Antioch Press_10.22.10

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N a t i o n a l A w a r d W in n in g N e w s p a p e r s Your Hometown Web Site www.thepress.net Vol. 10, No. 43 YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER October 22, 2010 This Week FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A Election 2010 Come Nov. 2, take a stroll to the poll as an informed voter. Our election coverage begins on Page 14A. Plus: Auto Care Guide................ 1B Calendar ............................ 23B Classifieds ......................... 17B Cop Logs ............................ 21A Election 2010.................... 14A Entertainment ................. 13B Food .................................... 14B Health & Beauty .............. 26A Milestones ........................ 29A Opinion .............................. 20A Outdoors ............................. 6A Sports ................................... 9B Wolverines dig deep The Dig for a Cure match brought out the best in competitive and charitable energy. Page 11B Regional parks garner $10.2M grant F or his Eagle Scout Project, Antioch resident Greg Hoggan, 15, collected more than 550 stuffed ani- mals and 440 blankets for the Antioch Child Abuse Prevention Council. Another portion of the collection was donated to the Concord extension of the council. Greg, seen here with Maggie Velasco of the Concord Child Abuse Prevention Council, is a freshman at Deer Valley High School. “I’m glad that I’ve been able to help someone in need,” Hoggan said. “Children are special people and sometimes need a helping hand through a really tough time. I hope my project will bring a little peace, comfort and a smile to their face. I hope they know that there are people in the world who care about them.” Loads of love Photo courtesy of Karleen Hoggan The United States Depart- ment of Transportation (DOT) recently awarded $10.2 million to the Green Transportation Ini- tiative of the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) as part of the department’s Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER II) grant pro- gram. More than 1,000 applicants nationwide competed for $600 mil- lion in TIGER II grant funding. The EBRPD was the only park district in Northern California to receive TIGER II funds. Its ap- plication focused on completing critical gaps in its expansive nearly 200-mile paved regional trail sys- tem that connects communities, schools, employment centers and transportation nodes. “We’re very pleased with this important award,” said EBRPD General Manager Pat O’Brien. “The park district began devel- oping this integrated network of paved trails in the 1970s, and we’ve seen the use of these trails just ex- plode with the population growth over the past several decades for both commuting and recreational purposes. With this grant, we will be able to expedite closing critical gaps in the Green Transportation network, providing a real boon to those who live and work in the East Bay.” O’Brien applauded the lo- cal congressional delegation’s en- thusiastic support and regional stakeholders and other organiza- tions. “We had significant support because our elected officials and regional organizations understand the value of the Green Trans- portation Initiative. Work on the trail system will create hundreds of jobs and, once finished, the re- gional trail network will enhance East Bay communities by relieving traffic congestion and creating op- portunities for a healthier lifestyle.” DOT received more than 80 letters With this grant, we will be able to expedite closing critical gaps in the Green Transportation network, providing a real boon to those who live and work in the East Bay. EBRPD General Manager Pat O’Brien see Grant page 30A Treasure boxes for the holidays When Deb Melander first learned about Treasure Boxes near- ly two years ago, the Brentwood resident was sure the discounted brand-name food cartons would fill a need for not only low-income families and seniors, but for anyone feeling the current economic pinch. “I saw a recent statistic that said one in seven Americans is liv- ing in poverty,” said Melander, whose Brentwood church, Creek- side Christian, is a host site for the Treasure Box program. “I had no idea the numbers were so high, and that doesn’t even really address all of the folks still working and struggling to put food on the table – many here in our own commu- nity. So is there a need for Treasure Boxes? I’d say so.” Treasure Boxes is a division of Good Source Solutions – a food packaging company based in Carlsbad – and was developed as a means to provide families and individuals with fresh, affordable, healthy food at a fraction of gro- cery store prices. With Thanksgiving around the corner, Melander is focusing her attention on Holiday Treasure Boxes as an inexpensive, viable way to make a difference. For $35, purchasers will receive a 14 to 16 pound Butterball Turkey, macaroni and cheese entrée, frozen peas, carrots and corn as well as frozen sweet potatoes, stuffing mix and a pie. And while the Treasure Boxes are popular with residents of all income levels, Melander hopes the community will consider the gift of Treasure Boxes when giving this season. “Many people I talk with supplement what they already buy, especially meat, with the Treasure by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer see Treasure page 30A Get it in gear Looking to get a door ding or engine ping repaired? Our Fall Auto Care Guide will put you in the fast lane. Page 1B Online Now! www.thepress.net Your Hometown Web Site The Bay Area Crisis Nursery got a big boost from the Antioch MOMS Club. Crisis care go to news/WebExtras! Baskets and blankets will be auctioned to help those in need over the holidays. Make your bid go to news/press releases A pumpkin festival at Smith Family Farm promises seasonal fun. Get squashed go to multimedia/videos

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Your hometown weekly newspaper

Transcript of Antioch Press_10.22.10

  • Natio

    nalAwardWinning Newspapers

    Your Hometown Web Site www.thepress.net

    Vol. 10, No. 43 YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER October 22, 2010

    This Week

    FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A

    Election 2010

    Come Nov. 2, take a stroll to the poll as an informed voter. Our election coverage begins on Page 14A.

    Plus: Auto Care Guide ................ 1BCalendar ............................ 23BClassifieds ......................... 17BCop Logs ............................21AElection 2010 ....................14AEntertainment ................. 13BFood .................................... 14BHealth & Beauty ..............26AMilestones ........................29AOpinion ..............................20AOutdoors .............................6ASports ................................... 9B

    Wolverines dig deep

    The Dig for a Cure match brought out the best in competitive and charitable energy. Page 11B

    Regional parks garner $10.2M grant

    For his Eagle Scout Project, Antioch resident Greg Hoggan, 15, collected more than 550 stuffed ani-mals and 440 blankets for the Antioch Child Abuse Prevention Council. Another portion of the collection was donated to the Concord extension of the council. Greg, seen here with Maggie Velasco of the Concord Child Abuse Prevention Council, is a freshman at Deer Valley High School. Im glad that Ive been able to help someone in need, Hoggan said. Children are special people and sometimes need a helping hand through a really tough time. I hope my project will bring a little peace, comfort and a smile to their face. I hope they know that there are people in the world who care about them.

    Loads of love

    Photo courtesy of Karleen Hoggan

    The United States Depart-ment of Transportation (DOT) recently awarded $10.2 million to the Green Transportation Ini-tiative of the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) as part of the departments Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER II) grant pro-gram.

    More than 1,000 applicants nationwide competed for $600 mil-lion in TIGER II grant funding. The EBRPD was the only park district in Northern California to receive TIGER II funds. Its ap-plication focused on completing critical gaps in its expansive nearly 200-mile paved regional trail sys-tem that connects communities,

    schools, employment centers and transportation nodes.

    Were very pleased with this important award, said EBRPD General Manager Pat OBrien. The park district began devel-oping this integrated network of paved trails in the 1970s, and weve

    seen the use of these trails just ex-plode with the population growth over the past several decades for both commuting and recreational purposes. With this grant, we will be able to expedite closing critical gaps in the Green Transportation network, providing a real boon to

    those who live and work in the East Bay.

    OBrien applauded the lo-cal congressional delegations en-thusiastic support and regional stakeholders and other organiza-tions. We had signifi cant support because our elected offi cials and regional organizations understand the value of the Green Trans-portation Initiative. Work on the trail system will create hundreds of jobs and, once fi nished, the re-gional trail network will enhance East Bay communities by relieving traffi c congestion and creating op-portunities for a healthier lifestyle. DOT received more than 80 letters

    With this grant, we will be able to expedite closing critical gaps in the Green Transportation network, providing a real boon to those who live and work in the East Bay.

    EBRPD General Manager Pat OBrien

    see Grant page 30A

    Treasure boxes for the holidays

    When Deb Melander fi rst learned about Treasure Boxes near-ly two years ago, the Brentwood resident was sure the discounted brand-name food cartons would fi ll a need for not only low-income families and seniors, but for anyone feeling the current economic pinch.

    I saw a recent statistic that said one in seven Americans is liv-ing in poverty, said Melander, whose Brentwood church, Creek-side Christian, is a host site for the Treasure Box program. I had no idea the numbers were so high, and that doesnt even really address all of the folks still working and struggling to put food on the table many here in our own commu-nity. So is there a need for Treasure Boxes? Id say so.

    Treasure Boxes is a division of Good Source Solutions a food packaging company based in

    Carlsbad and was developed as a means to provide families and individuals with fresh, affordable, healthy food at a fraction of gro-cery store prices.

    With Thanksgiving around the corner, Melander is focusing her attention on Holiday Treasure Boxes as an inexpensive, viable way to make a difference.

    For $35, purchasers will receive a 14 to 16 pound Butterball Turkey, macaroni and cheese entre, frozen peas, carrots and corn as well as frozen sweet potatoes, stuffi ng mix and a pie.

    And while the Treasure Boxes are popular with residents of all income levels, Melander hopes the community will consider the gift of Treasure Boxes when giving this season.

    Many people I talk with supplement what they already buy, especially meat, with the Treasure

    by Ruth RobertsStaff Writer

    see Treasure page 30A

    Get it in gear Looking to get a door ding or engine ping repaired? Our Fall Auto Care Guide will put you in the fast lane. Page 1B

    Online Now!

    www.thepress.netYour Hometown Web Site

    The Bay Area Crisis Nursery got a big boost from the Antioch MOMS Club.

    Crisis carego to news/WebExtras!

    Baskets and blankets will be auctioned to help those in need over the holidays.

    Make your bidgo to news/press releases

    A pumpkin festival at Smith Family Farm promises seasonal fun.

    Get squashedgo to multimedia/videos

  • OCTOBER 22, 2010 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 3A

    1300 Central Blvd. BrentwoodLori Abreu(925) 216-6317Owner/Broker www.DeltaRanches.com

    Cerelle Carstairs(925) 382-4307

    Real Estate Agent

    One bedroom, one bath, 937 sf, plus den in a desirable area. Centrally located, open living room to kitchen and patio. $70,500

    Condo 1 bdrm 1 ba, 611 sf. Offers pool and security gate. Centrally located complex, close to schools and shopping.

    $93,400

    2 bdrm 2 ba condo, 833 sf priced to sell. Nice sized rooms with covered patio. Laminate flooring and carpet. White appliances in the kitchen. $143,000

    Two story 3 bdrm. 1.5 bath, 1200 sf condo with bright open floor plan and updated kitchen. Has hardwood flooring and nice patio for entertaining. Well maintained grounds with pool. $320,000

    2 bdrm 1 ba condo, 925sf. with garage below unit. White appliances in kitchen and tub/shower combo. $33,660

    This 5 bdrm 3 ba home is in Garin Ranch close to schools. Has open floor plan and inground pool with automatic cover. Backyard set up for entertaining. $297,000

    2827 Monument Blvd, Unit #22, Concord

    2304 L Street, #4, Antioch 748 Craig Court, Brentwood.

    Nice 2bdrm 2 bath, 1026 sf bottom unit with oak cabinets, neutral colors, ready for new owner. Family room has lots of natural light and cozy fireplace. $324,500

    Nice 2 bdrm 2 bath 1280 sf home. Lot size about 7651 sf. Needs a little TLC. Backyard has golf course view. $340,000

    226 Canyon Woods Way, Unit E, San Ramon

    1671 Bluebell Drive, Livermore

    2 bdrm 1 bath 918 sf home with lots of large trees seeks new owner. Nice curb appeal, large lot, lots of opportunity. Laminate flooring and carpet. $103,400

    Cute 2 bedroom. 1 1/2 bath, 1,036 sf condo with private patio.Quiet neighborhood and great views. Park-like setting. $198,550

    1505 Kirker Pass Rd. #158, Concord 2514 W Monterey Ave. Stockton

    2401 Eilers Lane, #1003, Lodi

    1562 Ashwood Drive, Martinez

    2539 Twin Creeks Drive, San Ramon

    Two story 3 bdrm. 2.5 bath, 1501 sf condo. Open floor plan. Granite counters, black appliances. Close to water feature. Great commute location. $312,500

    6156 Forget Me Not, Livermore

    Priced to sell condo with 3 bdrms 1.5 baths and 1217 sf has lots of potential. Partial upgrades have been started, granite counters, and larger patio space for entertaining. $176,000

    1012 Maywood Lane, Unit 6, Martinez

    Firefi ghter Jaymes Laughlin was all set: Engine 93 in Oakley was ready to whisk him away to a dinner in his honor at Brentwoods Veterans Hall, where he was to be honored as the Veterans of Foreign Wars Firefi ghter of the Year. More than a dozen members of the War-rior Watch Riders motorcycle group were there, too, ready to provide one of their signature escorts.

    Suddenly, everything changed. An emergency medical call came in, and Laughlin and his comrades, decked out in jackets and ties, hurriedly left the cara-van parked quietly in front of the station and headed out to help.

    It was crazy, Laughlin said. I was in the back of the engine, tearing off my tie and jacket and trying to put on my gear. When we were done, we headed back (to the station) and I was tearing off my gear, trying to put on my tie

    In the end, Laughlin and his es-cort made it to Brentwood, where VFW Commander Steve Todd emphasized importance of honoring fi refi ghters. These guys put their lives on the line every single day, saving people, he said. They need to be recognized and hon-ored by the community for what they do.

    In the station, his energy and en-thusiasm are absolutely contagious,

    said ECCFPD Chief Hugh Henderson of Laughlin. He is the kind of person that can motivate by his actions, from the newest fi refi ghter to a salty old chief of-fi cer. Jaymes raises the bar to be the best and provide the best service to the dis-trict and the citizens we service.

    Its humbling just to be nominated,

    and to win it is even all the better, said Laughlin. But its the kind of thing you want to hurry up and grab and get out of the limelight.

    In addition to his fi refi ghting duties, Laughlin has represented the district in Western States Police and Fire Games, the California Firemens Athletic Asso-

    ciation Firefi ghter Olympics, the Crossfi t Games, as well as on a national level at the Scott Firefi ghter Combat Challenge. He has also helped raise thousands of dollars for charitable causes, such as the Ally Jenkins Fund and the St. Baldricks Foundation.

    To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

    Firefighter of the Year honoredby Rick Lemyre

    Staff Writer

    Fire ghter Jaymes Laughlin was named Fire ghter of the Year by Veterans of Foriegn Wars Post 10789 in Brentwood, but he needed to be a quick-change artist on the night he was honored. Above, Fire ghter of the Year Laughlin gets a thumbs-up from the Warrior Watch Riders, who escorted him from Station 93 in Oakley to a dinner in his honor in Brentwood.

    Photos by Spike Schau

  • 4A | THEPRESS.NET COMMUNITY OCTOBER 22, 2010

    HOMETOWN HALLOWEENFirst and Oak Streets

    GOOD MORNING BRENTWOODChamber OfficeFirst Responders in East CountyLeslie Mueller, G.M. American Medical Response

    CHAMBER MIXERShepherds Gate605 Sycamore Ave., Brentwood

    HOLIDAY PARADE & CRAFT FAIRStreets of Brentwood

    TASTE OF BRENTWOODStreets of Brentwood

    SaturdayOctober 235:00 to 8:00pm

    ThursdayNovember 117:30 to 9:00am

    ThursdayNovember 185:30 to 7:30pm

    SaturdayNovember 2011:00 to 6:00pm

    SaturdayDecember 41:00 to 5:00pm

    Supes may get help with cemetery post

    The Contra Costa Board of Supervi-sors will consider recruiting a panel of board members from out-of-county cemetery dis-tricts to decide the controversial impend-ing appointment to the Byron-Brentwood-Knightsen Cemetery Board.

    The surprise announcement came dur-ing the Oct. 18 meeting of the Public Pro-tection Committee comprising Board of Supervisors Chairman John Gioia and Dis-trict V Supervisor Federal Glover who met to discuss the cemetery board appointment process. The process has become a hot-but-ton issue due to the possible appointment of Supervisor Mary Piephos husband David to the small three-member board.

    The intent (of the recommendation) was to avoid the appearance of favoring one candidate over another, said Gioia. And I think in this case it was the right decision.

    According to Gioia, the board would ask several cemetery districts outside the county to appoint a representative to inter-view applicants for the Byron-Brentwood-Knightsen Cemetery Board and make a rec-ommendation to the Board of Supervisors.

    The creation of such a commission, said Gioia, is not unusual. We already have other commissions that do their outreach in this way, including our Mental Health Com-mission and our Alcohol and Drug Advisory

    Commission. The only difference here is that were looking at a cemetery district.

    The Board of Supervisors delayed the appointment of David Piepho last month amid public complaints and charges of nepotism by a local newspaper. Supervisor Mary Piepho usually appoints directors to the independent special district, but recused herself from the process when her husband applied. Gioia took over the review of the two applicants Piepho and Brentwood resident John Quinn and was set to rec-ommend Piepho for the post. But Gioia pulled the agenda item on Sept. 14, saying he wanted to ensure that the proper procedural protocols had been followed during the ap-pointment process.

    Piepho serves on the Discovery Bay Community Services District (CSD) Board and sits on the countys Local Agency For-mation Commission (LAFCO), which over-sees land boundaries and annexation issues. Piephos term on the CSD expires this year and he is not seeking re-election. Appoint-ment to another special district board such as the cemetery district would allow him to retain his seat on LAFCO.

    Once the agenda item was pulled, it was discovered that the offi ce of the clerk of the Board of Supervisors had not given proper notice of the available seat on the cemetery board, and the application process was reo-pened.

    The second round of applications gar-

    nered seven applicants in addition to Pie-pho and Quinn. They include Gail Martin, Patrick McHenry, D. Bailey Neff, Robin Pastor, Vickey Rinehart, Johnny Staton and Martin Ed Young. Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor applied for the seat but withdrew after discovering his appointment would constitute a confl ict of interest between the cemetery board and his city seat, and Quinn has since rescinded his application.

    McHenry, one of the applicants for the seat and a former Brentwood funeral home director, believes the supervisors made the right call. I think its a good idea, said McHenry of the decision. I was hoping they would make a decision on the appointment (at the Public Protection meeting) but obvi-ously the Piepho situation was the reason for the decision. It was pretty much just decided between Gioia and Glover; there wasnt a lot of discussion.

    But more discussion will be heard at the Oct. 26 Board of Supervisor meeting when Gioia and Glover make their recommenda-tion to proceed with the special cemetery board appointment panel. Gioia believes that days discussion will also include the is-sue of the appointment of family members by the Board of Supervisors.

    Our goal is to get to this as quickly as possible, said Gioia. I cant say how long it will take (to put a panel in place and make a decision) but we sure would like to make a decision by November.

    To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

    The County Board of Supervisors is expected to appoint an ad hoc committee from outside the county to ll a vacancy on the board of the Union Cemetery District. Above is a scene from Memorial Day ceremonies at the cemetery last May.

    Press file photo

    by Ruth RobertsStaff Writer

  • OCTOBER 22, 2010 COMMUNITY THEPRESS.NET | 5A

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    Nonprofit offers Sight for Seniors

    During a routine eye exam in 1989, Oakley resident Lawrence Williams was diagnosed with an advanced form of glau-coma. While grateful that the disease was discovered, Williams also became acutely aware that without health coverage, the story might have ended differently.

    I would be blind today if it werent for that eye exam, said Williams. Im grateful that I can still see. But for those who dont have the money or insurance to have their eyes checked, they could easily lose their sight.

    And so last June, Williams founded Sight for Seniors, a program organized under his nonprofi t corporation Christian Mandate, Inc. and dedicated to helping seniors who cant afford an eye exam and corrective lenses.

    Working with local optometrists, Sight for Seniors is offered to East County seniors 65 and over with an annual income of less than $28,000 who dont belong to an HMO or receive veterans benefi ts.

    A typical routine eye exam can cost around $170, said Williams, not includ-ing a new prescription and glasses. But through the Sight for Seniors program, those who qualify can receive all those services for free.

    There are a lot of seniors out there who just dont have the money to pay for eye care, and theyre living with poor vi-

    sion as a result, said Williams, CEO of the program. Eye exams are a health is-sue; theyre a good way to check for other health-related problems such as diabetes and macular degeneration. I know fi rst-hand the importance of proper eye care.

    The Sight for Seniors program is funded by local, private and corporate donations, and in November, Williams will be participating in the groups fi rst fundraising event with a booth at the Healthy Families Expo on Nov. 13 from

    9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3101 Balfour Road (corner of Fairview Avenue and Balfour Road) in Brentwood. Williams plans to provide an optometrist to give free eye ex-ams and answer questions about the pro-gram. Visitors are also welcome to donate to the program.

    But the primary purpose for partici-pating in the event, said Williams, is to let people know about the program and what it offers: Were just looking for folks who cant afford their eye care, or who have outdated prescriptions and broken frames. Its really a safety issue, and we want people to know that we are here and that we can help.

    For more information on the Sight for Seniors program, the Healthy Fami-lies Expo or to make a donation, call Williams at 925-250-1940 or visit www.thechristianmandate.org.

    To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

    Lawrence Williams, CEO of Sight for Seniors, launched the nonpro t organization in June to offer free eye care exams, prescriptions and lenses to seniors who cant afford them.

    Photo courtesy of Lawrence Williams

    by Ruth RobertsStaff Writer There are a lot of

    seniors out there who just dont have the money to pay for eye care, and theyre living with poor vision as a result.

    Lawrence Williams,

    Sight for Seniors CEO

  • 6A | THEPRESS.NET OUTDOORS OCTOBER 22, 2010

    The middle of nowhere is an unpromising place for a mugger to set up shop, but there he was, demanding my camera. To be fair, Id offended him: Id taken his picture not an unpardonable sin against most folks, but this guy was

    decidedly not most folks. He was Ohltteh, (oh-let-tay), Coyote-man creator and trickster of Native American Miwok mythology. My black box had stolen a piece of his spirit, and he wanted it back. I was obviously stuck in a weird dream, so what could I lose? Id

    trick the Trickster by removing the memory stick, surrendering the camera and going on my merry way.

    THIRD AND FINAL PARTImprovisation might be called for

    in a jazz riff or linebacker blitz, but my improvisation had painted me into a corner. Aware that the gods were notorious suckers for stories, Id struck a bargain with Ohltteh: I would weave an entertaining tale, and he would let me keep my camera.

    To his credit as a negotiator, he hadnt actually agreed to the bargain; hed simply given me the green light to start telling the

    story. A really really good story or else. And thus the painted corner: what story would I tell?

    Ohltteh strode over to a hollow log and sat down, grasped a knee with each hand and bent slightly forward as if to say,

    Youre on.My camera was resting against my

    chest. I slipped my left arm through the loop of the strap, shifted the camera to where it hung a few inches below my left armpit, and crossed my arms, grasping

    the camera with my right hand, shielding it from view. Ohlttehs narrow grey eyes followed the whole operation.

    I softened the defi ant display of my folded arms by widening my stance and clearing my throat as prelude to what would surely be a pronouncement weighty and wise. Many are the tales of the worlds beginning; few of its ending. Hearken, Ohltteh, and I will tell you how the world ends, I declaimed while opening the memory stick hatch with my right thumb and feeling for the stick with my index fi nger.

    Now for the tale. My problem: Ohltteh had heard it all. I needed to maneuver him into unfamiliar territory. I needed a story so stupid, he wouldnt know whether to devour me or deify me.

    With a nod of my head, I gestured to a nearby hill. You see the large oak on that hill? I said, ever so gently pressing the memory stick against its spring-lock release, feeling it come loose and pinching it out while Ohlttehs gaze was diverted to the hill. When evening falls, a star will rise above that oak. We call the star Bingle-Dworp 677. Around it circles a world called Whygo. On it dwell the Whygons.

    Ohltteh was looking at me now with an expression not overly favorable. I tiptoed farther out on the precipice: Whygons have been monitoring humanity

    Trickster imposter risks icky outcome

    see Trickster page 7A

    TAKE ITOUTSIDE

    GERERICKSON

    Photo by Ger Erickson

  • OCTOBER 22, 2010 OUTDOORS THEPRESS.NET | 7A

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    DISTRESSED HOMEOWNER WEB RESOURCESIve come across some websites over the

    past few years that may prove helpful to some of you. First, a disclaimer: I dont endorse, or agree with everything on these websites. Please use common sense and restraint. But there may be some nuggets of information you may find useful. Also, be very careful about the advertisers and forum posters on these sites. Many scam-artists are just dying to take whatever money you have left by promising you miracles in exchange for a small fee.

    www.HelpWithMyBank.gov This site is run by the US Department of the Treasury as a conduit for bank consumers to complain about unfair treatment by their federally-chartered bank. Ive heard a few isolated reports of people logging complaints into this website, and getting a response from their lender within days.

    www.NACA.com This is a national non-profit group (and HUD-approved counseling agency) that is trying to help homeowners get their loans modified or otherwise work out problems with their

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    Tutors sought for A Place of Learning

    A Place of Learning, the Brentwood nonprofi t program that offers after-school tutoring to students of all ages, is seeking new tutors. There are currently 35 stu-dents on the programs waitlist.

    The program, which runs solely on volunteers, connects students in need with community members who want to make a difference by offering one-on-one tutoring. Tutors do not need to be pro-fessional teachers or have an educational background to participate. Tutors are re-quired to work one hour per week but are welcome to volunteer as many hours as they have time to give.

    A Place of Learning, located at 315 Orchard Drive in Brentwood, is open Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call Coordi-nator Laura Ceja at 925-240-5146.

    pocket. I let go of the stick and it obeyed the law of gravity. Id done it.

    What else Id done came as a shock. I have not granted the Whygons permission to destroy Earth! Ohltteh howled. I will journey to Bingle-Dworp 677 with Klok the North Giant and we will slay the Whygons utterly. Molluk the Condor will feast on their rotting fl esh.

    Incredible. Hed taken my story for fact, not fi ction. And so, standing on the hangmans drop, I said gratuitously, Better not tangle with the Whygons; theyre pretty nasty hombres. Let Whygons be Whygons.

    Under normal circumstances Id be miffed to see a perfectly serviceable quip go zinging right over the head of its intended victim. In this case, I was counting on Ohlttehs unfamiliarity with modern English despite his earlier use of humdinger to prevent something really icky from happening to me.

    Your tale was satisfactory; your life is spared, he said to my surprise. But I still require your black box. No surprise there. I surrendered the camera and he turned to leave.

    I couldnt believe my stupid luck. I was home free. Three primo jpegs of the Miwok god Ohltteh were etched on my memory stick, safe in my pant pocket. Life was good. Then the god stopped in mid stride and made a half turn.

    One more thing, he said, and for the fi rst time I saw a gleam in his grey eyes. As your medicine men are accustomed to saying: Take off your pants.

    from Earth orbit for 3,500 years, waiting for something signifi cant to report, I said with a scientifi c solemnity. To a Whygon, 3,500 years is practically a lifetime. (Uh-oh. Where do I go from here? And how do I get this memory stick from my hand to my pocket? Its too small to palm.)

    Now, the Whygons are divided, I said as my palm perspired onto the stick. Factions A and B want to destroy Earth right now; Faction C wants to spare us for another century or two.

    Ohltteh cocked his head and lifted an eyebrow. I could almost hear him forming the thought: Dont screw with me.

    And how, you must be wondering, would the Whygons destroy Earth? Well, Ill tell you, I said, padding the narrative for all it was worth. Faction A wants to blow us up in a spectacular smoky foof but Faction B claims that would leave a messy debris cloud in solar orbit in clear contravention of the Space Littering Act of 200913.545. Faction B would rather inject a gravitational virus into Earths core and watch the planet suck itself right out of the space-time continuum. (Need I mention I had no idea what I meant by the space-time continuum?) Faction B calls Faction A juvenile while Faction A calls Faction B a bunch of neat freaks.

    I felt my tether running out fast. Time to drive this train wreck home. After all, I was dreaming. Whats the worst that could happen?

    Faction C, comprising an overwhelming minority of Whygons, wants to watch humanity continue to self-destruct before pulling the plug. Factions A and B call Faction C disgusting voyeurs. Oh, and then theres Faction D, which

    Enough! cried Ohltteh. He leaped from the log, I uncrossed my arms refl exively and found that the memory stick was poised smack above my pant

    Trickster from page 6A

  • 8A | THEPRESS.NET EDUCATION OCTOBER 22, 2010

    Trick or treating for the needy

    By the time they reach high school, most teenagers have lost interest in trick-or-treating, but for a group of Heritage High School students, going to strangers doors dressed in costume has never been more fun or rewarding.

    Last Saturday, dressed in complete trick-or-treat attire, nearly 30 members of the Heritage drama club, Rising Stars, and the S Club traveled throughout Brentwood, knocking on doors asking for donations for Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat, an annual charity event sponsored by the Internation-al Thespian Society. The event collects non-perishable food items to be donated to local charities. This year the students collected 1,168 pounds of food, which they will do-nate to Shepherds Gate, a shelter for bat-tered and homeless women and children.

    Rising Stars President Gio Gajudo was proud of his fellow students for collect-ing so much food. Trick or treating when its not Halloween is surprisingly fun, said Gajudo. Having done theater, you learn to stick your neck out, especially when you are doing it for a good cause. Going out with friends helps make it easier because youre not the only person whose dressed up go-ing door-to-door asking for non-perishable food items.

    The reactions of the people varied greatly People would say things along

    the lines of You know, its not Halloween prior to hearing about our mission and then kindly listened to what we were doing and why we were doing it. After hearing of our cause, they would go check their pantries for any canned foods they could spare. Overall, everyone was very generous and responsive to our mission.

    Of course, some residents were caught off guard and thought the early trick-or-treat was part of a practical joke stunt or an attempt to sell something. But Gajudo, who dressed as a jester, said the students werent discouraged. Last year, they collected 530 pounds of food. This year theyd hoped to collect a ton (2,000 pounds), but doubling last years collection is still a commendable victory.

    Heritage Theater Director Chris Fal-lows was impressed with the students pas-sion and enthusiasm for the project and looks forward to keeping it a Heritage tra-dition. All the kids were really terrifi c, get-ting out there and competing to bring in the most, Fallows said. The response from the community was wonderful. Nearly ev-eryone who answered the door was positive and glad to offer multiple things for the families of Shepherds Gate. We are grateful to everyone who donated for helping and for reminding us why Brentwood is such a great place to live. The students are already talking about ways to make an even bigger impact next year.

    To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

    Heritage High School students Gio Gajudo, left, and Brooke Bell partici-pated in last weekends Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat, a nationwide charity event in which students collect non-perishable food items to be donated to local shelters.

    Photo courtesy of Gio Gajudo

    by Samie HartleyStaff Writer

    Liberty Union High School District hosts its inaugural Bell Game Fun Run on Saturday, Nov. 6, starting at Freedom High School and fi nishing at Liberty High School. The event is sponsored by the districts Tobacco Use Preven-tion Education Program and Tar-get Corporation.

    Participants will circle Free-doms track and follow a four-mile route south on OHara Avenue, fi nishing with a celebration at the Liberty fi eld. The event is open to the public, and all are invited to celebrate school spirit and healthy lifestyles with district administra-tors, bands, choirs and cheerlead-ers.

    The $20 registration fee, which includes a T-shirt and snacks, pro-vides vital support for school track and fi eld programs in the commu-nity. Registration forms are avail-able at the school sites. For more information, call Jennifer Wilson at 925-625-5900, ext. 3810.

    The Bell Game is the annual football game between interdistrict rivals Liberty and Freedom. This years game will take place at Lib-erty on Nov. 12.

    Bell Game Fun Run

  • OCTOBER 22, 2010 EDUCATION THEPRESS.NET | 9A

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    Three seats are open for the five-member Brentwood Union School District Board of Educators. Incum-bents Emil Geddes, Tobi Benz and Lawrence Hilburn are being challenged by first-time candidates Allan Frank and Heather Partida. The winners of the November election will join Car-los Sanabria and Lori Strauss on the board, which manages the 10-school district of seven elementary and three middle schools.

    Geddes has been on the board for 14 years, serving 3 terms. The busi-nessman and former BUSD educator said hes seeking re-election because he wants to aid the district through the continuing budget crisis: The district is facing new challenges, but even in this tough economic climate, the dis-tricts priority is the children. The kids come first and we need to make the de-cisions that are best for them. Our dis-trict has always provided the communi-tys children with a quality education, and despite the budget cuts, we need to continue to offer that quality education to our current and future students.

    Geddes said despite changes within the district due to budget cuts, Aca-demic Performance Index (API) scores for all BUSD schools improved this year, which suggests that the board is meeting students needs, although there is always room for improvement. By re-maining on the board, Geddes hopes to see the district rebound from recent setbacks and move toward a bright fu-ture, which includes the opening of an eighth elementary school.

    Benz, a board veteran of 17 years, wants to see the district face its chal-lenges head-on while improving the educational experience for students in grades K through 8. She is a first-grade teacher at Laurel Elementary in Oak-ley, but her three children have passed through BUSD schools and she has a vested interest in seeing the district continue to succeed.

    We need to work to evaluate re-sources to support our classroom needs, modernize existing schools and allocate the materials necessary so that teachers can prepare our students for future academic challenges, Benz said in her official candidate statement. As a parent, teacher and member of the community, these issues are important to me.

    Newcomer Frank, a Brentwood physician and father of two, said its time for some new faces and opinions on the board. He believes that since his children are currently enrolled in BUSD schools, he offers a unique per-spective that the board needs, and is willing to make suggestions that will shake things up.

    There is no parent voice on the board, Frank said. There is very little parent involvement at the meetings, but parents need to know about whats go-

    Brentwood board candidates sound offby Samie Hartley

    Staff Writering on. There are some controversial matters that are being handled in closed sessions, and I want to bring these is-sues to the public. There are some dif-ficult decisions being made involving the budget, and its time for some new ideas and people who are able to make the tough decisions.

    Frank said although current board members applaud their schools perfor-mances on the California-based STAR exams, Californias public education system still ranks as one of the worst in the nation. More should be expected of administrators, teachers, staff and

    students. Frank suggests that if the dis-trict is to hold its schools to a higher standard, the board needs some new blood to make that happen.

    Partida, also a parent of two stu-dents in the BUSD, also desires to give the parents a voice on the board. She first became interested in the inner workings of the district early last year when the BUSD considered merging with the failing Knightsen Elementary School District.

    The potential merger was a big issue and I wanted to know whats go-ing on. Since then Ive been focused on

    the districts issues, Partida said. Im a parent of two students at Brentwood Elementary and I am an active volun-teer at the school, but now I want to take my passion for supporting local education to a larger scale. When you have kids in the schools as they are now with reduced programs and crowded classrooms you see the state of edu-cation a little differently, and I think that view needs to be represented on the board. As a member of the board, I wouldnt be making a decision that

    see Candidates page 11A

  • Voters will have a variety of choices for the Antioch Unifi ed School District Board of Trustees, as eight candidates are vying for two open seats.

    Incumbent Teri Lynn Shaw, a board member since 2006, is running to retain her seat. The other seat was vacated by Wade Harper, who is running for Antioch City Council.

    Jack Yeager, who teaches technology at the Pittsburg Adult Education Center, said he and current board member Walter Ruehlig often talk about education and issues facing students in the area. Ruehlig encouraged him to run for a seat.

    As a former small business owner, Yeager said he wants to help give kids a better sense of managing money, so they dont run into common problems as adults. If elected, he intends to aim for greater transparency from the board and take a closer look at what programs should be kept or cut. If there are pro-grams that are being funded that arent working, we should put a moratorium on those until theres more interest, he said.

    Debra Vinson, a mental health pro-fessional, wants to focus on making sure Antioch students have a safe learning en-vironment. A mediator with the Youth In-tervention Network, Vinson plans to get parents and teachers more involved with their students learning through meetings. She said a greater focus on students emo-tional issues would help them gain more self-respect, boosting grades: I think the parents want to be involved, the question is to fi nd out how come theyre not and whats preventing them.

    Vinson also said shell take a close look at the budget to see if anything is unnecessarily taking money away from education. She hopes to hire back some teachers who have been laid off and get class size reduction going again.

    Substitute teacher Angel Luevano, who is bilingual, wants to focus on revers-ing the districts dropout rate and getting parents more involved. Luevano said hed examine the schools that arent doing well academically and see what needs to be fi xed: Its got to be done on a school-by-school basis. If it hasnt worked, why? Think of some ways to make it work.

    Luevano acknowledged that the cost cutting would probably need to continue for now, eliminating ineffective programs. If elected, he would strive to keep those cuts as far from the classroom as possible.

    Luevano said his background in law (he completed four years at Hastings Law School, but is not a member of the bar) will bring a different view to the board.

    Shaw is proud of helping to get uni-forms in place at district elementary and middle schools, as well as creating the stu-dent-run TV show Highway 4 Peace. If re-elected, she wants to understand how todays tech-savvy students are learning, and tailor their education to better fi t how they absorb information.

    According to Shaw, the district should try to change the way it looks at

    the budget and fi nd sources of revenue other than solely money from the state. I think that what we need to do is form our own partnerships, Shaw said. Whatever we get from the states, thats considered pie. Weve got to get our own.

    Shaw wants to call town hall meet-ings at schools so parents can talk with educators and school offi cials and fi gure out how problems can be overcome.

    Though David Pfeiffer has no formal education experience, he feels his back-ground of leadership and work with gov-ernment agencies will be an advantage. Pfeiffer is the Contra Costa County Avia-tion Advisory Committee commissioner

    and former chairman of the Antioch Eco-nomic Development Commission.

    He said the district hasnt formulated a legitimate plan for the future, something he hopes to bring. If elected, he would strive for transparency throughout the district, more interaction with teachers, union members and students, as well as a realistic view of the budget. He said he has experience operating in tough fi nan-cial times, working with San Francisco International Airport following the dis-ruptions of 9/11 and the sharp decrease in air traffi c.

    Ive heard a lot about how its all the State of Californias fault, Pfeiffer said.

    Somewhere along the line, youve got to stand up and take charge, and I dont see that happening.

    Vincent Manuel, a Redevelopment Project Manager with the county, has been an Antioch resident since 1990 and served on the Police Crime Prevention Commission, the Board of Administra-tive Appeals and is currently a member of the citys Planning Commission.

    According to his ballot statement, Manuel wants to prepare all students to be responsible citizens and afford them the opportunity to acquire the skills,

    Antioch school board race draws crowdby Justin Lafferty

    Staff Writer

    10A | THEPRESS.NET EDUCATION OCTOBER 22, 2010

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