![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ChadwickDeCarlo-1024x683.jpeg)
Top IMCA Modified racers Kellen Chadwick #83, Nick DeCarlo #17 and Bobby Motts Jr #u81 do battle. Photo by Katrina Kniss
By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media
The marathon season at Antioch Speedway comes to a close this Saturday night, Nov. 26. Over 40 events have been held at the Contra Costa Event Center (fairgrounds) track this year. Originally, this was to be a two-race weekend, but it’s been condensed down to one.
The IMCA sanctioned Modifieds, Sport Modifieds and Stock Cars will be on hand along with the Wingless Spec Sprints, Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks and Super Stocks. It’ll be the final opportunity to see racing here until next year.
The championship season for the IMCA Modifieds came down to a tie. In fact, IMCA did an official audit when they originally had Kellen Chadwick of Oakley leading by one point over Martinez’s Nick DeCarlo. It was determined that the tie the track had calculated between the two drivers was in fact the correct.
DeCarlo will win the championship based on the fact that he beat Chadwick, four wins to three wins. Bobby Motts Jr will end up third in the final run down ahead of this year’s top rookie, Brentwood’s Trevor Clymens and Terry DeCarlo Jr of Martinez.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ShraderRyland-1024x683.jpeg)
Bill Bowers Memorial winner Kenny Shrader #188, Fred Ryland #7j, Kelly Campanile #2 and Tyler Browne #325 jockeying for position in IMCA Sport Modifieds. Photo by Katrina Kniss
The IMCA Sport Modified battle went down to the wire. Andrew Pearce of Oakley seemed good until mechanical issues at the third to last race while leading sent him to the pits. Brentwood’s Fred Ryland had four wins this season and beat Pearce by eight points for the championship. Pearce did end up winning three races this season for a strong second place outing, followed by IMCA State champion Jacob Mallet Jr of Oakley, Pacheco’s Kenny Shrader and Chuck Golden of Pittsburg.
Travis Dutra of Concord ended up winning the IMCA Stock Car championship by 20 markers ahead of Jason Robles of Rio Vista. This is the second-consecutive championship for Dutra, who finally got his first win in the season finale. He only missed the Top 5 one time in 12 starts. Jason Jennings of Pittsburg wrapped up third in the standings and top rookie honors, followed by Dave Hill of San Francisco and Antioch’s Dave Gonderman.
Misty Welborn kicked off the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock season with three wins in the first four races. The Castro Valley resident cruised to the championship, while Oakley’s Michaela Taylor beat Jared Baugh of Pittsburgh by just four points in the race for second. Top rookie Taylor DeCarlo of Martinez ended up fourth ahead of the much improved Jewell Crandall of Antioch.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/NewtonMaionchi-1024x683.jpeg)
Shannon Newton #2, Steve Maionchi #25 and James East #71 racing hard in Wingless Spec Sprints. Photo by Katrina Kniss
Shannon Newton of Elk Grove wasn’t planning on racing for points this year, but the four-time winner ended up winning his second Wingless Spec Sprint championship by 17 points ahead of Oakley’s James East. Steve Maionchi of Sonora ended up third ahead of MacKenzie Newton of Elk Grove and Tulare’s Zack Neeley.
In Super Stock competition, Jim Freethy of Danville picked up his third championship. He picked up four wins along the way, and his title was never in doubt. Brentwood’s Joey Ridgeway bested Jimmy Robbins of Concord by just eight points to end up second in the standings. 2020 champion Mike Walko of Knightsen and two-time title winner Mike Gustafson of Concord ended up fourth and fifth, respectively.
![](http://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/WalkoBurch-1024x683.jpeg)
Mike Walko #13a, Larry Damitz Memorial winner Michael Burch #03 and Wayne Trimble #71 race for position in Super Stock competition. Photo by Katrina Kniss
At this point, it’s about the bragging rights and the purse money when these six divisions come to compete this Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. The gates will open at 4:00 with the first race starting at 6:00.
Adult tickets are $20, Senior/Military $15, Kids (5-12) $15 and kids four and under free.
For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
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DLS Lacrosse Team supports SVdP – St Francis Turkey Drive on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. Photo: St. Vincent de Paul
By Brian Boyle, Communications & Development Associate, St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County
On Saturday, November 19, 2022, the St. Vincent de Paul branch at St. Francis Assisi church in Concord, and the coaches and players on the De La Salle Lacrosse teams provided over 100 turkeys and over 100 volunteer hours to help hungry Concord families. As a result, these 100 families, (over 400 individuals), will have a special holiday meal to serve their family this Thanksgiving.
Isabel Lara, the leader of the St. Vincent de Paul volunteer team in Concord said that they would not be able to extend this program to the needy without the help of the De La Salle Lacrosse teams.
“The kindness and support of the DLS Lacrosse players and coaches at the Thanksgiving distribution was a gift to the community!” she shared. “The happy faces from the parents and their children as they received their turkey, and the bags of food was a beautiful expression of their gratitude.”
The St. Vincent de Paul branch at St. Francis of Assisi operates a food pantry, provides home visits to extend basic needs assistance, (rental & utility assistance), and other services for the needy.
The De La Salle Lacrosse teams have provided this assistance to St. Vincent de Paul for 12 years, distributing over 1,650 turkeys, raising over $35,500 and contributing over 1,230 volunteer hours.
If someone needs help, please contact SVdP at www.svdp-cc.org, or (925) 439-5060.
About St. Vincent de Paul
The mission of St. Vincent de Paul: A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County provides help to neighbors in need regardless of gender, national origin, race, or religion. It is part of an international non-profit, organized locally to bring concrete aid and comfort to those who are poor and suffering in Contra Costa County. The Society collaborates with other people and organizations of good will in mitigating need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served.
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Nonpartisan program supports and celebrates excellence in U.S. election administration
By Dawn Kruger, Civic Outreach/Engagement Specialist, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department
The Contra Costa County Elections Division has been selected by the nonpartisan U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence as a Center for Election Excellence. This is recognition that Contra Costa County Elections is committed to leadership in election administration and focused on developing even more resilient, trustworthy, and voter-centric election administration practices.
As a Center for Election Excellence, the Contra Costa County Elections Division will have an opportunity to work together with a bipartisan group of election officials to support each other and improve their skills. The diverse inaugural 2023 cohort of Centers for Election Excellence include:
- Contra Costa County, CA
- Shasta County, CA
- Greenwich, CT
- Kane County, IL
- Macoupin County, IL
- Ottawa County, MI
- Clark County, NV
- Brunswick County, NC
- Forsyth County, NC
- Madison, WI
According to a recent study from MIT, public spending on election services ranks near the bottom, about the same as what local governments spend on parking facilities. This means professional development opportunities for election department staff can be extremely limited. The Alliance will provide Contra Costa Elections staff opportunities to collaborate with and share best practices with their colleagues from around the country, creating a national community of learning and support.
“I am thrilled we have chosen the Contra Costa County Elections Division as a Center for Election Excellence,” said Tiana Epps-Johnson, executive director of the Center for Tech and Civic Life. “Contra Costa Elections is a leader in safe, secure, and inclusive elections that put voters first. This program will take their election administration work to the next level.”
“While I have always known that staff at the Contra Costa County Elections Division are expert at what they do, incredibly innovative, and provide an exceptionally high level of service to the Contra Costa Community, I am excited and proud that this department and our staff are being recognized nationally for the hard work we do.” said Debi Cooper, Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Contra Costa County.
The U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence launched in 2022 and is a five-year, $80 million nonpartisan program that brings together election officials, designers, technologists, and other experts to envision, support, and celebrate excellence in U.S. election administration. Launch partners include:
- Center for Tech and Civic Life: connects Americans with the information to become and remain civically engaged and ensure that elections are inclusive and secure.
- Center for Civic Design: works with elections offices and advocates across the country, using research, design, accessibility, and plain language to remove barriers and invite participation in democracy.
- The Elections Group: partners with state and local election officials to implement new programs or improve processes for voters and stakeholders by providing guidance, resources, and management support.
- U.S. Digital Response: is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization provides election officials with simple, effective digital tools and rapid response.
- Institute for Responsive Government & Center for Secure and Modern Elections: aligns bipartisan, pro-voter campaigns, making elections more efficient and secure.
- Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (the d.school) at Stanford University: referred to as the d.school, the institute brings students and faculty from radically different backgrounds together to develop innovative, human-centered solutions to real world challenges.
- Prototyping Systems Lab: utilizes elements of design thinking, participatory design, and critical making to create change within complex systems.
Between Tri Lane and Wildcat Canyon Road/Bear Creek Road
By Kelly Kalfsbeek, Community & Media Relations Coordinator, Public Information Officer, CCC Public Works Dep’t.
A Contra Costa County Public Works Department crew will be performing work along San Pablo Dam Road starting on Monday, November 28, 2022, through Thursday, December 1, 2022, barring unforeseen circumstances. Work will occur between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm daily, weather permitting. Work will take place on San Pablo Dam Road, between Tri Lane in El Sobrante and Wildcat Canyon Road/Bear Creek Road in Orinda. The work will consist of clearing slides and cleaning drainage ditches for winter storm preparation and safety.
Message boards will be posted to advise drivers the week before scheduled work begins. Traffic control, including lane and shoulder closures, will be used. Drivers should expect delays up to 15 minutes near the work area.
About Contra Costa County Public Works Department:
Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) maintains over 660 miles of roads, 150 miles of streams, channels, and other drainage and over 150 County buildings throughout Contra Costa County. CCCPWD provides services such as Parks and Recreation, Sandbag Distribution and Flood Control throughout unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, and Byron Airport
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A CHP Golden Gate Division officer conducts a traffic stop for a suspected seat belt violation. Photo courtesy of CHP
Maximum Enforcement Period runs Wednesday through Sunday
By California Highway Patrol
As millions of people venture out for the Thanksgiving holiday, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is preparing for one of the busiest travel weekends in the nation.
To help motorists arrive at their destinations safely, the CHP will implement a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) and deploy all available officers through the holiday weekend. The MEP begins at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 27.
“As with every holiday, the CHP will work to keep motorists safe as they travel to gatherings with friends and family,” said Commissioner Amanda Ray. “Our officers will be on patrol to take enforcement action as necessary and to provide assistance to motorists who are stranded or in need of help on the side of the road.”
During the MEP, CHP officers will be working to assist and educate motorists and enforce traffic safety laws throughout the state, actively looking for unsafe driving behaviors, including impaired or distracted driving, unsafe speed, and people not wearing seat belts.
According to the CHP’s MEP data, 42 people, including 16 pedestrians and one bicyclist, were killed in crashes in CHP’s jurisdiction during the 2021 Thanksgiving holiday weekend. CHP officers issued more than 5,600 citations for speed and seat belt violations. Additionally, CHP officers made 1,033 arrests for driving under the influence during the four-day period.
“Enjoy your Thanksgiving festivities, but please celebrate responsibly, wear your seat belt, and always designate a sober, nondrinking driver,” said Commissioner Ray.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
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By CHP – Contra Costa
Monday morning Nov. 21, 2022, at about 5:24am, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a solo vehicle collision on Hwy 4 westbound, east of McEwen Road. The vehicle (a tractor trailer combination) was traveling westbound on Hwy 4 when it left the roadway, traveling up the right-side embankment, then veered across the lanes and collided with the center median.
CHP and emergency personnel arrived on scene and the driver (male) was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. His identity has not yet been released by the Contra Costa Coroner’s office.
This crash is still under investigation, if anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.
Please check back later for any updates.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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By CHP – Contra Costa
Sunday morning Nov. 20, 2022, at about 2:10am, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a single vehicle crash on Sugar Barge Road in Bethel Island. Our preliminary investigation indicates a Toyota truck left the roadway and collided with a tree.
CHP and emergency personnel arrived on scene and the driver was pronounced deceased. According to the Contra Costa Coroner’s office the driver was Lilith Guentert, age 47 of Antioch.
This crash is still under investigation, if anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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By CHP – Contra Costa
Wednesday morning, Nov. 16, 2022, at about 3:55 am, Contra Costa CHP was advised of a vehicle vs. pedestrian crash on Highway 4 westbound west of Bailey Road. At the time of the crash, a pedestrian was within the roadway of Hwy 4 westbound.
A Toyota Tacoma traveling westbound was unable to avoid the pedestrian and struck the person. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene and the driver of the Tacoma was not injured.
Efforts to obtain the identity of the deceased pedestrian were unsuccessful prior to publication time.
This crash is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed it or the events leading up to it, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez, (925) 646-4980.
Please check back later for any updates.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreThe International Orphan Relief Foundation wishes you a happy holiday season! We would love for you to be a part of our annual East County Christmas Children’s PJ and Toy Drive. Please click the link below to see how you can impact the youth and families in East County and bring joy this Christmas!
Donate to our Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/DirCStaton
Read MoreOne from Vacaville, four from Vallejo
By CHP – Contra Costa
Early Thursday morning, Nov 17, 2022, at about 12:10 am, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a wrong way driver traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of Highway 4 near Railroad Avenue in Pittsburg. The wrong way vehicle, a Hyundai Elantra, continued eastbound in the westbound lanes and collided head on into a Ford Flex traveling in the westbound lanes of Hwy 4, west of Loveridge Road. Both vehicles sustained major damage and came to rest within the westbound lanes.
The driver and sole occupant of the Ford sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. The Hyundai was occupied by one adult driver and three juvenile passengers, all occupants sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
According to Contra Costa County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office PIO Jimmy Lee, the victims were Lasaundra Goode age 44 of Vacaville and the driver of the Elantra was Tiara Tucker age 27 of Vallejo. The three children in one of the cars was Mariah Mihailovic age 5, Keilani Johnson-Ochoa age 4 and Kaliyah Johnson-Ochoa age 9, all also from Vallejo.
At this time, it is undetermined if drugs and/or alcohol were a factor. For more details see the CBS News Bay Area report about the crash.
This incident is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed this crash, the wrong way vehicle prior to the crash, or the events leading up to the crash, please contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980. Thank you.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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