Makes donation to his Delta Veterans Group

Also honored by Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis, Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal

By Allen D. Payton

During a luncheon ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, Antioch resident and veterans’ leader Gerald “J.R.” Wilson was honored by Assemblywoman Lori Wilson as the 2025 Veteran of the Year for the 11th Assembly District.

During the brief ceremony and luncheon, attended by a few of his family and friends, at Monica’s Riverview restaurant in historic, downtown Rivertown, Wilson (no relation) presented J.R. Wilson with a framed certificate from the California State Assembly of a Resolution (see below) honoring him. She also presented him with check for a donation of $1,000 to his organization, the Delta Veterans Group.

It’s the Assemblywoman’s first Veteran of the Year Award that she’s presented since being elected during a special election in March 2022 when her district still included a portion of Antioch. The new district went into effect following that November’s General Election and no longer does.

“Many times we recognize amazing people in our district and state who do amazing things,” the Assemblywoman said. “I’ve had the opportunity, to now, each year nominate a Woman of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year…different businesses and things like that. I come from a military family. My husband is retired Air Force. My son is a former Marine. I thought…I have yet to do a veteran and I wanted that to be coming from a veteran family and I wanted to include that in the things that we do.”

Then turning to J.R. she said, “So, you are my inaugural, just so you know, my inaugural veteran that I get to recognize.”

“I did not know that,” he responded.

Lori Wilson then read about J.R.’s background and accomplishments as leader for veterans, both locally, statewide and nationally.

Mayor Ron Bernal was also in attendance and said “J.R. is amazing and an asset to Antioch.”

Then speaking to Wilson the mayor said, “I want to thank you for your service, for your heart…for loving the people you serve in Antioch.”

Bernal then said a proclamation from the City of Antioch was being prepared and would be presented to J.R. Wilson at a later time.

The veteran was also presented by the mayor with a Proclamation from Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis who also honored him as 2025 Veteran of the Year, even though Wilson lives in District 5. She did not attend the ceremony.

J.R. then thanked the Assemblywoman and shared his appreciation for those in attendance.

“Everyone of you mean a lot to me. There are mentors, here,” he said and then shared something about those seated around the table.

MEMBER’S RESOLUTION

By the Honorable Lori D. Wilson, 11th Assembly District

Relative to commending

GERALD WILSON

WHEREAS, Throughout the course of American history, courageous individuals have taken up arms to secure, defend, and maintain the core principles upon which the nation’s freedoms depend, and as one such stellar individual, Gerald “J.R.” Wilson will be honored as the 2025 Veteran of the Year for the 11th Assembly District; and

WHEREAS, A veteran of the United States Army who served in the Military Intelligence Corps, J.R. Wilson has established a long history of supporting his fellow veterans, beginning in 1998 when he joined Disabled American Veterans (DAV), where he graduated from its Academy Class VI and took on the role of National Service Officer, and he went on to serve as National Service Officer Supervisor from 2000 to 2004; and

WHEREAS, In further service to DAV, J.R. has served on its Interim Legislative and National Executive committees, as the Mt. Diablo Chapter Commander, as State Commander and Legislative Director for the Department of California DAV, and as Legislative Director and Chair of the California State Commander’s Veterans Council; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, J.R. founded and took on the role of Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit Delta Veterans Group (DVG), guiding the organization as a champion for providing the four pillars of success—housing, employment, health care, and education—to veterans and working to ensure that they have access to the resources necessary for a fulfilling and balanced life; and

WHEREAS, Among his remarkable accomplishments in leading DVG, J.R. launched its inaugural Stand Down on the Delta event in 2015, which has since become an annual four-day, three-night program in which veterans are provided full medical treatments; court and legal services; Department of Motor Vehicles assistance; chaplain services; housing, addiction, and mental health counseling; employment assistance; and a myriad of other community services while being offered clothing, meals, showers, sleeping tents, and a safe place to “stand down” for the duration of the event; and

WHEREAS, Having worked to unite local veteran service organizations in Contra Costa County to strengthen community support and create a lasting impact for those who have served the nation, J.R. also launched the Antioch Veterans of the Year and Lifetime Veteran of the Year programs, created the Antioch Veterans Memorial Banner Program, and joined a group of veterans in redesigning the City of Antioch’s Veterans Memorial; and

WHEREAS, Recognized with numerous honors for his tireless service, including Antioch Citizen of the Year and recipient of the Key to the City of Antioch in 2023, J.R. Wilson has dedicated his life to honoring and supporting those who have courageously served and sacrificed while safeguarding the nation’s principles, for this generation and for generations to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY ASSEMBLY MEMBER LORI D. WILSON, That she takes immense pleasure in recognizing Gerald Wilson as the 2025 Veteran of the Year for the 11th Assembly District and expresses her sincere gratitude for his dedication to duty and his honorable and faithful service to the United States.

Dated this 9th day of December, 2025.

Honorable Lori D. Wilson

11th Assembly District

Later, in a post on his Facebook page, J.R. Wilson wrote, “I am truly humbled and honored to be selected as the 2025 “Veteran of the Year” for California’s 11th Assembly District.

So grateful to celebrate this moment alongside Assemblywoman Lori Wilson and Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal.

This recognition belongs to our entire community. I couldn’t do what I do without the incredible support of our volunteers, partners, and fellow veterans.

This is not a me thing — it’s a WE thing.

Veterans served their Country, and Veterans serve their Communities.”

For those who have died in the past two years

Watch national ceremony online Dec. 18

By NAMI Contra Costa

Join us for Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, where we will create a space to remember, honor and celebrate those in our community with a lived experience of homelessness who have died in the past two years. As part of the event, we will be reading their names and stories. You are invited to share the names of people whom you would like to be remembered here: https://forms.gle/ksauQ1dwxKT2j2rR7.  

This hybrid (in person and online) event will take place:

Friday December 19, 2025

11:00 am – 1 pm

• Reading of the names: 11:30 am
• Lunch served: 12:30 pm

Physical Address:  NAMI CC – 40 Voices African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub, 1020 East Tregallas Road, Antioch

Zoom: https://homebaseccc.zoom.us/j/86971795919 

Event co-hosted by Antioch Seventh Day Adventist Church, Bay Area Rescue Mission, City of Antioch, Contra Costa Council on Homelessness, NAMI Contra Costa, and Safe Organized Spaces Richmond.

If you have questions, please reach out to contracostacoc@cchealth.org.

National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day Ceremony (Virtual Attendance)

Please join us from wherever you are on Dec. 18th for a livestream of this year’s Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. PST.

The National Coalition for the Homeless, the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, and the National Consumer Advisory Board, a member network of the Council, encourage our communities to organize or take part in Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day (HPMD) events on or around the winter solstice — the first day of winter and the longest night of the year.

At these events each year, we remember those who have died and we strengthen our resolve to work for a world where no life is lived or lost in homelessness. We state clearly, together with others in scores of communities across the nation, that no person should die for lack of housing.

List of Speakers For the Memorial Event

Register at: 2025 Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day Ceremony Livestream.

About NAMI CC – Support. Educate. Advocate. Outreach.

Mission Statement – To provide support, outreach, education, and advocacy to individuals impacted by mental illness, their families, and the broader community.

NAMI Contra Costa is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing outreach, education, support and advocacy to individuals living with mental illness, their families, and the broader community. We have been serving in Contra Costa County and beyond for over 35 years. All our programs are free, so get involved today and help make a difference in your life, others’ lives, and in the local community. 

NAMI Contra Costa is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. We are unique in our independence with long history of supporting individuals living with mental illness, their families, and the broader community.

NAMI CC has a commitment to serve the needs of all impacted by mental illness. We have staffed our agency to be reflective of those who are unserved, underserved, and inappropriately served. We have many support groups, classes, and services for these communities. Additionally, to help reach much of the homebound community, we provide almost all of our groups and classes via Zoom, and now more are in-person. So please visit our calendar page for group dates and times.

NAMI Contra Costa was named the 2023 California Nonprofit of the Year. 

About the Delta Bay Wellness Hub

NAMI CC is committed to ensuring ALL individuals impacted by mental illness have their needs met and no one is left behind. We, therefore, lifted the 40 Voices Campaign to advocate for an African American Holistic Wellness & Resource Hub to improve outcomes for the African American community. Despite 40 Voices’ successful advocacy for a total of $8.9 million dollars from the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, we have been asked to wait until 2029 for the physical site of the hub to be realized. We cannot afford to wait. NAMI CC CEO and Founder of the 40 Voices Campaign, Gigi Crowder, decided to move forward with the hub – primarily using her own personal funding and securing donations from others.

If you would like to support this important effort, you can Zelle a payment (510-990-2670) or mail in a check (2151 Salvio Street, Suite V, Concord, CA 94520) or simply go to ww.namicontracosta.org/donate to make a donation. All donations are tax deductible. Donations of $40 dollars or more will be recognized on a poster as a “Founding Contributor” of the 40 Voices African American Holistic Wellness & Resource Hub at Delta Bay. The renovations have resulted in a beautiful healing space.

For more information, contact: Gigi R. Crowder at (510) 990-2670 or gigi@namicontracosta.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

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.

Many by groups of juveniles

By Antioch Police Department

Community Advisement:

We’d like to remind everyone to keep doors locked and windows secured, especially overnight.
Detectives are currently looking into a series of residential burglaries that have occurred in Pittsburg, Antioch, Oakley and Brentwood. In many of these incidents, groups of juveniles have entered through unlocked doors, sliding glass doors, or unsecured windows – sometimes by removing window screens. They appear to be looking primarily for vehicle keys, which has unfortunately led to several stolen vehicles.

To help keep your home and property safe, please consider placing your vehicle keys in a secure, less visible area inside your residence rather than near entryways, kitchen counters, or tables.

Our police departments are actively investigating these cases working with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. In the meantime, a few simple preventions steps can go a long way in helping protect our community.

Thank you for your cooperation, and please stay safe.

Placed on veterans’ graves

By Oak View Memorial Park Cemetery

Join us this December 13th for National Wreaths Across America Day at Oak View Memorial Park Cemetery to help us honor those who’ve served by sponsoring a wreath to be placed on a veteran’s grave in honor of their service and sacrifice.

The mission of Wreaths Across America is to “Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom. Our volunteers are the beating heart of the program and work year-round to share this important mission and inspire others to join.”

Join the more than two million volunteers and supporters who will gather to Remember, Honor and Teach at more than 5,200 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad.

Scan the QR code to make your donation today and help us honor local heroes.
https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/CAOVMP

Oak View Memorial Park Cemetery is located at 2500 E. 18th Street, Antioch.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

See photos and parade winners

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch community joined together to begin the Christmas season with the annual Holiday Delites Celebration with the parade and Christmas Tree lighting in 46-degree weather in historic, downtown Rivertown on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. The event began with a Sip & Shop with local stores open and vendor booths on G Street.

Before the Christmas Tree Lighting in Waldie Plaza, City staff handed out gifts of STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – Kits to children while families took photos with Santa and the Grinch.

The countdown to the Christmas Tree Lighting was led by Mayor Ron Bernal who was joined by Mayor Pro Tem Louie Rocha, Councilwomen Monica Wilson and Tamisha Torres-Walker, City Clerk Michael Mandy and Parks and Recreation Director Shahad Wright.

Following the tree lighting, the Deer Valley Choir sang Christmas carols followed by the Antioch and Deer Valley High School Marching Bands who joined together to perform more Christmas carols.

See videos of the festivities on the Antioch Herald Facebook page.

The 2025 Holiday Delites Parade Winners:

BEST DECORATED – Delta Veterans Group

BEST PERFORMANCE – Step 2 This Dance & Performing Arts

MOST SPIRITED – Vega Stars Elite

Paul Schorr Memorial

Awards for top 3 in each age group

By Allen D. Payton

Join local communities, friends and family take a step for health at the 49th Annual Holiday Run & Walk for Health – a memorial to Paul Schorr – at Contra Loma Regional Park, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.

Hosted by Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch and Rotary Club of the Delta (Antioch), this cherished community event that promotes fitness and well-being was founded 49 years ago by Tom Torlakson, former Antioch Councilman, County Supervisor, State Assemblyman, State Senator and California Superintendent of Public Instruction. The event honors the legacy of Paul Schorr, a dedicated race director who passionately supported local runners as well as local Kiwanis and Rotary members, who passed away on April 12, 2023.

Participants of all ages are encouraged to lace up their shoes and enjoy a day of fun camaraderie and holiday spirit. Come be a part of this time-honored tradition.

Race Schedule:

7:30 AM – Registration Opens

9:00 AM – 1 Mile
9:35 AM – 5K Run/Walk

10:15 AM – Kid’s Dash with Santa

The event is located at Contra Loma Regional Park – 1200 Frederickson Lane, Antioch. As you enter the park, you will stop at a parking booth. Tell them you are here for the Kiwanis/Rotary Run and they will tell you were to park. The race will take place in the parking lot of the swimming lagoon.

For more details and to register for the run, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Antioch/KiwanisHolidayRun.

Frank Ballesteros’ adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’ showcases local Antioch community theater talent

By Carla Baker Marymee

“Humbug,” a Bay Area tradition is returning for its 49th year. Joe Ballesteros is performing as the character of Ebenezer Scrooge in “Humbug,” as an injury prevents his father, Frank Ballesteros, from performing. “Humbug” is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella entitled, “A Christmas Carol.”

Presented at the Paulette Taylor Studio, located at 307 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown, show times are:  Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Dec. 22 & Dec. 23 at 7 p.m.; and Christmas Eve at 11 a.m.  

“Humbug” mirrors the traditional story of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol,’ similar to the 1954 classic movie and the 1980’s version played by George C. Scott. The production includes one spirit (Jacob Marley) and three ghosts that represent Scrooge’s past, present, and future, with each embodying a different theme.

However, there are a few minor modifications. While Frank Ballesteros’ adaptation of the classic Christmas Carol finds Scrooge understanding that true fulfillment comes from compassion, generosity, and human connection, he also accepts Christ in his heart.

“It’s the same message of Christmas, one of the most iconic and beloved Christmas stories of all time. The message is especially important today. Plays like ‘A Christmas Carol’ are central to many people’s holiday experience because it continues to embody the season’s spirit,” Joe Ballesteros said.

“This play evokes a sense of tradition. Many families in Antioch have made attending this holiday play a cherished annual tradition. The play brings a room of strangers together, providing a shared cultural touchstone, uniting families and communities through storytelling,” Jim Lanter, show producer said.

Presented by the Madd Hatter Players, the actors include: Ebenezer Scrooge-Joe Ballesteros; Bob Cratchit-Curtis Moore; Anne Cratchit-Kelly Halvorson; Peter Cratchit-John Hilton; Belinda Cratchit-Vivienne Riley; Martha Cratchit-Tori Gregory; Elizabeth Cratchit- Avery Simmons; Edwina-Zoey Siino; Edward-John Hilton; Tiny Tim-Nello Siino; Frederick Holywell-Christien Green; Mrs. Cooper-Patti Blevins; The Collector-Suzanne Pamphile; Jacob Marley-Christian Nance; Ghost of Christmas Past-Jenna Riley; Ghost of Christmas Present-Adriana Arceo; Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come-Anthony Chaves; Belle-Jessica Miller Drum; Ebenezer-Jaime Aragon Jr.; Mr.Fezziwig-Robert Sisk; Mrs. Fezziwig-Deborah Misquez; Dick Williams-Elijah Enriquez; Young Ebenezer-Ruhaan Kumar; Fan- Marisa Misquez; Stern Man-David Calvo; Georgina–Olivia Dukes; Alice-Chole Coon; Jane-Paisley Greenlaw; Ignorance-Odin Slaughter; Want-Genevieve Slaughter.

The play is sponsored by the Rotary Club of the Delta and Jim Lanter State Farm Insurance. The play is produced by Jim Lanter and directed by Joe Ballesteros, Curtis Moore, and Kelly Halvorson.

The doors will open 45 min. before show time. The audience is urged to arrive early as tickets will only be sold at the door: Adults $20, Seniors $15, and Children $8.

Parking is readily available at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, Antioch City Hall, and Pantell’s Music Box parking lot.

For more information, email jim.lanter.b8jq@statefarm.com  or call 925-584-9265.