Antioch Police Chief Joe Vigil (center) is joined by (L-R) new Lieutenant Gary Lowther, Sergeants Adam Duffy and Josh Egan, Corporals Ashley Allen and Erik Nilsen and Officer Dezi Gomez during the oath of office ceremony on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. All photos by Antioch PD
Plus, another new officer in April
“Celebrating Leadership, Service and New Beginnings”
By Antioch Police Department
This past week was an exciting one for the Antioch Police Department as we recognized several well-deserved promotions and welcomed a new officer to our ranks.
Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Gary Lowther, Sergeant Adam Duffy, Sergeant Josh Egan, Corporal Ashley Allen and Corporal Erik Nilsen and please help us welcome Officer Dezi-James Gomez.
Each of these individuals has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving our community, supporting their fellow officers, and continuously striving for professional excellence.
From military service and specialized investigations to mentoring new officers, crisis negotiations, SWAT assignments, field training, traffic enforcement, and community engagement, these men and women have dedicated countless hours to making Antioch a safer place. Their promotions reflect years of hard work, leadership, sacrifice, and dedication to public service.
We are also proud to welcome Officer Gomez, a local product who grew up in Discovery Bay and Brentwood, recently completed the police academy and our Field Training Program, and is already serving the community he calls home.
Promotions are never achieved alone. We would also like to recognize and thank the families, friends, and loved ones who have supported these officers throughout their careers. Your encouragement and sacrifices make their success possible.
During the ceremony in the Antioch Police Department’s Community Room, Chief Joe Vigil provided additional details about each of the departments’ promoted leaders and the new officer, as he introduced each.
Lt. Gary Lowther is pinned with his new badge by his mother during the ceremony.
Lt. Gary Lowther
Lieutenant Lowther was born and raised in Union City and graduated from James Logan High School. He would go on to earn an NCAA Division I baseball scholarship to Old Dominion University in Norfolk Virginia. While attending Old Dominion University, he met his wife, Carinda, and would graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications.
Lieutenant Lowther would return to California and begin his law enforcement career in 2005 with the Antioch Police Department in 2005, who sponsored him through the 130th Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Basic Police Academy. While in the academy, Lowther was fortunate enough to be allowed a half-day off to get married.
Throughout his time with the department, he would become a Field Training Officer, firearms / active shooter instructor, and serve on the SWAT Team, as well as serve as a detective. He was promoted to corporal in March 2016. As a sergeant, Lieutenant Lowther would supervise patrol teams, work in administration in hiring and recruiting, internal affairs, and supervise the Hostage Negotiation Team as well as the Field Training Program. Over the last six months, Lieutenant Lowther would serve as the acting watch commander, overseeing multiple patrol teams and mentoring and coaching our younger supervisors.
Lieutenant Lowther and his wife, Carinda, are proud parents of three amazing boys, Jaxon (17), Caden (14), and Garrett (9). Their continued support has allowed Lieutenant Lowther to remain committed to serving the Antioch community with integrity, professionalism, and leadership.
Sgt. Adam Duffy is pinned by his wife, Heidi and son, Jack.
Sgt. Adam Duffy
Sergeant Duffy was born and raised in Antioch. He began serving our city at an early age, delivering newspapers for the Daily Ledger and working at local grocery stores. Following high school, he left Antioch to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice before answering the call to military service by joining the United States Navy as a Master-at-Arms.
During his six years of honorable service in the Navy, Adam achieved the rank of Petty Officer Second Class before returning home to continue his commitment to public service. He attended the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office academy, where he earned the distinction of Top Recruit.
Adam began his law enforcement career with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, then joined the Antioch Police Department last June. Throughout his career Sergeant Duffy has served with distinction in Patrol and Investigations.
While assigned to Patrol, Sergeant Duffy served as a Field Training Officer, was a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team, and contributed to the department’s recruiting efforts. In Investigations, he was assigned to the Violent Crime Unit, where he spent almost five years investigating numerous serious and violent offenses.
In addition to his primary assignments, Adam serves as a 40mm less-lethal instructor and an EVOC instructor. He oversees the department’s K9 Unit and assists in supervising the Field Training Program. Demonstrating his continued commitment to professional growth, Adam completed his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the California Coast University while working full time.
Adam is married to his biggest supporter, Heidi, and together they are raising their son, Jack — a future police officer, firefighter, or perhaps even a trash truck driver.
Sgt. Josh Egan with his wife, Jacqueline while holding their daughter, Bailey during the pinning of his new badge.
Sgt. Josh Egan
At an early age Sergeant Egan knew he wanted to serve the greater good. He enlisted in the Army and served in executive protection for the NATO Commander. Sergeant Egan began his law enforcement career with the Modesto Police Department in 2009, where he served as a Field Training Officer, Traffic Officer, and was on their Crime Reduction Team.
Sergeant Egan would join the Antioch Police Department in 2020. Since coming to Antioch, Sergeant Egan has served as a Field Training Officer, Traffic Officer, and is also a Drug Recognition Expert. He has served in a variety of roles, including Motor Officer, Field Training Officer, and Drug Recognition Expert. He also serves as the department’s sole Accident Reconstructionist and has filed many cases. Sergeant Egan is also an instructor in both Emergency Vehicle Operations and Crisis Intervention.
Sergeant Egan is currently working towards completing his bachelor’s Degree. In his free time, he enjoys life at home with his wife, Jacqueline, and their daughter, Bailey. Sergeant Egan is truly grateful for this opportunity and takes immense pride in helping to move the agency forward and lead this department into the future.
Corporal Ashley Allen with Chief Vigil during the ceremony. Her husband and son pinned on her new badge.
Corporal Ashley Allen
Corporal Allen has participated in team sports since an early age. She would go on to have a successful collegiate career as a Division II shortstop and earn her bachelor’s degree from California State University East Bay, in Criminal Justice. During her senior year of college, she was hired by the Antioch Police Department and would later attend the Alameda County Police Academy.
Corporal Allen began her law enforcement career in September 2018 as a patrol officer. During her time in patrol, she would serve as a cadet advisor, mentoring numerous teenage cadets, several of whom have since gone on to become Antioch police officers. Her dedication to mentorship and community engagement has remained a cornerstone of her career.
Corporal Allen would later move into the Investigations Division, where she would spend several years in the Special Victims Unit detective. In this role, she received extensive training in crime scene investigation and advanced investigative techniques related to crimes involving vulnerable victims. Through her thorough investigative work and commitment to seeking justice, she secured successful filings and convictions for numerous cases.
Her time in investigations would see her partner with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force where she would participate in numerous operations targeting individuals exploiting children online. Corporal Allen would also serve as a crisis negotiator, where she assists in high-risk and critical incidents requiring communication and de-escalation skills and techniques.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Corporal Allen enjoys working out, playing recreational softball, and spending quality time with her family, including her three-year-old son Jackson.
Corporal Erik Nilsen is pinned by his wife, Ariel.
Corporal Erik Nilsen
Before beginning his law enforcement career, Corporal Nilsen worked in the financial industry. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from California State University, Fresno and several advanced financial designations from The American College.
After a short period of time Corporal Nilsen moved into the policing profession, beginning his career with the Antioch Police Department in 2017 as a Community Service Officer. He would become a sworn police officer in 2018, at the same time as Corporal Allen, after graduating from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Academy.
Erik has spent time in the operations division assigned to patrol. He would serve as a Field Training Officer, drone pilot, and acting Corporal. In 2024 Erik became a Detective where he worked in the sexual assault, violent crime, financial crime, and property crime units. He also worked in the CSI unit as Detective Jeong’s much younger assistant. Throughout his time in the department, Corporal Nilsen held several ancillary assignments on the Peer Support Team, SWAT Team, Honor Guard, Recruiting Team, and Use of Force Review Board.
Corporal Nilsen has a deep commitment to training, mentoring, and developing officers, as well as serving the Antioch community with professionalism and integrity. He is a department instructor in defensive tactics, force options, de-escalation, and tactical communications.
Corporal Nilsen is joined today by his wife Ariel (yes like the little mermaid) who blessed their family with their first daughter four months ago. He is also joined by his parents and sister whose support has been instrumental throughout his career.
Officer Dezi-James Gomez is pinned by his wife.
Officer Dezi-James Gomez
Officer Gomez was born in San Mateo and grew up in Discovery Bay and Brentwood. He attended Liberty High School and shortly after attended Los Medanos College EMT Academy.
Earlier this year he completed the Alameda County Sheriff’s academy and a few weeks ago completed our Field Training Program.
Dezi’s father is a motivational figure for him becoming a police officer. His dad was in the military and so was his grandpa. In his free time, he does a lot of water sports on the delta. He wakeboards, fishes, and rides jet skis. Officer Gomez enjoys family bonding and meeting new people.
Fun fact: Dezi and his wife have four very loud parrots.
Chief Vigil administered the oath of office to the five.
Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Lowther, Sergeant Duffy, Sergeant Egan, Corporal Allen, Corporal Nilsen, and welcoming Officer Gomez to the Antioch Police Department family. We are proud to have each of them serving our community.
Congratulations and thank you for your continued service to Antioch!
Officer Brandon Stanley joined the Antioch Police Department in April 2026.
Another New Officer in April
In April, another new, lateral sworn officer was added to the force, Brandon Stanley.
Brandon was born in Daly City and raised in Modesto. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice and brings a strong background in law enforcement to our team.
Before joining APD, Brandon worked with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, where he spent three years in adult detention before transitioning to patrol. He has served as a Field Training Officer (FTO) since 2020 and has been working in traffic enforcement over the past couple of years.
Please join us in welcoming Officer Stanley to the Antioch Police Department!
According to Chief Vigil, the two additions bring the total number of sworn officers on the force to 85 as of Wednesday, June 10th.
The Deer Valley High School Class of 2026 graduates toss their caps into the air in celebration inside Wolverines Stadium Saturday morning, June 6, 2026. Photos by Allen D. Payton
By Allen D. Payton
The 382 graduates of the Deer Valley High School Class of 2026 celebrated with their faculty, family and friends during the school’s 30th year, Saturday morning, June 6th.
The class entered Wolverines Stadium to the traditional sounds of Pomp and Circumstance by the Deer Valley High School Band, led by Music Director Ryan Carr. The Deer Valley Jr. ROTC Cadets, under the leadership of U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Ronnie McGee, provided the Presentation of Colors.
The DVHS Jr. ROTC Presented the Colors and the Divine Voices performed the National Anthem.
The National Anthem was then performed by the Divine Voices, led by Choral Director Alivia Logan and Salutatorian Natalie Hill then asked her classmates to be seated.
DVHS Class of 2026 Salutatorian Natalie Hill speaks during the ceremony as district and school officials look on and with her U.S. Marine Corps scholarship ceremonial check and certificate following the school’s Awards Ceremony earlier this year. Right photo courtesy of Stephanie Hill
House 2 Vice Principal Mike Green, once again, served as Master of Ceremonies. He mentioned that Hill “will attend UCLA in the fall on a full-ride scholarship to study political science. She plans to participate in the ROTC and become a military officer upon graduation.”
Earlier this year, Hill received a $180,000 college scholarship from the U.S. Marine Corps.
DVHS Vice Principal Mike Green, Principal Robert Bowers and Trustee Antonio Hernandez speak to the graduates of the Class of 2026 Saturday morning.
Green mentioned the Antioch Unified School District officials in attendance for the ceremony. They included Trustees Antonio Hernandez, Mary Rocha, Dee Brown and Olga Cobos Smith who each later handed out the diplomas. Also, in attendance was Dr. Camille Johnson, Associate Superintendent for Human Resources.
Many of the graduates decorated their caps with personal messages.
Green then introduced Principal Robert Bowers who spoke to the graduates saying, “You’re a special class. Over the past four years you’ve accomplished amazing things. You’ve created memories that have built a culture that will be remembered long after today.”
“This year marks the 30th anniversary of DVHS,” he continued. “I’ve been incredibly impressed by your kindness, resilience. The world you are entering needs exactly what you have to offer. Believe in yourselves the way I believe in you. Dream big, work hard, take chances and make a difference. Go change the world.”
Trustee Hernandez then shared about his own experience growing up in Antioch, graduating from Dozier Libbey Medical High School, going on to college and now, in med school.
DVHS Senior Class President Amanda Brown (left) and Valedictorian Emma Canales (center) speak to the graduates. AUSD Associate Superintendent Dr. Camille Johnson (right) accepts the Class of 2026.
Green introduced Senior Class President Amanda Brown saying, “She will attend (Cal State) Fullerton in the fall and study early childhood development. She has also been awarded the City of Antioch’s 2025 Youth of the Year.”
She then spoke about her and her fellow graduates’ time in school and compared it to a garden of flowers referring to a poem she quoted.
“We used it to grow. Every challenge made us stronger, and every supporter gave us life,” she stated. “To our parents and teachers, thank you. Thank you for helping water our garden.”
To her classmates she concluded, “My encouragement to you is to keep building your garden.”
Green introduced Valedictorian Emma Canales saying, “She will attend U.C. Berkeley on a full-ride scholarship in the fall to study electrical and computer engineering.”
She offered thanks to her family, “who have pushed me past my limits. To everyone else, friends, teachers and mentors…who have encouraged me to become the person I am today.”
Canales then spoke of “The multiverse” and mentioned her own upbringing including the fact, “the doctor gave me to the wrong mother. My grandmother advocated for me.”
“Push back against every barrier,” she encouraged her fellow graduates. “As you move forward in your journey, take a moment to realize how much you’ve been given and you’ve given to others. I’m confident your resilience and passion you’ve demonstrated will become your best assets. Give yourself grace and humility.”
Associate Superintendent Johnson accepted “the Class of 2026 of Deer Valley High School. I certify that each of you have completed the graduation requirements of the Antioch Unified School District. Henceforth you are to be considered graduates and alumni of Deer Valley High School.”
The Divine Voices then performed, “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” and “Ad Astra” which was followed by the Reading of the Names of the graduates by DVHS Math Department Chair Maria McClain and Math Instructor Jessika Tate.
The Deer Valley Divine Voices perform “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye” during the ceremony Saturday morning.
Class President Brown then led her classmates in the turning of their tassels to officially demonstrate they had graduated, as some tossed their caps in the air in celebration.
The graduates were then led off the field by Green and Bowers during the Recessional to the sounds of the DVHS Band.
Congratulations, Class of 2026 and God bless you in your future endeavors!
Fourth Annual event features live performances, music, food, activities for kids and adults, and more!
By City of Antioch Recreation Department
Celebrate this Juneteenth with the City of Antioch! This free annual city-sponsored Juneteenth Celebration is where we come together as a city to honor freedom, culture and community. Join us Friday, June 19th 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!
What Is Juneteenth?
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 Galveston, 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 fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration.
Entertainment
The Antioch Juneteenth Celebration music line up is here!
DURTI RYCE Featuring DERON will light up the stage with a tribute to the one and only Frankie Beverly, an icon of soul and R&B!
Oh, we’re not done. We are also excited to welcome powerhouse songstress, MONIQUE RENEE who will grace the stage with a tribute to Lady T, Teena Marie!
Two acts, two unforgettable icons to be honored, one incredible night. Join us for food, games, fun, and memories at this year’s Antioch Juneteenth Celebration.
The latest election results show Contra Costa Measure B trailing with less than 43% of the vote in favor. A relatively small number of late arriving votes are unlikely to change the outcome, given the 36,562-vote gap between the NO and YES totals. Measure G is also likely to fail.
Measure B would have raised sales taxes by 0.625% around the county, would have cost consumers more than $750 million during its five-year life, and would have pushed total sales tax rates over 10% in most of the County. Measure G was yet a fourth bond measure for the county colleges, adding to our indebtedness and long-term payment of interest. The bond measures appear not to have ever been enough and with falling student numbers, huge investments make no sense.
As the official ballot opponent to Measure B, Contra Costa Taxpayers Association (CoCoTax) showed voters the deceptiveness of the proponents’ case, which included exaggerated claims about Medi-Cal funding losses, alarmism over emergency room overcrowding, and the false assertion that the tax did not apply to groceries (prepared foods, OTC medications, and non-food groceries would have been subject to the tax). For Measure G, we showed the math behind it and how the only people looking to support it with money were unions whose contracts expire this month. The unions also planned to take advantage of Measure B funds.
CoCoTax rallied volunteers to get the message out with signage, verbal appeals, videos, text messages and more. The organization made its first set of campaign finance expenditures, reporting approximately $20,000 of independent expenditures to the County’s campaign finance system. This spending paled in comparison to the $450,000 raised by the Yes on B campaign, mostly from unions seeking to maximize dues revenue.
Denise Kalm, a CoCoTax Executive Committee who agreed to serve as the group’s President Pro Tem this Spring led the successful effort against Measures B and G.
Reacting to the results, Kalm said, “Measure B would have given the Board of Supervisors another big infusion of cash; they already had burdened us in 2020 with Measure X and haven’t even found ways to spend/waste it all. And yet, they came back with a 0.625% increase in sales tax demand, purportedly to fix the healthcare shortfall they claim President Trump caused. None of it was true; none of their math added up.“
Though CoCoTax initially started only going after B, we made an effort to get G to fail, which worked.
CoCoTax welcomes more Contra Costa residents to join us and volunteer. We’re expecting many tax and bond measures in November and then again in 2028. While some may be reasonable, others, like the regional transit tax, require informed and active opposition. Neighbors who want to join us in “Fighting for Good Government at Affordable Cost in Contra Costa,” are encouraged to check out our website at https://www.cocotax.org.
The Antioch High School Class of 2026 graduates toss their caps into the air to celebrate inside Eells Stadium as the sun sets on Friday night, June 5, 2026. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Smallest class size in years
By Allen D. Payton
During an evening Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026, the 330 members of the Antioch High School Class of 2026 celebrated with family and friends their four-year accomplishment inside the school’s Eells Stadium.
In the program Principal John Jimno wrote, “It is with great pride that I present to you the Class of 2026. The administration and staff of Antioch High School believe that these young people are well prepared to embark upon the next phase of their lives…what a journey they have ahead of them!
“I hope this occasion, shared with families and friends, will create fond memories to last for many years to come. This presentation is a well-documented rite of passage from childhood to adulthood and is very meaningful to the graduates and their families. This commencement ceremony exemplifies the high standards of Antioch High School and its students, staff and community. Congratulations, Class of 2026!”
Antioch High ASB President Kailani Torres with her diploma. Superintendent Dr. Darnise Williams accepts the class.
Following their entrance to the traditional sounds of Pomp and Circumstance and the playing of the National Anthem, known as The Star-Spangled Banner, the classmates and all in attendance were welcomed by ASB President Kailani Torres.
Jimno introduced the dignitaries including four members of the Antioch Unified School District Board of Trustees, Vice President Olga Cobos Smith, Mary Rocha, Dee Brown and Antonio Hernandez, Superintendent Dr. Darnise Williams, Director of Educational Services Dr. Lindsay Lopez-Wisely and City Councilmembers Tamisha Torres-Walker and Louie Rocha, the past principal of Antioch High.
Antioch High Class of 2026 Salutatorian McKeyla Feliciano speaks to her fellow graduates as Valedictorian Daniel Fung looks on.
Jimno then introduced Salutatorian McKeyla Feliciano and Valedictorian Daniel Fung who addressed the graduates.
Feliciano spoke of perseverance and shared memories of her high school experience.
“I believe in you all,” she said. “We are young, we are foolish, we have dreams. Hashtag, keep going.”
Valedictorian Fung said, “Thank you for raising a real goat” meaning greatest of all time, to laughter from his classmates.
Antioch High Class of 2026 Valedictorian Daniel Fung speaks to his classmates as Salutatorian McKeyla Feliciano looks on.
“I wanted high school to end before it even started. I wanted to stay at home all day and play video games. I was always dreaming about my future,” he continued. “The future is today for all of us. I was wrong. High school wasn’t so bad. Sometimes I wish it was a little bit longer.”
“I was always afraid of change. Now, I see it is beautiful,” Fung stated. “Thank you, high school for teaching me that.”
“It’s not about how you finish. It’s about how you navigate this world and make this life uniquely yours. Be ambitious. We are dreamers. So, let’s keep dreaming,” he concluded.
Antioch High School Principal John Jimno speaks to the graduates and celebrates with his son, Matthew who graduated Friday night.
Jimno then spoke saying, “This class is special.” He then mentioned that he would be watching his “son Matthew graduate tonight.” To the graduates he said, “I’ve spent the last seven years watching you grow up from little kids to adults. Watching you showcase your talents has been amazing.”
“Carry yourself with confidence, continue to work hard and follow your passion,” Jimno concluded.
AUSD Trustee Mary Rocha speaks to the graduates and celebrates with her granddaughter Miley Fernandez who graduated Friday night.
Trustee Mary Rocha representing the board spoke next. She mentioned Jimno’s son graduating and then said, “I have my granddaughter graduating, here. So, we’re a family. Today, my final family member will graduate, Miley Fernandez.”
Rocha spoke first in Spanish then in English.
“I want to acknowledge the great sacrifice of your parents and family in your academic achievement. What an exciting time for all and fear for what the future holds,” she continued. “You’ve been given the tools. Congratulations Class of 2026.”
Before officially accepting the class, Dr. Williams said, “You all did it and you did it big. Always question the status quo. The world needs more people to step forward when others step back. The future is not something that happens to you, it is something you come to shape.”
She then accepted “the 2026 Class from Antioch High School…upon the recommendation of the faculty and Board of Trustees.”
The graduates’ names were then read, and their diplomas were presented to them by a few of their teachers, Sandy Bentancourt, Melissa Johnson, Jeff Meeks and Andre TimTim.
Antioch High 2026 Senior Class President Alanna-Joi Sheard with Principal Jimno before offering closing remarks and leading her classmates in the turning of their tassels.
Closing Remarks were offered by Senior Class President Alanna-Joi Sheard who then then led her classmates in the turning of their tassels signifying they had officially graduated.
Many tossed their caps into the air before family and friends joined them on the field to celebrate.
The Cornerstone Christian School championship basketball teams were honored by the Antioch City Council on April 14, 2026. Photo: City of Antioch
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on April 14, 2026, the Antioch City Council honored both the Cornerstone Christian School Cougars boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams for their state championships this year. In addition, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, the Antioch Sports Legends hosted and honored the teams, in their wing inside the Antioch Historical Museum.
Source: CIF
The undefeated boys’ team won the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Boys Division III State Championship defeating the Birmingham Patriots of Lake Balboa, CA, 74-64 at the Golden One Center in Sacramento on March 13th. They ended their season with a 29-8 overall record and 12-0 for first place in league. (See game video)
The boys’ basketball team was also the 2024 North Coast Section (NCS) and Norcal State Champions.
Photo courtesy of Cornerstone Christian School.Source: MaxPreps
Source: CIF
The undefeated, number one seeded girls’ team won the NorCal Girls Division VI Championship by dominating and defeating the number two seed Redding Christian Lions 48-27 inside the Cornerstone Christian gym on March 11th. They ended the season with a record of 27-7 and 10-0 for first place in league. (See game video)
The girls’ team was also the 2023 NCS and Norcal State Champions.
Photo courtesy of Cornerstone Christian School.Source: MaxPreps
The City Council’s proclamation reads as follows:
RECOGNITION HONORING CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL’S
2026 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL TEAMS
APRIL 2026
WHEREAS, Cornerstone Christian Center and Cornerstone Christian School have long served as valued institutions in the Antioch community, fostering spiritual growth, community engagement,
and a commitment to developing young people of purpose, integrity, and service;
WHEREAS, Cornerstone Christian School has built a strong reputation for providing an education that supports the development of students academically, spiritually, and athletically, while
encouraging excellence, discipline, leadership, and character;
WHEREAS, throughout the 2025–2026 basketball season, both the Cornerstone Christian School Girls and Boys High School Basketball Teams demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication, representing their school and the City of Antioch with pride and distinction;
WHEREAS, the Cornerstone Christian School Girls Basketball Team achieved an exceptional milestone by winning the 2026 CIF State Division VI Championship, reflecting the team’s resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to excellence;
WHEREAS, the Cornerstone Christian School Boys Basketball Team achieved a historic accomplishment by securing the 2026 CIF State Championship, establishing a new legacy of excellence for the school and bringing great pride to the Antioch community;
WHEREAS, these accomplishments reflect not only the talent and hard work of the student-athletes, but also the invaluable leadership of coaches, the support of families, and the strength of the broader Cornerstone Christian School community; and
WHEREAS, the success of these teams has brought honor to the City of Antioch and serves as an inspiration to future generations to pursue excellence in athletics, academics, and character.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, hereby proclaim April 14, 2026, as a day of recognition honoring the Cornerstone Christian School, Girls and Boys Basketball Teams for their 2026 CIF State Championship victories, and extend sincere congratulations to the student-athletes, coaches, school leadership, families, and the entire Cornerstone Christian School community.
Cornerstone Christian, CIF Boys Div. III State Basketball Champions Left to right: Alkeise Boddie, Brian McMurtrie, Pierre Tyson, Benjamin Lukacs, Elijah Longstreth, Marijan Kelly, James Perry, Tom Menasco (ASL Co-Founder), Jaden Taylor-West, Head Coach Michael Thomasson, Anthony Thomasson, Eddie Beaudin (ASL Co-Founder), Amari Woodard, Antonio Coleman, Jacob Williams, Ethan Banks. Not pictured: Ryan Seto, Uriah Wade, Ethan Banks, Brian McMurtrie, Assistant Coaches Thomas Brown, Tyree Murray, Jaden Shyne, Terrell Woodard. Photo: Antioch Sports Legends
Antioch Sports Legends Also Honor Teams
According to a May 29th post on their Facebook page, the “Antioch Sports Legends had the honor of welcoming the Cornerstone Christian High School varsity basketball teams to the museum to celebrate an incredible season!
“The students-athletes had the opportunity to explore the Sports Legends Hall of Fame—many for the very first time.
“We proudly recognized two outstanding teams:
CIF Boys Division III State Champions the Cornerstone Christian HS Boys Team
NorCal Girls Division VI Champions the Cornerstone Christian HS Girls Team
Azariah Wiley, Camille Bartolo, Kayli Bertrand, Tom Menasco (ASL Co-Founder), Coach Ariel Jackson, Eddie Beaudin (ASL Co-Founder), Jada Mayse, Danielle Balogun, Sanaa Boykin, Evalyn Mucio, Alexandrea Hall, Kenenna Amajioyi. Not pictured Laila Alexander, Bre’ah Butler, Bri’elle Phillips, Head Coach Madison Alexander. Photo: Antioch Sports Legends
“A special thank you to Gary Bras and Kris Del Monte for organizing this memorable event, and to Sports Legends co-founders Tom Menasco and Eddie Beaudin for presenting awards to these talented student-athletes.
“Congratulations to Cornerstone Christian High School on a remarkable year—we are proud to celebrate your success and dedication both on and off the court.”
Both teams were presented with plaques bearing the Antioch Sports Legends logo recognizing their accomplishments.
Cornerstone Christian School provides a well-rounded academic, extra-curricular, and spiritual experience. The foundational purpose of our facilities, programs, curriculum choices, and most of all our dedicated teachers and staff is to inspire your child in the joy of learning and a love for God and His Son Jesus. We want to partner with you, the parent, to bring about the best in your child. The school is located at 1745 E. 18th Street in Antioch. For more information visit www.cornerstonechristianschool.net.
But margin of defeat for Measure G’s college district bond narrows
Second place races for 14th Assembly District narrows, 10th Congressional District widens but still too close to call
By Allen D. Payton
According to the Contra Costa Elections Division Update 1, as of Friday, June 5, 2026, at 3:44 PM a total of 267,760 ballots have been counted for a 36.6 percent voter turnout in the county, so far. But the additional ballots have not resulted in any changes to the winners in the four contested countywide races of Superintendent of Schools, Assessor, Auditor-Controller and Clerk-Recorder-Registrar. Nor in the races for the 11th, 15th and 16th Assembly Districts or 8th and 9th Congressional Districts. While Measure A is still passing and Measures B and G are still failing, the margin of defeat for Measure G has narrowed. (See related article)
Contra Costa countywide offices Primary Election Results Update 1 as of Friday, June 5, 2026. Source: CCC Elections Division
Dr. Dana Eaton’s dominating lead over Dr. Jag Lathan for Superintendent has increased from 63,800 votes on Election Night to 92,179. But Eaton’s share of the vote decreased from 73.44% to 72.12%.
Vince Robb’s commanding lead in the Assessor’s race over his two opponents, Nick Spinner and Kismat Kathrani, has increased from 66,516 to 99,549 and from 85,909 to 130,261 votes, respectively. But Robb’s share of the vote decreased slightly from 67.99% to 67.66%. Because he has received more than 50% of the vote, he will not have to face off against the second-place finisher in November.
In the Auditor-Controller’s race, Peter Karumbi’s insurmountable lead increased from 79,449 votes on Election Night to 119,202 over Deepika Naharas. But his share of the vote decreased from 79.23% to 78.87%.
Finally, in the Clerk-Recorder-Registrar’s race, incumbent Kristin Connelly is soundly defeating her opponent, Pratima Sonavne by the widest margin of the four countywide contests by 161,995 votes for 87.08% of the vote. That is a slight increase over the Election Night results of 87.02% of the vote.
Election Results from Update 1 as of June 5, 2026. Source: CCC Elections Division
No Changes to Results for Countywide Ballot Measures
In the three countywide ballot measures, no changes occurred due to the additional votes included in Friday’s updated results as Measure A is still passing and Measures B and G still failing.
Measure A, the Urban Limit Line renewal vote is still winning, now by 95,353 votes or 69.81% of the vote, an increase over Election Night results of 67.91%.
Measure B, the County’s 0.625% sales tax increase is now failing by 36,562 votes with 57.91% of the vote against, a slight decrease over Election Night results of 59.04% opposing.
Finally, the updated results for Measure G, the community college district’s bond measure, which requires a 55% vote to pass, show an increase in support. It is now failing by just 4,049 votes or 50.83% to 49.17% of voters in favor, closing the margin of defeat by 6,285 votes. In order to pass, the measure will need over 62% of the remaining votes to be in support.
Election results as of Friday, June 5, 2026. Source: CA Secretary of State
In the 14th Assembly District, the race for second place to determine who will take on incumbent Democrat Buffy Wicks in November, has narrowed from 2,085 votes on Election Night to just 950 votes. Republican Borgar Solnordal now has 9,357 votes or 10.0% and Green Party candidate Mark Rendon has 8,407 or 9.0% of the vote. That seat includes most of West County and portions of Alameda County.
In the 10th Congressional District, which covers most of Contra Costa County, the current second place finisher, Republican Jeff Frese has expanded his lead over fellow Republican challenger, Katherine Piccinini to 2,956, a total of 112 more votes than on Election Night. Frese now has 24,115 votes or 13.5% to Piccini’s 21,159 or 11.8% of the vote. The winner between the two will determine who will face incumbent Democrat Representative Mark DeSaulnier in November.
Election results as of June 5, 2026. Source: CA Secretary of State
Remaining Ballots, More Arriving
There are currently 55,200 ballots remaining to be processed. But according to Contra Costa County Assistant Registrar Helen Nolan, ballots postmarked by election day can still arrive at the Elections office by next Tuesday, June 9th at 5:00 p.m. So, the total number of remaining ballots is expected to increase.
Following is the breakdown of the estimated number of current unprocessed ballots:
Ballots voted at a voting location – 100
Vote-by-mail ballots received on or before Election Day – 28,500
Vote-by-mail ballots received after Election Day – 24,000
