The Boys and Girls of Scouts of America Troop 153 are doing Christmas tree pick up as part of our summer camp fundraiser.
Do you need your Christmas tree picked up? Have the Scouts do it.
We are asking for a donation of $30 for unflocked trees and $40 for flocked trees. These are suggested donations, please feel free to adjust if needed. This is a fundraiser for the scouts.
Pick up dates:
Dec 27 & 28, 2025.
January 3 & 4, 2026
January 10, 2026.
January 11, 2026. Last day.
To schedule your pick-up and for more information please use this link:
https://pickup.antiochtroop153.org/
Please use the link, it improves our services and help our parents and Scouts doing the tree pick up. Even if you email us, please fill out the link.
Please have your tree on the curb by 9 A.M. Our parents and Scouts will be picking up trees all day and might not pick up your tree until
later in the day. If you have issues, please email us, we will follow
up shortly. Use the email below.
We are all volunteers and have limited resources. No direct messages,
no text messages, we have multiple parents monitoring this email
account.
Please only email once, we may not respond to your email until later in the day.
Payment, please use Zelle and look for: Boys Scouts of America Troop 153. Use FULL name (no abbreviations). Zelle makes it easier. Email
If you’re unable to use Zelle, checks are appreciated made out to: BSA Troop 153. Checks can be left under your doormat on the day of pick up or mailed to: Troop 153, 3377 Deer Valley Rd, #329, Antioch CA 94531.
One of 8 Kaiser Nor Cal hospitals to meet rigorous standards and demonstrate their commitment to high-quality maternity care
By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Rep, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
ANTIOCH, CA – Eight Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are designated as “2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care” by U.S. News & World Report for providing high-quality maternity care to patients.
The eight Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals to receive the prestigious honor are: Antioch, Manteca, Modesto, Redwood City, Roseville, San Jose, Santa Clara and Vacaville.
This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’s Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study.
U.S. News recognizes hospitals that meet rigorous standards in caring for patients with uncomplicated pregnancies. These ratings are intended to help expectant parents, in consultation with their prenatal care team, make informed decisions about where to receive maternity services that best meet their family needs.
Last year, nearly 40,000 babies were delivered within Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals.
“Kaiser Permanente Northern California is continually recognized for providing high-quality, exceptional maternity care to families as they embark on this exciting time in their lives,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, interim president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our labor and delivery teams focus every day on caring for our patients in a warm and nurturing environment, providing them with a positive birth experience.”
Kaiser Permanente Northern California has a long-standing commitment to excellence in maternal health and creating a positive maternity care experience for our patients and members. Our comprehensive maternity care focuses on safe, high-quality care from prenatal to postpartum, including midwife services, prenatal classes, and support for breastfeeding and mental health.
“This recognition highlights the unwavering dedication of our physicians, midwives, nurses, and staff, who consistently provide high-quality care for parents and their newborns,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “We take great pride in delivering safe, compassionate, and exceptional maternity care, supporting parents through every stage—before, during, and after birth.”
U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, began evaluating maternity care hospitals in 2021, rating hospitals that provide labor and delivery services and submit detailed data to the publication for analysis.
This year, the national designation was awarded to only 495 hospitals in the United States, or about 55 percent of the 899 hospitals that participated.
Methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality, such as C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, birthing-friendly practices, and reporting on racial/ethnic disparities, among other measures.
About Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center Birthing Center
As you prepare to welcome your new baby, the care team at Kaiser Permanente Antioch looks forward to taking this journey with you. Count on us to support you through your pregnancy, empower you to have the birth experience you want to have, and give your baby a happy, healthy start in life.
Kaiser Permanente Antioch features CenteringPregnancy. This is a nationally-recognized style of prenatal care in a group setting. Its aim is to build a community that empowers women to be actively involved in their own care and equips them to make healthy choices throughout their pregnancy and beyond.
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report (USNWR, U.S. NEWS) is an American media company publishing news, consumer advice, rankings, and analysis. The company was launched in 1948 as the merger of domestic-focused weekly newspaper U.S. News and international-focused weekly magazine World Report. In 1995, the company launched its website, usnews.com, and, in 2010, ceased printing its weekly news magazine, publishing only its ranking editions in print. U.S. News licenses its name to the subjects it ranks, so they may then use the annual rankings in promotional literature. www.usnews.com
The SF Bay Area KYDS Club of Kiwanis is doing free gift wrapping until Dec. 24 at the Somersville Towne Center in Antioch. Donations accepted to help the Key Clubbers attend their yearly District Educational Convention in April. Look for the Holiday Gift Wrap sign near the security desk on the east end of the mall.
In partnership with Showers of Blessings Prayer and Outreach Ministries
By Allen D. Payton
Najee Harris, L.A. Chargers running back. Photo source: Da Bigger Picture Foundation
Join NFL football running back and Antioch High School standout, Najee Harris on Saturday, Dec. 20 for Da Bigger Picture Foundation’s Christmas Toy Drive in partnership with Showers of Blessings Prayer and Outreach Ministries.
“Come join us this holiday as we will be partnering up and passing out toys,” Harris said. “Limited toys so come early.”
In college, Najee played for the national champions Alabama Crimson Tide then was drafted by and played for the Pittsburg Steelers in the NFL. He is currently a running back for the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year contract but has been out for the season since September due to a torn Achilles.
About Da Bigger Picture Foundation
Formed in 2021, according to greaterthanthegame.org, Da Bigger Picture Foundation is “a non-profit that focuses on assisting underserved families in reaching their potential and goals. The foundation’s hope is to provide tools and assistance to families facing challenging times. Some of the key areas of focus will be education, homelessness, addressing hunger, and utilizing sports as a platform to develop life skills.”
About Showers of Blessings Prayer and Outreach Ministries
We are an outreach ministry that feeds those in need. We give out free groceries on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Learn more at www.facebook.com/thereshallbeshowers.
Students participated in the 1-mile and 3-mile runs and race with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. All photos courtesy of Antioch Unified School District unless noted.
By Allen D. Payton
According to the Antioch Unified School District, “despite chilly conditions, hundreds turned out for the 49th annual Holiday Run & Walk for Health.
“Founded by Tom Torlakson, former State Superintendent of Schools, the event was held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Contra Loma with many of our students running the race, including several high school cross country runners.
“Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch and the Rotary Club of the Delta, proceeds benefit our schools and community.”
Race Director Mike Green shared the following results of two races:
Male 3-Mile Race Winners
Giancarlo Olmedo – 15 years old – 19:31.5
Jailen Johnson-Truitt – 18 – 20:09.3
Dennis Gavrilenko – 22 – 20:26.3
Female 3-Mile Race Winners
Valeria Espinoza – 20 – 19:43.0
Kylie Wisely – 17 – 21:27.8
Jaelyn Wilkins – 17 – 22:53.8
Santa (Joe Goralka) with runners from the Antioch Police Department. Photo by Tom McNell
Green offered “Special thanks to East Bay Regional Parks District / Contra Loma for helping us host this event. Thank you to the Race Directors from Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs of the Delta, and to our event sponsor, Dr. Ali Shirani.”
Groups of ladies participated together in the Christmas House Tour and enjoyed the homes at 309 W. 4th Street (left) and 1001 A Street (right) on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Participants enjoy decorations, a taste of hors d’oeuvres, desserts and local history
By Allen D. Payton
This year’s Christmas House Tour fundraiser by the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch with the theme “Victorian Christmas” was a success. The tour, held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, included six homes and three businesses, plus the clubhouse, all decorated for the season and offered participants a taste of hors d’oeuvres, desserts and local history.
Club members volunteered inside the decorated Clubhouse, while members and tour participants enjoyed cookies, fellowship and photos with Santa. Photos by Allen D. Payton
The Clubhouse
Participants on the tour began at the Woman’s Club of Antioch Clubhouse, located at 509 G Street across from the Antioch Unified School District Offices. Members and tour participants enjoyed cookies and photos with Santa.
The Antioch Disney House was featured on The Great Christmas Light Fight Dec. 11, 2025. Photo by K. Vistalli
Homes on the Tour
The homes included Antioch’s, now, nationally famous Disney House, owned by Gary and Kristen Vistalli, which was recently featured on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” last week. It’s located at 3732 Colonial Court and the display of 40,000 lights and 80 home-made cutouts can be seen through January 1st.
For 25 years now, the Vistalli family has decorated their home for the holidays with a special Disney theme. Gary stated, “It just sort of evolved and every year I add something to it. Every year a few more lights go up, or a new character shows up.” Why Disney? The family says it’s their passion. Gary shared, “I fell in love with it as a kid,” and “I knew that when I got my own house that someday I would start sharing my love for Disney.”
Photos by Woman’s Club of Antioch
The “tourists” also enjoyed the home of Duane and Nancy Savioni at 3335 Fraser Road. Built in 1977, this lovely home is nestled in a homey Contra Loma neighborhood. The spirit of Christmas is enjoyed by this family each year. “It’s the most wonderful time of year.” They take pleasure in their fairly large Santa collection. Even their dog Gus gets in on the action as you can see in the photo.
Photo by Woman’s Club of Antioch
The home owned by Mark and Terri Hamilton at 2872 Dandelion Circle was third on the tour. Built in 1982, this cozy home has been filled with love, laughter and Christmas spirit since the beginning, they are proud to be the original owners. Each room is decorated with treasured holiday pieces, many of which carry special memories of adventure, family, and travel!
They offered a festive Santa scavenger hunt, supporting the local Antioch Animal Shelter, while adding a little extra fun to each participant’s visit.
922 Orchard Lane. Photo by Woman’s Club of Antioch
The fourth home on the tour, owned by David and Mary Jean Brink at 922 Orchard Lane, was built in 1952 by Clarence Brink, David’s dad. It was built with redwood he bought from the Antioch Lumber Company in downtown Antioch, now known as Rivertown. Clarence built five houses around town. The first house he built was in 1940. He worked on the houses on weekends as he held a full-time job at Dow Chemical. This house was the fifth and last house he built. The home was built mostly by hand using only one electrical tool. David and Mary Jean have lived in the home for the last 25 years.
922 Orchard Lane. Photo by Woman’s Club of Antioch
David took up after his dad being handy building things. In 1975, fifty years ago, he designed and made four wooden Peanuts characters. Mary Jean and her girls painted them. They will be decorating the lawn Christmas.
1001 A Street. Photos by Allen D. Payton
The home of Lisa Perry at 1001 A Street, on the corner of Beede Way, was the fifth on the tour. It was built in 1938 and custom designed for John and Lucille Sutton. John was the brother of Marion Sutton Beede and Antioch’s City Attorney at the time. Sadly, John served in WWII as an Army Sergeant and was killed in action.
1001 A Street. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Lisa has tried to keep the vintage charm of the home, while adding her own style and love of cottage chic. She has lived in the home since 1998, was a single parent for 22+ years raising her two daughters, who are now grown and live on their own. The home has been truly lived in, hosting many children’s birthdays, holiday parties, and family gatherings over the years. Lisa loves entertaining and decorating for all the holidays, especially Christmas, crafting many of her own decorations. She hopes that the love she has put into her home will be felt when visiting her residence.
309 West 4th Street. Photo by Allen D. Payton
The sixth and final home on the tour, owned by Susan Welch, is located at 309 West 4th Street in Antioch’s historic Rivertown District. The Craftsman bungalow, built in 1919, is a 1,650 square-foot home with three bedrooms, one bath and a very large basement that extends under the front porch. The basement has cement walls and floors with nine-foot ceilings. The first homeowners 106 years ago were Lawrence Kinnear and Edith Lutz. Lawrence was the owner of the Kinnear Drug Co., opened in 1920 and located at 618 2nd Street. Lawrence, born in Ohio, met Edith from Antioch while working in San Francisco as a pharmacist.
309 West 4th Street. Photos by Allen D. Payton
In 1960, forty years later, they sold the house to Charles and Ruth Rodrigues. Lawrence Kinnear used a room in the basement to develop film, probably for his drug store. The Rodrigues family used the basement as bedrooms for their four sons. The kitchen and bathroom were remodeled in a 1950’s style, the remainder of the house was original but buried under shag carpet. In addition, all the natural wood trim was painted. Susan removed almost everything in the kitchen and bath and rebuilt them using the craftsman style minus the clawfoot tub, which is original. The two doorways in the back of the dining room were widened, and I kept the original craftsman style. An interesting feature of the detached garage is a 2’x8’ foot rectangular hole in the center of the cement floor, possibly used for working on cars. The whole is now covered with planks.
Prime Vintage Realty in the former Antioch Lumber Company building at 340 W. 2nd Street. Photo by Allen D. Payton
Rivertown Businesses on the Tour
The first business on the tour was the former Antioch Lumber Company building, now occupied by Prime Vintage Realty owned by brokers Rodney and Ursula Lal, who improved the building after purchasing it several years ago. Located at 340 West 2nd Street on the corner of E Street, the Lals maintain their business in a piece of local history in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.
Prime Vintage Realty. Photos by Allen D. Payton
In 2015 the Antioch Chamber of Commerce honored Rodney and Ursula with the Community Champion Award. Rodney stated then, “The reason I got into real estate was to buy buildings and improve them.”
“It’s unique. It’s built with tender loving care. It’s just so beautiful. You haven’t seen the best, yet,” he shared. “Our city will prosper. You will see this building prosper. You will see people drive by here. The river has so much to offer. My goal is to beautify this city. I just love it.”
Willow Park Mercantile at 205 G Street. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Willow Park Mercantile, owned by Michael Gabrielson and Brandon Deshawn, was the second business on the tour. Located at 205 G Street on the corner of West 2nd Street in Rivertown, the store was created in 2015, and they recently celebrated the store’s 10-year anniversary. It’s an enchanting shopping destination where the store is beautifully arranged. Their eclectic and ever-changing inventory boasts a wide variety of treasures new and old. They feature over 20 vendors who showcase their eye-catching and wide array of furniture, home decor, gifts, handmade, vintage and antique items.
Owners Brandon Deshawn and Michael Gabrielson. Photo courtesy of Woman’s Club of Antioch
The store is a real treat during the holiday season as they have an amazing selection of holiday ornaments and décor. This is also a wonderful place to purchase gifts for your loved ones. Stop by and immerse yourself in their beautiful displays and get into the Christmas Spirit.
Rivertown Treasure Chest is located at 306 G Street. Photos source: Facebook
The final business and stop on the tour was Rivertown Treasure Chest at 306 G Street. Owners Debbie Blaisure and Toni Lincks received the 2022 Small Business of the Year Award from the Antioch Chamber of Commerce. They were recognized for operating a successful business, but also contributing to local organizations serving students, stray animals, special needs children and the elderly. The Chamber noted, “Debbie and Toni… are true ambassadors of the city of Antioch.” Recently they helped found the Downtown Antioch Association (DAA), hosted the meeting and Christmas mixer on Tuesday, December 16th.
Owners Debbie Blaisure and Toni Lincks. Photo courtesy of Woman’s Club of Antioch
Rivertown Treasure Chest has something for all ages. Amazing vendors, offer collectible comic books, pop culture items, vinyl records, CDS, vintage/new clothing, accessories, jewelry, housewares, CBD items, furniture, retro/new toys and much more. They are also an exclusive Dixie Belle Paint dealer.
If you’re looking for that “special” item, you can find it at their store. The eclectic inventory is ever changing. A large variety of one-of-a-kind pieces are offered, including some hand-made by Toni. They have a “Wish Book” you may write your wished-for item(s) down and they will do their best to find what you are searching for.
About the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch
PLEDGE (Mission)
“To improve and beautify the town, to do any business which shall promote the educational, industrial, benevolent, social or political welfare of its members or the community at large.”
The GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch has been an active participant in both shaping and improving our community for over 120 years. The founding members set an example for us to use our strengths and influence as women to promote the welfare of our community and its citizens. We are called to do no less. Collaborating with our fellow members throughout the world, we are enhancing our lives not only in Antioch, but statewide, nationally, and even internationally. We promote good work, altruism, and friendship. The projects we undertake help build a better future for us all. We are resilient and determined. Working together we can and will make a difference.
Our emphasis has been on making a difference in our public schools with both students and educators. We founded an emergency food closet for an Antioch elementary school and donated over 2,500+ items in 2025. With the support of the community, we donated $5,000 to Antioch High School’s students for scholarships for 2025. We will continue our many and current projects and begin others to support our local schools. There will be something for everyone to participate in! Small or large, our individual contributions of time and talents, added together, is what makes a difference. I am excited to see what we will accomplish, to continue the strong tradition of service that has been the pledge of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch down through the years.
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.
Former 49er Jeremy Newberry was in Antioch on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2025, for the annual Newberry’s BLOCK Toy Drive & Car Show at Lumpy’s Diner in Antioch. Photos by Allen D. Payton
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.
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.
