By Mitch Stephens, Antioch Sports Legends Staff Writer

After nine years of honoring the area’s finest athletes and community leaders, one thing is certain said Antioch Sports Legends founder/adviser Tom Menasco.

“The community hasn’t forgotten the rich sports history of the area,” he said. “We just want to maintain and grow that interest while hopefully enlightening new Antioch residents.”

With the Oct. 10^th celebration of the 2015 Class at the Ninth Annual Induction Ceremony at Lone Tree Golf Course & Event Center, the legends group will have honored 127 athletes and nine championship teams since 2007.

This year’s class features former NFL offensive lineman Frank Beede, two high-level minor league baseball players, Jerry Bertolani and Brian Oliver, along with a pair of multi-talented females named Johnson — Courtney and Keisha (not related).

Antioch Sports Legends coordinator Tom Lamothe said a single trait connects the 2015 class.

“When I think of this class I think blue-collar workers,” Lamothe said. “Most of them got by largely on grit and determination which was definitely reflective of the community they came from.”

Here is a snapshot look at the 14 individuals and one team from the Antioch Legends Class of 2015, all of whom either graduated or for coached at Antioch High.

Jerry Bertolani (baseball 1982) — A junior varsity player until late in his junior year, the versatile shortstop outworked everyone to become one of the best players the city has ever known. Bertolani was a first-team All-League player as a senior, an All-State performer at LMC and played six minor-league seasons with the White Sox.

Frank Beede (football 1991) — One of the most recognizable names in Antioch, the three-sport prep standout went on to play 11 football seasons professionally, five with the Seattle Seahawks and six with the San Jose Sabercats. After a successful college career at Cal and Oklahoma Panhandle State, the guard and center was the first free agent in Seattle history to earn a starting job. He coached and taught at Antioch and Freedom and in 2010 the NFL named him “Teach of the Year.”

Craig Carson (swim coach) — Since 1975, Carson has compiled a 380-92-3 overall record, won 17 league championship and coached 36 All-Americans and 100 individual and 60 relay league champions. Before great success at Deer Valley and Heritage, he was 115-37-2 at Antioch was the 1987 Diablo Valley Athletic League Swim Coach of the Year. Carson was named the Bay Valley Athletic League Coach of the Year for all sports in 2012.

Gerald Gamble (track and field, 1984) — At 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, Gamble was on the small side for a weights athlete. But that didn’t stop him from being ranked the best discus thrower (183 feet, 3 inches) and second best shot putter (59-9½) in school history. He won a NCS Meet of Champions discus title as a senior and placed sixth at state in the shot put.

Courtney Johnson (basketball 1997) — Johnson was a four-time All-League guard in basketball who finished as the career scoring leader with 2,035 points. She was also a second-team All-League softball player and team Co-MVP in volleyball before embarking on superb four-year basketball career at Cal, where she was team MVP in 1999 and 2000.

Keisha Johnson (all-around 1993) — From an illustrious three-sport prep stint at Antioch to an All-Pac 10 Conference volleyball career at the University of Arizona to coaching in college, Johnson always moved upward. Her best sport as a prep was basketball where she averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per game as a senior.

Marcus Murray (basketball 1995) — The brother of NBA All-Star Lamond Murray and cousin of NBA veteran Tracy Murray, the 6-5 forward earned All-BVAL honors three straight years. He was one of two Antioch players to earn league MVP honors when he averaged 20.1 points and 9.3 rebounds as a senior. Called the greatest player 40-year coach Bob Fisher ever coached, Murray later starred at Los Angeles Southwest JC and the University of New Orleans.

Joe Olenchalk (community service) — As a 36-year award-winning educator at Antioch junior and senior high schools, a championship cross-country coach, a boosters club president and a chairman, researcher and docent of the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame, Olenchalk has given more to one community than many neighborhoods have combined.

Brian Oliver (baseball 1985)— Listed as one of the top five shortstops by Baseball America before his senior year, Oliver led the Panthers to back-to-back NCS titles before stellar collegiate career at Cal, where he boasted a .358 career average with 60 extra base hits. A fourth-round pick of the Angels, he was one of just 13 Antioch area players to reach at least the AA-level.

Stephen Parks (football 1971) — The tenacious running back was a two-time All-DVAL performer who earned a scholarship to Oregon State. He led the Panthers to a 20-0 win over Pittsburg in 1969, breaking a 22-year losing streak in the series. As a senior he rushed for 917 yards, won the team’s Ron Pritchard award and led the Panthers to a co-league title.

Mike Reale (All-around 1981) — All-DVAL in football and baseball and a state-qualifier in wrestling, Reale earned eight varsity letters. He went on to excel in football at Cal State Hayward, under future Oregon coach Mike Bellotti, before earning a Master’s degrees in electrical engineering at Sacramento State.

Pat Sweeney (wrestling 1988) — The 132-pounder placed second at NCS and third at state, helping the Panthers win their first and only state championship in 1988. He won four tournaments that season and finished 41-4, taking more individual matches than wrestler on that historic team.

Michael Vera (golf 1996) — A four-time Antioch team MVP and four-time All-BVAL first-team performer, Vera was one of the program’s greatest golfers. He won the NCS title in 1994. He was also a two-year starter on the basketball team before earning a golf scholarship to UCLA, where he lettered four seasons.

Kraig Walker (wresting 1983) — Known as “The Mauler,” Walker was the first Panther to place at the State meet, taking fourth in the 148-pound division his senior year. Walker went 81-14 while take two DVAL crowns. At San Jose State he won the PCAA title in 1984-85, qualifying him for the NCAA tournament.

Antioch football 1977 — This team had it all: speed, power, depth, a Hall of Fame coach and most of all, camaraderie. It won 10 straight games before losing in the NCS finals. The defense, led by 305-pound nose guard Ferris Anthony and linebackers Jerry Jones and Doug Jones allowed only 107 points. The offense was ignited All-NorCal fullback Bill Douville and fleet backs Tony Lang and Mike Shaw.

By Acting Lieutenant Tom Fuhrmann, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Monday, August 31, 2015 at 2:43 PM an Antioch Police Officer spotted a stolen vehicle passing the Antioch High School on W. 18th Street. The vehicle had been reported stolen on Friday, August 29, 2015 in Antioch. The officer got behind the vehicle and, as it was leaving the area of the schools, the officer initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle fled in an attempt to evade officers, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. At one point the vehicle headed back toward Antioch High School, and the pursuit was terminated for safety as school was getting out.

The stolen vehicle got caught up in gridlock traffic, attempted to make a U-turn, and collided with another vehicle occupied by a 29-year-old female and her two-month-old daughter. The driver of the stolen vehicle was blocked in by traffic at this point and had nowhere to go. APD Officers were there, quickly and took the driver into custody. The female driver and baby in the other vehicle involved in the collision were uninjured, but were taken to an area hospital as a precaution.

The driver of the stolen vehicle was identified as Sonny Mitchell (41 yrs) from Richmond and was found to be on parole. A search of Mitchell’s phone discovered numerous images of child pornography that appear to have been downloaded from the internet by Mitchell.

Mitchell has an extensive criminal history. Mitchell was booked into the Contra Costa County Jail and, on Wednesday, the District Attorney’s Office filed felony charges on Mitchell for Auto Theft, Evading Police and Possession of Child Pornography.

This case is still under investigation. No further information will be released at this time. Anybody having information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Det. Perkinson at (925) 779-6932. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

Any further information or additional press releases will be provided by the Investigations Bureau at (925) 779-6939.

By Allen Payton

In response to questions from the public about the City of Antioch’s nice, new brochure that was mailed out to both residences and businesses, this week, Herald staff asked City Manager Steve Duran about it. He responded via email, today.

“Regarding your question as to how much the City Report cost:

It cost $12,695 for production and $6,132 to mail to every residence in Antioch, for a total cost of $18,8270. That’s approximately 17 cents per resident, using 108,298 population from State Dept. of Finance.”

Duran explained the reasoning behind the mailer.

“Excerpt from Strategic Plan (page 20):

The City conducted a series of Community Café’s and Focus Groups over a number of months to get community input and prioritize the efforts of City government. What was evident throughout the Café’s was that, in addition to effective administration, the City needs to improve communications with the community in order to build greater trust.

Strategy L-1: Improve community communications and trust in City government and keep the community well informed as to the activities of the City departments.”

Additional copies will be used to promote the city, as well.

“We have about 2,500 copies on hand for economic development purposes,” Duran added. “We plan to do this once a year to update the entire community on the status of key activities.”

The cost is about 50 cents per household and business in Antioch, based on approximately 37,000 postal customers in the city.

That’s not a bad price for a full-color, eight-page, coated stock brochure that’s mailed citywide.

Donald Blomberg, DVM

May 9, 1924 – August 6, 2015

Don Blomberg, long time Antioch resident, passed away August 6, 2015, in his cottage at Upper Post Lake, Wisconsin. Although a California native, he cherished his summer visits to Wisconsin. Most important to him were the relationships and sense of community that developed during the years.

Don, affectionately known as Doc by many, was born in Berkeley, CA on May 9, 1924. His family moved around to various cities in California but finally settled for good in Sacramento. Don attended McClatchy High School, graduated from University of Southern California and University of California School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, class 1958.

He practiced veterinary medicine with William Stansbury and eventually purchased the Antioch Veterinary Hospital & Clinic. During his 50 year residency in Antioch, Don participated in Kiwanis, Storyland Theatre, AFS, President of Contra Costa Veterinary Association, Board Member & President of Contra Costa Veterinary Emergency Clinic.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marleen who always called him “the world’s greatest father”. When his own kids weren’t around, Don would read to or spend time with neighboring children. Other surviving family include sons Craig (Darien), Lars (Deb), Sven (Laura), grandchildren Daniel, Jeremy, Jed, John, Stella, Elsa, and Annalise, and three brothers.

A celebration of life will be held October 18, 2015 from 11 am to 3 pm at Lone Tree Golf Course in Antioch.

Donations can be sent to School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis in honor of Don Blomberg, Class of 1958, P O Box 1167, Davis, CA 95617 or any charity of your choice.

By Ofc. R. Solari #2372, Antioch Police Traffic Division Community Policing Bureau

On Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at 2:43 PM, Antioch Police along with the Fire Department were dispatched to 2707 W. Tregallas Road for a report of a vehicle into a residence. Preliminary reports were that two people were trapped in the vehicle. When Officers arrived, both occupants were determined to be uninjured and were extricated from the vehicle. The collision caused major damage to the residence.

A construction crew was called to the location by the property owner to shore up the residence so the vehicle could be removed. The residents were temporarily displaced when the house was tagged by the City of Antioch Building Department.

The collision investigation is on-going. Speed was determined to be a factor in the collision as the driver was unable to negotiate a curve in the roadway.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Antioch Police at (925) 778-2441. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

By Luke Johnson

Both high schools from Antioch, Deer Valley and Antioch High, pulled out wins with double-digit deficits, last Friday night in their season openers for football. Antioch hosted Acalanes from Lafayette for a 62-7 clobbering, while Deer Valley traveled to Granada in Livermore for a 20-7 triumph.

Running backs Najee Harris and Nick Perry, and wide receiver Ryan Payne score two touchdowns each for Antioch. The number one running back in the country, Harris, had 187 rushing yards and 15 carries, and sat out for the final 16 minutes of regulation due to a 54-7 lead. His backup, Perry, who some consider the best second string running back in the Bay Area, complimented him well and rushed for 123 yards. Off just three carries, Payne was able to collect 83 yards on the ground.

Offensive coordinator Brett Dudley was most impressed with his o-line which features five new starters. He said during practice the team picked up the intensity by squirting a syrup bottle (filled with water) into the air every time a player executed a pancake block, and the players fed off of it.

The Panthers played locktight defense as well; only allowing 127 yards from the Dons’ offense, along with forcing five turnovers. This all happened during the opening of their $7-million stadium, where they sported new, modernized matte black jerseys; much different from Antioch’s traditional, classic look.

All that was on Deer Valley lineman and team captain Troy Decuir’s mind heading into the first game of the season was to get the W, and prove all the doubters wrong affixed off of last year’s lackluster season. He and the Wolverines turned at least some of them into believers with a solid performance against the Matadors of the East Bay Athletic League.

Deer Valley’s defense had three interceptions (Jalen Threatt, Adrian Dolo, Ronald Holmes) and a fumble recovered in the end zone by defensive tackle Antonio Johnson. Running back Rai-Shyan Alexander carried most of the load for the offense, rushing for 147 yards and two touchdowns through 15 attempts.

The Wolverines head into a bye week, but prepare for reigning Division-III State Champions Campolindo in week three at Moraga.

“We really have to strap it up, play a great game and channel or offense and defense to beat State Champions,” said Robert Hubbard, who just earned his first victory as a varsity head coach.

Antioch will also face tougher competition as the Panthers host Milpitas, who finished 12-1 last season, on Friday, Sept. 4.

Tropical-themed casual dining franchise

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (September 2, 2015) – Hurricane Grill & Wings^®, a tropical-themed full service restaurant franchise, will open at 4827 Lone Tree Way in Antioch as the first location in California and it will occupy the previous UNOs grill pizzeria. Hurricane Grill & Wings is the industry leader for creating innovative flavor combinations, announced today the signing of a new multi-development agreement that will bring the concept to the state.

Twin brothers, David and Jack Nguyen have years of experience in the restaurant industry as multi-unit operators for numerous franchise concepts throughout Northern California. The brothers are already fast at work on the development of their first Hurricane Grill & Wings restaurant, slated to open this fall in the city of Antioch. The duo has signed on to develop additional Hurricane Grill & Wings locations throughout Northern California in the coming years.

For 20 years, Hurricane Grill & Wings has prided itself on offering guests fresh, never-frozen jumbo wings with more than 35 signature flavors of sauces and rubs. With selections ranging from traditional buffalo to an array of unique options that include: Chipotle Raspberry BBQ, Ancho Chili Lime and Jamaican Jerk with heat intensity that ranges from Calm Seas to Evacuation Route, there is something to satisfy any palate. Additionally, guests can customize their own burgers using the Build-A-Burger menu feature, including a variety of savory toppings and sauces.

“It is an incredible milestone for Hurricane Grill & Wings to enter the state of California with experienced operators like David and Jack Nguyen,” said Kevin Kruse, chief development officer of Hurricane Grill & Wings. “Their passion and excellence in their existing restaurants is evident, and we are very excited about David and Jack Nguyen being our franchisees and bringing the Hurricane Grill & Wings brand for the first time to California.”

“We researched numerous restaurants that have not yet tapped the California market to complement our existing brands,” said Jack Nguyen, franchisee of Hurricane Grill & Wings. “We ultimately selected Hurricane Grill & Wings for their commitment to providing fresh and flavorful food in an atmosphere reminiscent of a beach front shack, which is perfect for our customers in California.”

Hurricane Grill & Wings has seen tremendous national growth in 2015 with expansions in Florida, Iowa, Maryland and Texas. In addition to California, the concept will close out the year by entering Louisiana, Oklahoma and Virginia as well as its first international location in Italy.

About Hurricane Grill & Wings

With over 80 restaurants open or under construction in 15 states and 5 European countries that include Austria, Germany, Italy, Poland and Switzerland, Florida-based Hurricane Grill & Wings^® is known for its jumbo, fresh wings, more than 35 signature sauces and rubs and tropical, laid-back vibe. Named by USA Today as one of “10 Great Places to Wing It,” selected as one of the “Future 50” by Restaurant Business and as one of Franchise Times “Top 40 Fast and Serious,” Hurricane Grill & Wings’ menu includes crave-able Hurricane’s Garlic & Parm fries, tasty salads, seafood entrees and fresh ½ pound burgers. The brand’s signature Rum Bar with over 21 premium rums leads its tropical drinks menu along, along with a wide selection of craft beers and wines. The original Hurricane Grill & Wings opened in Fort Pierce, Fla., in 1995 and has expanded to locations in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas, with additional restaurants planned internationally. For more information, visit www.hurricanewings.com.

For Franchising Opportunities contact Kevin Kruse via email at kevin.kruse@hurricaneamt.com, by phone at (609) 731 – 2485, or visit our website at http://www.hurricanefranchising.com/

By Allen Payton

The Antioch Police Department honored the graduates of their first Citizens Academy during a ceremony at the police facility, Wednesday evening, September 2. A total of nine Antioch residents completed the two month course.

The academy provided an opportunity for community members to meet the police officers who protect and serve our city. The intent was to educate the community on the duties, training, investigation techniques and situations police officers and other members of the police department may encounter.

Those who attended the academy were given the opportunity to participate in some of the activities police officers perform as part of their every day duties. Hands on experiences included fingerprinting, defensive tactics, interacting with a K-9 and handler, and riding along with an officer.

“I want to congratulate all of you for going through our first Citizens Academy,” said Chief Allan Cantando. “This is something that’s not only good for the citizens but good for the police department.”

“Thank you to Lt. Aguinaga for putting it, together,” he added.

He then asked the graduates what they liked and disliked about the eight-week course.

Hans Ho, is a past chairman of Antioch’s Police Crime Prevention Commission and head of the city’s Neighborhood Watch program said, “What I liked about it I got a lot of good information. I’ve been here 12 years and I found out how much I didn’t know.”

“I feel the same way,” said Barbara Brown-Ackerman, who is also a member of the Volunteers In Police Service. “The information. There are so many people out there who don’t know what all the officers do. They have no idea. I’m able to tell them something. I really liked all the classes.”

Graduate Sandy Hartrick, whose husband and daughter were in attendance with a “Congrats” balloon, shared what she liked about the program.

“I think it’s the knowledge you gain,” she said. “Everyone is doing so many tasks. It’s not like you’re just a police officer, writing tickets. There are a million facets of the job. It was very eye opening…how much of themselves the officers have to give to the job. Keeping in tune to keep themselves safe…thinking about themselves, thinking about the citizens.

Francisco Muñiz offered a different view.

“I didn’t like the class. I loved it,” he said to laughter of all in attendance.

“Good,” Cantando joked. “I thought I was going to have to use some pepper spray.”

Muñiz then shared what he didn’t like.

“Maybe a little more time with the weapons,” he stated. “It would be useful for the average citizen to know to handle the weapons.”

Graduate Mindy Amerine enjoyed other aspects of the course.

“The CSI. The drug unit was especially eye opening to me,” she shared. “The gang unit, knowing the tags. The firing range. Maybe shooting another clip would be good. Getting to use the dust and fingerprints. It was a great overall experience with every single class.”

“I used to have a tunnel vision of the police department,” said Tina Biles. “Now I have this 360 degree view. We have a great police force and I’m thankful for it.”

“Those scenarios were so stressful,” she continued. “I failed every time,” to which everyone laughed.

“They were awesome and terrifying at the same time,” Biles added. “I would have signed up for a longer course.”

Graduate Michael Morris said it was the depth of the class.

“It was really fascinating. I was most interested in the drugs and gangs. Because my kids are teenagers.”

“I’d like two ride-alongs instead of one,” he offered as his critique. He wanted one at the end after all the classes, which lasted three hours per night. Other students suggested the course last longer or last four hours per night to cover everything.

“It was great,” Harry Thurston said as he got choked up. “You let us behind the blue door. I can’t believe it. All the things you guys go through is just amazing. I would like more. Stretch me further.”

“What I learned is the people who taught us were like family,” he continued. “Because you have earned more respect out of me than I thought I could ever give.”

“I could not retain everything that was being thrown at us,” Thurston added.

Cantando responded to all the positive comments.

“What you said is exactly what we wanted it to be,” he said. “We are a family here at the police department. We couldn’t do our job without our family. We couldn’t do our job without you. Just the fact that you went through this program…you are family with us, now. You are our ambassadors, now. You know more than most of the public knows that officers go through.”

He then presented each graduate with an official Antioch Police Department mug, a diploma and a Challenge Coin.

“It’s something we give out in the department,” Cantando said about the coin. “The reason why I give it to them, it’s to tell them the values we want them to represent – Pride, Integrity and Courage.”

The class then took group photos and enjoyed some cake.

Then, their final classmate, Lorenzo Macon, was able to show up.

Cantando presented him with his gifts, as well.

“You can’t buy these,” he said referring to the Challenge Coins. “If you have one you’ve been given it by someone in the department.”

Macon shared his thoughts on the course.

“I liked the blood curdling and adrenaline rush from the scenarios,” he said to more laughter. “This is the first one. We pioneered this thing. I look forward to some future endeavors.”

Those include a possible position with APD.

“There’s some level-one reserve or CSO positions that might come up that I’m interested in,” said Macon, who is currently an armed officer with Strategic Threat Management in Antioch. “This gave me one foot in the door.”

Another suggestion by the graduates was better marketing of the academy, so more people can participate in it, in the future.

“I want to thank all of you for giving me your time and input,” Cantando stated. “We don’t have another scheduled as of yet. But we will definitely market it.”