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Small business owner, retired Army Major, first generation American running for Congress in 8th District

April 23, 2022 By Publisher 4 Comments

Includes West County, Bay Point, Pittsburg and portions of Martinez and Antioch.

Rudy Recile

By Allen D. Payton

Small business owner and retired Army Major Rudy Recile is a first-generation American who is now running for Congress in California’s new 8th Congressional District. In Contra Costa County the district includes West County, as well as Bay Point, Pittsburg and portions of Martinez and Antioch.

His campaign material reads, “Recile is the American dream. His mother came to the United States from the Philippines to make a better life for her children. Rudy learned early in life what a privilege it is to live in the United States of America.”

A Christian and family man, Recile owns a small website development company known as YCDI Corp. which he started in 2013, worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Data Manager and “a proud retired US Army officer,” he shared. According to his LinkedIn page, Recile earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1996 and a Master of Science degree in Quality Systems Management in 2005 from the National Graduate School of Quality Management.

Recile is a husband, brother and uncle to many nieces and nephews and since 2018 has served as the treasurer for VFW Post 2333 Fairfield-Suisun. He also serves as the treasurer for the non-profit Tools of Learning for Children which supports educational program modules for teachers.

During his 26 years in the Army, 14 years of executive level, Recile spent six years as a Contract Officer Representative for the US managing taskings in multi-million-dollar contracts.” He was stationed in Illinois, South Korea and Washington, DC. His last military duty station was in Fairfield. After retiring from the military in 2014, “my wife and I liked California so much that we decided to stay,” he shared.

During his 26 years in the Army, 14 years of executive level, Recile spent six years as a Contract Officer Representative for the US managing taskings in multi-million-dollar contracts.” He was stationed in Illinois, South Korea and Washington, DC. His last military duty station was in Fairfield. After retiring from the military in 2014, “my wife and I liked California so much that we decided to stay,” he shared. Recile and his wife, FeSallygumay “Sally” Catillo-Recille live in Vacaville, just inside the district. Unlike his opponent, Rep. John Garamendi, who lives in Walnut Grove, 29 miles from Antioch, the closest city within the 8th District. Federal election rules only require a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives to live in the same state as the district they represent.

The 8th CD includes all or portions of the cities of Benicia, Vallejo, Fairfield, Suisun, and Vacaville in Solano County and the northern, waterfront section of Contra Costa County including Richmond, Kensington, El Cerrito, San Pablo, El Sobrante, Pinole, Hercules, Rodeo, Crockett, Bay Point, Pittsburg and portions of Martinez and Antioch.

8th Congressional District Map showing location of Vacaville.

During his work with the USDA, Recile worked as an Instructor for the Plant Protection and Quarantine Division with seven years training agricultural officers in 35 of California’s 58 counties.

Recile, who says he’s on a “mission to empower American citizens and to raise our voices for the common good and to restore our country with new blood and fresh ideas” shared more of why he is running.

“Like you, I have watched career politicians, in Washington DC and in California, work just to keep their jobs, negatively impacting the way adults and children view the world. At the same time, they ignore the needs of the community. If we keep voting for the same legislators, we will keep losing!”

“While serving in the US Army, I was fortunate enough to be stationed at the Pentagon as a logistics officer interacting with staff and agencies in the highest levels of the military,” he shared. “I walked the halls of the Pentagon and Capitol Hill to coordinate with various staff and agencies, each with their own flavor, throughout Washington DC. I became savvy in the ways these various types of people conducted their duties. I learned the language of Washington and how to successfully accomplish what needed to be done.”

“Looking back on the 2020 election cycle, I was not pleased with what I witnessed,” Recile continued. “I concluded my 33 years of experience working in Federal government was better put to use becoming part of the solution instead of sitting on the sidelines. I volunteered with community organizations, voter registration drives and other events. I am on a mission to restore our country with new blood and fresh ideas

He researched what it would take to run for office and Recile’s biggest obstacle was the Hatch Act which prohibits government employees from campaigning or running for office. In May 2021 he resigned from his position with the U.S. Department Agriculture and went full-time with his website business. Then in July 2021 Recile filed to run for California’s then, 3rd Congressional District. But in December 2021 the new congressional district (CD) lines were approved and as a result, he now is running in the 8th District.

“I am again choosing to serve and make a difference for California and our country as a candidate for California’s 8th Congressional District,” Recile stated.

Issues

Recile says his main platform issues include energy independence for America, supporting the Bill of Rights, accountability in spending our tax dollars, support for veterans, California’s environmental-water issues, crime and quality education and school choice

“The Constitution does not give us our rights. However, the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution they were created to protect the God-given rights of the individual,” he shares on his website. “The Bill of Rights is so important to us now more than ever!!! The Left chops away at our our civil liberties little by little constantly. The Left tries to normalize silencing free speech, limit the ability to practice your religion, limit US citizens’ ability to purchase firearms and have selective due process when certain people are arrested.”

“Congress needs to get control of its spending and be better stewards of the people’s money. There is plenty of money to run the government. The big question is where is the money going when the government spends it. This is a big task and I am hoping to garner enough support to get some real fiscal responsibility for the people,” Recile’s website reads.

He is developing a non-profit veterans’ support center, co-developing a non-profit veterans’ group home providing services to veterans. Both organizations plan to work closely with the Veterans Administration, county offices, veterans’ organizations and other non-profits providing services.

To address the drought and lack of water to Central Valley farmers who produce “more than 150 agricultural products for the nation”, Recile said he will find or introduce legislation to secure grants to assist local agencies with infrastructure and water conveyance systems.

“In 2014 California passed Prop 47 increasing the felony rate from $400 to $950. In the summer of 2020 there were 574 riots across the nation. Forty of the riots turned violent. Flash theft gangs entered stores stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise. These crime waves must be stopped. City officials and prosecutors must stand their ground and arrest and charge these criminals,” Recile stated.

“I support successful public schools and I believe in equality of opportunity, where parents in every neighborhood should be free to send their children to a public, private, or charter school if they choose” he shared.

For more information about Recile and is campaign for Congress visit  www.rudyforuscongress.com, his Facebook page, email rudy@rudyforuscongress.com or call (707) 340-4047.

Filed Under: News, Politics & Elections

Contra Costa Water board Division 1 vacancy to be filled by appointment, application deadline May 19

April 22, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

CONCORD – The Contra Costa Water District (District) Board of Directors has decided to fill a vacancy on its Board by appointment, as provided under state law. The vacancy is due to the resignation of Division 1 President Lisa M. Borba. Division 1 includes the District’s service area in the cities and communities of Concord, Pacheco, Clyde, Bay Point, and Pittsburg. All applicants must reside within the boundaries of Division 1. (See related article) 

The Board set up a process that includes:

  • Confirming 5:00 p.m. Thursday, May 19 as the deadline for interested parties to submit an application (applications are now available at District offices and on the District’s website,ccwater.com/907).
  • Eligible candidates will be notified on Friday, May 27 if selected for the interview process.
  • Candidates selected will be provided the opportunity to present their qualifications at a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 1.
  • The Board intends to appoint the new Director at either the Board meeting of June 1 or June 15.

The Division 1 Director’s seat will be placed on the ballot for the November 8, 2022 general election. The newly appointed Director will hold the office until the general election results are certified.

To be eligible, applicants must live within the boundaries of Division 1 and be registered to vote. A map of Division 1 is available on the website at www.ccwater.com or applicants may contact the District Secretary at 925-688-8024 to confirm residency within the Division.

Applications must be received by the District Secretary, either through the website at www.ccwater.com/907 or at the District Center Building located at 1331 Concord Avenue, Concord, CA 94520 by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2022.

Filed Under: Central County, Government, News, Water

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

April 22, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: East County, News, Sports

County Assessor Kramer working to increase property tax exemption from $7K to $100K

April 21, 2022 By Publisher 5 Comments

Working on proposition for November ballot; would save $1,000 per year on average

Contra Costa County Assessor Gus Kramer.

The only law protecting seniors and other property owner dollars against inflation and real estate is Proposition 13. The most your real estate taxes can be raised is 2% a year under Prop 13.

Presently Contra Costa County Assessor Gus Kramer and several other assessors throughout the California are working to increase the homeowner’s exemption from $7,000 a year to $100,000 a year minimum. This would give every homeowner almost a $1,000 a year reduction in their property taxes.

Prior to Prop 13 passing in 1978 the homeowner’s exemption was 25% of the assessed value. That also is an alternative to the $100,000 homeowner’s exemption being proposed. Please stay tuned for a proposition that addresses this on our upcoming November 2022 ballot.

“We’re working with the Jarvis Gann group,” Kramer said. “If there was ever a time to help homeowners this is the time with inflation, increased values, and increases in interest rates.”

“The state should have indexed the exemption in 1978 but they were greedy and did not,” he added.

As this proposition develops, he will keep the public informed, Kramer shared.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: News, Real Estate, Taxes

Defrocked Oakland priest charged in fatal crash that killed Rossmoor man

April 21, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Also injured man’s wife

By Ted Asregadoo, Public Information Officer, Contra Costa County District Attorney

Martinez, Calif. – A defrocked Catholic priest who has been residing in Rossmoor since 2010 has been charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney on counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol, and special allegations for prior felonies.

Walnut Creek Police say 75-year-old Stephen Miller Kiesle [KEEZ-lee] was driving in Rossmoor on the night of April 16, 2022, when he struck 64-year-old Curtis Gunn and his wife Laurelyn on a sidewalk. The couple was walking near their home on Tice Creek Drive near Fairlawn Court around 9:15 pm when Mrs. Gunn said a vehicle veered onto the sidewalk, striking her husband while sideswiping her. Mr. Gunn was later pronounced dead later at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek. Mrs. Gunn suffered minor injuries.

Kiesle, who has a lengthy criminal history, is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on a $600,000 bail. He was at the center of sexual abuse allegations when he was an Oakland Diocese priest in the 1970s and ‘80s and was removed as a member of the clergy in 1987 by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger — who later became Pope Benedict XVI.

In 2002, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office charged Kiesle with 13 counts of child molestation from the ‘70s. In 2004, he was sentenced to six years for molestation charges involving a girl in Truckee, CA. He registered as a sex offender after serving prison time and moved to Rossmoor in 2010.

Kiesle was arraigned on April 21, 2022, at 1:35 pm in Martinez.

Court Docket Number: 202204200007

Full list of charges: PC191.5(a) – Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated; VC23153(a) – Driving Under The Influence Of An Alcoholic Beverage Causing Injury PC12022.7(a) – Special Allegation-Great Bodily Injury; VC23153(b) – Driving With A .08% Blood Alcohol Content Causing Injury PC12022.7(a) – Special Allegation-Great Bodily Injury; PC1170.12 – Special Allegation – Serious or Violent Felony Prior (STRIKE Prior) – ONE PRIOR PER ALLEGATION PC667(a)(1) – Special Allegation-Cal Prior-Serious Felony (Form 2) ONE ALLEGATION PER SEPARATE PRIOR

Filed Under: Central County, Crime, District Attorney, News, Police

Kaiser Permanente Northern California honored with the 2021 Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award

April 19, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Kaiser Permanente Advance Alert Monitor. Source: doctorsatkaisertpmg.com

By The Joint Commission, National Quality Forum (NQF) for KP Nor Cal’s Advance Alert Monitor program for predicting risk, saving lives among hospitalized patients

By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

KP Monitor screen. Source: spotlight.kaiserpermanente.org

OAKLAND, Calif., April 19, 2022 – Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s life-saving Advance Alert Monitor (AAM) program – an early detection system that helps care teams predict when hospitalized patients are at risk for clinical deterioration – has been recognized by The Joint Commission and National Quality Forum (NQF).

The program has been honored with the 2021 John M. Eisenberg Award for Local Level Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality. The prestigious national award recognizes those initiatives that improve patient safety and overall quality of care.

AAM uses a predictive algorithm developed by physician researchers at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research that scans almost 100 elements from patient health records hourly at 21 hospitals in Northern California, giving clinicians a 12-hour lead time prior to clinical deterioration, permitting early detection and intervention.

“Advance Alert Monitor is another example of how our physicians and staff maximize our extensive clinical and operational expertise, our technologically advanced systems, and our integrated care delivery model to provide exceptional care to our patients,” says Richard Isaacs, MD, FACS, who is the CEO and Executive Director of The Permanente Medical Group. “By combining the groundbreaking use of predictive analytics with clinical workflows, we’ve created a Northern California virtual center that is saving lives by helping us identify patients in medical-surgical and transitional care units who may need expedited care.”

The output of the algorithm is monitored remotely by clinical staff who virtually observe all Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals, and who immediately contact the patient’s local care team in the event of an alert, enabling physicians and nurses to provide critical and potentially life-saving treatment more quickly.

A recent analysis of the program by the physician researchers who developed it, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found the system was responsible for preventing on average 520 deaths per year over a 3-and-a-half-year study period. It also showed a lower incidence of ICU admissions and shorter hospital stays.

“This award is a testament to the ongoing work of Kaiser Permanente Northern California to provide our clinical care teams cutting edge technology that enables them to predict and prevent serious complications before they happen,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our staff is intervening early and swiftly, providing the appropriate medical attention to keep patients safe with improved outcomes.”

Last year, Kaiser Permanente Northern California was recognized by the International Hospital Foundation with the Autsco Excellence Award for Quality and Patient Safety for the AAM program, which is in place at all 21 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals, with nurses handling more than 16,000 alerts a year.

How it works

AAM predicts the probability that hospitalized patients are likely to decline, require transfer to the intensive care unit or emergency resuscitation, and benefit from interventions. Early warnings could be helpful for patients at risk of deterioration where intervention may improve outcomes.

 

To do this, AAM analyzes electronic hospital patient data to identify those at risk of deteriorating and alerts a specialized team of Virtual Quality Nurse Consultants who determine if on-site intervention is needed. The virtual nurses contact the Rapid Response Team of nurses, which performs an assessment, and then works with the supportive-care team and the patient and/or family to develop a patient-centered treatment plan.

“Analytics tools allow us to use complex patient data to improve our care in real-time,” said Vincent Liu, MD, MS, a research scientist with the Division of Research, whose advanced analytics group developed the algorithm that underpins AAM. “They support clinicians’ practice by finding signals hidden within the electronic health record,” added Liu, whose advanced analytics group developed the algorithm with leadership from retired DOR investigator Gabriel Escobar, MD.

Nurses confirm AAM’s value

Vincent Emeziem, an ICU nurse at Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center, is part of the Advance Alert Monitor team at the hospital. He said he’s seen firsthand how the program saves lives, including a recent case where a hospitalized patient was declining rapidly and because of early intervention was rushed into surgery for a life-threatening aneurism.

“This program has been very useful, and a lot of patients have benefited,” said Emeziem, a Kaiser Permanente nurse for 18 years. “These patients are getting the care they need very fast.”

The success of the Advance Alert Monitor program is attributed to the integration of care, collaboration between the clinical care teams, and the early intervention provided to patients, said Dr. Vanessa Martinez, DNP, MHA, RN, director of Virtual Nursing Care at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. “This advance technology and the expertise of our clinical care teams is allowing us to help those patients who are at most risk for severe complications and provide the necessary treatment to improve patient outcomes,” she said.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve almost 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. http://about.kaiserpermanente.org

Filed Under: Health, News

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

April 19, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: East County, News, Sports

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

April 14, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

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.

 

Filed Under: East County, Education, Health, News, Youth

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

April 12, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: East County, News, Sports

San Pablo dental assistant arrested, charged with sexual acts on a child under 10

April 12, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Office of the District Attorney, Contra Costa County

Martinez, Calif. – San Pablo Police have arrested, and the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office charged, a dental assistant with four counts of sexual acts with a child under 10-years-old.

The suspect is 22-year-old Bonerge Maldonado-Zaldana from Richmond. He worked at the San Pablo Towne Centre Dental Office where the action with a minor allegedly took place on April 5, 2022. Investigators collected evidence and took statements from the victim’s mother, dental office staff, and the suspect on April 6th and determined there was probable cause to arrest Maldonado-Zaldana on April 8th.

The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed charged against the suspect April 8th, who is currently in the Martinez Detention Facility. His arraignment is Monday, April 11, 2022, at 1:30 pm in Martinez.

In addition to working at the San Pablo Towne Centre Dental Office Maldonado-Zaldana was formerly employed with Western Dental in El Cerrito. If anyone has further information relating to this investigation, please call Detective Ricky Vasquez at San Pablo Police Department (510) 215-3286.

Court Docket Number: 02-22-00057

Filed Under: Crime, District Attorney, News, Police, West County

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