Deer Valley High Senior Class President also presented with $1,500 scholarship by local Rotary Clubs

By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, Friday night, March 27, 2026, Amanda Brown was honored as Antioch’s 2025 Youth of the Year.

She is an exceptional student whose dedication, leadership, and passion for service truly set her apart. As senior class president at Deer Valley High School, she plays a pivotal role in planning and executing student activities, earning a reputation as a dependable leader and trusted mentor among her peers.

Amanda has become the school’s premier Master of Ceremonies for large events. Last year during the Deer Valley High School Special Olympics, she emceed the event with remarkable compassion, high energy, making every participant feel valued and celebrated. Her skill, poise and heart for service have made her the go-to emcee, admired for bringing joy and professionalism to every occasion.

Beyond her leadership at school, Amanda actively contributes to the community. She teaches cooking classes and leads youth enrichment activities at the Antioch Recreation Center, inspiring younger students and fostering a positive, supportive environment. Her dedication to helping others, combined with her excellent attendance, academic achievement and strong work ethic, demonstrates a rare combination of character, talent and service-mindedness.

Amanda Brown is more than a student leader—she is a remarkable young person whose compassion, initiative, and integrity continue to impact everyone around her. She exemplifies the very best of youth leadership, and her contributions promise a bright future of meaningful service and community engagement.

During the Gala ceremony, Amanda was presented with a scholarship for $1,500 from $750 contributed by each the Antioch Rotary Club and Rotary Club of the Delta (Antioch).

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

100 riders involved

By Antioch Police Department

On Saturday, March 21, 2026, our Dispatch Center received multiple calls reporting a large group of approximately 50 dirt bikes and minibikes traveling throughout the city. Callers advised the group was riding recklessly, weaving in and out of traffic, and was being assisted by several vehicles blocking intersections.

Officers monitored the situation and used drones to track the group safely. When conditions allowed, officers made contact with several riders. Four mini bikes were towed and one additional dirt bike driver was cited.

According to Sgt. Rob Green, “The drivers ranged in age from 15 to 20 years old. Initially there were about 50 but it ended up being 100 riders involved. We could tell this was a mass organized event because a lot of them were in clothing that advertised it, called ‘Antioch Rideout 2026.’”

We are thankful for the community members who reported this activity and helped us respond quickly and safely. Reckless riding of this nature puts not only the participants at risk, but also other motorists, pedestrians, and families in our community.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Acting Lt. Gary Lowther #4032, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at around 11:22 p.m, Antioch Police Officers responded to reports of gunshots and a man down in the parking lot on the 600 block of Wilbur Avenue.

Officers immediately rendered first aid to an 18-year-old man suffering from two gunshot wounds until the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District arrived. He was transported to a local trauma center, where he remains in critical condition.

Antioch Police Officers secured the scene and collected evidence related to the incident.

Also, congratulates Citizen of the Year Allison Norris who works with students

By Antioch Unified School District

Big congrats to Amanda Brown, who has been named Antioch Youth of the Year.

The Deer Valley High student has a long list of titles and accomplishments, including Senior Class President, Leadership team member, and community volunteer – all while balancing a full course load at DV and dual-enrollment at Los Medanos College.

Amanda gained an even bigger group of admirers during last year’s Special Olympics, where as emcee she showcased her energy, compassion, and natural stage presence. She went on take the lead role of many district events, including the Day of Empowering Girls day-long workshop last fall.

Her influence and commitment to positive change led the DV administrative team to unanimously select her for the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council.

Said DV’s Mike Green: “Before becoming a vice principal, I had the privilege of teaching Amanda. Even then, it was clear she was a student who stood out. You know when a young person is truly different; someone destined to make an impact. Amanda has always been that student. She represents our school with honesty, insight, and a willingness to celebrate successes while addressing areas for improvement — qualities that embody true youth leadership.”

Also in the winners’ circle is Allison Norris, founder of Snug as a Bug foundation. She has partnered with many AUSD students, including Antioch High and Bidwell, to provide handmade items for youth in distress.

The annual Chamber Gala and Awards dinner is set for March 27 at Lone Tree Golf and Events Center. For ticket info, visit https://antiochchamber.com.

See complete list of annual award winners.

Antioch Chamber of Commerce announces other community award winners including Businesses, Non-Profit, Youth and Veterans of the Year

To be honored at 2026 Gala & Awards Dinner

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce has announced Allison Norris and Joanne Bilbo as the 2025 Antioch Citizens of the Year as well as other winners of the annual community awards. Honorees will be celebrated at the 2026 Gala & Awards Dinner, Friday, March 27th.

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2025

Most Impact 2025

Allison Norris

Lifetime Achievement

Joanne Bilbo

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2025

Small Business

Almost There Travel Agency

Large Corporation

US Bank

NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR 2025

SHARE Community – Homelessness Resources

YOUTH OF THE YEAR 2025

Amanda Brown – Deer Valley High School

ANTIOCH LIFETIME VETERAN OF THE YEAR 2025-2026

U.S. Army Veteran Bob Franchetto

ANTIOCH VETERAN OF THE YEAR 2025-2026

U.S. Army Veteran Ricky Diaz

The Veterans of the Year winners were announced, previously, during the Antioch Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2025.

Annual Gala & Awards Dinner

The Annual Gala will include the Awards Ceremony, Silent Auction, Golden Tickets, 50/50 Raffle, No-host bar, Music by DJ GBaby and Dinner Buffet:

• Fresh baked garlic rolls & garlic butter
• Italian green salad with vinaigrette
• Lone Tree Caesar salad with marinated tomatoes, croutons & shaved parmesan cheese
• Antipasto platter
• Sauteed Italian vegetables
• Cheese tortellini with shrimp & alfredo sauce
• Steak marsala
• Chicken piccata
• Penne in house-made marinara sauce
• Dessert
• Tiramisu
• Complimentary beverages included with dinner
• Tea, Coffee, & Water

Tickets are $100 per person and available for purchase at Antioch Chamber of Commerce Gala.

For questions, contact the Chamber office at (925) 757-1800 or email frontdeskadmin@antiochchamber.com.

Co-founded by NFL running back Najee Harris and his mother, Tianna Hicks, Da Bigger Picture Foundation is a reflection of family, perseverance and giving back. What started as a vision between mother and son has grown into a mission focused on service, youth empowerment and creating real impact where it’s needed most.

Donations fuel every foundation program — from Get Fitted to youth camps, fun events like the Bay Rideout and community drives.

Da Bigger Picture Foundation – Where Confidence Meets Opportunity! Creating access and opportunity for youth through community programs, school partnerships and events that build confidence. For more information or to donate visit https://dabiggerpicture.com

One near Antioch High, the second near Park Middle

By Allen D. Payton

Traffic accidents injured two minors near two different schools in Antioch Thursday, February 12, 2026. According to Con Fire, a call came in at 7:26 AM about a minor who was struck in front of Antioch High School at 700 W. 18th Street. The second occurred at 2:43 PM in the Lone Tree Way and Putnam Street intersection not far from Park Middle School.

The call for the accident near Antioch High was cleared at 8:56 AM. According to Con Fire PIO Lauren Ono, “we were called for a vehicle accident and transported one person” to a local hospital. Antioch Police Sgt. Rob Green of the Antioch Police Traffic Division, who was not on the scene but in training, today, said the victim “complained of pain and was transported out of precaution.”  But he had “no names of involved drivers or pedestrians.”

According to a report by Ronn Carter of the Emergency Spotlight OnScene Team, “No additional details about the circumstances of the collision were immediately released. The driver involved remained at the scene.”

Asked about the incident and if the victim was a boy or girl, for their age and if they’re a student at Antioch High or elsewhere, Police Lt. Mike Mellone responded, “All I know is it was a minor and a vehicle hit the minor, but the injuries aren’t critical.” He said he would ask the officer for additional details.

Second Collision

Then Thursday afternoon at 2:47 PM, Carter shared with the Herald, “Another student was just hit at Park Middle School.”

According to Con Fire, the call for that incident came in at 2:43 PM.

About the collision, Carter reported on the Spotlight Facebook page, “a Park Middle School student was struck while crossing Lone Tree Way on her way home from school. The driver involved remained at the scene.”

“The student was transported to a hospital with injuries. The extent of those injuries has not been disclosed,” he added.

The call was cleared at 4:03 PM.

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

By Antioch Recreation Department

WE’RE HIRING!

The Antioch Water Park is hiring for the summer season!

Apply to become a lifeguard, swim instructor, facility maintenance team member, building attendant or cashier and help create fun, engaging experiences for our community!

We’re looking for positive, hardworking individuals who enjoy being part of a team and contributing to a fun, and safe water park experience.

Apply today: Scan the QR code and visit antiochca.gov/recreation or stop by the front desk at the Antioch Community Center for a physical application.

The Antioch Water Park is located in Prewett Family Park at 4701 Lone Tree Way.