According to a message on the Antioch Unified School District’s Facebook page about 6:00 p.m., Wednesday night, “The following autodialer is going out to all parents. It was sent out just a few moments ago so you may not get it immediately.”

“This is Stephanie Anello, Superintendent, with an important safety announcement from the Antioch Unified School District. Given the extreme poor air quality due to the recent, ongoing wildfires, schools will be closed tomorrow. Please know that your child’s safety was the primary factor leading to this decision. Many of our students walk or ride the…ir bike to and from school and will be exposed to the poor air quality even if we were to remain open and shelter in place as we did today. Currently, it is being reported that only three percent of the fires have been contained. Thus, we expect that the air quality will be even more dangerous tomorrow. We regret any inconvenience this may cause you but, again, your child’s safety is our number one concern. At this point school is only closed Thursday, but pending the containment of the fires, we ask that you make a short-term plan for your children should we need to close schools on Friday. We will be in contact with you as soon as possible should that be necessary.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our schools and our District as we work to ensure your child’s health is not compromised in any way.”

In addition, the following message was received by Herald Sports Reporter Jesus Cano from an Antioch High School football coach:

Photo courtesy of Antioch Parks & Rec Dept.

San Joaquin River is great for free fishing for kids

The California Striped Bass Association is hosting their 30th Free Kids Fishing Derby on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at the Antioch Marina.  Registration begins at 8:30am and the fishing is good.

The derby is held in the memory of Antioch resident “Compy” Compomizzo who inspired the mission statement Get Kids Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs or Gangs.

The Fish Derby is a collaboration of the Antioch Marina, the Antioch Recreation Department, and the West Delta Chapter of the California Striped Bass Association. Participants have a chance to fish using tackle that is partially furnished by derby sponsors and partially provided by the club. Club members who are experienced fishermen provide coaching and fishing tips for many kids who are totally unfamiliar with fishing, the water, and the outdoors. Other club members clean and bag caught fish so kids can take their catch home for cooking. Kids learn the fun of fishing as well as the value of our resources and of nature in general.

Kids do not need their own fishing pole – there will be fishing poles to borrow.

For more information please call the Recreation Department at (925)-776-3050, ext. 0.

Adds instruction on adolescent relationship abuse and intimate partner violence to sexual health education

SACRAMENTO – Middle and high school students in California public schools will receive education on how to spot the early warning signs of abusive relationships under a bill authored by Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Discovery Bay) that Gov. Jerry Brown signed on Saturday.

Frazier’s bill, AB 643, adds instruction on how to recognize early warning signs of adolescent relationship abuse and intimate partner violence to sexual health education at California public schools, for grades 7-12.

“Domestic violence invariably leads to tragedy – broken families, long periods of incarceration and far too often homicide,” Frazier said. “It leaves untold suffering in its aftermath. It consumes law enforcement and other emergency resources. AB 643 gives our children the knowledge they need to help stop this destructive behavior before it becomes tragic. I thank the governor for recognizing the importance of this early education and its potential to prevent future suffering.”

Frazier authored AB 643 after a constituent, Sonia McClellin, came forward to relate the story of her sister’s murder at age 24 by an abusive boyfriend. Ms. McClellin asked Frazier to find a way to help educate youth to recognize the type of behavior that led to the tragedy that took her sister’s life.

“On behalf of my sister Deborah and my entire family, I would like to thank Assemblymember Frazier and his staff, who tirelessly saw this process through to the end,” McClellin said. “If any good can come of my sister’s tragic death, it would be that we now having something in place to educate our youth in an effort to prevent domestic violence from happening in the first place.”

Assemblymember Frazier represents the 11th Assembly District, which includes the communities of Antioch, Bethel Island, Birds Landing, Brentwood, Byron, Collinsville, Discovery Bay, Fairfield, Isleton, Knightsen, Locke, Oakley, Pittsburg (partial), Rio Vista, Suisun City, Travis AFB, Vacaville and Walnut Grove.

Antioch Police Officers with Wesley, his new bike and Ron Lopez, owner of Schwinn City in Antioch. Photos by APD

Wesley’s damaged bike.

From the Antioch Police Facebook page,

On Saturday, Sept. 30, shortly after 2 pm, 10-year-old Wesley was riding his bicycle in front of his home on Bart Avenue, when a vehicle struck him from behind. The vehicle fled towards Marie Avenue, dragging Wesley’s bike underneath it. Fortunately for Wesley, he was knocked off of his bike and didn’t end up underneath the car. He still suffered multiple injuries, including a concussion, and had to be taken to the hospital for treatment.

With so few leads to work with, and Wesley’s bike being destroyed in the incident, Officer McElroy contacted Ron and Kelly Lopez, the owners of Schwinn City at 814 A Street.

After hearing what happened to Wesley, without hesitation, Ron and Kelly graciously agreed to split the cost of a new bike with Ofc. McElroy, and do what they could to help. All of the officers and dispatchers working day shift heard what Ofc. McElroy was doing, and chipped in their own money to help Wesley. The money donated, along with Ron and Kelly’s generosity, was enough to purchase a new bike for Wesley.

The entire APD dayshift crew helped deliver the bike to Wesley.

On Oct. 1st the entire dayshift crew and Ron Lopez, delivered Wesley’s new bike to him and his parents at their home. Ron included a new bike lock, and Antioch PD also added a new bike helmet. Wesley was beyond excited and appreciative, as were his parents.

Although the responsible driver and vehicle have not been located or identified, we are happy we could brighten Wesley’s day. The vehicle could only be described as an older grey sedan, similar in appearance to a Honda Accord. It possibly has tinted windows, and could have some front end or right-side damage.

Anyone with any information as to the location of the vehicle or the identity of the driver, please contact the Antioch Police Department at (925) 778-2441, and refer any information to Officer McElroy, Case Number 17-10545.

Stage Right Conservatory Theatre will hold auditions for the play It’s a Wonderful Life on October 16th & 17th at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, 213 F Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.  Based on the film by Frank Capra and produced by special arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing Company, It’s a Wonderful Life both celebrates the season and the American philosophy of life:  that hard work, fair play, and the love and support of family and community will be rewarded.

It’s a Wonderful Life will be directed by Felicia Torrez.  There are many great roles available for actors ages 8-18. No experience necessary.  To receive your audition time, you must register online at www.srctgrp.org.  Performance dates will be December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 9th & 10th.  There is a $75 participation fee if cast.  For more audition and show information call (925) 216-4613.

By Sergeant James Stenger 3604 Field Services Bureau

Early Saturday morning October 7, 2017, at about 1:00 AM, both Etheley and Cummings were located safely in San Francisco. We would like to thank the public for their assistance.

ORIGINAL POST: On Friday, October 6, 2017, 12-year-old Lariece Etheley and 11-year-old Davonye Cummings left their respective residences for school. Neither of them went to school and it is believed they got on BART and went to San Francisco. One of the two contacted their guardian and stated they were in San Francisco and that they would return home after the weekend. The two have no known associates/family in San Francisco.

It was the third day in a row that Cummings and Etheley have run away from home. The first day they were found in the City of Pittsburg and the second day they were found at a park in Antioch. We are asking for the public’s help in locating the two girls.

There will be no further information released regarding this case at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

By Sergeant James Stenger 3604 Field Services Bureau

On Friday, October 6, 2017, 12-year-old Lariece Etheley and 11-year-old Davonye Cummings left their respective residences for school. Neither of them went to school and it is believed they got on BART and went to San Francisco. One of the two contacted their guardian and stated they were in San Francisco and that they would return home after the weekend. The two have no known associates/family in San Francisco.

It was the third day in a row that Cummings and Etheley have run away from home. The first day they were found in the City of Pittsburg and the second day they were found at a park in Antioch. We are asking for the public’s help in locating the two girls.

There will be no further information released regarding this case at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call the Antioch Police Department non-emergency line at (925) 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Antioch High Panther Girls Volleyball team prepares for their season. Photos courtesy of deltasportsmag.

By Jesus Cano

The BVAL high school girls’ volleyball season began Tuesday, Sept. 26 with the Antioch High and Deer Valley  High teams competing from two completely opposite positions. Deer Valley sweeps Antioch 3-0 in crosstown match.

Antioch Panthers

This year the Panthers welcomed new head coach Mary Granado. She is no stranger to Antioch as she is an alumnus of the program and served as a coach in both the boys’ and girls’ program under former head coach Dave Driskell.

Her goal now is to shape it to see progress in her team, as they have not won a game in the last two seasons. But that all changed when Antioch defeated San Rafael in pre-league play.

“I am entering this program with the hopes of developing these girls into an at least competitive program,” Granado said. “It will take continued hard work, dedication, and the passion these kids have to climb up the ladder.”

Senior Sydney Palmer is a hitter to keep an eye on. She is described as a player that can be counted for on and off the court according to Granado. Additionally, she has the most club experience down her belt.

A notable fresh talent according to Granado is freshman Angie Escorsia. Her journey began at the JV level but found her way up to varsity. Granado is better high on her for not only this season but future years to come.

Granado’s familiarity comes into play with senior setter Michelle Saive. Described to be “Loud proud and full of fire” by her coach, and is committed to every single play on the court.

Antioch opened up league play against Heritage in Brentwood on Sept. 26 but lost 3-0.

The dominant Deer Valley Wolverines Girls Volleyball team practices.

Deer Valley Wolverines

Deer Valley went a perfect 10-0 in league play and were able to capture the BVAL title, its first in six years. Head coach Cheryl Brinkman expects her team to perform well, and her recipe is to provide a strong pre-season schedule.

“This year we have had a much tougher pre-season which I am hoping will make us ready to win BVAL again,” Brinkman said.

Senior Jenna Ewert is a jack of all trades. She can be used as a hitter and excels at it which is why she is considered a top 100 recruit. During the fall on the hardwood she is primary used at setter and is described to have amazing hands when it comes to assisting her teammates.

A connection that Ewert has with junior Kristina Salazar, who much like Ewert has the ability to play the setter and and make offensive attacks as a hitter. Another player on offensive highlighted by Brinkman is Becki Strait. She had 170 kills in last year’s perfect campaign.

Senior Carina Johns contributes to the team defensively according to Brinkman. Her strength is the key blocks she performs for her team.

Jazlyn Avelino is described to have bullet like serves, and has improved her serves according to Brinkman.

Deer Valley began their season on the road by taking on and defeating Pittsburg 3-0 on Tuesday, Sept. 26.

Then on Thursday, Sept. 28 the Deer Valley Wolverines traveled across town to Antioch High and beat the Panthers 3-0.