Mike Aiello wins Best of Show for his 1941 Buick Special

Anthony Ochoa wins People’s Choice award for his 1969 Chevy Camaro

By Allen D. Payton

Of the 79 cars that were entered in this year’s annual Rivertown Father’s Day Car Show, nine owners were honored with awards for the various categories. Each were presented with a trophy by organizers Joy Motts and Michael Gabrielson of the Celebrate Antioch Foundation. Mike Aiello won the Best of Show award for his 1941 Buick Special and was presented with the largest trophy of all. Anthony Ochoa won the People’s Choice award for his 1969 Chevy Camaro.

Categories, Winners and Cars

• Muscle Car – George Dias, 1972 Chevy Camaro
• Hot Rod – Steve Cloyes, 1936 Ford Pick Up
• Sport – Murna Flores, 1965 Buick Skylark
• Truck – Rod Masters, 1957 Chevy Truck
• Lowrider – Miguel Garibay, 1964 Chevy Impala
• Classic Pre-1951 – Barry Callister, 1930 Ford Model A
• Classic 1951+ – John Grahm, 1955 Chevy Bel Aire

Fathers and families enjoyed looking at the entries, taking photos at the special booth provided by one of Rivertown’s newest businesses, Craft & Gather, lunch at local restaurants, shopping at the vendor booths and the sounds of D.J. Watergate in Antioch’s historic downtown.

Raffle prizes, including folding camping chairs and a cornhole tournament playset were awarded to happy winners. The big raffle prize winner was Matt Sanders who carried away his new Tommy Bahama Rolling Cooler.

For more information about Celebrate Antioch and the list of this year’s events visit www.celebrateantioch.org. To learn more about the Rivertown merchants visit the Antioch Rivertown Facebook page. The next event in Rivertown is the City-sponsored July 4th Celebration followed by the Hot August Cruise Night on August 17th.

Sponsors, golfers needed

The annual Chamber Cares Golf Tournament by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024. Proceeds will benefit Antioch businesses that have recently been vandalized or had other hardships arise and help with a check to defray the costs of clean up, fix up and repair.

Platinum Sponsorship: Established Signage Plus 2-Foursomes (+$2,500.00)

Gold Sponsorship: Established Signage Plus 1-Foursome (+$1,250.00)

Silver Sponsorship: Established Signage Plus 2-Golfers (+$750.00)

Bronze Sponsorship: Signage Plus 1-Golfer (+$500.00)

Copper Sponsorship: Tee Sign (+$250.00)

Foursome Entry Fee

Foursome of Golf $600, Range Balls, Green Fee w/cart, Tee Prize & After Play Food. (+$600.00)

Threesome Entry Fee

Threesome of Golf $450, Range Balls, Green Fee w/cart, Tee Prize & After Play Food (+$450.00)

Twosome Entry Fee

Twosome of Golf $300, Range Balls, Green Fee w/cart, Tee Prize & After Play Food (+$300.00)

Single Entry Fee

Single player Golf $150, Range Balls, Green Fee/cart, Tee Prize & After Play Food (+$150.00)

Tee time is at 1:00 p.m. and entry fees include dinner and awards.

To become a sponsor call (925) 757-1800. To register to golf click, here.

During Food Truck Thursdays

Dates: Thursday, July 11th, 18th & 25th

Start Time: Dusk (approximately between 8:30pm and 8:45pm)

Location: Prewett Family Park Hillside (Located next to the Antioch Water Park)

This July, free outdoor movie nights are back! Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, and bring the entire family out to enjoy popcorn, kids’ crafts and a movie. Happening on the Prewett Family Park Hillside, next to the Antioch Water Park, movies will begin just after dusk (approximately 8:30pm-8:45pm depending on sunset).

Did we mention it will also be Food Truck Thursday, brought to you by FoodieCrewSF. Don’t forget to grab dinner before the movie begins! Visit @foodiecrewsf on Instagram to see the food truck lineup for each night!

Free popcorn, refreshments, and kids’ arts & crafts while supplies last.

This year’s lineup:

July 11th – Disney Pixar’s Elemental (2023) – Rated PG (Runtime: 101 minutes)
July 18th – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023) – Rated PG (Runtime: 99mins)
July 25th – Matilda (1996) – Rated PG (Runtime: 98 minutes)

You won’t want to miss this.

Prewett Family Park is located at on Lone Tree Way.

*Dates and locations subject to change.

During first ever Antioch Salutes Ceremony

“Thank you, future servicemembers for your courage and commitment. May God bless each of you…” – Navy Commander Clinton T. Ceralde

“I challenge you…gain from your service and then come back to your communities and lead.” – Local veterans’ leader J.R. Wilson

“What you’re defending is not just the Homeland, you’re defending…the ideals that make us uniquely American.” – Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe

“…protecting one’s country and being loyal to the nation is one of the essential tenets of the religion of Islam.” – Intisar Malhi of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

By Allen D. Payton

The first ever Antioch Salutes Ceremony honoring local high school graduates who have chosen to serve our nation in the United States Armed Forces and become part of the 1% of Americans who serve in military uniform on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

The ceremony, organized by Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe, was held at Waldie Plaza in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown with the backdrop of the river. He was joined by Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson, Antioch School Board President Antonio Hernandez and Trustee Dr. Jag Lathan, as well as City Attorney Thomas L. Smith, and Delta Veterans Group President and Founder J.R. Wilson, Commander Clinton T. Ceralde, U.S. Navy, Surface Warfare Officer, Commanding Officer of the Navy Talent Acquisition Group Golden Gate, and a representative from the Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.

The officials led a procession of the enlistees from City Hall across W. 2nd Street into Waldie Plaza. Then half-way through the park, the officials turned and stood at attention, with those who are veterans, saluting as the honorees proceeded to their seats.

The Presentation of Colors was provided by the U.S. Armed Forces Recruiting Center in Brentwood and the National Anthem was performed by Kennedy Williams of God’s Gift Dance Ministry at Genesis Church in Antioch.

A poem was then read by Izabel Eisner which included, “Today we say, ‘thank you’. Today we say, ‘congratulations.’” She was followed by the AUSD Board president who offered welcoming remarks saying, “Know that everyone here is so very proud of everything you’ve done and everything you’re going to do. Antioch will always be your home.”

J.R Wilson, a veteran, then honored the enlistees’ families and offered a Veterans’ Charge saying, “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the families who have nurtured and instilled in them a love for their country. We honor you for shaping the lives of the future patriots. We salute you.”

“These recruits…are already demonstrating exceptional commitment by choosing to serve their country by prioritizing the greater good over personal interest,” he continued. “They are joining a select group of individuals who are safeguarding safety and freedom for millions worldwide.”

“Stand tall and proud,” Wilson challenged the recent grads. “The respect and admiration for your decision are evident throughout our city. We salute you. I challenge you…go through your service, enjoy your service, gain from your service and then come back to your communities and lead. Thank you for choosing to serve. I salute you, every one of you.” He ended by saluting the enlistees who were seated in front of the audience.

Commander Ceralde addressed to “these young men and women embarking on a noble journey of service.” He shared a story that, “illustrates the spirit of service that defines our military” about a 2008 mission labeled Operation Continuing Promise” that “wasn’t about combat but compassion, cooperation and skilled professionalism.” It was a joint and international effort of various U.S. military branches and the Canadian military for humanitarian relief to Central and South American countries and Caribbean islands.

“The mission…exemplified the United States maritime strategy of building confidence and trust among nations through collective, humanitarian efforts,” Ceralde continued. “We demonstrated that wearing the uniform is about more than defense. It’s about making a difference, showing compassion and building bridges across nations.”

“To our young enlistees, as you prepare to begin your military career, remember that your service will take many forms, whether in moments of conflict or acts of peace, your contributions will leave a lasting legacy,” he stated. “Thank you, future servicemembers for your courage and commitment. May God bless each of you, our community and the United States of America.”

Hernandez-Thorpe, a Navy veteran, thanked those in attendance, shared of his experience in the military and said to the enlistees, “What you’re defending is not just the Homeland, you’re defending a set of ideas, that make us different than most countries. The ideals that make us uniquely American. So, I couldn’t be more proud of the decision you’ve made.”

Representatives from the Navy and Marines gave each of the honorees were given a special Certificate of Commendation from the mayor and a special “Thank You” for their service to the nation.

The student enlistees were then given a ceremonial oath of office administered by Commander Ceralde, which included the commitment they “will obey all orders of the President of the United States and the officers appointed over” them “according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.” He then congratulated them as the audience applauded.

A lengthy benediction with three Muslim prayers was offered by Intisar Malhi of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community who began with “the Islamic greetings of peace of as-salamu alaykum, everyone, which means peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all.”

He offered “a prayer that Muslims are expected to offer multiple times a day” which he said in Arabic, then translated in English to, “Oh, our Lord, grant us good in this world as well as good in the world to come.”

Malhi then spoke of “doing good in this world and one of the best ways of doing that among Islamic values is service to mankind. These young men and women…are living up to one of the most noblest virtues as described in the holy Quran which urges human beings to help and serve each other and serve their communities.”

“And protecting one’s country and being loyal to the nation is one of the essential tenets of the religion of Islam,” he continued. “And when you stand up for a just cause to protect the country or to establish peace in the world, the holy Quran offers a couple other small prayers, as well,” which Malhi read in Arabic and explained in English.

About those in the audience and the community leaders he said, “We exercise our voice and become the conscience of the leaders of our country so our young men and women are protecting the innocent and fighting for peace in the world, and they do not get dragged into any conflict in the world that may be unjust or pointless.”

“So, in the end, I salute you all, the young men and women who signed up to serve their country and pray that may God be your protector and guide in your service to this country. Amen,” Malhi concluded.

The MC then said over the loudspeaker, “Congratulations and Godspeed to our newest military services members. Please give it up, give it up, give it up,” as the audience and those on the platform applauded. “It’s OK to stand and applaud,” the MC said, as people yelled, “Thank you. Thank you.”

The ceremony was followed by refreshments catered by Chef Clarice LaGrone Jackson owner of SupperJam in Antioch.

See video of ceremony on the mayor’s official Facebook page.

For details visit www.antiochca.gov/recreation.

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month; June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Deadline to register: June 13 at 8:30 AM

By Susan Kim, Executive Director, Family Justice Center

Did you know…One in ten Americans aged 60 or older experiences some form of elder abuse? Elders who have been abused are 300% more likely to die than their peers.

Emily Milstein, Staff Attorney for Contra Costa Senior Legal Services, will provide training on Elder Abuse Signs and Legal Remedies during a virtual workshop training on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 10:00-11:30 AM.

The Contra Costa Elder Abuse Prevention Project (EAPP) prevents and combats elder abuse through an active community network that raises awareness and coordinates services. 

Visit cocoelderjustice.org for more information about EAPP.

To register for the training click, here.

In spite of two others being held in Antioch by non-profit organizations

Will include live music, rides, carnival games, food booths and activities

By Allen D. Payton

Confused by having three events in Antioch celebrating Juneteenth, again this year? According to the information from the City of Antioch’s Recreation Department, “This year marks the third annual city sponsored Juneteenth Celebration, where we come together as a city to honor freedom, culture, and community. Join us for a day of reflection that showcases the richness of African American heritage as we embrace the vibrancy and resiliency of Black culture. This event features live performances, music, food, activities for kids and adults, and so much more!”

The City’s event will be held on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16 from 12:00-5:00 PM at Williamson Ranch Park at the Corner of Lone Tree Way and Hillcrest Avenue.

Two Other Juneteenth Celebrations in Antioch, Again This Year

Yet, there are two other events being held in Antioch again, this year celebrating the final end of slavery in America, both by non-profit organizations and one is completely free to the public. The first celebration will be held this Saturday, June 15th at Grace Bible Fellowship Church of Antioch, organized by their affiliated non-profit organization, Grace Arms of Antioch, for a third year in a row.

The other non-profit organized event in Antioch, and this year’s third, will be held on the actual date of the national holiday, Wednesday, June 19th (thus the name) at Paradise Skate on the grounds of the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds). It is organized by Claryssa Wilson, for a fifth year in a row (although the event in 2022 was held in Brentwood) and her 4 Ever Me Foundation.

The reason the event was held in Brentwood that year was due to a control issue by the mayor, Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, then-Interim City Manager Con Johnson and Wilson and her mother, Velma, who was supporting the mayor’s recall at the time and her husband, Claryssa’s father, was the titular chairman of the recall committee. The three city officials took the event away from the Wilsons just two months before it was to be held, by withdrawing the permit to hold it at the City’s Waldie Plaza in downtown Rivertown. (See related article)

The Celebrate Antioch Foundation stepped up to help Claryssa by providing the needed liability insurance for the event.

That same year, Grace Arms worked with the City and they held joint events on Friday night and Saturday. But last year they held separate events on separate days.

The first two hours of the City’s event is also being held the same day as, and will overlap the last two hours of, the annual Rivertown Father’s Day Car Show in Antioch’s historic downtown organized by the Celebrate Antioch Foundation, as did last year’s City sponsored Juneteenth celebration.

“What is Juneteenth?

The City’s promotional information also includes a brief history of the holiday and event, as does Grace Arms’.

“Short for June Nineteenth, Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the 1865 emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States– marking the day when federal troops arrived in Galvenston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure the freedom of all remaining enslaved people. Texas became the first U.S. state to celebrate Juneteenth in 1979. Officially becoming a U.S. federal holiday in June of 2021, the City of Antioch is proud to present our third annual Juneteenth Celebration taking place on Sunday, June 16, 2024.”

Questions for Council and Staff

All five council members, Acting City Manager Kwame Reed and Acting Assistant City Manager and Parks & Recreation Director Brad Helfenberger were asked if the City is using taxpayer funds to pay for this year’s Juneteenth celebration. If so, why the City is hosting and paying for one when there are two organizations each holding a Juneteenth event in Antioch. They were also asked how much is being spent on this year’s event if an organization was hired to organize the event or if is being handled by city staff.

Finally, they were asked, why the City didn’t just promote either the event organized by Grace Arms on June 15th and/or the event on June 19th organized by Claryssa Wilson and her 4Ever Me Foundation which would save taxpayer money.

District 3 Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock was the only councilmember to respond writing, “we set some funds aside for events, as we do for 4th of July.”

Helfenberger offered more details. He responded, “I can confirm that, as in 2022 and 2023, this year’s event is being funded from the general fund and will cost approximately $42,000.

The event is being organized by our dedicated City staff, without the use of an outside firm.

When the event budget was established in 2022, we placed a strong emphasis on creating community-wide special events that hold cultural significance. Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging within our community and ensure that our events reflect the diversity of our residents. While we deeply appreciate the efforts of various community groups in organizing events, we believe it is important for the City to host its own events with these objectives in mind.”

Juneteenth: A Free Celebration Details

The City of Antioch’s Juneteenth: A Freedom Celebration will include live musical performances by Ariel Marin Band from 12:30-1:30 pm, Nzuri Soul from 2:00-3:00 pm and The Curtis Family C-Notes from 3:30-5:00 pm.

In addition, a variety of activities are planned, including Ballistic Swing Ride, Carnival Games, a Dominoes Tournament, Father’s Day Card Creation Station, Juneteenth Crafts, Photobooth, Rock Climbing Wall and a Super Fun 90’ Slide plus, food vendor booths. To learn more about the event visit www.antiochca.gov/juneteenth/.