Antioch News

What to titanic black holes, abandoned railways, home wireless networks, the effect of lightning on humidity and growing weeds from seeds that have literally been in space have in common? These are among the topics presented by Deer Valley High School students at the annual Contra Costa County Science and Engineering Fair at Heald College in Concord. The fair was held last Saturday, April 5, and approximately 100 students from area schools competed.

Nearly three times as many Deer Valley High School students (a total of 13) entered this year's Contra Costa County Science and Engineering Fair as ever have before. Project ranged from NASA space probe data analysis to studies about the efficiency of hybrid cars to biochemical assays. DVHS students won a number of awards including over $2700 in cash prizes and scholarships.

“We are challenging the state controller's office on their opinion”

Several Contra Costa County cities - including Danville - say they are being overcharged hundreds of thousands of dollars in processing fees on tax money the state is repaying to the cities. via Inside Bay Area

Antioch police cited 27 students for allegedly skipping school Thursday during a five-hour truancy sweep, Sgt. Mitch Schwitters reported Monday.

Antioch police officers paired with Contra Costa County Probation Department officers and began picking up children and teens who were supposed to be in school at 8 a.m. The sweep continued until 1 p.m., Schwitters said.

The program is designed to keep school-aged children in school and off the streets during school hours. Statistical data reportedly shows that children who cut school are more likely to engage in daytime criminal behavior and are more likely to drop out of school, police reported. Read more

“I wish I could say there's some grand policy reason for the change”

For the first time in 20 years, the Concord City Council will be meeting on Mondays instead of Tuesdays. via Contra Costa Times

A dispute between neighbors erupted in violence Monday afternoon when a man was stabbed in the face, police said. via Contra Costa Times

“If it's not fixed right away, the problem is simply compounded, and more and more goes up.”

Along the retaining wall that runs behind Wal-Mart, on the side that faces Knoll Park, it is common to see initials, names and more artistic endeavors scrawled in spray paint. via Pleasant Hill Record

“David Cook is so unique, with so much star quality. He does need to know, though, that I am married and to stop flirting with me through the TV. Note to Paula: Sit your cougar-self down!”

As the "American Idol" season marches inexorably onward, we sense that our Readers Judging Panel is becoming just a tad cranky. via Inside Bay Area

Antioch police searched for a suspect who allegedly robbed a man and woman at gunpoint Sunday at Williamson Ranch Park, Sgt. via Cbs5.com

A student who was found unconscious on the bank of a lake on the Los Medanos College campus Friday evening, and who later died, was identified Saturday as Brandon Dayley, 31, of Bay Point, said a Contra Costa ... via Contra Costa Times

“Apparently, (the thong) was not flattering.”

The ongoing Sutter Health nurse labor strife teetered on the absurd Saturday as an unknown man, wearing sunglasses, a dark thong, knee-high socks and sneakers, ran through the Sutter Delta Medical Center ... via Pleasant Hill Record

“So I know how hard the words are, so I'm like, 'Oh, my gosh!'”

There's a lot of pressure on this year's Contra Costa County Spelling Bee winner, since last year's winner went on to win the national championship. via Contra Costa Times

A man who allegedly knocked on his co-worker's apartment door and shot him four times when he answered Saturday morning is being sought by the Antioch Police Department.

Police are searching for Demouria Harris, 21, who reportedly drives a black, 2000 Lincoln LS with a "4NNY202" license plate and may be in Oakland. Harris is wanted for attempted murder and should be considered armed and dangerous, according to the Police Department.

Harris and the 21-year-old victim, who underwent surgery and is expected to survive, worked together at Markstein Beverage Co. in Pittsburg. Read more

“I like getting a chance to work with the kids outside of the classroom. You get a chance to know them on a completely different level.”

Lifelong Oakley resident Emily Statler loves working with Oakley's children and teaching them to love history. via Contra Costa Times

A man and woman were pistol whipped and robbed Thursday afternoon in what police are investigating as a home invasion. via Inside Bay Area

“Nurses and their families are making a significant sacrifice to strike for 10 days.”

Hundreds of registered nurses are scheduled to walk off the job at 7 a.m. today to begin a 10-day strike against Bay Area hospitals affiliated with Sutter Health. via Pleasant Hill Record

“He cracked him on the head with his skateboard”

An intoxicated 27-year-old man was hit in the head with a skateboard this morning after trying to bum a cigarette from a teenager, police said. via San Jose Mercury News

“He was more relaxed with her than with my last petsitter. I think they're a great company and I'm lucky to have found them when I did.”

When Pamela Myers of Antioch was laid off in April 2007, the 54-year-old animal lover took a part-time job walking dogs for Berkeley-based Fetch! Pet Care, and ended up with not only a source of income but a ... via Inside Bay Area

“The best part of the whole night, for me, was David Hernandez teaching us that gay strip clubs in Arizona are actually called "Pizza Bistros.”

OUR "AMERICAN IDOL" Readers Judging Panel is off and running, and already there appears to be a wide divergence of opinions. via Inside Bay Area

“A lot of people were afraid to come forward, but I always say if it was someone in your family, wouldn't you want someone to come forward?”

Victoria Pickett had just started her graveyard shift at a Pittsburg convalescent hospital, satisfied that her 16-year-old son was safe with friends at a movie theater. via Contra Costa Times

The death of a man found in his home Sunday has been ruled a suicide by the Contra Costa County Coroner's Office. via Contra Costa Times