Multi-agency effort also recovers 4 abandoned vehicles, 3 firearms
By Antioch Police Department
On Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, our police department had the honor of hosting the Vehicle Theft Suppression Enforcement Team (VSET) operation, bringing together 12 agencies to focus on tackling vehicle theft in our county. The teamwork and dedication were incredible, and the results speak for themselves:
• Abandoned Recoveries: 4
• Felony Arrests: 7
• Misdemeanor Arrests: 8
• Warrant Arrests: 3
• Firearms Recovered: 3
• Enforcement Stops: 173
This was one of the most successful details of the year, and we’re grateful for everyone who participated. Together, we’re making a difference in keeping our community safe!
Today, Sunday, December 22, 2024, we had the privilege of doing something truly special that warmed our hearts.
Last week, Officer Lundin responded to a burglary in progress. The suspects escaped, taking with them all the Christmas gifts. The victim, who had recently lost her job, was devastated and unable to replace the presents for her family and young daughter.
Officer Lundin couldn’t stand by without helping. She rallied her patrol team, and with the incredible generosity of our community, we were able to replace the stolen gifts and bring some holiday magic to the family.
When our dayshift crew arrived with the gifts, the victim greeted us with the biggest smile and even baked cookies for everyone. The joy and gratitude we witnessed made this moment unforgettable.
(Side note: Did you know Officer Lundin has a huge heart for animals too? She’s often called on by our dispatchers when Antioch Animal Services is not available for loose or injured pets—and rumor has it, they might have even convinced her to adopt a dog!)
Officer Lundin, thank you for your kindness, dedication, and determination to make things right. You’ve truly embodied the holiday spirit!
Bundle up and join us for a chilling adventure at Coyote Hills Winter Whirlwind Camp! Glide into action-packed fun with winter sports and unleash your creativity with cozy arts & craft projects. Enjoy everything from creating winter sculptures to campfire stories and hot cocoa with friends new and old! Don’t miss out on this whirlwind-of-a-week!
For boys and girls ages at least 5 years but less than 12 years 11 months.
Drop-off deadline extended until Thursday morning, Dec. 19
By Trine Gallegos
In its 9th year, Antioch High will host a giveaway on Dec. 20 for AUSD students in need. Some 200 families are helped each with 100+ AHS student volunteers who sort, set and help run the event. This is one of the school’s biggest community project. Click here for the Amazon Wish List.
Donation drop-off deadline extended until Thursday morning, Dec. 19.
This is one of the best things Antioch High does … host a holiday giveaway for our district’s students in need. If you’re an area business and want to do a drive, email TrineGallegos@antiochschools.net. Thanks in advance to all!
Around 3:52 AM, a resident in the 2800 block of Lupine Court reported that a male suspect had kicked in their front door. Thankfully, the suspect fled when confronted and no one was injured. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate him initially.
Later, a clerk at a local gas station called 911, reporting that a male had entered the store armed with a handgun. Officers advised the clerk to lock the doors and quickly responded.
When officers arrived, the suspect tried to re-enter the gas station but fled to the back of the property. After a brief foot pursuit, officers were able to safely take him into custody near the car wash.
Officers later recovered a stolen pistol nearby. The gun was reported stolen out of Las Vegas (the suspect’s hometown), is believed to be connected to the earlier incident on Lupine Court and the reports of gunfire.
We’re grateful for the quick response from our officers and the cooperation of all our residents.
Presented in coordination with Seven Stars Baptist Church and Midnight Basketball League
Last day to register: Dec. 19
By Yvette Williams
Antioch Seasons of Sharing event on Saturday, Dec. 21, will feature free photos with Santa Claus, live entertainment, gifts, games and activities for the entire family, free groceries and free pop-up Community Boutique. The event will be held from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at Antioch Middle School, 1500 D Street.
Community Supportive Programs
Employment opportunities
Free Community resources
Free Mental Health
Union Apprenticeship Employment Sign Up
Free Hot Lunch & Free toy giveaways will be provided until supplies run out.
The last day to register is December 19, 2024. Secondly due to our limited supplies of toys, this event is for our Antioch community members only. All children registered will need to be present for Gift Giving. All Antioch residents will need proof of where they live in Antioch. This information will be verified at the registration table upon entering.
We are grateful for any toy donations or financial support to the success of the event. Anyone can donate through this site, via the donation option. Additionally, we have an Amazon Wish List to guide you. $25 and under https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/JP44T9CR7EDR?ref_=wl_share
For toy drop-offs we will have volunteers at our registration table, ready to receive donations. We can also make alternative arrangements if needed.
For Vendors or community member questions please call or email me directly at (925) 658-8278 or Yvette4Hope@gmail.com. Please follow my Eventbrite page for future Community Events open to the public.
For more information and to register visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1105967541689.
Since 1978, Antioch resident Frank Ballesteros has been performing as the character of Ebenezer Scrooge in and directing “Humbug!”, an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella entitled, “A Christmas Carol”.
This year, the performances will be held at Friday, December 20 at 7 PM and Saturday, December 21 at 2PM and 7PM at El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. 2nd Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.
Ballesteros has been teaching acting skills to children and adults and holding performances of various plays since 1968.
“I’ve always loved the classic movie ‘A Christmas Carol’, the 1954 version,” he said. “We used to watch it every year. Then George C. Scott played the part of Scrooge in the 1980’s adaptation.”
“Then I put in the Christian message. Instead of Scrooge accepting Christmas, in my show, Scrooge accepts Christ, which is the same as the message of Christmas,” Ballesteros shared. “No one has ever been offended in the 40 years, that it’s not the original story. Charles Dickens did that when he had Scrooge say, ‘I want to follow that star to Bethelehem’.”
You are invited to join us for a Grand Chanukah Celebration on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 4:30pm!
Come celebrate the Festival of Lights with Chabad of the Delta and our surrounding communities as we light the grand Menorah in Brentwood City Park. A reception will follow inside the adjacent Brentwood Community Center.
Our local community leaders will participate in kindling the giant “Menorah of Freedom”. There will be fun activities for everyone including:
Epic LED Light show
Giant Menorah Lighting with Dignitaries
Chanukah Donuts
Latkes
Chocolate Gelt
Chanukah Crafts
Festival Indoors, Lighting Outdoors
Win Chanukah Gifts
Security Presence
Free Fidget Dreidel for the first 50 Children
For many of us, Chanukah prompts warm, loving memories from our childhood. We light the Menorah every night of the 8-night holiday. These lights offer warmth, joy, strength, inspiration and renews our sense of identity.
This year, Chanukah begins at sunset on Wednesday, Dec. 25th and ends at nightfall on Thursday, Jan. 2nd.
Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid, director of the Chabad of the Delta Jewish Center, describes Chanukah as “a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition. In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the Menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place.”
As we celebrate in East Contra Costa, we join millions the world over, promoting the universal message that good will prevail over evil, freedom over oppression and light over darkness!
Make sure not to miss this opportunity to celebrate with your family and friends! Brentwood City Park is located at 790 2nd Street and the Brentwood Community Center is located at 35 Oak Street.
For more information, contact Chabad of the Delta at (925) 420-4999 or online at JewishDelta.com/Chanukah.
