For newborns – 17 year olds; Register by Dec 17 at 11 p.m.

La recolección de juguetes será el Domingo 21 de Diciembre

Puede registrarse antes del 17 de Diciembre a las 11 p.m.

Para recién nacidos hasta jóvenes de 17 años

Presented by One Day At a Time and Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K.

ANTIOCH — IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN!

Hope In Motion is back, and this year, we’re pouring even more love, purpose and community spirit into our holiday tradition! One Day at A Time is collaborating with Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K. to bring joy to kids in Antioch.

The toys collected during the successful Toy Drive and Car Show by Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K. at Lumpy’s Diner in Antioch on Sunday, Dec. 14. will be distributed this Sunday, Dec. 21. (Details below) (See more photos on the AntiochHeraldCA Facebook page. Click the View post button)

This season, we’re wrapping support around the youth and communities throughout Antioch, not just to give toys, but to offer hope, connection and a reminder that none of us are in this alone.

In times when the world feels divided, we choose unity. When resources feel scarce, we choose generosity. This event is not about what we give it’s about why we give. It’s about building a community where every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

To make this year’s event possible, we are calling on individuals, organizations, and businesses who believe in investing in their community:

• Donations of new or gently used toys
• Clothing, warm wear, and accessories
• Books that inspire, educate, and uplift
• Volunteers ready to serve with heart
• Business Sponsors who want to make a lasting impact

Whether it’s just support, in-kind contributions, or resources your business can provide, sponsorships help us expand our reach and multiply the joy we can deliver to local families. This is an opportunity for businesses to stand with Antioch, support our youth, and be visibly part of something meaningful.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Photos with Santa
• Donuts & Light Beverages
• Toy Distribution for Local Families
• A joyful, uplifting, community-centered experience
• Our mission is simple:
• No child without a gift. No family left out. No community forgotten.

Hope is more than a word — it’s action.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

You do have to register for it by filling out the form at Toy Drive Distribution. Please fill out this form by December 17th at 11pm! This is open to Antioch Residents Only! 

The toy pick-up will be on Sunday, December 21st between 2 – 5 pm at the Antioch High School Gymnasium at 700 W. 18th Street. Please make sure to bring your ID and proof of residency!

This is for newborns – 17 year olds.

For more information please contact John Mixon at (925) 339-3844 or John.mixon@odatec.org.

PORFAVOR LEA TODA LA INFORMACION DETALLADAMENTE. 

One Day at A Time está colaborando con Newberry’s Block para llevar alegría a los niños de su comunidad. Tendremos una colecta de juguetes, ¡debe registrarse! Puede registrarse completando este formulario. ¡Complete este formulario antes del 17 de Diciembre a las 11 p.m.! ¡Esto está abierto solo para residentes de Antioch!

La recolección de juguetes será el Domingo 21 de Diciembre entre las 2 y las 5 p. m. en el gimnasio de la escuela Antioch High School, 700 W. 18th Street. ¡Asegúrese de traer su identificación y comprobante de residencia!

Esto es para recién nacidos hasta jóvenes de 17 años. 

Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Athziri Martinez (925)565-2809 o athziri.martinez@odatec.org.

About One Day At a Time

One Day at a Time provides Latino youth and young adults of color with Hope, Support, Healing and Opportunity to realize their strengths, their self-worth, and their power.

Your donations, your sponsorship, your service — all of it fuels change. Together, let’s create a season filled with dignity, joy, and unforgettable memories for the families of Antioch. For more information visit www.odatec.org/.

About Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K.

Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K. is a non-profit organization providing underprivileged children the opportunity to participate in sports by sponsoring scholarships & equipment to youth programs Benefiting Leagues Offering Children Kindness. For more information call (925) 783-6050, email newberrysblock@yahoo.com or visit www.facebook.com/NewberrysBlock.

#HopeInMotion #AntiochUnited #CommunityStrong #GiveHopeNotJustGifts #OneCityOneFamily #MerryChristmas

Join former 49er Jeremy Newberry for Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K. 2025 Toy Drive & Car Show! Sunday, Dec. 14. 11am– 3pm at Lumpy’s Diner at 5891 Lone Tree Way in Antioch.

Your $25 donation or unwrapped gift for a child gets you a delicious barbecue lunch by Kinder’s BBQ and entrance to the So-Low Riderz Car Show.

If you’re unable to make it, we also accept Venmo donations @NewberrysBlock we’re a 501c3 organization 100% of your donations go toward underprivileged children. Thank you.

Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K. is a non-profit organization providing underprivileged children the opportunity to participate in sports by sponsoring scholarships and equipment to youth programs Benefiting Leagues Offering Children Kindness.

For more information call (925) 783-6050, email newberrysblock@yahoo.com or visit www.facebook.com/NewberrysBlock.

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.

Donations, 10% of specific sales support effort through Dec. 31

By Allie Packer

Chick-fil-A Antioch at Lone Tree Way has partnered with Tunnels of Joy to bring the spirit of the season to life—one car at a time. The restaurant transformed its drive-thru into a “Tunnel of Joy,” complete with Christmas lights, festive décor and live carolers. This special effort is to support six-year-old Angelo Venegas, a local child bravely battling brain cancer. Guests will find QR codes on signage and in carry-out bags, providing them an easy way to donate for Angelo through Dec. 31. Additionally, the restaurant will donate 10% of the sale of all Peppermint Chip Milkshake sales to support Angelo during the same time frame.  

“We’re honored to partner with Tunnels of Joy to help bring light, hope and joy to families battling health challenges during the holiday season,” said Evan Hawthorne, local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Antioch at Lone Tree Way. “We invite our community to join us in celebrating the season and supporting a cause that truly touches the hearts of so many people in our community. 

“Tunnels of Joy” is a Brentwood-based neighborhood group dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer patients and their families. Tunnels of Joy creates holiday light displays, featuring a walking path illuminated by lights and festive decorations. 

According to a post on the Tunnels of Joy Facebook page, “The reason for The Tunnels of Joy Season…ways to donate:

1. Venmo Donations go directly to the family.  Just scan the QR Code.

2. Donation Boxes are located at Tunnels of Joy on La Costa Dr and Torrey Pines…you can also drop off letters to Angelo here.

3. Chick fil A on Lone Tree is donating a percentage of its Peppermint Shake sales to Angelo, now through Dec 31st.”

Chick-fil-A Antioch is located at 5705 Lone Tree Way in the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center, is open 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

As USPS underscores readiness to deliver and meet holiday mail and shipping needs during their 250th year

Postal Service encourages public to follow online holiday hub for all shipping information

Get a letter from Santa with the North Pole postmark!

CALIFORNIA — The United States Postal Service’s busiest holiday season is in full swing as its real-time Holiday Mail Counter goes live online, and Postal Service leaders say they are ready to deliver for every American’s holiday mailing and shipping needs.

The Postal Service has made continued investments in network transformation and modernization, boosting the strong and reliable service customers have come to expect throughout the organization’s 250 years of service to the nation. As it expands its role as the nation’s end-to-end carrier of choice, the Postal Service’s improvements in infrastructure, technology, and shipping standards are core components of holiday readiness in California and across the nation.

The holiday season is the busiest time of year for the Postal Service and one of the most critical opportunities to serve communities in California. Throughout its 250 years of service, the organization has evolved from horseback and steamships to the Next Generation Delivery Vehicles serving communities today. Thanks to investments made in California and across the country, and the dedication of the USPS workforce, the Postal Service is prepared to deliver this holiday season reliably, quickly, and affordably.

“The Postal Service plans throughout the year to deliver the nation’s mail and packages during the high-volume holiday season and we are well prepared and ready to deliver for the American public,” said Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner. “For the past several years, the Postal Service has been gaining market share in our package business, which reflects the strong value and excellent portfolio of the shipping options we provide. We expect to see a continuation of this trend in the coming holiday period and to continue winning a larger share of the nation’s shipping business.”

The Postal Service has opened hundreds of expanded facilities with new state-of-the-art sorting machines, bringing the Postal Service total to 614 packaging sorting machines across the country. These investments have resulted in a daily processing capacity of approximately 88 million packages – up from 60 million last holiday season. The Postal Service also plans to hire 14,000 temporary employees to support the holiday season, complement the full-time workforce, and ensure the Postal Service can handle the extra holiday volume across the country.

The Postal Service remains the most affordable way to send mail and packages. This holiday season, customers can expect their mail and packages to be delivered, on average, in less than three days. For shipping within the same regional service areas, holiday customers can expect a 2–3-day turnaround.

Local hours at all post offices are available at USPS.com.

The Postal Service has also launched a live holiday counter, keeping tally of how many mail pieces and packages have been accepted into the network this holiday season.

For holiday related information – including how to order free Postal Service shipping supplies – and to see the Holiday Mail Counter visit usps.com/holidaynews.

Letters from Santa

Yes, there is a Santa Claus and the Postal Service^TM can help you prove it when Santa replies to your child’s letter — complete with the North Pole Postmark! Create the excitement of Christmas, letter writing, stamps and penmanship. For detailed instructions and more information visit Greetings from the North Pole – Letters from Santa.

About USPS – Delivering Since 1775

The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Delivering since 1775 and overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Learn more about the history of the USPS at 250th Anniversary | USPS.

Arrested by Walnut Creek Police, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; held on $200,000 bail

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, that a suspect in possession of child sexual abuse material faces a four-count felony complaint.

32-year-old Ryan Allen Fenton of Antioch (born 6/13/1993) was arrested in Antioch Tuesday by Walnut Creek Police on a warrant related to a complaint the District Attorney filed with the court on February 3rd, 2025. The complaint was amended and refiled on November 25th after investigators with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force found additional evidence Fenton was in possession of child sexual abuse material.

Fenton was arraigned Wednesday in Superior Court in Martinez at 10:30 am on the following:

· Two felony counts for possessing over 600 images of child or youth pornography on or about October 23rd, 2024, and November 25th, 2025 [PC 311.11(c)(1)]. 

· Two felony counts for possessing child or youth pornography on or about October 23rd, 2024, and November 25th, 2025 [PC 311.11(a)].

District Attorney Diana Becton said, “The possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is not a victimless crime; it is an act that perpetuates the sexual abuse of children and fuels a criminal enterprise. As District Attorney, my office treats the possession of CSAM with the utmost gravity, recognizing that every image and video represents an assault on a child.”

Fenton’s preliminary hearing is set for December 9th at 8:30 am at the A.F. Bray courthouse in Martinez in Department 6. He remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility on a $200,000 bond. 

Case No. 01-25-00447 | The People of the State of California v. Ryan Allen Fenton

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 10-inch tall, 135-pound Fenton is Hispanic, but also listed as white, is now being held in the West County Detention Facility.

According to localcrimenews.com, Fenton was also arrested in 2020 in Inyo County for speeding, driving without a license and failure to provide evidence of financial responsibility.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

New team option, expanded online catalog make fulfilling kids’ and families’ Christmas wishes easier

Santa’s Gift Shoppe — powered by Toys“R”Us — is back; ship gifts by Dec. 13 to help ensure on-time delivery for the holidays

By Meiko Patton, AI Communications Specialist, USPS

CALIFORNIA — The U.S. Postal Service today announced that USPS Operation Santa is now open for letter adoption for the 2025 holiday season. Starting today, individuals, families, workplaces and community groups can go to USPSOperationSanta.com to adopt letters to Santa and help make the holidays brighter for children and families across the country.

This year, USPS is placing a special emphasis on adopting family letters — including a new way to do it as a team — to help ensure letters from the same household are adopted and fulfilled together.

“We invite the public to join us in spreading holiday cheer by adopting a USPS Operation Santa letter,” said Sheila Holman, the Postal Service’s vice president of marketing. “Every year, we receive far more letters than those adopting. So if you have the means, we encourage you to adopt a letter. And this year we’re making it easier for groups to adopt family letters — making the holidays brighter for everyone in a household. And they’re fun and easy to complete with friends or coworkers.”

Letter Adoption Now Open

Adopters can visit USPSOperationSanta.com and follow the steps below to fulfill a letter:

1. Create a login and verify your identity;
2. Browse available letters from across the U.S;
3. Adopt the letters you love — including family letters;
4. Shop for the perfect gift through Santa’s Work Shoppe or on your own; and
5. Ship your gift right away through our online catalog or from a Post Office location

To help ensure gifts arrive in time for the holidays, adopters should ship gifts no later than Dec. 13. Sending gifts as early as possible helps families know their holiday wishes have been met.

Adopt Family Letters as a Team

USPS is highlighting a feature that makes it easier to fulfill letters from the same household together:

• Join forces to fulfill the whole crew — One person creates the team and invites friends, family, or coworkers to help fulfill a family’s letters.
• Each person take a page — Team members can claim the letter from the family that speaks to them and invite others to adopt the rest.
• You’re in charge — All letters in the family must be adopted. The team admin can see unclaimed letters and adopt the remaining ones to make sure the family is fully covered.

This option is designed for offices, teams, community groups and organizations that want to make a bigger impact together.

Santa’s Gift Shoppe Makes It Easy to Shop and Ship

To help make letter adoption easier than ever, Santa’s Gift Shoppe — powered by Toys“R”Us — is back this year with a much larger selection of items. Adopters can send gifts directly from the newly expanded online catalog, saving a trip to a Post Office location and keeping the experience seamless.

Santa’s Gift Shoppe is designed to:

• Give adopters a quick, easy way to find the perfect gift
• Save time and money — with free shipping on orders over $49
• Streamline sending gifts directly to the recipient — because all packaging and shipping is handled for you
• Support adopters who want to fulfill multiple letters — including family letters — in one session

“We want to make it as easy as possible to participate,” Holman added. “You can adopt single or family letters as a team, shop for the perfect gift quickly and easily online, and get it delivered directly from Santa’s Gift Shoppe, all from the comfort and convenience of home. And the best part is, the earlier you adopt, the sooner you can help make somebody’s holiday wish come true.”

How to Get Started

• Visit USPSOperationSanta.com;
• Adopt letters beginning Nov. 17;
• Ship gifts by Dec. 13; and
• Encourage friends, colleagues, and community groups to adopt family letters

For more information, visit USPSOperationSanta.com.

Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

INAUGURACIÓN DEL PARQUE CONTRA LOMA ESTATES

By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch

ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch, in partnership with Rising Juntos, invites the community to celebrate the grand reopening of Contra Loma Estates Park on Saturday, November 15. The free, family-friendly event will take place from 12:00–2:00 PM at the corner of Mahogany Way and Manzanita Way, and will feature music, games, raffles, food, guided park tours, speeches and a ribbon cutting ceremony.

According to Parks and Recreation Department staff, “After years of community advocacy, Contra Loma Estates Park is finally re-designed by and for the community. Bring the whole family to celebrate!”

Después de años de esfuerzo de la comunidad, el Parque Contra Loma Estates finalmente se rediseñó por y para la comunidad. ¡Lleve a toda la familia a celebrar!

• Sábado, 15 de noviembre
• 12:00 – 2:00PM
• Esquina de Mahogany Way & Manzanita Way, Antioch

¡Habrá música, comida, juegos, tours y rifa!

Para más información: 510-368-4544

Located in the heart of North Antioch’s Sycamore neighborhood, Contra Loma Estates Park has long been a central focus for residents seeking safe, vibrant public space. The revitalization effort began in 2013, when Rising Juntos led a community needs assessment that identified the park as a top priority for improvement. In response, the Antioch City Council funded a community-designed playground in 2015 and new basketball courts in 2018.

Building on that foundation, the City of Antioch and Rising Juntos partnered to secure Proposition 68 funding to complete the community’s long-term vision for the park. Now, after more than a decade of advocacy, planning, and partnership, Contra Loma Estates Park is fully renovated and ready to serve as a hub for families, youth, and neighbors of all ages.

“This reopening represents the best of Antioch: community leadership, meaningful partnership, and shared investment in public space,” said City Manager Bessie Marie Scott. “Contra Loma Estates Park reflects a decade of commitment from residents, Rising Juntos, and our City team. We are proud to stand with the Sycamore community in celebrating a space that belongs to everyone.”

Rising Juntos Executive Director Rhea Elina Laughlin added, “This project is an example of what we can achieve when residents and city staff work together toward the community’s vision. We are thrilled to inaugurate this new park, designed by and for the neighborhood.”

Rocheall, a longtime Antioch resident and Rising Juntos member, shared, “I am so excited about the park re-opening. My son can’t wait to use the basketball courts and the renovated walking path. I am so happy that our neighborhood park has restrooms for families. This is a huge win for our community. Our children and future generations will now have a beautiful and safe park.”

For more information: 510-368-4544.

About Rising Juntos

The Mission of Rising Juntos is to build power for racial, economic and health justice for children and families in Contra Costa County. Led by a volunteer membership made up of resident leaders across Contra Costa County, their multicultural, intergenerational membership brings lived experience with systemic injustice and deep understanding of community needs. Rising Juntos members are the experts and driving force of their work. They have four Focus Areas: Housing and Economic Security, Healthy Parks and Communities, Equitable Representation, and Access Racial and Immigrant Justice.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this announcement.