On Friday, March 27, 2026, Grace n’ Grub will host the Grand Opening of the Daily Bread Market which will include a variety of other food pop-ups. The event will be held at 2515 Somersville Road from 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM. and will include a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal and other community leaders.
The market will continue each following Wednesday and Friday.
Grace n’ Grub is a youth-led food business founded by Diego Chavez Marquez when he was just 17 years old, and operated with his brothers Alfredo, 20, and German, 15, and a few of their closest friends, according to a Los Medanos College Experience report.
For more information about Grace n’ Grub visit them on Instagram.
Officers Molina and Loroño and the confiscated loaded gun. Photos: Antioch PD
By Antioch Police Department
Last week Officers Marcos Molina and Alejandro Loroño responded to a ShotSpotter activation for two rounds fired near the 400 block of Lawton Street. When they arrived, community members quickly pointed them toward a group near the train tracks.
Officers contacted several individuals in the area and, through their investigation, identified one individual with multiple outstanding warrants. He was safely detained, and officers located a loaded firearm concealed in his clothing. He was arrested for his warrants and weapon related violations and booked.
We are grateful for the community members who provided information and support during this incident. Your willingness to get involved helps us respond quickly and keep our neighborhoods safe. This is a great example of how teamwork between our officers and the community makes a difference every day.
Long-time Antioch resident Alexander “Sani” Fontana turned 104 on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Photo by Allen D. Payton
A Minnesota native, he’s lived here for 85 years, is a World War II veteran and former Dow Chemical company employee
By Allen D. Payton
Born on March 25, 1922, Antioch resident Alexander Rocco “Sani” Fontana turned 104 on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Plans are in the works to celebrate with family and fellow residents and staff of the Tre Vista Senior Living community in Antioch where he lives.
Fontana shared that his real first name is “Alexander and they cut it to Alec.” His middle name is Rocco. “It was planned from my father’s side of the family,” he stated.
“Sani is a nickname inherited through my grandpa who was Santi. It got shortchanged from Santi to Sani,” Fontana added.
Asked about his family, Sani said, “My brother Leo was right behind me by 13 months. Leo, who also lived at Tre Vista, turned 100 in 2023 and passed away in August, that year.
They also had a younger sister named Lilly.
“We were very close. Lilly was two years younger than Leo,” Sani said.
He then shared about his life, family, and why and when they came to California and ended up in Antioch.
“We were born in Minnesota. I graduated from high school in 1940, and we moved out here in 1941,” Sani said. “Our parents waited for Leo to graduate and then made the move. Lilly was the baby. She died two or three years ago.”
“My stepfather had asthma real bad and this climate suited him. He had relatives out here, also,” Fontana continued. “So, the move was made through the family. We moved to Pittsburg for a short time. We built a house in Antioch on Alpha Way and 18th Street. That was the homestead. It’s still there.”
Asked if he was married, Sani said, “I was married for 54 years to Betty Machado, a local girl. She passed about two years ago. There are a lot of Machados in Oakley.”
They didn’t have any children.
Asked what he did for fun and if he was involved in the community like his brother, Fontana said, “I played softball a lot as an adult. Leo handled all the politics. I just stood by and watched.”
Sani then shared about his other family members in Antioch.
“Leo’s daughter, Andrea and Lilly’s daughter, Stephanie still live in the area,” he stated. “My nephew Randall, Leo’s son, passed away at a young age, in his 40’s.”
Asked if he had any other relatives Sani said, “Not that I know of. I am the last of the Mohicans”
Sani worked for Dow Chemical in Pittsburg.
“I put in a number of years there,” he stated. “I was a working man, go to work every day, spent time with family, our family was very close. All the holidays were held together, birthdays and everything.”
Asked about any travels Sani said, “We traveled within the U.S.” Being Italian he was asked if he had been to Italy. Sani said, “I flew over it, but I never landed in Italy.”
He then shared about his military service in the Air Force during World War II.
“I did 39 missions as a tail gunner in a B24 in Europe,” Fontana stated. “We were stationed in England. All of the targets we flew over were in Germany.”
“Leo served in the same branch as I was in, but he didn’t do any flying,” Sani continued. “He was a grounder for the 8th Air Force also in England.”
Asked if he was drafted or was able to choose which branch to serve in Fontana stated, “I chose Air Force. We trained in the United States in Tonopah, Nevada, then two weeks training in Ireland, then we did our missions.”
“We were nomads,” he added.
Asked how long he served in the military he responded, “The war ended and we were released.”
About his secret to growing old he said, “One day followed the other and you just go along with it. I didn’t do anything special.”
Asked what it’s like to be 104 he said simply, “Same as any other day.”
A birthday party will be planned at Tre Vista for some time in the near future.
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton and other District Attorneys in the State of California reached a settlement with Walgreen Co. for $6,000,000 for violations related to expired baby food, drugs, and overcharging customers.
The civil case and settlement centered on the company violating state law by charging their customers more than the lowest price posted or advertised price. The allegations that the company was in violation of these laws were based on inspections of scanners. Moreover, the civil lawsuit led to a resolution that Walgreens failed to comply with laws that prohibit the selling or offering to sell over-the-counter drugs, infant formula, and baby food products beyond the expiration date.
The court ordered Walgreen Co. to pay $5.4 million in civil penalties and $600,000 to reimburse state district attorney offices for the cost of investigations, attorneys’ fees, and other costs associated with enforcement. Contra Costa County will receive $612,000 of the civil settlement and $10,000 to cover the costs.
Walgreen Co. will also implement a three-year program to promote pricing accuracy and the removal of expired products from its store shelves. This program requires store managers to conduct monthly checks of all aisles and shelves of medication, baby food, and formula, and remove any expired items. Managers must also conduct weekly store walks and remove signage displaying inaccurate sales tag information and post signs informing customers of Walgreens’ Price Promise Guarantee. The Price Promise Guarantee means that if a customer notices a scanned price is higher than the advertised price, the customer will be charged the lower price.
District Attorney Diana Becton said, “Customers should have confidence that companies that sell food and formula to infants and children are doing so by being scrupulous about the safety of the products in their stores. The same goes for medications that are sold beyond their expiration dates. The work of my office and those of other district attorney offices in the state shows that when we work together to enforce laws, we not only ensure compliance – we’re also restoring trust and safety in our communities.”
Case No. 1-13-CV-239110 | The People of the State of California v. Walgreen Co., an Illinois Corporation
Roadmap toward transit recovery and an affordable, connected, diverse, healthy and vibrant region for all
By John Goodwin, Assistant Director Of Communications & Leslie Lara-Enríquez, Assistant Director, Public Engagement, Metropolitan Transportation Commission
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) today unanimously adopted Plan Bay Area 2050+ and certified the plan’s associated Environmental Impact Report — giving final approval to the Bay Area’s long-range plan for transportation, housing, economic resiliency and environmental sustainability.
Plan Bay Area 2050+ was adopted unanimously by the Association of Bay Area Governments’ (ABAG) Executive Board last week. The votes by both boards cap a nearly three-year process during which over 17,600 Bay Area residents, community organizations, advocacy groups and public sector partners contributed to the development of the new plan, which MTC and ABAG are required to develop jointly.
Defined by 35 strategies for transportation, housing, the economy and the environment, Plan Bay Area 2050+ lays out a suite of policies and investments that define what it would take to make the nine-county region more affordable, connected, diverse, healthy and economically vibrant for all residents through 2050 and beyond. From housing and transportation strategies that would reduce cost of living and construct more affordable housing to investments in public transit that prioritize service improvements in Equity Priority Communities, the goal of a more equitable Bay Area is interwoven throughout the plan. With a major focus on climate change, strategies also are crafted for resilience, including protection from hazards such as sea level rise and wildfires.
Source: Plan Bay Area
ABAG Executive Board President and Napa County Supervisor Belia Ramos, who also serves as an MTC Commissioner, acknowledged some of the region’s biggest challenges the plan seeks to address. “Today, our communities face rising costs, widening inequality and persistent housing shortages,” said Ramos. “This is not the future we want for the generations of Bay Area residents to come. Plan Bay Area 2050+ charts a course for how we can bring about our shared vision for a Bay Area where everyone has access to opportunity and a better quality of life.”
Unique to this plan cycle is the parallel Transit 2050+ planning effort, developed in partnership with Bay Area transit agencies, which culminated in the first-of-its-kind plan to re-envision the future of public transportation across the region.
“Plan Bay Area 2050+ will help shape the vital service improvements and funding solutions we need to keep Bay Area transit running, while also making it faster, more frequent, more reliable, safer and better connected,” explained MTC Commission Chair and Pleasant Hill City Councilmember Sue Noack. “Plan Bay Area 2050+ lays the groundwork for how our region can meet the challenges of today, while also advancing a shared vision for an even better tomorrow.”
Plan Bay Area 2050+’s policy and investment framework has the potential to strengthen the region for decades to come, representing a major step toward a stronger, more resilient future.
ABAG is the council of governments and the regional planning agency for the 101 cities and towns, and nine counties of the Bay Area. Contra Costa County is represented by District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson, District 5 Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, El Cerrito Councilwoman Lisa Motoyama and Walnut Creek Councilwoman Cindy Silva.
MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. Contra Costa County is representatives include Chair Sue Noack Mayor of Pleasant Hill representing the cities of Contra Costa County and District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen representing Contra Costa County.
411 donations received to Keep the Arts Alive in Antioch; Dance Gala benefit April 18
By Sharon Sobel Idul, Board President, El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation
As announced at the Antioch City Council meeting, last night, March 24, 2026, the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation’s recent GoFundMe campaign has not only reached, but exceeded, its $50,000 fundraising goal.
The Keep the Arts Alive in Antioch campaign was launched in late fall to supplement the 2026 operating costs of the historic El Campanil Theatre. The El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to every donor and supporter who made the campaign’s success possible and invites the community to continue being part of this important work.
As of March 25, 2026, a total of $65,190 has been raised from 411 gifts.
Source: El Campanil Theatre
“This achievement is a testament to how much El Campanil Theatre means to our community,” said Sharon Sobel Idul, Board President. “The overwhelming support shows that people believe in preserving this historic venue and ensuring it continues to serve as a home for the arts for generations to come. The work is not done and we’ll continue to apply for grants and diversify our programming, but we are elated to see a renewed sense of excitement and energy around this theatre,” Idul said.
Building on this momentum, El Campanil Theatre and Black Diamond Ballet invites the community to attend our upcoming benefit, City of Stars – A Dance Gala to Keep the Arts Thriving in Antioch, in collaboration with Black Diamond Ballet, Saturday, April 18th. Proceeds will benefit El Campanil Theatre to ensure a vibrant hub for future performances, concerts, dance, and community events for many years to come.
For more information about El Campanil Theatre and tickets to City of Stars and all other upcoming events, please visit www.ElCampanilTheatre.com or contact our box office at 925-757-9500.
While monthly donations provide the most sustainable support, one-time gifts are just as impactful and play a critical role in maintaining this historic theatre, funding new productions, and expanding arts access across East Contra Costa County. Continued contributions are welcome.
● Or choose “One-Time” to make an immediate impact
● Share the link with friends, family and neighbors
El Campanil Theatre is an asset to the community and has stood as long as it has because of community support. By becoming a recurring donor or by making a generous one-time gift, you ensure that the crown gem of Antioch continues to inspire audiences and nurture creativity for generations to come.
The theater is located at 602 W 2nd Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown district.
About El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation
The El Campanil Preservation Foundation is the nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining and operating El Campanil Theatre, a historic performing arts venue in downtown Antioch, California. Originally opened in 1928, the theatre is a cherished cultural landmark presenting live performances, films, and educational programs for audiences of all ages. The Foundation relies on community donations to preserve this beloved institution and keep the arts thriving in East Contra Costa County.
Professional and undefeated Antioch boxer Julian Bridges (center) is joined by Mayor Ron Bernal (left), Coach Sergio Salguera and Pastor Ruben Herrera at Team Salguera Boxing Gym in August 2025 before leaving for Vegas a few days later. Photo by Allen D. Payton
Julian Bridges wants to represent Antioch
“Julian is going to be a world champion, now.” – Ruben Herrera
Deer Valley High Class of 2019 grad
By Allen D. Payton
After leaving to train in Las Vegas seven months ago, Antioch boxer Julian Bridges is back and has been making his mark going undefeated in the first nine matches of his professional career including five knockouts. The City Council honored Bridges during their meeting Tuesday night, March 24, 2026, with a proclamation recognizing his success. He was also honored by Assemblywoman Anamarie Avila Farias with a Certificate of Recognition.
Jessica Cisneros, District Representative for Assemblywoman Anamarie Avila Farias presents boxer Julian Bridges with a Certificate of Recognition for his accomplishments during the Antioch City Council Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Photo courtesy of Ruben Herrera
Before he left last August, the day after his 24th birthday, Bridges trained at the Team Salguera Boxing Gym in the Cielo Supermarket Shopping Center at 1860 A Street in Antioch, where he has returned.
Last summer, he officially signed a contract with Capetillo Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Bridges continued his journey in professional boxing while proudly representing the city of Antioch. The gym, owned by renowned trainer Jorge Capetillo, is recognized for its elite training of world-class fighters, including Tyson Fury, Fernando Vargas, Jr., Emiliano Vargas, Brandon Moreno (UFC), and Canelo Alvarez, among others.
Pastor Ruben Herrera of Palabra De Dios Church in Antioch, with family connections to Capetillo Boxing Gym, has played a pivotal role in helping Bridges move closer to his dream of becoming a world champion.
“The community is excited to witness the rise of a future boxing champion representing Antioch, California,” Herrera said. “Julian is an impressive boxer and boasts an undefeated professional record.”
Return to Antioch
About Bridges’ return the pastor shared, “We were able to get out of that contract and bring him back home. His heart is here in Antioch and the Bay Area. He wants to be the face of Antioch.”
“He learned a lot in Las Vegas. Jorge Capetillo is an amazing coach and the gym was amazing,” Herrara continued. “Julian sparred with the best boxers in the world at that gym. He was able to go toe-to-toe with them. He’s probably the best boxer in the Bay Area. He’s ranked 47th in his weight class in the U.S. He feels stronger than ever. Julian is going to be a world champion, now.”
Julian Bridges’ Boxing Record. Source: BoxRec.com
Started Boxing at Age 14
Bridges shared about his beginnings in the sport.
“I started when I was nine years old, first with kick boxing because I was getting bullied,” he said. “I switched over to boxing at 14 and I was trying to get a scholarship. Then I met coach Sergio who encouraged me to turn pro at 21 years old. He’s the one who believed in me before I believed in myself. I respect him. He’s like a second father figure to me.”
“Ever since then I had fights, locally in Sacramento, Redwood City and Nashville and in 2024 in Vegas as Canelo’s undercard during Cinco de Mayo weekend,” he stated.
“Sergio told me about Pastor Ruben. This is the guy who has connections,” Bridges explained. “My dad said let’s talk to him. So, we sat down and had a talk. He asked how serious and how committed I am to this. He said God directed him to help me out.”
“We went to Vegas and met Jorge Capetillo, a trainer with a gym there,” Bridges continued. “I went there in August to train and he sent me a contract. Now, I’m signed with him.”
A sendoff party was held on Thursday, August 21st, Bridges celebrated his 24th birthday on Saturday, then moved to Vegas on Sunday, the next day.
Wants to Represent Antioch
He says he wants “to represent the City of Antioch and will wear the city logo on his boxing shorts.”
During the council meeting, Mayor Ron Bernal said they’d get him a bigger City patch and Councilman Louie Rocha offered to get some items with the City of Antioch logo on them.
Born in San Jose, Bridges said he has lived in Antioch since he was eight years old and graduated from Deer Valley High School in 2019.
His father and mother, John and Jessica Bridges, live in Antioch and Bridges has six siblings, three bothers and three sisters and he’s the second youngest.
His family supports him, he shared.
“At first my mom didn’t like me fighting. But now she’s all into boxing,” Bridges said with a laugh.
Mom Jessica said, “I’m a very proud mom. He’s come a long way. I’m excited about his new opportunities and I’m looking forward to seeing all the great things he’s going to do for the gym and the city of Antioch.”
The six-foot tall, 146-pound boxer said he “fights in the welterweight class.”
According to BoxRec.com, Bridges began his professional career with his debut fight on November 5, 2022, and his boxing matches also took him to Costa Mesa, CA and Tijuana, Mexico.
According to Tapology.com, his middle name is Delore and his first two knockouts occurred in Round 1, another was in Round 2 and the fourth happened in Round 3. Bridges’ four non-knockout fight victories were by unanimous decision. He fought twice in 2023, three times in 2024, once in 2025 and so far, twice in 2026.
Julian Bridges (center) is joined by his coach, Sergio Salguerra (on his right), Mayor Ron Bernal (on his left), the Antioch City Councilmembers, and (left side) Cut Man Wimer Duran, his father John Bridges, Pastor Ruben Herrera, and (far right) Jessica Cisneros representing Assemblywoman Anamarie Avila Farias for the presentation of the City Proclamation Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Photo courtesy of Ruben Herrera
City Council Honors Bridges
During their March 24th meeting the Antioch City Council voted unanimously to approve the following proclamation recognizing Bridges’ achievements in boxing.
MARCH 24, 2026
WHEREAS, the City of Antioch proudly recognizes the achievements and contributions of its residents who exemplify dedication, perseverance, and excellence; and
WHEREAS, Julian Bridges, a talented and disciplined boxer from Antioch, California, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the sport of boxing and a relentless pursuit of excellence; and
WHEREAS, Julian Bridges has compiled an impressive boxing record of 9-0, 5KO’s Nine Wins, Zero Losses, five of those wins coming by Knock Out, reflecting his skill, preparation, and determination in the ring; and
WHEREAS, Julian Bridges has earned notable achievements and accolades, including earning the Professional Ranking of 47th within the entire Country, distinguishing himself as a high-performing athlete; and
WHEREAS, Julian Bridges trains with Coach Sergio Salguera, of the Team Salguera Boxing Gym, where he continues to refine his craft and represent Antioch with pride; and
WHEREAS, through his discipline, sportsmanship, and perseverance, Julian Bridges serves as a role model to youth in the Antioch community, demonstrating the value of hard work, focus, and resilience; and
WHEREAS, we recognize Julian Bridges for his outstanding accomplishments in boxing, his dedication to excellence, and his positive impact on the Antioch community; and
WHEREAS, Julian Bridges’ achievements bring recognition and pride to the City of Antioch and reflect the strength, determination, and spirit of its residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch,
On behalf of the City Council do hereby recognize and honor Julian Bridges and extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes to Julian Bridges for continued success in all future endeavors.
MARCH 24, 2026
RON BERNAL, Mayor
Antioch pro boxer Julian Bridges (with State Assembly Certificate of Recognition) is joined by the city council, his family, coach, friends and boxers from the Team Salguera Boxing Gym in Antioch during the council meeting Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Photo courtesy of Ruben Herrera
According to a Facebook post by JuicyFights on March 7, 2026, “Undefeated welterweight prospect Julian Bridges kicks off his 2026 campaign this Saturday against veteran William Davis at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California. The 24‑year‑old Antioch native, now 8‑0 with 4 KOs, reunited with coach Sergio Salguera, saying the home environment has him feeling sharper than ever.”
“Bridges’ resume already boasts a first-round KO of unbeaten Allen ‘Chubby’ Medina and a UD win over unbeaten Jabin Chollet, building confidence and resilience. He’s focused on growth and plans to stay active throughout 2026 in the tough welterweight ranks.”
Bernal and Herrera attended the fight. “It was my first fight,” Bernal said during the council meeting.
That was Bridges’ ninth victory.
Next Fight in Stockton June 27th
The Antioch boxer announced during Tuesday’s council meeting that his next fight is scheduled for June 27th at the Stockton Civic Center and invited everyone to attend. “Bridges will be the main event,” Herrera added.
