By Walter Ruehlig

There was surprise for those who pre-stereotyped last night’s “East County Community Action – To Build Opportunites For All” town hall meeting. It was neither Occupy Oakland nor the Tea Party.

The event, put on by the Contra Costa Interfaith Sponsoring Community Organization (CCISCO), brought out a bevy of community, political and faith leaders and a highly diverse crowd of some 400 people to St. Ignatius of Antioch Church. The audience was treated to a rousing start by the award-winning Voices Of Antioch choir from Antioch Church Family.

Missing were the kitchen sink atmosphere of yoga sessions, splinter political movements and Save the Amazon registration booths indicative of the boldly ecletic, proudly amorphous, distinctively undisciplined Occupy Oakland movement. This was not a spontaneous Be-In and hinted no disorder.

The crowd had, in some sense of demeanor, more of a straight-laced, family-friendly Tea Party ambiance with agreed upon ground rules for behavior. It offered badges and a rigorous, orchestrated agenda with well-defined and specific objectives. It started and ended on time. There was an abundance of pre-event research, community input, and political groundwork.

It certainly did, though, have something of the Occupy spirit of egalitarianism and moral social agenda. Again, the affair defied easy categorization as the crowd had a significant Filippino, Latino and African American composite with clergy and congregation from St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, St. Anthony Catholic Church, Antioch Christian Center, Community Presbyterian Church, Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. John Lutheran Chrch, Antioch Church Family, Islamic Center of the East Bay, and the International Christian Ministry.

The meeting co-chairs were Fr. Robert Rien of St. Ignatius of Antioch and Dr. Mario Howell, Pastor at Antioch Church Family. Rev. Will McGarvey and Dr. Paul Taylor gave a prophetic statement, with Rev. Keith Archuleta offering supporting testimony. Elected officials included State Sen. Mark Desaulnier; Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Wade Harper and Council Members Mary Rocha and Gary Agopian; County Board of Education Trustee Cynthia Ruehlig; Antioch Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donald Gill and Trustees Gary Hack and Walter Ruehlig; Oakley Mayor Jim Frazier; Bart Commissioner Joel Keller; liasons from Congressman John Garamendi’s and State Assemblywoman Susan Bonillas office; and former Antioch Mayor Donald Freitas.

Highlights of the meeting were Fr. Robert’s stirring testimony that St. Ignatius of Antioch had been the first church in the country to divest itself from the Bank of America and that, as of now, over four biillion dollars of divestiture has since resulted. This includes 1.2 million from the City of Antioch. Rev. Howell also brought the crowd to their feet with his story of being handcuffed and arrested for his objection to the banks’ stubborn refusal to work with homeowners.

It was proposed that we locally replicate the Boston community Capital Sun initiative that purchases foreclosed properties at current market values and resells to their current occupants at a discounted rate. A request was made to Sen. Desaulnier to continue pushing his SB 447 legislation requiring financial instititions wishing to do business in California to provide their track records on a number of measures including loan modifcations.

Antioch city counselors were encouraged to stress foreclosure registration ordinances and to set $1,000 daily code enforcement fines on negligent banks holding blighted properties. They were asked to affirm their support. They gave moral support but could not technically affirm as three members were present at the meeting. That verbal consensus would have violated the Brown Act.

The education community was commended for the trail-blazing linked learning pathways programs taking root in Antioch. Dr. Gill and myself spoke about the recent 1.025 million dollar career academy grant awarded us and our county-leading reduction from 29% to 18% in dropout rate. We confirmed our support for broadened tutoring programs and equitable behavioral support systems.

The eBART project was commended for insuring that 25% of work hours and 50% of apprenticeship hours be performed by East County residents. A move for more such local hiring was applauded as it augurs tax dollars and shortened commutes.

On the health care access front, La Clinica will be soon opening a new site in Oakley offering services on a sliding fee structure. This provides physicians to Oakley and should take some strain off already overburdened emergency services.

Stay tuned – by all accounts this struck me as a determined movement not easy to pigeonhole and not soon going away.

Faith and community leaders from ten congregations to present vision and proposals to address foreclosure prevention, health care access, immigrant integration, quality education, and jobs.

On Monday, November 7th at 7:00 pm, hundreds of East County residents will be gathering at St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church, 3351 Contra Loma Blvd., Antioch to call on public and elected officials to stand with them and work together to address the pressing issues most affecting East County.

Clergy and community leaders will be presenting their vision and agenda to bring equity and justice around a critical set of issues that impact the future of the region. This action is the result of relational meetings with many of the families in over ten congregations and dozens of research meetings to develop these proposals for change.

CCISCO leaders will be sharing their research and proposals around the following key issues:

* Keeping families in their homes and holding banks accountable for blighted properties;

* Expanding pathways to jobs for local residents and developing local hiring policies;

* Strengthening linked learning pathways at public schools;

* Trust, relationship, and cooperation building between recent immigrants & long term residents;

* Expanding access to health care for all residents in the region.

Afterwards, public and elected officials will be asked to respond to the proposals and commit to working together to address these vital issues.

Confirmed Guests: Office of Rep. John Garamendi; Senator Mark Desaulnier; Office of Assembly Woman Susan Bonilla; Office of Assembly Woman Joan Buchanan; Supervisor Federal Glover; AUSD Superintendent Donald Gill; AUSD Board Members Walter Ruehlig and Gary Hack; LUHSD Superintendent Eric Volta; LUHSD Board Members Ray Valverde and Holly Hartman; Oakley City Mayor Jim Frazier; La Clinica de La Raza Regional Director Viola Lujan; BART Board Director Joel Keller.

Participating Institutions: St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, St. Anthony Catholic Church, Antioch Christian Center, Community Presbyterian Church, Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. John Lutheran Church, Antioch Church Family, Islamic Center of the East Bay, and International Christian Ministry.

CCISCO
202 G St., Suite 1 – Mailing: P. O. Box 883
Antioch, CA 94509
P: (925) 779-9302
F: (925) 779-9303
www.ccisco.org

A. Ben Cabal, Aaron Leake and Jeremy Newberry.

By Denise Leake, Christine Leake, and Debbie Bonshire

The journey for Aaron Leake has been a long and hard one. Almost two and half years ago, one week after the birth of his son, Aaron was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.

As anyone that has a cancer patient in their family understands it takes a tremendous toll on everyone. You look forward to the good days and cry when the bad days come. You try to keep your family member comfortable and make those everlasting memories that you’ll never forget.

As Aaron’s cancer has progressed we have been blessed by the numerous people that have offered to help and come visit. He recently had an especially special day as he is a lifelong Niner fan. Ex-Niner player (and former Antioch High star) Jeremy Newberry paid Aaron a visit.

It put a twinkle in Aaron’s eyes when he learned that he was going to finally meet a Niners player in person. Aaron’s massage therapist, A. Ben Cabal, set up the special meeting. The kindness of Mr. Cabal and Mr. Newberry will be one that our family never forgets.

Photos by Benjamin Cabal

Leake calling his dad to share the great news while sporting his signed hat, shirt, and football from Jeremy Newberry.

Aaron Leake with his mom Denise, aunt Debbie Bonshire and sister Christine.

November 12th and 13th
Huge selection of crafts, jewelry, quilts, candles, ornaments, woodworking, gift baskets, and many local businesses! FREE Kids Zone including visits with Santa! Live entertainment NEW THIS YEAR “Smokin’ on the Delta” Our 1st KCBS Sanctioned BBQ Competition along with our annual Backyard BBQ’er Amateur Contest.

Event Hours
Saturday November 12th 10am-5pm
Sunday November 13th 10am-4pm
Adults $5 Kids 12 & under FREE FREE Parking
Fairgrounds in Antioch 925-757-4400
www.contracostafair.com
1201 West 10th Street Antioch, CA 94509

The Antioch Police Department is excited to announce the 28th 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 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 28th Neighborhood Cleanup event will occur on Saturday, November 5th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers should report to Gentrytown Park, which is located at 2800 Carmona Way. Ample parking can be found in the parking lot for the park which is located at the east side of the park and accessible from the 1600 block or dead-end of Monterey Drive.

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 are scheduled for the first Saturday of every month and the locations will be announced in advance.

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

A variety of churches in the Antioch area will host alternative, safe Halloween night events, this year. Golden Hills Community Church will host two events from 6 to 8 p.m. on October 31st. At their Antioch campus, located on East 18th Street at Woodland Drive, they’re hosting a Trunk or Treat candy give-away for kids.  One sealed bag of candy per child is the entrance price. At their Brentwood campus on Lone Tree Way, the church is hosting its 26th annual, free Harvest Carnival where kids play games to win candy.  For more information visit www.goldenhills.org.

Cornerstone Christian Center, located at 1745 East 18th Street in Antioch, will again host their Halloween alternative candy-giveaway called Hallelujah Night from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. One sealed bag of candy is the entrance price. For more information visit www.cornerstonechristian.net.

And the biggest event in East County on October 31st is the annual Holy Eve Carnival hosted by Grace Bible Fellowship with free food, free carnival rides, and of course free candy! The event will be held in the parking lot at Somersville Towne Center, 2556 Somersville Road from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information visit www.gbfofantioch.org.

By Amy Claire

At the October 26 meeting of the Antioch School Board, Lone Tree Elementary School parent Patty Ward expressed concerns about the recent occurrences of arson and vandalism at the school’s playground. She stated that she was happy with the district’s response time in replacing the vandalized equipment, and requested a way for parents to take a more active role in keeping the campus safe.

She suggested a fundraiser to help pay for motion sensor lights to protect the area most commonly vandalized, and expressed interest in organizing such an event. She also suggested the possibility of using a newer technology that emits an annoying sound, and can be programmed to deter certain age groups from loitering and causing mischief.

Board President Diane Gibson-Gray said someone from the district would contact Ward at the school, where she volunteers three times a week. Board Vice-President Claire Smith recommended getting involved with the PTA as a good way to organize the fundraiser.

Another woman expressed positive interest in family involvement in school activities. As a representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, she mentioned that the National Week of the Family is in November, and that the community has organized to create opportunities for families to play and eat together throughout the month.

She presented a finalized calendar that included dinner specials for every night of the week, family bowling and roller skating specials, and community events to teach families how to work together on projects such as planting gardens or cooking meals. She expressed the theme of the month as “Families that eat, work and play together, stay together.”

The board also heard reports from student delegates from Antioch High School and Dozier-Libbey Medical High School, both of which detailed upcoming social events at the schools. The meeting also included two hearings, one regarding the sufficiency of textbooks and instructional materials, the other considering the appointment of Darice Ingram as a representative to the personnel commission. No attendees voiced opinions about either topic.

The next school board meeting will be held Wednesday, November 16 at 7 pm at 510 G. Street in Antioch.