YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER ward Winning News al A pa
Vol. 9, No. 10
Antioch, California
www.antiochpress.com
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March 6, 2009
THIS WEEK
Council revisits school library funds Enhanced by dance
by Dave Roberts Staff Writer
Upon learning that the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) slashed funding for libraries in its other schools, City Councilman Brian Kalinowski expressed regret at having voted to spend $25,000 of city money to keep Deer Valley High’s library open after school. On Jan. 27, the council unanimously approved the funding, which is being matched with $25,000 from the school district to keep Deer Valley’s library open for three hours after school Tuesday through Thursday through the rest of 2009. The city’s funding comes from an account contributed to by developers seeking to build in Antioch. In an unusual move, Kalinowski had the issue placed on the agenda for reconsideration at the Feb. 24 council meeting. He said he couldn’t support funding additional library hours at one school when library hours are being slashed at other schools, especially at a time when the city budget crisis has resulted in seven employee layoffs and possibly more to come. “After casting the vote in the affirmative (at the Jan. 27 meeting), two issues continue to be a thorn in my side,” said Kalinowski. “The first is the fact that the school district has cut $133,000 in funding to the elementary school library program. Some of the schools are troubled schools, or schools that could use the extra help and the
An innovative program is getting kids better prepared for school by helping them discover their inner boogie.
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Photo by Dave Roberts
Deer Valley junior Erin Reynolds discusses the book “Twilight” with teacher/librarian Kathy Green on Tuesday, the first day that the school library remained open for an extra three hours after school. interaction in the libraries. I also know the potential to use the library to help with troubledyouth issues that occur after school hours.” Chris Hiroshima, AUSD chief academic officer, responded that district money for the Deer Valley library’s extra hours is available because it comes out of the budget account set up for that
school to spend how it wishes, whereas the funding for the elementary school libraries comes out of the district’s General Fund, which has been reduced. “We are going through some very severe see Library page 21A
One block at a time
The Neighborhood Cleanup Program has targeted another locale for its assault on grunge.
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Foes dazed and KonFused
Congregation shows passion for compassion by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer
Charity, as the saying goes, begins at home, and the adage is especially true in these tough economic times. So in keeping with the spirit of giving, members of the Harvest Time Assembly of God, along with local volunteers, will be hosting a communitywide event this weekend. And while it’s unlikely that organizers will be turning water into wine, they’ll most certainly be providing sustenance – and hope – to those in need. It’s called the Day of Compassion, and will be held on Saturday, March 7 from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of the Harvest Time Assembly of God in Brentwood. The event is open to the public and will provide bags of groceries, free
Photo by Ruth Roberts
Pastor Dennis Reynolds, in background, of Harvest Time Assembly of God Church, watches as food is unloaded off a truck for Saturday’s Day of Compassion event. haircuts and complimentary dental and medical screenings to anyone who shows up. “People are hungry, and especially right now, with the hardness
of what’s going on,” said Pastor Dennis Reynolds. “So we got this idea to have one big event, and it’s really taken on a life of its own. It’s going to be fabulous.”
Reynolds and his congregation began gathering interest, along with food and pledges, last October while making their way throughout the community in their mobile food wagon. Realizing that the need was greater than they could handle, the congregation decided to host an event on the ample church grounds. “The response to this has been overwhelming,” said Reynolds. “We’ve got about $20,000 worth of groceries, and dentists have said they will provide free vouchers for those who need dental work. We’ve even got students and faculty from Los Medanos College coming to help out. It just keeps growing and growing.” Other local businesses involved
LOOK here first!
see Church page 21A
What is going on? Check the community calendar! Having an event? Post it for free!
An East county soccer squad captured its fifth trophy – so far – in the 2008-09 season.
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INSIDE Calendar ..........................19B Classifieds ........................14B Cop Logs ..........................17A Education ..........................7A Entertainment ................12B Food .................................10B Health & Beauty ............... 9B Milestones ......................... 8B Opinion ...........................16A Sports ................................. 1B WebExtras! ....................... 1B
FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A