By Nick Goodrich

On Wednesday night, October 14th, the Antioch Unified School District Board of Education met to discuss the process of filling a vacant spot on the board, and began gearing up for the search for a new superintendent. The Board currently has one vacancy following the resignation of Board Member Barbara Cowan, who announced her resignation in September.

The Board will begin the selection process by issuing a notice of vacancy, informing residents and potential candidates of the opening; the next step, shortly after the notice, will be to begin accepting paper applications from qualified applicants. In addition, the Board will hold a special meeting on November 24th to search for candidates to replace Superintendent Donald Gill, who also announced his resignation last month. The Board took the first steps to filling the position on Wednesday by approving a resolution to authorize outside credentials, which effectively set the process in motion and will be built upon during the meeting in November.

The focus of the Board meeting then turned to Orchard Park Middle School in Oakley, which is calling for the construction of a gymnasium after a student was injured and hospitalized with a broken arm during a physical education class on the school’s grass field. Students and staff from Orchard Park spoke out against the shoddy condition of the turf, which has caused injuries to students in the past, and asked the Board to approve a new gymnasium adjacent to the middle school.

A gym would enable students to continue physical education classes even on rainy days, when the turf becomes soaked and unusable; typically, any rain on the turf forces students to pass time watching movies in classrooms during their physical education classes. In addressing Orchard Park’s request, the Board recognized that the field has been a problem for several years, and promised to agendize the issue in future meetings.

The movement of portables to the field was discussed as an option to temporarily address the problem, which would cost nearly $150,000 according to an early estimate; the Board plans to take more permanent action in the coming months.

By Acting Sergeant John Fortner #3264, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau

On Tuesday, October 20, 2015, at 9:51 AM, Antioch Police Officers responded to the 3700 block of Lone Tree Way on the report of a shooting. Several callers reported hearing approximately two gunshots. After the gunshots were heard a black sedan was seen leaving the immediate area at a high rate of speed. The sedan was said to be occupied by a black female adult and a light skinned black or Hispanic male.

Shortly thereafter, a 37-year-old male victim with a non-life threatening gunshot wound arrived at a local area hospital. The victim was listed in critical but stable condition and is expected to survive. No other victims were located at the scene or admitted into any other hospitals. No further suspect information is available.

This incident is currently under investigation.

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.

By Allen Payton

In response to an early morning additional statement by Pittsburg Unified School District Superintendent Janet Shulze blaming the Deer Valley High School (DVHS) football team for causing the incident with the Pittsburg High band, prior to last Friday night’s game, earlier today, DVHS Principal Ken Gardner filed a complaint against Pittsburg High School with the Bay Valley Athletic League (BVAL) over rule violations.

“Dr. Schulze basically absolved her school and I find that reprehensible,” he stated during an interview with Herald staff, this morning.“And that is why I am filing a formal complaint…over violation of rule 305H, subsection f.”

Section “305H Code of Ethics for Bands and Other Support Groups,” subsection “f” states “Bands, song girls, entertainment, etc., should never interfere with the officials, the practicing teams, or the playing of the game.”

In addition, Gardner mentioned the rule which gives each team 30 minutes of warm-up prior to the game, which he states Deer Valley was not provided.

“Pittsburg administrators and staff failed to communicate with a visiting team, except to say the game might start late and denied us the ability to warm up,” Gardner added.

UPDATE: Following is the complete text of the complaint letter regarding the incident, a copy of which can be viewed by clicking here: DVHS – BVAL Complaint 10.16.15

October 20, 2015

Bud Beemer

Commissioner

Bay Valley Athletic League

1050 Neroly Road

Oakley, CA 94561

Commissioner Beemer,

On Friday, October 16, 2015 Deer Valley High School and Pittsburg High School were scheduled for a varsity football game at 7:00 PM. We received one communication prior to the football game from Connie Spinnato, Vice Principal of Pittsburg High School, stating that the game may be late due to the senior celebration of the senior band members and the celebration for Vic Galli for his accomplishments.

We did not receive the customary game plan with a schedule showing the sequence of events, practice areas for warm-ups and field restrictions if any.

Prior to the game our varsity football team was on the practice field behind the visiting side bleachers beginning their warm-ups, when they were directed to leave the area because the band needed the field. Coach Hubbard asked where they could warm up and did not receive a definitive answer, so he took the team back to the locker room. He was then contacted by an unknown member of the Pittsburg Staff in the locker room advising him that he could warm up the team on the stadium football field. He proceeded to the field where Steve Ahonen, Pittsburg USD Administrator, told him that he could warm up the team from the Southern thirty (30) yard line to the goal post for the team. Coach Hubbard took the team to the area for the warm up. During the time for the warm up, prior to the game, with no communication with Coach Hubbard, any member of our extensive coaching staff or I did a single member of the Pittsburg staff approach us and request that we clear the field for the Pittsburg Marching Band. We saw the Pittsburg Marching Band form up in the North End Zone however we did not expect them to enter while we were on the field. The Pittsburg Band, under the direction of Ms. Jennifer Martinez, once formed immediately came onto the field while the Deer Valley High School varsity football team was engaged in warm-ups, in violation of Sports and General Handbook Section 305H (f)—Bands, song girls, entertainment, etc., should never interfere with officials, practicing teams, or the playing of the game.

The resulting confusion of being surrounded by a very large and unyielding marching band, caused our players to mill around and not respond to the shouted commands of their coaches. The coaches tried to address the issue with members of the Pittsburg High School staff who were on the field who told them to leave the field. The players attempted to continue their warm-ups despite the band’s presence and it appeared that they did not recognize the playing of the national anthem and did not respect the flag or our country. In speaking with coaches and players none of them realized that the national anthem was playing. I was on the 50 yard line and as a military veteran and retiree, I did not recognize the playing of the national anthem until at least one third through the song, at which time I turned to the flag and stood at the position of attention until the completion of the song.

A video was posted of the incident which out of context makes Deer Valley High School and its players appear to be unpatriotic, uncaring and disrespectful to both the national anthem and the Pittsburg High School Marching Band. They are neither, if adults had acted appropriately and if the rules had been followed we would not have been in the situation to begin with.

The ensuing social media criticism, the media commentary and the court of public opinion has painted our students in an extremely negative light which they neither deserve nor should be subjected.

I am also very concerned about the safety of students who have not had adequate time to warm-up, which we were denied.

Respectfully submitted,

Kenneth Gardner

Principal

President of the Bay Area Valley Athletic League

Please look for the complete article being investigated by Herald staff, to be published by tomorrow (Wednesday).

By Allen Payton

Attached to an email received Tuesday morning at 1:03 AM, with the subject line “RE: Joint Press Release from Antioch and Pittsburg Unified School Districts,” from the email address of Pittsburg Superintendent Janet Schulze, but not on district letterhead nor signed by her, was an “Additional statement from PUSD Superintendent” defending the Pittsburg High School band and blaming the Deer Valley High School varsity football team coaches, for the incident before last Friday night’s game.

The AdditionalStatementfromPUSDSuperintendent reads as follows:

I support everything in the joint statement and our collaboration with Antioch as we continue the investigation. I do want to offer my additional individual assessment and clarification. I want to be clear that the PHS Band had no part in the miscommunications. They did a terrific performance, as usual! I commend the Band for their professionalism and talent.

It is my opinion that the DVHS coaches used poor judgment in running drills that went near and into the Band’s formation while the Band was playing. This created a situation that was potentially dangerous.

Janet Schulze

However, according to the rules for North Coast Section (NCS) football games, in section “305H Code of Ethics for Bands and Other Support Groups,” subsection “f.” it states “Bands, song girls, entertainment, etc., should never interfere with the officials, the practicing teams, or the playing of the game.” That’s the argument being made by those defending the football team’s actions.

A phone call to and emails were sent to Schulze asking if she was the author of the statement, and if so was she was pressured by her Board members, if she thought it undermined the joint press release with Antioch Superintendent Dr. Don Gill, and if she’s aware of the NCS rules, and why she sent it out without her signature, not on district letterhead and at that time of the morning.

12:52 PM UPDATE: In a phone call from Schulze’s Executive Assistant Barbara Jones, she confirmed that the statement was from Schulze.

In an email from Dr. Schulze, at 1:13 p.m., she stated “It was not at all meant to undermine the joint statement that the two districts worked on. I stated that as the first sentence in order to hopefully make that clear. I also informed Dr. Gill of the two items I would be sharing. I was not pressured by any Board members.”

10:36 PM UPDATE: In a further response to the questions, Schulze stated via email, Tuesday afternoon:

“Pittsburg High School’s Marching Band has a long history of performing pre-game at home games. Both home and visiting audiences have enjoyed the performances for years. It was also our Senior Night. It is not uncommon for the visiting team to be warming up during a Band performance. The Band Director had every expectation to believe the visiting team was aware before bringing out the Band. This is not a student athlete issue, nor is it a Band member issue. It is an adult miscommunication and judgment issue. We are in working in partnership with Antioch to learn from this and move forward together. We have always worked well and collaboratively with Antioch and do not want this one instance to characterize the students or communities.”

No response was provided as to why her additional statement was sent in the manner and at the time it was.

Following is the verbatim press release from the superintendents of both the Antioch and Pittsburg Unified School Districts.

October 19, 2015

6:00 PM

As you are probably aware, an incident occurred prior to the Deer Valley/Pittsburg High Football game over the weekend that has received a lot of media (and social media) attention. We felt it was important for you to hear from both districts regarding the incident and what we plan to do as a result.

First of all, please know that, as educational and community leaders, school and student safety is our highest priority. This commitment stretches beyond classroom walls and applies to sporting events, extra-curricular activities and community activities that involve our students and staff members. Thus, when we learned of an incident that may compromise the safety of students, we take it very seriously. Our districts and schools have always embraced a collaborative and positive working relationship, whether it is in the classroom, in the meeting room, or on the football field.

The incident involving football players and band members was regrettable and should not have occurred. We met today with school principals, athletic directors and other personnel to discuss the incident, collect more information and begin a joint investigation. At this point, we believe a series of miscommunications occurred that resulted in both the Pittsburg High band and Deer Valley High football team being on the field at the same time. This created confusion on the part of the Pittsburg band members and Deer Valley football players.

We believe there was no intent on either side to disrespect the observance of our country’s National Anthem. Both AUSD and PUSD have coaching and support staff who served proudly in the armed forces and who deeply value our flag and country.

The investigation will continue to determine where communication may have broken down and to address the various allegations brought forth as a result of Friday’s game. If we determine any of the allegations to be true, we will take swift and appropriate action.

We will never condone poor sportsmanship at any of our events or activities. We are saddened by the negative messages being portrayed about our students in social media. Both teams showed great sportsmanship during and after the game and no other incidents occurred. We encourage our communities to please not jump to conclusions and understand that we are working cooperatively together, and will continue to work together to promote safe and positive experiences for our students.

Sincerely,

Donald Gill, Superintendent                             Janet Shulze, Superintendent

Antioch Unified School District                        Pittsburg Unified School District

To view a copy of the joint press release by the two districts, click here: AUSD PUSD Joint Press Release 10-19-15

Editor’s Note: Herald staff is currently investigating what occurred and will provide a more complete story on the incident, within the next few days.

Contra Costa County’s coordinated approach to addressing the devastating impacts of domestic violence, family violence, elder abuse, and human trafficking has been given a financial boost and vote of confidence with the announcement today of two significant federal grants.

United States Attorney General, Loretta Lynch announced $44 million in grant funding for programs across the country that combat human trafficking and support survivors.

Contra Costa County, considered to be among the leaders nationwide in its efforts to end domestic violence and human trafficking, was awarded a $727,364 three year grant so it can build upon its efforts of identifying victims and providing services for children and adults trapped in labor and sex trafficking. Zero Tolerance Chair, Devorah Levine says, “This grant is an endorsement of our accomplishments. It’s our responsibility to understand how modern day slavery exists in our community and how to best help victims.”

Also announced today, another $26 million dollars for programs nationwide dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Contra Costa County received a $900,000, three year grant for its programs working with victims and perpetrators. Says Levine, “We are making progress, and an opportunity like this grant, helps catapult our efforts to reach more people.” The money will be used to advocate for victims, offer assistance with restraining orders and law enforcement training. Hiring a full time probation officer to monitor 35-40 high risk domestic violence probationers is among the strategies planned to deescalate violence.

For more information about Contra Costa County Zero Tolerance Initiative, contact Devorah Levine, Chair Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Initiative dlevine@ehsd.cccounty.us 925-313-1524.

“Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence”, an initiative of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, is a public/private partnership designed to reduce domestic violence, family violence, elder abuse and human trafficking in Contra Costa County. Authorized by the California Legislature as the first Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence County in the State, the initiative is aligning policies, practices and protocols, coordinating services, and creating a climate where violence and abuse are not tolerated.

Zero Tolerance functions on the principle that no one entity can do it alone; placing emphasis on public systems and private providers working, advocating and taking concerted action together.

Twitter: @ContraCostaEHSD Facebook: Contra Costa Employment and Human-Services

Delta Thunder VI speed boat races on the river, in Antioch, Saturday, October 17, 2015

The Lady Washington docked near the former Humphrey’s restaurant in Antioch, on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015.

By Allen Payton

There was much to do and see in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown and at the Historical Society Museum, during the weekend.

Car shows were held on Saturday, on both West Second Street, put on by the Midnighters NorCal car club, and at the museum, featuring cars from several car clubs in East County.

Spectators enjoyed the Delta Thunder VI speed boat races, put on by the Rivertown Jamboree, both Saturday and Sunday. Plus, the tall ship Lady Washington , docked behind the former Humphrey’s restaurant, featured both on-deck walking and river cruising tours.

Although delayed by high winds on Saturday, the speed boat races were under way about 4:00 p.m. and continued on Sunday morning and afternoon to the delight of the participants, spectators, sponsors and promoters.

The Lady Washington will be docked in Antioch through the 26th. For more information click here. See race videos on the Antioch Herald Facebook page by clicking here.

Midnighters NorCal car club car show on West 2nd Street, Saturday, October 17, 2015. Photo by Wayne Harrison

Skip Tuttle gives a demonstration in his flat bottom boat that can reach speeds of 100 MPH, on the Antioch waterfront, during the Delta Thunder VI speed boat races, Sunday, October 18, 2015

The Delta Thunder VI speed boat races were delayed until a tanker was turned around near the tall ship Lady Washington, on Sunday, October 18.

A multi-club Car Show was held at the Antioch Historical Museum on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

Hot rods, classics, low riders and more were on display at the multi-club Car Show at the Antioch Historical Society Museum on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

1st Prize $500! 2nd Prize $250, 3rd Prize $100, 6-Honorable Mention Prizes of $25 Each

Children up to age 18 may enter. To enter the Coloring Contest, color the map (link below) of Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown from the 1800’s. Drop off or mail your entry(ies) by 5 PM, Friday, Dec. 11 to our office in the old Antioch Lumber Company building at 340 West Second Street, Antioch or email to RodneyLal@yahoo.com. Contest winners will be announced in December on AntiochHerald.com and their entries put on display at our office, during the visit by Santa, and in the January issue of the Antioch Herald. Artists release the exclusive rights for use by Prime Vintage Realty. For more information call (925) 366-8077. Download a copy of the map, here: Rivertown Coloring Contest