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.
Following complaint from one grant recipient’s leader, mayor challenges panel’s decision; opens rift with City Manager who finds matter “concerning…alarming”;City Attorney issues opinion
“…none of the proposers are entitled to any City funds and every group was given the opportunity to be heard and was equally assessed in determining the awards.” – City Manager Bessie Scott
Celebrate Antioch Foundation has history of working with, receiving funds from City for community events; was not going to receive funds, but Torres-Walker secured a small amount
Misinterpretations of language in Request for Proposals
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, the Antioch City Council will again reconsider Citywide Economic Development Initiative grants totaling $60,000 to three community organizations awarded in September. The matter has become controversial with Mayor Ron Bernal challenging the decision during the Council’s Nov. 20th meeting. two council members were absent and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker left the dais during discussion of the agenda item to prevent a vote. (See 1:59:38 mark of video)
According to the City staff report for item #1 on Tuesday’s agenda, “The Mayor instructed the City Manager to bring for discussion the 2025 Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Citywide Economic Development and associated Grants which were awarded on September 12, 2025, outside of the 90-Day City Council Request List.”
The RFP states that the goal was “to award up to three (3) grants of $20,000 each to the best projects” to help with the City’s economic development efforts. Instead, after a panel, consisting of Torres-Walker, City Manager Bessie Scott, then-Assistant City Manager Brad Helfenberger, then-Interim Community and Economic Development Director David Storer, Public Information Officer Jaden Baird and then-Economic Development Program Manager Bret Sweet, reviewed the proposals, they chose to allocate two grants in the amount of $27,500 each and one in the amount of $5,000. The first two were awarded to Delta Business Group, to support the efforts by the newly organized Downtown Antioch Association of business owners, and Prison From-The-Inside-Out. The smaller grant was awarded to Celebrate Antioch Foundation because the Review Panel determined their proposal “did not align fully with the parameters of the RFP.”
Purpose of Grants
The RFP solicited qualified organizations, nonprofits and business support entities to implement projects that aim to achieve at least two or more of the following outcomes:
• Increased Economic Activity – Boost foot traffic, sales, or commercial occupancy rates in key corridors.
• Business Retention or Expansion – Provide support or services that result in business stabilization, retention, or physical/operational growth.
• Entrepreneurial Development – Foster new business creation, especially among underserved populations or within underutilized areas.
• Job Creation or Workforce Upskilling – Generate new employment opportunities or improve job readiness among residents.
• Community Engagement – Increase stakeholder participation, visibility of small businesses, or community pride in economic corridors.
Grant Awards
The process included a Blind Review with a group discussion at the end. According to the staff report, the Review Panel chose to issue the following grants for their proposed efforts:
• Celebrate Antioch Foundation– $5,000to perform Antioch Farmers’ Market promotion and signature event promotion. Although this proposal did not align fully with the parameters of the RFP, the organization was awarded an amount due to their services being complimentary to city services such as the farmers’ market.
• Delta Business Group– $27,500to work with the Downtown Antioch Association to build city-wide business-centered digital infrastructure development, city-wide and downtown capacity building, community building, collaboration and transition planning.
• Prison From-The-Inside-Out– $27,500to perform commercial corridor revitalization, city-wide community engagement, workforce development and job creation, and workforce upskilling.
Celebrate Antioch Foundation Leader Appeals Smaller Grant
But former Antioch Councilwoman Joy Motts, who is president of Celebrate Antioch Foundation (CAF), was not satisfied with the amount of her organization’s grant and shared her concerns with Bernal. He in turn chose to bring it to the City Council for a decision that could override the allocations by the Review Panel. The matter was first placed on the Nov. 20th meeting agenda for discussion and a possible decision. That’s when things turned controversial.
CAF has a history of working with and receiving funds from the City for the multiple, annual community events they’ve organized, mostly in downtown Rivertown including annual July 4th Celebration. They worked together on this past Saturday’s Holiday Delites Celebration. CAF’s largest project with the City was the year-long Sesquicentennial Celebration with multiple events in 2022. This year, the group added the Farmer’s Market on Sundays, for which their grant application was focused.
According to a report by City Finance Director Dawn Merchant, CAF received $95,000 in City funds for the Sesquicentennial events, including a $25,000 Administration Fee, and $50,000 for the 2022 July 4th event. (For full disclosure, this reporter named and helped form CAF).
City Attorney Gets Involved
Before the meeting, the City Attorney’s Office reviewed the RFP, along with emails from Motts and all attachments included in the agenda packet. According to Scott’s staff report, in the opinion of Interim City Attorney Derek Cole, “there is no legal issue with the way the City handled this RFP” which “clearly outlines the scope of the services being sought and the amount of the award does not exceed the amount authorized” of $60,000.
Furthermore, Scott states, “none of the proposers are entitled to any City funds and everygroup was given the opportunity to be heard and was equally assessed in determining the awards.”
City Manager Finds Mayor’s Challenge “Concerning…Alarming”, Claims it Diminishes Her Authority, Independence
Scott’s staff report further addressed the mayor’s challenge of the panel’s decision writing, “The City Manager finds it concerning and alarming that members of the City Council would request to diminish her legal and longstanding authority to award routine contracts and grants regardless of value, even if it is within her signing authority amounts. At no time in the past was this authority questioned of prior City Managers, including when the Mayor himself was the City Manager.”
Bernal served as Antioch City Manager from 2017-21. (See related articles here and here)
Scott wrote, “Within the Findings (of the Grand Jury Report), it is stated that a new City Manager’s success will depend, in part, on the Mayor and City Council creating an environment that while maintaining the oversight required by city ordinances, enables the City Manager to operate with independence, as also mandated by city ordinances.”
The City of Antioch has a Council-Manager form of government in which the council members are policy makers and hire a professional city manager to oversee day-to-day operations. The only other staff member the Council hires is the City Attorney.
“The actions described in this Staff Report reflect a departure from the governance structure mandated by the Antioch Municipal Code, as well as the essential duties and functions as outlined in the City Manager’s job description, and they pose significant operational, legal, and ethical risks,” Scott’s staff report states. “Continued encroachment on administrative authority undermines organizational stability and exposes the City to liability.”
She also claims Bernal’s challenge of the grant decisions is delaying the City’s economic development efforts.
“Too, non-adherence to established protocols has caused a significant delay in the carrying out of the 2025 Citywide Economic Development Initiative Grant Awards, as we push for, and desperately are in need of, economic development initiatives across the city,” Scott wrote. “Ensuring a well-functioning government requires that both the City Council and the City Manager operate within their defined roles and collaborate together with a shared goal of moving the city forward.”
Misinterpretations of Language in RFP
During public comments, Motts pointed out that Scott’s staff report incorrectly quotes that, “the RFP states that the goal was to award three groups up to $20,000” because it actually reads on page 4, “This RFP aims to award up to three (3) grants of $20,000 each.”
Yet, Motts was also incorrect in stating, “the RFP is clear that the City will award $60,000 in $20,000 grants to up to three projects. It does not say up to $20,000 and it does not say the grants will be changed to fit a project application.”
“Why would you manipulate the intent of the RFP?” she asked, directing her question to Scott.
However, the word “will” is not included and by using the word “aims” the language in the RFP allowed the panel to award all of the $60,000 allocated for the program to just one group or split the total among two organizations. They didn’t have to award funds to all three and the panel didn’t plan to according to Torres-Walker.
Concerns Politics Involved but Torres-Walker’s Efforts Result in Funds for CAF
Some residents are concerned that politics may be involved in the panel’s decision, since Motts ran unsuccessfully for city council placing second against Torres-Walker in 2020 and 2022, when the difference between the two was just four votes following a recount, and is expected to run against the incumbent councilwoman again, next year. But it was actually Torres-Walker who argued in favor of the $5,000 grant to CAF.
During council discussion of the item on Nov. 20th, Torres-Walker said, “I’m the only panelist who gave Celebrate Antioch a high score because they have been in the community and doing a lot of work in downtown…when others on the panel were considering completely denying the group’s proposal.”
“The proposal was not innovative. But I really appreciated the Farmer’s Market,” the councilwoman continued. “After hours of deliberating and actually only choosing two applicants – we did not choose a third applicant – Celebrate Antioch’s proposal was not going to be funded. I made a proposal…through the City Manager to staff that we at least consider a small grant to support the efforts of the Farmer’s Market, which was new and innovative to the City of Antioch,” Torres-Walker explained. “Staff deliberated and agreed with my proposal and moved forward as such.”
Options for Council
The council members can choose to approve the Review Panel’s grant awards by voting for the resolution included with the agenda item, choose different grant amounts for each of the three groups, or scrap the entire program.
The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. It can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website and the City’s YouTube Channel, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
Join local communities, friends and family take a step for health at the 49th Annual Holiday Run & Walk for Health – a memorial to Paul Schorr – at Contra Loma Regional Park, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.
Hosted by Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch and Rotary Club of the Delta (Antioch), this cherished community event that promotes fitness and well-being was founded 49 years ago by Tom Torlakson, former Antioch Councilman, County Supervisor, State Assemblyman, State Senator and California Superintendent of Public Instruction. The event honors the legacy of Paul Schorr, a dedicated race director who passionately supported local runners as well as local Kiwanis and Rotary members, who passed away on April 12, 2023.
2013 Holiday Run 3-mile race participants begin. Herald file photo
Participants of all ages are encouraged to lace up their shoes and enjoy a day of fun camaraderie and holiday spirit. Come be a part of this time-honored tradition.
Race Schedule:
7:30 AM – Registration Opens
9:00 AM – 1 Mile 9:35 AM – 5K Run/Walk
10:15 AM – Kid’s Dash with Santa
Holiday Run Course Map.
The event is located at Contra Loma Regional Park – 1200 Frederickson Lane, Antioch. As you enter the park, you will stop at a parking booth. Tell them you are here for the Kiwanis/Rotary Run and they will tell you were to park. The race will take place in the parking lot of the swimming lagoon.
Mac’s Old House on E. 18th Street in Antioch will reopen under new owners next year. Photo: Mac’s Old House
Will have “the original menu…same feel, same ambiance. New bathrooms. More dining. More parking. New kitchen.” – Joe Martinez
New co-owner has history of buying, improving historic Antioch buildings
By Allen D. Payton
A post on the Mac’s Old House Facebook page on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, shared some good news for diners in Antioch and East County community.
It reads, “As most of you’ve heard…we have some exciting news. The legacy of Mac’s Old House will live on!
Mac’s has officially been purchased by Joe Martinez and Ron Harrison. We’re thrilled to share that their goal is to preserve Mac’s as much as possible, with some much-needed updates along the way. They’re aiming for a June 2026 reopening—exactly one year after closing!
As many of you know, the building needs major improvements, including bringing everything up to 2025 code. This is no small task, and we’re incredibly grateful that the new owners are committed to taking it on while honoring the history of the building.
When Mac converted his home into a bar on St. Patrick’s Day in 1956, and later a restaurant, none of us could have imagined how special this place would become. Gary Noe didn’t purchase the restaurant until 1983, and only then did the menu change into what everyone knows and loves today. Mac’s has needed a tune-up for quite some time and we’re all very excited to see the renovations and improvements (including expansion and more takeout options!!!)
Former head chef and manager Rick Cook will be lending his support and passing along all of Mac’s classic recipes.
We always did our best to keep prices as low as possible, and we know the new team is striving for that as well.
We all want the legacy of Mac’s to live on and be as successful as it can be. We’re looking forward to the future and cannot wait to see what 2026 has in store!!”
Martinez Offers Details
When reached for comment, Martinez offered additional details.
“I’ve been eyeballing this property. It’s iconic. It’s been in business for 42 years,” he stated. “I knew it was going to be a lot of work but a good investment for Mac’s Old House and the Antioch community.”
Asked about the menu he said, “We’re going to have the same menu.”
“Rick is going to go there and help with the recipes, show them how to cook the food to make sure we get everything right,” Martinez continued. “We have Sherry who runs Mel’s Diner in Antioch, she’s going to run it, basically. I told her the original menu, the original recipe. She can add a few things.”
About the improvements Martinez said, “We’re going to gut the whole thing. But it’s going to have the columns, the same feel, same ambiance. New bathrooms. More dining. More parking. New kitchen. It’s a substantial investment.”
“We want people to walk in and go ‘wow,” he stated.
A few new aspects will also be added.
“We’ll have a place on the side for DoorDash and we’re going to take credit cards,” Martinez added.
“It closed on the 22nd of June. So, I’m hoping to open a year-and-a-day after that. We might be ready a bit earlier,” he shared. “We’ll start with a soft opening.
“A couple of waitresses said they want to come back, one maybe part-time,” Martinez said.
History of Antioch Building Renovations
Martinez already has a history of buying and renovating buildings in Antioch, including five in downtown Rivertown.
The first one was the yellow painted “J. Ross building at the corner of G and W. 3rd Streets,” he shared. (That was the location of the first office for this reporter’s first newspaper, the Antioch Press).
Second was “the building where Blue’s Club was and Smash Burgers is located now” on the corner of W. 2nd and I Streets.
Third was “the old pool hall, the red brick building” on W. 2nd Street next to Smash Burgers.
Fourth was “the old Masonic Hall where the Antioch Armory is located, now” at the corner of W. 3rd and H Streets across from City Hall.
Then, he “bought and renovated the Casino Building” in Waldie Plaza, near the railroad tracks and river.
He likes to do mixed use with business below and apartments above, Martinez shared
“I’ve been downtown for 26 years, now,” he added.
Regarding the current renovations at Mac’s, Martinez said, “We have people driving by and they’ll honk and wave. We have people stopping by and sharing their stories, like one couple who said they got engaged there. It’s great.”
“It’s going to be nice. We’re excited,” he concluded.
59-year-old Frank Troia in a photo from Facebook posted on May 27, 2024.
Attacker used “improvised weapon”, held on $530,000 bail
Sister organizes GoFundMe to pay for “proper services”
By Lt. William Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau
According to a press release issued by Antioch Police Lt. William Whitaker today, “On December 4, 2025, the victim of the November 18 attack, 59-year-old Frank Troia, died from the injuries he sustained. The charges initially filed against the suspect, 34-year-old Brandon Rowlett, will be amended to murder (187 PC).”
Evidence markers were placed at the scene of the physical altercation on Lone Tree Way Tuesday morning, Nov. 18, 2025. Photo courtesy of Spotlight CoCoCounty. (Redacted by the Herald)
As previously reported, on November 18, 2025, at approximately 2:46 a.m., the Antioch Police Department dispatch center received multiple calls of a subject down on the roadway at Lone Tree Way and W. Tregallas Road. When officers arrived on scene, they located the victim who appeared to have been involved in a physical altercation. Antioch police officers provided aid to the victim at the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he is in critical condition.
On November 19, at approximately 8:30 a.m., the Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, located and arrested Rowlett.
“He passed late last night,” Whitaker stated.
Asked if Troia was struck with a pipe, he said, “We found the improvised weapon used. It’s crucial evidence to the case. But we’re not going to release that information at this time.”
As previously reported, the sister of Troia has organized a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to pay for “proper services” for her brother.
Additional inquiries, tips, or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Arturo Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or by email at abecerra@antiochca.gov.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, four-inch tall, 162-pound Rowlett is Hispanic, and now being held on $530,000 bail in the West County Detention Facility. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 9 at 1:30 p.m. in Martinez Superior Court.
Frank Ballesteros’ adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’ showcases local Antioch community theater talent
By Carla Baker Marymee
Ebenezer Scrooge played by Joe Ballesteros in the 2025 Humbug play in Antioch. Photo: The Mad Hatter Players
“Humbug,” a Bay Area tradition is returning for its 49th year. Joe Ballesteros is performing as the character of Ebenezer Scrooge in “Humbug,” as an injury prevents his father, Frank Ballesteros, from performing. “Humbug” is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella entitled, “A Christmas Carol.”
Presented at the Paulette Taylor Studio, located at 307 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown, show times are: Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Dec. 22 & Dec. 23 at 7 p.m.; and Christmas Eve at 11 a.m.
“Humbug” mirrors the traditional story of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol,’ similar to the 1954 classic movie and the 1980’s version played by George C. Scott. The production includes one spirit (Jacob Marley) and three ghosts that represent Scrooge’s past, present, and future, with each embodying a different theme.
However, there are a few minor modifications. While Frank Ballesteros’ adaptation of the classic Christmas Carol finds Scrooge understanding that true fulfillment comes from compassion, generosity, and human connection, he also accepts Christ in his heart.
“It’s the same message of Christmas, one of the most iconic and beloved Christmas stories of all time. The message is especially important today. Plays like ‘A Christmas Carol’ are central to many people’s holiday experience because it continues to embody the season’s spirit,” Joe Ballesteros said.
“This play evokes a sense of tradition. Many families in Antioch have made attending this holiday play a cherished annual tradition. The play brings a room of strangers together, providing a shared cultural touchstone, uniting families and communities through storytelling,” Jim Lanter, show producer said.
The actors portraying Bob Cratchit and family, including Tiny Tim (center front) in the 2025 Humbug play in Antioch. Photo: The Mad Hatter Players
Presented by the Madd Hatter Players, the actors include: Ebenezer Scrooge-Joe Ballesteros; Bob Cratchit-Curtis Moore; Anne Cratchit-Kelly Halvorson; Peter Cratchit-John Hilton; Belinda Cratchit-Vivienne Riley; Martha Cratchit-Tori Gregory; Elizabeth Cratchit- Avery Simmons; Edwina-Zoey Siino; Edward-John Hilton; Tiny Tim-Nello Siino; Frederick Holywell-Christien Green; Mrs. Cooper-Patti Blevins; The Collector-Suzanne Pamphile; Jacob Marley-Christian Nance; Ghost of Christmas Past-Jenna Riley; Ghost of Christmas Present-Adriana Arceo; Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come-Anthony Chaves; Belle-Jessica Miller Drum; Ebenezer-Jaime Aragon Jr.; Mr.Fezziwig-Robert Sisk; Mrs. Fezziwig-Deborah Misquez; Dick Williams-Elijah Enriquez; Young Ebenezer-Ruhaan Kumar; Fan- Marisa Misquez; Stern Man-David Calvo; Georgina–Olivia Dukes; Alice-Chole Coon; Jane-Paisley Greenlaw; Ignorance-Odin Slaughter; Want-Genevieve Slaughter.
The actors who portray the three Spirits and Jacob Marley (2nd from left) in the 2025 Humbug play in Antioch. Photo: The Mad Hatter Players
The play is sponsored by the Rotary Club of the Delta and Jim Lanter State Farm Insurance. The play is produced by Jim Lanter and directed by Joe Ballesteros, Curtis Moore, and Kelly Halvorson.
The doors will open 45 min. before show time. The audience is urged to arrive early as tickets will only be sold at the door: Adults $20, Seniors $15, and Children $8.
Parking is readily available at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, Antioch City Hall, and Pantell’s Music Box parking lot.
Driver with fake police lights on his pickup truck was arrested over the weekend. Screenshots of APD police body cam video
“Those are illegal, bro” – APD Officer Yega
“I didn’t know” – suspect
By Antioch Police Department
Imitation may be the greatest form of flattery… but impersonating the police is a crime.
This weekend, Officer Yega and his K9 partner Loki were traveling on A Street when they spotted a red pickup truck equipped with police-style lights pulling cars over.
The self-appointed “officer” was a bit shocked when the real police showed up, and he immediately pulled over. When questioned, the driver claimed he bought the lights on TikTok and didn’t know he wasn’t allowed to pull people over.
“Because a guy cut me off,” he added.
“That’s illegal, bro,” Yega told him.
“I didn’t know,” the driver responded.
The driver was arrested, booked into jail, and the truck was towed away. TikTok cops will not be tolerated in Antioch. (See incident video)
Pickup truck with fake police lights. Photo Antioch PD
UPDATE: Later, Antioch Police Communications Manager Stacey Malsom issued the following press release about the arrest:
On December 1, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., an Antioch Police officer observed a red Ford F-150 pickup truck on A Street displaying flashing red and blue lights, causing other vehicles to pull over. The officer conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver.
Following an investigation, the driver was arrested for impersonating a peace officer, and the vehicle was impounded. The unlawful use of emergency lights creates a serious risk to public safety, and the Antioch Police Department takes these violations seriously.
If you believe you were a victim of this incident or have additional information, please contact Officer J. Yega at JYega@antiochca.gov.
On a serious note:
If you’re ever unsure whether you’re being stopped by a real police officer, you can always call 9-1-1. A dispatcher will confirm the officer’s identity and ensure your safety.
If you believe you’ve had an encounter with the red pickup truck or the suspect involved in this incident, please call (925) 778-2441 and let us know.
Gift Wrapping Event at Barnes & Noble Thursday, Dec. 4; plus, Warm Coat and CANTREE Food Drives and more
By Jody Drewery, President, Women’s Council of REALTORS®
Real Estate is not just about buying and selling homes — it’s about showing up for our community. I’m proud to be a part of the Delta Women’s Council of REALTORS® and the Delta Association of REALTORS® Community Foundation, where giving back is at the heart of what we do.
This season, we have several opportunities to make a difference — and you don’t have to be a REALTOR® to help.
First, join us this Thursday! Delta Women’s Council of REALTORS® will be at Barnes & Noble in the Streets of Brentwood (2475 Sand Creek Road, Suite 100) for a community Gift Wrapping Event and hosting Adopt-a-Senior.
You can also:
Donate to the Warm Coat Drive (see above) or
Donate a Gift Card
Donate canned goods to the CANTREE Food Drive (see below)
Every contribution, big or small, helps someone in need — and with the year many families have had, from economic challenges to government impacts, there has never been a more meaningful time to come together.
If you’d like additional information or want to get involved, please call (925) 818-1977 or visit www.facebook.com/WCRDelta. Let’s collaborate and spread some love throughout our community.
