Antioch, CA—Free Lunch at the Library is back at the Antioch Library this summer for children ages 0-18 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:00-2:00 p.m. starting June 13. After lunch, stick around for fun activities from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Tech Tuesdays you’ll receive a new Summer Reading challenge and play with a tech toy from our collection; Every Wednesday spend an hour learning how to code using our laptop computers; Thursdays will feature something different each week, including visits with First Generation Farmers, a story with a special guest from the Roller Derby Ladies, a movie, etc. The program continues through August 3.

This program was developed as a partnership between the California Library Association and the Summer Meal Coalition, and with support from the Antioch Unified School District. Public library summer meal programs provide children and teens in low-income communities with free and healthy summer lunches and summer reading and enrichment programs, to help combat hunger and obesity and prevent summer learning loss.

The Antioch Library is located at 501 W 18^th St. The Library is open:  Tuesday, 1-8, Wednesday and Thursday 10-6, and Saturday 12-5. For further information, phone the Library at 925-727-9224.

Pablo Ruiz. Photo by CCCSheriff.

On Tuesday morning, March 21, 2017, law enforcement officers arrested 33-year-old Pablo Ruiz of Bay Point for child molestation and distribution and possession of child pornography.

This follows a ten-month investigation lead by detectives from the Sexual Assault Unit of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff. In April 2016, investigators from the Silicon Valley Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force were contacted by authorities in Lynchburg, Virginia, who had identified Ruiz as a suspect who was trading child pornography over the internet. The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office took over the case. Investigators served a search warrant at Ruiz’s residence and collected a significant quantity of computer evidence. A short time later, evidence was uncovered that Ruiz had sexual contact with at least one minor.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has charged Ruiz with five counts of child molestation, aggravated possession of child pornography and nine counts of distributing child pornography. Ruiz is currently being held at the Martinez Detention Facility in lieu of $1.5 million bail.

Detectives believe there may be other victims. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to please contact Detective Norvell at 925-313-2625. For any tips, please email: tips@so.cccounty.us or call 866-846-3592 to leave an anonymous voice message.

The prosecution is a result of an investigation by a multi-agency Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which is managed by the San Jose Police Department. In Contra Costa County, detectives and investigators from the Walnut Creek, Antioch, Martinez, San Ramon, Con-cord and Moraga Police Departments, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Probation Department and District Attorney’s Office participate in the task force.

Dusty Baker talks with a little fan during an autograph signing at Kangazoom in Antioch, on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016. photo courtesy of Toi Crawford

Dusty Baker speaks with the Game Changers Little League baseball team.

By Allen Payton

Former San Francisco Giants Manager Dusty Baker stopped by Antioch to sign autographs for fans during a session at Kangazoom, on Sunday afternoon, December 18. He was joined by former Major League Baseball players Mike Norris and Mike Felder, who also signed autographs for the fans, both young and old

Baker, who is a graduate of Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, California and lives in Sacramento, led the Giants to the 2002 National League pennant, and also managed the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds. He’s currently the manager for the Washington Nationals and led all three of the latter teams to the playoffs.

As a player for 19 years with the Giants, Oakland A’s, Atlanta Braves and L.A. Dodgers, Baker helped the Dodgers to pennants in 1977 and 1978 and a World Series Championship in 1981.

Kangazoom owner-manager Marcus Jefferson enjoys a moment with Dusty Baker.

He spent his time at Kangazoom talking with fans including the Game Changers Little League baseball team. The event was also sponsored by Oliver Scott and a meal for the players and organizers was provided by Southern Café in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown, later that afternoon.

This is the second autograph signing by former Major League Baseball players held by Kangazoom since they opened in September. The family fun center features batting cages, miniature golf, indoor jumpers, party rooms and a snack bar. Kangazoom is located at 501 Auto Center Drive, between W. 4th and W. 10th Streets in Antioch. For more information call (925) 776-4386, like their Facebook page or visit www.kangazoom-antioch.com.