Michelle Hidalgo in a post on her Facebook page on October 26, 2022.
Result of effort by countywide task force; held on $700,000 bail
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of the District Attorney
A 28-year-old resident of Antioch was charged today in a seven-count felony complaint by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office for the production and distribution of child pornography.
Michelle Nicole Hidalgo was arrested on Friday, September 22, 2023, by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Officers served Hidalgo with a search warrant at her home and seized equipment used in the production and distribution of pornographic images of minors. The search of Hidalgo’s home and her arrest came after task force members were notified by a social media company on September 21st that child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) of a small child were being shared on their platform.
At the time of her arrest in Antioch, Hidalgo was working part-time as a nanny for the victim’s family.
Hidalgo remains in the custody of the Contra Costa County Sheriff and her bail has been set at $700,000. She will make her first court appearance on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, in Martinez.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Hidalgo is 5’3”, 250 lbs. and Hispanic and born on born on December 23, 1994 and is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $800,000 bail. Her Facebook profile shows she lives in Antioch and is from Pacifica, CA where she studied at Terra Nova High School.
The case is being prosecuted by the Sexual Assault Unit of the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. It was investigated by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, in which detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Brentwood, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Danville, Oakley, and Moraga Police Departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, United States Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office participate on the task force.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Senior Inspector Darryl Holcombe, dholcombe@contracostada.org.
Case information: | The People of the State of California v. Hidalgo, Michelle Nicole
The 2nd Annual Stroll For Gold 5k/10k Fun Run and Walk will be held Saturday, September 23rd at beautiful Contra Loma Reservoir, starting at 9am. 100% of the net proceeds will benefit children and families affected by childhood cancer. Dillon’s Dream A World Without Cancer is a non-profit organization that brings awareness to childhood cancer, as well as supports children and families affected by childhood cancer by donating art supplies, crafts, activities the kids can do in the hospital, gift cards, and toys around the holidays.
Stroll For Gold Fun Run and Walk will offer a 5k and a 10k option around Contra Loma. All participants who sign up by August 30th will receive a t-shirt. Day of there will be some music, booths, snacks will be provided as well as a bag with some goodies.
For more information about the run or to register you can go to the website at https://dillonsdreams.simpletix.com/. If you would like to volunteer, you can call the race director Deanna Rundall at 925-852-7457 or email dillonsdreams@gmail.com.
An Antioch mother and daughter have recently published a book on potty-training and will read from and autograph copies this Saturday, August 12 at Barnes & Noble. Sharifa Akilah Trinay Washington co-authored the book with her only child, four-year-old daughter, Ziana Washington.
“My daughter and I have recently created a fantastic resource for parents who are potty training their children,” Sharifa shared. “Our creation, Potty-Training DayTM, is a beautifully illustrated, 32-page book aimed at children ages 0 to 4 years old. It incorporates fun rhymes, songs, and colorful pictures to not only simplify the potty-training journey but also make it an enjoyable experience for both parents and children.”
The Oakland native self-published the book through her own company, Revision Publishing,
“I felt it was essential for me to share my talents and knowledge with the world,” Sharifah said. “I firmly believe that it is crucial for young children to be exposed to images that reflect their own likeness, and for us to have greater control over our intellectual property.”
“Representation in the toilet training industry is of utmost importance,” she continued. “Interestingly, a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine revealed that African American children tend to start and complete toilet training at least six months earlier than their white counterparts.”
The inspiration for their children’s book came from Sharifa’s personal experiences and challenges while potty training Ziana.
“I wanted to create a book that would keep young children engaged and interested in the process,” Sharifa shared. “I also wanted to publish a book with her. It was the perfect kind of way for teaching her how to be an author as well as potty-training.”
The former teacher and administrator said she “took the leap of faith in June to go into full-time entrepreneurship and become a full-time student.”
The single mom is studying for a doctoral degree in educational leadership at St. Mary’s College.
She started the book publishing company in 2020 and “in 2021 when my daughter was about two, we started the potty-training process.”
“To further expand our reach and cater to a wider audience, due to popular demand, we are in the process of creating a version of the same book specifically designed for boys. This book will provide more representation for black males and dads who are toilet training their sons,” Sharifa stated. “With a background in education, communications, and public relations, I believe I am well-equipped to provide valuable insights on how parents can make potty training a fun and interactive experience.”
Asked if she was excited about publishing the book, Ziana said, “Yes.” Asked what grade in school she’s attending this year the little co-author said, “I’m going to be in TK.”
This is the second book Sharifah has authored. Her first book, entitled Beyond the Hurt, is a fictional novel based in Oakland.
She wants to help other authors self-publish their books, as well.
“Through Revision Publishing, I am building my publishing legacy,” Sharifa explained. “I have a strong passion for helping individuals bring their ideas and stories to life.”.
“We consult with schools and organizations, including in Pittsburg and Antioch,” Sharifa said. “We work with the Family Justice Center and with Bridge Builders, which are both in Antioch.
Meet the mother-daughter duo at the Antioch Barnes & Noble located in the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center at 5709 Lone Tree Way this Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 2-3 p.m. and listen to Ziana read the majority of their book.
Silence The Violence free, family community event at Monica’s Riverview this Friday, August 11, 2023 from 5:30-11pm
The evening, hosted by Dude Where’s My Tacos and United Playaz, will include bounce houses, corn hole, a clown, face painting, magician, multiple food vendors and music by DJ Rick Lee.
The restaurant is located at 1 I Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.
Multi-agency Operation Cross Country conducts three efforts, investigating four other cases
Under leadership of organization with office in Antioch
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Law enforcement partners with the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force arrested two suspected human traffickers and recovered one juvenile victim in a nationwide effort to apprehend human traffickers and provide services to victims.
As part of Operation Cross Country, task force partners and local FBI personnel jointly conducted three separate anti-human trafficking operations throughout Contra Costa County from July 19th through 30th, 2023. These joint efforts led to the arrest of a 33-year-old male resident of Sacramento and a 24-year-old male resident of Oakland, and the identification of nine survivors of human trafficking – including one juvenile. Additionally, the FBI and task force partners are still investigating four other cases in Contra Costa County. All victims identified through these operations met with specialized human trafficking victim advocates immediately upon contact and were offered a range of services and support.
“These outcomes demonstrate the positive results that can be achieved from collaboration between law enforcement and community partners to address the harm caused by human trafficking and deliver justice to victims,” noted District Attorney Diana Becton.
The suspects were arrested or cited on one or more of the following human trafficking or human trafficking-related offenses: sex trafficking of a minor, supervising, aiding, or recruiting a prostitute, and violating a protective order [PC236.1(c), PC653.23, and PC166(a4]. The ongoing investigations in these cases center on these charges as well as pimping, pandering, and adult trafficking [PC266h, PC266i, and PC236.1(b)].
Task Force Co-chair and Executive Director of Community Violence Solutions, Cynthia Peterson, highlighted that “the partnership among Contra Costa’s task force members in combatting human trafficking ensures a coordinated, trauma-informed response focused on our shared goals of empowering and providing comprehensive services and support to victims.”
Participating agencies included, in alphabetical order:
• Community Violence Solutions
• Concord Police Department
• Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office (CCCDA)
• Contra Costa County Probation Department
• Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department
• Federal Bureau of Investigations
• Hercules Police Department
• Homeland Security Investigations
• International Rescue Committee
• Northern California Regional Intelligence Center
• Pittsburg Police Department
• Pleasant Hill Police Department
• Richmond Police Department
The Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force is co-led by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and Community Violence Solutions, a community-based 24-hour service provider for survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking.
Founded in 2018, the Task Force envisions a community free of human trafficking where survivors thrive. It aims to achieve this by encouraging self-sufficiency and empowerment through the provision of survivor-centered, culturally responsive advocacy and services; striving for exploiter accountability through prosecution, education, civil remedies, and restorative practices; educating task force members and the community; and harnessing data to guide these efforts.
Anyone with information on suspected human trafficking (sex or labor) or related crimes is encouraged to make a report to your local law enforcement agency or the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Tip Line (925) 957-8658.
Owner changes name, focus of D1 & Only Martial Arts
By Dr. Tim Calvin, Ed.D., CEO & Founder
We live in a scary world where violent crime seems to be ever increasing, and our children are becoming the byproducts of a society of unfettered scruples and moral degradation. It is alarming as we watch our children become more self-absorbed, socially inept, and morally disconnected as they become attached to their electronic devices and social media platforms that feeds their young minds with inappropriate images and unethical messaging. As a result, our children are becoming more prone to violence, unremorseful, and ill-prepared to deal with the brutal nature of their environment, and they are continuing this trend well into adulthood.
As acts of violence and shootings become increasingly rampant and cities become more unstable, it appears that those charged with protecting and keeping residents safe are incapable of living up to their obligation. As a result, vigilance, and the ability to efficiently and effectively recognize, avoid, de-escalate, or defend oneself or others from various threats or potentially volatile situations, is more vital than ever before.
Couples’ Self Defense Class. Photo: SSR
In response to society’s growing need for an effective resolution to combat its cycle of violence and apathy, D1 & Only Martial Arts has changed and Split Second Response was formed. Located at 3385 Deer Valley Road in Antioch, Split Second Response is revolutionizing the personal protection and safety industry by providing a unique approach to private safety and security, as well as a distinct and customized method of childhood development and individual growth. Split Second Response is a state-certified training facility that provides a multitude of services that includes a modern and realistic martial arts and self-defense program, firearms training for beginners, advanced firearms courses, and Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) permit certification courses, as well as First Aid/CPR/AED training through the American Red Cross and the Health and Safety Institute (HSI). Moreover, Split Second Response provides BSIS state-certified security guard training courses (guard card, firearms, baton, use of force, and more), in addition to Taser and Active Shooter certification courses.
Two students participate in the Women’s Only Basic Pistol Course. Photos: SSR
Split Second Response’s martial arts and personal protection program is designed to provide its students with a real-world approach to personal protection and safety. Realizing that outdated martial arts programs are ill-suited to meet today’s threats, Split Second Response, merged several martial arts styles, including Kickboxing, Krav Maga, basic Jiujitsu, and Arnis (Philippine Stick Fighting) into one well-rounded and highly effective self-defense system. The objective of this program is to condition the individual’s mind and body to instinctively react to whatever danger or threat comes your way. Students at Split Second Response are taught situational awareness and threat assessment, how to defend themselves standing, protect themselves on the ground, defend against multiple attackers, or against assailants with various weapons.
Photos: SSR
In addition to the unique approach to self-defense, Split Second Response works diligently to develop the character and moral fortitude of our youth. By changing the mindset and perceptions of our children, Split Second Response hopes to create a safer and more productive community one child at a time. The training regimen for each student at Split Second Response is customized regarding their personal growth and development by focusing on habit formation. Split Second Response employs a four-step process for character development and improved behavior by 1.) identifying areas of concern, 2.) working with parents to establish a plan to address these concerns, 3.) implementing the plan, and 4.) rewarding success or helping students refocus and get back on track if they fall short of accomplishing their goals.
Split Second Response is unlike any personal protection and development program on the market, not just in the services provided, but also in the team of professional and elite instructors they employ. Split Second Response has an exceptional and highly skilled training staff that includes former national martial arts champions, current and former law enforcement officers with backgrounds in S.W.A.T., Undercover Narcotics, and Investigations, along with current and former members of the U.S. military. So, regardless of what your personal protection, safety, or growth and development needs may be, Split Second Response is more than capable of helping you meet and exceed your goals.
Calvin has been in business in Antioch since January 2000, is a former Oakland and Novato Police officer for 10 years and former Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps serving in Operation Desert Storm as a H.A.W.K. Missile Operator, a former board member of the Antioch Kiwanis Club, and a former board member of the Antioch Police Activities League (PAL).
He has trained in martial arts for over 28 years and has earned a 7th Degree Black Belt in CCR, a 5th Degree Black Belt in Kajukenbo, a 5th Degree Black Belt in Senkotiros Arnis (Philippine Stick & Knife Fighting), a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu, is a Level II Krav Maga Instructor, a certified Kickboxing Instructor, a California Dept. of Consumer Affairs: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) Firearm and Baton Instructor, an NRA Firearms Instructor, an NRA Range Safety Officer (RSO), a DOJ Firearms Instructor, an NRA Refuse To Be A Victim (RTBAV) Instructor, a certified American Red Cross (ARC) and Health and Safety Institute (HSI) Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor, an HSI AVERT Active Shooter Instructor and AVERT Instructor Trainer, and an Axon Taser Instructor.
Dr. Calvin is also Executive Director of the non-profit Affiliated Martial Arts Promoter’s Association, and earlier this month earned his Doctorate in Organizational Change and Administration from California Baptist University in Riverside, CA.
