Rejected proposed mini mart site on A St at the former drive-through dairy location.

Mayor says Antioch not filing for bankruptcy, city finances in “fine shape”

By Daniel Borsuk

Over concerns about crime, public loitering and drinking, the Antioch City Council unanimously denied Tuesday a request to approve a 1,200-square foot mini-mart to sell beer, wine and liquor at 2302 A St.

Council members were swayed to deny Amandeep Sing’s request to open a beer and liquor store at the A Street location when residents came forth to talk about their problems with homeless who are known to cause trouble in the area.

“I sincerely hope you don’t allow this business,” said Marsha Russo, who told council members about constant gunfire that she hears in her neighborhood.

Norton Street resident David Kundest said the proposed mini-mart will worsen conditions in the A Street area.  He said his neighborhood is plagued with homeless stealing private property, panhandling, urinating in public, and public intoxication.

“I’m struggling to see any positive things happening out of this application,” said City Council Member Tony Tiscareno.

The Antioch Planning Commission had rejected Singh’s mini-mart request based on the fact the store would not provide the required six off-street parking spaces.   He could only provide four parking spaces.

In other action, the council approved a 5-year $48.9 million capital improvement program.  Some of the features of the program include $10.5 million for wastewater and storm drain system projects, $14.2 million for roadway improvements, $800.000 for traffic signals, $600,000 for parks and trails and $400,000 for communication facilities.

Mayor Sean Wright also wanted to correct the public notion about the city’s financial condition.  Word has been circulating that the city’s financial stature might be wobbly.

“Antioch is in fine financial shape,” he said. “For those who ask if we are filing for bankruptcy the answer is no.  We have $25 million in reserves with no debt.”

204 G Street, Rivertown, Antioch – www.facebook.com/rosetimeofday

Will Stallings, Jr. in his football uniform.

By Ed Givans

All Sports Training Center, located in Antioch, California has an amazing 6th grade athlete, Will Stallings, Jr. He plays football for the Pittsburg Junior Pirates’ Junior Varsity team. He also runs track for the elite track team All Sports Outlaws. Since training at All Sports Training Center, his speed, agility, vertical jump and all around athletic abilities are equal to those of a high school athlete.

All of Stallings’ hard work and dedication has landed him on the 6th grade Football University (FBU) team, which he helped lead to the championship in Naples, Florida. It was the first time a Bay Area FBU team made it to the FBU championship.

With his outstanding play in Naples, he was scouted and invited to the Diamond All-American game in Los Angeles, California where he was the starting slot receiver and cornerback. With an all-star performance in Los Angeles, he was scouted for the Grid Iron Kings National Youth Showcase All-Star Game presented by DMAXX Sports in Dallas, Texas.

His Trainer, who is also the owner of All Sports Training Center, says that Will is one of the hardest working 6th graders that he has ever come across. Expect big things to come from Stallings, Jr.

He’s not just a superstar athlete, he is also a superstar student maintaining a 3.2 GPA. Stallings lives by the quote, “hard work beats talent when talent is hardly working” and says that he receives his motivation from his loving and supportive family.

He currently has an upcoming invite from New York City depending on his performance in Dallas. In a short off-season, this 6th grade superstar athlete has competed and shined in all national games across the country.

Congratulations to Will Stallings, Jr. and All Sports Training Center of Antioch for putting out such a humble athlete.

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners for the 2016 community awards:

•Citizen of the Year – Most Impact – Sal Sbranti

•Citizen of the Year – Lifetime Achievement – Leo Fontana

•Small Business of the Year – Rich McDaniel, McDaniel Financial Services

•Large Business of the Year – PG&E

•Non-Profit of the Year – Delta  Veterans Group

•Youth of the Year – Jocelyn Villalobos and Jacqueline Villalobos

The awards will be presented at the Chamber’s annual Gala on Friday, March 10, 2017.

Special recognition will be given to Antioch Unified School District for their continued efforts and successes. Posthumous recognition will be given to Karl Dietzel, and Ed Antrim in recognition of their commitment and betterment of the Antioch community.

Please see photos and details about the winners in the April issue of the Herald and on our website.