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.

Starting on September 14, 2017, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, in conjunction with the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, expanded an outreach program directed at parents, teachers and students on the topics of cyber-bullying, campus sexual assault awareness and online safety for kids.  The presentations are aimed at educating parents and teachers on new trends involving social media, as well as providing students with information and tools to improve campus safety and prevent online exploitation.

“The effort was started last year, first at DVC,” according to Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves. “The first presentation in a high school was at Campolindo in Moraga.”

“Since then we’ve been working with police officers and those in our office on the task force,” he continued. “Campus sexual assault awareness is geared toward high school seniors and community colleges, due to the content. The cyberbullying and online safety for kids is for everyone, but mainly targeted to middle school students and parents, with presentations for both,”

“We’ve been working to have somewhere for schools to call to have presentations made for students and parents,” Graves added.

Schools, community organizations and parent/teacher groups who are interested in learning more can call Deputy District Attorney Lauren Whalen at 925-957-8603. 

By Sergeant Rick Smith, Antioch Police Community Policing Bureau

On Monday, September 11, 2017 at 10:48 AM, Antioch Officers responded with ConFire for the report of students and staff exposed to Pepper Spray while in class. It was learned that a female juvenile got into an argument with a male juvenile. During the argument, the female sprayed the male with pepper spray.

Two students and three school staff members were exposed through contact when they tried to intervene. All were later treated by medical staff on scene and then cleared through area hospitals. The responsible is known and is currently being sought.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Antioch Police at (925) 778-2441. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) announced he will host two upcoming “Service Academy Nights” in Pleasant Hill and Richmond. All students living in the Eleventh Congressional District of California who would like to apply to one of the nation’s premier service academies are invited to attend.

At each of the events, service academy representatives will be on hand to speak with interested students, including members from the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy (aka West Point). Service academy representatives will give presentations, and Congressman DeSaulnier’s staff will provide a briefing on the nomination process.

Students who wish apply to a service academy must ensure a completed application is received by Congressman DeSaulnier’s office no later than October 31, 2017.

Richmond Service Academy Night Thursday, September 14, 2017 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Richmond City Council Chambers 440 Civic Center Plaza First Floor Richmond, CA 94804

Pleasant Hill Service Academy Night Thursday, September 28, 2017 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Diablo Valley College The Diablo Room, 3rd Floor HFS Building 321 Golf Club Road Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 Details: A map of DVC’s campus can be found here.

For more information on applying to any of the service academies or to RSVP, please contact Congressman DeSaulnier’s office at ca11.rsvp@mail.house.gov or (925) 933-2660.