“This place has been dedicated, everything in and around this house. Everything we submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.” – Pastor Kirkland Smith

By Allen D. Payton

On Sunday, July 7, 2024, Grace Bible Fellowship Church of Antioch celebrated the Grand Opening of its new Grace Childcare Center, a project of the church’s Grace Arms non-profit organization.

The Grace Childcare Center is a state-of-the-art preschool situated in Antioch. Our center is committed to delivering exceptional childcare services, fostering interactive learning, and creating unforgettable childhood experiences. We are currently seeking highly motivated teachers who can inspire and contribute to our outstanding team. This presents an excellent opportunity to join a friendly, vibrant, and dynamic work environment.

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Pastor Kirkland Smith read Psalm 127:1 saying, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards that stand watch are in vain. For every house is built by somebody but God is the builder.”

“May every person who enters this property know they’re entering on holy ground,” he continued. “This place has been dedicated, everything in and around this house. Everything we submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.”

“So, it’s a privilege, it’s an honor as we embark upon another new chapter and endeavor for us,” Smith stated. He and Program Director Beate Bell then cut the red ribbon on the outside of the entrance doors.

“We’re ready to open. We’re ready for business,” the pastor added.

Grace Childcare Center’s mission is to provide a safe learning environment for children ages 24 months through five years old.

The focus is to equip each child with a stimulating early childcare experience focused on promoting strong cognitive and emotional development in order to build up community, civic and socially-minded individuals. This will be done through creative and hands on learning, with parental involvement, to build a firm and enduring foundation in the early formative years.

Operating hours are from 7am – 6pm, Monday through Friday. The facility holds 20 children in three fun and creative animal themed rooms, Duckie, Panda and Tiger where the children will engage in a play-based curriculum including yoga, arts and music.

If you would like to enroll your child in the Grace Childcare Center, located at 3415 Oakley Road in Antioch, please call (925) 522-2017 or email Program Director Beate Bell at bbell@gracearmsofantioch.org. 

To learn more visit www.gracearmsofantioch.org/childcare.

See ribbon cutting video.

4 Ever Me Foundation set to impact youth in Contra Costa County

Antioch, CA – As we gear up for the new school year, 4 Ever Me Foundation is excited to announce the 12th Annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway, a beloved event dedicated to supporting families in need of school essentials. We cordially invite the community to join us for a day of fun, entertainment, food, and invaluable resources.

Date: August 3rd, 2024

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: Dallas Ranch Middle School

Address: 1401 Mt Hamilton Dr, Antioch

For over a decade, our mission has been to ensure that every child embarks on their academic journey fully prepared and equipped with the necessary tools for success. Thanks to the generous contributions from our community and local sponsors, we have been able to provide crucial resources for students year after year. This event, which started in 2012, has grown immensely and garnered support from influential organizations such as the Golden State Warriors, who have been steadfast partners for nearly 9 years.

The Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway initially began as an AUSD-targeted initiative, identifying the need among students attending Black Diamond Middle School. Originally held at Pegnim and Ivancich law firm now, Ivancich and Costis in Antioch, the event occurred twice a year – once at the beginning of the school year and another midway – ensuring that students had ample supplies to last the entire academic year. As word spread and families from various school districts began attending, the event transitioned to a one-day gathering serving students from across Contra Costa County. We embrace our commitment to meeting the community’s needs, and this event will continue as long as the need exists.

The 4 Ever Me Foundation is committed to supporting the socio-emotional well-being of youth by providing resources for success, encouraging youth involvement within the community, and nurturing youth leaders. Founder, Claryssa Wilson, recounts how the event became the catalyst for establishing 4 Ever Me Foundation, recognizing the opportunity to make a broader impact on the community. The foundation’s name originated from a longstanding Instagram handle created in 2012, symbolizing the importance of staying true to oneself despite challenges faced during middle school. With the foundation in the process of being established in 2021, after prioritizing personal education, including graduating from Antioch High School in 2019 and in 2023 earning a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, Wilson leads a dedicated executive team, including former peers and family members. 

At the event, attendees can expect the following:

FREE School Supplies: We have stocked up on a wide range of school essentials, including backpacks, binders, notebooks, pens, pencils, and more. These supplies will be available for students to pick out, ensuring they get items they will truly love and use. We provide supplies for Pre-K through College!

Entertainment: Families can enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including games, face painting, and live performances. We guarantee a day full of joy and smiles!

Food: A delicious assortment of food vendors will be available for everyone to enjoy throughout the event.

Resources: Beyond school supplies, we understand the importance of addressing other essential needs. Our event will feature resource booths offering FREE information on health services, community programs, and other support services.

To ensure a smooth check-in process for all attendees, we kindly request that families register in advance by filling out the online form. Additionally, for those interested in donating or volunteering, the QR code on the attached flyer provides convenient access to relevant information and opportunities.

We are determined to make this year’s Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway the most impactful one yet! For media inquiries, interviews, or further information about the event, please reach out to Claryssa Wilson at 4evermefoundation@gmail.com or Velma Wilson at (925) 250-3051

Together, let’s create a positive impact on the lives of our children and build a brighter future for our community. We look forward to welcoming you on August 3rd at Dallas Ranch Middle School!.

Guest Column

By Annette Bakker, President, Children’s Tumor Foundation

Imagine receiving the shattering news that your daughter has cancer. Suddenly, you’re battling for her life. In the midst of treatment, you’re asked to sign a flurry of consent forms for her tissue to be donated for scientific research. 

Seeking to help others devastated by the same cruel disease, you agree. But in a twist, you’re never told how her tissue samples are actually being used — or if they ever get used at all. 

You wouldn’t be alone. I lead the Children’s Tumor Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting a rare genetic disease called neurofibromatosis, or NF. There’s no cure for the condition, which causes tumors to grow on nerves. The families I work with are desperate for treatments. That’s why they sign the many lengthy “informed consent” documents presented to them at hospitals, asking for permission to use tissue taken for research. But they have no control over how those samples are eventually utilized. Often, specimens simply collect dust on shelves. 

The same thing happens frequently to older cancer patients and those battling other diseases. Many have undergone a biopsy or provided another tissue sample for the purpose of testing or treatment. They often wrongly assume that their samples will be used to aid research, and so sign out of a wish to help others. 

Unlike organ donation, the market for “biomaterial” is largely unregulated. Hospitals typically provide it to “biobanks,” storage facilities that enter into partnerships with hospitals to gain access to tissue. 

Currently, biobanks often impede medical progress by hoarding specimens. I know firsthand that a lack of access to tumor samples and cell lines is a major problem for NF research. I regularly encounter obstacles in helping researchers obtain these materials. 

Even when biobanks do provide specimens to researchers, they typically choose those with whom they have strong personal relationships or who can help them publish in prestigious publications. That means researchers in many fields lack access to tissue that would validate their hypotheses. 

Most cancer patients want to support research, even if they don’t stand to benefit directly. But it’s deeply unfair to take someone’s tissue or bone marrow without telling them how such tissue will be used — or giving them a say in who gets to use it. 

Beyond basic ownership, patients should have more input on how their biomaterial is used. They should be able to decide for themselves which researchers receive their specimens — or consult with trusted patient organizations to make such decisions. They should also have the option to donate only to nonprofit biobanks, or to stipulate that access to their material shall not be restricted at all. 

While some biobanks tout a supposed commitment to valuing patient input, these proclamations are little more than window dressing in practice. To give patients a real say in the tissue donation process, we need patient committees for biobanks at large hospitals. Numerous studies have found that public involvement in biobanks bolsters long-term medical research and ensures more samples end up in laboratories.

Patients deserve transparency and influence when it comes to how their own bodies are used for research. Empowering them to make informed decisions will help accelerate medical progress for the greater good. 

For information about the Children’s Tumor Foundation visit www.ctf.org.

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

Join us this Friday for WESTERN NIGHT the 3rd night in our Water Park After Dark series!

You’ll find Card Games, Line Dancing, evening swim and so much more family fun!

Enjoy our tasty Specialty Menu Items:
Cornbread w/ honey or Chili 
Onion Rings 
Pulled Pork Sandwiches and much more!

JULY 19th

7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Antioch Water Park – 4701 Lone Tree Way.

Tickets: Pre-Sale – $11 and Day of – $13
Purchase tickets at antiochwaterpark.com.

Breakfast and/or Lunch is served at each location

The Antioch Unified School District is providing free, hot meals for kids and teens 18 and under during breakfast and/or lunch at multiple locations in Antioch this summer.

Antioch Community Center serves lunch M-F from 12 pm-1 pm.  No breakfast service.

Antioch Library serves lunch Tues.-Fri., from 12 pm-1 pm.  No breakfast service.

Grace Bible serves breakfast from 8 am-9 am, lunch from 12 pm-1 pm.

All other sites serve breakfast from 8:00 am-8:30 am and lunch from 12-12:30 pm.

Meals must be consumed onsite. No

For more information visit www.antiochschools.net/menu or call (925) 779-7600, option 2.

Sentenced to 15 years to life

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

A 29-year-old resident of Antioch was sentenced today, July 11, 2024, in Contra Costa Superior Court for sexual abuse of a young child.

Michelle Nicole Hidalgo, was sentenced by the Honorable David Goldstein after she pled guilty to engaging in sexual acts with a child 10 years old or younger [PC 288.7(b)]. Hidalgo was a nanny to the minor victim and has been in custody since her arrest on September 22, 2023. As part of a negotiated agreement, Hidalgo was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison – which will begin immediately. She was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

On September 21, 2023, the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was alerted to sexually explicit images of a small child being shared on X (formally Twitter). A search warrant was served at a residence in Antioch, seized equipment used in the production and distribution of pornographic images of minors and Hidalgo was arrested.  She was employed as a part-time nanny for the victim’s family. (See related article)

Pursuant to her plea, Hidalgo admitted to abusing the child on September 19, 2023. Evidence also demonstrated Hidalgo created visual depictions of the abuse and shared those images with other X users. Text messages sent from Hidalgo to others were recovered. Those messages indicated her intent to further

abuse the child the next time she was with the victim. Investigators are currently working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to ensure those images are flagged if shared online in the future.

“The sentence delivered today reflects the severity of the crime committed,” said District Attorney Diana

Becton. “Our system of justice is dedicated to protecting victims and safeguarding the community by holding offenders accountable.”

Deputy District Attorney Jenna Franklin from the DA’s Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case. The investigation was led by the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). Detectives and investigators who participated in the ICAC investigation are from the Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Danville police departments, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Special Agents from the United States Secret Service and Homeland Security Investigations, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, three-inch tall, 250-pound Hidalgo is Hispanic was born on December 23, 1994 and is being held in the West County 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.

Case No. 01-23-02982 | The People of the State of California v. Hidalgo, Michelle Nicole

By Antioch Community Library

Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 1:30 pm for an exciting presentation by Wildmind Science Learning as we are transported to the tropical world of the rainforest. Featuring live animals such as the armadillo, coendou, macaw, skink, and spectacled owl, audience members will be introduced to the wide variety of animals and plants that call the rainforest home.

The Antioch Library is located at 501 W. 18th Street. For more information about the library visit Antioch | Contra Costa County Library.

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

The Antioch Water Park presents Christmas in July featuring Aloha Ice this Friday, July 12, 2024! Enjoy refreshing shave ice, delight in a special appearance from Santa, and embark on an exciting scavenger hunt throughout the park!

Along with these fun activities, the first 50 people to enter the park will receive vouchers for FREE shave ice from Aloha Ice!

Tickets are $11 per person at AntiochWaterPark.com or $13 at the door and include night swim.

The Antioch Water Park is located inside Prewett Family Park at 4701 Lone Tree Way.
*Shave ice is not included in admission, without voucher, all shave ice must be purchased.

Don’t miss out and come celebrate with us!