YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER ward Winning News al A pa
Vol. 9, No. 25
Including Nearby Communities
www.thepress.net
Cops lobby against layoffs by Dave Roberts Staff Writer
Antioch police officers turned out in force last week to ask the City Council to not follow through on a rumored layoff of six police officers and three community service officers, which they said would further reduce police protection and make Antioch residents less safe. Sgt. Scott Freier, president of the Antioch Police Officers Association (APOA), said that if those nine positions are cut, residents might have to wait up to three hours for a police officer to arrive when they call to report a stolen car or that their house has been broken into or that a suspicious person is
knocking at the door. “(We) will not be able to provide the service that the citizens of Antioch have become accustomed to,” Freier told the council on June 9. “We would not be able to respond to a majority of the calls for service that the public likes to see. The council will be getting phone calls from the public wondering why their officers are not responding. “We do not have the bodies. Chief Hyde and his management team would not be able to staff the streets correctly and efficiently 24 hours a day, seven days a week and meet the needs of our citizens and keep everybody safe and provide them with what they need to survive see Cops page 18A
June 19, 2009
THIS WEEK
Burning for a tassel turning
The Antioch High Class of 2009 wasn’t shy about expressing the thrill – and relief – of earning those diplomas.
Page 10A
Photo by Dave Roberts
Police Chief Jim Hyde, above at the annual police awards ceremony last month, might be presiding over a reduced force if nine officer positions are cut to help deal with the city’s $4.6 million deficit.
Deer Valley grads: ‘We are the future’ by Dave Roberts Staff Writer
The circumstances were the same, but there was a bit more pomp to Deer Valley High School’s graduation ceremony on June 11 than crosstown rival Antioch High’s ceremony the night before. The biggest difference was that DV’s festivities kicked off at 6 p.m., providing a sunnier, warmer aspect to the affair than Antioch’s, which did not get underway until 8 p.m. DV also has a larger football stadium, a bigger orchestra, an impressive choir and more mannered students – there was no tossing of beach balls or doing stand-up waves as there had been at Antioch High’s more raucous celebration. What the ceremonies shared, however, were speeches with words of inspiration, wistful reflections on high school and hopeful expectations for
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A graduate flashes the “V for victory” sign as the Class of 2009 walks to their seats.
Rescue the Gate keepers A sanctuary for women and children is being threatened by tough economic times.
Page 6A
Dominating the diamond
Their league might be known as “Little,” but there’s nothing small about these Goliaths’ accomplishments.
Page 1B
Photo by Dave Roberts
the future. Senior Class President Michelle Robbins kicked it off, saying, “Four years ago we were stepping onto the Deer Valley campus very excited, not knowing what to expect but hoping for the best. As seniors we look back and see how much we have grown.
“What is to come is much more important. Remember who helped you get this far. Thank the teachers who came early or stayed late. Thank your families for being there every step of the way. But, most of all, give yourself credit. You have been given the building blocks to create a great future – so use them wisely.
Hook up!
Congratulations, Class of 2009, we did it!” Valedictorian Muniba Ahmad said, “Looking around I see future doctors, teachers and even a few Walmart executives. Some of us may be feeling a little tearful that high school is over. But see Grads page 18A
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