Contra Costa Herald

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

Cutting-edge procedure puts Clayton Valley Charter star athlete back on track

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Zoe Lahanas, a star athlete at Clayton Valley Charter High School, is excelling after surgery and sports rehab at Kaiser Permanente. Photo: Kaiser Permanente

The Kaiser Permanente Diablo Sports Medicine Department takes a whole-team, integrated approach to treating injured athletes.

By Eunice Park, Kaiser Permanente

In 2021, Zoe Lahanas, then a high school freshman at Clayton Valley Charter in Concord, was a competitive athlete in soccer, swim, and track and field.

Lahanas strained her left knee playing soccer, so she took a break from it. She continued with track, winning a medal for high jump. The day after that win, she returned to soccer and injured her meniscus and tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee.

The family wanted a physician who could perform a newer technique for ACL reconstruction, called a quad tendon autograft.

“Our team approach has created an incredibly unique partnership, which has been the secret to our success.” – Colin Mansfield, MD

“We interviewed three doctors to find the best one,” said Lahanas’ mother, Samantha Strong, a retired doctor.

The best one was Colin Mansfield, MD, a sports surgeon in the Kaiser Permanente Diablo Sports Medicine Department.

“Dr. Mansfield is on the cutting edge,” Dr. Strong said. “Zoe went from not being able to do anything in July to winning huge track meets the following April because of the ACL surgery.”

She benefited from Kaiser Permanente’s integrated sports rehab teams, which operate under a data-driven approach that focuses on getting athletes back to their chosen sport. Lahanas’ diligence and dedication, as well as the care from the surgical and physical therapy teams led to her successful recovery.

“Zoe has really been able to excel,” Dr. Mansfield said. “As soon as she returned to sports, she was making personal records.”

A whole-team approach

Sports medicine doctors work with athletic trainers at local high schools. Zoe’s athletic trainer at her high school diagnosed her ACL tear and contacted a Kaiser Permanente sports medicine doctor who got Lahanas an appointment within two days.

“That kind of communication and facilitation of care is really what makes the system so phenomenal,” Dr. Strong said.

As a busy referral site for challenging surgeries and injuries from other areas, the department offers the full spectrum of sports care, from advanced athlete recovery programs to state-of-the-art joint restoration procedures.

“Something that maybe not everyone understands about Kaiser is that we really are working at the highest levels with the newest technology,” Dr. Mansfield said. “Our team approach has created an incredibly unique partnership, which has been the secret to our success. I’ve been so fortunate to be inspired and learn from so many talented mentors and colleagues within our department.”

Brigham Wise, MD, a sports medicine physician with the Kaiser Permanente Diablo Sports Medicine Department, says the department’s strengths are its integration and collaboration.

“It’s a whole-team approach, and we’ve got great physicians and surgeons and excellent [physical] therapists,” Dr. Wise said. “We also focus on prevention to keep patients on the field rather than in our office.”

Getting patients back to doing what they love

The Kaiser Permanente Diablo Sports Medicine Department’s priority is to return patients to their normal activities as soon and as safely as possible. The group serves a large and diverse population. Patients range in age and goals.

“I really enjoy helping people get back to doing what they love,” said Dr. Wise. “That includes high school and college athletes, as well as the weekend warriors who just want to get back to playing pickleball or running their next marathon.”

Now a high school senior, Lahanas was able get back to the sport she loves.

Lahanas is a track star winning medals in the Junior Olympics and is being recruited actively by NCAA Division 1 colleges.

“What they have done at Kaiser Permanente in making things right is amazing,” Dr. Strong said. “Kaiser has done an incredible job of taking care of us.”

 

Cutline: Zoe Lahanas, a star Clayton Valley Charter High School athlete, is excelling after surgery and sports rehab at Kaiser Permanente. Photo: Kaiser Permanente

 

New season starts at Antioch Speedway Saturday night

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Cousins Kellen Chadwick #83 and reigning IMCA Modified State champion Andrew Pearce #15p battle for position. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…The rainy weather has prevented things from happening at Antioch Speedway for the last three weeks, but this Saturday night, March 16th that’s about to change. The 64th season of auto racing begins with an exciting five-division lineup.

The track at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds is the only place to enjoy auto racing in the county. There will be weekly racing from Saturday night through the end of October with some events planned in November as well.

The popular IMCA Modifieds are the headliners. This division enters its 35th consecutive championship season. They started in 1990 as the track became the third in the state to add the division.

Nearly 15 years ago, the IMCA Sport Modifieds were offered as a slightly more affordable alternative. This is also the opening night of the fourth season for the IMCA Stock Cars.

Pacific Coast Hobby Stock racers Jared Baugh #07 and rookie Mya Jones #73j. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Rounding things out will be the Pacific Coast Hobby Stocks, which began being featured at the speedway in 1995. Also, the 26th season for the Wingless Spec Sprints will begin. Antioch Speedway was the first place to feature a wingless, carbureted Sprint Car class in the state.

Last season, Troy Foulger of Oakley and Billy Bowers teamed up for a stellar effort. The duo picked up championships in both the Modified and Stock Car classes, making this the first team to ever win two championships in the same season at the track. Furthermore, Foulger was the IMCA Stock Car State title winner.

IMCA Sport Modified State champion Trevor Clymens #2c and State runner-up Jason Ryan Jr #52 had a close point battle last year. Photo by Katrina Kniss

The closest point battle last season was featured in the IMCA Sport Modified ranks, where Kenny Shrader of Pacheco, Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley, Trevor Clymens of Brentwood and Mark Garner of Antioch all had a shot at the title going into the finale. Shrader beat Ryan by just two points. Ryan also settled for second in the State point battle behind Clymens.

Grayson Baca of Brentwood left little doubt who the Pacific Coast Hobby Stock title winner would be, despite the resurgence of Antioch’s Ken Johns late in the season. Not to be forgotten in the mix, Gilroy’s Jarrett Soares scored a pivotal win late last season to notch the Wingless Spec Sprint title as Oakley’s James East again settled for second.

General consensus is that these are the five most popular classes featured in the speedway’s lineup, and this will be a rare opportunity to see them all in the same night as the curtain comes up on an exciting new season.

As we approach spring, this is a unique opportunity to see green grass in the infield and cars with new bodies on them as they hit the racetrack for the first time. It’s a clean slate for everybody, and anything is possible.

Jason Robles #78 and Dave Hill #15a will be ready to kick off the new IMCA Stock Car season. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jason Robles of Rio Vista ended up runner up in the IMCA Stock Car class for the second-straight season last year. He’s hoping to get back in the winner’s circle for the first time since 2022, an honor his son Kenneth Robles of Rio Vista earned at the opener last season. Kenneth topped the rookies and ended up third in the standings. 2022’s top rookie, Jason Jennings of Antioch, returns this week after a year off.

Last season’s top IMCA Modified rookie Andrew Pearce of Oakley also won the State title. Each year this talented up-and-comer has improved noticeably in his driving skills. The DeCarlo family should be back in action again, including two-time champion Nick DeCarlo of Martinez and his Hall of Fame father Terry DeCarlo, Sr. of Martinez. Nick and brother Terry DeCarlo, Jr. of Martinez are anticipated in the IMCA Stock Car ranks as well.

Terry, Jr.’s daughter Taylor DeCarlo of Martinez is one of the top Hobby Stock drivers in the field. Jewell Crandall of Antioch will attack the season with renewed excitement, and other returning stars include Aidan Ponciano of Oakley, Kevin Brown of Oakley and Jared Baugh of Pittsburg.

Top 5 ranked Spec Sprint racer Jeff Scotto #92a and Dylan Newberry #63 are two of the top Spec Sprint racers at the speedway. Photo by Katrina Kniss

The Wingless Spec Sprint division will be visited by top competitors from out of town throughout the season with a Hunt Series race scheduled for next week. Some of our top stars include ageless veteran Roy Fisher of Antioch, Jeff Scotto of Brentwood, Steve Maionch of Sonora and Bob Newberry and nephew Dylan Newberry of Brentwood.

There’s plenty of anticipation in the air as we get ready for the excitement that only a night of racing at Antioch Speedway can bring. It’s not a show that you will want to miss.

The gates will open at 4:00 PM with the first race starting at 6:00 PM.

Adult tickets are $20, Senior/Military $15, Kids (5-12) $15 and kids four and under free.

Parking for the Speedway is located on L Street between W. 10th and 18th Streets.

For further information, go to www.raceantiochspeedway.com or check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.

CCC Delta Stars professional basketball team’s next home game Sunday, Feb. 18 in Antioch

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The Contra Costa County Delta Stars play their home games at the Cornerstone Christian School gym at 5:15 p.m. 1745 E. 18th Street in Antioch. For more information about the team visit cccdeltastars.com. The Stars compete in the 109-team American Basketball Association. For more information visit Home of American Basketball Association (ABA)

Buying tickets to the Super Bowl? Don’t get scammed! 

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Ticket prices range from $6,059 to $56,448 each on resale sites

By Alma Galvan, Regional Communications Manager, Better Business Bureau

San Francisco, CA – With the San Francisco 49ers securing a spot at this years big game, many are traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada to experience this event in person. The National Association of Ticket Brokers (NATB) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are teaming up to ensure fans, including passionate supporters of the San Francisco 49ers, have a winning game day experience. With the rise of digital ticketing and the increasing risk of scams, consumers are urged to be extra careful when purchasing tickets for one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year.

Securing tickets to popular sporting events and concerts has become more challenging, especially when many venues are only accepting digital tickets. This creates opportunities for scammers to take advantage of sporting fans. In the past year alone, the BBB received over 140 reports on BBB Scam Tracker related to ticket scams for various events.

To assist fans in making safe and informed decisions, the BBB and NATB offer the following tips for purchasing tickets to the big game:

  1. Purchase from the Venue: Whenever possible, buy tickets directly from the official venue.
  2. Verify the Source: Understand the differences between professional ticket brokers, ticket scalpers, and scammers.
  3. Use Trusted Vendors: Buy only from trusted vendors you know and trust. Avoid clicking through from emails or online ads.
  4. Understand the Refund Policy: Only purchase tickets from sellers that provide clear details about the transaction terms. Sellers should disclose seat locations and shipping details before purchase.
  5. Payment Protection: Always use a credit card for ticket purchases to have recourse if the tickets are not as promised. Avoid using debit cards, wire transfers, or cash transactions, which can be risky.
  6. Be Wary of Advertisements: Exercise caution when encountering online advertisements for cheap tickets.
  7. Verify Tickets if Unsure: If uncertain about the legitimacy of purchased tickets, visit the event venue’s customer service (“Will Call”) and verify the tickets’ authenticity.

As the countdown to the big game begins, the BBB is committed to raising awareness and educating fans, including loyal supporters of the San Francisco 49ers, on the smartest ways to buy tickets.

For more information or to report potential scams, please visit BBB.org and VerifiedTicketSource.com.

ABOUT BBB: The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for over 110 years. In 2022, people turned to BBB more than 250 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million businesses and Charity Reports on about 12,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

 

 

Princeton University student from Antioch wins Projects for Peace award

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Princeton University senior and Dozier-Libbey Medical High School of Antioch graduate Carlos Cortez, 2023 Projects for Peace grant recipient. Photo by Gwen McNamara.

It takes a village: Carlos Cortez – Class of ’24 – and the people of Zináparo bring music and soccer to their youth

By Lou Chen, Trenton Arts at Princeton Program Manager

Originally published by Princeton University’s Pace Center for Community Service. Republished with permission.

Carlos Cortez ’24 straddles two worlds.

The 2020 Dozier-Libbey Medical High School gradaute’s family is from Zináparo, a small rural village in Michoácan, Mexico, where few people have ever heard of Princeton University.

The son of Carlos and Eréndira Cortez is a senior at Princeton University, where few people have ever heard of Zináparo.

But Carlos, the student, had an idea to bring these two worlds together. Last year, with the funding he won as Princeton’s 2023 Projects for Peace award recipient, he started a music and soccer summer camp for Zináparo youth.

Now everyone in Zináparo knows Princeton. And Princeton is just getting to know Zináparo.

Carlos Cortez (back right) and his soccer team. Photo by Lou Chen.

An Idea

Even though Carlos was born and raised in Antioch, California, he considers his real hometown to be Zináparo, where most of his extended family still lives. Twice every year, he travels to Zináparo to enjoy the balmy summers and festive winters, hiking in the nearby mountains and participating in the annual peregrinación (religious pilgrimage).

Accepted into Princeton as a Questbridge scholar, Carlos chose to major in neuroscience and committed to the pre-med track, supplementing his coursework with research and tutoring jobs. Despite his busy schedule, he felt restless. His thoughts constantly returned to Zináparo.

Carlos in Zináparo’s town square. Photo by Lou Chen.

“My dream was to become a doctor and open a pediatric clinic in Zináparo,” he says. “But I realized that it would be many years before I could accomplish this. I didn’t want to wait that long. I wanted a chance to do something now.”

That chance soon arrived. During his junior year, he heard about the Pace Center for Civic Engagement’s Projects for Peace initiative, which provides Princeton undergraduates with a $10,000 award to implement a service project anywhere in the world. With his family’s encouragement, he proposed a music and soccer summer camp for children in Zináparo.

“Growing up in California, music and soccer were very important for me in making community,” he says. “I wanted the kids in Zináparo to have the same experience.”

In the spring of 2023, he won the award.

According to a preview article about his project, “He saw his project as an opportunity to not only influence the youth of his town, but to have positive reverberations for the entire community and surrounding communities as well.

He summarizes this hope as he looks forward to this summer by saying, ‘just like a musical note can travel through both time and space when it is played, I am hopeful of learning how my project’s ideals and goals are going to have transgenerational effects on the future generations of Zináparo and ultimately transcend beyond the borders of my hometown,” he shared before the project began.’”

Carlos and his music students. Photo by Adrián Pimentel.

A Village

As any entrepreneur will tell you, the road from idea to execution is a winding one. “Right before arriving in Zináparo, I was feeling that the process would be easy,” Carlos says. “But when I landed in Zináparo, I started to realize that it was going to be a long journey with a lot of challenges.”

The first challenge was recruiting children for the camp, which Carlos had titled, “Musical Notes: A Composition for Peace.” Even though Carlos was a frequent visitor to Zináparo, he remained an unfamiliar face to many people. It didn’t matter that Princeton was supporting the camp; none of the children knew what Princeton even was.

Carlos purchases a bass in Paracho. Photo by Adrián Pimentel.

He began by visiting the local high school where his aunt Noemí taught history and ethics, going from classroom to classroom and telling students about his new program. He later found out that one of the students called up Noemí, a widely respected community leader in Zináparo, and told her that someone from Princeton University wanted to start a summer camp. “Do you know about this?” the student asked. “Can we trust him?”

“Of course, you can,” Noemí replied. “He’s my nephew!”

Another challenge was procuring instruments. Almost 40 kids wanted to learn guitar, violin, or bass—but none of them had their own instrument. One hot summer day, Carlos, his younger sister Natalia, his mother, his uncle Adrián, and his grandfather Guillermo piled into the family van and drove two hours to Paracho, a small town in Michoácan that specializes in making instruments. (Paracho inspired the setting of the Oscar-winning animated film Coco.)

Once in Paracho, they purchased several instruments from a local luthier. Somehow, they crammed one bass, five guitars, and seven violins into a van that already contained five people. “I was pressed up against the side of the van,” says Carlos. “It was definitely an experience.” They made several return trips to Paracho for more instruments, and on one occasion, the aforementioned luthier drove a second bass all the way to Zináparo by himself.

Carlos was surprised by how enthusiastically the Zináparo community rallied around the camp. Countless people pitched in: the neighbor who let them use his house for rehearsals; the business owner who let them use his shop for a private recital; and Carlos’ 10-year-old student Hector and Hector’s mother Luz, who cleaned up after every rehearsal. “Without everyone’s help, this project would not have been possible,” says Carlos.

The camp exceeded even Carlos’ wildest expectations. Every Monday through Thursday for two and a half months, almost 100 children aged four to 17 participated in one or more classes: soccer, choir, guitar, and violin/bass. Carlos coached the soccer team and hired teachers for the other subjects. “I wanted teachers who were passionate about working with kids,” says Carlos. “I didn’t want them to treat this as just another way to make money.”

On the last day of camp, his soccer team surprised him with a loud round of applause. One student cried out, “Carlos for president!” Carlos promised to buy them jerseys out of his own money if they continued to practice soccer.

Carlos and his soccer team. Photo by Adrián Pimentel.

Continue they did. Even though Carlos had to return to Princeton for his senior year, he was determined to keep the camp going. He found two people to coach the soccer team on a volunteer basis; they had recently moved to Zináparo and had long dreamed of coaching their own team. He used his leftover Projects for Peace funding to pay for weekly choral and instrumental lessons for his students until December and let them keep their instruments. Noemí took his place as the point person for the program.

For Carlos, the experience was a blessing. “I just wanted to change the future of even one of the kids,” he says. “I’m seeing that difference already.”

A Debut

On January 7, Carlos woke up with butterflies in his stomach. Today was the debut of Musical Notes: A Composition for Peace. Since the summer, the choir and orchestra (consisting of guitar, violin, and bass) had been rehearsing weekly for a big concert in the Zináparo town square. The entire community had been invited, and Carlos’ extended family in California had flown out to watch.

Carlos’ soccer team wears their new Princeton-themed jerseys. Photo by Lou Chen.

First, Carlos stopped by the soccer field to observe a match between his team and a team from a neighboring town. He had kept his promise: His team was wearing brand-new orange and black jerseys. Natalia had designed the jerseys, including the iconic image of a Princeton tiger glaring through claw marks.

“In one of our first games, we played against a team from a much wealthier town,” says Carlos. “I could tell how discouraged my students were to see how much nicer [the opposing team’s] field was. I got them jerseys because I wanted them to feel proud to be on this team. I wanted them to feel like they were a part of something bigger…like they had the support of Princeton University.” The new jerseys seemed to do the trick: After putting them on, his team won the next game.

After the match, Carlos and his parents walked to the town square to set up for the performance. The owner of the local funeral home, whose daughter was in the choir, had donated 150 chairs for the audience—and had even purchased new ones so that there would be enough.

The audience seated (and standing) in the town square. Photo by Lou Chen.

Carlos was worried that not enough people were going to show up to fill the seats. But as people started entering the town square, he realized that he had the opposite problem: He didn’t have enough seats. His family raced to the rehearsal space, grabbed as many chairs as they could, carried them back, and set them up with only minutes to spare. The new chairs were quickly occupied, and latecomers had to stand. At least 350 people were in the audience.

The choir performs “Noche de paz.” Photo by Lou Chen.

As Natalia helped tune the guitars, she noticed a student looking forlorn. She asked him what was wrong, and he quietly asked if this was the last day of the program. “Of course not,” Natalia assured him. He smiled.

The choir opened the concert with six Christmas carols. During “Noche de paz” (Silent Night), they cradled candles in their hands, their faces glowing as if lit from within. For their final song, “Ven a Cantar” (Sing with Us), they rolled up their sleeves, revealing bracelets made of jingle bells. As they clapped their hands, the ringing of bells filled the crisp winter air.

The orchestra was up next, performing two songs that featured a 15-year-old choral student named Andrea. Her voice, initially hesitant and wavering, gradually grew in power. The guitarists kept the orchestra together with their steady strumming, and the violinists trained their eyes on the conductor, determined not to miss their tremolo entrance. In the very back, a student plucked away at the bass that Carlos had brought back from Paracho.

José delivers his speech. Photo by Lou Chen.

After the orchestra finished, Noemí invited Hector and Luz to the stage and thanked them for keeping the rehearsal space clean. She presented them with gifts and embraced a clearly overcome Luz. The crowd cheered.

Next to speak was Carlos’ student José, who at 17 years old was the oldest member of the program. “I want to give a special thank you to Carlos for giving me and the children of this town the opportunity to learn music,” he said. “I hope this continues…Zináparo needs these programs.”

Carlos walked onstage to deliver the concluding remarks. “Thank you to my grandparents for giving me a love of Zináparo,” he said, choking back tears. “I know I wasn’t born here, but this is my home.”

As Carlos left the stage, he was mobbed by students, parents, complete strangers—all of whom wanted to take a picture with him. Grown men were crying and little kids were beaming. “Before this camp, the children of Zináparo didn’t have anything like this,” says Eréndira. “But now, they do.”

Carlos hopes that the camp will take place every summer, with weekly programming throughout the rest of the year. He hopes that someday his music students will be paid to perform or even to teach. (This is already happening: José has been invited by his guitar teacher to perform in a mariachi band, and Carlos wants him to teach for the camp.) He hopes to solicit donations from Zináparo residents who have immigrated to the United States, and to potentially seek funding from the Mexican government.

Musical Notes: A Composition for Peace. Photo by Lou Chen.

These are all big dreams. It’s a lot for one Princeton student—and soon-to-be-alum—to take on alone.

But Carlos knows he isn’t alone. “I feel honored to have so many different communities believe in the project,” he says. “It ensures the life of the project, because there are so many people invested in wanting to see the kids succeed.”

To learn more about Musical Notes: A Composition for Peace, follow them on Instagram. Their full debut performance can be viewed on YouTube.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CA State Controller complains about inability to tax largest portion from L.A. Dodgers pitcher’s contract

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L.A. Dodgers’ pitcher Shohei Ohtani. Source: L.A. Dodgers Instagram

Wants Congress to approve caps on deferred compensation

SACRAMENTO — State Controller Malia M. Cohen released the following statement following last month’s announcement that the L.A. Dodgers signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with pitcher Shohei Ohtani. The contract is structured so that Ohtani will receive $2 million per year and defer the balance approximately 10 years, when he could potentially return to Japan and escape payment of California state income taxes on the deferred amount:

“The current tax system allows for unlimited deferrals for those fortunate enough to be in the highest tax brackets, creating a significant imbalance in the tax structure.” said Cohen. “The absence of reasonable caps on deferral for the wealthiest individuals exacerbates income inequality and hinders the fair distribution of taxes. I would urge Congress to take immediate and decisive action to rectify this imbalance.”

“Introducing limits on deductions and exemptions for high-income earners promotes social responsibility and contributes to a tax system that is just and beneficial for all. This action would not only create a more equitable tax system, but also generate additional revenue that can be directed towards addressing pressing important social issues and fostering economic stability,” Cohen stated.

About Controller Cohen

As the chief fiscal officer of California, Controller Cohen is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources. The Controller has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds. She is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation’s two largest public pension funds. Follow the Controller on X at @CAController and on Facebook.

Donate blood or platelets and be entered to win trip for 2 to Super Bowl LVIII

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‘Tis the season to help the American Red Cross now through Jan. 5

Donors receive long-sleeved T-shirt while supplies last

OAKLAND, CA. Dec. 20, 2023 — When blood products are fully stocked on hospital shelves, patients don’t have to wait for critical care. Giving blood or platelets with the American Red Cross in December can help those in need make more holiday memories with loved ones.

This is a busy time for many. Holiday gatherings, travel and seasonal illnesses can all impact donor availability, making it hard to collect enough blood and platelets. Unfortunately, trauma patients in the emergency room, those undergoing cancer treatment and new parents in need of lifesaving transfusions can’t take a holiday break. Donors are needed every single day.  

Those who come to give blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma Dec. 18, 2023-Jan. 5, 2024, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. To extend a special thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood, platelets and plasma during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-31, 2024, National Blood Donor Month, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

Making and keeping appointments throughout the month can help safeguard the national blood supply into the new year. Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

 

Brentwood athlete earns spot on 2024 U.S. Olympic Taekwondo team

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80Kg Gold Medalist Carl CJ Nickolas’ first flag run after he won the Taekwondo competition at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games October 22, 2023 in Santiago, Chile. Photo by Mark Reis, USOPC.

Former Heritage High student ranked #2 in the world

By Allen D. Payton

Former Brentwood resident and Heritage High student, Carl “CJ” Nickolas, has earned one of two spots for men on the U.S. Taekwondo team for the 2024 Olympics in Paris next summer. It follows him earning several medals this year. In June he won silver at the 2023 World Taekwondo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. It was the first U.S. male taekwondo medal at the World Championships since 2009.

In addition, CJ won gold at the Pan American Games 2023 in Santiago, Chile in October, gold at the President’s Cup Pan America in Rio de Janeiro in September, and this month won bronze at the World Taekwondo Grand Prix 2023 Final in Manchester, England. He competes in the -80 kg division and as of October, CJ was ranked #3 in the world in the sport but is now #2.

According to the World Taekwondo Federation during his competition at this year’s Grand Prix Final, “In the bronze medal match…CJ Nickolas of the USA won bronze after facing Jordan’s two-time Grand Prix gold medalist and (Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist) Saleh Elsharabaty. The American kicked off the scoring with two push kicks to the body and later extended his lead in the closing 15 seconds with a head kick to take round one 8-2. Before contesting the second round, Elsharabaty, who had been struggling physically in the first round, conceded the match to Nickolas.”

“It was the event that qualified me for the Olympics,” CJ shared.

The 22-year-old, 6-foot-3½-inch athlete was a student at Heritage High School in Brentwood where he competed in track. Until he turned 18, CJ was trained by his father, Ed Givans, who previously owned Givans Taekwondo in Antioch but relocated to Las Vegas a few years ago. Yet, CJ credits his mother, Denise Nickolas, as his biggest inspiration. She still lives in Brentwood while their son has been living and training in Colorado since 2019 where he was a member of the USATKD Academy team. CJ recently moved to North Carolina where he trains at the United States Performance Center.

CJ started taekwondo at age three with his whole family and began competing at age six but started to become serious about the sport around age 11. He has a history of experience and victories in his career which includes participation at the 2019 and 2022 World Championships, the 2022 Paris Grand Prix where he won bronze, and the 2021 and 2022 Pan American Championships in Cancún, Mexico and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, respectively, at which he won back-to-back gold medals. CJ also won gold at the 2021 Junior Pan American Games held in Cali, Colombia.

“I won three bronze medals at the Grand Prix, which is a series of four competitions, this year,” he shared. “We knew going into the finals, all I needed to do was to have a solid performance, to qualify for the Olympic team. I was already locked in, and number two in the world.”

“But me being me, I wanted to make a statement,” CJ said with a laugh. “I had lost in the semi-finals. It was repachage, which allowed me to fight again for the bronze medal. Elsharabaty and I had been in the same division for so long but that was the first time we fought.”

CJ Nickolas of Team USA took the Gold Medal in 80Kg Taekwondo competition bites his medal Rafael Nadal-style at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games October 22, 2023, in Santiago, Chile. Photo by Mark Reis, USOPC.

“At this point I think I’ve beaten all the top guys in the division,” he stated. Except the number one ranked athlete, Simone Alessio of Italy.

CJ lost to him at the World Championships. Asked if he expects to face him again at the Olympics, CJ said with a chuckle, “I’ll either catch him at the semi-finals or finals – if he makes it.”

He has an older sister who is supportive of him, just like his parents.

“And my coach, as well, Gareth Brown, who I’ve been with since 2019. He’s been imperative to my development as an athlete and as a man, from age 17 to now. He’s British and moved his entire family to America to serve the team. He was originally the coach for the British Olympic Taekwondo team and was at the forefront of the development of the academy program in Colorado.”

CJ on the medal stand at the World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan in May 2023. Photo by Jose Villalpando, U.S. Performance Center

Mom, Denise was asked if she’ll be attending the Olympic games next summer to watch her son in person.

“You bet. I wouldn’t miss it,” she replied. “His competition is Friday, August 9, 2024. Near the Champs-Elysées in the heart of Paris.”

“The whole experience has been surreal,” Denise stated. “Am I super surprised? No. CJ has always been the hardest working person I know. He’s always said this is where he’d end up. So, here we are.”

She referred to a 2020 Herald article (AH) which mentioned him preparing for the 2020, then the 2024 or 2028 Olympics.

2020 Herald article (CCH)

“It’s definitely not luck,” she continued. “He’s worked his butt off all these years. I’m pretty proud of him.”

“You know it’s always been a dream of his and his will is greater than anything,” Dad, Ed stated. “He was supposed to go to the Olympics in 2020 but he grew from 5’10” to over 6’3” and he couldn’t hold the weight for his division. Then they extended the Olympics for a year because of COVID and there was no way he was going to be able to hold that weight for a year.”

“Then they told him he was going to be too small for the -80 kg division and now he’s number two in the world,” Givans shared. “So, I made a movie about the two of us entitled ‘The Journey of Dreams’ about me overcoming PTSD and him making his way to the Olympics. We’re waiting for the outcome next summer before finishing the film.”

Asked if he’s going to the Olympics to watch his son Givans said simply, “I’m going.”

“I’m just proud of him. He’s worked so hard for it,” he continued. “Going to the Olympics is extremely hard. They only take two men and two women from each team except the host country’s team. In 2028 since we’re hosting the Olympics, we can take four each. But being in the top two in the U.S. is extremely hard.”

CJ takes it all in following his quarter final match at the World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan in May 2023. Photo by Jose Villalpando, U.S. Performance Center

CJ has his own Wikipedia page and athlete’s page on the Team USA website, where more photos can be viewed of the athlete in action. He has a rare anomaly in his C1 vertebrae called “os odontoideum” yet, it hasn’t stopped CJ from competing. His hobbies include film analysis, photography and singing.

CJ offered “A big thank you to my family and all those who supported me over the years. I could not be here without my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

“I feel like I’m watching my own journey roll out. I’m having so much fun,” he continued. “It’s so entertaining to see where God puts me with the people I meet.”

“I just want to be the best person I can be and keep working as hard as I can, so I can continue to be blessed with these opportunities,” CJ added.

Antioch Speedway: DeCarlo, Foulger, Garner, Ryan winners on Bill Bowers Memorial Weekend

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Nick DeCarlo #17 turned in a stellar effort to win the Saturday IMCA Modified race. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…October 20-21…Nick DeCarlo of Martinez and Troy Foulger of Oakley were the winners in IMCA Modified competition last weekend at Antioch Speedway. This was the Annual Bill Bowers Memorial/West Coast Nationals race with the Friday portion also paying tribute to legend JD Willis.

Car count dictated an adjustment to the show that saw two complete programs run on Friday and Saturday with the intended purse on Saturday split between the two nights. This put $1,000 into the pockets of Saturday winner DeCarlo and Friday winner Foulger, who came close to picking up the Saturday win as well.

Troy Foulger #49 picked up a JD Willis trophy for his Friday night IMCA Modified triumph. He is unofficially one win shy of 70 combined on the all-time win list at Antioch Speedway. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Both nights ran two sets of heat races for each division with the points adding up to set the lineups for the feature races. State champion Andrew Pearce took the early lead of the Saturday IMCA Modified feature ahead of Kellen Chadwick of Oakley. Foulger was running third until a Lap 11 yellow flag for debris. Pearce continued to lead Chadwick with DeCarlo moving into third. When Pearce got out of shape exiting Turn 2 on the 12th lap, DeCarlo ducked low and emerged with the lead. Foulger followed closely into second. Foulger kept the pressure on DeCarlo until making the outside pass in Turn 4 on Lap 18 to grab the lead. DeCarlo stayed low and emerged with the lead in the same turn a lap later. The battle remained intense until the checkered flag with DeCarlo winning ahead of Foulger, Chadwick, Pearce and Tim Balding of Prunedale.

On Friday night, DeCarlo paced just one lap before an inside pass on the back stretch put Foulger in command. DeCarlo briefly gained the lead on Lap 14 before Foulger was back up front on Lap 15. A yellow flag also waved at that point for debris on the track. Foulger led DeCarlo and Pearce on the restart. They ran in that order to the checkered flag as Chadwick and Jim Pettit II of Prunedale rounded out the Top 5.

Mark Garner #76 finally returned to the IMCA Sport Modified winner’s circle with his Bowers Memorial win on Saturday night. Photo by Katrina Kniss

In IMCA Sport Modified competition, it was Mark Garner of Antioch picking up the win on Saturday with the Friday victory going to Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley. The wins paid both drivers $750. Garner had finished third on Friday night.

On Saturday, State champion Trevor Clymens of Brentwood set the early pace with Garner making an inside pass on the back stretch on the sixth lap to take second from Ryan. Garner went inside Clymens on the back stretch on Lap 7 to take the lead from him. The race was riddled with yellow flags during the second half. A heated incident between Tommy Fraser of Antioch and Ryan saw the race end for both of them. Through each yellow flag, Garner emerged with the lead and picked up a much deserved victory ahead of Clymens, Dylan Connelly of Antioch, Johnathan Hagio of Prunedale and Matt Pitts of Rodeo.

Jason Ryan Jr #52 picked up a JD Willis trophy with his IMCA Sport Modified win on Friday night. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Ryan enjoyed a stellar season with second place rankings at Antioch and in the State. Heat race points put him on the front row for the Friday show, and he bolted into the lead at the start ahead of Trevor Clymens. An inside move down the back stretch on Lap 6 put three-time champion Fred Ryland of Brentwood into second. Garner moved into third on a Lap 9 restart. With Ryland in pursuit, Ryan had to make the right moves on multiple restarts during the second half of the race. However, Ryan prevailed over Ryland at the checkered flag. Garner settled for third ahead of Raymond Lindeman of Rio Linda and Trevor Clymens.

Antioch and State champion Troy Foulger of Oakley picked up $500 IMCA Stock Car victories on both Friday and Saturday night as he nudges closer to 70 combined wins all time at Antioch Speedway.

Troy Foulger #49 turned in a repeat performance with IMCA Stock Car wins on both Friday and Saturday nights. Photos by Katrina Kniss

Fred Ryland of Brentwood paced the opening lap of the Saturday race with Foulger getting around Mitch Machado of Rohnert Park on the second lap. Foulger and Ryland briefly went side by side before Foulger emerged with the lead on the fifth lap. From there, Foulger sped on to the win ahead of Ryland, Dave Hill of South San Francisco, Machado and Scott Foster of Oakley.

Points from the heat races put Foulger on the front row and he led the Friday portion of the show from the start. Ryland was a race-long second. Machado was an early third, but Terry DeCarlo Jr of Martinez gained the position on the ninth lap. Foulger won ahead of Ryland, DeCarlo, Machado and Dave Hill.

Track champion Grayson Baca #31b picked up the Friday night Hobby Stock win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jared Baugh of Pittsburgh and track champion Grayson Baca of Brentwood picked up the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock feature wins for the weekend. Baugh didn’t show up on Friday but picked up the Saturday win in impressive fashion.

Baugh took the lead from the start ahead of Troy Foulger, who was piloting the car originally intended for Mya Jones of Martinez. Baca held third in the early stages, but Foulger brought out a yellow flag on Lap 6. Baugh led Baca on the restart with Kevin Brown of Oakley running third. Jake Archibald of Oakley slipped past Brown for third on the ninth lap, and Baca brought out a Lap 11 yellow flag. Baugh continued to lead Archibald and Brown On the restart. Archibald was trailing by a straightaway when his race came to an unfortunate end three laps for the finish. Baugh cruised to victory ahead of Brown, Trevor Clymens, Baca and Archibald.

Jared Baugh #31b only raced on Saturday, but that was good enough for a Hobby Stock feature win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

On Friday night, Baca took the lead from the start ahead of Trevor Clymens. Foulger moved past Brown for third on Lap 3 before a yellow flag waved. Foulger moved into second on the restart with Tommy Clymens settling into third. Baca held command by a wide margin when the checkered flag flew, followed by Foulger, Tommy Clymens, Brown and Jess Paladino of Brentwood.

On Halloween weekend, there will be candy for the kids. The Xtreme Late Models, Super Stocks and Hardtops will be having their season point finales. Wingless Spec Sprints and Print Club Mini Stocks are also in action. For further information, go to www.raceantiochspeedway.com or check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.

Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 Race Results

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winners Round 1 (10 laps)-Kellen Chadwick, Andrew Pearce. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Kellen Chadwick, Andrew Pearce. Main Event (25 laps)-Nick DeCarlo, Troy Foulger, Kellen Chadwick, Andrew Pearce, Tim Balding, Aaron Crowell, Mickey Hill, Jim Pettit II, Dave Duste Jr, Matthew Hagio DNS.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners Round 1 (10 laps)-Mark Garner, Jason Ryan Jr. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Mark Garner, Trevor Clymens. Main Event (25)-Mark Garner, Trevor Clymens, Dylan Connelly, Jonathan Hagio, Matt Pitts, Tommy Clymens, Al Johnson, James Graessle, Tommy Fraser, Jason Ryan Jr.

IMCA Stock Cars

Heat Winner Round 1 (10 laps)-Dave Hill. Heat Winner Round 2 (10 laps)-Mitch Machado. Main Event (25 laps)-Troy Fougler, Fred Ryland, Dave Hill, Mitch Machado, Scott Foster, Jason Robles DNS.

Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners Round 1 (10 laps)-Kevin Brown Jared Baugh. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Kevin Brown, Grayson Baca. Main Event (25 laps)-Jared Baugh, Kevin Brown, Trevor Clymens, Grayson Baca, Jake Archibald, John Keith, Kamren Robles, Jess Paladino, Troy Foulger, Tommy Clymens.

Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 Race Results

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winner Round 1 (10 laps)-Troy Foulger, Andrew Pearce. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Kellen Chadwick, Nick DeCarlo. Main Event (25 laps)-Troy Foulger, Nick DeCarlo, Andrew Pearce, Kellen Chadwick, Jim Pettit II, Tim Balding, Aaron Crowell, Paul Gugliemoni, Matthew Hagio, Dave Duste Jr.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners Round 1 (10 laps)-Trevor Clymens, Jason Ryan Jr. Heat Winners Round 2 (10 laps)-Jonathan Hagio, Fred Ryland. Main Event (25 laps)-Jason Ryan Jr, Fred Ryland, Mark Garner, Raymond Lindeman, Trevor Clymens, Jonathan Hagio, Tommy Clymens, Dylan Connelly, Joseph Pato, Al Johnson.

IMCA Stock Cars

Heat Winner Round 1 (10 laps)-Troy Foulger. Heat Winner Round 2 (10 laps)-Troy Foulger. Main Event (25 laps)-Troy Foulger, Fred Ryland, Terry DeCarlo Jr, Mitch Machado, Dave Hill, Scott Foster.

Hobby Stocks

Heat Winner Round 1 (10 laps)-Grayson Baca. Heat Winner Round 2 (10 laps)-Grayson Baca. Main Event (25 laps)-Grayson Baca, Troy Foulger, Tommy Clymens, Kevin Brown, Jess Paladino, Trevor Clymens.