Archive for December, 2025

Antioch woman whose body was found near Water Park identified

Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Latisha Moore. Source: GoFundMe

Family raising funds for funeral, memorial expenses

By Allen D. Payton

According to reports on Next Door and by a reader of the Herald, a woman’s body was found near the Antioch Water Park on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025.  According to Contra Costa County Deputy Coroner Dasia Pickett, “The decedent was Latisha Moore, 39 years old. Moore was an Antioch resident.”

Other residents mentioned she was shot, and a gun was found next to her and did not know if it was a suicide or homicide. When asked if she could share the cause of death, Pickett responded, “I cannot at this time. Thank You for understanding.”

However, when asked if the cause of death was suicide and if some kids discovered her body as other residents had reported, Antioch Police Lt. Bill Whitaker responded, “Yes, it was a suicide which we try not to publicize for the family, and she was found by a group of young adults.”

A December 9th Facebook post by Richonda Shields Redd shared additional information about Moore:

“Our family is heartbroken as we prepare to say goodbye to our beloved one Latisha Moore who passed away December 6th, 2025. Our hearts are saddened and we’re loss of words. Losing someone you love is never easy, and we’re trying our best to navigate this emotional time while also facing the financial burden of funeral and memorial expenses.

We want to give Latisha the beautiful and dignified farewell she deserves, one that reflects the love, kindness, and strength she showed throughout her life. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will help lighten the weight on our shoulders as we make these arrangements.

If you aren’t able to donate, please share this page or keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love and support.”

To Donate contact: Richonda Redd

Zelle/ApplePay : (925) 752- 1183

Venmo: @Richonda-Redd

Cashapp : $Richonda40

Source: Facebook

In addition, a GoFundMe page has been created entitled, “Support for Latisha’s Memorial Service” on which the same information is shared.

Photos and selfies with Santa at Willow Park Mercantile’s Winter Wonderland Dec. 13

Wednesday, December 10th, 2025

By Willow Park Mercantile

Santa Claus is Coming to Willow Park Mercantile! Join us Dec 13th 2:30pm-5pm and take a Free Selfie with Santa in our antique One-Horse Open Sleigh! We also will have on site a professional photographer offering 4×6 instant pics for only $5.

This event will be fun for the entire family.

Be sure to allow extra time to shop our Winter Wonderland!

Photos by Allen D. Payton

Willow Park Mercantile is located at 205 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

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Police departments warn community about series of East County residential burglaries

Wednesday, December 10th, 2025

Many by groups of juveniles

By Antioch Police Department

Community Advisement:

We’d like to remind everyone to keep doors locked and windows secured, especially overnight.
Detectives are currently looking into a series of residential burglaries that have occurred in Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley and Brentwood. In many of these incidents, groups of juveniles have entered through unlocked doors, sliding glass doors, or unsecured windows – sometimes by removing window screens. They appear to be looking primarily for vehicle keys, which has unfortunately led to several stolen vehicles.

To help keep your home and property safe, please consider placing your vehicle keys in a secure, less visible area inside your residence rather than near entryways, kitchen counters, or tables.

Our police departments are actively investigating these cases working with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. In the meantime, a few simple preventions steps can go a long way in helping protect our community.

Thank you for your cooperation, and please stay safe.

Golden Hills Community Church high school Christmas Concert Dec. 11

Wednesday, December 10th, 2025
Photo: Golden Hills Community Church

By Golden Hills Community Church

This Thursday, December 11, 2025, you are invited to join us for a Christmas Concert led by our High School Ministry! This will be a time of worshipping Christ and reflecting on the first Advent through Scripture reading, songs led by the High School worship team, and a brief Christmas message.

There will be s’mores and hot chocolate available too!

Golden Hills Community Church is located at 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood. For more information visit www.goldenhills.org or call (925) 516-0653.

National Wreaths Across America Day at Oak View Memorial Park Cemetery Dec. 13

Wednesday, December 10th, 2025

Placed on veterans’ graves

By Oak View Memorial Park Cemetery

Join us this December 13th for National Wreaths Across America Day at Oak View Memorial Park Cemetery to help us honor those who’ve served by sponsoring a wreath to be placed on a veteran’s grave in honor of their service and sacrifice.

The mission of Wreaths Across America is to “Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom. Our volunteers are the beating heart of the program and work year-round to share this important mission and inspire others to join.”

Join the more than two million volunteers and supporters who will gather to Remember, Honor and Teach at more than 5,200 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad.

Scan the QR code to make your donation today and help us honor local heroes.
https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/CAOVMP

Oak View Memorial Park Cemetery is located at 2500 E. 18th Street, Antioch.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Enjoy dining at a discount during the holidays at Celia’s Mexican Restaurant in Antioch

Wednesday, December 10th, 2025
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Antioch High students learn on-the-job construction skills

Wednesday, December 10th, 2025
All photos by AUSD.

Building two tiny home ADU’s

By Antioch Unified School District

It’s community building at its best. In partnership with Antioch High School and Rebuilding Together East Bay Network, the Big Skills Tiny Homes program is a hit.

Brandy Mazariegos, site manager, said the project (which started in the fall) is “going wonderfully! The students are doing an amazing job and showing off their new skills every day.”

Big Skills students build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as part of their hands-on learning experience, gaining real-world construction skills while contributing to affordable housing solutions. These student-built ADUs are then placed in local communities, showcasing the power of youth, craftsmanship and community impact.

The program provides students with “meaningful skills while also creating affordable housing for low-income community members,” she shared. The goal for Brandy and the 26 AHS woodshop students is to finish the two wee homes by June of 2026.

Brandy said “As site manager, I have the privilege of supporting the students on the job site, guiding them through hands-on learning, and keeping the project running smoothly. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see their growth — not just in technical abilities but also in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.”

We look forward to following this amazing construction project over the next few months and sharing the final product with everyone this summer.

About Rebuilding Together East Bay Network

Rebuilding Together East Bay Network is a non-profit organization based in Berkeley, California serving the San Francisco Bay Area. We coordinate donors and volunteers to meet critical needs for our neighbors to receive repairs, renovations, safety modifications, housing and workforce development.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch enjoys annual Holiday Delites Celebration with parade, Christmas tree lighting

Monday, December 8th, 2025
Santa arrived during the Holiday Delites Parade riding in the Antioch Historical Society’s old fire truck. Later, the Antioch and Deer Valley High School Marching Bands performed Christmas carols together in Waldie Plaza following the Christmas Tree lighting. All photos by Allen D. Payton

See photos and parade winners

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch community joined together to begin the Christmas season with the annual Holiday Delites Celebration with the parade and Christmas Tree lighting in 46-degree weather in historic, downtown Rivertown on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. The event began with a Sip & Shop with local stores open and vendor booths on G Street.

Before the Christmas Tree Lighting in Waldie Plaza, City staff handed out gifts of STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – Kits to children while families took photos with Santa and the Grinch.

The countdown to the Christmas Tree Lighting was led by Mayor Ron Bernal who was joined by Mayor Pro Tem Louie Rocha, Councilwomen Monica Wilson and Tamisha Torres-Walker, City Clerk Michael Mandy and Parks and Recreation Director Shahad Wright.

Following the tree lighting, the Deer Valley Choir sang Christmas carols followed by the Antioch and Deer Valley High School Marching Bands who joined together to perform more Christmas carols.

See videos of the festivities on the Antioch Herald Facebook page.

Source: City of Antioch Recreation Department

The 2025 Holiday Delites Parade Winners:

BEST DECORATED – Delta Veterans Group

BEST PERFORMANCE – Step 2 This Dance & Performing Arts

MOST SPIRITED – Vega Stars Elite

Representatives of Vega Stars Elite accept the trophy for Most Spirited parade entry.