On October 19, the City of Antioch hosted The Red Sand Project aimed to raise awareness of Human Trafficking.

The metaphorical movement provided participants with red bags of sand where they poured it into the cracks at the Antioch Community Center off Lone Tree Way.

The sand represents people and the cracks that victims of human trafficking can slip through, while helping people understand how this issue impacts communities. After the red sand was poured, a training followed.

Councilwoman Monica Wilson oversees Police Chief Tammany Brooks placing red sand in the cracks.

The event was championed by City Councilwoman Monica Wilson who has become passionate in raising awareness on the topic after realizing just how prevalent it has become—including multiple incidents in Antioch and within the County.

“I am really happy and excited in the turnout that we had because a lot of people have expressed interest in learning about it, becoming aware of it and learning what they can do to prevent it,” said Wilson. “This is not the end of it, its not going to be a one and done thing, we will do another action item that will bring awareness to the community.”

Wilson explained that many people didn’t know about the various forms of human trafficking and appreciated learning tips and tricks of how to notice it and prevent it.

“People want to get involved and how to help to prevent it,” said Wilson. “It’s been a great start to raising awareness on the issue of human trafficking.”

After bringing the Red Sand Project idea to City Manager Ron Bernal, Wilson said he was all in and fully supportive. Bernal explained how the project made sense after Chief Brooks highlighted Antioch has around 5 cases a year.

“The subject is important and is something that is happening around us that goes unaware, so the goal was to help raise awareness even if it prevents just one life from going into a very bad situation,” said Bernal.

He noted it was also an opportunity to bring people together and discuss this issue and how to prevent it.

“Its a great opportunity for the community to come together to better understand a real problem in our society that effects Antioch in human trafficking,” said Bernal. “Making a positive effect where people can become aware, have some fun, put down red sand in the cracks by doing it together both young and old all across our community, and the region is really a good thing. I am just really encouraged by this.”

In 2016, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 1,323 reported cases of human trafficking in California

On October 24, the City of Antioch will be bringing forward an ordinance in the City banning hourly rate hotels/motels which could draw human tracking. The ordinance is aimed to be a tool for the police department.