By City of Antioch Parks and Recreation Department
Juneteenth is not only a time for joy, but it is a time for reflection, giving back and sharing community resources.
The City of Antioch Parks and Recreation Department is proud to host Team Jesus who will be accepting donations of dry food, toys and school supplies during this year’s festivities.
Those who donate goods or monetary donations will receive a raffle ticket for a prize drawing at the Antioch Juneteenth Celebration!
Calling all youth and young adults, join us for our Annual “Let Freedom Roll” Juneteenth Celebration as we Strengthen Our Village! We have a late morning-early afternoon of fun, excitement and educational moment celebrating FREEDOM, so grab your skates or rent them from Paradise Skate Roller Rink in addition to some field games and activities. Scan the QR code and we look forward to seeing you on Friday, June 19th as we let FREEDOM ROLL!!
On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 2:38 p.m., Antioch Police officers responded to the Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services building, located at 4545 Delta Fair Boulevard, regarding a reported battery that had just occurred at an outdoor phone vendor stand.
Upon arrival, officers learned that a customer, later identified as 77-year-old Paul Lawson of Pittsburg, had been involved in a verbal and physical fight with employees of the vendor stand. During the incident, Mr. Lawson fell to the ground. Witness statements regarding the circumstances of the fall vary, with some indicating he stumbled over a chair and others reporting he may have been pushed during the fight.
After falling, Mr. Lawson stated that he was unable to move. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for medical treatment.
On the evening of June 13th, Mr. Lawson died while receiving care at the hospital.
This incident remains under active investigation by the Antioch Police Department.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Duff at rduff@antiochca.gov.
NOTE: Lawson’s age in the APD press release and other news reports was listed as 59. But Captain Matt Koch confirmed he was 77 years old.
ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch is launching an update to its General Plan, the long-term policy document that guides the community’s growth and development, addressing physical, economic, social, and environmental changes for years to come. As part of this effort, the City is hosting two Public Visioning Workshops this summer and is encouraging all residents to attend and share their vision for Antioch’s future.
The workshops will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, and Tuesday, July 7, 2026, both beginning at 6:00 PM at the Antioch Community Center, located at 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA 94531. Both events are in person, free and open to the public and will cover the same information.
Each workshop will begin with a presentation designed to educate participants on relevant topics related to the General Plan Update, followed by a structured exercise to gather community input. The City will convene a total of four community workshops throughout the Update process, and this summer’s Visioning Workshops are the first opportunity for residents to get involved.
“Our General Plan is more than a policy document. It’s a blueprint of who we are, and as importantly, want to become as a community. These workshops are an open invitation to every resident to help shape that future. I encourage all of Antioch to come, participate, and make sure your voice is part of the vision we build together,” said Mayor Ron Bernal.
Community input gathered at these workshops will directly inform the development of the General Plan Update, ensuring the final document reflects the needs, values, and priorities of Antioch residents.
“The strength of this plan depends on hearing from as many residents as possible. Whether you’ve lived in Antioch your whole life or just moved here, your perspective matters. I hope our neighbors will take this first opportunity to get involved and help guide decisions that will affect our community for years to come,” said Economic and Community Development Interim Director Kevin Scudero.
For more information about the General Plan Update and to sign up for project notifications, visit https://antioch.generalplan.org/.
Spanish interpretation will be provided. Requests for alternative forms of interpretation should be sent at least 72 hours prior to the meeting to Kevin Scudero by email at generalplan@antiochca.gov or by phone at (925) 779-6133. Accessibility-related accommodations are available upon request at (925) 779-7009 or cityclerk@antiochca.gov.
Fourth Annual event features live performances, music, food, activities for kids and adults, and more!
By City of Antioch Recreation Department
Celebrate this Juneteenth with the City of Antioch! This free annual city-sponsored Juneteenth Celebration is where we come together as a city to honor freedom, culture and community. Join us Friday, June 19th for a day of reflection that showcases the richness of African American heritage as we embrace the vibrancy and resiliency of Black culture. This event features live performances, music, food, activities for kids and adults, and so much more!
What Is Juneteenth?
Short for June Nineteenth, Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the 1865 emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States – marking the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure the freedom of all remaining enslaved people. Texas became the first U.S. state to celebrate Juneteenth in 1979. Officially becoming a U.S. federal holiday in June of 2021, the City of Antioch is proud to present our fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration.
Entertainment
The Antioch Juneteenth Celebration music line up is here!
DURTI RYCE Featuring DERON will light up the stage with a tribute to the one and only Frankie Beverly, an icon of soul and R&B!
Oh, we’re not done. We are also excited to welcome powerhouse songstress, MONIQUE RENEE who will grace the stage with a tribute to Lady T, Teena Marie!
Two acts, two unforgettable icons to be honored, one incredible night. Join us for food, games, fun, and memories at this year’s Antioch Juneteenth Celebration.
Please help us spread the word by sharing our sponsorship flyer with local businesses, family-owned shops, restaurants, employers and community partners.
Every sponsorship helps support our athletes and provides them with opportunities, resources and memorable experiences throughout the season.
