The Grace Childcare Center is now open on the campus of Grace Bible Fellowship of Antioch. Photo: Grace Arms
“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.”
Pastor Kirkland Smith and Program Director Beate Bell cut the ribbon to officially open the Grace Childcare Center on Sunday, July 7, 2024. Source: Grace Arms video screenshots.
“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.
National Night Out (NNO) is a national community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships. NNO culminates annually, across the United States, on the first Tuesday in August. The goal of agencies and communities across the nation is to enhance relationships and bring back a true sense of community. This year, NNO will be held on Tuesday, August 6 and we will be visiting block parties around the city between 6 PM and 9 PM.
The following communities are hosting NNO block parties at the below locations:
– South Lake/ Alhambra Drive
– Sycamore Drive
– Village Point HOA
– Strasbourg Lane
– Gazelle Court
– Deer Ridge Way
– Ivy Lane
– Julpun Community Park
– Eagleridge Park
– Fallow Way
– Rivertown Apartments
If you are hosting an event and would like us to visit, please email: hansho@antiochca.gov
Eagleridge Park National Night Out Event
Organizers invite you to join them for a fun-filled afternoon at Eagleridge Park National Night Out event in Antioch, CA!
Save the date: August 6, 2024
Time: 4pm – 8pm
It’s a FREE event! Enjoy:
Free Snow Cones and snacks
Bounce Houses
Face Painting
Games
Live Musical Entertainment
Don’t miss out on the excitement! Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable evening of community celebration. See you there!
Eagleridge Park is located on Eagleridge Drive and Greystone Drive.
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.
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!.
Antioch Police catch a burglar at Savers on July 9th and assigned to Slatten Ranch Shopping Center on July 26, 2024. Photos by APD
Recover several $1,000’s of merchandise, equipment
By Antioch Police Department
To deter crime and quickly respond to crimes in progress, APD has assigned officers specifically to the Slatten Ranch shopping center on Lone Tree Way. You may have noticed our officers on foot and in vehicles in the area. Officers have made contact with several of the highest impacted stores and are stationed in the area ready to respond to thefts, burglaries, or any other crimes that may occur.
In addition, Antioch Police worked with the new Savers store on Somersville Road, at the former location of Big Lots, earlier this month to catch a burglary suspect. A post on APD’s Facebook on July 11th reads:
“Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!
We’re proud to report a successful collaboration between the Savers store and the Antioch Police Department, resulting in the arrest of a burglary suspect!
– 07/6/24 at 9:30 pm: Roof hatch and rappel burglary
– 07/7/24 at 9:30 pm: Roof hatch and rappel burglary
– 07/8/24 at 12:30 am: Roof hatch and rappel burglary
– Reported: 07/8/24
Several thousand dollars in merchandise and equipment stolen.
7/9/24 at 2:17 pm: Officers recovered stolen items near San Jose and Delta Fair.
On 7/9/2024, at 9:05 pm, the store manager spotted the burglar on a live feed. Officers swiftly set a perimeter and apprehended the suspect as he exited.
This arrest highlights the power of teamwork between Savers and APD. Thank you to everyone involved for their diligence and quick response!
The Chichibu, Japan delegation members met their host families and Sister City organization leaders during a brief Welcome Ceremony in the Council Chambers at Antioch City Hall on Monday afternoon, July 22, 2024. Photo by Allen D. Payton
10 students, four adults, including one teacher in town for 10 days of cultural exchange, tours
By Allen D. Payton
On Monday, July 22, a delegation of 14 people from Japan arrived in town as part of the Antioch-Chichibu Sister City Organization’s exchange program for a 10-day visit. They were given a warm welcome and greeted by applause from city staff and banners held by host family members at City Hall. The delegates are being treated to multiple events and tours in Antioch and San Francisco, ending with a Farewell Party and BBQ open to the public next Tuesday before flying home on Wednesday.
The Chichibu delegation arrived by tour bus at Antioch City Hall on Monday, July 22, 2024, to a warm welcome of applause by city staff and banners from host family members. Photos by Jon Davis
The delegates are staying with host families in Antioch and according to coordinator Jessica Davis, the organization’s vice president, “This year is extra fun for a few of our hosts and delegates because five of these Chichibu delegates are getting to stay with the family of the student that they hosted last summer.”
Established in 1967 to encourage friendship and cultural awareness between America and Japan, the volunteer run home stay exchange program alternates with delegations from Antioch visiting Japan in odd numbered years and the Chichibu delegation visiting Antioch in even numbered years. The relationship resulted in the naming of Chichibu Park in Antioch and Antioch Park in Chichubu.
The organization is part of the larger, Sister Cities International, “Founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956,” as “a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit which serves as the national membership organization for individual sister cities, counties, and states across the United States. This network unites tens of thousands of citizen diplomats and volunteers in over 300 member communities with over 2,000 partnerships in more than 140 countries.”
The Chichibu delegates enjoyed lunch at Antioch’s Chichibu Park and a tour of Antioch High School. These and photos below by Antioch-Chichibu Sister City Organization
This year’s delegation includes four adults and 10 students:
Chino Suzuki, Chichibu City Hall Staff Member
Mayumi Fukushima, English teacher
Hitoshi Sahara, Chichibu-Antioch Sister City Member
Miyuki Ono, Chichibu-Antioch Sister City Member
Students
Airi Ono, daughter of Miyuki, age 10
Yui Imaizumi, age 12
Fumihiro Koike, age 13
Naruhi Kato, age 14
Ayano Wada, age 14
Hinata Masuda, age 14
Michika Teshigawara, age 14
Hiromi Ohama, age 16
Shizuku Ono, age 15, and
Miho Kaizaki, age 15
The Chichibu delegation toured the Black Diamond Mines in Antioch on Tuesday.
Itinerary
After arriving at SFO on Monday, the delegation enjoyed lunch at Sizzler in Pinole, then a brief welcome ceremony in Antioch City Hall for photos and meeting their host families.
On Tuesday they had a tour of the Black Diamond Mines in Antioch, followed by lunch at Chichibu Park. The group then toured the Antioch Water Treatment plant where they got to see the new brackish water desalination plant, then a tour of Antioch High School and the Antioch Historical Society Museum.
At the Antioch Historical Society Museum and in the Sports Legends wing on Tuesday.
They were officially recognized by the mayor and council during their meeting, and presented with the Proclamation approved that night. (See below)
Wednesday was Family Day, in which the host family and their guests were on their own. It ended with the official Welcome Dinner at Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill with the city council members. The delegates were each presented with gift bags filled with City of Antioch and other themed items. Thursday was another Family Day.
The delegates and host families took photos with Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe and organization leaders, including Jessica Davis, left, Brad Helfenberger (second from left) and Antwon Webster (right). They were also given gift bags which included special-themed cookies donated by the Speakeasy Baking Co.
Today, Friday, July 26, 2024, the delegates enjoyed a tour of San Francisco with a trip down Lombard Street, visits to Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf, lunch at Goodfella’s Pizza, a visit to Ghirardelli Square, a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands, and dinner at In-N-Out Burger.
Tomorrow, Saturday, the visitors from Chichibu will enjoy a pool party and potluck at the home of organization president, Antwon Webster followed by another Family Day on Sunday.
The delegates, host families and organization leaders visited the Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39 on Friday, July 26, 2024.
On Monday morning, the delegation will be given a Delta Tour by boat from the pier near Smith’s Landing.
The public is invited to visit with the Chichibu delegation during the Farewell Party at the Antioch Waterpark on Tuesday. General Admission opens at 11:00 am, a BBQ dinner by local master John Davis will be served at 5:00 pm and optional Water Aerobics will be held from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm to work off dinner.
The 14 Sister City delegates from Chichibu with their host families will then meet up Wednesday morning at City Hall before departing for the SFO Airport for the flight home that afternoon.
The organization is led by Webster, Davis, Jim Davis, Treasurer, Abe Rodriguez, Public Relations, Hillary Tam, Youth Representative, and Members-at-Large Phyllis Fox and Brad Helfenberger who is also the city’s Director of Parks and Recreation and current Acting Assistant City Manager.
WHEREAS, In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower initiated a new international Sister City program for the purposes of cultural and economic exchange by establishing relationships between cities of similar size and economic base;
WHEREAS, In the 1960s, Mayor Verne Roberts traveled with the League of California Cities to six countries, including Japan, to investigate the possibility of establishing a Sister City relationship; and at the same time, Chichibu City was seeking a sister city in California;
WHEREAS, The two cities were likely candidates to be each other’s sister city as each city had manufacturing plants, were situated near a river, had a mountain in the vicinity, and were at the edge of the economic sphere of a large metropolitan area;
WHEREAS, In 1967, the City Council adopted a resolution formally accepting Chichibu as Antioch’s Sister City, with annual exchanges occurring every year beginning in 1971 with Antioch visiting Chichibu on odd numbered years and Chichibu visiting Antioch on even numbered years;
and WHEREAS, The 2024 delegation from Chichibu consists of 14 individuals including 10 youth, a teacher, a Chichibu City official, and two additional chaperones who will be visiting Antioch and the Bay Area from July 22-July 31, 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, LAMAR A. HERNADEZ-THORPE, Mayor of the City of Antioch, do hereby welcome the 2024 delegation visiting from Chichibu, Japan. Antioch places great value on the friendship with our Sister City that we’ve enjoyed for the past 57 years and look forward to continuing this fellowship for many years to come.
In honor of the Opening Ceremonies of the 2024 Olympics in Paris France, join us this Friday for OLYMPIC NIGHT, the 4th and final night in our Water Park After Dark series!
Don’t miss your chance to compete in Olympics Games to win an Olympic medal and prizes!
Enjoy a night swim until 8:45 pm and our tasty Specialty Menu Items with flavors from around the world!
Registration is now open for the free youth 4th Annual Kendall Smith Basketball Camp on Saturday, August 3, 2024.
Improve your basketball skills this summer. Co-ed basketball camp for youth 7-17 years old athletes and non-athletes. Doors open at 8:30 am, the camp starts at 9:00 am and ends at 2:00 pm.
The event will be held in the gym at Smith’s alma mater, Deer Valley High School, 4700 Lone Tree Way in Antioch, where he played hoops before heading on to play for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys, then into the pros, where he’s played for international teams and the Warriors G League team in Santa Cruz. (Learn more about his career).
Sponsored by Smith’s My Brothers Keeper 1K, to register visit Kendall Smith Basketball Camp. To be a sponsor, donate or volunteer email mybrotherskeepers925@gmail.com.
