In the historic Casino Building, next to Waldie Plaza.

Owner Debo Fashokun, her mother Dayo Atuwo and employee Lat Pompei, are surrounded by the art, clothing and gifts from Africa, available at their store on Second Street in Antioch’s historic downtown, Rivertown.

One of the paintings by Dr. Fashokun available through Rema at M&D.

Rema at M & D Specialty Collections located at 418 West 2nd street Antioch, specializes in African themed fashion, accessories, graphic art, jewelry, skin care, and much more. This unique fashion outlet is owned by Debo Fashokun and her husband, who is also the resident artist Dr. Adeyinka Fashokun. Debo is also a nursing instructor in Concord.

The couple greatly appreciates art, music, fashion and beauty, and love to share these with others from an African perspective. That’s why they opened the store, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown, last year.

Dr. Fashokun attended the renowned California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in General Design, majoring in Graphic Design and Illustration. Dr. Fashokun went on to earn a Master’s degree in Art Education, with distinction, and then a Doctoral degree in education, Curriculum and Instruction, with major focus on Visual Arts Education, from the University of San Francisco.

Resident artist Dr. Adeyinka Fashokun.

Customers and visitors at the shop have many commendable reports about their unique gifts and fashionable items, incense, etc.  They are one of a kind in the Bay Area. M & D Specialty Collection serves everyone who appreciates beauty and uniqueness.

You can choose from original artwork with authenticity certificates, prints, greeting cards, classy African clothing and accessories, and much more. Please visit the art gallery on their website at  http://graphosedifix.org and their clothing and accessories collection at  https://remacollections.com/   You can also follow them on Facebook at mdspecialtycollections.

Stop by the store and see all they have to offer, Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Rendering of a CyberTran transit station. Renderings courtesy of CyberTran International, Inc.

Ultra-Light Rail Transit system vehicles travel throughout connected rail networks at low, medium and high speeds, direct to destination and at much lower capital deployment and maintenance costs

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA – CyberTran International, Inc. (CTI) offers the most innovative approach to solving the world’s traffic congestion problems. The recent patent approval for fixed guideway transportation systems, with lower cost of ownership and optimized benefits, validates what they’re calling the Transportation Internet technology. This system can be thought of as the computer-controlled technology solution to the problems of mass transit cost overruns and inefficiency.

Artist rendering of a CyberTran vehicle and station with overhead solar panels generating the power to operate the system.

CTI’s Ultra-Light Rail Transit (ULRT) is a mass transit system with the ability to build out Urban Circulator systems, Commuter Rail systems and High-Speed Rail systems and connect them to one network where small rail vehicles carrying up to thirty passengers can travel throughout the network Direct-to-Destination (nonstop). This allows ULRT to serve three separate markets, low, medium and high speeds! Until today all three markets have been served by three separate distinct technologies that can only be connected at transfer points where passengers have to disembark one system only to transfer to another to reach their destination.

Currently, CTI is closing in on funding for the purpose of demonstration and deployment. “Everybody wants to be second, nobody wants to be first,” said Dexter Vizinau, President of CTI.

Transit officials are hesitant to take a chance on a small and innovative company. The BART system started out as a demonstration project and the technology was the first of its kind. Today, CTI has approximately ten cities that are willing to be first, he explained.

In every major metropolitan region of the world, people are stuck in traffic. Today’s solutions aren’t working.

“Expanding today’s transit systems are too costly to build and maintain, yet transit officials continue to approach this as a solution, with little result,” said Neil Sinclair, CTI Board Chairman. “There’s a $78 billion backlog in transit systems maintenance in the U.S. and the only way to pay for it is to raise taxes. In the meantime, we’re all stuck in traffic with no end in sight.” That is, until today.

Overview rendering of the offline CyberTran stations.

“Our patent validates everything we’ve already proven,” Vizinau continued. “Two full-scale prototype vehicles have already been built and tested. The test vehicles have achieved speeds of up to 60 mph and have climbed a 10% grade, which means ULRT can go over the Sepulveda Pass in Los Angeles and also travel up the Grapevine Summit in Southern California. Bullet train systems and L.A. Metro-like systems cannot climb steep grades and therefore either have to tunnel or go around.”

By building out ULRT networks in cities at 35 mph, and then connecting them together throughout a region at 80 mph, ULRT becomes a commuter rail system like BART and Metro in Los Angeles. ULRT can handle the same throughput as BART during rush hour via the Transbay Tube. CTI can then connect regions with a high-speed line. The ULRT System design is flexible and can expand easily. Guideways and civil structures are manufactured offsite and assembled onsite allowing ULRT systems to be constructed more efficiently. CTI can construct long-distance systems in up to a quarter mile per day. The system was designed to reach speeds of up to 150 mph. (See related article)

CyberTran’s ULRT system also operates from solar power. Canopies of solar panels above the guideway can generate more than one megawatt per mile and eight times more energy than the system consumes, and supply renewable energy to surrounding communities resulting in a net gain to CTI.

Rendering of a possible CyberTran station on the second floor of an office building and campus.

Transit officials currently purchase transit systems from foreign companies. CTI plans to manufacture ULRT transit systems for a global market in Contra Costa County. “We’ve been to China five times in as many years. There are six hundred cities in China that can use this,” says Sinclair. Councilmember Rich Kinney of the City of San Pablo states, “West Contra Costa County in particular has to solve the I-80 corridor congestion issue to attract more businesses and jobs to our cities. This is our opportunity to effectively address that issue. May we not continue to kick the proverbial can down the road – it’s time to embrace the full deployment of CyberTran right here at home.”

Earlier this year the city councils of Oakley, Brentwood and Antioch each voted unanimously to join the cities of Richmond and San Pablo to support efforts by CTI to obtain the needed funding for systems in both Western and Eastern Contra Costa County. (See related article) In addition, CTI has the support of U.C. Berkeley in their efforts to bring the technology to market. (See related article)

The next steps for CTI are to obtain funding to build two showrooms and a factory. This calls for one low-speed demonstration track up to 35 mph, and one rapid speed demonstration track up to 150 mph – in curves and with left and right banking. Both demo tracks and factory construction are to be done concurrently. There were no funding programs to support transit innovation, such as ULRT, at the federal level until CTI lobbied Congress to create one. Program legislation was created and approved in 2014 under a Republican-controlled Congress and Senate. CTI was hopeful that President Obama would release the program funding but it did not happen. CTI is hopeful about the President Trump’s infrastructure package and is encouraged by their reception in Washington, D.C.

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) has endorsed the plan by Rocketship Public Education (Rocketship) to build and operate a new, state-of-the-art, elementary school in Antioch.  The approximately $14 million investment by Rocketship in the Antioch community was approved by the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) Board of Trustees last December. (See related article)

The facility proposed by Rocketship will be the first Net Zero Energy charter school to be built in the United States.  It’s construction on Cavallo Road near 18th Street is expected to help spark revitalization of the area while allowing access to a high-quality educational opportunity for socioeconomically disadvantaged students.

The school is scheduled to open in the fall of 2018 with about 300 students, and to ultimately serve 600.  Rocketship has an impressive history of helping students achieve academically throughout the San Jose area and other parts of the country.  Their schools feature extended school days with imbedded learning labs, effectively providing every student with the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities that lead to some of the highest test scores achieved by schools serving similar populations in the state of California.

The site plan for the Rocketship school will come before the Planning Commission and the Antioch City Council for approval in the coming weeks, and the Chamber urges both bodies to work swiftly to ensure that this new option for our Antioch students becomes a reality as quickly as possible.  The Chamber further urges all members of the community to work together to support the new Rocketship school and the opportunity it presents for Antioch’s children.

The Chamber, in addition to its primary mission of promoting local businesses and jobs, has long been an advocate for local education and the AUSD.  These efforts include support for the creation of innovative programs, the development of high school academies, and the celebration of student talent in our community.

Richard Pagano, CEO

Antioch Chamber of Commerce

Discovery Bay Odyssey of the Mind students benefited by the 2016 Dow CAP Grant. Photo courtesy of Dow Chemical Pittsburg.

Deadline for applications is Monday, Sept. 18

Do you know a local non-profit in need of funding? Tell them about the 2017 Dow Community Advisory Panel (CAP) Grant. We invite eligible organizations in East Contra Costa County to submit grant proposals for projects supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and contribute to improving our community and environment.

Last year, the Dow Community Grant helped our friends at Discovery Bay Odyssey of the Mind prepare for their trip to the Odyssey of the Mind Eurofest competition in Minks, Belarus. The teams, consisting of 8th graders from Excelsior Middle and 5th graders from Discovery Bay Elementary, took home 1st and 2nd place trophies from the GLOBAL competition.

We continue to support STEM/STEAM organizations this year with our 2017 CAP Grant. Apply today. Deadline to apply is September 18.

Don’t …miss out on this opportunity to do great things for your organization. #STEM #STEAM #Grant #ContraCostaCounty

For questions, contact Taylor Gonzalez at tgonzalez2@dow.com. More info: http://www.dow.com/pittsburg/community/cap/ Apply here: http://www.cybergrants.com/dow/applications/open

CEO Stacey Orozco (with scissors) celebrates the ribbon cutting of the new location of Contra Costa Medical Career College with Antioch Mayor Sean Wright (in white shirt), other community leaders, Chamber of Commerce leaders and members,, and college staff and students on Friday, Aug. 11, 2017.

By Allen Payton

On Friday, August 11 Antioch community and business leaders, and Chamber of Commerce members joined with Stacey Orozco, CEO of the Contra Costa Medical Career College and her staff and students to cut the ribbon to officially open their new location in Antioch.

The school relocated in town after trying to buy the former AAA building on Auto Center Drive in 2015. (See related article)

Richard Pagano, CEO of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce said, “We’re so happy for you guys with everything you’re doing and everything you’ve accomplished.”

Mayor Sean Wright was also on hand to share his and the City’s congratulations.

“Having taken a tour of this location and seeing how beautiful it is, I’m so excited to see where you are right now,” he stated. “The Lord knows better than we do. I’m glad Antioch got to keep you. So, on behalf of the City of Antioch we have a certificate of appreciation,” which he presented to Orozco.

She then shared her appreciation for the opening of the school in its new location.

“It wouldn’t be what it is without my staff or my family,” Orozco said. “Without my second family this business wouldn’t be in existence.”

A representative of Congressman Jerry McNerney presented certificates of recognition from McNerney and Assemblyman Jim Frazier. A representative of County Supervisor Diane Burgis presented a certificate of recognition, as well.

“We wish you nothing but the best and look forward to see what comes out of it,” Pagano added.

Then Orozco cut the ribbon to cheers from those in attendance.

Now located at 4051 Lone Tree Way at Blue Rock Drive in the Blue Rock Center, the Contra Costa Medical Career College “is a small, private vocational training institution that is fully approved to operate by the California state Bureau for Private Post-secondary Education” which opened in July, 2011 and became fully accredited in May, 2013, according to their website at www.ccmcc.edu. The school offers courses for those who want to become medical assistants, as well as in the areas of surgical technology, pharmacy technology, phlebotomy and more.

For more information call (925) 757-2900 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or visit their website or Facebook page.

The new Second Chance Family store offers clothes, housewares, décor, art and more.

Features rare war images available for purchase; benefits local non-profit

Some of the photos from the Warrior Images art show available for purchase at the store.

By Allen Payton

The East County Veterans have opened a new store, today, Monday, August 14, 2017 in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. It’s named the Second Chance Family Store and their first customer was Mike Gilmore, a Vietnam veteran who served in the Army.

Located at 520 W. 2nd Street, the store offers clothes, shoes, military hats, housewares, home décor, artwork for sale to support the organization’s efforts serving veterans in Antioch and East County.

Josie Monaghan, the director of the organization and manager of both the new store and their Thrift Store next door, was excited to have the store open.

Before the store opened it hosted the first annual Iraq and Afghanistan Photo Art Gallery Sale, entitled “Warrior Images”, presented by Joey Garcia, a local combat veteran Marine and Monaghan’s son, on Sunday August 6.

Josie Monaghan thanks the store’s first customer Mike Gilmore, a Vietnam War Army Veteran.

The rare photos and images, taken by Garcia and many other veterans from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, were and are for sale. All proceeds benefit East County Veterans Support Services, which is a local non-profit organization run by Josie Monaghan, who has been helping veterans for years.

The idea behind the art show was not only to raise money with veterans in need, but to inspire people with images captured overseas. Images like yours and mine that have been hidden away for years in my garage collecting dust.

“The photos serve many purposes, including to remind us of loved ones living or gone, who also served in previous conflicts of war, to enjoy as art in your home or to remind us of the voices of those veterans who sacrificed all, and are no longer with us,” said Garcia.

The event was catered by Big Don’s BBQ and featured a live performance by Antioch’s own Ben Benkert, plus music by DJ Christina Amato of CC entertainment.

Stop in the store today to see the photos and the many other items available for purchase. East County Veterans Support Services is a tax exempt non-profit 501c3 organization. For more information call (925) 206-4976 or email warmemories@yahoo.com. You can also “Like” them on Facebook.

Serenity & Sobriety store owners Nancy Mattingly and Jim Albert, center with scissors, prepare to cut the ribbon to officially open their new store on Friday, July 28, 2017.

By Allen Payton

Antioch business owners, community and Chamber of Commerce leaders, as well as friends and family joined Nancy Mattingly and Jim Albert, owners of the new Serenity & Sobriety store, located at 208 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown, for a ribbon cutting to officially open their store on Friday, July 28.

Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock spoke on behalf of the city council.

“I want to welcome Serenity & Sobriety to downtown,” she said. “It’s a very eclectic store. It adds to the beauty of downtown.”

Jim and Nancy inside their store.

A representative of Assemblyman Jim Frazier presented the owners with a special certificate of recognition.

Richard Pagano, CEO of the Chamber spoke, next.

“On behalf of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, thank you for your investment in downtown Antioch,” he said. “We’re very excited for you.”

Nancy responded by saying, “I just want to thank you for taking the time out of your lives to welcome Jim and I to downtown. Please spread the word.”

“We have ‘normie’ stuff, not just for recovery,” she explained. “I hope to make a difference in people’s lives. I used drugs and alcohol for 44 years. One of the reasons we chose this place is we have the Alano Club here.”

In addition to the AA and NA recovery items, the store offers Woodstock windchimes, handmade soy candles, handmade jewelry, herbal teas and mediation CD’s.

Jim shared a bit of his background, as a reason for why he opened the store.

“I’m into recovery like her,” he stated. “I’ve been sober for 42 years.”

He thanked all those who attended. Then everyone gathered as Nancy and Jim cut the ribbon to cheers from those in attendance.

Stop by and visit the new store, today. They’re open Sunday 11-4, Tuesday through Saturday 10-5 and their closed on Monday. Follow them on their Facebook page and for more information call (925) 978-9149 or email serenityandsobriety@gmail.com. See their ad in the August issue of the Herald or on the left side of this website.