Dr. Lawrence Rasheed is flanked by members of G.R.I.O.T., while he speaks during the black men’s mental health symposium in Antioch, on Saturday, July 15, 2017. Photos by Andre Cummins

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.

Dr. Lamont Francies shares his thoughts as fellow panelist, retired San Francisco Police Captain Cornelius Johnson, listens on.

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.

Director Anthony Ferrante and crew shooting Forgotten Evil outside El Campanil Theatre in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown in August, 2016. Herald file photo by Allen Payton

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

Homicide suspect Larry Daryl Neal, Jr., 19 years old, Antioch resident. Pittsburg PD photo.

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.

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.

Ron Jewelers inside Somersville Towne Center was robbed by four suspects, Wed. morning, July 19, 2017. Photo by Allen Payton

One of the glass cases that was smashed by the thieves. Photos of cases by witness who chose not to be identified.

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.”

Another smashed glass jewelry case.

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.

Inside the Ron Jewelers store, late Wednesday afternoon. Photo by Allen Payton

By Captain S. Albanese, Pittsburg Police Department

On Wednesday, July 19th at 3:00 in the afternoon, Pittsburg Police Officers responded to the Baskin Robbins on Century Boulevard, in regards to a reported shooting. When Officers arrived on scene they located a 43-year-old male suffering from several gunshot wounds.  Pittsburg Police Officers immediately began performing CPR on the victim for life saving efforts.  The victim, a resident of Bethel Island, was transported to Sutter Delta Medical Center and succumbed to his injuries. The Investigations Division responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

Based on initial information, it appears the victim and suspect knew each other. Detectives are currently contacting witnesses and obtaining additional statements.

The Pittsburg Police Department asks anyone with additional information to please contact their Tip-Line at 925-252-4040.

Youth activities, health improvement, safety strategies, senior services, and beautification efforts in Antioch, Bay Point and Pittsburg benefited from the Keller Canyon Landfill Mitigation grants.

Over $1.3 million were awarded to community-based organizations and public agencies, including county departments, from the grant program administered by the District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover. The grants were approved unanimously by the Board of Supervisors, Tuesday morning, July 18.

“I’m inspired by the number of good people doing good work to enhance our community,” said Glover. “They sometimes get overlooked by the media, but they continue to work behind the scenes to help our young people, the elderly, the hungry and the sickly.”

The mitigation fund was negotiated by the County in the 1980’s to offset the impact of having the landfill in Keller Canyon, just south of Pittsburg and Bay Point off of Bailey Road. The amount of the fund is based on the tonnage of debris, waste and trash brought to the dumpsite.

Some of the programs receiving grants this year include:

•         Antioch Arts & Cultural Foundation;

•         Antioch Rivertown Jamboree;

•         Opportunity Junction job training and placement program, based in Antioch;

•         Crossing guards for Bay Point schools;

•         Feeding programs for senior citizens;

•         Code enforcement and beautification efforts;

•         Violence prevention programs; and

•         Tutoring programs for youth

“The programs and services offered by these agencies help improve the quality of life in our community,” said Glover.

For a complete list of the grants, click here.

The Southern Cafe in Antioch proudly presents Michael Henderson, live in concert, Saturday, August 12. Henderson is an American bass guitarist and vocalist best known for his bass playing with Miles Davis in the early 1970s, on early fusion albums, as well as a series of R&B/soul hits.

He will be singing and performing classic songs like “You are My Starship,” “At The Concert,” “Take Me, I’m Yours,” “Be My Girl,” “Valentine Love” and so many more. You don’t want to miss this show in such a very intimate setting.

Saturday, August 12, 2017 / Two Shows: 7:00 pm & 9:30 pm. Doors open at 6:00 pm

The Southern Cafe is located at 400 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

Tickets: $30.00, Preferred seating $40.00 & VIP Seating $60.00

Two item minimum per person (drinks or drink and food).

PURCHASE TICKETS: southerncafemichaelhenderson.eventbrite.com, (510) 708-2013 or email prbellsoutherncafe@gmail.com.