Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Glazer honors Janet Frazier in “Women Making Herstory” ceremony at State Capitol

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Janet Frazier was escorted to the Senate Floor for the ceremony by State Senator Steve Glazer. Frazier with the framed certificate honoring her work. Photos: Office of Senator Steve Glazer

She’s dedicated herself to supporting women and families with children in hospitals 

Concord resident Janet Frazier has dedicated years to supporting women and families with children in hospitals. Her strength to help others came from her own tragedy, when she lost one daughter in an automobile accident while tending to a second recovering in the hospital.

For the time and compassion she has offered to others, Frazier was honored this week by Senator Steve Glazer as his 7th District honoree in a State Capitol ceremony for “Women Making Herstory.”

Janet founded The Network of Care, a non-profit that feeds families of children in hospitals.  Janet is also a co-founder of Our Healing Hearts, which supports women who have lost children.

“It was a special moment for me to honor Janet at the Capitol,” said Glazer, D-Contra Costa. “She has put her heart and soul into her life projects to offer care and support for women and families who have lost children or are worrying about them as they lay in hospital beds.”

Janet said she was honored to be recognized by Senator Glazer and to be a part of an event that showcases women’s accomplishments across many fields.

“The ceremony at the State Capitol was filled with amazing women, whose passion, dedication and perseverance are making a difference in the lives of others,” Janet said. “It was so inspiring to be among women with truly unique stories about the impact they are having on so many people.”

After losing one daughter to a car accident and keeping vigil by her surviving daughter’s hospital bedside, Janet almost fainted because she hadn’t eaten for so long during that time of grief and stress.  A kind nurse shared her sandwich and gave Janet the strength she needed to get through that time and her act of kindness was not forgotten.

It prompted Janet to create The Network of Care to provide meals to families who face a situation like hers. Since 2004, The Network of Care has fed more than 340,000 families of critically ill children with the gift of food in more than 58 hospitals in 15 counties throughout the state. The Network of Care has also partnered with local high schools in Brentwood and Antioch to allow students in special education classes to help with the assembly of the bags as part of their vocational skills program. Janet and all of The Network of Care staff are volunteers.

The Network of Care can be found on Twitter @TNOCforfamilies and online at www.thenetworkofcare.org.

Our Healing Hearts hosts monthly support groups for women grieving the loss of a child. The group meets with moms individually and hosts an annual candlelight ceremony in remembrance of their children.

The former Oakley residet, Janet Frazier retired from Chevron after 41 years, and now lives in Concord.

Winners of what was previously known as the Woman of the Year award for the 7th Senate District were:

  • 2022 – Susun Kim, Executive Director of Family Justice Center
  • 2021 – Lavonna Martin, Director of Health, Housing, & Homeless Services for Contra Costa County Health Services
  • 2020 – Valerie Ariosto, 2020 Olympian Softball, Pleasanton
  • 2019 – Margaret Liang, President Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Tri Valley Chapter, Dublin
  • 2018 – Alissa Friedman, President/CEO Opportunity Junction, Antioch

 

Brentwood college student, Pittsburg native and Antioch High grad in running for scholarship

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One of seven Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s 459 semifinalists from Contra Costa County for highly competitive undergraduate transfer scholarships

Other college scholarship programs offered for middle, high school students

By Julia Florence

Lansdowne, Virginia – On March 9, 2023, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced 459 semifinalists for the highly competitive Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Brentwood resident Ryan Mattson, in his last semester at Sacramento City College, was selected as the only representative of the Los Rios Community College District to be named a semifinalist.

The native who grew up in Pittsburg, CA and is a 2006 graduate of Antioch High School is one of seven semifinalists in Contra Costa County. The six other community college students named semifinalists are Eliette Bustos Barocio and Hosna Ramzi from Los Medanos College and Ivan Hernandez, Jessica Kim, Karla Morales De Leon and Mayari Lanz Amezcua from Diablo Valley College.

The Foundation awards community college students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, leadership, service and a determination to complete their bachelor’s degrees at top four-year institutions.

“I was accepted into Columbia University in New York City and await confirmation or denial from Stanford, Yale and UC Berkeley,” Mattson shared.

He plans to study political science and history but has not finalized his major at Columbia.

Mattson has worked in the trades, specifically automotive repair and maintenance at Winter Chevrolet in Pittsburg and has a 15-year-old son who attends Liberty High in Brentwood.

“I believe the reason for my singularity comes from students not being informed of this scholarship opportunity,” he said. “If the community knew age did not matter and scholarships were available to the determined, I believe our community would garner not only the nation’s best minds but also the most driven individuals.”

This year’s semifinalists were chosen from a pool of more than 1,700 applicants and attend 215 community colleges in 38 states. Some of the latest research from the American Talent Initiative estimates that roughly 50,000 high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds could transfer to four-year colleges each year but don’t, often due to cost. The Cooke Transfer Scholarship is designed to create a clear pathway to a four-year degree by offering up to $55,000 per year along with academic advising and access to a network of peers.

“By lifting the financial burden of pursuing a four-year degree off their shoulders, our goal is to help students take full advantage of a four-year college experience without taking on student debt,” said Seppy Basili, Executive Director of the Cooke Foundation. “This year’s selected semifinalists reflect the deep bench of talent across our community colleges today, and we’re looking forward to getting to know them better in our final application review process.”

The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship offers unparalleled support to community college students. In addition to the generous financial support, selected Cooke Transfer Scholars will receive educational advising from the Foundation’s Deans of Scholar Support to guide them through the process of transitioning to a four-year school and preparing for their future endeavors. They will also have access to opportunities for internships, study abroad, graduate school funding, and the incomparable connection to a robust network of more than 3,000 fellow Cooke Scholars and Alumni.

According to the foundation’s website, scholarship recipients earned a 3.92 average community college GPA, 70% participated in an honors program or pursued honors coursework and 67% held a leadership role in a club or activity. They will be announced in April.

A list of this year’s Cooke Transfer Scholar semifinalists, their respective community colleges, and hometowns can be viewed here. To learn more about the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, visit the website here.

Named for and Funded by Canadian-American Businessman

According to Wikipedia, “Jack Kent Cooke was a Canadian-American businessman in broadcasting and professional sports. Starting in sales, Cooke was very successful, eventually becoming a partner in a network of radio stations and newspapers in Canada. Cooke moved to the United States and built a business empire in broadcasting and professional sports franchises. Cooke was the owner of the Washington Redskins (NFL), the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), the Los Angeles Kings (NHL), the Los Angeles Wolves (United Soccer) and Toronto Maple Leafs (IL minor league baseball team). He also developed The Forum in Inglewood, California, and FedExField (named Jack Kent Cooke Stadium when it opened, months after his death) near Landover, Maryland.”

According to the foundation’s website, Cooke was born in Canada in 1912. “As a young man, he was an athlete and musician, with a love for ice hockey, the saxophone, and the clarinet. He dreamed of pursuing a formal education, but that dream was cut short when he left high school during the Great Depression to work full time to help support his family. Nonetheless, Mr. Cooke believed education was a life-long pursuit. He was a passionate student his entire life and was knowledgeable in fields as diverse as literature, music, sports, and architecture. When he died in 1997, Mr. Cooke left the bulk of his fortune to establish the Cooke Foundation and provide remarkable students with the chance to soar.”

More Scholarship Programs for Middle, High School Students

The foundation also offers three other scholarship opportunities. The Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is the largest undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. The high school seniors will receive up to $55,000 per year for up to four years to complete a bachelor’s degree. They will also be eligible to apply for the Cooke Graduate Scholarship after graduating with their bachelor’s degree, which is worth up to $150,000.

The Cooke College Scholarship Program is available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities.

This year’s 45 recipients entered the Cooke Young Scholars Program as 8th graders in 2019. As a cohort, they have attended two residential summer programs together. During the summer before 8th grade, Young Scholars spent three weeks at the University of Pennsylvania exploring social and political issues through project-based service-learning and academic study. This past summer, Scholars took part in an inquiry‐based enrichment experience at the University of Connecticut, participating in experiential research projects.

The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for high-performing 7th grade students with financial need. It provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and other learning enrichment opportunities.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report. 

College cheerleader from Oakley named NAIA All-America Second Team

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Source: Xavier University of Louisiana

Freedom High grad Tia Barrett, a junior at Xavier University of Louisiana honored in competitive cheer Monday

NEW ORLEANS — The NAIA announced Monday its 2023 All-Americans in competitive cheer, and Xavier University of Louisiana was the only school with more than one on the 12-member first team.

XULA’s three first-team All-Americans are sophomores Gabrielle Brightmon, Syre Baker and Kelsey White. XULA’s Tia Barrett, a junior, was chosen to the second team, and freshman teammates Kendall Baggett and Laila Terry earned honorable mention.

Barrett is from Oakley, Calif., and a graduate of Freedom High School. Brightmon is from Katy, Texas, and a graduate of International Leadership of Texas High School. Baker is from Los Angeles and a graduate of Middle College High School. White is from Baton Rouge, La., and a graduate of Zachary High School. Baggett is from Allen, Texas, and a graduate of Allen High School. Terry is from Waldorf, Md., and a graduate of North Point High School.

Brightmon, Baker, White and Barrett are XULA’s first NAIA All-Americans in this sport.

The Gold placed sixth Saturday at NAIA nationals in Ypsilanti, Mich., and XULA, a fourth-year program, produced its third consecutive top-six finish in this event. XULA was the 2022 NAIA national champion. XULA entered 2023 nationals No. 1 in the NAIA in average points per competition for the third consecutive season — this time that the average was 95.90, an improvement from 94.86 in 2022 and 89.15 in 2021.

XULA produced the top two final scores in its history in February — 98.6 Feb. 9 in a dual against Concordia (Mich.) and 97.72 Feb. 11 in winning its NAIA unaffiliated group qualifier.

XULA has one more meet this season: the National Cheerleaders Association national meet April 5-9 at Daytona Beach, Fla.

Antioch resident to sing National Anthem for Santa Cruz Warriors game at Chase Center Saturday

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During School Day STEAM Fest 2023!

Velma Wilson of Antioch will sing the National Anthem before the Santa Cruz Warriors game at Chase Center Saturday night, March 4. Wilson was the Contra Costa County 2021 Humanitarian of the Year.

Gather your family and friends and join us for School Day STEAM Fest 2023 as your Santa Cruz Warriors (NBA G-League Affiliate) take on the Cleveland Charge! Join us on West Concourse Terrace for our STEAM Fest where a variety of vendors will be showcasing educational and interactive activations for your and more!

Senator Glazer announces new District Coordinator

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Concord Councilman Dominic Aliano

Dominic Aliano. Source: City of Concord

SACRAMENTO – Senator Steve Glazer, D-Contra Costa who represents the 7th State Senate District, announced this week that he has hired Concord City Council Member Dominic Aliano as his new District Coordinator.

“I’m excited to bring Dominic on board to lead our District office,” Senator Glazer said. “Dominic has a strong background in delivering on the needs of local constituents. And he brings a personal history to my Senate District, having been raised in Concord and serving their residents on the City Council.”

Aliano will begin on January 9. He replaces George Escutia, who served under Senator Glazer since 2015, the last three and a half years as district director.

Since 2015, Aliano has served as district representative for two Contra Costa County supervisors – Karen Mitchoff and Federal Glover. His work included economic development, sustainability, environmental health and zoning and code enforcement.

Aliano has also worked in a variety of leadership positions. He has served on Concord’s City Council since December 2018, including as mayor; on the Boards of Directors for the Monument Crisis Center, Todos Santos Business Association and Support4Recovery; and as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Concord.

Aliano graduated in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington.

The 7th District is comprised of the following cities: Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, Walnut Creek.

Josh Hill joins BAC Community Bank as Sr. VP

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Josh Hill

December 29, 2022 – Stockton, Calif – Josh Hill has joined locally-owned BAC Community Bank as Senior Vice President and Retail Banking Officer. Hill is a results-driven financial services professional with more than 28 years of extensive leadership experience.  He has most recently led and grown retail banking teams within the BAC Community Bank footprint and Northern California.

“We are excited to be working with Josh,” said Jackie Verkuyl, Chief Administrative Officer, “the skills and insight he brings complement BAC’s future-focused strategic path.”

Working with other seasoned members of management, Hill is responsible for the overall success of the relationship banker and deposit service specialist teams, as well as leading BAC’s branch operations and ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality customer banking experiences.  He also assists in developing and overseeing retail policies and strategies while working with team members to improve and implement new retail products and services.

Hill holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Financial Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

About BAC Community Bank

BAC Community Bank is California’s 10th oldest state-chartered bank. Established in 1965, BAC operates branch offices throughout San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Contra Costa counties and is identified as “one of the strongest financial institutions in the nation” by BauerFinancial, Inc.

The bank is centrally headquartered in Stockton, California, and is continuously recognized for banking excellence through local awards and banking industry accolades.

BAC Community Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Equal Opportunity Employer. Member FDIC. More information is available online at www.bankbac.com.

 

BAC Community Bank promotes Andy Narayan to Relationship Banker

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Andy Narayan, BAC Community Bank Relationship Banker. Photo: BAC Community Bank

By Josef Britschgi, Marketing & Communication Administrator, BAC Community Bank

BAC Community Bank has announced the promotion of Andy Narayan to the position of Relationship Banker.  In this new capacity, he will be responsible for managing a dedicated portfolio of designated customer relationships.

Narayan currently serves as Customer Service Manager at a different BAC Community Bank branch and will continue in that role as well.

Andy Narayan joined BAC Community Bank in 2020 and has managed both the Bank’s Country Club branch office in Brentwood and the Oakley branch. He also has more than 15 years of banking experience.

Over the past several years, Narayan has identified and responded to changing needs of customers, staff, and the local community. Such initiative has resulted in his being entrusted with a role of increasing responsibility and authority.

“BAC is very pleased to be giving Andy the opportunity to use his years of experience with our organization to better serve our customers,” said Eddie Lira, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Banking Officer.  “We fully expect he will continue to provide our customers with the high-quality service they deserve while enabling us to achieve our goals for growth as a company.”

Chief Executive Officer Dana Bockstahler noted, “BAC Community Bank has a long-standing policy of promoting from within whenever possible. This way, our staff and customers both benefit from the knowledge and skills acquired over time while ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality service our reputation demands. We believe Andy will flourish in his new role.”

About BAC Community Bank

BAC Community Bank is California’s 10th oldest state-chartered bank. Established in 1965, BAC operates branch offices throughout San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and eastern Contra Costa counties and is identified as “one of the strongest financial institutions in the nation” by BauerFinancial, Inc.

The bank is centrally headquartered in Stockton, California, and is continuously recognized for banking excellence through local awards and banking industry accolades.

BAC Community Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Equal Opportunity Employer. Member FDIC. More information is available online at www.bankbac.com.

 

New Lafayette Postmaster installed at special ceremony

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Postmaster General Louis DeJoy also installs 31 other Postmasters in California

New Lafayette Postmaster Linda Shelton was sworn in on Oct. 24, 2022. Photo: USPS

LAFAYETTE, CA — Linda Shelton raised her right hand and took the official Oath of Office as the Postmaster of the Lafayette, CA Post Office on Monday, October 24, 2022, in a special ceremony. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy administered the Oath to Shelton alongside 31 other Postmasters throughout California.

Shelton, a proud 36 -year postal employee is passionate about building lasting relationships not only with her team but the community she serves.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to build that comradery and pass along my hard work and dedication to the Postal Service as the Postmaster for the city of Lafayette,” said Shelton.

As outlined in the USPS Delivering for America plan, the postal service is committed to modernizing and continually adapting to the evolving needs of all customers. As the Postmaster of the Lafayette Post Office Shelton is prepared to serve his community with that development in mind.

The History of the Postmaster Position

The title, “Postmaster” carries with it both a Noble Heritage and a Vital Responsibility.

Originally, the word Postmaster was referred as the one who provided post horses.  According to the Oxford Dictionary, postmaster means “master of the posts, the officer who has charge or direction of the posts.”

William Penn established Pennsylvania’s first post office in 1683. However, the real beginnings of a postal system in the colonies dates from 1692 when Thomas Neale received a 21-year grant from the British Crown authorizing him to set up post roads in North America.

In 1707, the British Government bought the rights to the North American postal service, and, in 1710, consolidated the postal service into one establishment.  The principal offices of the new British Postal Service were in London, England; Edinburgh Scotland; Dublin, Ireland, and New York.

In 1737, Benjamin Franklin was appointed Postmaster at Philadelphia.  He laid out new post roads, helped expand mail service from Canada to New York and instituted overnight delivery between Philadelphia and New York City, a distance of 90 miles. In 1774, Franklin was dismissed from office because of his efforts on behalf of the patriots.

When the Continental Congress met in May 1775, they named Franklin as postmaster general for the 13 American colonies.

From 1775 until the early 1800s, Postmasters were appointed by the postmaster general.  In 1836, postmasters were appointed by the president, but this of course changed whenever a new party was elected.  It was not until August 1970, with the signing of the Postal Reorganization Act, which took effect in July 1971, that the patronage system was finally removed from the postal service once and for all.  Postmasters began being appointed on merit alone. The act also permitted upward mobility for line employees, allowing them to be promoted to the position of Postmaster.

Along the way, there have been several famous individuals, who have served as postmasters. In 1833, Abraham Lincoln was appointed postmaster of New Salem, IL.

Other notable individuals who served as postmaster included abolitionist John Brown, businessman Conrad Hilton, novelist William Faulkner, and humorist Bill Nye.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

 

After 32 years Tri Delta Transit has new CEO, Rashidi Barnes, Jeanne Krieg to retire in February

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Former Tri Delta Transit CEO Jeanne Krieg and new CEO Rashidi Barnes. Photos: Tri Delta Transit

By Leeann Loroño, Manager of Customer Service and Marketing, Tri Delta Transit

(Note: Apologies for the delay in posting this information. The Herald publisher was sick during the week this press release was issued)

After an extensive nationwide search, the Board of Directors of the Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority, aka Tri Delta Transit, unanimously selected Rashidi Barnes as Tri Delta Transit’s new CEO. He assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer on September 7, 2022, replacing long-time CEO Jeanne Krieg who is retiring in February after 32 years at the agency.

Barnes started his transit career twenty years ago as the Western Sales Manager for Transit Marketing Group, a leader in marketing and sales for transit product manufacturers. From there he became the Director of Procurement for Foothill Transit where he was responsible for insuring contract compliance and procurement of materials/supplies and professional, architectural and engineering services. He also served as Foothill Transit’s Disadvantaged Enterprise Liaison Officer during his tenure.  His next five and a half years was spent with Central Contra Costa Transit Authority (County Connection) where he served as Senior Manager of Transportation, Senior Manager of Innovation and Shared Mobility, and then Director of Innovation and Shared Mobility. Projects that he helped to deliver included the initial Clipper System implementation for CCCTA, introducing on-demand transportation service, shepherding bus on shoulder legislation and congestion mitigation options, working with the regions local utility provider to help launch the agency’s first electric bus. During his other roles at CCCTA, Mr. Barnes oversaw the daily operations of 160+ bus operators, 12 supervisors and 1 transit manager. Daily as an operations team, their focus was on providing efficient service. This was accomplished through a dedication to strong customer service, innovative approaches in planning, traffic mitigation, and performance management of employees.

Most recently, Mr. Barnes has been working for First Transit as the Director of Mobility as a Service, a national position where he worked with various transit agencies, TNC’s, payment solution companies and micro mobility providers to deliver innovative mobility solutions. Through the introduction of MaaS mobile applications, data analytics and focus on improving the customers journeys Mr. Barnes believes that transit agencies will be able re-solidify its place in the daily transportation decisions that people make.

Mr. Barnes brings a variety of experience in roles that are part of Tri Delta Transit’s service.  In addition, he brings proven leadership, innovative thought, decision making skills, contract administration, as well as, in-depth industry knowledge.  In 2015, Mr. Barnes was listed by Mass Transit Magazine as one of the Top 40 Under 40 to watch and follow.

“We are greatly saddened by the retirement of Jeanne Krieg, who has been a strong leader for the last 32 years,” Board Chair Anissa Williams stated. “We are extremely fortunate to be bringing Rashidi Barnes onboard, who will no doubt continue Jeanne Krieg’s strong leadership and direction, while forging his own legacy.”

Krieg assumed the title of CEO Transitional Officer, serving in the position until she retires officially in February after a long and distinguished career.

Krieg Honored on Industry’s Wall of Excellence

In April, this year Krieg was honored by the California Association for Coordinated Transportation (CalACT) in Newport Beach at the CalACT spring conference. She was awarded a spot on the CalACT Wall of Excellence which recognizes individuals who have had a long and distinguished career in public transportation and have made outstanding contributions to CalACT and the transportation industry.

“Under the leadership of CEO Jeanne Krieg, Tri Delta Transit is a very forward thinking and innovative agency,” said then Board Chair Ken Gray. “Tri Delta Transit has been first adaptors of electric and hydrogen technology, use of various app technology, and in the forefront of employee practices to retain employees and create an optimal work environment.”

CalACT is a statewide, non-profit organization that represents the interests of small, rural and specialized transportation providers. CalACT, who have been in existence since 1984, promotes: striving for professional excellence in the field of transportation; that mobility is essential to the freedom and quality of life for everyone; and that agencies can create solutions by working together. CalACT acts as advocates for the industry, provides resources, sponsors conferences that promote idea and knowledge sharing, and implements programs such as bus procurement cooperative.

“I was surprised and humbled by this recognition from my industry,” Krieg said. “All of the employees and board members at Tri Delta Transit are a part of this award: their support, dedication, and hard work are what makes our agency successful.”

ABOUT TRI DELTA TRANSIT

Tri Delta Transit provides over two million trips each year to a population of over 315,000 residents in the 225 square miles of Eastern Contra Costa County. They currently operate 15 local bus routes Monday – Friday, five local bus routes on weekends, door-to-door bus service for senior citizens and people with disabilities, and on-demand rideshare services. To learn more, visit TriDeltaTransit.com.

Hometown Antioch filmmaker brings The Dark Fest Film Festival to El Campanil Theatre Sept. 17

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Film submissions from other, local filmmakers still accepted until Sept. 5th

Jason D. Morris

Award winning filmmaker, Jason D. Morris is bringing his love for films to his hometown of Antioch with The Dark Fest on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. Co-founder of the short film festival featuring genres of film noir, mystery, science fiction, horror, dark comedy and more, Morris grew up in Antioch, and as so many others who grew up here in the 80’s and 90’s, one of his best memories is watching films in the historically beautiful Stamm and El Campanil theaters. Those very experiences are ultimately what pushed him into filmmaking.

A graduate of Antioch High School and attendee of the Academy of Art University in San Francisco led to his career in film. After having produced and directed several feature films, including some in Antioch, he co-founded Resurrection Films with several other likeminded filmmakers which eventually led to the creation of The Dark Fest, after their experiences of taking their first film out on the festival circuit.

The first major production from Resurrection Films was a documentary based on Chris Carter’s (of The X-Files) television show Millennium, titled Millennium after the Millennium. Millennium starred film actor Lance Henriksen (The Right Stuff, Aliens) in one of his most enduring roles as Frank Black, an FBI profiler. Millennium paved the way for shows like Criminal Minds, Mindhunter and many others. The documentary screened in eight countries and garnered 21 awards during its festival run, including screenings at the LA Comic-Con, Monsterpalooza in Burbank and Horror Hound’s Horror Convention in Indianapolis. But festivals are expensive and far away for the average filmmaker, this can make getting your film seen expensively prohibitive.

Since Morris had already shot four films in Antioch, bringing Hollywood talent such as Academy nominated actor Eric Roberts, Ricco Ross and Henriksen to his productions, he thought “why not set up an event for other local filmmakers to have easier access to getting their films screened?” With such a creative hub of activity in Antioch and the surrounding areas many film productions go unnoticed and have little options for an audience. The Dark Fest aims to alleviate this issue for local filmmakers looking for a way to screen their films without the hefty expense of renting a theater or having to travel to far away locations. The members of Resurrection Films have hopes to continue the festival and expand it into a bigger event with more community involvement and celebration of local filmmakers.

Film Submissions

If you’re a filmmaker, submissions are still open until September 5th by visiting filmfreeway.com/thedarkfest  and email info@thedarkfest.com. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please reach out at info@thedarkfest.com. As for the rest of you we hope to see you in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown on September 17 at El Campanil Theatre for a night of dark cinema.

About The Dark Fest:

Resurrection Films presents The Dark Fest, showcasing short films from the dark side of cinema with genres of film noir, mystery, science fiction, horror, dark comedy and more, as we celebrate local filmmakers from the bay area, and around the world. Join us at 5:30pm Sept. 17 at the El Campanil Theatre for musical pre-show entertainment by local musicians Matthew Gatsos on piano and Evan Morris on saxophone while enjoying concessions provided for purchase by the venue. Screening begins at 6pm and ends at 10pm.

Tickets

Tickets are $10 for Adults and $8 for Seniors & Youth.

THIS EVENT IS RATED R. NO ONE UNDER 17 WILL BE ADMITTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. To purchase tickets, visit elcampaniltheatre.com or click here.

El Campanil Theatre is located at 602 W. 2nd Street.