Barbanica, Ogorchock vote against saying it prevents flying flags of other groups

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe read his resolution “In Honor of LGBTQI+ Solidarity” (see below) during Tuesday night’s council meeting and then signed it. But the city council did not take a vote on it.

The council did take a vote on displaying the “Progress Pride” flag at City Hall from Tuesday night through the end of the year.

During public comments, one resident spoke against flying the flag and one spoke in favor.

“I am a worship leader,” said Robrielle Beverly. “I do not agree with having the flag. We have the United States of America, the California flag, the City of Antioch flag. Why do we need any other flag? Everyone is represented by those flags.”

She then read from Genesis 9 saying, “And God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant I am making between Me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come. I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. That’s the Word of God. Thank you.’”

Resident Lucas Stuart-Chilcote spoke next saying, “I just want to thank the council.” He held up a Progress Pride flag and said it hangs at his house.

“It is a really great sign of solidarity,” he continued. “Flags represent compassion, representation, love for a group that does not feel accepted. I hope you hold that in your heart when we step outside.” He was referring to the brief ceremony following the council’s vote to raise that flag on the pole at City Hall.

District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson made the motion to approve flying the Progress Pride flag and approving the display of the flag at City Hall through the end of the year. District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker seconded the motion.

Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica said, “I’ve given a lot of thought over the past two weeks…and I’ve talked to a lot of people. I went to one of my friends who is affected by this and asked them to explain this to you. If your house is on fire, and you live next door, but yours isn’t on fire…it really kind of enlightened me.”

“I talked to my priest, and he said, ‘you would not be outside the thought of our church if you side with this,’” he continued. “The problem I do have is that we’re doing this for an entire year. I spoke to a veteran, and he asked, ‘what about us?’ I spoke to a firefighter and he said, ‘what about us?’ I wish we would have done this for ‘Pride Month’. I would have made the motion. But my problem is this is for an entire year.”

“I totally agree with Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barbanica,” District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock said. “If we fly this, we cannot fly any other flag throughout the year.”

“Our flag policy exists,” Thorpe said. “What I can say is our youth out there need to see solidarity, especially our transgender youth. When you’re a self-proclaimed community leader, calling people delusional is just wrong. I’m perfectly comfortable voting for this.”

The motion passed 3-2 with Barbanica and Ogorchock voting no.

“The Rainbow Coalition provided a flag, and I just want to thank them,” City Clerk Ellie Householder added. The council then took a 10-minute recess to walk outside and raise the multi-colored flag on the City Hall flagpole. Ogorchock did not participate.

City of Antioch

California

Resolution

IN HONOR OF

LGBTQI+ SOLIDARITY

LGBTQI+ Solidarity resolution ACC041222

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch embraces diversity and stands firmly against any form of discrimination and hate based on sexual orientation or gender identity and expression;

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch values the uniqueness of our residents and stands with the youth, and their families, who deserve to be who they are, treated with dignity, and to receive equal treatment and protection;

WHEREAS, discrimination against the transgender community is not based in science and is intended to sow division and instill animosity toward our fellow Americans; and

WHEREAS, the City condemns any attack on the transgender community and reaffirms our commitment to being an inclusive environment;

WHEREAS, the Progress Pride flag was designed by Daniel Quasar who adapted the original Pride flag of the rainbow and represents a concerted move towards a more tolerant and intersectional LGBTQI+ community; and

WHEREAS, the black and brown lines of the Progress Pride flag represent marginalized people of color within the queer community, while the pink, blue and white arrow shape represents the transgender community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, LAMAR A. THORPE, Mayor of the City of Antioch, hereby condemn violence against the transgender and nonbinary community in all forms and commit to advocating for the well-being and safety of the transgender and nonbinary community.

APRIL 12, 2022

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…April 9…Nick DeCarlo won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. It was the second win of the season for the current point leader, and he overtook rookie Trevor Clymens to get the job done.

Clymens raced into the early lead ahead of Sean Wilson and Kenneth Robles. DeCarlo started deeper in the field, and Clymens had a straightaway advantage wiped out by a Lap 7 yellow flag. Clymens continued to lead Robles on the restart with DeCarlo already up to third. DeCarlo went around Robles on the frontstretch to take second on the ninth lap. DeCarlo was working the outside groove very well and made an outside pass on the backstretch on the 12th lap to take the lead from Clymens. A late yellow flag bunched the field on Lap 17, but it didn’t stop DeCarlo. As DeCarlo charged on ahead of everybody else, Aaron Crowell made an outside pass in Turn 4 to take second from Clymens. DeCarlo got the win ahead of Crowell, and Bobby Motts Jr beat Clymens back to the checkered flag in a drag race for third. Robles settled for fifth.

Ryan Smith won an eventful 20 lap Super Stock Main Event. The division got a major boost when a race down south got canceled due to the weather, sending several drivers to Antioch Speedway. For the first 12 laps, Tri State Pro Stock Series star Richard Brace, Jr. led as Ryan Smith and Chris Smith battled with Jay Sears for the second position. A backstretch pass on Lap 13 gained Ryan Smith the lead. Sears and Brace battled fiercely for second until Sears headed pitside on Lap 17. Ryan Smith went on to win ahead of Brace, Jim Freethy, Jimmy Robbins and Chad Hammer.

Misty Welborn won the 20 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. On this occasion, she started on the front row and proceeded to lead all 20 laps in victory. Michaela Taylor gave chase early on before surrendering to Larry McKinzie Jr. When McKinzie had problems and stalled in Turn 1, he was clobbered in the rear end by Jewell Crandall for a Lap 9 yellow flag. Welborn led Taylor on the restart, leaving the battle for third. Aiden Ponciano held that position until being passed by Chris Long on Lap 18. Welborn won by a straightaway ahead of Taylor, Long, Taylor DeCarlo and Ponciano.

Troy Foulger won the 20 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. He started in the back as Anthony Giuliani took the early lead ahead of reigning champion Travis Dutra. Foulger got up to third very quickly and made an inside pass in Turn 4 on Lap 4 to take second. Foulger worked on reeling in Giuliani. The duo ran a couple of side-by-side laps before Foulger went low in Turn 2 on Lap 12 to take the lead. Giuliani had a mechanical issue on Lap 16 for a yellow flag. Foulger led Dutra and Jason Robles on the restart, and they would finish in that order as Jason Jennings and Joe Gallaher completed the Top 5.

Racing continues this Saturday night with a visit from the WMR Midgets and the season debut for the Wingless Spec Sprints. Also competing will be the Delta Dwarf Cars and Mini Stocks. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway April 9 Unofficial Race Results

IMCA Modifieds 

Trophy Dash (4 laps) – Aaron Crowell. Heat Winners (8 laps) – Kenneth Robles, Nick DeCarlo, Terry DeCarlo, Jr. Main Event (20 laps) – Nick DeCarlo, Aaron Crowell, Bobby Motts, Jr., Trevor Clymens, Kenneth Robles, Buddy Kniss, Troy Foulger, Terry DeCarlo, Jr., Terry DeCarlo, Sr., Gary Hylton.

Super Stocks

Trophy Dash (4 laps) – Jim Freethy. Heat Winners (8 laps) – Mike Walko, Jim Freethy. Main Event (20 laps) – Ryan Smith, Richard Brace, Jr., Jim Freethy, Jimmy Robbins, Chad Hammer, Jay Sears, Cody Smith, Michael Burch, Paul Hanley, Mike Walko.

IMCA Stock Car 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Travis Dutra, Troy Foulger. Main Event (20 laps) – Troy Foulger, Travis Dutra, Jason Robles, Jason Jennings, Joe Gallaher, Scott Foster, Dave Hill, Dan Gonderman, Anthony Giuliani.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Charlie Bryant, Chris Long. Main Event (20 laps) – Misty Welborn, Michela Taylor, Chris Long, Taylor DeCarlo, Aidan Ponciano, James Graessle, Jon Haney, Jess Paladino, Jewel Crandall, Danny Aves.

 

The following message was sent out Monday to parents, guardians and staff:

Good afternoon,

This is Ms. Jones-Douglas, Principal of Antioch Middle School. During 8th grade lunch, a student discharged possible pepper spray or other irritant outside. Approximately 20 students began complaining of eye irritation. Medical personnel administered saline. All other students are in class and safe. Staff has or is contacting the parents/guardians of the students affected.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact the school should you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you.

AUSD Superintendent shared the message with the media. The school is located at the corner of 1500 D Street.

Organizers offer status update and signing locations

In a post on the Recall Lamar Thorpe Facebook page on Monday, April 11, 2022, organizers provided the following update to the effort to remove the mayor from office:

ITS CRUNCH TIME PEOPLE!

We have exactly 1 month to go to meet the 5/11/22 deadline. We have 7,500 signatures to date which is 75% – so your involvement either thru signing or donating is needed now more than ever!! Your signature can be what gets us to our goal. Please come sign the Recall Initiative. We are running out of time so NOW IS THE TIME TO SIGN

SIGNING LOCATIONS:

RiverTown Sweets

615 W 2nd St in Antioch

Wed – Sat 11am to 4pm

Rivertown Treasure Chest

306 G St in Antioch

Thur-Sun 11am to 5pm

Delta Bowl

3300 Delta Fair Blvd in Antioch

Mon -Fri 9am to 11pm

Sat & Sun 10am to 11pm

K2GC

309 E 18th St in Antioch

Mon – Fri 7am to 5pm

Tony’s Beer Garden

809 W 2nd St in Antioch

Mon – Sat 11am to 8pm

East County Insurance

2738 W Tregallas Rd Unit B in Antioch

Mon – Fri 8am to 4pm

If you prefer to speak to some of the volunteers we are at:

Lucky’s Parking Lot

Friday’s 2:00pm-5:30pm

Bluerock Center Parking Lot near Starbucks

Sunday 9:00am-2:00pm

(NO SIGNING EVENT – Sunday 4/17/22 due to the Easter Holiday)

Also Professional Circulators are at locations through out the city!!

MONETARY DONATIONS:

Make Checks Payable to:

Committee to Recall Mayor Lamar Thorpe

And can me mailed to:

K2GC

C/O Recall Lamar Thope

309 E 18th St, Antioch, CA 94509

If you need us to pick up check or cash donations – let us know!!

Donations of $99 or less – donors can remain anonymous.

FPPC PENDING

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For more information visit www.RecallLamarThorpe.com.

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…Stock Car racing is the name of the game this Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. In addition to the IMCA Modifieds, the IMCA Stock Cars will be back for their third appearance of the season, joined by the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks and the Super Stocks. It’s shaping up to be an exciting season so far, and we’re just getting started.

The IMCA Modifieds have been a wide open battle. The three races held so far have found five-time champion Troy Foulger, Kellen Chadwick and Nick DeCarlo each taking a trip to the Winner’s Circle. The common denominator in the point battle is that DeCarlo and Chadwick, one-time Antioch champions themselves, have been in the hunt at every race.

The standings find DeCarlo leading Chadwick by just two points, while 2016 champion Bobby Motts, Jr. is eight points out of the lead in third.

We haven’t seen Chadwick really competing for points at the speedway in quite some time. As the second-generation competitor became faster, he chose to take his talents on the road to compete for bigger money at other venues. This has led to him winning prestigious races such as the Beads Shipwreck Nationals at Grays Harbor in Washington, the R Charles Snyder Salute in Oregon as well as other big races in California. Chadwick even won the big $7,000 prize in the West Coast Nationals at Antioch in 2019. When the money is on the line, Kellen comes up big.

When he was younger, Kellen was also a fast competitor in the Outlaw Kart divisions, and he instantly developed a love for race cars. A scary incident in a Late Model could have ended his life and his career, but Chadwick is a tough competitor. After he recovered, he not only returned, but he remains one of the best IMCA Modified drivers on the West Coast. He also competes in the new IMCA Stock Car class and is a contender for that championship, piloting a car for Rich Quadrelli.

IMCA is better known for their Modified divisions, but the Stock Car class is catching fire in California. The consistency shown by Chadwick after two events has him just four markers behind leader Fred Ryland and one ahead of reigning champion Travis Dutra. Anthony Giuliani has done well to rank just eight points out of lead and two ahead of Jason Robles, who got the win last time out. The Stock Cars are noteworthy for the side by side racing they’ve given the fans as this style of racing is just a little bit more thrilling than your average Hobby Stock race.

The Hobby Stocks are definitely delivering the excitement to the fans. Reigning division champion Larry McKinzie, Jr. could have ended up calling it a night after an incident between he and Jared Baugh in last week’s race. Larry restarted at the back of the pack. He kept at it and completed his charge to the front with a last lap pass on Ken Johns for second. The glory went to Misty Welborn, who scored a popular second career win. McKinzie now leads 2020 Mini Stock champion Jess Paladino by 14 points and Welborn by 18.

Not to be forgotten in this battle are the tied Michaela Taylor and rookie Taylor DeCarlo, 22 points out of the lead. DeCarlo is the granddaughter of 80-year-old IMCA Modified competitor Terry DeCarlo Sr and the daughter of Top 5 Modified competitor Terry DeCarlo, Jr. She’s been competing in Micro Sprints, but she decided to take on the challenge of the Hobby Stock and had a fifth place finish last time out.

Much like DeCarlo, Michaela Taylor is a threat to win. She showed just how much she has improved over the last two seasons with her run at the front of the pack in the Main Event for several laps last week. Michaela is driving the #71 Hobby Stock, made famous by her grandmother, Debbie Clymens. In fact, Debbie has run as a passenger with her, which means 17-year-old Taylor is getting advice from an Antioch Speedway Hall of Famer. The way she’s looking, a Main Event win could be in her future.

Management has decided to give the Super Stock drivers an opportunity to rebuild the class. It was a little bit late notice for some of the drivers last time out, and reigning champion Jim Freethy beat 2020 champion Mike Walko to get the win. Walko has competed in Late Models and IMCA Modifieds at Antioch and did well in both divisions. Management has put out a call to drivers from neighboring Petaluma Speedway that they are welcome to come race with the Antioch competitors.

Local drivers Jimmy Robbins and Michael Burch are said to be preparing their cars to battle the likes of Chad Hammer and Joey Ridgeway, Jr. Who might show up from Petaluma is unknown, but several drivers have expressed interest. Petaluma drivers have done well at Antioch in their visits through the years, and they certainly add to the excitement.

This Saturday night’s program starts with the gates opening at 3:00 pm. This is to accommodate a special $5 beer happy hour event at the south beer garden, which runs until 5:00 p.m. the first race will start at 6:00 pm.

Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $15 for military, senior (60 and over) and children (under 11) with children five and under free.

For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Organizers say paid petitioners gathered 1,500 signatures on both Householder and Thorpe recalls in first two days

By Allen D. Payton

In a Facebook post on the Recall Ellie Householder Facebook page on Thursday, proponent Lindsey Amezcua announced the end of the effort to remove the Antioch School Board Trustee from her position. However, signature gathering for Householder’s recall to remove her as Antioch City Clerk continues. (See related article)

Amezcua wrote, “The Recall Initiative for Ellie Householder, AUSD School Board Trustee has ended and will not move forward.

Please note:  The Recall Initiative for Ellie Householder, Antioch City Clerk is still active and gathering signatures!!

The following quote was provided on behalf of the proponents of the Recall for Ellie Householder, AUSD School Board Trustee:

‘We opted not to turn in the signatures that we collected.  When we missed the deadline to be able to put the recall initiative on the June Primary ballot; we decided that it was not in the best interest of our school district to pursue a special election when Ms. Householder’s term is over in November.

Collectively, we are all pleased with the results.  Our goal was always, to restore peace and collaboration for the Board of Education and we saw a noticeable shift once we began this process.

We woke residents up to the dysfunction that was occurring and we are happy with the impact our attempt had.’”

According to former Antioch School Board Trustee and President Diane Gibson-Gray in a comment below the Facebook post, “The signature gathers collected more signatures than voted for her.”

“Unfortunately, she continues to display her lack of understanding of her elected position,” Gibson-Gray’s comment continued. “The day after the signature due date, she reached out to her favorite news anchor at KTVU Fox 2 with the message, ‘I’m still here….’. Her message should have been, I’ve learned from this experience and will do better to represent all AUSD constituents.”

—————–

Householder came under fire for how she was conducting school board meetings as president, including preventing Superintendent Stephanie Anello from speaking, telling her “you’re not recognized”, as well as violating Robert’s Rules of Order and the state’s Brown Act open meeting law among other reasons. (See related articles here and here)

The dual officeholder currently serves in a citywide seat on the school board, but she moved into Area 1 which is currently represented by Antonio Hernandez whose seat isn’t up for election until 2024. So, unless Householder moves into either Areas 2, where Trustee Mary Rocha lives and whose seat is also up for election, this year or Area 5, she will be unable to run for re-election in November.

Paid Signature Gatherers Hired

The recall effort against both Mayor Lamar Thorpe and City Clerk Householder recently hired paid signature gatherers who obtained 1,500 signatures in just their first two days, Amezcua and Kathy Cabrera, another recall leader, shared.

The deadline for gathering the required signatures for Thorpe is May 11. For Householder’s city clerk recall the deadline is June 6, since hers started later. For more information on the recalls visit www.recallelliehouseholder.com and www.recalllamarthorpe.com.

Announced oath of office ceremony three hours before special election ended

Given committee assignments Thursday morning; will represent Antioch and Far East County until end of the year

By Allen D. Payton

Assemblywoman-elect Lori Wilson is the clear winner of Tuesday’s Special Election race for the 11th State Assembly District to fill the vacancy created when Jim Frazier resigned at the end of December with one year left in his term. Wilson was the only candidate on the ballot, but she faced an official write-in candidate, Erik Elness of Brentwood. The unofficial results show Wilson garnering 97% of the vote. But the election won’t be certified until Wednesday, April 14. She already had an office in the Capitol, according to the Assembly Daily File and an official Assembly website as of Wednesday evening.

Wilson also received her committee assignments Thursday morning.

Tuesday night at 5:12 p.m. her campaign sent out a press release announcing her oath of office the next day. Asked if that was premature since the polls didn’t close until 8:00 p.m. that night no response was received.

Oath of Office Announcement

The following press release had the date of April 6 but included the words, “For Immediate Release”:

Lori D. Wilson to Be Sworn In as the 11th District’s New Assemblymember

Sacramento, CA – Lori D. Wilson will be sworn in today as the Assemblymember for the 11th Assembly District. The newly elected Assemblymember will be representing parts of Contra Costa, Sacramento and Solano Counties.

“Thank you to the voters of Assembly District 11 for your confidence and trust. I am deeply humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to serve our communities in the State Assembly,” expressed Assemblymember Wilson. “From constituents who need help with state services, to challenges like rising homelessness, climate change, and keeping our neighborhoods and communities safe, I promise to work every day to deliver results for our communities, and to be a relentless advocate for every person who lives in our district.”

The program will go as follows. Please see below for biographies of the program participants.

Prayer led by Dr. Claybon Lea

National Anthem sung by SSGT Godson Ryder

Pledge of Allegiance led by Madison Avila

Remarks by Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon

Remarks by Pastor Aritha Tomlinson

Oath of Office

Remarks by Assemblymember Lori Wilson

Dr. Claybon Lea is the Senior Pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Fairfield and Suisun City, CA where he has served since 1999. A widely known and highly sought after preacher, teacher, lecturer, and leader, Dr. Lea has been blessed to travel the world sharing his gifts to the glory of God. Additionally, he wrote his PhD dissertation on the “Hermeneutics of Archbishop Desmond Tutu” and is the author of the recently released book “Giant Lessons from David: Managing the Journey of Success”.

SSGT Godson Ryder was born in Florida, but raised in Saudi Arabia. He spent 8 years in the Air Force as an active duty member and the last 4 years in the Air Force reserves at Travis AFB, CA, where he is currently stationed. SSGT Ryder serves the great city of El Cerrito as a Peace Officer. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Erin, for 10 years.  They have two children, and God willing a third on the way.

Madison Avila is a Senior at Freedom High School in Oakley, CA and the current ASB President. She has participated in leadership all four years of her High School experience holding high positions as well as achieving a great GPA. Madison plans on attending a four-year University with a career goal of becoming an Anesthetist Nurse.

Pastor Aritha Tomlinson is a former Associate Pastor at Liberty Christian Center in Fairfield, CA. She oversaw Women’s Ministry, provided mentorship to women ministers, and was a part of the Pastoral Counseling team.  She is now enjoying retired life in Dallas, TX, spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, and staying fit.”

Sworn in at 11 AM Wednesday

Asked Wednesday evening if she was sworn in, general campaign manager Michael Terris, of Clean Sweep Campaigns, said, “she was sworn in. They did the swearing in ceremony at 11 am this morning. She has committee assignments and she’s off.

“Technically, I don’t know how that works. I think the speaker felt she would win,” he added.

Write-In Opponent Surprised

Asked for his thoughts about it, Elness responded, “Seems like there should be something illegal about that, before all the votes are even counted! What a disdain for the voice of the people! And truly, neither County knows how many votes there actually are because if a bunch of people voted and mailed their votes to be postmarked yesterday, those might not have even arrived yet. How do they know there aren’t several thousand more votes coming in?”

Wilson Explains Reason for Wednesday’s Oath of Office

Asked how she could be given her oath of office before the election will be certified next Wednesday, Wilson said, “I don’t know the rules. So, I’ll give you the laymen’s. They called, shortly…at some point after I was the only candidate, this was definitely before the write-in candidate. They said, ‘since you’re the only candidate, we can get started with stuff, earlier in terms of getting you on-board,” Wilson explained. “They had given two dates, the 18th and the 6th, because they were on spring recess the 11th. They originally said the 18th at the beginning of the call, and they said they were concerned about the 18th because the 18th starts a series of a lots of legislation coming and just the timing of the season. It goes into six-weeks of very busyiness, lots of bills and you won’t have time, really to on-board with your staff nor do the trainings, because there’s a whole set of trainings you can do.”

“They said the other option is to get sworn in the 6th, because then we go straight into spring recess and then you can start hiring staff…you can actually be prepared to do all the votes that you’re going to have to do,” she added. “As they prepare for the May Revise (of the budget). I guess the 18th starts a six-week, non-stop bill period and so, they wanted me to be informed.”

“So, during spring recess, I’ll be training,” Wilson added with a laugh.

Asked what committee assignments she received, Wilson said, Accounting and Administrative Review, Appropriations and Finance, and Privacy and Consumer Protection. You’re the first to know. I just got the text.”

“I’m so thankful to the voters for sending me, here,” Wilson stated. “I’m thankful to be able to be here at such a transitional time, I think for California and make sure that I’m working really hard on behalf of District 11, which of course means all of that will lead to the betterment of the entire state.”

“So, just excited for the opportunity and glad the voters saw fit to send me, here,” she added.

“I’ve got round two coming up,” Wilson continued referring to the race for the new Assembly District 11 on the June Primary Election ballot.

Wednesday News Release Announcing Oath of Office

In a news release on her official Assembly website posted Wednesday, it reads, “Today, Lori Wilson was sworn in as the Assemblymember for the 11th Assembly District. The newly elected Assemblymember will be representing parts of Contra Costa, Sacramento and Solano Counties.

“Thank you to the voters of Assembly District 11 for your confidence and trust. I am deeply humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to serve our communities in the State Assembly,” expressed Assemblymember Wilson. “From constituents who need help with state services, to challenges like rising homelessness, climate change, and keeping our neighborhoods and communities safe, I promise to work every day to deliver results for our communities, and to be a relentless advocate for every person who lives in our district.”

Assembly Speaker’s Office Explains Rules, Constitution Allows It

According to a staff member in Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon’s office, Wilson was certified through the Chief Clerk’s Office. Also, according to Katie Talbot, Speaker Rendon’s Deputy Director of Communications, the California Constitution allows early pre-certification oaths of office.

“There’s a section of the constitution that addresses this,” she shared. “Article IV, Section 5 (a)(1) of the Constitution provides the Legislature with the authority to judge the qualifications and elections of its Members. So, there have been occasional times in recent history when we’ve sworn in the Member pre-certification. It happens sometimes in cases like this, when there’s only one name on the ballot and the results are not close.”

Full-Term Assembly Election

Wilson does have an opponent, Jennie Callison, whose name will appear on the ballot in the June Primary Election for the full, two-year term in the newly drawn Assembly District 11. It no longer includes Antioch and Brentwood in the Contra Costa County portion of the district. Callison is a Vacaville resident and works in the State Assembly.

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…April 2…Troy Foulger won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. He becomes the third different winner of the aeason as he piloted the Bowers Motorsports Modified to the win. Foulger is a five-time champion at the speedway.

Trevor Clymens led a pair of laps with the yellow flag waving twice. Clymens led Foulger on the Lap 3 restart, but a low pass in turn 2 a lap later gained Foulger the lead. Kellen Chadwick went low in Turn 4 on Lap 5 to take second with Nick DeCarlo quickly striking to third. Foulger had a straightaway advantage by Lap 10 as DeCarlo battled Chadwick to take second. DeCarlo finally grabbed the spot on a Lap 14 restart. Foulger was never really threatened as he won with DeCarlo holding off Chadwick for second. Buddy Kniss and Clymens completed the Top 5.

KC Keller won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. The race had to be restarted after a tangle that involved point leader Fred Ryland in Turn 4. 2019 champion Tommy Fraser took the early lead ahead of Dylan Connelly. Keller went low in Turn 2 to take second on the fourth lap and made an inside pass in Turn 4 three laps later to take the lead from Fraser. Andrew Pearce moved into second on Lap 9 before a yellow flag flew for Connolly. Keller led the restart with Jacob Mallet Jr moving past Pearce and into second. Mallet made a backstretch pass on Keller on Lap 11 for the lead. Pearce and Keller ran closely behind Mallet in the battle for second. A low pass in Turn 3 on Lap 19 put Keller into the lead with Pearce following into second. Keller went on to the impressive win with Pearce and Mallet running nose to tail behind him. Jeremy Hoff and Fraser completed the Top 5.

Misty Welborn won the 20 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. It was her second win of the season. Looking for his second-straight win, Ken Johns led early ahead of Jared Baugh and Larry McKinzie Jr. A low move in Turn 4 on Lap 5 put Baugh into the lead. There was a back-and-forth battle for the lead as it changed hands a couple of times with Baugh still in front on Lap 8. Contact with McKinzie exiting Turn 4 on Lap 9 left Baugh stalled in Turn 2. Michaela Taylor led the restart with Welborn moving into second a lap later. Taylor spun exiting Turn 4 for a Lap 12 yellow flag. Welborn led Johns and Jeff Bentancourt on the restart. They ran that way until McKinzie gained third on Lap 16. As Welborn sped to the checkered flag, McKinzie beat Johns back to the line for second. Bentancourt and Taylor DeCarlo completed the Top 5.

Jim Freethy won the 15 lap Super Stock Main Main Event. Heat race winner Mike Walko jumped into the early lead ahead of reigning champion Freethy and Joey Ridgeway. A low move in Turn 4 of the second lap gained Freethy lead. The only slow down of the race occurred on the ninth lap when Ridgeway spun in Turn 4. Freethy continued to lead Walko and Chad Hammer on the restart. Freethy pulled away to about a quarter of a straightaway lead, and Walko brushed the Turn 4 wall on exit heading to the checkered flag. Freethy won ahead of Walko, Hammer and Ridgeway.

Racing resumes this Saturday night with IMCA Modifieds back in action along with IMCA Stock Cars, Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks and Super Stocks. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Unofficial Race Results Antioch Speedway – April 2, 2022

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Buddy Kniss, Kellen Chadwick. Main Event (20 laps) – Troy Foulger, Nick DeCarlo, Kellen Chadwick, Buddy Kniss, Trevor Clymens, Bobby Motts Jr, Aaron Crowell, Chris Lewis, Terry DeCarlo Jr, Kenneth Robles.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Tommy Fraser, Dylan Connelly, Andrew Pearce. Main Event (20 laps) – KC Keller, Andrew Pearce, Jacob Mallet Jr, Jeremy Hoff, Tommy Fraser, Fred Ryland, Kenny Shrader, Chester Knss, Tyler Browne, Jason Ryan Jr.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Charlie Bryant, Jeff Bentancourt, Misty Welborn. Main Event (20 laps) – Misty Welborn, Larry McKinzie Jr, Ken Johns, Jeff Bentancourt, Taylor DeCarlo, Jewel Crandall, Michaela Taylor, Jess Paladino, Gene Haney, Mitchell Dana.

Super Stocks

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Mike Walko. Main Event (15 laps) – Jim Freethy, Mike Walko, Chad Hammer, Joey Ridgeway.