Contra Costa Herald

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

Chadwick, Ryland, Robles, Wagner share Antioch Speedway spotlight

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After letting one slip away the previous week, Kellen Chadwick won the IMCA Modified Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…March 19... Kellen Chadwick picked up the win in the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. Skies threatening rain and a little bit of drizzle gave way and allowed racing to take place. Chadwick was the class of the field with a dominant Main Event performance and a win in his heat race. It was a bit of redemption for Chadwick, who felt he let the win slip away from him a week earlier.

2016 champion Bobby Motts Jr had a front row start and charged into the lead from the get-go. Chadwick moved into second on Lap 2 and made a Turn 4 pass to take the lead on the seventh circuit. Previous winner Nick DeCarlo settled into third on Lap 13. Chadwick stretched his advantage to a straightaway in victory. DeCarlo made an outside pass attempt in the final turn, but Motts held him off for second. Pettit settled for fourth, followed by Terry DeCarlo, Jr. The eight lap heat race winners were Chadwick and Pettit.

Fred Ryland is off to a great start in his title defense effort after winning his second-straight IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Fred Ryland won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. This was the second-straight win for the reigning division champion. Past champion KC Keller took the early lead ahead of Nicholas Zapatero. Ryland made a move around Zapatero on a Lap 5 restart, and Zapatero spun moments later for a yellow flag. Keller led Ryland on the restart, but Ryland made a low pass in Turn 2 on Lap 7 to take the lead. Jacob Mallet Jr got by Keller on Lap 9 and took up pursuit of Ryland. However, Ryland was just a little bit too smooth as he won ahead of Mallet and Keller. Andrew Pearce salvaged a fourth place finish after a rough heat race as Tyler Browne settled for fifth. Keller and Ryland won the eight lap heat races.

Jason Robles turned in a dominant performance in winning the IMCA Stock Car Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jason Robles won the 20 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. This race was destined to go without a yellow flag. Robles bolted into the lead at the start ahead of Dave Hill. Previous winner Fred Ryland started back in the fourth row and found his way into third by the the fifth lap. Ryland worked hard to get around Hill for second before making an inside pass in Turn 4 on Lap 15. By then, Robles held a straightaway advantage that he would bring to the checkered flag. Ryland pulled away comfortably for second, and reigning champion Travis Dutra made a last turn pass to take third from Hill, who fell back to fifth behind Kellen Chadwick. It was Ryland and Hill getting the eight lap heat race victories.

Two-time Delta Dwarf Car champion Danny Wagner won the season opening Main Event for the class. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Danny Wagner won the 20 lap Delta Dwarf Car Main Event. The two-time champion took the lead at the outset with Devan Kammermann in pursuit. Kammermann was in search of his first win, but he had his hands full trying to hold off Chance Russell for several laps. There was a red flag incident on the Lap 15 when contact sent Sean Catucci rolling in Turn 4. David Michael Rosa was black flagged from third at that point. Kammermann tried to keep it close, but he was no match for the hard charging Wagner. 2020 champion Travis Day finished third ahead of David Rosa and John Tardiff. Kammermann, Justin Bingman and Wagner picked up the eight lap heat race wins.

This Saturday, the Delta Dwarf Cars are scheduled to return along with the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks and Mini Stocks. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway Unofficial Race Results March 19th

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Kellen Chadwick, Jim Pettit II. Main Event (20 laps) – Kellen Chadwick, Bobby Motts Jr, Nick DeCarlo, Jim Pettit II, Terry DeCarlo Jr, Paul Gugliemoni, Clark Gugliemoni, Buddy Kniss, Trevor Clymens, Jeff Browne.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps)-KC Keller, Fred Ryland. Main Event (20 laps) – Fred Ryland, Jacob Mallet Jr, KC Keller, Andrew Pearce, Tyler Browne, Mark Garner, Chuck Golden, Jason Ryan Jr, Nicholas Zapatero, Jake Bentancourt.

IMCA Stock Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Dave Hill, Fred Ryland. Main Event (20 laps) – Jason Robles, Fred Ryland, Travis Dutra, Kellen Chadwick, Dave Hill, Joe Gallaher, Anthony Giuliani, Jeff Bentancourt (DNS).

Delta Dwarf Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Devan Kammermann, Justin Bingman, Danny Wagner. Main Event (20 laps) – Danny Wagner, Devan Kammermann, Travis Day, David Rosa, John Tardiff, Jerry Shreffler, Jack Haverty, Sean Catucci, Ellie Russo, David Michael Rosa.

Five-time “bridesmaid” Misty Welborn finally the “bride” winning first Hobby Stock Main Event at Antioch Speedway

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Misty Welborn #75 celebrates winning her first Hobby Stock Main Event at Antioch Speedway on Saturday, March 12, 2022. Photo by Katrina Kniss

DeCarlo also opens season with win, Ryland wins twice; win a family pass for four!

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…March 12, 2022 – After placing second in five races last season, Misty Welborn finally took first place winning the 25-lap Hobby Stock Main Event at the Antioch Speedway, Saturday night. It was the first race of the 62nd Opening Day at the speedway. Welborn ranked in the Top 5 in the standings last season, and many people said she was due to get a win at any time. Welborn ranked in the Top 5 in the standings last season, and many people said she was due to get a win at any time.

Ken Johns moved up from the second row into the lead at the start. Johns led the race until his car slowed after Lap 8. Les Friend found himself in the lead on the restart ahead of reigning champion Larry McKinzie Jr. Welborn quickly struck to second on a Lap 12 restart. Welborn made a high pass in Turn 2 on Lap 13 to take the lead from Friend. For the second half of the race, Friend kept it very close. However, Welborn prevailed for her first win. Friend settled for second ahead of Bobby Gallaher, Jared Baugh and Jewell Crandall.

A very excited Welborn was jumping up and down with joy and raising her hands in excitement during the victory presentation following the race.

Later asked if it was like being “always a bridesmaid and finally a bride?” she responded, “yes” with a big smile and laugh while accepting congratulatory hugs from friends and supporters near the pits.

Welbourne said she only started racing in 2019 and gave credit to her husband for her skills and ability as a driver.

Nick DeCarlo #17 won his first IMCA Modified race at Antioch in two years. Photo by Katrina Kniss

DeCarlo Also Opens Season with Win

Nick DeCarlo scored the win in the 25-lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. This was the first race of the 62nd championship season at the track, and it was DeCarlo’s first win in two years.

Kellen Chadwick jumped into the lead at the start with Nick DeCarlo not far behind him in second. Bobby Hogge IV made an outside pass on the backstretch to take third from reigning champion Jim Pettit II on Lap 7. The leaders caught heavy traffic on Lap 15, and DeCarlo made an inside pass on the backstretch on Lap 16 to grab the lead. Hogge made a high pass in Turn 2 on Lap 17 to take the lead from DeCarlo, but DeCarlo came back strong with an outside pass in Turn 4 to regain command. During the final circuits, Hogge kept it close, but DeCarlo prevailed for the well-earned victory. Five-time champion Troy Foulger ended up third ahead of Chadwick and Pettit.

Fred Ryland #7 made it two IMCA Sport Modified wins on the weekend after winning at Watsonville a night earlier. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Ryland Wins Twice

Reigning champion Fred Ryland won the time limit shortened 21 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. He picked up a win at Watsonville a night earlier to make it a double win weekend in the class. Ryland wasn’t done as he came back out and turned in a dominating performance in winning the 20 lap IMCA Stock Car feature.

Kelly Campanile had a front row start and bolted into the lead when the green flag waved ahead of Jimmy Ford. 2019 champion Tommy Fraser moved into second on Lap 3. On a third restart attempt on Lap 9, contact on the backstretch between Jacob Mallet Jr and Campanile resulted in a tangle between the two. Ryland took over on the restart. Despite some serious pressure from Andrew Pearce during the second half of the race, Ryland prevailed in the end. Pearce settled for second ahead of Chester Kniss, Tom Clymens Jr and Tyler Browne.

Fred Ryland #7 doubled up on his wins for the night by grabbing the glory in the IMCA Stock Car feature at Antioch Speedway. Photo by Katrina Kniss

In the IMCA Stock Car race, Ryland bolted into the lead at the start ahead of Jason Jennings. Jennings had a side-by-side battle going behind him between Kellen Chadwick and Anthony Giuliani. Ryland held a half-lap lead by the seventh circuit. Troy Foulger moved into fourth behind Chadwick and made it a side-by-side battle for third. Some close quarters racing on Lap 14 saw Foulger and Chadwick shuffle Jennings back. Even a late yellow flag wouldn’t stop Ryland as he maintained his lead from there to the impressive win. Foulger finished second ahead of Chadwick, Anthony Giuliani and Travis Dutra.

Antioch Speedway Unofficial Race Results March 12, 2022

Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Danny Aves, Les Friend, Larry McKinzie Jr, Misty Welborn. Main Event (25 laps)-Misty Welborn, Les Friend, Bobby Gallaher, Jared Baugh, Jewell Crandall, Angela Brown, Jess Paladino, Larry McKinzie Jr, James Graessle, Colton Haney.

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Nick DeCarlo, Bobby Hogge IV. Main Event (25 laps)-Nick DeCarlo, Bobby Hogge IV, Troy Foulger, Kellen Chadwick, Jim Pettit II, Trevor Clymens, Chris Lewis, Terry DeCarlo Jr, Kenneth Robles, Terry DeCarlo Sr.

IMCA Sport Modifieds 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Tommy Fraser, Fred Ryland, Andrew Pearce. Main Event (21 laps)-Fred Ryland, Andrew Pearce, Chester Kniss, Tommy Clymens Jr, Tyler Browne, Mark Garner, Jacob Mallet Jr, Shayna Nieman, Jimmy Ford, Jake Bentancourt.

IMCA Stock Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Jason Robles, Fred Ryland. Main Event (20 laps)-Fred Ryland, Troy Foulger, Kellen Chadwick, Anthony Giuliani, Travis Dutra, Jason Jennings, Rob Gallaher, Andrew Pearce, Joe Gallaher, Scott Foster.

To see Saturday night’s races visit: Watch Opening Day 2022! (antiochspeedway.tv)

Racing will resume this Saturday night with the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Delta Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com or www.facebook.com/OfficialAntiochSpeedway. See the entire 2022 Season Schedule.

WIN FREE TICKETS TO THE RACES!!

Tina’s back at it!! She’s giving away 2 Family Passes!!

Entries MUST be received by 6:00 PM Thursday 3/17/2021 to be eligible.

Each Family Pass includes tickets for 2 Adults and 2 Children,

(A $60.00 Value $70 If you were to purchase separately.)

In Order to win 1 of the family passes, You MUST LIKE and FOLLOW the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page AND you MUST SHARE THIS post.

Once you have shared THIS post on the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions page, Down in the comments section, Make the comment “Shared” when you do that, We will confirm that you have LIKED the page and SHARED the post.

Remember you MUST put SHARED On the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook Page ONLY as we cannot see shares from other pages.

The names will then be put in a prize wheel and 2 winners will be picked this Thursday LIVE around 7:00 PM.

You could be the winner of one of the FREE passes!

This week Antioch Speedway is hosting…

IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars and Dwarf Cars

Good Luck and We Hope to See You at Antioch Speedway!

*Tickets can NOT be redeemed for cash and MUST be used THIS COMING Saturday Night.

** Tickets may NOT be exchanged for pit passes.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

El Cerrito female Taekwondo student athlete raises funds for trip to World Championship

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Source: GoFundMe

Almost to goal of $5,000

By Nicole Santos, Spokesperson, GoFundMe

Samantha Skye Valdez lives in El Cerrito, is a 17-year-old high school junior and straight A student who has been doing Taekwondo since she was six years old. On February 20, Samantha won the qualifier in Colorado Springs to be a part of TeamUSA for the Goyang 2022 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in South Korea. She is a member of Team BoHyeon.

Samantha Skye Valdez (left) with her teammates.

To help Samantha represent the USA from April 21-24 at the World Championship, a GoFundMe has been launched by Kristel Cosio and donations will help her pay for her plane ticket and accommodation. To view the GoFundMe please visit: https://gf.me/v/c/4d4w/help-sam-represent-usa-at-worlds-korea

Samantha Skye Valdez trains.

The fundraiser states, “She practices at three studios in the Bay Area six days a week while taking SAT prep courses! Earlier this year she won Gold for women’s teams under 30 in the United States.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

A’s another step closer to remaining in Oakland with new waterfront stadium

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A’s waterfront stadium rendering. Source: Oakland A’s

Oakland City Council votes to certify Final EIR

By Oakland Athletics

On Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, the Oakland City Council voted to certify the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for our waterfront ballpark project at Jack London Square. It follows las month’s unanimous vote by the Oakland Planning Commission recommending the council vote to certify the EIR.

This is a significant milestone for the project and comes after years of work with the City, local community members, and organizations to analyze and outline how our project will adhere to the highest of environmental standards. The project will clean up an industrial site with private dollars and return public access to the waterfront with more than 18 acres of public parks and open greenspace.

In addition, the council voted to approve a resolution requiring community benefits including local hire for jobs and to mitigate impacts to nearby neighborhoods, such as parking in Chinatown, and to West Oakland, following complaints by residents who spoke during the meeting from that neighborhood, as well as freight compatibility for the Port of Oakland.

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf issued a statement praising the council action in which she said, “Tonight’s action is more than a milestone — it’s a giant leap forward in our shared mission to create a regional destination that gives back our waterfront to the public, connects a new vibrant neighborhood to our downtown, and provides tens of thousands of good union jobs for our residents — and it does it all while keeping our beloved A’s rooted in Oakland.

Now that the Final Environmental Impact Report has been certified, the floor is set for negotiating robust community benefits that our residents demand and deserve, as well as the final development agreement.

Tonight’s action is more than a milestone – it’s a giant leap forward in our shared mission to create a regional destination that gives back our waterfront to the public, connects a new vibrant neighborhood to our downtown, and provides tens of thousands good union jobs for our residents – and it does it all while keeping our beloved A’s rooted in Oakland.”

Oakland A’s waterfront stadium Entitlement Milestones. Source: Oakland A’s

Our waterfront ballpark is a once-in-a-generation project, creating transformative environmental and community benefits for Oakland, and setting the stage for more World Championships for our fans.

We thank our fans, community members, and civic leaders who shared their support during the EIR process and in public meetings. While this is the furthest we have come in securing a new ballpark in Oakland for the Athletics, we have more work to do. We now look forward to finalizing the development agreement and community benefits agreement before a vote later this year.

The city council will still have to approve a development agreement with the team which is expected to occur sometime this summer, plus approvals from the Port, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, and State Lands Commission.

To learn more about our waterfront ballpark at Jack London Square and the progress we’ve made to date, visit WeAreRooted.com.

Go A’s!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

2022 Antioch Speedway Race Schedule – begins Feb. 19

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* Subject to Change

February 19 & 26, and March 5 – Open Practice

March 12 – Opening Day!! – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks

March 19 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Dwarf Cars

March 26 – Wingless Sprints, Limited Latemodels**, Mini Stocks, Dwarf Cars

April 2 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Hard Tops / Winged Vintage Valley Sportsmen

*Subject to Change

April 9 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, Limited Latemodels**

April 16 – ** Easter Egg Hunt ** – WMR Midgets, Mini Stocks, Wingless Sprint Cars, Dwarf Cars

April 23 – Wingless Sprint Cars, IMCA Sport Modifeds, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars

April 29/30 or 30/May 1st – Monster Trucks

May 7 – Mother’s Day – Mini Vans, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars

May 14 – ** Contra Costa County Fair **

Destruction Derby

May 21 – Wingless Sprint Cars, MCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars

May 28 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Limited Latemodels**, Hard Tops / Winged Vintage Valley Sportsmen

* Subject to Change

June 4 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Dwarf Cars

June 11 – WMR Midgets, HUNT Magneto Series Wingless Sprint Cars, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks

June 18 – Lightning Sprints, Wingless Sprint Cars, Limited Latemodels**, Dwarf Cars

June 25 – Hetrick Memorial – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks

July 2 – Dark – No Races

July 9 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks

July 15 & 16 – Dwarf Car Nationals – 15th Dwarf Cars, Hobby Stocks, 16th Dwarf Cars, IMCA Stock Cars

July 23 – Wingless Sprint Cars, Limited Latemodels**, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, Dwarf Cars

* Subject to Change

July 30 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars

August 6 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks

August 13 – Lightning Sprint, Wingless Sprint Cars, Limited Latemodels**, 600 Non-Winged Micros

August 20 – WMR Midgets, Wingless Sprint Cars, Mini Stocks, Hard Tops / Winged Vintage Valley Sportsmen

August 27 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks

September 3 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars

September 10 & 11 – Monster Trucks

September 17 – **Championship Night #1** – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stocks Cars

* Subject to Change

September 24 – **Championship Night #2** – Wingless Sprint Cars, Hobby Stocks, Limited Latemodels**, with Guest Division WMR Midgets. (Championship Night is for Antioch Divisions ONLY!)

September 29-October 1st 0 West Coast Nationals Bill Bower Memorial – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars

October 8 – Donna Soares Memorial / Hall of Fame Night – Lightning Sprint Non-Winged Sprints, Wingless Sprint Cars, Limited Latemodels**, Dwarf Cars

October 15 – 200 lap Enduro $2000 to Win!

October 22 – Dwarf Car Mainia – Dwarf Cars, Hard Tops / Winged Vintage Valley Sportsman, Mini Stocks

October 28 & 29 – Hobby Nationals – Details TBA

November 25 – Wingless, 600 Non-Winged Micro Mini, Limited Latemodels**

November 26 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks

New Year – Pending…

* Subject to Change

**Super Stocks can NOT run with Limited Latemodels.

Call (925) 779-9220 today, about sponsorship opportunities.

Richmond figure skater competes at 2022 Winter Olympics

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Alysa Liu Official Team USA 2022 photo. Source: TeamUSA.corg screenshot

Alysa Liu is only athlete from Contra Costa County to compete in this year’s games

2020 World Junior Championships, bronze (individual); 2019 Junior Grand Prix Final, silver (individual)

“The Simon Biles of Figure Skating”

Alyisa Liu on the cover of International Figure Skating December 2019 issue. Source: alysaliu.figureskatersonline.com

By Allen D. Payton

Two-time U.S. Champion figure skater Alysa Liu of Richmond, California is competing in her first Olympics in women’s singles at the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, this month. She is one of four athletes from the Bay Area, there, including Karen Chen of Fremont, also competing on the Women’s Figure Skating team, Nina OBrien of San Fransico competing in Alpine Skiing, and Vicent Zhou of Palo Alto competing in Men’s Singles Figure Skating. But Liu is the only athlete from Contra Costa County to participate in this year’s Olympic Games.

The 5-foot, 2-inch 16-year-old was born on August 8, 2005 in Clovis, CA and began skating at age 5. She now trains in Colorado Springs with Christy Krall, Drew Meekins and Viktor Pfeifer, and represents the St. Moritz Ice Skating Club in Oakland, joining their list of champions which includes Kristi Yamaguchi and Rudy Galindo. Her new coaches as of November include Christy Krall, Drew Meekins, Viktor Pfeifer, Eddie Shipstad, and Philip DiGuglielmo. Liu was previously coached by Laura Lipetsky, Massimo Scali and Jeremy Abbott at the Oakland Ice Center.

According to her own website, “at the age of 13, Alysa became the youngest lady to win the U.S. Championships. She also became the youngest female skater to land a triple Axel at the U.S. Championships and the third woman to do so at the event. In August 2019, she became the first U.S. lady to land a quadruple jump (quad Lutz) in competition. In January 2020, she won her second U.S. title. Two months later, she competed in her first World Junior Championships and won the bronze medal. In 2021, she won the pewter medal at the 2021 U.S. Championships.

In the fall of 2021, Liu made her senior international debut and won the ISU Challenger event’s Lombardia Trophy and Nebelhorn Trophy, which the later event served as an Olympic qualifying event. With her win, the U.S. women gained the third spot for the 2022 Winter Olympics. Liu also debuted on the senior Grand Prix circuit, finishing 4th and 5th.

In January 2022, Liu was named to the 2022 Olympic team despite being unable to compete in free skate at the U.S. Championships due to a positive COVID-19 test.

She’s been competing in skating competitions for the past six years and also taking first place in 2016 at the U.S. Championships, Intermediate and Pacific Coast Sectional, Intermediate. Liu also placed second at the 2016 Central Pacific Regional, Intermediate competition.

Liu has been referred to as the “Simon Biles of Figure Skating” according to a January 20, 2022 report by the Today Show. She has been the subject of over 40 news articles, including by Forbes, NBC Sports, People, Time, USA Today, Sports Illustrated and the December 2019 cover of International Figure Skating magazine.

According to a Jan. 31, 2022 USA Today report, she “successfully petitioned her way onto the Olympic team after a strong first season on the senior international circuit”…and “probably has the best chance of any U.S. women of sneaking onto the podium, which the Russians are expected to sweep.” See video interview of Alysa.

According to an Oct. 28, 2021 article by People, “she attended ‘online school all of high school because my training schedule was just too hard to deal with regular school. So I did online school and I graduated high school in June.”

Four Siblings, Including Triplets

According to her profile on the Team USA website, Liu has a younger sister named Selina (age 14), and triplet siblings named Julia, Joshua and Justin (age 12). Liu is an active member of the Youth Court in Oakland, California, helping underage children with a criminal record. She has two cats named Kathie and Cranberry and enjoys watching movies, going to the beach and dancing. When she’s not skating, Alysa also enjoys reading, crafts, watching YouTube, playing video games, going to the park, riding her bike and playing tag with her younger siblings.

According to a Feb. 5, 2022, San Francisco Chronicle report, “Oakland immigration attorney Arthur Liu, fathered Alysa and her four siblings…through surrogate mothers.” After Alysa was born, her grandmother came to live with them and helped him raise her and her siblings until 1996 when she returned to China.

According to Antioch City Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock, Liu’s mother lives in Antioch, and the councilwoman met both Liu and her mother at her mother’s Antioch home, thanks to the connection made by Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board Trustee Andy Li, who introduced them. Ogorchock took photos with Liu, as well.

Liu is sponsored by Edea Skates, John Wilson Blades – makers of figure skating blades since 1696, and Toyota. Alysa makes a brief appearance in an Olympic-themed Toyota TV commercial which debuted on Friday, Feb. 4.

For more photos of Liu see her page on the US Figure Skating Fanzone website.

Community Crab Feed to support the East County Diehards on road to Cooperstown for Allstar Baseball Tournament

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BRENTWOOD — The East County Diehards Baseball Club is hosting a Crab Feed on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at the Veterans Hall, located at 757 1st Street in Brentwood.  Doors will open at 6PM.  Tickets are limited, so get yours today!

The Crab Feed will include several delicious options, including crab, tri-tip steak, and side dishes. A silent auction, games, and raffle drawings will also be part of the festivities.  Proceeds will support the Diehards 12U road to Cooperstown Allstar game, in July of 2022.

“The East County Diehards baseball club has a history of hosting great events,” said James Joachim, team manager, Diehards 12U.  “This will, no doubt, be a very fun event, with great food and friends.  Furthermore, this crab feed is for a great cause, supporting youth sports.”

To purchase tickets to the Crab Feed you can scan the QR Code found on the Diehards Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DieHards12U.

The East County Diehards 501c charitable organization was established in 2012 in Oakley, CA.  They offer competitive travel softball and baseball for boys and girls throughout Contra Costa County.

To learn more about the Diehards organization, you can visit: https://eastcountydiehards.org.

Oakley’s East County Diehards 12U baseball team raising funds for Cooperstown, NY All Star Tournament

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Oakley’s East County Diehards 12U team.

The East County Diehards 12 and Under travel baseball team is in the process of raising funds for a trip to compete in the July 2022 All Star tournament in Cooperstown, NY.

The East County Diehards organization was established in 2012 in Oakley, Calif.  The Diehards offer competitive travel softball and baseball for boys and girls. The East County Diehards are a 501c charitable organization, and donations are tax deductible.

The 12U Diehards are actively seeking corporate and individual sponsors and donations to help fund their dream of competing in Cooperstown, NY.

“We are extremely excited to compete in Cooperstown against some great teams from around the country,” said James Joachim, team manager, Diehards 12U.  “Our boys are super-pumped to play in Cooperstown, home of the baseball hall of fame.  We are incredibly appreciative of the very generous support we have already received.”

The Diehards 12U baseball team has its own Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DieHards12U.  You can donate directly to the Diehards 12U @ https://infoblox.benevity.org/community/fundraiser/44373.  In addition, there will be several exciting events, including a Crab Feed on February 5, 2022, with the proceeds going to the Diehards Cooperstown fund.

To learn more about the Diehards organization, you can visit: https://eastcountydiehards.org.

BBB warns of San Francisco Giants fake ticket scams

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By Alma Galvan, Marketing & Communications Manager, BBB of the Golden Gate

With the excitement that the San Francisco Giants are once again in the MLB playoffs. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of The Golden Gate is warning fans that scammers might be selling fake playoff game tickets online. “Thanks to the internet, there are countless ways for consumers to find tickets and connect with online marketplaces, ticket sellers, and resellers,” said Lori Wilson, President of BBB serving The Golden Gate.

BBB is warning consumers to be smart when searching for and purchasing tickets, and to ensure that they are purchasing from a trustworthy source. The BBB has received hundreds of complaints on BBB Scam Tracker about ticket scams related to sporting events, concerts, theatre, and more.

Here are some tips for buying tickets online:

  • Purchase from the venue whenever possible.
  • Consider your source. Know the difference between a professional ticket broker (a legitimate and accredited reseller), a ticket scalper (an unregulated and unlicensed ticket seller), and a scammer selling scam tickets.
  • Check out the seller/broker on BBB.org
  • Buy only from trusted vendors.
  • Know the refund policy.
  • Always use a credit card whenever possible.
  • Be wary of advertisements promoting cheap tickets.
  • If you’re unsure, verify your tickets. Pay a visit to the arena where the event will be held. Present your ticket to “Will Call” (customer service) and they can verify if your ticket is legitimate and show you how to tell if a ticket is fake.

Go to BBB.org to look up online marketplace business profiles, file a complaint, or write a customer review.  Visit BBB Scam Tracker to research and report scams.