By Allen Payton, Publisher

D’Juan “De’shawn” Woolridge from his campaign’s Facebook page.

A success story on the Los Medanos College (LMC) website about current candidate for the Contra Costa Community College Board of Trustees, D’Juan “De’shawn” Woolridge has been removed.

The discovery of the story, made by this writer on Saturday, October 6, 2012, while doing an online research about the candidates for Ward V, which includes most of Antioch, resulted in the removal of it by new LMC President Bob Kratochvil, today.

An email to Kratochvil, college district Chancellor Helen Benjamin and all five trustees asking them if they were aware of the story that showed a photo of Woolridge with another person, and mentioned he “ is currently running for public office,” and what they planned to do about it, received two responses. The first was from Trustee John Marquez, who represents Ward I, covering West County.

Marquez stated in an email, “I don’t see any implied endorsement or promotion of De’shawn Woolridge by LMC over the other candidates for Ward V. I just see this as an expression of pride by LMC of the successes of its alumni. I was not aware of this write-up. And, I’m not concerned about it since the other candidates have not raised any concern. If they do, I might personally ‘consider’ removal until after the election.”

He also wrote in the same email, “I read the biography of De’shawn referenced by you, and concluded that the story did not

D’Juan “De’shawn” Woolridge that appeared with his Alumni Success Story on the LMC website, until its removal on Monday, October 8, 2012.

mention anything about his current candidacy for College Board Ward V. While I have not endorsed De’shawn, I have known him for many years and knew he has always had  political aspirations. As I read the biography, I noticed all the excellent steps taken by De’shawn and staff at LMC to see his goals achieved. By the way, his hair is not as long as shown on the photo, which implies the biography was written sometime ago. LMC should be proud of the ‘success stories’ of all its Alumni. Further reading of the LMC website reveals the successes of other alumni such as Dave Tollefson, football player during the Super Bowl XLVI, and Wade Harper, candidate for Mayor of Antioch, among others.”

“Just to be fair about the political process, I will ask for consideration of a policy change by the Board at our meeting in November,” Marquez added.

New LMC President Bob Kratochvil had a different response.

“The story about Mr. Woolridge that is on our website is among several ‘stories of success’ regarding students and programs at Los Medanos College, a series that has been in place for quite some time.  It is my understanding that the article about Mr. Woolridge has been on the web page for more than a year, apparently written initially upon his graduation from LMC (approximately Spring/Summer 2011) and coinciding his candidacy for a council seat in the City of Pittsburg.  Subsequently, information in the article was updated after he graduated from University of the Pacific,” Kratochvil wrote in an email.

“I acknowledge that, since Mr. Woolridge is a candidate for a seat on the Contra Costa Community College Governing Board, such a story should be pulled from our website until after the November election so there is no inadvertent perception of endorsement.  We will do so immediately at the start of business on Monday morning. Thank you very much for bringing this matter to our attention,” he added.

When asked about the website story, Woolridge stated “The article has been up there for awhile. It was up there before the election and written two years ago.”

However, the story has been updated in the past few months, because it included two new facts about Woolridge: “De’shawn has completed his bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of the Pacific…and is currently running for public office.” He graduated in May, 2012 and filed for office by August 16.

Woolridge spoke with LMC Marketing Director Barbara Cella regarding the website story. “She contacted me and asked me if I had graduated and I said ‘Yes’,” he stated.

Cella was unavailable for comment when contacted Monday morning.

“The fact that it doesn’t even say ‘the governing board,’ I don’t have a problem with it being on the website, since it was written two years ago. It’s not really highlighted for a campaign,” Woolridge added.

Regarding removal of the article, he said “I don’t really have a problem with it being removed. I’m not going to sit there and have a heart attack. I would hope it goes back up after all the work I’ve done at LMC. It’s an honor to have the article.”

In a review of the list of Alumni Success Stories on Monday morning, October 8, 2012, the articles on both Woolridge and Harper, who is currently running for Mayor of Antioch, had been removed from the LMC website.

From OnlineCollegeCourses.com

Pursuing an online education means that you probably hope to one day land a great job in your field of interest, but when entering the workforce, chances are you’ll be starting from the bottom and working your way up. A common way of working from the bottom up comes in the form of the internship. You probably know someone who’s interned, or perhaps you’ve been an intern yourself, and you know that sometimes internships seem like more trouble than they’re worth.

While internships are widely held to be a valuable way to obtain experience in your field of interest, when pursuing an internship, it’s important to take into consideration the relative costs and benefits to your own professional well-being.

Now, compared to as recently as a decade ago, more and more schools are requiring students to intern, and many companies won’t hire grads who haven’t completed an internship. But when students or post-grads are expected to intern without compensation, the experience can become noticeably less valuable.

Studies show that students who intern without receiving pay in return tend to learn less, perform more menial tasks, and be hired on full-time at a lower rate than students who are paid for their internships. The following infographic takes a look at the perils of the unpaid internship, and why you should think before you accept one.

Graphic by OnlineCollegeCourses.com. Posted with permission.

By Allen Payton, Publisher

The Antioch School Board by a unanimous vote at their July 25 meeting decided to try again in November to pass a bond measure to fund improvements at Antioch High School. That follows the failure of Measure J in June – by just 31 votes.

The 58-year-old school needs $56.5 million in upgrades, according to the amount of the bonds that will be floated if the measure is approved. It requires 55% voter approval to pass.

Unlike Measure J which included improvements at other school district campuses and facilities, Measure B, as it will appear on the November ballot, focuses all its funds on improving Antioch High.

“The funds will be spent on a new cafeteria, Career Center, library, administrative offices, renovations and remodeling to support the academy and linked learning program,” shared Antioch School Board Trustee Joy Motts.

There will also be upgrades in technology, as well as improvements to the athletic facilities, including a new field and all-weather track.

“We have 1955 plumbing and electrical,” Motts stated. “We have one of the last cinder tracks at a high school in Northern California.”

“Antioch High has strong bones. We’re going to keep all the old brick,” she added. “We’re hoping we can make it happen, this time. The need is dire. The school has done its job for 58 years and it’s in need of a serious upgrade.”

Trustee Claire Smith, who was first elected in 1995 and faces reelection, this year said “Antioch High is in need of renovation, that’s for sure and it’s going to be up to the people.”

When asked why the district hadn’t set aside funds to improve the school over the years, she replied “Actually we have spent money on that school all along – the maintenance, the upkeep, the new roof. But after 60 years there are just things that need to be done that the budget can’t afford.”

The official language on Measure B in the ballot pamphlet is as follows:

To modernize Antioch High School by renovating classrooms including science and computer labs, improving critical safety and security systems, building a library and cafeteria, upgrading athletic facilities, replacing inefficient building systems, and improving student access to classroom technology, shall School Facilities Improvement District No. 1 of Antioch Unified School District issue $56.5 million in construction bonds at legal interest rates with funds monitored by an Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee with no funds spent on Administrators?

A pro-Measure B website has been set up for more information at www.YesonBondB.com.

Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Interact Club says “I Love Interact!” at their first meeting this school year on September 4, 2012 – photo by Ariel Parra

By Erin McDaid

Be the change you want to see in the world. Though the man who said this may have been old, grey and wrinkled, his words were immortalized the moment they left his lips. Gandhi’s message has been an inspiration to people all over the world, including those here in Antioch.

Dozier Libbey Medical High School (DLMHS) is very proud of their very active Interact Club. Interact stands for international action. It is the high school level of Rotary International, a well known and distinguished service organization of highly generous members.

Starting with just over five members two years ago, the DLMHS Interact Club now holds over 30 active members, and had over 95 sign-ups at this fall’s registration. Our Interact Club has served the city of Antioch by participating in monthly neighborhood cleanups, lending help at local schools, participating in Relay For Life and much more. On an international level our club has sent cards and supplies to our brave soldiers overseas during Christmas, and raised money for Little Flock Orphanage in India. If you are ever in need of a great group of dedicated volunteers feel free to contact us at anytime!

The Antioch Rotary Club has been greatly supportive of the DLMHS Interact Club, especially with the help of President- Elect and Interact Advisor, Lillian Razavi. We are currently working with Superintendent Dr. Gill to revive the Interact Club of Antioch High School and start one at Deer Valley High School. Interact is more than just a community service club. It is a second family, a place where students can come together and experience the joy of bringing service to others. If you are interested in starting an interact club at your school please contact me at erin_mcdaid@comcast.net.

Everyone has something to offer, and no contribution is too small. Dr. Suess once said, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s really not.”

You are somebody, and you can make a difference in the world. Whether that’s performing a random act of kindness, or donating a million dollars towards finding the cure for cancer, you matter, you make a difference, and you, can be the change!

McDaid is President of the Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Interact Club

School Starts August 15

The start of the 2012/13 school year is Wednesday, August 15th. Please contact your child’s school for enrollment and schedule information.

Kindergarten Registration, including Transitional Kindergarten, is currently underway.

Please contact your local elementary school for information and registration packets.

If you are not sure which school your child will attend, enter your address on the school locator on the Antioch Unified School District’s website.

Enrollment FAQs

Q1. Where do I find Information regarding AUSD schools?

A1.Visit www.antioch.k12.ca.us/schoolwebsites

Q2. What School Should my child attend?

Visit www.antioch.k12.ca.us/enroll and click on “A1. School Locator”

Q3. What Information do I need to bring with me to enroll my child?

You will need the following information to register your child: 

•Proof of age (original birth certificate, baptism record, passport or affidavit).

•Immunization records (doctor’s verification of shots given).

•Residence verification (two of the listed items) All must be current: PG&E bill, water bill, final escrow papers, property tax bill, rental agreement.   

•Photo ID of resident for purposes of verifying identity only.

For additional enrollment information visit the school district’s website at www.antioch.k12.ca.us

University of Phoenix celebrates graduation of students in the Bay Area

University of Phoenix Bay Area Campus will commemorate the graduation of more than 1,800 students earning associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees with a ceremony at HP Pavilion in San Jose on July 21 at 10:00 a.m. Nearly 1,000 of those students will walk in the ceremony, including Norma Watson and Will Pearsall, a mother and son from Pleasant Hill and Antioch, respectively. Both will graduate and walk across the stage together, each with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management.

“I would like to congratulate Norma Watson, Will Pearsall and the entire class of 2012. Every student graduating has succeeded because of their hard work and determination, and we are incredibly proud of them,” said University of Phoenix Bay Area Campus Vice President, Stacy McAfee. “Education in and of itself is not the end goal, but the means to achieve a larger life goal where graduates can be successful and do even more to give back to their communities.”

Watson, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business, with a concentration in small business management and entrepreneurship, chose to return to school at a critical time in her life; after her husband of 18 years passed away. She coped with her loss by tackling challenges posed in the classroom, and thanks to the support of her son, who she also took several classes with, Watson feels she has developed the skills and confidence to begin the next chapter of her life. For more than 25 years, she has owned a small business, a beauty salon, and with her bachelor’s degree Watson plans to take the next steps to expand her business.

“After the passing of my husband, I needed to make a positive change in my life. Returning to school was just what I needed,” said Watson. “My education at University of Phoenix taught me the practical skills that will make me a better businesswoman and manager. I am incredibly proud to graduate this weekend, and for our family it has an added special meaning since Will and I will walk together. This experience has truly changed my life, both personally and professionally, for the better.”

Pearsall, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in management, is continuing higher education goals that he had temporarily put on hold. A father to four daughters, with another on the way, Pearsall made the decision to return to school once he realized a bachelor’s degree could open doors that professional experience alone could not. Currently a software salesman, Pearsall hopes to manage an emerging technology company, a dream that only recently become a possibility.

“Returning to school was something I always wanted to do, but never thought was possible,” said Pearsall. “University of Phoenix offered a flexible schedule, but also challenged me every step of the way. Obtaining my degree has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my life, and knowing that my mom and I did this together, even though we had different goals, will undoubtedly open doors for both of us.”

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning can help students pursue personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

By Allen Payton, Publisher

The Antioch Unified School District’s ballot measure to provide funding to improve Antioch High School failed by about 40 votes.

The parcel tax needed a 55% majority vote to pass and 4,597 yes votes or 54.4% in favor versus 3,854 no votes or 45.6% opposed.

Prior to the vote being certified, School Board Members Walter Ruehlig and Joy Motts said they weren’t sure if the district would seek another ballot measure on the November ballot, if Measure J failed.

Discussions by the full board will take place at their meeting following certification of the election.

The measure would have approved $59.5 million in new bonds for the district. Most of the funds were planned for improvements to Antioch High. However, some of the funds were slated for improvements to Antioch Middle School.

No campaign was run, following the advice of the bond counsel, according to Ruehlig and Motts. That was, they said, because the last bond measure passed without a campaign, either.

One key factor in its defeat could have been the neutral position taken by the teachers union, due to their opposition to the district wanting to relocate their offices to where Prospect High School is located, now.

By Greg Enholm

Have you wanted to go a museum but could not go on a free day or afford the entrance fees? Thanks to our Contra Costa County Library, any Library cardholder can receive a FREE or REDUCED PRICE pass for 30+ museums and other cultural institutions in the Bay Area. All you need to do is know about when you want to go, go to the County Library website (www.ccclib.org), look at the left-hand side column, and click on “Discover & Go” under MUSEUM PASSES. You will then be able to choose among all available options and print out your pass at home without going to the Library. But if you want, you can also go to any of our 26 community Libraries and a Librarian can help you find the museum or cultural institution pass you want.

As of July 1, the following museums and other cultural institutions offer FREE or REDUCED PRICE passes to County Library cardholders (It is very easy to become a cardholder – it’s free and available at any of our 26 community Libraries): Aquarium of the Bay, Asian Art Museum, Bay Area Discovery Museum, Bedford Gallery, Blackhawk Museum, California Academy of Sciences, California Historical Society, California Shakespeare Theater, Cartoon Art Museum, Charles M. Schulz Museum, Children’s Creativity Museum, The Contemporary Jewish Museum, Exploratorium, GLBT History Museum, Golden State Model Railroad Museum, Habitot Children’s Museum, The Lawrence Hall of Science, Lindsay Wildlife Museum, The Marine Mammal Center, Museum of Children’s Art, Museum of Craft and Folk Art, Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD), Napa Valley Museum, Oakland Aviation Museum, Oakland Museum of California, Oakland Zoo, Pacific Pinball Museum, Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, Ripley’s Believe it or Not! ODDitorium , Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art, San Jose Museum of Art, The Tech Museum, UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley, USS Hornet Museum, Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Detailed information about what kind of passes are available for each institution including time restrictions is available on the website.

Antioch’s main library is located across the street from Antioch Middle School at501 W. 18th Street. Hours are Monday & Tuesday Noon – 8 pm; Wednesday & Thursday 10 am – 5 pm; Saturday Noon – 5 pm; CLOSED: Friday and Sunday.

Antioch’s Full-screen Prewett – GenOn Gateway Center for Learning is across from Deer Valley High School at 4703 Lone Tree Way. Its hours are Tuesday 10 am – 7 pm; Wednesday and Thursday Noon – 8 pm; Friday and Saturday Noon – 5 pm; CLOSED: Monday and Sunday.

Enholm is County Library Commissioner (5^th District – Antioch, Bay Point, Crockett, Hercules, Martinez, Pittsburg, and Rodeo). He can be reached at gbenholm@hotmail.com.