Rising costs and stagnant wages are a nationwide issue but some Californians are feeling an especially tight squeeze. To determine which California city’s residents are most affected by rising homeownership costs and wages that have not kept pace with inflation, consumer finance site NerdWallet analyzed and ranked 207 cities in the state on these key economic factors, adjusted for inflation, over the past 14 years.

The report found that household income has trailed inflation in Antioch, decreasing 22.70%, the third highest in the state, behind Palm Desert at 24.2% and Westminster at 23.9%. That compares to a 7.8% drop in annual household income in California, on average and accounting for inflation.

The report also provides comparisons on a city-by-city basis of housing and college education costs during that time.

The full report can be found here.

Bobby Hogge IV of Salinas repeated history in taking both legs of the 4th Annual Delta-Valley Classic at Antioch and Merced Speedways, collecting $4,000 in winnings and a $500 bonus. Hogge IV accomplished the same unlikely feat four years earlier.

Challenged by 16-year-old Ethan Dotson of Bakersfield, the veteran Hogge IV searched for the right groove to maintain the lead at Merced Speedway. Winton’s Paul Stone, who finished third at Merced and second at Antioch Speedway, chased Dotson across the finish line.

“Ethan (Dotson) is a true racer – he left me room to race him clean. He’s very impressive for his age,” Hogge IV said in victory lane. “As the track became slicker and slicker, I tried to stay in the same ruts lap after lap to maintain traction.”

The Delta-Valley Classic closes the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) season for modified and SportMod race cars.

Earlier this summer, Dotson pulled off an upset, winning the IMCA Harris Clash in Iowa. He was the first Californian to win the race.

Soft-spoken Dotson was modest after the race.

“I came close to passing him a few times – once I almost did it on a restart,” he said. “Bobby (HoggeIV) was just a little bit better than I could be tonight.”

The event began Saturday night at Antioch Speedway, where Stone got behind Hogge IV just before the finish.

“I wasn’t surprised to see Paul (Stone) there,” Hogge IV said of the Antioch Speedway race. “I could see him hounding Brian Cass on the bottom, so I went to the bottom and that was the place to be.”

Stone, who worked his way to the front had a smooth drive at Antioch, but had to survive a couple of skirmishes at Merced Speedway.

“I tried not to overdrive, because I needed to be there at the end,” Stone said of his Antioch performance. “From starting 13th to finishing second wasn’t a bad run.”

Merced Speedway action saw Stone narrowly avoid serious damage from spinning cars. He brushed the fourth turn wall early in the race.

“I started too far back,” Stone said. “It was a hornet’s nest back there. My front end was a little messed up – that would make it hard to catch a top driver like Bobby (Hogge IV).”

At Antioch Speedway it was Chico’s Duane Cleveland, Ryan McDaniel of Chico, and Troy Foulger of Martinez who completed the top five spots behind Hogge IV and Stone in the 22-car field.

Merced Speedway saw Stone, followed by Kyle and Alex Wilson of Salinas to complete the top five behind Hogge IV and Dotson.

Winners in the other divisions at Antioch Speedway included: Vallejo’s Larry Damitz in the Northern All Stars Limited Late Model division, Fred Ryland of Brentwood in the IMCA SportMod division, and Concord’s Jordan Swank in the Hobby Stock division.

Merced Speedway winners included Turlock’s Chris Falkenberg in the IMCA SportMod division, Cody Parker of Merced in the Hobby Stock division and Roy Hart, Jr. in the Northern All Stars Limited Late Model Division.

The 2015 season has concluded at Antioch and Merced Speedways. The 2016 schedule will be posted in November.

From Antioch City Manager Steve Duran’s Weekly Report, dated 9/25/15, as provided by Police Chief Allan Cantando:

– On 9/23/2015 at 11:02 pm, officers responded to the report of an accident in the 200 block of Wilbur Ave. The subsequent investigation revealed that 67 year old Alberto Torres was driving westbound on Wilbur Avenue when he lost control of his vehicle and left the roadway. He crossed over a lawn in front of an apartment complex and came to rest against a parked car after going through a small fence. Torres was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. He was transported to a local hospital and later booked at the county jail.

– On 9/22/2015 at 9:59 pm, an officer contacted 23 year old William Landers walking in the area of “C” and W.19th streets. A records check revealed Landers had an outstanding arrest warrant for possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

– On 9/22/15 at 8:03 am, officers responded to a residence on Terrace Dr. regarding an assault involving a knife. The 50 year old female victim became involved in a heated argument with 54 year old Lance Rebeles. As the argument escalated, Rebeles grabbed a knife from the kitchen and started slashing at the victim while threatening to kill her. The victim got a frying pan and fended him off. Other people at the house intervened and Rebeles put the knife away. Afterwards, he punched the victim several times in the head and face until people separated them. Rebeles was arrested and later booked at the county jail on the charges of felony threats and assault. The victim was not stabbed and sustained moderate injuries.

– On 9/21/2015 at 11:19 pm, officers responded to 2727 Hillcrest Ave. regarding a suspicious vehicle at the location possibly dumping items. When officers arrived, they found the vehicle and determined it was occupied by 33 year old Carlos Morales. A records check revealed Morales had an outstanding arrest warrant charging vehicle theft, possession of stolen property and possession of burglary tools. He was arrested without incident and booked at the county jail.

– On 9/21/2015 10:21 pm, officers conducted follow up on burglaries from the prior night which had occurred at the Delta RC store on W 10th St. In both incidents, the suspect used an SUV to drive through the doors of the store and merchandise worth approximately $22,000 was stolen. The investigation led to the identity of the suspect, 22 year old Dominique Spears. The officers determined Spears was residing at 850 E Leland Rd. in Pittsburg. Officers contacted Spears at this location and placed him under arrest. They were able to locate and recover $8575 worth of the stolen items at the apartment. Spears was booked at the county jail.

– On 9/21/2015 at 7:48 am, officers responded to KB Massage at 2580 Sycamore Dr. regarding an out of control employee, 44 year old Choung “Henry” Nguyen. Officers learned that Nguyen was a transient and allowed to stay at the business. Today, Nguyen was yelling and screaming for no apparent reason. When officers arrived, Nguyen had walked to the Shell gas station and was screaming in the parking lot. Upon contacting Nguyen, he was aggressive, shouting and attempted to spit on officers. As one officer issued commands to Nguyen he tried to punch her. The officer deployed her Taser and Nguyen fell to the ground. As the officers attempted

to take him into custody, Nguyen bit the officer on the right wrist. Another officer assisted taking Nguyen into custody. Fortunately, the bite did not break the officer’s skin. Officers suspected Nguyen was under the influence of a controlled substance and a blood draw was conducted. Nguyen was booked for felony resisting arrest, assault on officers, being under the influence of a controlled substance and an outstanding warrant for assault on medical staff, trespass and resisting arrest.

– On 9/21/2015 at 7:00 am, officers responded to the call of an abandoned car blocking the roadway on Golf Course Rd. near Cache Peak Dr. The investigation led officers to the registered owners house where it was determined the vehicle had been taken by a friends husband, 38 year old Filipe Pollard, without permission. As officers were taking the stolen report from the victim Pollard pulled up to the house in another car. Pollard was detained and found to be intoxicated. Pollard was arrested for DUI and auto theft and booked at the county jail.

– On 9/20/2015, a victim of a recent auto burglary was notified that her credit card was being used to rent a room at the Days Inn at 1605 Auto Center Dr. She reported this to the police. Officers went to the hotel and determined which room was rented with the stolen credit card. Officers made contact in the room with 28 year old Candice Freitas and 41 year old William Donithan. They were found to be in possession of numerous items of stolen property belonging to the victim. Both were arrested and booked at the county jail on identity theft and fraud related charges. Donithan was also booked for violating his parole.

– On 9/19/2015 at 4:37 pm, officers responded to Sears at 2600 Somersville Rd. regarding 31 year old Leonarht Binns being detained for shoplifting. When officers arrived, a records check was conducted and Binns was found to also have an outstanding arrest warrant for assault with a deadly weapon. Binns was taken into custody and later booked at the county jail.

– On 9/19/2015 at 10:28 am, officers were dispatched to the parking lot of the Bonfare market at 907 W. 10th Street on the report of two subjects passed out in a vehicle. 31 year old Jennifer Felix and 25 year old Kevin Herman were both contacted in Felix’s vehicle and found to be under the influence of heroin. Both admitted to using heroin and were booked at the county jail.

– On 9/18/2015 at 11:27 pm, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office STAR 3 helicopter was overhead near A Street and Bryan Ave. The crew reported repeatedly being struck by a green laser. The crew was able to pinpoint the source to the 10 block of Bryan Avenue. Officers responded and located three suspects at 31 Bryan Avenue. They were identified as 18 year old Jose Saborialopez, 23 year old Alejandro Munoz and 19 year old Manuel Munoz. The trio admitted to shining a high powered green laser at the helicopter. They stated they were “messing around” and did not know it was illegal or dangerous. The laser was recovered and all three were issued promises to appear in court.

– On 9/18/2015 at 10:49 am, officers investigated a suspicious vehicle parked in front of 38 W. Madill St. The license plates were reported as lost or stolen. Upon further investigation, the truck was found to be a reported stolen vehicle from U-Haul. The U-Haul markings had already been removed from the truck. Three subjects in the

vehicle were arrested. They were identified as 47 year old Jarrett Jacobs, 37 year old Barton Ramsey and 30 year old Brian Sarmento. In the bed of the truck were several sheets of specialized plywood, new power tools, and sporting equipment. The items appeared to have been taken in some sort of theft. Officers investigated the origin of these items and were able to locate the owner of the sporting equipment who said they were stolen in Walnut Creek two days ago. The trio was booked at the county jail on various felonies. Property from the truck was secured in evidence and a county wide bulletin was published in an attempt to identify the owner of the possible stolen tools and building materials.

– On 9/17/2015 at 6:24 pm, officers responded to the 1000 block of Monterey Dr. regarding a report that 36 year old Lee Brasier was in possession of a firearm. When officers arrived, they spoke to Lee near a parked truck. Lee is a convicted felon and he denied possessing a gun. A search of the home and the truck were conducted and a shotgun shell and eleven rounds of .32 cal ammo were seized. Although no firearm was located, Lee was arrested for being a felon in possession of ammunition. He was booked at the county jail.

– On 9/17/2015 at 2:21 pm, officers located an occupied stolen vehicle in the area of “L” Street and Lemontree Way. Officers followed the vehicle as it turned on to westbound S.R. HWY 4. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle but it failed to yield. The vehicle eventually stopped on the off-ramp for Bailey Rd. in Bay Point. With the assistance of CHP, both the driver and passenger were arrested and the vehicle was towed. The driver, 26 year old Brett Kroh, was booked at the county jail. The passenger was released pending further investigation.

 

Service Calls and Arrest Data:                                     Time Period: 09/17/15 00:00:00 – 09/23/15 23:59:59
Number of Calls for Service:	1,685
Number of Case Reports:	267
Number of Arrests:	77
Felony:	22
Misdemeanor:	53
Infraction:	2
Arrests with DUI charge:	2
The data is based upon unaudited CAD/RMS data at time of report generation.

 

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.us925-313-1524.

“Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence”, an initiativeof the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, is apublic/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.

By John Crowder

Oakley Mayor Doug Hardcastle has decided to run for Supervisor in District 3, the seat currently held by Supervisor Mary Piepho. He sat down with Herald Staff this past week to answer questions about his candidacy.

Why are you running for Supervisor?

“As a taxpaying citizen, I’m very concerned about what is going on financially in Contra Costa County, right now. Over the last few months we’ve seen tremendous controversy generated with some of the Supervisors voting themselves large raises, a decision that was only rescinded after intense public pressure was brought to bear. On top of that, there have been questions concerning the car allowance. Controversies like these cause people to lose faith in their government. We need people of integrity to lead our county, and people who know me, and have worked with me, know that is a quality that I possess.

At the same time, these issues, voting raises for themselves and such, have been distracting from more serious, and very pressing matters. The East Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is one example. We’re down to a handful of firefighters responsible for hundreds of square miles, now. There doesn’t seem to be any solution in sight.

Yet, the County has a budget of $3.6 billion. Imagine if you were able to cut back only 1%. That would free up $36 million, money that could be used, for example, to ensure adequate fire protection.”

What philosophy would guide your legislative decisions?

“I’ve already mentioned integrity. That means putting the good of the citizens of the county above other concerns. It means that, as Supervisors, we can’t be guided by the latest polls, or worries about how our personal, political futures will be impacted. We have to be willing to takes stands, and to do what is right.

Equally important is using common sense. When an issue is brought forward, we need to weigh the costs and the benefits, and think about the unintended consequences of our decisions.”

What do you believe are the most important issues facing the County at present?

“The biggest issues all revolve around financial matters. It’s all about the money. Unfunded retirements is probably the most important of these that needs to be faced.

The safety of our citizens is another concern. As I mentioned earlier, the fact that we are not adequately funding what is needed for public safety is a major concern. We need to make sure that we have enough firefighters and police officers to do the difficult, and often dangerous, jobs that we ask them to do. We need to make sure that they have the right resources, the equipment they need, to do their jobs.

We also need to make sure that we are maintaining our transportation infrastructure. In Oakley, where I’m currently on the City Council, we’re spending a good deal of money on street maintenance at the moment. This is money that’s well spent. It’s a lot cheaper to maintain our infrastructure on a regular basis, than it is to let it go and then have to replace it.”

What is your previous political experience?

“I served on the board of the Ironhouse Sanitary District for twelve years. During that time I was involved with the building of a new water treatment center. It was a long process. As board members, we had to ensure that state regulations would be met, and we had to obtain funding. We lobbied Sacramento on behalf of the District. I’m proud to say that the treatment center came in ahead of schedule, and under budget.

More recently, I’ve been a member of the Oakley City Council. Here, I’ve continued to watch out for how taxpayer’s money is being spent. One example is the construction of the fountain. Staff originally came in with cost projections of well over a million dollars, but we sent them back to take another look, to consider other bids, and ended up saving over half-a-million dollars on that project alone.

Also in Oakley, we’re transitioning from a contract with the Sheriff to our own police department, a move expected to save the city about $800,000 per year.

One of the things that I think is very important is accessibility. Once a month I set up a table in front of one of our local supermarkets, Raley’s, Lucky, or Grocery Outlet, and spend Saturday morning meeting with members of the public. I call it, ‘Mayor at the Market.’

People in town also know that, as a local businessman, they can find me here at my business, whenever we’re open. I’m always happy to speak with my constituents about their concerns. If they raise a question, or have an idea, I go to the city staff member responsible for the area they’ve addressed, and make sure they get an answer.

I do my best to be accessible, approachable and accountable.

I also serve on the East County transportation boards including Transplan, the State Route 4 Bypass Authority and the East Contra Costa Regional Fee and Financing Authority, for which I am currently Vice Chair. I also serve on the county Mayor’s Conference.

What else have you been involved with in your community?

“I was involved with the local chapter of the Lion’s Club for twelve years, having served both as President, and as Chaplain. I’ve helped out at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life for the last ten years. I’m also active in the local Chamber of Commerce and served as Vice President for two years. Most recently, I volunteered at Stand Down on the Delta, an event held to help homeless veterans in need.”

Is there anything else you’d like the voters to know about you?

“I’ve been in Contra Costa County my entire life. I was born in Martinez, and lived there and in Concord, while growing up. I graduated from Ygnacio Valley High School. I spent two-and-a-half years in the army as the crew chief of a Chinook helicopter.

I’ve been married to my wife, Lyn, for 43 years, and together we’ve raised two children, a son and a daughter. We have four grandchildren. We’ve been in Oakley for 35 years.

I attend Golden Hills Community Church, and have been in their choir for fourteen years. Really, I’m the most blessed man I know.”

FULL FREEWAY CLOSURES:

State Route 4:

There are no full freeway closures of State Route 4 planned for this week.

State Route 160:

There will be a full freeway closure of State Route 160 in the northbound direction between

the State Route 4/State Route 160 connector ramp and Main Street on Sunday through

Thursday evenings from10:00 pm to 4:00 am.

HIGHWAY LANE CLOSURES:

State Route 4:

There will be highway lane closures in the westbound direction of State Route 4 between

Railroad Avenue and Loveridge Road on Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

There will be highway lane closures in the eastbound direction of State Route 4 between

Bailey Road and Loveridge Road on Monday through Friday from 4:00 am to 12:00 pm.

State Route 160:

There will be highway lane closures in the northbound direction of State Route 160 between

the State Route 4/State Route 160 connector ramp and Main Street on Monday through

Friday from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.

RAMP CLOSURES:

There are no ramp closures planned for this week.

LOCAL STREET CLOSURES:

There will be lane closures in the northbound and southbound directions of Contra Loma Boulevard/L

Street between Lemon Tree Way and Saint Francis Drive on Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Cavallo Road will be closed in all directions between E. Tregallas Road and Sunset Drive starting on

Saturday morning at 6:30 am and ending on Sunday evening at 8:00 pm. This closure has been

postponed.

For questions or comments please send e-mail to info@4eastcounty.org.

For more information visit www.4eastcounty.org.

 

We are pleased to announce, the 22nd Annual Charity Roundup at Roddy Ranch is set for Saturday, October 3, 2015 benefitting Delta Advocacy Foundation’s efforts to support East Contra Costa County charities.

This year’s Charity Roundup will feature a delicious first-class barbecue dinner, can’t miss Silent Auction and new this year, the widely popular band Diversion will provide dinner and dancing music.

Since Delta Advocacy Foundation’s inception in 1989, we have given over $350,800 to those in need in East Contra Costa County. We work with faith-based organizations, community leaders, and school districts to identify needs within East Contra Costa County that might otherwise be overlooked. Scholarships, assistance to the elderly, disabled and Veterans, and support of local food banks are but a few of the areas of need that Delta Advocacy Foundation has funded. Delta Advocacy Foundation is a group of volunteers who are dedicated in making sure ALL funds raised go right back into our community!

Please consider supporting this event either by making a direct contribution to Delta Advocacy Foundation or by attending our Charity Round up at Roddy Ranch. The event will be held Saturday, October 3, 2015 @ 5:30pm. Tickets are $60.00 per person; tables for 10 may be reserved for $550.00.

R.S.V.P. via delta_advocacy@comcast.net. Seating is limited!

By Luke Johnson

Last Friday in a home game versus Rancho Cotate High School, Antioch High School running back Najee Harris broke the all-time school touchdown record, while linebacker Kobie Beltram surpassed the all-time school tackle record in a 54-14 victory.

Both have been playing on the varsity squad since they were freshmen, and only four games into his junior season, Harris already possess the school’s all-time rushing record (3,391 yards), season rushing record (2,263 yards), single-game rushing record (396 yards) and after two scores on Friday he now holds the all-time touchdown record with 34, passing Brian Boccio’s record of 32 set in 1992.

Harris did not want to shine the light on himself after eclipsing Boccio’s record; he was more excited for Beltram, who broke his brother Markie’s record set in 2012.

“What Kobie did, I think that’s pretty magical. I’m happy that he has come this far,” Harris said. “But about me, I don’t really care.”

Kobie only needed one more tackle to tie Markie’s record heading into the game against Rancho Cotate, and finished with five before sitting out the second half due to a 46-0 lead. He now has 256 career tackles in the midst of his senior season.

According to the Beltram household, breaking the all-time tackle record is family tradition. The eldest brother Richie, who graduated from AHS in 2002, is believed to have originally possessed the record.

“I feel bad I had to take it from my brother,” said Kobie. “But he’s the one who held it, and I’m the one who had to take it.”

Tonight, Antioch travels to Pinole Valley in an attempt to finish 5-0 in its pre-league schedule. Harris visits his old home during his middle school and youth football days. He has two brothers who played for Pinole Valley’s football team, and a sister who is also an alum. Harris said he will know most of the team’s players, but does not plan on bonding with them until after the game.