WHAT: African-American Health Empowerment Expo

WHEN: Sept. 24, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE: Pittsburg Senior High School, 1750 Harbor St., Pittsburg, CA

WHY: African Americans in Contra Costa County have poorer health outcomes than other racial or ethnic groups in almost all categories. They have higher death rates in heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, homicide and unintentional injuries. This situation is largely preventable and needs to change. Change begins with the individual.

WHO: Members of the East County African-American community and county health advocates have banded together to give African-American families
the tools and information to take individual and collective action in regards to their community physical, emotional and spiritual life well-being.

INFORMATION: Itika Greene, AAHEE chair, 925-957-5439 (Expo hotline) or via email at aahee@sbcglobal.net

REPORT: Contra Costa Community Health Indicators http://www.cchealth.org/health_data/hospital_council/

“It’s real nice to be home with family.”

By Allen Payton, Publisher

Riding in a convertible Corvette and escorted from the airport to his home by the Warriors Watch motorcycle riders, Antioch police and local firefighters, 2005 Antioch High School graduate Kyle White arrived to a huge welcome at his home from his family, friends and veterans organizations, on Saturday, July 9.

Having healed from the bullet wound that ripped through his left leg and struck an artery, while serving for eight months in the cold mountains of Afghanistan, Private 1^st Class White, a radio transmission operator, is home for 30 days.

Joined by his mother Lisa, father Daryl, older brother Derick who served in the Army National Guard, and his sisters Nicole and Megan, his “nana” Grandma Tricia Foster, Grandpa and Grandma White, Uncle Darin White and four other uncles, aunts and cousins, all from Antioch, Kyle shared of his time in serving in the Army and Afghanistan.

He joined the Army at the recruiting center in Antioch on January 13, 2010 then was deployed to Afghanistan, last October 20. He was in the mountains at the 10,000 foot elevation.

“It was cold all the time,” Kyle said. “Then it warmed up in April.”

Then in May everything changed.

“We had been there for eight months, when on Memorial Day I got shot,” Kyle said.

He’d been hit by a PKM 762 round that went through his Platoon Leader then hit Kyle in the left leg. The bullet ripped through his hamstring, hit a major artery and came out his groin.

“My squad leader, Staff Sergeant Gomez, picked me up and carried me 400 meters up the hill,” he stated. “Then he dragged me another 400 meters and took care of my leg.”

“He carried me to the helicopter and they flew me back to the base,” Kyle added. “I lost six quarts of blood.”

His mother, Lisa White heard about his injury about 10 p.m. that same night.

“I ran into to take the phone to his daddy,” she said. “I began to pray. I knew he was going to be OK.”

Kyle spoke with his parents from his hospital bed at the base in Afghanistan. While still in the hospital, he was presented with a Purple Heart by a Two-Star General and Commanding Sergeant Major.

Then, when he arrived in the states, his parents flew to meet him.

“We saw him on June 18 in Louisiana, when he entered the states” Lisa said. “It was like exhaling, knowing he was safe.”

At the end of his 30 days at home, Kyle will return to Louisiana to finish his four year commitment in the Army.

“I’m just relaxing,” he said. “It’s real nice to be home with my family.”

Also in attendance at Kyle’s return home party were the Blue Star Moms, Combat Veterans Association and the American Legion.

Riders from the Warriors Watch, whose slogan is “We Have Your Backs At Home,” are not all veterans, but are volunteers.

“You just have to be a patriot,” said one of their leaders Dave Raymond (who drove the Blue Angels Corvette).

For more information on their organization visit www.warriorswatch.org. For more details on Kyle White’s story visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/kylewhite.

Hard Hitting Reality of Poor Choices

By Allen Payton, Publisher

Every day an average of 99 young people die in the United States; 31 young people will die today from auto related accidents, 16 from domestic violence or homicide, 12 will commit suicide, today, and the remaining will die from poor choices, diseases and natural causes (CDC Data). “the 99” is a walk-through reality theater focusing on the leading causes of death to young people in our country.

The production is housed in a 20,000 square foot air structure and features 13 rooms each portraying real-life situations where guests experience a 45-minute guided tour.

Four recent guests, two Antioch boys who are cousins and their two relatives from Oakley who are brothers, shared their experiences.

“It was scary and eye-opening,” said Domenic Ferreira, age 13 and a soon-to-be Freshman at Antioch High. “It basically opened your eyes to the real world and how if you take the wrong path it will be hard to get out. You don’t have to take that path since there are two paths.”

Esteban Gurule, a 14 year old who will be a Freshman at Freedom High School said “It was fun and also serious at the same time. It teaches you a lot of important things about what things can do to you.”

His 12-year-old brother Elesio, was old enough to get in, since the warning is no one under age 11 is allowed in due to the graphic nature of the presentation.

“It wasn’t what I expected. Not at all,” Elesio stated. “It was scary and life changing. It made me think about life and choices I make. Everyone should go.”

Humberto Saucedo, age 15, who will be a Sophomore this Fall, also at Antioch High, said “the 99 was a great show filled with great actors, designs, props, features and performances.” Then he added, “I highly recommend it.”

Jeff Warrenburg, owner of Paradise Skate and the Antioch Paintball Park said he took his son, who went back another time.

“I thought it was great,” Warrenburg said. “Everyone should go, teens, young adults and parents.”

The production is not based on fear and scare tactics, but rather is based solely on reality. “the 99” is th ultimate near death experience – a life changing production that will bring people to a point of decision that can change the course of their lives forever.

“the 99” is open to the public, ages 11 and up, in Antioch, for two more weekends, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Thursday the final weekend, July 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30 and 31 in the parking lot of the Somersville Towne Center, between Macy’s and Sears, off Delta Fair Blvd. Doors open at 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Tickets are $10 per person or $3.00 with a discount ticket.

Discount tickets are available at Mr. Pickle’s on Lone Tree Way in the Bluerock Center, Paradise Skate on W. 10^th Street at the Fairgrounds and the Antioch Indoor Sports Center on Sunset, next to Aladino’s Pizza or by clicking here and downloading and printing your own.

“the 99” is sponsored by Dr. Rosenbaum & Associates, Arrowed Towing and Recovery, the four East County Ace Hardware Stores, Williams Sanitary Service, Zoo Crew Construction, and Uno Chicago Grille.

For more information visit www.whatisthe99.com.

You are cordially invited to attend the “Blue Mass” on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 at St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church, 3351 Contra Loma Blvd., Antioch, starting at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 17. Join the East County Community in honoring the sacrifice of those who gave their lives at the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The Blue Mass will also honor Police Officers and Firefighters from Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley, and Byron including the California Highway Patrol, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, and Contra Costa Fire. The Presider and Homilist will be Father Robert Rien, Chaplain for Antioch and Martinez Police Departments with Father Helmut Richter, Chaplain for Pittsburg Police Department.

Music for the Mass will be under the direction of Donald Pearson, Director of Music, Organist, and Artist in Residence with the Parish Choir of St. Ignatius of Antioch Church.

Following the Mass, there will be a Reception and Luncheon at Lone Tree Golf and Event Center in Antioch, beginning at 11:30 a.m. This event will honor the Police Officers and Firefighter of the Year, the California Highway Patrol Officer of the Year, and the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Officer of the Year. The cost of the luncheon is $35 per person.

The Blue Mass and Honors Luncheon are sponsored by St. Ignatius of Antioch Knights of Columbus, Council 12547.

Steve Morris, representing the Knights of Columbus 4th of July Parade combination Color Guard marching unit and ‘Knights on Wheel’s’ motorcycle contingent, accepts a second place certificate from Walter Ruehlig, a parade organizer. The certificates were awarded at the July 12th Antioch City Council meeting and were provided by the California State Assembly through Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla’s office.

By Walter Ruehlig

We are wasting no time for next year. Antioch has its July 4th mojo back!!!

Anybody who would like to sit on the steering committee for the 2012 July 4th Parade or come to one meeting to simply offer ideas is invited to a kickoff meeting at Bases Loaded at 3rd and G Street at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20th. The more heads the better.

We will try to get iced tea donated by the owner, Terry Karp. Anybody wishing to eat or have a drink on their own is welcome to do so.

Let’s brainstorm ideas on making next year’s Parade bigger and better; how to fund fireworks; and where to have the show and attendant entertainment (Riverfront, Deer Valley High, Antiioh High, Fairfgrounds??). I went to the Singing Flag in Concord and was really inspired.

Antioch need not take a back seat to anybody with our patriotic and family-centered populace; our long and colorful hsitory; and our unsurpassingly gorgeous Delta venue.

Bring your creativity and your enthusiasm. I have already heard a bunch of interesting ideas on fund raising.

Rivertown Jamboree has fallen by the wayside; Holiday Delites has been off and on. We will not lose this most American of traditions for future generations. We can and will make this happen. Our kids and grandkids deserve it.

The Antioch Police Department is excited to announce the 25th installment of the Neighborhood Cleanup Program. This is a collaborative community effort which involves active participation from United Citizens for Better Neighborhoods (UCBN), community volunteers, and the Antioch Police Department Crime Prevention Commission; Neighborhood Watch Program, 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 25th Neighborhood Cleanup event will occur on Saturday, July 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Volunteers should report to the City Hall Parking Lot located at 212 H Street. 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!

By Walter Ruehlig

Like love and marriage, a horse and carriage, the Fourth of July and the word “celebration” go hand in hand. Though it’s been a good twenty four hours since the 2011 Antioch 4th of Parade faded into the local history books, can you honestly blame me for still feeling the goose bumps?

After a year’s downtown’s absence, Antioch had its mojo back. Frankly, it was exhilarating to again hum “Yankee Doodle Dandy” in the shadow of the El Campanil Theatre, marching a relative stone’s throw from the San Joaquin River in this vintage Americana classic that dates back locally 142 years. In 1869, sixty residents first gathered. That grew into a crowd of 1,600 the following year as the train brought miners and their families from the Black Diamond area.

Admittedly, I’m a sucker for classic cars, motorcyles, low-riders, Clydesdale horses, cultural costumes, dance troupes, floats, scout and veterans groups and the sentiment-stirring likes. I also must confess that I’m an easy mark for unabashed silliness, something we probably all need more of in this turbulent world.

My better half, Cynthia, and I never miss marching in a parade. In years past we have taken the roles of Sonny and Cher, Superman and Superwoman, Elvis and Priscilla, Bill and Monica, Popeye and Olive.

I’m glad to report there were abundant like-minded fun-lovers this year as, on short notice no less, Antioch had some sixty organizations strut their stuff. Granted, no fireworks for this privately-funded event, but also no attendant $85,000 bill. This year we scratched the $5,000 barge cost, thousand dollar a minute aerial artillery costs and the expense of scores of overtime police for a night-time crowd.

Hopefully, private business sponsorship or a parking or entrance fee may yet bring fireworks back to Antioch. Oakley, Concord, Martinez, Pleasanton and San Ramon had shows, after all. This Rivertown revival was, though, at least a start. Some four to five thousand locals tickled their inner child celebrating the most American of holidays, a collective national birthday bash. In these angst-ridden and fractious times, the cheer and communal bonding were priceless.

Incidentally, if anybody wants a CD of the event, for $10 you can relive the day. All proceeds defray the day’s security costs. E-mail me: walter.ruehlig@gmail.com or call (925) 756-7628.

Let’s acknowledge the many helping hands. First and foremost, thanks to Louise Green, the tireless logistics manager. Assuredly, I couldn’t ‘t have pulled the event off without her magic. Kudos to: Allen Payton and the Antioch Herald for promotion; Martha Parsons for asking the Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch to sponsor event insurance; Luns Louie and his photographer crew of Steve Benson, Vanessa Boscia, and Megan Louie; sound man Mike Green;

emcee David Bates; Mayor Jim Davis for soliciting Allied Waste for port-a-potties; the Chamber of Commerce for coordinating participant applicatiions and donations; Nicolas Welzenbach of Oak View Memorial for lending his meeting room; the American Legion, Post 161, for donating $200; Tim Forrester for lending a nifty Benz and red Corvette; the Patriot Sentinels for trophies; Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla’s office for certificates of recognition; the award judges, Maris Bennett, Sandy Henry, Barbara and Len Herendeen, and Genny Payne-Nice; event committee members Connie Clement, Sue Davis, Tony Fettig, Tom Karas, Leslie Scudero, Larry Thomas, Nancy and Patrick Tofoya; day of event volunteers Melodie and Russ Guthrie, Mary and Roy Ledofrd, Gil Murillo, Mark Nottsend, Janet Pagano, Debbie and Steve Posthauer, Karen Rogers, and Sue and Kent Wiser.

Congratulations to the trophy winners: Dancers Elite for the Mayor’s Award for Best Patriotic Music Performance; East County Military Families for Best Patriotic Float; American Legion Post 161 for Best Patriotic Club; Sons of Italy for Best Patriotic Cultural Group; Boy Scout Troop 151 for Best Patriotic Scout Troop.

We can all be proud that Antioch, long a bastion of patriotism, and wholesome values, didn’t give in to hand-wringers but stayed resolute and honored the words of Daniel Webster: “May the sun in his course visit no land more free, more happy, more lovely than this our own country.”