Car show at Holy Rosary Church in Antioch, today

Posted in: Community, Recreation | Comments (0)

Publisher @ July 22, 2017

Animal welfare checks result in removal of 75 animals from Antioch homes, this week

Posted in: News, Police & Crime, Pets & Animals | Comments (0)

46 cats from one residence; 29 animals including cats, dogs, ducks, rabbits, doves and a rooster from another – all need  homes

By Acting Sgt. Shawn Morin #5227, Field Services Bureau

On Monday, July 17, 2017 at approximately 6:30 p.m., Contra Costa Fire Department requested Antioch Police Officers to respond to a residence in the 1800 block of Terrace Drive. Upon arrival, Officers learned there were approximately 50 cats inside the house. Animal Control Officers responded to assess the situation. The residents and Animal Control Officers worked together and collected a total of 46 cats. Animal Control Officers have gone back to the residence three more times, in an effort to trap the four cats left in the area.

On Thursday, July 20, 2017 at 3:29 p.m., Antioch Police Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of Barnsley Court for a welfare check on animals inside the house. Officers ultimately discovered there were numerous cats, dogs, ducks, rabbits, doves, and a rooster in the home. Animal Control Officers responded to assess the situation. The residents and Animal Control Officers worked together and collected 27 of the animals. Animal Control Officers followed up on Friday and trapped two more cats with approximately 12 more in the home.

Both incidents are still under investigation and the animals are currently housed at the Antioch Animal Shelter located at 300 L Street. Animal Control Officers are working with local rescues to find homes for all the animals. Anyone who would like to foster, adopt or rescue and animal is encouraged to contact Antioch Animal Services at 925-779-6989 or the Animal Services Supervisor via e-mail at mhelgemo@ci.antioch.ca.us.

The business hours for the Antioch Animal Services is Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10am-5pm and Friday from 10am-2pm. The shelter is closed for business on Sunday and Monday.

Publisher @ July 22, 2017

Delta tunnels project reaches key milestone as state environmental review is certified

Posted in: News, Delta & Environment, Water | Comments (0)

SACRAMENTO – Clearing another major milestone toward the modernization of the state’s water delivery system, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) today certified the environmental analysis of the California WaterFix, also known as the Delta tunnels. Friday’s announcement follows recent federal biological opinions that confirm the project is consistent with environmental and wildlife protection standards.  

“Today, we have reached our next important benchmark in moving California towards a more reliable water supply,” said DWR Acting Director Cindy Messer. “With this certification, our state is now closer to modernizing our aging water delivery system in a way that improves reliability and protects the environment.”

The WaterFix will modernize a 50-year-old water delivery system that is increasingly vulnerable to disruption by natural disaster and climate change. With new intakes along the Sacramento River, the project also would give water project operators the flexibility to divert water at times of high flow when the risk to native fish at the new diversion facilities is minimal, thus better balancing water supply and environmental protection needs.

Friday’s certification comes after more than a decade of analysis, review, and public comment. State and federal water and wildlife agencies have been working since 2006 to find the best way to improve how the State Water Project and Central Valley Project obtain water from the channels of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Together, the projects supply 25 million Californians with some or all of their drinking water supply and help irrigate three million acres of farmland.

The Notice of Determination and decision documents signed by Acting Director Messer approve WaterFix as the proposed project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The project helps ensure stable water supplies for millions of Californians. CEQA requires state and local agencies to identify the significant environmental impacts of their actions and to avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible. WaterFix Notice of Determination

DWR, which operates the State Water Project, screened more than 100 different proposals before analyzing 18 alternatives in depth in the final 50,000-page Environmental Impact Report (EIR) under CEQA. The combined public comment period on these environmental analyses lasted nearly a year.

The project was refined several times to shrink its footprint, minimize impacts to Delta landowners, and make other changes.

The CEQA certification, Notice of Determination, and decision documents put WaterFix a step closer to construction, which could begin as early as 2018. As both a modern and ambitious infrastructure project, WaterFix will require world-class engineering, efficient construction management, aggressive cost containment, and transparent business operations. 

In addition to the certification, DWR also filed a “validation action” today with the Sacramento County Superior Court to affirm the department’s authority to, among other things, issue revenue bonds to finance the planning, design, construction and other capital costs of California WaterFix. A validation action is necessary to provide assurances to the financial community for the sale of the California WaterFix revenue bonds. 

Meantime, DWR and the federal Bureau of Reclamation have completed a substantial portion of the proceedings before the State Water Resources Control Board to change the point of diversion for the state and federal water projects to allow operation of the WaterFix.

For more information, including fact sheets about project costs, cost allocation, project delivery and environmental benefits, visit www.californiawaterfix.com.

Publisher @ July 22, 2017

Antioch mental health symposium encourages black men to not fear seeking help

Posted in: News, Community | Comments (1)

By John Crowder

On Saturday, July 15, Antioch’s Delta Bay Church of Christ was host to Tackling the Taboo II, a symposium on black male mental health.  Arranged by Dr. Lawrence Rasheed, the founder of the African-American male mentoring organization, G.R.I.O.T., the event featured the screening of the documentary, ‘Face of Darkness,’ followed by a panel discussion led by moderator Dr. Richard Hanzy.  A licensed Marriage Family Therapist with Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Hanzy asked each of the panelists questions related to their unique backgrounds in confronting mental health issues in the black male community.

Panelists included LeRon Barton, author of two book and numerous essays published in several print and online periodicals; Freddy Ford, Jr., a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in Solano County; Dr. Lamont Francies, Pastor of Delta Bay Church of Christ, educator, and school counselor; and Cornelius Johnson, retired San Francisco Police Department Captain.

The speakers said that the issue of black male mental health is a topic that is rarely discussed in the African-American community, or in the community at-large. They also noted that black males rarely discuss their vulnerability, or seek help when dealing with issues of depression.  Reasons for this include the historical dynamic that portrays strong black men as men of strength, while a showing of emotion is perceived as a weakness. Black men, thus, have an aversion to being perceived as, ‘crazy,’ or ‘soft,’ and for this reason, often fail to seek help when dealing with emotional issues such as severe depression.  The sad result of this is that these men may suffer from despair which can lead ultimately to suicide.

The panelists emphasized the importance of changing the mindset of those suffering from depression to one where there is understanding that feelings of hopelessness and loss can face anyone, and it is not unmanly to seek help when such feelings occur.  In the case of black men who would be more likely to seek help from a peer, there are black male mental health experts available and ready to offer assistance.

The symposium kept the audience riveted throughout the presentation. Panelists took questions for almost an hour after the discussion between the panelists concluded.

Black men suffering from depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness were encouraged to contact Contra Costa Mental Health Services, toll free, at 1-888-678-7277, or NAMI Contra Costa, a charitable non-profit providing outreach, education, support, and advocacy to families and individuals in need of help at 925-942-0767.

Publisher @ July 21, 2017

Movie to film in Antioch next week may still need extras

Posted in: Community, Arts & Entertainment | Comments (0)

The crew filming another Lifetime movie in Antioch, next week has selected some of their extras. But, they may need more.

Those interested are asked to email Kris Wynn at wynne.kristopher@gmail.com and Lindsay Rappaport at lindsayrappaport1@gmail.com  Please include what days and times would be best for your schedule. For those under 18 years of age need to include a work permit.

WARDROBE: Please bring several clothing options. No black, white, stripes or logos. Please dress appropriately if you are one of the students or parents in the school scenes, versus the patrons in the bar and movie scenes.

MONDAY 7/24 

10-15 student types (18-25 years old) 7:45 AM

10-15 adults 1:30 PM

TUESDAY 7/25  

10-15 student types (ages 18-25) 7:45 AM

10-15 adults 3:45 PM

WEDNESDAY 7/26 

20 people over 21 years old – 3:00 PM

WEDNESDAY 7/26 

10-15 people of all ages at 8:30 PM

Publisher @ July 20, 2017

Pittsburg police identify Antioch teen as suspect in Wednesday homicide at Century Plaza

Posted in: News, Police & Crime | Comments (1)

By Captain S. Albanese, Pittsburg Police Department

Pittsburg Police Detectives have been working throughout the evening and have identified Larry Daryl Neal Jr., a 19-year-old Antioch resident, as the shooter in this incident.  Neal is considered armed and dangerous and investigators have secured a warrant for his arrest related to this homicide. (See related article)

At this time, the victim’s name is being withheld pending notification to family members.  Detectives were able to quickly identify Neal as the suspect in this case due to overwhelming cooperation by the community throughout the investigation.

The Pittsburg Police Department asks anyone with additional information, or has knowledge of Neal’s whereabouts to please contact the Pittsburg Police Department Tip-Line at 925-252-4040 or Dispatch at 925-646-2441.

Publisher @ July 20, 2017

Armed robbery of bank branch inside Antioch grocery store, Wednesday afternoon

Posted in: News, Police & Crime | Comments (8)

By Allen Payton

According to Antioch Police Sergeant Tom Fuhrmann, on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 3:12 p.m. officers were dispatched to a robbery that had just occurred at the U.S. Bank branch located inside the Raley’s Store at 3632 Lone Tree Way.

“It was reported to us a male wearing a hood and gloves, and armed with a handgun, jumped the counter at the bank. He robbed one of the tellers of an undisclosed amount of cash,” Furhmann said. “The suspect then fled in a red, Dodge pickup truck. He got into the passenger side of the vehicle, which was recovered a few blocks away and reported to be stolen out of Pittsburg.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is asked to call the Antioch Police non-emergency line at 778-2441. You may also text-a-tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using the key word ANTIOCH.

Publisher @ July 20, 2017

Police seek four suspects in Wednesday morning jewelry store robbery at Antioch mall

Posted in: News, Business, Police & Crime | Comments (2)

By Acting Sgt. Shawn Morin #5227, Antioch Police Field Services Bureau & Allen Payton, Publisher

On July 19, 2017 at approximately 11:20 a.m., Antioch Police Officers were dispatched to the Somersville Towne Center at 2550 Somersville Road for an unknown disturbance. Upon the Officers’ arrival, they learned that four male suspects entered the Ron Jewelers store located inside the east end of the mall,  near the Macy’s store, and smashed the glass cases with metal tools. The suspects were able to flee the store on foot with stolen jewelry and left the mall in a silver Infiniti sedan.

Two witnesses, who requested to not be identified, said they saw four men run to the east end of the mall, and out the south exit doors “toward the Smart & Final” store, located on the outside of the mall.

The value of the jewelry taken has yet to be determined. The four suspects were dressed in similar clothing.

“They had masks and dark glasses, and yellow construction-type, safety reflector clothing,” one witness said.

The same witness heard the sounds and ran to the jewelry store.

“I heard the cracking sound. So, I knew something was going on there,” the witness said. “I rushed down there and the people from that side were running here,” in the witness’ direction. “They had metal hammers and were smashing the glass cases. I saw them breaking the glass and stealing the jewelry,” the witness continued. “They had a gun. I think it was a toy, paper spray gun. But it looked real. I was afraid, so I ran away and called 9-11. I told my friend to call 9-11 from his store phone.”

Asked how long the suspects were in the store, the witness responded, “more than five minutes.”

“The police came very fast,” the witness added.

A store owner said the four suspects entered the mall through from the Macy’s store.

During the robbery, an employee was pepper sprayed and was later transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Somersville Towne Center Marketing Manager Shannon Skinner offered the following statement:

“Today around 11:30 am we had an incident occur inside a store in the mall. The incident is currently being investigated by the Antioch Police Department; therefore, we cannot comment any further. However, the mall remains open.”

But, the Ron Jewelers store was closed, with the glass cases covered, the glass had been cleaned up and a commercial size vacuum was sitting on the floor inside, at about 5:30 p.m. The store is expected to reopen by Friday, according to a man who works at one of the kiosks, nearby.

Somersville Towne Center is the only enclosed and air-conditioned mall in Eastern Contra Costa County.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at (925) 778-2441.

Publisher @ July 19, 2017