Contra Costa County’s coordinated approach to addressing the devastating impacts of domestic violence, family violence, elder abuse, and human trafficking has been given a financial boost and vote of confidence with the announcement today of two significant federal grants.

United States Attorney General, Loretta Lynch announced $44 million in grant funding for programs across the country that combat human trafficking and support survivors.

Contra Costa County, considered to be among the leaders nationwide in its efforts to end domestic violence and human trafficking, was awarded a $727,364 three year grant so it can build upon its efforts of identifying victims and providing services for children and adults trapped in labor and sex trafficking. Zero Tolerance Chair, Devorah Levine says, “This grant is an endorsement of our accomplishments. It’s our responsibility to understand how modern day slavery exists in our community and how to best help victims.”

Also announced today, another $26 million dollars for programs nationwide dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Contra Costa County received a $900,000, three year grant for its programs working with victims and perpetrators. Says Levine, “We are making progress, and an opportunity like this grant, helps catapult our efforts to reach more people.” The money will be used to advocate for victims, offer assistance with restraining orders and law enforcement training. Hiring a full time probation officer to monitor 35-40 high risk domestic violence probationers is among the strategies planned to deescalate violence.

For more information about Contra Costa County Zero Tolerance Initiative, contact Devorah Levine, Chair Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Initiative dlevine@ehsd.cccounty.us 925-313-1524.

“Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence”, an initiative of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, is a public/private partnership designed to reduce domestic violence, family violence, elder abuse and human trafficking in Contra Costa County. Authorized by the California Legislature as the first Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence County in the State, the initiative is aligning policies, practices and protocols, coordinating services, and creating a climate where violence and abuse are not tolerated.

Zero Tolerance functions on the principle that no one entity can do it alone; placing emphasis on public systems and private providers working, advocating and taking concerted action together.

Twitter: @ContraCostaEHSD Facebook: Contra Costa Employment and Human-Services

Delta Thunder VI speed boat races on the river, in Antioch, Saturday, October 17, 2015

The Lady Washington docked near the former Humphrey’s restaurant in Antioch, on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015.

By Allen Payton

There was much to do and see in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown and at the Historical Society Museum, during the weekend.

Car shows were held on Saturday, on both West Second Street, put on by the Midnighters NorCal car club, and at the museum, featuring cars from several car clubs in East County.

Spectators enjoyed the Delta Thunder VI speed boat races, put on by the Rivertown Jamboree, both Saturday and Sunday. Plus, the tall ship Lady Washington , docked behind the former Humphrey’s restaurant, featured both on-deck walking and river cruising tours.

Although delayed by high winds on Saturday, the speed boat races were under way about 4:00 p.m. and continued on Sunday morning and afternoon to the delight of the participants, spectators, sponsors and promoters.

The Lady Washington will be docked in Antioch through the 26th. For more information click here. See race videos on the Antioch Herald Facebook page by clicking here.

Midnighters NorCal car club car show on West 2nd Street, Saturday, October 17, 2015. Photo by Wayne Harrison

Skip Tuttle gives a demonstration in his flat bottom boat that can reach speeds of 100 MPH, on the Antioch waterfront, during the Delta Thunder VI speed boat races, Sunday, October 18, 2015

The Delta Thunder VI speed boat races were delayed until a tanker was turned around near the tall ship Lady Washington, on Sunday, October 18.

A multi-club Car Show was held at the Antioch Historical Museum on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

Hot rods, classics, low riders and more were on display at the multi-club Car Show at the Antioch Historical Society Museum on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

1st Prize $500! 2nd Prize $250, 3rd Prize $100, 6-Honorable Mention Prizes of $25 Each

Children up to age 18 may enter. To enter the Coloring Contest, color the map (link below) of Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown from the 1800’s. Drop off or mail your entry(ies) by 5 PM, Friday, Dec. 11 to our office in the old Antioch Lumber Company building at 340 West Second Street, Antioch or email to RodneyLal@yahoo.com. Contest winners will be announced in December on AntiochHerald.com and their entries put on display at our office, during the visit by Santa, and in the January issue of the Antioch Herald. Artists release the exclusive rights for use by Prime Vintage Realty. For more information call (925) 366-8077. Download a copy of the map, here: Rivertown Coloring Contest

Brentwood Car Audio and One Warm Coat®, warming communities…one coat at a time

Forty-five million Americans are currently living in poverty. For these families and individuals, a warm coat is a budget extra they simply cannot afford. Brentwood Car Audio invites area residents to make a difference in your neighbor’s lives by donating coats and dollars during our upcoming coat drive.

Brentwood Car Audio is working with One Warm Coat® to collect clean, gently used warm coats, and dollars to support the coat drive program, now through December 19, 2015, at 1921 Verne Roberts Circle, Antioch (Right Next to COSTCO). The process is simple: you drop off your extra coat(s) and Brentwood Car Audio takes care of the rest. All donated coats will be given to a local agency for distribution to local children and adults in need.

Customers who do not have a coat to donate can still get involved:

• Text “WARM” to 80100 to donate $10 to One Warm Coat® or

• Visit www.onewarmcoat.org/donate.

All Brentwood Car Audio customers who donate coats will receive either $30.00 off* the purchase and installation of a Stereo, $50 off* the purchase and installation of a Car Remote Starter or $50 off* the purchase and installation of Seat Heaters for your vehicle. *Please see the store for details.

“For more than 20 years we have been working to provide a warm coat to anyone who needs one,” said Jennifer Stockard, President and Chief Executive Officer of One Warm Coat®. “We are so thankful for our many coat drive ambassadors, like Brentwood Car Audio who volunteer their time, resources and energy to help their neighbors in need. Together, we can reach our goal of warming one million people each winter, one community at a time!”

One Warm Coat® is a national non-profit organization that works to provide a free, warm coat to any person in need. One Warm Coat supports individuals, groups, companies and organizations across the country by providing the tools and resources needed to hold a successful coat drive. Coats are distributed in the communities where they were collected, to children and adults in need, without charge, discrimination or obligation. Since One Warm Coat’s inception in 1992, they have worked with their volunteers to give away more than 4 million coats and spread awareness about the need for warm coats.

You will receive the following text to give: $10 will be charged to your mobile phone account. For One Warm Coat’s Privacy Policy, go to http://onewarmcoat.org/privacy/. By texting YES, you agree to the terms and conditions. Service is available on most carriers. Message & data rates may apply. Donations are collected for the benefit of One Warm Coat® by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to 80100. For help, text HELP to80100.

COLOR RUN / Walk for Breast Cancer fundraiser

Friday, October 16, 2015 3:30 -4:30 p.m.

Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Parking Lot

• $10.00 entry fee students $20.00 entry fee adults

• Students must complete and return permission slip

• Make and wear your own tutu (optional)

• Put a memento of a loved one on our table of remembrance (are you walking for someone?)

• Decorate your own t-shirt (date TBA)

• Get splashed with color every few laps. The more color the better.

• All profits will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation

• Awareness alone isn’t a cure, women need to get regular mammograms

To participate, download the entry form, by clicking here: COLOR RUN Entry form