Antioch native David Martin, Jr. seeks public’s help for return of photos, hard drives and equipment or replacement

By Kirsten Mitchell, Communications Associate, GoFundMe

An Antioch couple’s wedding photos were reportedly stolen from their photographer’s rental car in Oakland just three days after their ceremony, and now the community is helping them try to recover those memories. David Martin, Jr., an Antioch native now based in Southern California, returned to photograph Jenna and Nick Banks’ October 4 wedding. According to the GoFundMe, thieves took nearly all the equipment he uses to support his family, along with drives holding years of work and the only copies of the couple’s wedding photos. Loved ones are asking for help finding the stolen drives and memory cards while raising funds to replace his gear and refund the couple if their photos aren’t recovered.

“What should have been a lifetime of cherished memories vanished in an instant. David is devastated, not only by the loss of his livelihood, but by the thought that Jenna and Nick may never get to relive the most important moments of their special day. Cameras can be replaced. A wedding day cannot.”

In a video on the GoFundMe page entitled “Restore David’s Livelihood”, Martin, who owns David Martin Jr. Photography according to his Facebook page, and is based in Orange County, CA according to his website, says, “I “lost…80% of my equipment.”

According to a KTVU FOX2 news report, break-in of his rental car in downtown Oakland happened days after the wedding in which “gear worth $35,000, including two cameras, lenses, a drone, a laptop as well as a hard drive and memory cards with the couple’s photos” were taken.

Post on GoFundMe by Lina Martin for David Martin

“On October 7, David Martin, a hardworking photographer and family man, had his vehicle broken into in Oakland. Thieves stole nearly all of his professional photography equipment, including cameras, lenses, drone, a laptop, accessories and hard drives holding years of irreplaceable work.

“In a matter of minutes, David lost the tools he depends on to support his family.

“The most heartbreaking part is that the stolen memory cards and hard drive held the only copies of Jenna and Nick Banks’ wedding photos. The couple had been married just three days earlier, on October 4. What should have been a lifetime of cherished memories vanished in an instant. David is devastated, not only by the loss of his livelihood, but by the thought that Jenna and Nick may never get to relive the most important moments of their special day. Cameras can be replaced. A wedding day cannot.

“David is doing everything he can to make it right. If the photos aren’t recovered, he will refund Jenna and Nick in full. He’ll also photograph them again, at no cost, in their wedding attire so they have something beautiful to hold on to.

“The theft also hit David in the middle of a video project in the Bay Area. All of the footage he had already captured was lost, which means he has to reshoot from scratch and cover the cost of travel all over again, on top of replacing his gear.

“For 12 years, David has photographed weddings, families, and milestones for people across Los Angeles and Orange County. Photography isn’t just his passion. It’s how he puts food on the table for his family.”

Where your donation goes

“Your support will replace the cameras, lenses, lighting, drone, laptop, accessories and storage David needs to get back to work, cover the travel costs of reshooting his lost video project, and help fund a full refund to Jenna and Nick if their photos can’t be recovered.”

Help us find the photos

“There’s still a chance the drives turn up. If you see cameras, lenses, laptops, or hard drives being sold in the Oakland area, on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist, or anywhere else, please reach out through the “Contact” button on this page. A police report has been filed (RD# 26-042959). Getting those drives and or SD/Express cards back is the only way Jenna and Nick get their wedding photos.”

How you can help

“Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. If you can’t donate, please share this page. The more people who see it, the better the chance someone spots the stolen gear.

“Let’s come together and help David get back behind the camera.

“Thank you for supporting David and his family.”

—————

As of 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, $14,215 has been raised from 54 donations of the total goal of $16,000.

Link to the GoFundMe: www.gofundme.com/f/restore-davids-livelihood-and-jenna-nicks-memories.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By City of Antioch

An iconic non-profit recently celebrated its golden anniversary with community, staff and its board members.

Held on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, the Delta Learning Center hosted a gathering to mark 50 years of tutoring students.

The West Tregallas Road center, across from the Antioch main Post Office, is one of oldest educational resources in East County.

Its mission statement notes it “prides itself on delivering the highest quality credentialed teacher tutoring services at an affordable rate.”

The center offers tutoring for K-12 students by credentialed teachers.

One parent at the event said her daughter, a senior and student leader at an AUSD high school, benefited greatly from DLC.

The Center’s Executive Assistant, Martha Goralka spoke during the ceremony and shared the following prepared remarks.

 “Good morning and welcome to the Delta Learning Center’s 50th Anniversary celebration.  We have come to honor those visionaries who 50 years ago decided that it was imperative that ALL students be given a chance to learn to the best of their abilities.  And honor those visionaries who have supported us with their time, talent and treasure over the past 50 years.

“Retired Antioch Unified school psychologist Julia “Bess” Combs knew that students with learning disabilities needed extra help.  That was a newer concept in the 1970’s.  She recruited her retired teacher friends to start one-on-one tutoring in 1976.  The mission of the Center has expanded to include ALL students of every age; TK through adult.  The Delta Learning Center tutors have only earned minimum wage for their dedicated commitment to our East County students of all ages and all needs.  As you might guess, only the most committed teachers are willing to work for such a low wage.  In fact, over the years, several of our tutors have donated back their wages to our scholarship fund; so, our most needy students can attend.

“In 1989, 13 years after the Center was founded, the board decided that building a building to house the Center would ensure that the Center could avoid rent increases at churches.  It was important that the building not look like a school, but like a whimsical, fun place to come after school, hence the triangle and odd shaped windows.  The Center had moved from Bess Combs garage to church Sunday school rooms to this amazing building built by our entire community with donations, discounts and donated services.

“The longest serving board member in the History of the Delta Learning Center, Antioch Lion’s Club member Don Watson, told me that because Bess was a Soroptimist, that organization took the lead and if the operations account ran low, Ethel Balbi, a Soroptimists from San Rafael would say, “How much do you need?” and would write  a check.  We don’t have those Angels anymore, but we do receive grants and a gift that keeps us going including from an anonymous donor.  We are grateful to the Antioch Community Foundation, St. John’s Luteran church, Keller Canyon fund, local service clubs, including the Soroptimist International of Antioch, GWFC Woman’s Club of Antioch, Rotary Club of the Delta/Antioch, Rotary Club of Antioch, Rotary Club of Brentwood, Rotary Club of Oakley, Antioch Lion’s Club, Delta Advocacy and so many more.  Thank you, East Contra Costa County!  And thank you Rotary Club of Cupertino, that arranged for us to install solar panels so that we can afford PG&E!

“Former board members will tell you what a miracle it is that we have survived all these years.  And so will our miracle working former executive directors.  We are currently working without an executive director.  It is hard to recruit when you are offering just over minimum wage and a list of responsibilities a mile long.

“We are especially grateful for our tutors, Ben Fong, our longest serving tutor who works miracles with Algebra and geometry middle school and high school students, Ben has his 94th birthday on October 7th and plans to work until he is 100 or so; Sonia Spohrer, who works with Spanish speakers learning English and grade school students; Barbara Klein who works with ELA, special ed grade school students;  Lynne Wheelock, who works with K through 4th grade students and Karen Bouskill who works with college, special education and 4th through adult.  Michael Meyer tutors all subjects for High School and adult students including GED – his schedule is always full.  Our administrative assistant, Moriah Green, coordinates our tutoring assignments.  She graduated from Dozier Libbey Medical High School, the Opportunity Junction clerical program and is finishing at Los Medanos College before applying to an Historically Black College. We couldn’t operate without her.

“Our board members are Antonio Hernandez, president (school board member and medical student) Sandra White (Past president of the Rotary Club of Antioch and City Council candidate) Sophia Macha (Secretary and former student, currently studying at UC Davis) Michael Meyer (Tutor and acting executive director) and Martha Goralka (Vice President and acting assistant executive director; currently the longest serving board member – she knew Bess Combs)

Goralka then acknowledges the representatives of elected officials who were able to attend the ceremony including Kayla Turnage with Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías’ office, Theresa Anderson with State Senator Tim Grayson’s office and Dominique King with Congressman Josh Harder’s office.

For more information visit www.deltalearningcenter.org. See more photos from the event on the City of Antioch’s Facebook page posted Wednesday, Oct. 7th.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Black Diamond Ballet

Black Diamond Ballet welcomes community members to attend its 14th Annual production of the Nutcracker November 13–22 at the El Campanil Theatre.

For many families, the Nutcracker at El Campanil Theatre is tradition, a commencement of the winter holiday season. Attending a performance or donating to Black Diamond Ballet supports the dancers and the work required to bring this production to life. Bring your family, invite a friend, and help spread the word about the earlier dates.

“We see this as a necessary change prompted by circumstances beyond Black Diamond Ballet’s control,” says Sam Khamseh, Black Diamond Ballet (BDB) Board President. (See related articles here, here and here)

In addition to its annual production schedule, BDB is committed to producing a Sensory-Friendly performance, and school-day shows for students and special-day programs, all of which help make the joy of live ballet accessible to all audiences in our community.

Performance times and ticket information will be available at BlackDiamondBallet.org or ElCampanilTheatre.com or the box office 925-757-9500

Follow Black Diamond Ballet on social media: Instagram & Facebook @blackdiamondballet, TikTok @black.diamond.ballet

Prize is $25,000 and appearance in a new comic book!

Voting for TOP 10 ends Thursday, October 8th at 7PM PDT

“Autism is my superpower.” – Noah

Now, in 5th place

By Allen D. Payton

Noah is a 10-year-old Antioch boy competing in Stan Lee’s Super Kid 2026. According to his mom, Kristina, “he proudly calls autism his superpower and wants other children – especially kids who feel different – to know they never have to hide who they are. His family’s message to him has always been simple: sometimes thinking differently is exactly what makes you extraordinary.

“Noah loves Spider-Man because he sees an ordinary boy whose extraordinary ability is not always visible to everyone around him. That idea mirrors how Noah talks about autism: people may not immediately see what makes his mind work differently, but those differences can also be strengths.”

“I want other kids to know they should be proud of what makes them different,” Noah said.

According to a July 14th post on the Super Kid Facebook page announcing the contest, “If your kid goes above and beyond to make a difference in the world, this competition is one you don’t want to miss out on.

“One everyday hero will win a Marvel-ous prize including the title of 2026 Super Kid and $25,000! PLUS, they will transform into their own superhero identity and star in a new Stan Lee Universe comic book!

As of Tuesday night, Noah was in 5th place.

“This competition proudly supports the Stan Lee Foundation and their mission to promote literacy and the narrative arts. Now that’s competition with a whole lot of heart.

“Your kid isn’t a regular kid… they’re a super kid!”

Who is Noah’s favorite superhero and why do they admire them?

Spider-Man is Noah’s favorite superhero because he is a regular guy who is kind and helps people. Noah says Spider-Man’s superpower can be invisible to most people—they only know if he tells them or shows them. That reminds Noah of being autistic: people may not see it right away, but it is part of how he experiences the world. To Noah, Spider-Man proves that an ordinary boy can still do extraordinary things.

Where did Noah’s love of superheroes come from?

Noah’s love of superheroes began when he was little, watching Disney Junior’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends and PJ Masks. He loved how the heroes were leaders, helped others, and stood up for their friends and family even when they were afraid. Spider-Man became his very first favorite superhero, which makes this Stan Lee opportunity especially meaningful to him.

What superpower would Noah want and why?

Noah would choose telekinesis—the power to move things with his mind. He says he would use it to create cool things from the elements of the world and make things that are useful in everyday life. He loves the idea of a superpower that is not just amazing to watch, but could also help people solve problems, build things, and make life a little easier.

“The real superheroes are the people who help others.” — Stan Lee

Comic Book Origin Story

Every hero deserves a legendary origin story. A team of elite comic book writers and artists will transform the champion’s real-world strengths into a larger-than-life superhero identity, immortalizing their story in a limited-edition Stan Lee Universe comic book.

Los Angeles Comic Con

The Super Kid will earn 4 VIP passes to the 2027 L.A. Comic Con, one of the largest pop culture conventions in Los Angeles. The event celebrates comics, gaming, film, and more, bringing together fans, creators, artists, and special guests for panels, exhibits, and immersive experiences.

Story Is Power

Honoring the legacy of the legendary writer, The Stan Lee Foundation champions literacy and the narrative arts. They support public charities that advance storytelling and uplift creators in need, helping communities everywhere access the power of stories.

The Legacy of Stan Lee

With boundless imagination and heart, Stan Lee changed the way generations see heroes. Through iconic characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and the X-Men, he helped redefine popular culture and inspired millions to believe that greatness is within us all!

Voting for Top 10 Ends Thursday Oct. 8th

Who will star in a limited-edition Stan Lee Universe comic book, get VIP tickets to L.A. Comic Con, and take home $25,000? You decide! Voting for the TOP 10 ends Thursday the 8th of October at 7PM PDT.

Vote for Noah to become the Super Kid by casting your free daily vote, or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Stan Lee Foundation and their mission to promote literacy and the narrative arts.

Click to donate and vote: Noah | Stan Lee’s Super Kid.

Click to donate and vote: Noah | Stan Lee’s Super Kid.

STAN LEE’S SUPER KID 2026

Noah

TOP 10

Age: 10

Hometown: Antioch, California

Noah’s interests include bowling, soccer, gaming, technology and creativity.

His campaign message is “Autism is my superpower.”

Instagram: @noahbflyy

Official page: Noah | Stan Lee’s Super Kid

10/16/26 UPDATE: Noah is in the Super Kid Top 5! Group Finals voting ends Thursday, October 22 at 7 PM Pacific.

Guest Commentary

By Tyler McCarthy, Outreach Associate, White Pony Express

On Friday afternoon, for a student who eats breakfast and lunch at school, the dismissal bell does more than end the school day. It starts a 68-hour clock. The last dependable school meal of the week has just been served. The next one won’t arrive until Monday morning.

We hear from our school partners what those hours can mean. As one parent liaison put it: “My thinking was that if I can give them a meal for Saturday, then they only have to get through Sunday. That lessens the need.”

California has done something remarkable. In 2022–23, it became the first state in the nation to guarantee every public school student access to free breakfast and lunch, regardless of family income. Nearly 3.5 billion school meals have been served since the program began.

It works. And at a time when changes to federal nutrition programs are putting additional pressure on some California families, it’s an achievement we must protect.

But hunger doesn’t follow a school calendar.

California’s universal meals program feeds children during the school day. Children still need to eat Friday night, Saturday, Sunday, holidays and school breaks. California has also embraced summer grocery benefits for eligible families, another important piece of the solution. But summer assistance does not solve the gap that arrives every week between Friday afternoon and Monday morning.

For a family already choosing between rent, utilities, transportation, and groceries, those aren’t simply gaps in a schedule. They can be the days the refrigerator runs empty. That’s where White Pony Express makes an enormous difference.

Every day, White Pony Express drivers collect surplus food from grocers, farms, wholesalers, and restaurants – high-quality food that is perfectly good but has nowhere to go. We sort it for quality the same day and deliver it, free of charge, to neighbors throughout Contra Costa County. Of the 135,000 people White Pony Express serves each year, nearly one-third – about 40,300 – are children.

Our School Pantry Program brings fresh groceries directly into 23 school communities where 80 percent or more of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Families shop at no cost, with no forms and no questions asked.

One pantry coordinator remembers a young mother raising three children alone after losing her husband. She came to the pantry for groceries, including peanut butter and chicken.

“She doesn’t have money to buy much,” the coordinator told us, “but she told me it’s a blessing to have White Pony Express helping us.”

Since the School Pantry Program began in 2015, White Pony Express has delivered more than three million pounds of food to school communities – the equivalent of roughly 2.5 million meals.

The model works because it connects two resources that already exist: good food that would otherwise go unused and trusted neighborhood schools where families already gather.

It also demonstrates something larger. Public programs and community organizations do not have to compete with one another. They can complete one another.

California has shown what is possible when we make a public commitment to feed children at school and then build a system capable of doing it at an extraordinary scale. Now we need to look just as honestly at the hours the school cafeteria cannot cover.

More than two million California children still lack reliable access to healthy food. For them, the problem doesn’t begin Monday morning. It begins Friday afternoon, when the bell rings. And that is a gap communities like ours can – and must – close.

To volunteer, donate food, or support the School Pantry Program, visit whiteponyexpress.org.

Benefiting Be Exceptional Programs

By Moms Club of East County

MOMS Clubs are for Moms Offering Moms Support. Join us for a family-friendly afternoon of Halloween fun while supporting an incredible local nonprofit!

Saturday, October 10, 2026

2:00–4:30 PM

Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way

This year’s Trunk or Treat will benefit Be Exceptional Programs, which provides inclusive and adaptive programs for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Families can look forward to:

• Decorated trunks
• Candy and non-candy treats
• A petting zoo
• Sensory-friendly activities
• Children’s games and activity stations
• Food vendors
• Crowd-favorite trunk voting
• More seasonal fun to be announced!

Admission is free, but preregistration is encouraged so we can plan for attendance, candy, and supplies. Optional donations will benefit Be Exceptional Programs.

REGISTER YOUR FAMILY:

https://www.zeffy.com/…/moms-club-of-east-countys…

WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING:

• Businesses, organizations, families, and community groups to host decorated trunks
• Donations of individually wrapped candy and non-candy treats
• Volunteers to help with setup, activities, parking, check-in, and cleanup
• Community sponsors and in-kind donations
• Food vendors interested in participating

Trunk hosts are encouraged to create child-friendly themes, carnival-style games, and interactive experiences.

Decorations may not include blood, gore, graphic imagery or realistic weapons.

Guests will be able to vote for their favorite trunks by making donations, with all voting proceeds benefiting Be Exceptional Programs. Prizes will be awarded to the trunks receiving the highest donation totals.

Interested in hosting a trunk, volunteering, sponsoring, or donating?

HOST A TRUNK:

https://www.zeffy.com/…/ticketing/trunk-host-sign-up-form

CONTACT US: momsclubofantioch@gmail.com

Follow this event page for vendor announcements, volunteer opportunities, attraction updates, parking information, and other event details as October approaches.

Children must remain under the supervision of their accompanying adult throughout the event.

We can’t wait to celebrate with our East County community!

For more information visit www.facebook.com/MOMSClubAntioch and https://momsclub.org.

Community invited to anniversary celebration and ribbon cutting October 3

By Martha Goralka, Executive Director

ANTIOCH, Calif. — Delta Learning Center invites the community to celebrate its 50th anniversary on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Antioch. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m.

Established in 1976, Delta Learning Center has provided five decades of educational support to learners in East Contra Costa County. The nonprofit offers personalized, one-on-one tutoring by credentialed teachers, helping students strengthen academic skills and build confidence.
The anniversary celebration will recognize the students, families, educators, volunteers and community supporters who have contributed to the center’s history while looking ahead to its continued service.

Current and former students, families, neighbors, local businesses and community partners are invited to attend and help celebrate this milestone. Members of the media are welcome to cover the celebration and ribbon cutting.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ribbon Cutting: 10:30 a.m.

Location: Delta Learning Center

275 W. Tregallas Road

About Delta Learning Center Founded in 1976, Delta Learning Center is a nonprofit tutoring organization serving East Contra Costa County. The center provides individualized educational support for prekindergarten, K–12 and adult learners. For more information, visit http://www.deltalearningcenter.org or call 925-757-1310

World’s largest bounce house with over 50,000 square feet of fun offers action-packed, all-ages experience featuring live DJs, food trucks, gift shops & more — tickets on sale now!

By Greg Wiley, Public Relations Manager, The Big Bounce America

Contra Costa, CA (September 21, 2026) – The Big Bounce America, home to the world’s largest bounce house, extending its high-energy experience in the Bay Area for two weekends, October 17-18 and Oct 24-25. Featuring more than 50,000 square feet of inflatable attractions, the event transforms the Contra Costa Fair and Event Park into a fully immersive playground filled with live music, laughter, and unforgettable fun for ALL!

Designed for all ages, The Big Bounce America features dedicated sessions for younger children, bigger kids, and adults — so everyone can JUMP IN and join the fun.

“This isn’t just an event, it’s a full-blown, larger-than-life experience,” saidDavid Taube, Tour Director of The Big Bounce America. “We’re talking about the biggest bounce house on the planet, live DJs, a 900-foot-long obstacle course, and nonstop energy from the moment you walk in. We’re bringing a festival-level atmosphere where kids, parents, teens, and adults can jump, dance, and lose themselves in the fun. It’s truly an unforgettable experience for everyone.”

The event features seven massive inflatable attractions, including:

The World’s Largest Bounce House

Covering over 24,000 square feet and standing 32 feet tall, this record-breaking inflatable is a full-blown party zone. Inside, guests will find giant slides, ball pits, climbing towers, basketball hoops, and colorful interactive elements. A live DJ keeps the energy high with music, games, and competitions tailored to each age group—turning every session into a dance party in the sky.

The Giant

At over 900 feet long, this epic obstacle course is built for thrill-seekers of all skill levels. With more than 50 challenges and a massive finale slide, it’s perfect for friendly competition—or just bouncing your way through a wildly fun adventure.

Sport Slam

Get ready to bring your A-game! Sport Slam is a high-energy, action-packed arena where bouncing meets friendly competition. Packed with hoops, goals, climbing challenges, and fast-paced games, this inflatable playground lets you dunk, kick, race, and battle your way to bragging rights. Challenge your friends, take on your family, or jump into the chaos with new competitors—every corner is built for non-stop movement and big-time fun. Whether you’re channeling your inner all-star or just looking to let loose, Sport Slam keeps the adrenaline pumping from start to finish.

airSPACE

Step into an immersive, space-themed world filled with aliens, moon craters, and intergalactic fun. Featuring a towering inflatable alien, multi-lane slides, and endless ball pits, airSPACE delivers an out-of-this-world experience for explorers of all ages.

Other on-site Activities

Additional on-site attractions include food trucks, shaded rest areas, and family-friendly entertainment. Guests can bring their own food and drinks or purchase from on-site vendors.

Note: Attractions subject to change.

TICKETS: All-Access tickets are available now and include a three-hour pass to the event, featuring a timed session in The World’s Largest Bounce House plus unlimited access to all other attractions. Advanced purchase is strongly encouraged, as sessions frequently sell out. Tickets start at $35. Buy tickets at https://TheBigBounceAmerica.com/Tour-Dates/.

LOCATION: Contra Costa Fair and Event Park (1201 W 10th St, Antioch, CA 94509)

DAYS/TIMES: Saturday, October 17th: 9a-9p; Sunday, October 18th: 9a-6p; Saturday, October 24 9a-9p; Sunday, October 25 9a-6p.

Follow the fun on social media:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheBigBounceAmerica/

Instagram: @TheBigBounceAmerica

Twitter: @TheBigBounceUSA

ABOUT THE BIG BOUNCE AMERICA:

The Big Bounce America is the world’s largest traveling bounce house experience, welcoming thousands of guests in countries around the world since 2007. Learn more at www.thebigbounceamerica.com.