Children and family members from Antioch’s Sycamore neighborhood look through the toys to choose two each as their Christmas gift as volunteers from Bonafide Sisterhood assist on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022. Photos by Allen D. Payton

Families are greeted by Santa Claus as they await their turn for the children to choose their favorite toys for Christmas.

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch-based Bonafide Sisterhood gave some early assistance to Santa Claus by holding their annual Christmas toy giveaway for residents in the Sycamore Drive neighborhood on Monday night Dec. 19, 2022.

“Each child gets two items in the first go around to make sure everyone gets something,” said Executive Director Tonyia ‘Nina’ Carter. “Then if there are more toys remaining families can return and get more.”

They also raffled off several bikes.

This was the organization’s third year holding the event. About six volunteers helped including one dressed as Santa Claus.

“I just want to say thank you to the community for supporting the effort,” Carter said. “I give a special shout out to Sandra White, Tammy Scott, East Bay Forward EDA and Moms Demand Action who donated toys and to our volunteers.”

A variety of new toys were available for the children to choose from.

The Bonafide Sisterhood is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides much-needed resources to challenging communities. Focusing on redirecting, rebuilding, and preventing gang and gun violence by supporting families through life’s challenges by connecting them to Community-Based Life Coaches that will help them connect the dots along their healing journey and advocate for their well-being.

To learn more about the organization and to support their efforts visit www.bonafidesisterhood.org.

Or drop off your donated toy at the Dillon’s Dream booth during the Holiday Delites celebration in Rivertown, Saturday, Dec. 3.

The toys will be donated for children in the oncology clinics at John Muir Walnut Creek, Kaiser Oakland and Sutter Health Sacramento.

For more information about Dillon’s Dream visit dillonsdreams.org.

The International Orphan Relief Foundation wishes you a happy holiday season! We would love for you to be a part of our annual East County Christmas Children’s PJ and To Drive. Please click the link below to see how you can impact the youth and families in East County and bring joy this Christmas!

Donate to our Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/DirCStaton

Charges: assault with a deadly weapon and vehicular manslaughter as one of the three children was removed from life support and passed away

Ray Shaqil Reeves arrest and bail information. Source: Contra Costa Superior Court

By Allen D. Payton

On Tuesday, October 11, 2022, 29-year-old Ray Shaqil Reeves, was arrested in Oakley by Antioch Police officers for causing the accident that struck and injured three 12-year-old siblings, a girl and two boys, on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, as they were walking home from school in Antioch. All three children were transported to hospitals and one of the boys was later removed from life support and passed away. (See related articles here and here)

Reeves caused the accident that resulted in the injuries. As previously reported, according to witnesses a red Chevrolet Impala struck a tan Mercury Mystique in the area of Sycamore Drive and Manzanita Way, forcing the Impala in the direction of the juveniles walking on the southwest corner of Sycamore Drive and Manzanita way.

According to witness statements, the Mercury Mystique was traveling westbound on Sycamore Drive and was waiting for traffic to clear before turning left (southbound) onto Manzanita Way. Simultaneously, the Chevrolet Impala exited Sycamore Square onto westbound Sycamore Drive at a high rate of speed. As the Impala approached the Mercury, the Impala attempted to pass the Mercury on the left just as the Mercury began to make the left-hand turn. Regrettably, the result was the Impala colliding into the Mercury, propelling the Impala in the direction of the juveniles reportedly walking home from school.

He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for violation of the following California Penal Code Sections: PC 192 (c)(1)-Vehicular Manslaughter, PC 245(a)(1)-Assault with a Deadly Weapon, PC 245(a)(1)-Assault with a Deadly Weapon, PC 245(a)(1)-Assault with a Deadly Weapon, PC 245(a)(1)-Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and PC 245(a)(1)-Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

UPDATE: His bail has been set at $390,000 and arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 1:30 p.m.

Charges filed against Ray Shaqil Reeves. Source: Contra Costa Superior Court

The Antioch Police Department thanked “the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for hearing this case and filing charges against Reeves.”

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of the children and pray for the family and loved ones during this time of grief. Words fall short of expressing our sorrow for the victims of this extremely tragic incident,” the APD shared in their press release about the arrest.