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YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
Vol. 10, No. 52
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December 24, 2010
From The Press family to yours
This Week Ticket to controversy Photo by Steve Nosanchuck
t seems like only yesterday that we published our first Christmas edition emblazoned with our picture and our wishes for a merry Christmas and joyful holiday season. The fact is: this is the 11th time we’ve done it, and while some of the faces have changed, the spirit behind what we do and our appreciation for our readers has not. We’re proud to have been a part of so many great things, and that could never have happened had you not welcomed us into your heart and home every week. It’s a special privilege, one we take very seriously, even when we have some fun doing it. Here’s wishing everyone all the best for the holidays and right on into 2011.
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The happiest place in Antioch by Justin Lafferty Staff Writer All that’s missing from the Antioch house of Gary and Kristen Vistalli is a monorail and a ticket booth. The Vistallis, including 15-year-old son Tyler, have turned their home into a Disney haven, featuring limited-edition memorabilia, intricate murals and a bevy of other decorations – and that’s just the inside the house. This time of year, the Vistallis turn their attention to the outside in a grand show of Christmas spirit. Their front yard features wooden Mickeys and Minnies adorned with Santa caps, as well as Snow White, the seven dwarfs and Tinkerbell. Surrounding the characters is a beautiful display of lights, one that makes the whole neighborhood on Colonial Court shine. The Vistallis have lived there for 20 years and they say they’ll be there forever. Both Kristen and Gary said it’s nice
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to come home to such a happy place. To the surprise of many, it was Gary who was bitten by the Disney bug first. He said he went to Disneyland for the first time when he was 11 and again after graduating high school, and has been in love with the magic of Disney ever since. “People say it all the time. They go in and say, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe that your husband lets you do this,’” Kristen said. “I say, ‘Oh, I let him do this to our house.’ It’s something that we love doing. We love sharing it with people.” Gary also inherited an appreciation for woodworking and lawn care – clearly evident in the front yard – from his late grandfather, Fred Zeiser. As the relationship went on, Kristen’s affection for all things Disney grew, too. Her cell phone’s voicemail includes the message, “Faith, love and pixie dust,” followed by a Tinkerbell-like chime. see Happiest page 18A
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Local officials believe the current eBART station proposal is in for a rough ride. Page 3A
Home away from home
Far from Tanzania, Antioch High gives this star a distinct homecourt advantage. Page 1B
Plus:
Photo by Justin Lafferty
Kristen Vistalli stands next to a giant wooden Mickey, one of several Disney items in their home.
Nick history
go to news/WebExtras! The legend of Santa Claus has roots in religious, not secular, tradition.
Crackdown
go to news/press releases Law enforcers are out in force to get impaired drivers off the holiday highway.
Calendar ............................ 15B Classifieds ......................... 10B Entertainment ................... 7B Food ...................................... 8B Health & Beauty ................ 6B Milestones ........................15A Opinion ..............................14A Sports ................................... 1B
FOR MOVIE TIMES SEE PAGE 5A
Treasured chest go to multimedia/videos
A community chest pulled out all the stops to spread boxfuls of holiday cheer.