Janet Sams explains the display to her friend’s daughter, Elise Sanders, at the Black History Month Exhibit in Antioch on Wednesday afternoon, February 11, 2015.

The Black History Month Exhibit at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center will feature a time line of historical events featuring traditional art, artifacts, literature, and creative arts that reflect the African American experience in America. The exhibit also features a time line of African American history from Africa to the present and provides an opportunity to taste traditional beverages and desserts. The goals are to promote dignity and pride in the African American community and provide cross cultural education for the larger community.

Janet Thompson and Beverly Bruce of Ruah Community Outreach, Inc. with one of the displays

It provides a great educational experience for families and elementary and high school student groups.

The exhibit continues, today (Monday, February 16) and Saturday, February 21st from 10 AM to 4 PM. It is sponsored by a collaboration of community partners:  Ruah Community Outreach, Inc., Parent Partners Providing for the Education of Young Children, the JTS Art Gallery, the City of Antioch, and the Arts & Cultural Foundation of Antioch.  The Nick Rodriguez Community Center is located at 213 F Street in Antioch.

For more information visit the exhibit website, http://art4antioch.org/Black-History-Exhibit.asp, or email Diane@Art4Antioch.org or call Diane Gibson-Gray at (925) 325-9897 or Carrie Frazier (925) 787-4827.

By John Crowder

On January 10, 2015, the Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., held its Inaugural Debutante Cotillion at the San Ramon Marriott.

A dozen young ladies from throughout the East Bay participated in the event, which marked the culmination of an almost year-long program that each of them were involved with, entitled Pearls of Perfection. The twelve debutantes celebrated the evening with their escorts, ladies-in-waiting, family, and friends.

The evening began with a greeting extended to all the guests by Crystal McClendon-Gourdine, Ph.D., Chairperson of the 2014-2015 Pearls of Perfection Debutante Program. Following a full-course dinner and entertainment, the young ladies were presented to society by Monica Cherie Scott, Co-Chairperson, and LaConnie Taylor-Jones, Program Workshop Manager. The debutantes participated in a confirmation waltz with their escorts, and were then welcomed to society. The evening ended with a salute to the debutantes, acknowledgments, and a sweetheart song.

The journey to the cotillion began for the young ladies a year earlier, when each had made application to the program. Then, in February, a welcome reception was held, first in a series of fifteen events that would culminate in the cotillion.

Over the course of the next eleven months, the girls attended workshops teaching etiquette, manners and dressing for success, a discussion on self-esteem, and learned to waltz. Other events included a talent showcase and fashion exhibit, a community service project, a cultural event, and both father-daughter and mother-daughter outings.

One unique aspect of the debutante program is the focus on academic excellence and preparation for college. According to Taylor-Jones, “We put a great emphasis on, and have a high standard for academic excellence.” Two of the events the young ladies participate in are a six-hour symposium on education and a college tour.

The parents of the three Antioch students involved in the program all spoke positively about the experience for their children.

Felicia Branch noted that, “The program has given my son, Jarrett (JT), an Antioch High School senior who participated as an escort this year, the opportunity to learn etiquette and how to waltz.” She was also happy to see that her son had the opportunity to make friends with young men and women who shared the same goals of attending college and pursuing professional careers. Taylor-Jones said, “The experience was very exciting for my daughter, Caryn,” who is a junior in the law academy at Deer Valley High School. She went on to say that her daughter was looking forward to participating next year as a debutante. Deborah Hicks, referencing the cotillion said, “The excellent work done by Delta Sigma Theta Inc. made this an outstanding evening for all. I am thrilled at the possibility of my son, Devon, (currently a junior at Cornerstone Christian School) being involved with the program as an escort again next year.”

The sorority is currently accepting applications for the 2015-2016 debutante program. Those interested in learning about the program, or in participating, can find more information at www.ccacdebutante.com.

Get a free bumper sticker to be eligible to win free prizes, all year

We, at the Antioch Herald, love Antioch! We’re looking for others who feel the same. So, this Valentine’s Day, for the first 150 readers who stop by our new office at 101 H Street, Waldie Plaza, Suite 3 in the old Casino Building in historic, downtown Rivertown, we’ll give you a free bumper/window sticker that expresses that sentiment. 

Put it on your car or in your window at your home or business. Then, if we spot it any time throughout the year, you will be eligible to receive a gift certificate from a local business.

So, who loves Antioch, like we do? Stop by and say “Hi” and “I love Antioch,” today and get your free sticker. We’re not always in. So be sure to leave a note with your name, number and the words “I love Antioch” under our door, if we aren’t. (They’re also available at the Antioch Chamber of Commerce office, next door, if we’re not in).

Then show your love for our city – the oldest city in the county – all year!

Source: Antioch City Manager Steve Duran’s Weekly Report

City Hall and other city offices will be closed on both Thursday, February 12th is a City holiday in observance of President Lincoln’s 206th Birthday and Monday, February 16^th for President’s Day.

Antioch Police Department calls for service highlights

On 2/4/2015 at 12:27 PM, police contacted 46-year old David Salazar in the 500 block of W.13th St. during a suspicious vehicle call. Salazar was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine and concentrated cannabis. Salazar was booked at the police department and released with a citation.

On 2/3/2015 at 7:47 pm, officers were working a proactive detail when they saw a minivan being driving by 30 year old Travis Johnson. Upon running the plate they learned the vehicle was reported stolen. A short vehicle pursuit ensued which ended when Travis and the passenger, 32 year old Katie Johnson, parked the vehicle on Putnam St. near Polk Court and fled on foot. Katie Johnson was located and taken into custody without incident. Travis Johnson, who also has an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest, was able to flee from the area and was not located.

On 2/3/2015 at 11:22 pm, Officers responded to 16 N. Lake Dr. on a report of possible squatters inside the vacant home. Officers determined the side garage door had been forced open. Officers established a perimeter and searched the house. 22 year old Steven Cardoza and a second subject were located inside. Cardoza was found to be in possession of 4 shaved keys, which are used to steal certain makes of vehicles. Cardoza was arrested and booked at the police department. He was later released on a citation. The second subject was released at the scene.

On 2/2/2015 at 12:49 am, officers responded to a residential alarm at 56 E. Madill Street. Upon arrival, they located 29 year old Jose Escobar in the driveway of the residence. Escobar was not a resident at the house. It was determined there was no burglary at the residence but upon checking Escobar for warrants, he was found to have an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest charging vehicle theft and possession of a controlled substance. Escobar was taken into custody and later booked at the county jail.

Service Call & Arrest Data:

For Duran’s complete report, click here. City Manager’s Weekly Report 020615

The City of Antioch Neighborhood Cleanup event scheduled for this Saturday, February 7th,has been canceled due to the impending storm.

The Antioch Police Department is excited to announce the 59th installment of the Neighborhood Cleanup Program. This is a collaborative community effort which involves active participation from The Antioch Police Department Crime Prevention Commission; Neighborhood Watch Program; Volunteers in Police Service; community volunteers and the Public Works Department.

Collectively, “We”, everyone who works and lives in the City Antioch, can make a difference and improve the quality of life. It’s our community and it’s our chance to make a difference.

The City of Antioch Neighborhood Cleanup program is not just for residential neighborhoods. It is a program that will change venues on a monthly basis and it will include business and commercial areas as well. Neighborhoods that are free of trash and refuse are inviting, and a clean community instills a sense of community pride.

The 59th Neighborhood Cleanup event will instead occur on Saturday, March 7th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Canada Valley/Laurel Road neighborhoods. Volunteers should report to Kushner Way off Canada Valley Road for parking.

Volunteers will receive instructions and the equipment necessary to accomplish the goal. The targeted area is within walking distance. Excluding inclement weather, future Neighborhood Cleanup events are scheduled for the first Saturday of every month and the locations will be announced in advance.

Remember, cleaning up your neighborhood can make life better for your family, your neighbors and your community!