By Allen D. Payton

Join Studio B Dance Company for an unforgettable afternoon of celebrating artistry, passion and performance as they present their 4th Annual Grand Recital entitled, “Raising The Barre”, on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. This special showcase celebrates their dancers’ dedication and growth through high-energy routines, beautiful choreography and inspiring moments on stage. From the youngest performers to the studio’s advanced dancers, each piece reflects a commitment to excellence, creativity and the joy of dance.

The show at El Campanil Theatre in historic, downtown Rivertown begins at 10:00 AM.

According to Wikipedia, a barre is a stationary handrail that provides support for people during various types of exercise. Barres are used extensively in ballet training and warm up exercises, where such exercises are commonly referred to as barre work. In a ballet class, barre may also refer to the part of the class that involves barre work. Barres are also used for warm up exercises in other types of dance, as well as in general fitness programs.

In ballet, barre work includes both slow and fast exercises, which both serve to strengthen muscles. Slow exercises are typically performed first, to stretch and warm up muscles, and to focus on proper body form, whereas fast exercises condition dancers to maintain precise ballet technique while moving. Each exercise has a specific purpose, such as to strengthen feet and legs, increase extension, improve flexibility and develop ballon, the appearance of being lightweight and light-footed while jumping. Proper form (posture, positions of feet and arms) is strived for in all exercises.

Tickets for the Grand Recital are $35 for Adults and $25 for Children ages 3-12, and are available at Raising the Barre – El Campanil Theatre. The theater is located at 602 W. 2nd Street.

Studio B Dance Company is located at 314 G Street in Antioch. For more information about classes visit www.studiobdancers.com or call (925) 434-6659.

At least the 19th arrest, 13th by Antioch PD since 2014 for 37-year-old Robert Lay

By Allen D. Payton

In response to a resident witnessing police action on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 27, 2026, Antioch Police Lt. Michael Mellone of the Field Services Division explained, a “traffic stop for a red light turned into an arrest for meth possession and driving on a suspended license.”

The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Hillcrest Crossings Shopping Center, off Deer Valley Road, between the Safeway gas station and Taco Bell.

Police arrested Robert Anthony Lay, a 37-year-old male from Antioch, Mellone shared.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, born 11/16/1988, the six-foot, two-inch tall, 200-pound suspect was arrested at 1:27 p.m., is Hispanic but also listed as White, and is being held in the West County Detention Facility on no bail.

According to localcrimenews.com, it’s at least the 19th time Lay has been arrested since 2014 and 13 of those were by Antioch Police. He faced charges for hit-and-run, vehicle theft, possession of burglar’s tools, conspiracy to commit a crime, vandalism and multiple charges of receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license for drunk driving, possession of a controlled substance, including for sale and bringing a controlled substance into a prison, plus, possession of drug paraphernalia and revocation of probation.

According to the Herald’s archives, – On 10/5/2015 at 5:10 p.m., an officer was patrolling near Lemontree and Peppertree Way and saw 26-year-old Robert Lay driving recklessly though the area. Lay continued to drive erratically while the officer attempted to catch up to him. Lay hit a parked car and eventually pulled into the 76 gas station on Contra Loma Blvd. Officers made contact with Lay and detained him. A records check revealed he had an outstanding felony arrest warrant for the charge of possession of stolen property. Lay was arrested for the warrant, hit and run and reckless driving. Lay’s vehicle was impounded and he was booked at the county jail.

The Herald thanks the resident for the photo of the scene and information about the arrest.

To expand access to justice countywide

By Brian Nash, PIO, Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office

MARTINEZ, CA — Stand Together Contra Costa (STCC), a program of the Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office (CCPD), will unveil a new Mobile Legal Clinic at a press conference at 1026 Escobar in Martinez on Thursday, January 29 at 11:00 am. This marks a major step forward in bringing trusted legal advice directly to communities across Contra Costa County.

The Mobile Legal Clinic is designed to remove barriers that often prevent people from accessing legal help — including transportation challenges, work schedules, childcare responsibilities, language access, and fear of state violence by federal immigration agents. Staffed by CCPD attorneys and support staff, the clinic will provide free legal guidance on immigration legal issues, navigating the legal system, and culturally responsive assistance. It will also provide navigation to other holistic services such as public benefits, housing support, clean slate, and more — helping residents address concerns early, before problems escalate into crises.

“This mobile legal clinic reflects a simple but powerful idea: justice works best when it’s accessible,” said Ali Saidi, a Deputy Public Defender in the CCPD and the Director of Stand Together Contra Costa. “By showing up directly in neighborhoods across the county, we’re removing barriers, building trust, and making sure people know they’re not alone when legal issues arise.”

The office is planning upcoming mobile legal clinic deployments throughout all five Contra Costa County supervisorial districts beginning in early February, with dates, times, and locations to be announced soon through Contra Costa Public Defender and Stand Together Contra Costa channels.

A Countywide Effort

“Our commitment to serving community members in Contra Costa County goes beyond our vigorous advocacy inside of the courtroom,” added CCPD Public Defender Ellen McDonnell. “Access to justice means making sure every community member — no matter their income, background, or neighborhood — understands their legal rights and is able to find help when and where they need it.”

The Mobile Legal Clinic was made possible through collaboration across county departments and community partners, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding access to justice.

“This initiative demonstrates what’s possible when county leaders and departments work together with the community,” Saidi continued. “We’re grateful to the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and community partners for making this possible and want to particularly thank Supervisor Ken Carlson — whose support and leadership helped turn this idea into a critical service that will have real impact for families across the county.”

824,000 students across 1,970 Golden State schools participate in events and activities to raise awareness of education options

By Lauren Forte, Manager of Communications, National School Choice Awareness Foundation

SACRAMENTO– More than 1,970 California schools will host special events this week—all designed to help parents learn more about the K–12 education options available for their children. The events are planned to coincide with National School Choice Week (schoolchoiceweek.com), which runs from January 25–31, 2026.

Events will include open houses, parent information sessions, award ceremonies, service projects, and skill-building contests—each aimed at celebrating students and teachers while helping families discover the many learning opportunities in their communities. To raise statewide awareness, Oakland Enrolls will host a charter school fair at Lazear Charter School in Oakland (1/31/26), and La Unión de Padres will host a school fair at the Santa Ana Zoo in Santa Ana (1/31/26).

National School Choice Week is organized by the nonprofit National School Choice Awareness Foundation and shines a positive spotlight on the benefits of choice and opportunity in K–12 education.

“California offers some education options, particularly public charter, magnet, and online schools, but barriers like limited open enrollment and restrictions on public charter growth continue to curtail options for families,” said Noelle Delaney, the California-based Chief Operating Officer of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. “As school choice becomes the new normal across the country, our goal is to make sure California parents have timely, accurate, and jargon-free information—so they can understand their options and feel confident navigating them.”

Parents in the Golden State can select traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online learning, homeschooling and microschooling and mix-and-match learning for their kids.

“California families are actively exploring their education options and looking for learning environments that fit their children’s needs,” said Kimi Kean, CEO of Oakland Enrolls. “We are committed to helping families navigate those choices and feel informed and supported throughout the process.”

To learn more about education options available to families in California, visit the National School Choice Awareness Foundation’s California School Choice website at https://schoolchoiceweek.com/california.

The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We show parents how K–12 school choice can change their children’s lives, and then guide them through the process of finding schools that best meet their children’s needs. Our three charitable programs––National School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares––raise equal awareness of the public, charter, magnet, private, online, home, and nontraditional education options available for families. We are nonpolitical and do not advocate for or against legislation at any level of government.

By Allen D. Payton

During last night’s Antioch City Council meeting, on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, the three members in attendance voted to postpone the vote to hire Lori Asuncion as the new City Attorney. The former Stockton City Attorney, who resigned two weeks ago while facing possible termination, submitted a last-minute request to wait until the full council was in attendance. (See related article)

Both Mayor Ron Bernal, who was traveling to Washington, D.C. for the 94th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson, whose mother recently passed away, were absent from the meeting

After Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, who was chairing the meeting, read the agenda item’s description, but before the council considered the matter, Assistant City Attorney Kevin Kundinger informed the members of the matter.

“Actually, with this item, I received a request from Ms. Asuncion through the City Attorney that this be continued to a date where the entire council was present. That was the request that I received approximately 40 minutes ago.”

“OK. We can do that. It might delay things,” said Freitas.

“It is just a request that I received,” Kundinger reiterated.

“What does council?” Freitas began to ask. But District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker spoke over him asking, “Couldn’t we vote tonight and do a ceremonial vote when everybody is…?” Then cutting her off Freitas said, “No. I can see, I’m sure she wants five votes” as Torres-Walker laughed and said at the same time, “I know what she doin’. But I’m good with making a motion to continue it to the next council meeting.”

Accepting that as the motion, Freitas asked for a second which was provided by District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha. With no public comment or further council discussion on the item, the motion passed 3-0. (See the 2:41:10 minute mark of the Council meeting video)

The next council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 10th.

With the theme, “One Century of Celebrating Black History”

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the Antioch City Council adopted a proclamation honoring February as Black History Month with the theme, “One Century of Celebrating Black History,” on a 3-0 vote. Absent were Mayor Ron Bernal, who was traveling to Washington, D.C. for the U.S. Conference of Mayors and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson, whose mother just passed.

WHEREAS, the origins of Black History Month can be traced back to 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States;

WHEREAS, in 1976, Black History Month was formally adopted to honor and affirm the importance of Black History throughout our American experience, and is full of Individuals who took a stance against prejudice, advanced the cause of civil rights, strengthened families, communities, and our nation;

WHEREAS, the Black History Month 2026 theme, “One Century of Celebrating Black History,” focuses on three interconnected pillars that honor the past, empower the future, and celebrate the present: Preserving Black History, which safeguards the legacy, stories, and contributions of African Americans; and Black History Empowering Us for the Future, which highlights how knowledge of Black history inspires leadership, innovation, and progress; and Celebrating Black Culture, which uplifts the richness, creativity, and influence of Black cultural expression. Together, these pillars recognize the diverse and profound ways in which African Americans’ contributions continue to shape society;

WHEREAS, because of their determination, hard work, and perseverance, African Americans have made valuable and lasting contributions to our community and our state, achieving exceptional success in all aspects of society including business, education, politics, science, and the arts;

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch continues to work toward becoming an inclusive community in which all residents – past, present, and future – are respected and recognized for their contributions and potential contributions to our community, the state, the country, and the world; and

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch is proud to honor the history and contributions of African Americans in our community, throughout our state, and our nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, hereby proclaim February 2026 to be “Black History Month.” I encourage all citizens to celebrate our diverse heritage and culture and to continue our efforts to create a world that is more just, peaceful, and prosperous for all.

JANUARY 27, 2026

RON BERNAL, Mayor

To learn more about Black History Month and “A Century of Black History Commemorations” visit ASALH – The Founders of Black History Month | Black History Month.

San Francisco, CA – With the Super Bowl less than two weeks away and thousands of fans expected to visit the Bay Area, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reminding consumers that preparation is just as important as excitement when attending an event of this size.

“Events of this scale bring a lot of excitement, but they also bring higher prices and increased risk for consumers,” said Alma Galvan, spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau. “Planning ahead, buying tickets from trusted sources, and understanding travel and lodging costs can help fans avoid unnecessary stress and financial loss.”

Protect yourself before you buy

Tickets for the Super Bowl are among the most sought-after and most expensive in sports. Unfortunately, that demand also attracts scammers.

The BBB encourages fans to:

• Purchase tickets only from official sources or reputable resale platforms
• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, especially those found on social media
• Avoid sellers who request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or peer-to-peer apps with no buyer protection
• Use a credit card whenever possible, as this can add an extra layer of protection

Consumers should also take time to research sellers, read refund policies carefully, and confirm ticket delivery methods before completing a purchase.

Travel and transportation

The Bay Area is preparing for a significant surge in travel related to this sporting event. Airports, highways, and public transportation systems will all experience increased traffic.

The BBB advises travelers to:

• Arrive early at airports and allow extra time for security and delays
• Consider multiple airport options, including San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland
• Plan transportation to and from the stadium in advance, including public transit and rideshare options

Hotel accommodations

The BBB is also reminding travelers to budget carefully for lodging. Hotel prices across the region have increased dramatically for Super Bowl weekend.

BBB recommends that travelers:

• Book lodging as early as possible to avoid higher prices and limited availability
• Compare pricing across nearby cities
• Review cancellation policies and additional fees carefully before confirming reservations
• Verify websites before making any purchases
• Confirm reservation numbers and confirmation emails before traveling to the Bay Area

A final reminder to fans

The Super Bowl will be an unforgettable moment for all those in attendance. With smart planning, fans can enjoy the event and all that the Bay Area has to offer without unnecessary stress or financial loss.

Consumers who encounter suspicious ticket sellers or misleading travel offers are encouraged to report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker.

ABOUT BBB

The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. In 2024, people turned to BBB.org more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.5 million businesses, and 725,000 times for BBB charity reports on 12,000 local and national charities. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States and Canada.

To honor 2025 Business, Citizen, Non-Profit & Youth of the Year

Nomination Deadline: Feb. 13

By Jim Becker, 2026 Board Chair, Antioch Chamber of Commerce

It’s time to celebrate excellence in our community! I invite you to nominate outstanding businesses, individuals, and nonprofits for our Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Nonprofit of the Year awards. The winners will be honored at the annual Chamber Gala on March 27  at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center.

This year’s theme is, “A New Chapter: Antioch’s Gala for Renewal & Opportunity.” We will also hold the Installation of the 2026 Antioch Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Your nominations help us recognize those who make a real difference in Antioch.

Nominate Now:

Business of the Year Application 

Citizen of the Year Application 

Nonprofit of the Year Application

Youth of the Year Application 

Nomination Deadline: February 13, 2026

Submission Instructions: Return the forms to Antioch Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1711 Antioch, CA 94509.

Thank you for helping us honor the best in our community. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at (925) 757-1800 or email frontdeskadmin@antiochchamber.com.

Annual Gala

The Annual Gala will include the Awards Ceremony, Silent Auction, Golden Tickets, 50/50 Raffle, No-host bar, Music by DJ GBaby and Dinner Buffet:

• Fresh baked garlic rolls & garlic butter
• Italian green salad with vinaigrette
• Lone Tree Caesar salad with marinated tomatoes, croutons & shaved parmesan cheese
• Antipasto platter
• Sauteed Italian vegetables
• Cheese tortellini with shrimp & alfredo sauce
• Steak marsala
• Chicken piccata
• Penne in house-made marinara sauce
• Dessert
• Tiramisu
• Complimentary beverages included with dinner
• Tea, Coffee, & Water

Tickets are $100 per person and available for purchase at Antioch Chamber of Commerce Gala.

Let’s celebrate those who make Antioch thrive!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this announcement.