By Caheri Gutierrez, Director of Fund Development and Communications, The Unity Council

OAKLAND, CA – The Unity Council has entered into a strategic partnership with Dalet Access Labs, a forward-thinking tech startup, to establish an Intelligent Infrastructure Economic Zone (I2EZ) in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland. This collaboration will create a transformative ecosystem designed to eliminate the digital divide and bring cutting-edge technological solutions to the community. By enhancing connectivity and fostering innovation, this partnership will directly impact homes, businesses, classrooms, and government facilities throughout the zone, ultimately driving economic growth and social development.

The I2EZ initiative aims to empower the marginalized, underserved, and unserved populations within Fruitvale, transforming the area into a hub for economic opportunity, urban revitalization, and educational growth.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

• Enhanced Connectivity & Innovation: The new infrastructure will provide greater accessibility and connectivity, sparking innovation opportunities for the community.
• Job Creation & Economic Growth: The project will create new business opportunities and jobs, helping revitalize the Fruitvale area and boost local economic development.
• Educational Opportunities: The platform will enable upskilling initiatives, preparing local residents for the global job market and helping them adapt to the evolving technological landscape.

As part of this agreement, Dalet Access Labs will deliver a range of connectivity services and applications in Fruitvale District, with a focus on several key areas of technology and innovation. This partnership will establish a foundation for long-term, meaningful change, creating lasting opportunities for the community in the following areas:

• Digital Health: Expanding access to telemedicine services for quality healthcare.
• Autonomous Mobility: Offering environmentally friendly transportation options,
  including Door to BART and Door to Door services.
• Supply Chain: Introducing advanced delivery platforms and driving job creation in the manufacturing sector.
• Public Safety: Implementing real-time data systems to enhance emergency response and public safety.
• Government Service: Providing secure access to eGovernment services, in line with California’s Digital Democracy initiative.
• Workforce Development: Creating both tech and non-tech jobs through robotics and sensor technologies for local residents ensuring equitable access to employment.
• Smart City: Integrating into Oakland’s Smart City initiative to foster sustainable, tech driven growth.

The timeline for bringing this project to production, deploying the first dozen Public Infrastructure
Network Nodes (PINN), and launching services within the Fruitvale footprint is set for October

The timeline for bringing this project to production, deploying the first dozen Public Infrastructure Network Nodes (PINN), and launching services within the Fruitvale footprint is set for October 2025. As Dalet deploys, they will actively establish partnerships with key stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation and utilization of technology services.

---

About The Unity Council |The Unity Council is a non-profit community development organization dedicated to promoting social equity and improving the quality of life for diverse communities in Oakland and the Greater East Bay. Since 1964, The Unity Council has provided vital services such as affordable housing, workforce development, and health and wellness programs to empower residents and strengthen neighborhoods. | Website: www.unitycouncil.org

About Dalet Access Labs |Dalet Access Labs, founded in 2019, is a technology company based in Antioch, California, focused on developing intelligent infrastructure solutions that bridge the digital divide and create sustainable communities. Their Network As A Service (NaaS) platform provides scalable, self-organizing edge infrastructure, offering affordable broadband, cybersecurity, IT services, and more. Dalet Access Labs is committed to serving unserved, underserved, and under-resourced communities by providing critical infrastructure technology. | Website: https://daletaccess.com

Linda Johnson expands use, offers rental space

Studio 510, located in Downtown Antioch, has recently changed its name to Rivertown Creative Studio. Founded by Linda Johnson in 1987, the space, located at 510 W. 3rd Street, functions as a not-for-profit studio that offers low-cost rentals to artists who run their own businesses. Many of you probably remember it as Linda Johnson Photography.

Now retired, Johnson understands the challenges of starting a business. Her goal is to keep the studio’s rental price affordable just as it was for her at the start of her career.

“The rent was low back then and I knew I could afford it,” Johnson said. “Then my business grew and it got easier and easier.”

In addition to overseeing Rivertown Creative Studio, Johnson also offers business coaching and mentoring in portraiture to those who are interested.

Current Rivertown Creative Studio members primarily offer portrait photography services to the public, but   recent upgrades to the space now cater to innovative content creators by including an all-new content creation room and art studio.

“We are a studio space for all,” Johnson added.

The studio members have become a supportive network for each other, sharing materials, ideas and wins.     Artists interested in becoming a member of Rivertown Creative Studio can contact Linda Johnson at (925) 305-9621. 

Easter Egg Hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny and Petting Zoo, plus, Stuffed Animal Giveaway!

Join us for an afternoon of Easter Egg Hunting and pictures with the Easter Bunny, Saturday, April 9, 2025.This is a free and fun, family-friendly event for the public. Rivertown businesses have a Merchant-2-Merchant egg hunt from 12:00 to 4:00 pm.

Events at Waldie Plaza, on W. 2nd Street across from City Hall, include a Petting Zoo from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, photos with the Easter Bunny at Rivertown Treasure Chest at 306 G Street from 11:00 am to 2:00 p.m. sponsored by Jim Lanter State Farm, then at Waldie Plaza plus, another Easter Egg Hunt from 3:00 to 4:00 pm.

K-911 Animal Rescue kindly donated 600 stuffed animals to be distributed throughout Rivertown Merchant stores, so every child gets one while supplies last.

Visit the following Participating Merchants in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown: Almost There Travel • Royal Banquet • Abuelita’s House Pastries & Deli • Guadalajara Taqueria • Sweets on Second • Flying Dutchman Tattoo • Antioch Chamber of Commerce • Jim Lanter State Farm Insurance • Rivertown Community Church • Feral Unicorn Snack Emporium • Chef Jeff’s Smash Burgers • Ellie’s Grooming • TNT Smoothie & Juice Bar • The 4 Seasonings Steakhouse • Rivertown Treasure Chest • HIMC Hair Studio • Studio B Dance Studio • La Plazuela Restaurant • Antioch Community Federal Credit Union • Willow Park Mercantile.

Presented by Celebrate Antioch Foundation and the Rivertown merchants. Learn more at www.celebrateantioch.org and www.downtownantioch.com. Follow the Rivertown merchants, events and activities at www.facebook.com/antiochrivertown or on the Downtown Antioch Assocation page on Facebook.

Ribbon cutting, vendor samples, BMX Bike performances

By Allen D. Payton

According to management staff, after undergoing $13 million of improvements, the Antioch Walmart Supercenter will hold a Grand Re-Opening Friday, April 4, 2025.

A Ribbon Cutting will be held between 8:00 and 9:00 am. and during the ceremony the plan is to congratulate some of the original associates of the store.

Plus, sampling by vendors such as Monster, Coke, Pepsi and Frito-Lay as well as BMX Bike performances.

First approved by the City Council in 1998, the store opened in 2000. It was approved for expansion to include a grocery section by the City Council in 2012. Then following a lawsuit and a 2013 state Supreme Court decision the expansion was allowed to proceed.

The latest improvements include a new building on the west side of the store for customer pick-ups.

The store, #2697, is located at 4893 Lone Tree Way in the Williamson Ranch Plaza. For more information visit www.walmart.com/store/2697-antioch-ca.

Mina Aljanaby, RCF Connects receive awards

Teresa Glenn is the 2025 Chamber Board Chair

By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

During the annual Gala on Friday, March 28, 2025, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce honored 2024 Youth of the Year Mina Aljanaby, a Dozier-Libbey Medical High School student, and Non-Profit of the Year RCF Connects. In addition, Teresa Glenn of TreVista Senior Living Antioch was installed as the Chambers new Board Chair for 2025. The event was held at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center.

Youth of the Year Award – Mina Aljanaby
Mina exemplifies excellence in academics, leadership, and service, making a profound impact on both peers and the community.

As a lead teacher CPR instructor for middle school students, Mina has demonstrated outstanding mentorship and a commitment to educating younger students in life-saving skills. She has also played a key role in organizing medical field days, ensuring that students gain exposure to the healthcare field.

Additionally, Mina helped organize and host bone marrow donation programs, showcasing an incredible dedication to health advocacy and service. Beyond academics, she has excelled in leadership, serving as the Vice President for two years, fostering a positive school environment.

Mina’s hard work has been recognized through the Barbara James Service Award and the Red Cross Merit County Award. Her dedication, initiative, and compassion make her a truly deserving recipient of this award.

During the ceremony, Mina was presented with a scholarship funded by the Antioch and Delta-Antioch Rotary Clubs.

Non-Profit of the Year – RCF Connects
RCF Connects has been an exceptional champion for positive change in the Antioch community, exemplifying its commitment to creating opportunities and addressing pressing community issues. Since 2018, RCF has partnered with local government, community leaders and organizations like the Robin Hood Foundation to raise $1.5 million in support of the Sycamore Drive neighborhood, helping to transform it through projects such as renewed community parks, college and career pathways, and pilot programs like guaranteed income.

The foundation has also made impact in homeownership accessibility by bringing a down payment assistance program to Antioch, raising $1.8 million to help low- to moderate -income first time homebuyers.

The Equity for Black Women and Girls initiative has empowered 24 local women entrepreneurs with a comprehensive business development program, helping to launch 21 new businesses in Antioch in just two years

As RCF continues to address critical needs like transportation gaps and the development of community economic strategies, their impact on Antioch residents’ lives is undeniable. Their efforts to connect people with resources and opportunities truly make them deserving of the Non-Profit of the Year Award.

New Chamber Board Chair
Teresa Glenn of TreVista Senior Living Antioch was installed as the 2025 Board Chair for the Antioch Chamber of Commerce. She moves up from the position of Ambassador Committee Chair and takes over from Michael Gabrielson of Willow Park Mercantile.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

At the annual Antioch Chamber of Commerce Gala on Friday, March 28, 2025, Mike’s Pastry Shop was awarded the 2024 Antioch Small Business of the Year and Travis Credit Union was honored as the 2024 Antioch Large Corporate Business of the Year.

Small Business of the Year – Mike’s Pastry Shop

Congratulations to Mike’s Pastry Shop for being awarded the Small Business of the Year Award! This well-deserved recognition goes beyond their delicious pastries and warm, welcoming staff. It honors their unwavering commitment to the community. While they never seek the spotlight, Mike’s Pastry Shop quietly made and continues to make a difference by consistently donating to those in need, sharing their love for baking in the most meaningful ways.

Their generosity, done without expectation of praise, speaks volumes about their values and dedication to giving back. This award is not just for their exceptional baked goods but for the kindness and compassion they sprinkle into everything they do.

Thank you, Mike’s Pastry Shop for blessing us all with your kindness, generosity, and delicious treats.

Large Corporate Business of the Year – Travis Credit Union

Travis Credit Union continues to be recognized for its outstanding service and commitment to financial wellness, earning several prestigious awards. In 2024, they were named on the Newsweek’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions List, a testament to its excellence in banking. Additionally, they have been honored as a Forbes Best-In-State Credit Union for multiple years, showcasing its dedication to superior member service. Their impact extends beyond traditional banking, as seen in their recognition as the U.S. Air Force Distinguished Credit Union of the Year.

More than just a financial institution, Travis CU actively works to uplift communities by advocating for financial education, assisting the underserved, and investing in meaningful partnerships. Through its knowledge is Power Financial Education, Financial Literacy, and Financial Advocacy, they collaborate with organizations such as Opportunity Junction, The Lighthouse Mentoring Center, Antioch Parks and Recreation, and the Antioch Public Library.

With a passion for making a difference, Travis Credit Union continues to change lives and strengthen communities through financial wellness.

Economic Development Department partners with key stakeholders to offer direct services to the small business community.

By Collette Hanna, Executive Director, Alliance for Community Development & Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch

ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch Economic Development Department has launched the Antioch Business Collaborative, a collective effort to support the city’s small business community. The Antioch Business Collaborative brings together technical assistance providers and funders to provide one-on-one as well as group advisory services, and access to capital for small businesses located in the city of Antioch. It provides a range of resources to help ensure small business success in the Antioch community.

The Antioch Business Collaborative is an economic development initiative of the City of Antioch, with the goal of providing support to the over 3,000 small businesses in the city. The initiative is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, with targeted support provided to businesses through 2027. Through the Antioch Business Collaborative, small businesses can contact one of the designated partners for help with any of the following services:

• Technical assistance on starting a business, writing a business plan, budgeting, financial management, marketing, and other topics
• Workshops and accelerator programs
• Assistance with access to capital including low-interest loans and grants

Antioch Business Collaborative partners include:
• Alliance for Community Development
• Arroyo West
• East Bay Small Business Development Center
• ESO Ventures
• Pacific Community Ventures
• Renaissance Center
• Uptima Entrepreneur Cooperative
• Working Solutions CDFI

In addition, according to Gaby Seltzer, the City’s Economic Recovery Corps Fellow, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce “has been actively involved as a supporting partner in this effort. The Chamber and the Antioch Business Collaborative are two separate but mutually supportive business resources. The Antioch Business Collaborative is a group of organizations funded by city contracts to provide free technical assistance to all Antioch businesses. The Chamber is a membership organization that provides input and promotes these services to its members.”

“We are very proud to support the small business community in Antioch, understanding that they play a critical role in building the entire Antioch economy. Our businesses deserve support to help them grow and thrive, and our residents and community need their existence for our everyday needs of goods and services. We’re happy to have this partnership in place to build and grow the Antioch economy,” said Brad Helfenberger.

Businesses can visit www.growfromwithinantioch.com to learn more about the Antioch Business Collaborative and to find a partner with which to work on growing their business.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Dress like a cow to eat free on opening day at new location in the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center on Lone Tree Way

Breakfast begins at 6:30 a.m.

A new Chick-fil-A® restaurant will begin serving guests in Antioch on Thursday, April 3 at 6:30 a.m. Chick-fil-A, Inc. has selected Evan Hawthorne to serve as the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Antioch at Lone Tree Way in the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center. The new restaurant brings approximately 100 jobs to the community.

To celebrate the restaurant moo-ving into town, Hawthorne and his team are inviting the community to show off their cow spots at the restaurant on opening day for one free entrée*!

Whether it’s a full cow suit or a simple cow-spotted accessory, Guests of all ages are encouraged to join the fun. The celebration takes place on opening day, offering the community a chance to celebrate the iconic Chick-fil-A Cows seen in TV commercials and on billboards. Guests dressed in cow attire can redeem the offer of one free entrée inside the restaurant or in the drive-thru.

Located at 5705 Lone Tree Way, Chick-fil-A Antioch at Lone Tree Way will serve Guests Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering dine-in, drive-thru and carry-out.

Locally Owned and Operated
• “Chick-fil-A holds a special place in my family’s heart, and I am forever grateful to my father-in-law for introducing me to the brand – it has truly changed my life,” said Hawthorne. As we open our doors in Antioch, my goal is to make a meaningful impact by bringing our community together through service and care. I look forward to mentoring future generations while serving great food with genuine hospitality.”

Evan started his journey with Chick-fil-A as a Team Member at his father-in-law’s restaurant in Fremont, California and advanced to General Manager. Today, he is thrilled to become the local Owner-Operator of the first Chick-fil-A in Antioch – a dream nearly eight years in the making.

Caring for the Antioch Community
Hawthorne is committed to giving back to the Antioch community by:
• Recognizing 100 local heroes making an impact in the Antioch area by providing them with free Chick-fil-A entrées for a year.
• Participating in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® program, which redirects surplus food to local nonprofits, helping to create over 35 million meals nationwide to date.
• Celebrating the opening with a $25,000 donation from Chick-fil-A, Inc. to Feeding America to support local hunger relief efforts of Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, a Feeding America partner food bank, in honor of the new restaurant.

For the latest news and updates on Chick-fil-A Antioch at Lone Tree Way, visit the restaurant’s Facebook page and follow along on Instagram. For more on Chick-fil-A’s high-quality menu options, click here.

*Guests who dress in cow attire on opening day can redeem the offer of one free entrée inside the restaurant or in the drive-thru. Breakfast offer options are a Chick-fil-A® Chicken Biscuit, Egg White Grill or 4-ct Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Minis® . Lunch/dinner offer options are Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, 8-ct Grilled Nuggets and a 5-ct Nugget Kid’s Meal for kids. The offer is limited to one per person in cow attire, per day, while supplies last. Customizations are not available for this offer and no purchase is necessary. See the restaurant for more details.

About Chick-fil-A, Inc. 
Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, known for its freshly-prepared food, signature hospitality and unique franchise model. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by local Owner-Operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  

Chick-fil-A opened its first restaurant in the UK in early 2025 with the goal of launching five locations across the UK within the next two years. The first Singapore restaurant is set to open in late 2025, marking the brand’s entry into Asia. 

Chick-fil-A local Owner-Operators live and work in the communities their restaurants serve, each supporting local efforts to address hunger, education, and making a positive impact. The family-owned and privately held company was founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at  www.chick-fil-a.com  and @ChickfilANews.