In partnership with Showers of Blessings Prayer and Outreach Ministries

By Allen D. Payton

Join NFL football running back and Antioch High School standout, Najee Harris on Saturday, Dec. 20 for Da Bigger Picture Foundation’s Christmas Toy Drive in partnership with Showers of Blessings Prayer and Outreach Ministries.

“Come join us this holiday as we will be partnering up and passing out toys,” Harris said. “Limited toys so come early.”

The event will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Noon at 2220 A Street, Unit B in Antioch.

In college, Najee played for the national champions Alabama Crimson Tide then was drafted by and played for the Pittsburg Steelers in the NFL. He is currently a running back for the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year contract but has been out for the season since September due to a torn Achilles.

About Da Bigger Picture Foundation

Formed in 2021, according to greaterthanthegame.org, Da Bigger Picture Foundation is “a non-profit that focuses on assisting underserved families in reaching their potential and goals. The foundation’s hope is to provide tools and assistance to families facing challenging times. Some of the key areas of focus will be education, homelessness, addressing hunger, and utilizing sports as a platform to develop life skills.”

Follow Najee and his foundation at https://najee.net/.

About Showers of Blessings Prayer and Outreach Ministries

We are an outreach ministry that feeds those in need. We give out free groceries on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Learn more at www.facebook.com/thereshallbeshowers.

By Allen D. Payton

According to the Antioch Unified School District, “despite chilly conditions, hundreds turned out for the 49th annual Holiday Run & Walk for Health.

“Founded by Tom Torlakson, former State Superintendent of Schools, the event was held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Contra Loma with many of our students running the race, including several high school cross country runners.

“Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch and the Rotary Club of the Delta, proceeds benefit our schools and community.”

Race Director Mike Green shared the following results of two races:

Male 3-Mile Race Winners

Giancarlo Olmedo – 15 years old – 19:31.5

Jailen Johnson-Truitt – 18 – 20:09.3

Dennis Gavrilenko – 22 – 20:26.3

Female 3-Mile Race Winners

Valeria Espinoza – 20 – 19:43.0

Kylie Wisely – 17 – 21:27.8

Jaelyn Wilkins – 17 – 22:53.8

Green offered “Special thanks to East Bay Regional Parks District / Contra Loma for helping us host this event. Thank you to the Race Directors from Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs of the Delta, and to our event sponsor, Dr. Ali Shirani.”

See more photos on the AUSD Facebook page.

Agreement aligns with U.S. DOJ reforms; subject to court approval; does not include any money

By Allen D. Payton

The City of Antioch announced Friday morning, Dec. 19, 2025, it has reached a settlement agreement “that strengthens accountability and transparency in the Antioch Police Department (APD) through updated policies, independent oversight and measurable reporting. The agreement is structured to align with the U.S. Department of Justice Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) governing APD reforms.”

The settlement is subject to court approval and is associated with Trent Allen, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., United States District Court, Northern District of California (Case No. 3:23-cv-01895-TSH), a class action lawsuit against the City, as well as police officers and chiefs. As previously reported, Allen is one of four suspects convicted of the 2021 murder of Arnold Marcel Hawkins and the attempted murder of Aaron Patterson. He and a variety of other plaintiffs claimed civil rights violations by the officers.

Oakland civil rights attorney John Burris and associates filed the lawsuit in April 2023, naming five then-current and former officers, for their racist and other offensive texts and mistreatment of citizens, plus, three past police chiefs, the City of Antioch and Does 1-100. (See related articles here and here)

The plaintiffs included Shagoofa Khan, the 2017 Antioch Youth of the Year who was one of the lead protesters in the city in 2020, was arrested a few times including once for felony arson in January 2021 and at former Chief Tammany Brooks’ farewell party later that year, and was the subject of one of the vile texts; Adam Carpenter, Joshua Butler, Diego Zavala, the son of Guadalupe Zavala, who was unarmed when he was shot and killed by police in 2021 after a seven-hour stand-off with police (whose last name is listed in the lawsuit as Savala), and Allen, whose murder case resulted in the release of the texts.

The suit described what occurred between the named Antioch Police officers and the plaintiffs as a “conspiracy and/or conspiracies” and claims they were “the failure and/or refusal (by the former chiefs)…to prevent or aid in preventing” them from occurring. The suit further claimed the four department leaders “maintained customs, policies, and/or practices which encouraged, authorized, condoned, ratified, failed to prevent, and/or failed to aid in the prevention of wrongs conspired to be done by” the named officers.

The suit sought multiple forms of damages including “past, present and/or future wage loss, income and support, medical expenses”; special damages, any and all permissible statutory damages, and attorneys’ fees. 

However, according to City Manager Bessie Scott, the settlement does not include any money.

Independent Consultant to Oversee Settlement Provisions

The settlement will be administered by the same independent consultant responsible for oversight under the U.S. DOJ MOA to ensure coordinated implementation and consistent monitoring.

The independent consultant will oversee APD’s implementation of the settlement’s provisions, including providing technical assistance, reviewing affected policies, and issuing regular reports on APD’s progress toward substantial compliance. The independent consultant will also ensure APD remains in substantial compliance for the required period of time. If APD is not making adequate progress, the monitor may seek further orders of the court to compel compliance.

The independent consultant is required to report to the City Council every six months. Reports to Council will be public. The City also anticipates public reporting related to community engagement/community policing efforts and statistics on traffic stops and police interactions related to use of force.

“This settlement agreement reinforces the reform work already underway, ensures sustainable transparency measures and updates core policies to modernize how APD continues to provide constitutional policing services to the residents of Antioch,” said Scott.

“This agreement will ensure we continue prioritizing the community and safety,” said Chief of Police Joe Vigil. “We will continue working towards greater transparency, accountability and community engagement as we work through this agreement.”

Key elements of the settlement include:

Expanded transparency and oversight

• Data collection and analysis requirements
• Audits and reviews
• Reporting requirements to track progress and compliance

Policy and procedure updates to modernize APD operations

• Non-discriminatory policing
• Use of force, including canine deployment
• Hiring and promotions
• Complaint intake, review, and resolution
• Supervisor responsibilities and accountability
• Police officer communications
• Body-worn camera use

Community engagement

• Provisions to expand APD’s community engagement and support accountability through public-facing practices.

The City will provide additional information as implementation milestones are established.

Burris and Scott are scheduled to hold a press conference at 11:00 a.m. today in Oakland. Check back later for any updates.

Jaden Baird, City of Antioch PIO contributed to this report.

By Allen D. Payton

During the Brentwood Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 29, 2025, Tiffany Stewart, founder of Antioch-based Virtuous Voices Music Academy, was a featured singer, delighting audiences at one of the community’s most beloved holiday events.

“Coach Tea”, as she’s referred to, performed Jesus is the Reason.

Her performance highlighted the growth of Virtuous Voices, a music program serving diverse students locally and nationwide through online and in-person voice training, group classes and the academy’s signature, Sing Theory program.

“Sharing my voice at the parade is a celebration of what music brings to our communities,” said Stewart. “I hope young singers feel inspired to step into their own musical journey.”

For more information about Coach Tea and Virtuous Voices Music Academy visit www.virtuousvoices.com or see their ad on the right side of this page.

Four locations including Antioch on Saturday

By Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

THIS WEEKEND!

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and the United Professional Firefighters Association of Contra Costa County Local 1230 are partnering to collect new, unwrapped toys for children in our communities!

Celebrate the season with Santa at one of his four stops across the county! Donate a toy, enjoy cookies and cocoa, and meet your local firefighters!

Fire Station 10- 2955 Treat Blvd., Concord
Friday, December 19, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Fire Station 82- 196 Bluerock Drive, Antioch
Saturday, December 20, 10:00 AM – Noon

Fire Station 92- 201 John Muir Parkway, Brentwood
Saturday, December 20, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Fire Station 76- 1680 Refugio Valley Road, Hercules
Sunday, December 21, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

For more information about Con Fire visit www.cccfpd.org.

Participants enjoy decorations, a taste of hors d’oeuvres, desserts and local history

By Allen D. Payton

This year’s Christmas House Tour fundraiser by the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch with the theme “Victorian Christmas” was a success. The tour, held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, included six homes and three businesses, plus the clubhouse, all decorated for the season and offered participants a taste of hors d’oeuvres, desserts and local history.

The Clubhouse

Participants on the tour began at the Woman’s Club of Antioch Clubhouse, located at 509 G Street across from the Antioch Unified School District Offices. Members and tour participants enjoyed cookies and photos with Santa.

Homes on the Tour

The homes included Antioch’s, now, nationally famous Disney House, owned by Gary and Kristen Vistalli, which was recently featured on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” last week. It’s located at 3732 Colonial Court and the display of 40,000 lights and 80 home-made cutouts can be seen through January 1st.

For 25 years now, the Vistalli family has decorated their home for the holidays with a special Disney theme.  Gary stated, “It just sort of evolved and every year I add something to it.  Every year a few more lights go up, or a new character shows up.” Why Disney?  The family says it’s their passion.  Gary shared, “I fell in love with it as a kid,” and “I knew that when I got my own house that someday I would start sharing my love for Disney.”

The “tourists” also enjoyed the home of Duane and Nancy Savioni at 3335 Fraser Road. Built in 1977, this lovely home is nestled in a homey Contra Loma neighborhood.  The spirit of Christmas is enjoyed by this family each year. “It’s the most wonderful time of year.”  They take pleasure in their fairly large Santa collection.  Even their dog Gus gets in on the action as you can see in the photo.

The home owned by Mark and Terri Hamilton at 2872 Dandelion Circle was third on the tour. Built in 1982, this cozy home has been filled with love, laughter and Christmas spirit since the beginning, they are proud to be the original owners.  Each room is decorated with treasured holiday pieces, many of which carry special memories of adventure, family, and travel!

They offered a festive Santa scavenger hunt, supporting the local Antioch Animal Shelter, while adding a little extra fun to each participant’s visit.

The fourth home on the tour, owned by David and Mary Jean Brink at 922 Orchard Lane, was built in 1952 by Clarence Brink, David’s dad. It was built with redwood he bought from the Antioch Lumber Company in downtown Antioch, now known as Rivertown. Clarence built five houses around town. The first house he built was in 1940.  He worked on the houses on weekends as he held a full-time job at Dow Chemical.  This house was the fifth and last house he built.  The home was built mostly by hand using only one electrical tool.  David and Mary Jean have lived in the home for the last 25 years. 

David took up after his dad being handy building things. In 1975, fifty years ago, he designed and made four wooden Peanuts characters.  Mary Jean and her girls painted them.  They will be decorating the lawn Christmas.

The home of Lisa Perry at 1001 A Street, on the corner of Beede Way, was the fifth on the tour. It was built in 1938 and custom designed for John and Lucille Sutton. John was the brother of Marion Sutton Beede and Antioch’s City Attorney at the time.  Sadly, John served in WWII as an Army Sergeant and was killed in action.

Lisa has tried to keep the vintage charm of the home, while adding her own style and love of cottage chic.  She has lived in the home since 1998, was a single parent for 22+ years raising her two daughters, who are now grown and live on their own. The home has been truly lived in, hosting many children’s birthdays, holiday parties, and family gatherings over the years. Lisa loves entertaining and decorating for all the holidays, especially Christmas, crafting many of her own decorations. She hopes that the love she has put into her home will be felt when visiting her residence.

The sixth and final home on the tour, owned by Susan Welch, is located at 309 West 4th Street in Antioch’s historic Rivertown District. The Craftsman bungalow, built in 1919, is a 1,650 square-foot home with three bedrooms, one bath and a very large basement that extends under the front porch. The basement has cement walls and floors with nine-foot ceilings.  The first homeowners 106 years ago were Lawrence Kinnear and Edith Lutz.  Lawrence was the owner of the Kinnear Drug Co., opened in 1920 and located at 618 2nd Street.  Lawrence, born in Ohio, met Edith from Antioch while working in San Francisco as a pharmacist.

In 1960, forty years later, they sold the house to Charles and Ruth Rodrigues.  Lawrence Kinnear used a room in the basement to develop film, probably for his drug store.  The Rodrigues family used the basement as bedrooms for their four sons.  The kitchen and bathroom were remodeled in a 1950’s style, the remainder of the house was original but buried under shag carpet.  In addition, all the natural wood trim was painted.  Susan removed almost everything in the kitchen and bath and rebuilt them using the craftsman style minus the clawfoot tub, which is original.  The two doorways in the back of the dining room were widened, and I kept the original craftsman style.  An interesting feature of the detached garage is a 2’x8’ foot rectangular hole in the center of the cement floor, possibly used for working on cars.  The whole is now covered with planks.

Rivertown Businesses on the Tour

The first business on the tour was the former Antioch Lumber Company building, now occupied by Prime Vintage Realty owned by brokers Rodney and Ursula Lal, who improved the building after purchasing it several years ago. Located at 340 West 2nd Street on the corner of E Street, the Lals maintain their business in a piece of local history in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

In 2015 the Antioch Chamber of Commerce honored Rodney and Ursula with the Community Champion Award.  Rodney stated then, “The reason I got into real estate was to buy buildings and improve them.”

“It’s unique.  It’s built with tender loving care.  It’s just so beautiful.  You haven’t seen the best, yet,” he shared. “Our city will prosper. You will see this building prosper. You will see people drive by here. The river has so much to offer. My goal is to beautify this city. I just love it.” 

Willow Park Mercantile, owned by Michael Gabrielson and Brandon Deshawn, was the second business on the tour. Located at 205 G Street on the corner of West 2nd Street in Rivertown, the store was created in 2015, and they recently celebrated the store’s 10-year anniversary. It’s an enchanting shopping destination where the store is beautifully arranged.  Their eclectic and ever-changing inventory boasts a wide variety of treasures new and old. They feature over 20 vendors who showcase their eye-catching and wide array of furniture, home decor, gifts, handmade, vintage and antique items.

The store is a real treat during the holiday season as they have an amazing selection of holiday ornaments and décor.  This is also a wonderful place to purchase gifts for your loved ones.  Stop by and immerse yourself in their beautiful displays and get into the Christmas Spirit.

The final business and stop on the tour was Rivertown Treasure Chest at 306 G Street. Owners Debbie Blaisure and Toni Lincks received the 2022 Small Business of the Year Award from the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.  They were recognized for operating a successful business, but also contributing to local organizations serving students, stray animals, special needs children and the elderly.  The Chamber noted, “Debbie and Toni… are true ambassadors of the city of Antioch.” Recently they helped found the Downtown Antioch Association (DAA), hosted the meeting and Christmas mixer on Tuesday, December 16th.

Rivertown Treasure Chest has something for all ages. Amazing vendors, offer collectible comic books, pop culture items, vinyl records, CDS, vintage/new clothing, accessories, jewelry, housewares, CBD items, furniture, retro/new toys and much more.  They are also an exclusive Dixie Belle Paint dealer. 

If you’re looking for that “special” item, you can find it at their store.  The eclectic inventory is ever changing.  A large variety of one-of-a-kind pieces are offered, including some hand-made by Toni. They have a “Wish Book” you may write your wished-for item(s) down and they will do their best to find what you are searching for.

About the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch

PLEDGE (Mission)

“To improve and beautify the town, to do any business which shall promote the educational, industrial, benevolent, social or political welfare of its members or the community at large.”

The GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch has been an active participant in both shaping and improving our community for over 120 years.  The founding members set an example for us to use our strengths and influence as women to promote the welfare of our community and its citizens.  We are called to do no less.  Collaborating with our fellow members throughout the world, we are enhancing our lives not only in Antioch, but statewide, nationally, and even internationally.  We promote good work, altruism, and friendship.  The projects we undertake help build a better future for us all.  We are resilient and determined.  Working together we can and will make a difference.

Our emphasis has been on making a difference in our public schools with both students and educators.  We founded an emergency food closet for an Antioch elementary school and donated over 2,500+ items in 2025.  With the support of the community, we donated $5,000 to Antioch High School’s students for scholarships for 2025.  We will continue our many and current projects and begin others to support our local schools.  There will be something for everyone to participate in!  Small or large, our individual contributions of time and talents, added together, is what makes a difference.  I am excited to see what we will accomplish, to continue the strong tradition of service that has been the pledge of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch down through the years.

Together with you in service,

Carolyn Dinelli, President 2024-2026

For more information visit www.gfwcwomansclubofantioch.org.

Home descriptions primarily provided by Woman’s Club of Antioch.

For rental information contact Royal Banquet and Event Halls at (925) 732-3333 or visit www.royalbanquetbayarea.com.

Torres-Walker jokingly objects; former mayor’s first time serving in role

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, the Antioch City Council voted unanimously to elect District 3 Councilman Donald P. Freitas the new Mayor Pro Tem through 2026.

Antioch’s former mayor from 2000-2008, Freitas was first elected to the City Council in 1998. But this is the first time he has served as the City’s mayor pro tem.

According to the staff report for the item, #11 on the agenda, “the mayor shall preside at the meetings of the City Council. If the mayor is absent or unable to act, the mayor pro tempore shall serve until the mayor returns or is able to act…has all of the powers and duties of the mayor… and shall have all the duties and responsibilities specified in the California Government Code.”

Before council districts were created and the first elections were held in 2020, the council candidate with the most votes served as the mayor pro tem for the following two years. But on June 23, 2020, the City Council revised the selection process and term of office for mayor pro tem.

Selection Process

The staff report provided the selection process which under the ordinance reads as follows:

According to the City’s Code § 2-1.401 SELECTION (A), “At the first City Council meeting following each general municipal election, or at the first City Council meeting of December during every odd year commencing the City Council shall designate one of its members to be mayor pro tempore.”

The term is now for just one year.

(B) The City Council shall select the mayor pro tempore as follows:

The council member who has not previously served as mayor pro tempore shall be selected. If more than one council member has not previously served as mayor pro tempore, the City Council shall select the member who received the highest percentage of votes from his or her district in the most recent general municipal election at which the council member was elected. If the selected council member declines, the City Council shall select the next council member who has not previously served and has the next highest percentage of votes from his or her district.

(2) If all council members have previously served as mayor pro tempore, or if the council members eligible in accordance with subsection (B)(1) decline, the City Council shall select the council member who received the highest percentage of votes in his or her district in the most recent general municipal election at which the council member was elected. If the selected council member declines, or if the council member would serve two consecutive years if chosen, the City Council shall select the member with the next highest percentage of votes from his or her district in the most recent general municipal election at which the council member was elected.”

Freitas Accepts Role & Responsibilities

Since District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha just served as the City’s mayor pro tem, and both Councilwomen Tamisha Torres-Walker (District 1) and Monica Wilson (District 4) have previously served in the position, Freitas was the remaining council member who hasn’t served as mayor pro tem.

Interim City Attorney Derek Cole introduced the matter and said if Freitas declined, then the Council

would look to 2022 election results to determine the next eligible Councilmember, which was Wilson. But Freitas did not decline to serve in the role and accepted its responsibilities.

Before a vote took place, Torres-Walker, who was the only council member to speak on the item, started off saying, “Mayor, I object to Councilmember Freitas being sworn in as mayor pro…” before breaking off in laughter and leaning on Freitas.

“Go for it,” he said with a shrug.

“I’m kidding. I’m tired,” his council colleague responded.

Mayor Ron Bernal asked if there was a motion and Torres-Walker said, “So moved.” Rocha seconded the motion and it passed 5-0.

Bernal then said, “Congratulations, Mayor Pro Tem Freitas and thank you for your service, Mayor Pro Tem Rocha.”

“It’s been a long year,” Rocha responded.

(See 7:11:11 mark of meeting video)

While he didn’t offer any remarks during the meeting, since the vote was just after midnight, Freitas later said, “I’m honored to be unanimously chosen to be mayor pro tem. I’m looking forward to a very dynamic year filled with positive changes.”

Freitas’ Background

d