By Allen D. Payton

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 Day^TM, 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.”.

She is also an education consultant, having co-founded Our Collective Impact, LLC with Dr. Kendra Carr.

“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.

The book is available at the store and on www.revisionpub.com.

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.

For more information visit their Instagram pages here and here, Facebook page or website.

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Plus, Foodie Crew’s Food Truck Thursday

At Prewett Family Park on the hill next to the Antioch Water Park.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For more information and to get started today, visit https://splitsecondresponse.net.

About Dr. Tim Calvin

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.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Community Outreach Musical

Come out and join us for a day of school supply giveaways, community unity with music and dance. Resource operations will also share information.

Sunday, August 6, 2023 3 – 6 p.m.

Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch

To reserve your free school supplies, please contact B.C.C. Ministries at (925) 350-0188 or bcc1781@gmail.com.

Once again, Claryissa Wilson and her Forever Me Foundation has organized the annual Antioch Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway. This year it will be held on Saturday, August 5 beginning at 10:00 AM at Dallas Ranch Middle School, 1401 Mt. Hamilton Way in Antioch.

The event will include entertainment and resources for those who attend.

Donations of school supplies which can be purchased on the Amazon Supply Wish List or at local stores. Financial donations can be made and volunteers can also register on the event’s website. See all by clicking https://linktr.ee/4evermefoundation.

All events at the Antioch Water Park at Prewett Family Park, 4701 Lone Tree Way, include night swim! Tickets and passes available at antiochwaterpark.com

For details click on the links:

• Luau Night July 7 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Friday Night Lights July 14 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Christmas in July July 21 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
• Carnival Night July 28 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm