Theme: Antioch Through My Eyes

By Terri Hamilton, GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch

The GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch hosted an award ceremony and ice cream social on May 7, 2026, recognizing the winners of the “Antioch Through My Eyes” writing contest.

The district-wide contest invited all fourth and fifth grade students in Antioch Unified School District to share their perspectives, creativity, and voices through writing. The program was designed to support local schools while giving students a meaningful opportunity to express themselves and write with purpose.

Winners were selected in each grade level, with first ($100), second ($50), and third ($25) place awards presented to top essays. In addition, one student from each participating class was recognized with a special “Top of the Class” ($10) award.

The ceremony was held at the Woman’s Clubhouse and brought together students, their families, teachers, principals, board members to celebrate the young writers’ achievements. The event concluded with an ice cream social in honor of all participants.

The winners are:

4th Grade:

1st prize– Madeline Cortes, Fremont

2nd prize– Marcus Hamilton, Orchard Park

3rd prize– Hayley Corado, Marsh

5th Grade:

1st^t prize– Alyssa Bennett, Mno Grant

2nd prize– Aissatu Diallo, Mno Grant

3rd prize–Natalia Saucedo, Kimball

“Top of the Class” Award

Fremont—Nehemias Bueso/ 4th grade; Grant—Albertha Kolaco/5th grade; Kimball—Yahir Camacho/4th grade and Noah Sarabia/5th grade; London—Chiara Guisadio/4th grade; Marsh—Ezeuiel Escobar/4th grade; Mission—Angel Gibbs/5th grade; Muir—La’Riyana Mayfield/5th grade; Orchard Park—Mia Ramirez/4th grade and Alexa Colmenares/4th grade; Sutter—Ella Garringer/4th grade.

About the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch

In 1902, 11 of the 15 ladies founded the Woman’s Club of Antioch and pledged: “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.” For m ore information visit www.gfwcwomansclubofantioch.org.

Japanese students, chaperones to stay July 22 – August 4

By Jessica Davis

The Antioch-Chichibu Sister City Organization is looking for host families! Our delegation from Chichibu, Japan will arrive July 22 and depart August 4. We are expecting two high school students, six junior high students and about five adults.

Most weekdays we have things planned with the delegates that host families are welcome to attend. On the weekends we ask host families to share their hobbies, favorite places or normal weekend activities with their delegates.

Families that host get top priority when we select our 2027 delegation to Chichibu. Students must be at least 15 to travel with us to Chichibu, be residents of Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakley or Brentwood and become members of our organization.

Those interested can reach out to us on our Facebook page, by email antiochchichibusco@gmail.com or call (925) 207-4915 for more information or to sign up!

Application Deadline: May 24

By Antioch Recreation Department

Join us for an evening of culture, community, music, food, and celebration at the City of Antioch’s Juneteenth Freedom Celebration!

Friday, June 19

4PM–8PM

Williamson Ranch Park (corner of Lone Tree Way and Hillcrest Avenue)

We’re looking for:

• Local Vendors
• Food Vendors
• Community Organizations

Celebrate freedom, culture, and community with live music, poets, dancers, games, rides, and family fun for all ages.

Apply today by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visit:

www.antiochca.gov/218/Juneteenth-Celebration

Applications close May 24

Space is limited. Don’t miss out!

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

Honoring the brave men and women who gave everything for our freedom. Join us this Memorial Day as the Delta Veterans Group and the City of Antioch come together to remember, reflect and honor our fallen heroes.

According to MemorialDay2026.com, “Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring and mourning military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It’s a day of remembrance, reflection and gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice made by service members throughout American history.

“Memorial Day traces its roots to the years following the Civil War, when communities across America began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. Originally called ‘Decoration Day,’ the observance was first widely celebrated on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

“After World War I, Memorial Day evolved from honoring just Civil War casualties to commemorating American military personnel who died in all wars. In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, officially declaring Memorial Day a federal holiday and moving its observance to the last Monday in May.”

Oak View Memorial Park Cemetery

2500 E. 18th Street, Antioch

8:00 AM – Pancake Breakfast

10:00 AM – Memorial Day Ceremony

Antioch Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6435

815 Fulton Shipyard Road, Antioch

12:00 PM – Lunch at Antioch VFW

Let us stand united in gratitude and remembrance.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Will begin Antioch General Plan Update process

By City of Antioch

Join us for the first City of Antioch General Plan Advisory Committee Meeting on Monday, May 11 at 6:00 PM in the Antioch City Council Chambers.

This meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the General Plan Update process and stay connected to the work helping shape Antioch’s future.

This General Plan Update is a way for you to share your vision for the future of Antioch. We need your help to make the General Plan a success.

The City is excited to embark on this process of updating our General Plan, creating a new blueprint for our community. A lot has changed since the last comprehensive General Plan update in 2003. Antioch has grown, new housing developments have been built, business and industry needs are different, the way people get around town has changed, and our needs and priorities have evolved.

Looking forward 20 years, how will state and regional trends impact life in Antioch? What new technologies and innovations will change how we live, work, and play? While we can’t see exactly what the future holds, we are preparing for it by updating our General Plan.

What do you love about Antioch? What opportunities and challenges do you think face Antioch as it evolves over the next 10, 15 or 20 years?

Sharing your ideas at community workshops, open houses, and online will help make sure that the updated General Plan conveys the values and priorities of its residents and businesses. With your help, we can set the stage for a future that honors our history and builds a more prosperous, vibrant, and safe Antioch. Let’s build our next chapter, together.

Each city in California is required to have a General Plan, which provides long-term policy guidance for the community’s growth and development, addressing physical, economic, social, and environmental changes. The General Plan provides opportunities to improve the quality of life in Antioch – enhancing public safety and fostering the vibrant, safe community we all deserve. This General Plan Update is our direct opportunity to address key challenges and set a new course. After the General Plan Update is complete, the zoning code will be revised to reflect the updated General Plan.

Visit the General Plan website for updates and sign up for notifications to stay informed about future meetings and opportunities to participate.

5 Live Bands • Food Trucks • 40+ Artisan Vendors • Wine & Beer

By Michael Gabrielson

Spend the day with the Celebrate Antioch Foundation, enjoying five dynamic live bands, including a special guest appearance from our talented Deer Valley Jazz Band at the Jazz & Blues Festival, Saturday, May 9th.

Select from a variety of local food trucks, unwind under our shaded seating area or bring your own blankets and chairs for a relaxed festival experience.

Browse unique creations from over 40 artisan vendors, sip your favorite wine or beer, and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of jazz and blues.

Come relax at Williamson Ranch Park at the corner of Lone Tree Way and Hillcrest Avenue and enjoy Mother’s Day weekend in the heart of Antioch. Saturday, May 9th, 11 AM – 6 PM.

Come be a part of the experience. See you there! 

Visit CelebrateAntioch.org for details.

*No outside coolers, umbrellas or pop-up canopies allowed, please no outside food or beverages.

Donation Drawing Saturday, May 2nd

By Tammy Smith, Friends of the Antioch Library

The Friends of the Antioch Library (FOAL) hosted a heartfelt Volunteer Luncheon on Friday, April 24, honoring the dedicated individuals who give countless hours in support of the Antioch Library and its vibrant community.

The event recognized several long-time volunteers who recently retired from active service with FOAL. Merle Whitburn, Richard Angeloni, and Marian Ferrante were each presented with certificates of appreciation for their extraordinary contributions spanning three decades. Whitman served in numerous leadership roles, including President and Membership Director. Angeloni was the longtime editor of BookMark, the Friends’ official newsletter. Ferrante, a devoted board member and secretary, also brought joy to the luncheon with an entertaining storytelling and sing-along that delighted attendees.

FOAL Board President Walter Ruehlig introduced the current board members who continue to lead the organization’s fundraising efforts for the library. The board includes Secretary Rosanne Carey; Financial Secretary and long-time board member Patty Chan; Members-at-Large Linda Lawson and Joanna Delligatti; and Treasurer and Interim Membership Coordinator Tammy Smith.

Following the luncheon, Smith, alongside Member-at-Large Linda Lawson and Cashier Coordinator Leigh Smith, hosted FOAL’s first official cashier training. Volunteers were equipped with the tools and confidence needed to support book sale operations—ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for the community, one book at a time.

Looking ahead, FOAL will host its second book sale of the year from Thursday, April 30 through Saturday, May 2 at the Antioch Library, located at 501 W 18th Street. As book sale revenues have declined in recent months, the demand for library services has surged, with full program rooms and increased community reliance on library resources. The need for support is greater than ever.

Community members are invited to shop the sale and discover incredible deals while supporting a vital cause:

• Thursday, April 30 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Members Only)
• Thursday, April 30 – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Open to the public)
• Friday, May 1 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, May 2 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• $7 Brown Bag Sale – Saturday from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Shoppers will find fantastic bargains, with children’s books starting at just 25¢ and adult books beginning at only 50¢. All proceeds directly benefit Antioch Library programs, materials, and special projects that serve the entire community.

The Friends of the Antioch Library encourage everyone to get involved—whether by becoming a member, making a donation, volunteering, or simply shopping the book sale. Every contribution helps ensure the library continues to thrive for generations to come.

About FOAL

The Friends of the Antioch Library is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving library services in Antioch. Through membership donations and Book Sale earnings, the Friends provide the library with books, magazines, DVDs and CDs. We also provide children’s and cultural programs for the community.

For more information or to download a membership application, visit:
https://linktr.ee/FriendsAntiochLibrary or email friendsoftheantiochlibraryb@gmail.com.