Finley Road ranch property

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District has purchased the 768-acre Finley Road ranch property located in Contra Costa County at the western edge of Morgan Territory Regional Preserve and the southern edge of Mount Diablo State Park. The acquisition preserves forever one of the largest remaining pristine open spaces adjacent to Mount Diablo State Park. The property was officially acquired on April 24, 2023. Park District board of directors voted to authorize purchase of the property on March 7, 2023.

“The acquisition is an important step toward a long-desired staging area at the end of Finley Road,” said Park District Board Director John Mercurio. “Access to western Morgan Territory Regional Preserve and southern Mount Diablo State Park has been limited over the years and this property is an important step toward improving public access.”

The Finley Road Ranch property includes a flat, accessible area for a potential staging area that would provide access to the property and significantly improve public access to the Park District’s Morgan Territory Regional Preserve and the adjacent Mount Diablo State Park.

“The Park District thanks our partners for their contributions toward the acquisition, including the California Coastal Conservancy and Save Mount Diablo,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “The acquisition supports the Park District’s mission of habitat preservation and providing public access for recreation, and furthers California’s 30×30 Initiative goal of conserving 30 percent of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030.”

The Park District is a supporter of the state’s 30×30 Initiative and participates in the initiative’s partnership coordinating committee, which works toward implementing the policies of the 30×30 Initiative and facilitates coordination among state and federal public agencies, tribal partners, and other non-governmental partners.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

By Antioch Sports Legends

Happy 100th Birthday to Antioch Sports Legends Co-Founder Leo Fontana. Leo has been an Antioch public servant for nearly seventy years. He has served on the boards of several local charities and organizations and was elected to the Antioch City Council from 1982-1986.

As a sports community leader, Leo participated in the creation of the Antioch Hornets football team, Lob Ball League, Antioch Softball League and Antioch Babe Ruth Baseball, for which he served as its first president.

Leo was committee chairman to create the Antioch Municipal Golf Course, helped found the Antioch Bocce Ball League and in 2006 Leo was a Co-Founder of the Antioch Sports Legends.

Leo was also a long-time member of the Antioch Rotary Club.

HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY, LEO!!!

Leo’s bio from his ASL HOF induction Class of 2008 Community Sports Leader
https://www.antiochsportslegends.com/inductee/leo-fontana/

Celebrate Antioch Foundation is proud to announce our annual Mother’s Day weekend Rivertown Wine Walk & Artisan Faire May 13, 2023 12pm – 4pm. This free, fun, family friendly event features 40+ art and handmade vendors from local artisans, Live music featuring Project 4 Band performing amazing R&B and Dance Tunes. Dine at one of our 10 downtown restaurants and explore our shops.

To participate in the Wine Walk the fee is $20 in advance and $25 at the door “subject to availability” to sample up to 12 great local wines. To participate in the Wine Walk you must be at least 21 years of age and present a valid ID. This event makes a great Mother’s Day gift and you can shop for her gift while enjoying a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

Again, the event is Saturday May 13th 12pm – 4pm on W. 2nd and G Streets. We look forward to seeing you at the Rivertown Art & Wine Walk. For more info visit celebrateantioch.org Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite.com at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/546892689757

Prayers for Our Nation, State, County, City, Churches, Families & Youth, Military & Veterans and First Responders

A 2023 National Day of Prayer Luncheon will be held in Antioch this Thursday, May 4 from Noon – 1:30 PM at the Solid Rock Café – Home of Q’s Cajun Kitchen, 422 W. 2nd Street, Rivertown, Antioch.

This year’s national theme verse is James 5:16B – “Pray fervently in righteousness and avail much.”

Prayers will be offered for our Nation, State, County, City, Churches, Families & Youth, Military & Veterans, First Responders and Businesses.

Tickets are $24 per person and can be purchased on Eventbrite here. Seating is limited to 90 people.

At the annual Antioch Chamber of Commerce Gala on Friday, March 24, 2023, Executive Director read the following about the 2022 Antioch Non-Profit of the Year: “Delta Learning Center offers tutoring in Antioch.  It assists many students in achieving academic excellence while providing assurance to families that their children are given a professional and valuable educational experience.  They also work with placement in colleges and universities and aid adults with employment or advancement testing.

It is to our city’s benefit that we continue to offer quality tutoring and educational services to students who will later be the future leaders in this area.  Their success becomes our success!

As a community, we gladly thank you tonight for all you have done over the years.”

“On behalf of the Delta Learning Center I would like to thank all of our donors. We would not be here without them,” said Executive Director Kimberly Ahumada who was joined by board and staff members as well as volunteer tutors. “A big part of our tutoring, of course, is our tutors. We would not be here without them.”

“Our board members put in a lot of work…to keep DLC afloat during the pandemic. I would really like to thank Martha (Goralka). She has given numerous hours. We owe a big thank you to her for all of her help. We are honored to have this award,”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report which first appeared in our April/May print edition.

During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala on Friday, March 24, Executive Director Daniel Sohn read the following about the 2022 Antioch Youth of the Year Mateo Castro: “He may not be an Antioch native, but Mateo Castro has certainly made this city his beloved home. The Antioch High School senior grew up in San Francisco and moved with his family as a seventh grader attending Park Middle for two years before making his way (with a big impact) to Panther Country.

A key member of AHS student government, Mateo is Antioch High’s Student Body president.  In this position, he helps direct all student-hosted activities…and there are a lot of them!  The long list includes a variety of events from freshmen orientation and homecoming spirit week to assisting with graduation.  For Mateo, it also includes nearly everything in-between.

He said sometimes having such a busy schedule is stressful, “but in the end, it always pays off.  Helping people drives me.  I love helping those in need any way I can.”

Mr. Wisely, the lead activities instructor, states that Mateo is a phenomenal kid.  He pours his heart and soul into Antioch High.  He has a unique ability to be a leader and a selfless helper.  He always goes the extra mile for our school.  I wish we could clone him because he will be hard to replace.”

Principal John Jimno also admires Mateo.  “He is a leader, who stands up for what he believes in and is considerate of his school community.  He maintains a level head while courageously championing his peers through student government.”

After graduation, Mateo plans to attend a four-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field.

“We’re so proud of him. This is an example of…the future of the city,” said Antioch School Board Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha.

“I’m extremely grateful to be honored as this year’s Youth of the Year,” Castro said, “I have to say a big thank you to Mr. Wisely. Him in combination with Miss Trine Gallegos. She has been the coordinator for all of my events.”

He also thanked his teachers and “my best friend Billy Pisco who has always pushed me out of my comfort zone. I want to thank my parents…for always being my biggest supporters. Thank you, mama and papa.”

Castro received a $1,000 scholarship with $500 each from the Antioch Rotary and Delta-Antioch Rotary Clubs.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report which first appeared in the April/May print edition.