Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

More for Mom event at The Streets of Brentwood Sat. May 7

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Local artisan vendors needed

The Streets of Brentwood shopping center brings you a special day to celebrate Mom! A day full of live music, dancers, and performers along with a sparkling array of select local artisans. This event is the day before Mother’s Day, and the shopping is on!

SATURDAY, MAY 7 10AM-3PM

THE STREETS OF BRENTWOOD

One Day Only in Center Court

2455 Sand Creek Road, Brentwood

11AM-2PM
FREE* $10 Gift Card

11AM-1PM
FREE Entertainment

10AM-3PM
Small “pop-up” Market

Vendors who would like to participate can contact Claudette or Johnny at 510-220-1609 or email jstatonprod@aol.com. More for Mom May 7th – local artisan vendor info

*With original receipt(s) totaling $75 or more from any The Streets of Brentwood retailer or restaurant, while supplies last. One gift card per customer, per receipt(s). To redeem, randomly draw your $10 The Streets of Brentwood Tenant Gift Card in Center Court from 11AM-2PM. No Exchanges Please. 

Memorial Day Parade in Bay Point May 30

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By Delano Johnson, ED, Bay Point Community All-N-One

We are pleased to be celebrating our Annual Memorial Day’s Parade again which is being held on Monday, May 30, 2022, in front of the Ambrose Recreational and Park District at 3105 Willow Pass Road in Bay Point. It will commence at 9:00AM -and conclude by 12:00 Noon. We are looking forward to everyone in the community joining us.

Memorial Day remembers and honors our U.S. military men and women who died while serving during wartime.

This practice of honoring our fallen service men and women began as Decoration Day after the Civil War when families of both Union and Confederate forces began to decorate the graves of the fallen. Decoration Day eventually became Memorial Day.

Our Memorial Day’s Parade will include traditional elements beginning with prayers, tributes to our uniformed men and women and a parade performance from participants of the communities.

As a participant you may sign up to perform with us and we welcome you also to become a sponsor.

For more information about how to join us, please contact Mrs. Nelda Hills, (510)409-6123 or Mr. Charles Davies (510) 692-5706.

Oakley Police Chief, parents of missing Alexis Gabe announce $10,000 reward fund

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Alexis Gabe’s father Gwyn speaks as his wife, Rowena, Oakley Chief Paul Beard and Detective Tyler Horn look on during the press conference on Thurs., April 28, 2022. (Video screenshot by Allen D. Payton) New poster showing reward.

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

Last seen in Antioch on January 26, 2022

By Allen D. Payton

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

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

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

Alexis’ Father Says “We Need Our Daughter Back”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Screenshot of security camera video of suspect walking near Alexis’ car on Jan. 26, 2022. Source: Oakley P.D.

Detective Horn Offers Description of Suspect in Video

Horn then had the video of the suspect walking from Alexis’ car shown several times and described him. www.ci.oakley.ca.us/alexisgabeapril28pressconference

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

Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at 925-625-7009 or email alexistips@ci.antioch.ca.us. 

Last lap pass nets Fraser the victory at Antioch Speedway

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2019 IMCA Sport Modified champion Tommy Fraser #12 made a late move to score the victory. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Whitley, Friend, Wagner other winners

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

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

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

Jacob Tuttle drove the third-place finishing car in the 20 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

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

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

Les Friend #42 got the win in the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock feature race. Photo by Katrina Kniss.

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

Point leader Danny Wagner #11DD continues to roll with his third win in the Delta Dwarf Cars. Photo by Katrina Kniss

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

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

Antioch Speedway April 23 Unofficial Race Results

Wingless Spec Sprints

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

IMCA Sport Modifieds

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

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks

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

Delta Dwarf Cars

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

Female passenger dies when truck hits tree on river road early Sunday morning

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Brentwood driver said he swerved to avoid an animal

By Mark Leavitt, Public Information Officer, CHP, South Sacramento Area

On April 24th, 2022, at approximately 2:39 a.m. California Highway Patrol (CHP) was advised of a Ford F-150 pickup truck versus a tree on SR-160 southbound, north of Poverty Road, between Walnut Grove and Rio Vista, with an occupant stuck inside the vehicle. Fire personnel arrived on scene and related to CHP dispatch of a fatality.

CHP South Sacramento arrived on scene and contacted a 51-year-old male from Brentwood, that was identified as the driver. The driver was uninjured and stated to CHP that as he was driving southbound on SR-160 when he saw an animal in his path that caused him to steer the Ford to the right, off the roadway, and down an embankment where he collided with a tree. The 34-year-old, female passenger from Sacramento, sustained fatal injuries. The male driver was checked for sobriety and was determined not to be under the influence.

Sport Modifieds, Spec Sprints to highlight Saturday show at Antioch Speedway

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KC Keller #38 is the 2017 IMCA Sport Modified champion and third on the all-time win list for the division. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…After the successful Easter weekend event, racing returns to Antioch Speedway this Saturday night. The IMCA Sport Modifieds are back In action along with the Wingless Spec Sprints, Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks and Delta Dwarf Cars. It figures to be an action-packed show from start to finish.

After three events, two-time reigning IMCA Sport Modified champion Fred Ryland is tied for the lead with rising young star Andrew Pearce. The duo are just four points ahead of another young gun, Jacob Mallet Jr. 11 points back is Tyler Browne and 12 back is KC Keller. The championship battle is just getting started. Some of these drivers headed to Merced for the big money race two weeks ago. Ryland pocketed $2,000 for his second place finish that night.

Keller has proven to be a formidable competitor at Antioch since joining the action in 2015. It took him a couple of seasons before winning the 2017 championship. He seems to always be in the mix for a win, and his victory at the most recent race was his 13th at Antioch, keeping him third on the division’s all-time win list behind Ryland and Trevor Clymens. After notching third place seasons in the championship battle for the last two years, it could be that this will be his year to take it up a notch and win it all again.

The Wingless Spec Sprints got off to a bumpy start for their season opener last week, which was won by newcomer Zack Neeley. Neeley was behind the wheel of the John Hendrickson owned entry. Hendrickson himself has competed at Antioch in Street Stocks, IMCA Modifieds and was one of the first drivers to get on board with Spec Sprint racing. Neeley was only making his second start in that car, and he had to hold off Jacob Williams for the win.

Just as he was in Street Stocks and IMCA Modifieds, Tony Bernard #50 is one of the top drivers in Wingless Spec Sprints. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Running back in third was Tony Bernard. Bernard hails from Santa Rosa, but he likes coming out and racing against the competitive field at Antioch Speedway. Last season, Tony used consistency to finish third in the standings and only missed second by six points. At his home track in Petaluma, Tony proved to be quite a competitive Street Stock racer in the late 1980s and early 1990s before moving up to the IMCA Modifieds. He’d been away for a few years, but he’s proven that he still knows the fast way around the racetrack.

Early season favorite Bob Newberry had people proclaiming him the driver to beat in his quest for an unprecedented third division championship. Unfortunately, he started off with some motor issues last week. Bob decided to go out and take a green flag for the points. Somehow, he was still making some passes, but he ended up heading for the pits after being involved in a tangle with another driver.

Likewise, two-time champion Dan Gonderman seemed to get battered a little bit, but he still managed a fifth place feature finish. Division original Rick Panfili wasn’t as lucky as Gonderman. He suffered motor issues in his heat race and loaded up early.

Some people are proclaiming 2022 to be the year of the ladies in the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks. Women at the front of the pack are nothing new in this class as Denise McCown and her daughter Megan Ponciano are both champions. Melissa Myers has also claimed the championship glory. As for McCown and Ponciano, the third generation of the family, Aiden Ponciano, is doing quite well. He could be a threat to win this week.

Taylor DeCarlo #17 tops the rookies in the Hobby Stock division and is the third generation of her family to race at Antioch Speedway. Photo by Katrina Kniss

With three wins to her credit, Misty Welborn sits atop the standings by just six points ahead of Michaela Taylor and 12 in front of the tied Taylor DeCarlo and Jess Paladino. Reigning champion Larry McKinzie Jr didn’t finish the most recent race and fell back to fifth, 14 points out of lead.

Taylor has looked fast lately and ended up finishing a career best second at the most recent show. Some people are predicting that she could get her first win very soon. However, fellow female leadfoot Taylor DeCarlo is turning some heads after another Top 5 finish last time out.

She is the third generation of her family to go racing. Her father, Terry DeCarlo, Jr., races a Modified with his brother Nick DeCarlo and father Terry DeCarlo, Sr. There could come a time very soon when all three generations of the family run a race together. Prior to getting into the Hobby Stocks, Taylor got valuable seat time in Outlaw Karts and Micro Sprints.

Devan Kammermann #18d has all podium finishes this year as he ranks second in the Delta Dwarf Car standings. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Danny Wagner finally met his match in the Delta Dwarf Cars last week. NorCal star Michael “Spanky” Grenert ended the two-race win streak for the two-time champion. Wagner still holds a 16-point lead over Devan Kammermann. 26 points back is Jack Haverty. He leads Chance Russell by 16 points in the battle for third, while David Rosa is 22 points behind him. Wagner’s team includes Kammermann, Haverty and sixth ranked Ellie Russo, who got her first win last season.

Kammermann has a knack for picking up podium finishes, and he has three of them this year. He had a second place finish at the opener. In reality, most of the drivers who take the green flag in this class have a legitimate shot at winning, and Kammermann may be the closest to being the next winner.

Wagner brings an extensive amount of experience with him, but he’s also imparting his knowledge to a newer group of races. Those drivers are getting better with each start.

The racing action is sure to be entertaining from start to finish this Saturday night. The grandstands will open at 4:00 pm with the first race firing off 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.

The CoCo Farms Antioch Speedway racing calendar has some great events lined up from now through the end of November. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Neeley grabs first spec sprint win, Grenert, Bordenave, Brown also win at Antioch Speedway

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In only his second start in the car, Zack Neeley #16z won the Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…April 16…Zack Neeley scored the win in the 20 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. This was only his second ever start in the John Hendrickson owned car, and he had to withstand some serious pressure from Jacob Williams in the waning laps.

The race had multiple yellow flags before a lap was recorded, and two-time champion Dan Gonderman took the early lead ahead of Josh Gillis and Neeley. Neeley slipped into second on the fourth lap and made a Turn 2 pass on Gonderman for the lead a lap later. Jimmy Christian gained second with a Turn 4 pass on the sixth lap and set his sights on Neeley. Unfortunately, contact between Christian and Neeley on the front straightaway on Lap 8 left Christian with damage as the yellow flag waved. Neeley led Williams on the restart. A Lap 11 red flag waved after a tangle between Gonderman and Ethon Lanfri saw Lanni roll in Turn 4. Neeley continued to lead Williams and James East on the restart. Williams begin pressuring Neeley for the lead, and the duo went side by side on the 18th lap. Williams went low in Turn 4 as they worked the 19th lap. Williams appeared to make the winning pass, but a yellow flag waved for a Clint Motta spin in Turn 2. Neeley led the final restart and the remaining circuits to win ahead of Williams, East, Bernard and Gonderman.

NorCal star Michael “Spanky” Grenert #12n won the Delta Dwarf Car Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

NorCal Dwarf Car stat Michael “Spanky” Grenert won the 20 lap Delta Dwarf Car Main Event. Grenert had to battle point leader Danny Wagner to get the lead. David Rosa took the early lead, only to surrender it to a low pass in Turn 3 by Dan Geil on the second lap. David Michael Rosa moved into the second spot a lap later. Devan Kammermann settled into third and made a low pass in Turn 4 on lap five for second. However, there was contact on the backstretch between Kammermann and Geil on Lap 9, allowing Grenert and Wagner to race by for the first two positions. An outside pass on the frontstretch on Lap 12 put Wagner into the lead, and David Michael Rosa lost a tire on the backstretch for a yellow flag moments later. Grenert made a big move on the restart that ended with him going low in Turn 4 to get the lead. It was close between the lead duo for a few laps, but Grenert would prevail at the checkered flag. Wagner settled for second ahead of Kammermann, Chance Russell and Geil.

Sage Bordenave #35x survived to the end to collect the victory in the WMR Midget Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Sage Boardenave won the 20 lap WMR Midget Main Event. The race had a few mishaps and was a battle of attrition. Local star Bryant Bell took the early lead ahead of Boardenave and Brody Petrie. The red flag waved after two laps when Logan Mitchell flipped in Turn 2. Bell continued to lead Boardenave and Petrie on the restart, but another red flag fell when Tyler Dolacki flipped in Turn 4 on Lap 4. Bell led Boardenave and Petrie on the next restart. Multi-time champion David Prickett headed for the pits, and Bell was slowed when he hit a rut going through Turns 3 and 4 on Lap 10. A lap later, Boardenave made a Turn 4 pass to get the lead with Petrie following intp second. Bell ended up pitting, and Boardenave got the win ahead of Petrie, Kyle Hawse, Bell and Prickett.

Reigning champion Tom Brown #3r won the Mini Stock Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Tom Brown won the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event. The reigning Antioch and Petaluma champion settled into an early second behind the Dana Gardner, but a high pass in Turn 4 of the fifth lap gained Brown the lead. Brown pulled away a little bit on Gardner, leaving Shan Titman and Dan Abitz to battle for the third position. Abitz slowed on the backstretch on the 10th lap and would get lapped a couple of laps later. Brown was never really challenged after getting the lead and he won ahead of Gardner, Titman, Abitz and Laina Bales.

When five Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock drivers came out to do some practice laps, track officials elected to give them an exhibition race. Jason Robles won that 10 lapper. Robles led from the start ahead of Danny Aves and reigning champion Larry McKinzie Jr. Aves and McKinzie had a side-by-side battle for several laps before McKinzie gained second on Lap 6. Robles won ahead of McKinzie, Aves, Michael Mates and Angela Brown.

Next up on the CoCo Farms Calendar will be the Wingless Spec Sprints next Saturday night. Joining them will be the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks and Delta Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Unofficial Race Results April 16 Antioch Speedway

Wingless Spec Sprints

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Ethon Lanfri, Jacob Williams.  Main Event (20 Laps) – Zack Neeley, Jacob Williams, James East, Tony Bernard, Dan Gonderman, Clint Motta, Steve Maionchi, Ethon Lanfri, Jimmy Christian, Josh Gillis.

Delta Dwarf Cars

Heat Winners (8 Laps) – Michael “Spanky” Grenert, Danny Wagner, Jack Haverty.  Main Event (20 Laps) – Michael “Spanky” Grenert, Danny Wagner, Devan Kammermann, Chance Russell, Dan Geil, Jack Haverty, Isaak Geil, David Rosa, Brenden Shrum, Ellie Russo.

WMR Midgets

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Brody Petrie, Sage Bordenave.  Main Event (20 Laps) – Sage Bordenave, Brody Petrie, Kyle Hawse, Bryant Bell, David Prickett, Tyler Dolacki, John Bordenave, Gary Dunn, Logan Mitchell, Nate Wait.

Mini Stocks

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Tom Brown.  Main Event (20 laps) – Tom Brown, Dana Gardner, Shan Titman, Dan Abitz, Laina Bales.

Kaiser Permanente behavioral health professionals mentor students at Antioch’s Dozier-Libbey Medical High School

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Dozier-Libbey students (from right) Emma Mauri, Syncere Jordan, Saniya Maka, Arena Armin. Source: Kaiser Permanente

To inspire, educate and impart life skills to future mental health professionals

By Alex Madison, Content Marketing Writer III, Kaiser Permanente

Like many high schoolers, students at Dozier-Libbey Medical High School in Antioch, California, are unsure about their career moves post-graduation. With the help of a mentorship program led by Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s Mental Health Training Program, these students are getting a window into the behavioral health medical profession.

“Everyone has a different path in life, and my mentor allowed me to see the huge variety of pathways available to me,” said 18-year-old Syncere Jordan. “She told me what it took to get where she is today and what the day-to-day responsibilities of a health care worker are.”

Kaiser Permanente Northern California partnered with the 800-student high school last year to create a mentorship program in which 12 students meet virtually every week for 30 minutes with a mental health provider to talk about career pathways, resumes, college, and the realities of working as a mental health professional.

“I really appreciate the diversity the program allows,” said 16-year-old Emma Mauri. “My mentor and I have talked about everything from life skills, to education, to just telling stories. She’s inspired me to stop being so nervous about the decisions I’m facing about the future of my career.”

Giving back to student and mentor

Reflecting Kaiser Permanente’s core commitment to support mental health and wellness in the communities it serves, every mental health trainee of the Mental Health Training Program is required to complete over 30 hours of community outreach. The outreach focuses on improving the mental health of the local community in some important respect, beyond treating Kaiser Permanente members.

The mentors said educating young people on the importance of mental health and helping guide their future has been very fulfilling.

“My mentor and I have talked about everything from life skills, to education, to just telling stories. She’s inspired me to stop being so nervous about the decisions I’m facing about the future of my career.” – Emma Mauri

“As a first-generation Mexican American and first in my family to graduate college, I’m incredibly passionate about supporting these young people and creating awareness around the complex experiences of being a first-generation student,” said Irais Castro, PhD, a psychology postdoctoral resident at Kaiser Permanente Antioch.

“It’s important to foster these student’s interest in mental health or whichever field they are interested in,” said Nicole Wilberding, PhD, a psychology postdoctoral resident at Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek. “We encourage them to talk about their concerns and fears so they don’t feel overwhelmed about their future.”

Increasing awareness of mental health care

A goal of the 8-week mentorship program is to increase awareness about the field of clinical psychology and mental health among diverse youth populations. Kaiser Permanente shares in the U.S. challenge to meet the demand for mental health care that has been greatly exacerbated by the national shortage of trained mental health professionals.

Although many of the students involved in the mentorship program had not considered a career in mental health, some of them said they are now interested in learning more about the profession as a possible career choice.

Kathryn Wetzler, PsyD, regional director of Mental Health Training Programs, said, “It’s really valuable to identify the young people who are interested in mental health as a career and provide them with the understanding of what being a mental health professional is all about.”

Castro explained that it’s a vital time to educate people about the importance of mental health as a profession.

“We need more clinicians of color and diverse populations in the field, so I am grateful to have the opportunity to create awareness of the need.”

For Jordan, who is 3 months away from graduating high school, her relationship with her mentor is a “bond I will never forget and hope to continue after I graduate.”

Learn more about the Northern California Mental Health Training Program.

 

Don’t pass over Passover – authentic Seder in Brentwood Friday, April 15

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Opportunity for a real delicious ‘Taste of Freedom’ for entire Jewish Community

Authentic Matzah – Great Company

For thousands of years Jews around the world have been celebrating our freedom from Egypt. Residents of the Delta Region are warmly invited to attend an authentic Passover Seder. All Jews, regardless of affiliation or background, are encouraged to participate in an evening replete with the Mah NishTanah, [four questions] traditional handmade matzah, four cups of wine, lively dialogue, and an exquisite three course kosher for Passover meal. The Passover Seder is on Friday April 15th.

The Seder will take participants through the wondrous liberation of our ancestors from Egyptian bondage, as well as help participants understand the Seder’s relevance to today’s Jew. This Seder is sure to provide an inviting atmosphere of warmth and acceptance.

“This Seder is an opportune time to bring unity to the community, and just get together to enjoy each other’s company,” says Mrs. Mashie Goldshmid “It’s the Seder that has kept families together for thousands of years.”

Passover teaches, inspires, empowers and challenges us to leave “Egypt” each day, from our self-imposed “slavery”. It illuminates how to subdue the “Pharaoh” within, i.e. the impulse to live a life which does not conform to who we truly are.

“This is an exciting opportunity to meet new people, share and enjoy really great food,” says Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid, Executive Director of Chabad of the Delta. “The Seder meal will be interactive, warm and vibrant, interspersed with lively discussion through group participation as well as individual involvement.”

Seder will take place on April 15th at 7:30 pm at the Brentwood Senior Center. 193 Griffith Lane. Please visit www.JewishDelta.com/passover to  RSVP.

For further inquiries please call 925-420-4999 or email info@JewishDelta.com.

 

DeCarlo gets it done at Antioch Speedway, Smith, Welborn, Foulger also win

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Nick DeCarlo #17 increased his IMCA Modified point lead with his second win. Photo: Katrina Kniss

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 #250 made a last-minute decision to travel up from Bakersfield to Antioch and won the Super Stock race. Photo: Katrina Kniss

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 #75 picked up her third win in three starts in Hobby Stock competition. Photo: Katrina Kniss

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 #49 became the third different winner in three IMCA Stock Car races. Photo: Katrina Kniss

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 next 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.