By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…The Malicious Monster Truck Insanity Tour is in high demand on the West Coast. On Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, the fans at Antioch Speedway were given an example as to why. From the moment the music played at the start of the festivities to the final ride alongs for the fans at the conclusion of the program, they were entertained. (See Facebook videos here,  here and here)

Antioch Speedway fans were given an induction to this exciting touring group last September. Promoters Chad and Tina Chadwick were so delighted by the response that they booked them on two weekend occasions this year. This was the first one, and they will be back in town in September.

They bring two ride along trucks. One is named after one of their star attractions, Identity Theft The Ride. The other is Skeletor. Both proved to be very popular as rides were given prior to the start of the contest, during intermission and then at the conclusion of the show. Everybody who wanted one was able to get a ride and feel what it’s like to be in one of these gargantuan machines.

Once Dallas, who expertly announces this program, got the fans on their feet, the five Monster Trucks went off in various directions at the same time to the delight of the crowd. Then, there was the introduction of the competitors on the front straightaway.

There is the dragon themed Monster Truck called Spitfire. This truck actually shoots fire out it’s nose and is piloted expertly by Nick Jones of Chimacum WA. There’s also Weekend Warrior, driven by Myles Parker of Colfax, CA, the California Kid, driven by PJ Solorio of Paso Robles, CA and Identity Theft, piloted by Dwight Mathews.

Some will correctly say that they are all the stars, but there is a little more love generated from the fans by Spitfire, Identity Theft and immensely popular Rockstar. Rockstar is a unique truck in that it has two drivers, the husband and wife team of Bill and Lorna Payne of Port Orchard, WA. The duo are also the promoters of the tour itself.

The fans see a series of competitions, and there are three judges giving them scores. Dallas serves as one of them, there is also another judge in the booth and one on the track itself. The competition ranges from freestyle to time trials to one-on-one racing. Spitfire is known for the fire shooting out of the truck’s nose. Identity Theft does an impressive rear wheel stand, and Rockstar takes it up a notch as they stand it on its front wheels. That proves to be very popular with the fans as they roar their approval.

Dallas will go through the grandstands and find the rowdiest fans. Everybody is up on their feet as he hands out T-shirts throughout the night. He pretty much has the fans in his hands and is an expert in presenting these gargantuan, highflying machines to the public. The fans are into it from the start as they pick their favorite trucks and cheer them on all night.

When it comes to freestyle, they hold nothing back. It takes a steady hand to pilot one of these big machines. One miscalculation, and you land improperly from a jump and risk doing damage. You can end up on your roof. They don’t want that to happen as it means one less truck for the rest of the evening. They try to give the fans a little razzle dazzle while also exercising caution when necessary. By the time they get to freestyle, nobody holds anything back.

The freestyle competition at the end of the night is what closes the competition. Therefore, if you put a little more into a jump at the conclusion of the night and land awkwardly, it’s damage that can be repaired for the next night. Every truck seems to take it up a notch.

Spitfire usually runs third and is raising the bar. Identity Theft takes it up even higher. Rockstar is probably the fan favorite. You see more pink colored “Breast Cancer Awareness” Rockstar shirts among the crowd in the stands. Bill and Lorna give it their all. They proved to be the winners on this occasion, but the real winners were the fans.

Saturday was the bigger night in terms of attendance. Some would compare the numbers to what was seen on a weekly basis in the grandstands back in the 1980s and before.

However, even the Sunday afternoon turnout was bigger than what you’d see on an average night. Management is doing things like this to create awareness and get more fans coming out to the show, and things are improving gradually.

While the show went well and the track looks forward to the Monster Truck visit on September 10th and 11th, racing will return this Saturday night. On the Coco Farms Antioch Speedway Racing calendar for this Saturday night, we find a Mother’s Day Mini Van race, and the other competing divisions will include IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com or go to the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.

 

Only filed Form 410 for his not yet qualified anti-recall committee on Dec. 9, 2021; once committee qualified with $2,000 in contributions or expenditures he was required to file Amended form; 460 form was likely due Jan. 31, 2022; neither report yet on City’s website; questions go unanswered

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe has either not yet filed at least one and possibly two of his required beat the recall campaign committee’s finance reports or his self-described “best friend”, City Clerk Ellie Householder is helping him keep that information from the public. As previously reported, according to the state Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) a committee is qualified once it receives contributions or makes expenditures of $2,000 or more. (See related article)

CORRECTION: In that article it was reported that Thorpe’s campaign to beat the recall filed its Form 410 showing he had formed the committee on Dec. 9, 2021. However, this reporter missed the fact that the box next to “Not yet qualified” was marked. Based on that oversight, I incorrectly claimed Thorpe was in violation of state campaign finance law because his committee did not file a Form 460 report by the Jan. 31, 2022, deadline showing who contributed $100 or more and the amounts, as well as expenses paid prior to Dec. 31, 2021. For that, I apologize.

Thorpe Still Possibly in Violation

Yet, while the article was incorrect that a Form 460 was required by Jan. 31, 2022, based on filing a Form 410 prior to Dec. 31, 2021, because the committee was not yet qualified, Thorpe was and is still in violation of state campaign finance law if he hasn’t yet filed an Amended Form 410 showing his committee is now qualified. That form was due within 10 days of his committee meeting the $2,000 threshold.

According to a Jan. 15 post on his official Facebook page, Thorpe claims he had raised “over $80,000” for his beat the recall committee. But as of May 2, the required Amended Form 410, showing his committee became qualified, is still not on the City Clerk’s website and neither he nor Householder will say if he has yet submitted it.

If Thorpe hasn’t, he is in violation of state campaign finance law and withholding that information from the public that voters have a right to know. If he did submit the Amended Form 410, then Householder is withholding that information from the public by not uploading it to the City Clerk’s website.

PAC Contribution on Dec. 20, 2021 Triggered Thorpe’s Reporting Requirements IF Received by Dec. 31

Plus, since then, it was learned that a contribution of $2,500 was made to Thorpe’s committee on Dec. 20, 2021, just 11 days after he filed his original Form 410 which should have triggered the filing of an Amended Form 410 by Dec. 30 and the filing of a Form 460 by Jan. 31, 2021. But no one will say when the contribution was received by Thorpe’s campaign committee or when the check was cashed. If it was on or after Jan. 1, 2022, then the Form 460 wasn’t due by Jan. 31, 2022, and isn’t due until August 1, and shows someone intentionally delayed the receipt of the contribution.

According to the NetFile website, which publicly reports campaign finance transactions, and the Contra Costa County Elections website on Dec. 20, 2021, a contribution of $2,500 from the Martinez-based union local IBEW 302 Community Candidates Political Action Committee (PAC) was made to the “Stop the Karen Recall for Mayor Lamar Thorpe 2022” committee, for which he is the controlling officeholder or candidate.

The PAC’s 1,201-page Form 460 reports it on both Schedule D, page 1,196 for Summary of Expenditures Supporting/Opposing Other Candidates, Measures and Committees and Schedule E, page 1,199 for Payments Made. Schedule D lists the “Recall for Mayor Lamar Thorpe City of Antioch” with the box marked next to “Oppose”. On Schedule E the expense is listed being made to “Stop the Karen Recall for Mayor Lamar Thorpe (ID# Pending) Antioch, CA 94531”. IBEW 302 Community Candidates PAC 460 form p1196 Thorpe Sched D    IBEW 302 Community Candidates PAC 460 form p1199 Thorpe Sched E

But neither his Amended Form 410 nor his Form 460 had yet been posted on the City’s website as of Monday, May 2 only his original Form 410 filed on Dec. 9, 2021.

Householder Appears to be Using Incorrect Finance Report Filing Schedule

Householder, in a Facebook post on her official City Clerk page on Monday, April 25, finally provided the 2022 reporting schedule that her office is following for Thorpe’s recall committee’s finances, which this reporter had requested before the previous article was published. It’s entitled “Campaign Filing Schedule for Committees Primarily Formed to Support/Oppose Local Measures Not Being Voted Upon in 2022” and shows, that the first 460 report is not required to be filed until Aug. 1, 2022.

However, this reporter was following a different, 2021 reporting schedule, entitled “Filing Schedule for Local Candidates and Officeholders (Including Superior Court Judges) Not Being Voted Upon in 2021” which shows But another 2021 reporting schedule entitled, “2021 Filing Schedule for Committees Primarily Formed to Support/Oppose Local Measures Not Being Voted Upon in 2021” is the correct one to follow because a recall his considered a local measure. Assuming Thorpe received the $2,500 contribution from the IBEW prior to Dec. 31, 2021, the mayor was required to file a 460 report for campaign finances between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2021, because his beat the recall committee had become qualified by receiving at least $2,000.

Questions for Thorpe, Householder, Deputy City Clerk Go Unanswered

Questions were sent via email to Thorpe, Householder and Deputy City Clerk Christina Garcia Monday, April 25, 2022, asking about the date his committee had met the qualification threshold and if his Amended Form 410 had been filed with the City Clerk’s office, as well as requesting a copy.

Thorpe was asked, “if your committee to beat the recall wasn’t yet qualified on Dec. 9, 2021, when you filed your 410 form, why did you file it that day? Were you anticipating contributions of at least $2,000 shortly thereafter that would trigger qualifying as a committee? What date did it qualify as a committee? Have you or your treasurer filed the committee’s Amended 410 form showing the date it qualified?”

Householder and Garcia were asked, “if his committee has filed its Amended 410 form, does your office have a copy? If so, can you please provide it to me? Also, if so, why hasn’t the committee’s Amended 410 form been posted, yet on the City Clerk’s website?”

In addition, Householder was asked on her official Facebook page who told her to follow the campaign finance report filing schedule she’s following for Thorpe’s recall.

Additional questions were emailed to all three on Tuesday afternoon, April 26. Thorpe was asked about the $2,500 contribution made by the IBEW PAC on Dec. 20, 2021 and why he didn’t file his Amended Form 410 within 10 days by Thursday, Dec. 30, and if not, why not and has he done so since then. He was also asked why he didn’t file a Form 460 by Jan. 31, 2022, for that contribution and any others, plus any expenditures made by his committee prior to Dec. 31. https://netfile.com/connect2/api/public/image/201824202

Householder and Garcia were asked if they were aware of the contribution of $2,500 from the IBEW 302 Community Candidates PAC on Dec. 20, 2021, to the Stop the #KAREN Recall for Mayor Lamar Thorpe 2022 committee. In addition, they were asked if so, why they would think Thorpe’s campaign committee wasn’t required to follow the 2021 filing schedule but instead, they are following the 2022 filing schedule, and who advised them to follow the schedule for 2022 instead of 2021.

They were also asked, “didn’t that contribution trigger the requirement for Lamar to file his Amended 410 form since his committee became qualified on that date?” and “didn’t it also trigger the requirement for him to file a Form 460 report by Jan. 31, 2022, since the contribution to his committee was made prior to Dec. 31, 2021?”

Additional unsuccessful attempts were made via phone call to both Thorpe and Householder to obtain answers to the questions. In addition, Thorpe was asked when he received the check from IBEW 302 PAC and if they were asked to hold it until after Jan. 1, so no Form 460 report would be due from Thorpe’s committee by Jan. 31, 2021.

Questions for IBEW PAC Treasurer Also Go Unanswered

Multiple attempts to reach Thomas Hansen the treasurer for the IBEW 302 PAC asking when the check to Thorpe’s committee was cashed were unsuccessful.

Three, anonymous complaints have been filed with the FPPC about Thorpe’s campaign committee finances. A separate report with additional details will be provided on this website, later this week.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Will wait for November vote on referendum of statewide ban; approves six-year contract extension for city attorney on 5-0 vote

By Allen D. Payton

After much outcry from tobacco retailers in Antioch, the city council on Tuesday night April 26, 2022, agreed to suspend their previously approved ban on the sale of some tobacco and vaping products through December 1. No vote was taken, so the ban remains in place, but city staff was directed to suspend enforcement.

In addition, the council voted unanimously to approve an unusual six-year extension to the contract with Smith. Normal contracts with city attorneys and managers are three-to-five years in length. City Attorney contract extension ACC042622

Tobacco Retail Ban Grace Period

The ban was approved on a 3-2 vote on Feb. 22, with Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker opposing. Tobacco Retail Sales Ban ACC022222

It was in response to an effort by Antioch youth seeking to keep flavored tobacco products from being sold to and used by young people. The Council previously considered this topic at its May 25, 2021, meeting during a detailed presentation of a survey by the Youth Tobacco Advocacy Policy Project (YTAPP). The ban went into effect on April 7, this year. YTAPP Presentation ACC052521

According to the city staff report for the April 26 council meeting agenda item, “Since passing the ordinance, the City Council has heard public comment from tobacco retailers and businesses selling tobacco products expressing the desire for a grace period temporarily suspending the implementation of new restrictions on sales of tobacco or tobacco products with characterizing flavor, electronic cigarettes, cigars, and little cigars to enable businesses to sell their existing inventory and transition into compliance with the new ordinance.”

One of the complaints from the retailers was that the city ordinance didn’t create a level playing field with those in neighboring cities. The council was asked to wait until after a November vote on a referendum on the state law passed in 2020 banning flavored tobacco products. According to the L.A. Times the statewide ban was suspended in January 2021 after the referendum by the tobacco industry qualified for the ballot.

Another complaint was that the ordinance didn’t give the retailers time to sell the products they already had in stock. A third complaint was that the retailers weren’t notified by the City of the impending ban or suspension of enforcement prior to either council meeting.

According to a report by the FDA, “Flavors are added to tobacco products to improve flavor and taste by reducing the harshness, bitterness, and astringency. However, the use of flavors in tobacco products raises important public health questions. For example, FDA is aware of early reports that some flavors could help adult cigarette smokers switch to potentially less harmful tobacco products. On the flip side, research has shown that sweet-tasting flavors are particularly appealing to youth and young adults.

In 2020, non-Hispanic Black high school students reported past 30-day cigar smoking at levels twice as high as their White counterparts. Nearly 74% of youth aged 12-17 who use cigars say they smoke cigars because they come in flavors they enjoy. Among youth who have ever tried a cigar, 68% of cigarillo users and 56% of filtered cigar users report that their first cigar was a flavored product. Moreover, in 2020, more young people tried a cigar every day than tried a cigarette.”

During the April 26 meeting the council gave direction to City Attorney Thomas L. Smith to prepare an amendment to the tobacco ordinance implementing a grace period until December 1, to focus on community education and suspend enforcement until the passage of the amendment to the ordinance.

Council Comments

District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock spoke in favor of the grace period to applause from the audience saying, “I’m looking for the businesses to make a real, concerted effort to make sure none of these flavored, menthol cigarettes get into the hands of kids. I hope there’s something you can do education-wise.”

“I was not in for this from the start,” Barbanica stated. “I didn’t support it. I think it harms our local businesses. Please continue to police yourself. But I’m in support of staying this until at least Dec. 1st until we see what the state does. I think this was an overreach on our part and we need to be consistent with state law and not harm our local businesses.”

While Mayor Lamar Thorpe said he could support the grace period he also stated, “But I will not be changing my mind irrespective of what the voters of California do. I’m sticking to what I originally did.”

District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson said she could also support the grace period but wanted to focus on a community education component. “Not sure about Dec. 1, but I can support the grace period.”

“I heard people say, ‘Big Tobacco, Big Tobacco’,” Torres-Walker said, speaking in support of the grace period. “This is not Big Tobacco sitting out here. They’re family-owned businesses.”

Advisory Notice Sent April 25

The following notice was sent by the City to businesses via email on Monday, April 25 providing details on the ban:

“ADVISORY NOTICE:

FOR BUSINESSES ENGAGED IN RETAIL SALES OF TOBACCO AND
VAPING PRODUCTS FOR USE WITH TOBACCO

This notice is to inform local businesses of recent changes to City ordinances impacting retail sales within the City of Antioch. The intent of the referenced policies is to provide a healthy, safe environment for all City residents by reducing the adverse effects of cigarettes and related tobacco products, especially as it relates to youth.

As of April 7, 2022, the following changes to the City of Antioch Municipal Code will become effective:
1. The number of new tobacco retailers shall be restricted.

2. Tobacco retailers are prohibited from selling or possessing tobacco products with the characteristic of being “flavored”, including but not limited to mint, menthol or chocolate.
3. New businesses with tobacco sales and vaping products for use with tobacco shall maintain a minimum distance of at least 1,000 feet from schools and similar uses.
4. Electronic smoking devices and e-cigarettes for sale for use with tobacco or tobacco sales are banned in all retail establishments.
5. A minimum package size for little cigars (cigarillos) is restricted to twenty and cigars is restricted to six.
6. A minimum price of $10 per package, including applicable fees and taxes, is set for tobacco products, including cigarettes, little cigars (cigarillos) or cigars.

The City respectfully requests your cooperation. On a going forward basis, City of Antioch’s Code Enforcement Division will address compliance matters.

For additional background information, see items F and G at https://www.antiochca.gov/fc/government/agendas/CityCouncil/2022/agendas/030822/030822.pdf
Should you have questions regarding retail sales of tobacco and vaping products for use with tobacco, please contact the City of Antioch Community Development Department, Code Enforcement Division at 925.779.7042.”

Retailers who sell the products complained about the impact on their businesses and asked the council to wait until the vote on a November ballot measure was decided, that would create a statewide ban. The retailers wanted a level playing field. The council members agreed.”

The enforcement of the ordinance is currently suspended. The council is expected to vote on the grace period during their next meeting on Tuesday, May 10.

Bike to Work Day returns May 20 after two-year absence

This month, Bike Month and “Bike to Wherever Days” (BTWD) once again will roll across the nine counties of the Bay Area, and include the return of Bike to Work Day on May 20.

For the first time in two years, many employees are beginning to return to their offices, small businesses are seeing a rise in customers and clients, and bicycles once again are being used for commuting – as well as exercise, recreation, traveling to school, running errands and more.

As a result, BTWD 2022 – the event’s 28th year – will be a celebration throughout the entire month of May and will be highlighted by Bike to Work Day, which was modified the last two years due to the pandemic.

“The return of Bike to Work Day is another indicator that life in the Bay Area is slowly, but surely, getting back to normal,” said Alfredo Pedroza, MTC Chairman and Napa County Supervisor. “What better way to celebrate than by getting outdoors and biking. The May events highlight all the many benefits of bicycling, and we want everyone to participate.”

BTWD brings together the nine Bay Area counties to celebrate bicycling, helps new and experienced riders build community, promotes pedaling as a means of transportation, while benefitting the health of residents and the environment.

During Bike Month, county bike coalitions offer classes, activities, education and more. And while each county celebrates all cyclists within its boundaries, one dedicated rider is chosen as its Bike Champion of the Year. This year’s award winners will be announced in late April.

For those who need a little extra encouragement to ride during May – and after Bike Month is over – riders are encouraged to make a pledge to cycle through their respective county coalitions. Details on how to make that pledge – and to learn more about what’s going on in each county – can be found at Bayareabiketowork.com.

Details about Bike to Wherever Days can also be found online at Bayareabiketowork.com. Follow on Facebook at @biketoworkday, Twitter @BikeToWorkSFBay, and Instagram @biketoworkday_bayarea.

Bay Area Bike to Wherever Days is presented by MTC (the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area), 511 (the region’s traveler information system) and Amazon. BTWD 2022 also receives regional support from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), as well as from many sponsors at the local level. Prizes for the Bike Champion of the Year winners were donated by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Better World Club and Mike’s Bikes.

“Tell us where our daughter is. Help us bring her back home. We need our daughter back.” – Gwyn Gabe, Alexis’ father

Last seen in Antioch on January 26, 2022

By Allen D. Payton

The City of Oakley is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the whereabouts of Alexis Gabe, the 22-year-old Oakley woman missing since January 26 and last seen in Antioch on Benttree Way by her ex-boyfriend, who remains a person of interest in the case. The Oakley Police Department received a call of a missing person, under suspicious circumstances, on January 27, 2022. Police found Gabe’s car on Trenton Street, a cul-de-sac off Oakley Road. The car was unlocked with the keys inside, according to Oakley police Sgt. Robert Roberts. (See related article)

During a press conference on Thursday, April 28, her parents, Gwyn and Rowena Gabe, Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard and Detective Tyler Horn announced the reward and asked for the public to assist in the efforts to locate her.

A brief, surveillance camera video of a possible suspect was shared showing a man wearing a head covering and COVID-style mask walking in an area four-to-five minutes from where her car was found in Oakley on Jan. 26, 2022. (See video here and here).

Alexis’ Father Says “We Need Our Daughter Back”

During the press conference, Alexis’ father Gwyn spoke of his daughter and pleaded with whomever has information to please come forward.

“It’s been three, long excruciating months since Alexis’ disappearance,” Mr. Gabe said as Mrs. Gabe stood next to him choking back tears. “Since the day our daughter went missing, we’ve questioned our faith, have been completely overwhelmed and filled with doubt and despair. But with the love and support of those around us, we continue to find renewed strength and hope, every day.”

“We know this ordeal has impacted not only our family’s lives, and those who knew her and loved Alexis, but also the lives of the people within the community,” he continued. “Alexis is an amazing woman, daughter, sister and friend. She is genuine, loving, kind, smart and loyal. She is full of wit and humor. She still has so much life, laughter and joy to share.”

“We are pleading to whomever has information regarding Alexis’ disappearance to please come forward,” Mr. Gabe stated. “Please give Alexis the chance to be the person she is meant to be in this world. Tell us where our daughter is. Help us bring her back home. We need our daughter back. Thank you.”

Chief Beard Thanks Antioch PD for Help on His Department’s Biggest Case

Beard spoke next saying, “this is the biggest case my department has had in our relatively short history. We realize this case was bigger than us at a very early stage and we cannot effectively investigate this case had it not been for the assistance of other agencies, such as Antioch PD.” (See video of Chief Beard’s remarks)

“Together Antioch and Oakley PD have worked together, diligently every day of the week since she has been gone, sometimes around the clock,” the chief continued.

“I wish to reiterate that we are still seeking the help of the public, that is the main theme of today’s conference,” Beard stated. “My message to you is we need assistance from the public to help us solve this case and bring Alexis back and bring peace to her family.”

‘The Oakley Police Department, the Antioch Police Department, the City of Oakley all stand in support of the Gabe family,” he concluded.

In response to questions from the media, Beard said “I have dedicated six to seven people on the case.” (See video of Q&A)

Detective Horn Offers Description of Suspect in Video

Horn then had the video of the suspect walking from Alexis’ car shown several times and described him

www.ci.oakley.ca.us/alexisgabeapril28pressconference

“That is the individual we believe that dropped off Alexis’ car,” he said. “He’s about 5’11” to six-foot, skinny build, dark-skinned male with a large overcoat, either a beany or a cap on, sort of an N-95-style mask on with a beard protruding from underneath that mask.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at 925-625-7009.

Keep your family and our community safe. Participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30 10:00 am-2:00 pm.

With opioid overdose deaths increasing during the pandemic, the Antioch Police Department is taking back unwanted prescription drugs on April 30 at the Antioch Police Facility.

The public can drop off potentially dangerous prescription medications at 300 L Street at the corner of W. 2nd Streets. (front lobby) and other collection sites throughout the county which will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement.

DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted. DEA will continue to accept vaping devices and cartridges at its drop off locations provided lithium batteries are removed.

OTHER DROP OFF LOCATIONS

-Office of the Sheriff Muir Station, 980 Muir Road, Martinez

-Office of the Sheriff Bay Station, 5555 Giant Highway, Richmond

-Office of the Sheriff Valley Station, 150 Alamo Plaza, #C, Alamo

-Danville Police Department, 510 La Gonda Way, Danville

-Lafayette Police Department, 3471 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

-Orinda Police Department, 22 Orinda Way, Orinda

Helping people dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one way DEA is working to reduce addiction and stem overdose deaths.

Learn more about the event at www.deatakeback.com, or by calling 800-882-9539.

Whitley, Friend, Wagner other winners

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…April 23…Tommy Fraser won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. The 2019 champion made his move as they raced to the white flag and brought home the victory. Over 80 drivers competed in the four-division program.

Nick Zapatero charged into the lead at the start, followed by Fraser and Mark Garner. They ran that way for several laps before a yellow flag waved for a Turn 4 tangle involving Chuck Golden, Jason Ryan Jr, Brianna Troen and Nick Caughman Jr. Zapatero led Fraser and KC Keller on the restart. Zapatero was doing a good job of leading the way, but he didn’t have a very good Lap 18. A lap later, Zapatero pushed a little bit in Turn 3, and Fraser went down low in Turn 4 to grab the lead. Zapatero ended up spinning, and Fraser won ahead of Keller, Andrew Pearce, Mark Garner and Jonathan Hagio.

Daniel Whitley picked up the win in the 20 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event. The Hunt Series Rookie of the Year was piloting a car owned by Ted Finkenbinder, who also owns the third place finishing car of Jacob Tuttle.

Two-time Watsonville champion Jimmy Christian led the opening lap before Rick Panfili spun in Turn 4 for a yellow flag. On the restart lap, Whitley got a good run exiting Turn 2 and passed teammate Jacob Tuttle for second. Whitley then went racing past Christian on the back straightaway. There were two yellow flags from there. The worst was a red flag incident that saw Kaimi Moniz-Costa and Bob Newberry get together on the back straightaway with Newberry rolling. As Whitley started to pull away in the waning laps, Christian had his hands full battling Tuttle for second. Whitley won by a straightaway, and Christian held off Tuttle for the runner-up finish as Jarrett Soares and Trey Walters rounded out the Top 5.

Les Friend picked up the win in the 30 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. Looking for her fourth win, Misty Welborn brought the field to green flag ahead of Jason Robles and Clarence Holbrook. Welborn and Robles had a little bit of contact on Lap 10 as they battled in traffic. Welborn ended up with a flat tire, and Friend made a low pass in Turn 4 to take the lead. Friend was leading Robles and Holbrook at the halfway point of the race. Bobby Motts Jr moved into third on a Lap 19 restart. Friend set a rapid pace and scored the well-earned victory ahead of Robles, Motts, Holbrook and Jeff Bentancourt. James Graessle and Michaela Taylor won the two 10 lap B Mains with over 30 cars in competition.

Point leader Danny Wagner won the 20 lap Delta Dwarf Car Main Event. This was his third win of the season. South Bay Dwarf Car competitor Dan Zuger led them to the green flag ahead of David Michael Rosa. Wagner quickly moved into third and made an inside pass on the backstretch on Lap 4 to gain second. A yellow flag waved on Lap 4 for David Rosa, and Zuger continued to lead Wagner and David Michael Rosa on the restart. Both Wagner and David Michael Rosa got around Zuger on Lap 6, and Devan Kammermann moved into third soonafter. Kammermann made a move around Rosa on Lap 8, and the battle was on between Wagner and Kammermann. At times the lead duo went side by side in the final 13 laps. However, Wagner kept his cool and brought it home to the victory. Kammermann settled for another second place finish, followed by Sean Catucci, Ellie Russo and David Michael Rosa.

This weekend, Antioch Speedway hosts the Malicious Monster Truck Insanity Tour for two nights of exciting entertainment on Saturday and Sunday. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway April 23 Unofficial Race Results

Wingless Spec Sprints

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Jacob Tuttle, Jimmy Christian, Daniel Whitley. Main Event (20 laps)  Daniel Whitley, Jimmy Christian, Jacob Tuttle, Jarrett Soares, Trey Walters, Shannon Newton, Zack Neeley, James East, Tony Bernard, Jacob Williams.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Tommy Fraser, KC Keller, Tyler Browne, Matt Pitts. Main Event (20 laps) – Tommy Fraser, KC Keller, Andrew Pearce, Mark Garner, Jonathan Hagio Jacob Mallet Jr, Fred Ryland, Jason Ryan Jr, Nick Caughman Jr, Chester Kniss.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Misty Welborn, Clarence Holbrook, Jason Robles, Jon Haney. B Main 1 (10 laps) – James Graessle, Jess Paladino, Gavin Griffiths. B Main 2 (10 laps) – Michaela Taylor, Angela Brown, Judy Arth. Main Event (30 laps) – Les Friend, Jason Robles, Bobby Motts Jr, Clarence Holbrook, Jeff Bentancourt, Jared Baugh, Chris Long, Grayson Baca, Jewell Crandall, Ken Johns.

Delta Dwarf Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Chance Russell, Sean Catucci. Main Event (20 laps) – Danny Wagner, Devan Kammerman, Sean Catucci, Ellie Russo, David Michael Rosa, Toby Brown Dan Zuger, Mario Marques, Joe LeDuc, Chance Russell.

After judge in Florida tossed out federal mask mandate for public transit systems and airlines

The BART Board of Directors at its meeting today, Thursday, April 28, 2022, approved a temporary amendment to the District’s Code of Conduct to require riders to wear masks in paid areas of the system with limited exceptions. This requirement applies to trains and all portions of stations beyond the fare gates. Children ages two and under as well as people with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing masks are exempt from the mandate. The rule is effective until July 18, 2022, unless it is extended by the BART Board.

“I strongly support requiring a mask to ride BART to keep all our riders safe,” said BART Board President Rebecca Saltzman. “I’m especially concerned for our riders who are immunocompromised, people with underlying health conditions, and children under the age of five who are not yet eligible for vaccination.”

The update to the Code of Conduct comes after a federal judge in Florida earlier this month tossed out a federal mask mandate for public transit systems and airlines. Like other Bay Area transit agencies, BART’s previous mask mandate had been based on the now former TSA directive.

“It is essential the BART Board take action to protect our riders and employees after the surprising ruling that threw out the federal mandate,” said BART Board Vice President Janice Li. “Wearing masks helps to protect everyone, which is especially important now as COVID cases rise in the Bay Area.”

Free masks are available at station agent booths and from all safety staff for those who need one. As with the previous federal mandate, BART PD will continue its education-based enforcement of the mask requirement by offering free masks to anyone who needs one before taking any enforcement action which could include a citation up to $75 or being ejected from the paid area.

Throughout the pandemic BART has prioritized the safety of riders. BART has installed MERV 14 (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) air filters on all train cars new and old. These filters are dense enough to trap the virus and provide an extra layer of protection to our riders. Air is replaced every 70 seconds onboard cars mixing filtered air with fresh air. That means the circulation on BART train cars is better than most offices. In addition, all BART employees are fully vaccinated.