Graphic from Marian Boat Launch Study by Environmental Science Associates

The City of Antioch is very pleased to announce a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. to officially open the new Antioch Marina Boat Launch Facility located at the foot of “L” Street. The construction of this facility was funded by a grant from the California Department of Boating and Waterways.

In conjunction with the ceremony, Diablo Jet Ski Action will be hosting their season opening race at the boat launch facility.

The ceremony which will begin with the playing of the National Anthem with flags presented on the water by the United States Coast Guard and the Contra Costa County Sheriff Marine Patrol followed by honored dignitaries and, of course, the ribbon cutting.

Everyone is invited to attend the ceremony and stay to mingle with the jet ski racers, visit the displays, enjoy the new launch ramp facility and stay to watch some exciting jet ski racing on Antioch’s waterfront.

Due to a lack of ticket sales, the Meet the Press event, scheduled for Saturday night, March 31, 2012 at the El Campanil Theatre, was cancelled.  Organizer Charleen Earley is hoping to reschedule for another venue in the future.

The Antioch Police Department is excited to announce the 33rd installment of the Neighborhood Cleanup Program. This is a collaborative community effort which involves active participation from United Citizens for Better Neighborhoods (UCBN), community volunteers, and the Antioch Police Department Crime Prevention Commission; Neighborhood Watch Program, Target Volunteers, Volunteers in Police Service, community volunteers and the Public Works Department.

Collectively, “We”, everyone who works and lives in the City of Antioch, can make a difference and improve the quality of life. It’s our community and it’s our chance to make a difference.

The City of Antioch Neighborhood Cleanup program is not just for residential neighborhoods. It is a program that will change venues on a monthly basis and it will include business and commercial areas as well. Neighborhoods that are free of trash and refuse are inviting, and a clean community instills a sense of community pride.

The 33rd Neighborhood Cleanup event will occur on Saturday April 7, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Volunteers should report to Hillcrest Park located at 1300 Larkspur Way.Volunteers will receive instructions and the equipment necessary to accomplish the goal. The targeted area is within walking distance. Excluding inclement weather, future Neighborhood Cleanup events will be scheduled for the first Saturday of every month and the locations will be announced in advance.

If you have a suggestion for a future cleanup area, please inform the assigned Volunteer in Police Services (VIP) or you can call (925) 779- 6878. If there is no answer please feel free to leave a message regarding your suggested cleanup area.

Remember, cleaning up your neighborhood can make life better for your family, your neighbors and your community!

Executive Director of Antioch’s Opportunity Junction

Alissa Friedman

Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla (D-Concord) announced today that Alissa Friedman, executive director of Opportunity Junction, has been selected as the 11^th California State Assembly District’s Woman of the Year for her significant contributions to our community. Ms. Friedman will participate in the Woman of the Year ceremony in the California State Assembly on Monday, March 26, 2012.

“Alissa has created, through Opportunity Junction, an important access point for women in our community to become educated, trained, and able to find a job.” Bonilla said. “Alissa has shown incredible community leadership and has been able to provide practical assistance to many individuals and families in the 11^th Assembly District.”

“I feel honored and humbled to be singled out by Assemblywoman Bonilla, whom I hold in such high regard,” said Friedman. “The credit for Opportunity Junction’s success in placing local residents into sustainable employment, though, goes to our dedicated staff and volunteers, fueled by the inspiration of working with participants who are determined to develop the skills and confidence to achieve self-sufficiency.”

About Alissa and Opportunity Junction:

Alissa Friedman is Executive Director of Opportunity Junction and has overseen its growth from a pilot workforce development program into a local hub for training, education, and job placement. Alissa joined Opportunity Junction in 2001 as Project Manager and took over as Executive Director in 2003.

Located in Antioch, Opportunity Junction’s mission is to fight poverty by helping low-income adults gain the skills and confidence to support themselves and their families. Programs include the flagship Job Training and Placement Program, which prepares participants for administrative careers, the evening Technology Center, Do-It-Yourself Tax Assistance, and Bay Point Career Development Services. Even in this economy, 84% of those who complete Opportunity Junction’s job training enter employment within six months. For more information about Opportunity Junction and for volunteer opportunities, please visit www.opportunityjunction.org.

Antioch Delta Skimmers invites you to come and try out for the 2012 swim team.  For ages 4-18, Swim try-outs and sign-ups will be held at the Los Medanos College Pool.  2700 East Leland Rd, Pittsburg.  Dates for tryouts are:   March 24^th and April 7^th, from 10:00am to 1:00 pm.  Parents must accompany child and show proof of age when signing up. Don’t forget a towel, a swim cap and goggles! Go to www.antiochdeltaskimmers.com for more info!

From the Office of Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla

Mayor Jim Davis posted an event on Facebook, today, inviting everyone to attend a Town Hall Meeting this Thursday evening, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Community Center at Prewett Park on Lone Tree Way in Antioch.

Following is the message on the event page:

Antioch Townhall Meeting/ Neighborhood Watch Recruitment.
Come and learn how to get involved and how you can make Antioch a safer community.
Hosted by Mayor Davis.

High school senior Cayson Renshaw auditions for East County Idol 2012 singing "New Shoes" by Paolo Nutini

The first round of East County Idol auditions were held March 17th at Somersville Towne Center before Antioch Music Foundation judges (left to right) Linda Thompson, Rudy Fernandez and Sharon Vela.

Final audition opportunity for East County high school students will be held at the mall this Saturday, March 24 from 10 am to  3 pm.  Finalists will perform on April 20th at the El Campanil Theatre. (photo by Walter Ruehlig)