company has stores.

When customers purchase First Street products, which range from grocery, frozen and dairy products to packaging and cleaning, they will be contributing to the development of more playgrounds, more school uniforms, and increasing the amount of meals available to people in need in their local communities.

For more information about First Street First Percent, visit www.smartandfinal.com/firstpercent.

About Smart & Final

Smart & Final Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SFS), is a value-oriented food and everyday staples retailer that serves household and business customers. The Company is headquartered in Commerce (located in Los Angeles), CA, where it was founded 145 years ago. As of January 3, 2016, the Company operated 276 grocery and foodservice stores under the “Smart & Final,” “Smart & Final Extra!”  including their location in Antioch, and “Cash & Carry Smart Foodservice” banners in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, and Idaho, with an additional 15 stores in northern Mexico operated through a joint venture.

Smart & Final Charitable Foundation, located at 600 Citadel Drive, Commerce, CA 90040, is a nonprofit charitable organization that donates to local charities and other non-profit organizations. No part of the purchase price for the First Street First Percent program may be deducted as a charitable contribution.