Archive for the ‘Community’ Category

Kiwanis Kyds Club offering free gift wrapping at Somersville Towne Center in Antioch

Monday, December 22nd, 2025

Through Christmas Eve; Donations accepted

The SF Bay Area KYDS Club of Kiwanis is doing free gift wrapping until Dec. 24 at the Somersville Towne Center in Antioch. Donations accepted to help the Key Clubbers attend their yearly District Educational Convention in April. Look for the Holiday Gift Wrap sign near the security desk on the east end of the mall.

Photo by SF Bay Area Kiwanis Kyds Club

The mall is located at 2550 Somersville Road. For hours and more information visit Somersville Towne Center.

Najee Harris to host Da Bigger Picture Christmas Toy Drive in Antioch Dec. 20

Friday, December 19th, 2025

In partnership with Showers of Blessings Prayer and Outreach Ministries

By Allen D. Payton

Najee Harris, L.A. Chargers running back. Photo source: Da Bigger Picture Foundation

Join NFL football running back and Antioch High School standout, Najee Harris on Saturday, Dec. 20 for Da Bigger Picture Foundation’s Christmas Toy Drive in partnership with Showers of Blessings Prayer and Outreach Ministries.

“Come join us this holiday as we will be partnering up and passing out toys,” Harris said. “Limited toys so come early.”

The event will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Noon at 2220 A Street, Unit B in Antioch.

In college, Najee played for the national champions Alabama Crimson Tide then was drafted by and played for the Pittsburg Steelers in the NFL. He is currently a running back for the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year contract but has been out for the season since September due to a torn Achilles.

About Da Bigger Picture Foundation

Formed in 2021, according to greaterthanthegame.org, Da Bigger Picture Foundation is “a non-profit that focuses on assisting underserved families in reaching their potential and goals. The foundation’s hope is to provide tools and assistance to families facing challenging times. Some of the key areas of focus will be education, homelessness, addressing hunger, and utilizing sports as a platform to develop life skills.”

Follow Najee and his foundation at www.instagram.com/dbpfoundation.

About Showers of Blessings Prayer and Outreach Ministries

We are an outreach ministry that feeds those in need. We give out free groceries on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Learn more at www.facebook.com/thereshallbeshowers.

49th annual Antioch Holiday Run & Walk for Health results

Friday, December 19th, 2025
Students participated in the 1-mile and 3-mile runs and race with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. All photos courtesy of Antioch Unified School District unless noted.

By Allen D. Payton

According to the Antioch Unified School District, “despite chilly conditions, hundreds turned out for the 49th annual Holiday Run & Walk for Health.

“Founded by Tom Torlakson, former State Superintendent of Schools, the event was held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Contra Loma with many of our students running the race, including several high school cross country runners.

“Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch and the Rotary Club of the Delta, proceeds benefit our schools and community.”

Race Director Mike Green shared the following results of two races:

Male 3-Mile Race Winners

Giancarlo Olmedo – 15 years old – 19:31.5

Jailen Johnson-Truitt – 18 – 20:09.3

Dennis Gavrilenko – 22 – 20:26.3

Female 3-Mile Race Winners

Valeria Espinoza – 20 – 19:43.0

Kylie Wisely – 17 – 21:27.8

Jaelyn Wilkins – 17 – 22:53.8

Santa (Joe Goralka) with runners from the Antioch Police Department. Photo by Tom McNell

Green offered “Special thanks to East Bay Regional Parks District / Contra Loma for helping us host this event. Thank you to the Race Directors from Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs of the Delta, and to our event sponsor, Dr. Ali Shirani.”

See more photos on the AUSD Facebook page.

Woman’s Club of Antioch’s 68th Christmas House Tour a success

Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Groups of ladies participated together in the Christmas House Tour and enjoyed the homes at 309 W. 4th Street (left) and 1001 A Street (right) on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. Photos by Allen D. Payton

Participants enjoy decorations, a taste of hors d’oeuvres, desserts and local history

By Allen D. Payton

This year’s Christmas House Tour fundraiser by the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch with the theme “Victorian Christmas” was a success. The tour, held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, included six homes and three businesses, plus the clubhouse, all decorated for the season and offered participants a taste of hors d’oeuvres, desserts and local history.

Club members volunteered inside the decorated Clubhouse, while members and tour participants enjoyed cookies, fellowship and photos with Santa. Photos by Allen D. Payton

The Clubhouse

Participants on the tour began at the Woman’s Club of Antioch Clubhouse, located at 509 G Street across from the Antioch Unified School District Offices. Members and tour participants enjoyed cookies and photos with Santa.

The Antioch Disney House was featured on The Great Christmas Light Fight Dec. 11, 2025. Photo by K. Vistalli

Homes on the Tour

The homes included Antioch’s, now, nationally famous Disney House, owned by Gary and Kristen Vistalli, which was recently featured on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” last week. It’s located at 3732 Colonial Court and the display of 40,000 lights and 80 home-made cutouts can be seen through January 1st.

For 25 years now, the Vistalli family has decorated their home for the holidays with a special Disney theme.  Gary stated, “It just sort of evolved and every year I add something to it.  Every year a few more lights go up, or a new character shows up.” Why Disney?  The family says it’s their passion.  Gary shared, “I fell in love with it as a kid,” and “I knew that when I got my own house that someday I would start sharing my love for Disney.”

Photos by Woman’s Club of Antioch

The “tourists” also enjoyed the home of Duane and Nancy Savioni at 3335 Fraser Road. Built in 1977, this lovely home is nestled in a homey Contra Loma neighborhood.  The spirit of Christmas is enjoyed by this family each year. “It’s the most wonderful time of year.”  They take pleasure in their fairly large Santa collection.  Even their dog Gus gets in on the action as you can see in the photo.

Photo by Woman’s Club of Antioch

The home owned by Mark and Terri Hamilton at 2872 Dandelion Circle was third on the tour. Built in 1982, this cozy home has been filled with love, laughter and Christmas spirit since the beginning, they are proud to be the original owners.  Each room is decorated with treasured holiday pieces, many of which carry special memories of adventure, family, and travel!

They offered a festive Santa scavenger hunt, supporting the local Antioch Animal Shelter, while adding a little extra fun to each participant’s visit.

922 Orchard Lane. Photo by Woman’s Club of Antioch

The fourth home on the tour, owned by David and Mary Jean Brink at 922 Orchard Lane, was built in 1952 by Clarence Brink, David’s dad. It was built with redwood he bought from the Antioch Lumber Company in downtown Antioch, now known as Rivertown. Clarence built five houses around town. The first house he built was in 1940.  He worked on the houses on weekends as he held a full-time job at Dow Chemical.  This house was the fifth and last house he built.  The home was built mostly by hand using only one electrical tool.  David and Mary Jean have lived in the home for the last 25 years. 

922 Orchard Lane. Photo by Woman’s Club of Antioch

David took up after his dad being handy building things. In 1975, fifty years ago, he designed and made four wooden Peanuts characters.  Mary Jean and her girls painted them.  They will be decorating the lawn Christmas.

1001 A Street. Photos by Allen D. Payton

The home of Lisa Perry at 1001 A Street, on the corner of Beede Way, was the fifth on the tour. It was built in 1938 and custom designed for John and Lucille Sutton. John was the brother of Marion Sutton Beede and Antioch’s City Attorney at the time.  Sadly, John served in WWII as an Army Sergeant and was killed in action.

1001 A Street. Photos by Allen D. Payton

Lisa has tried to keep the vintage charm of the home, while adding her own style and love of cottage chic.  She has lived in the home since 1998, was a single parent for 22+ years raising her two daughters, who are now grown and live on their own. The home has been truly lived in, hosting many children’s birthdays, holiday parties, and family gatherings over the years. Lisa loves entertaining and decorating for all the holidays, especially Christmas, crafting many of her own decorations. She hopes that the love she has put into her home will be felt when visiting her residence.

309 West 4th Street. Photo by Allen D. Payton

The sixth and final home on the tour, owned by Susan Welch, is located at 309 West 4th Street in Antioch’s historic Rivertown District. The Craftsman bungalow, built in 1919, is a 1,650 square-foot home with three bedrooms, one bath and a very large basement that extends under the front porch. The basement has cement walls and floors with nine-foot ceilings.  The first homeowners 106 years ago were Lawrence Kinnear and Edith Lutz.  Lawrence was the owner of the Kinnear Drug Co., opened in 1920 and located at 618 2nd Street.  Lawrence, born in Ohio, met Edith from Antioch while working in San Francisco as a pharmacist.

309 West 4th Street. Photos by Allen D. Payton

In 1960, forty years later, they sold the house to Charles and Ruth Rodrigues.  Lawrence Kinnear used a room in the basement to develop film, probably for his drug store.  The Rodrigues family used the basement as bedrooms for their four sons.  The kitchen and bathroom were remodeled in a 1950’s style, the remainder of the house was original but buried under shag carpet.  In addition, all the natural wood trim was painted.  Susan removed almost everything in the kitchen and bath and rebuilt them using the craftsman style minus the clawfoot tub, which is original.  The two doorways in the back of the dining room were widened, and I kept the original craftsman style.  An interesting feature of the detached garage is a 2’x8’ foot rectangular hole in the center of the cement floor, possibly used for working on cars.  The whole is now covered with planks.

Prime Vintage Realty in the former Antioch Lumber Company building at 340 W. 2nd Street. Photo by Allen D. Payton

Rivertown Businesses on the Tour

The first business on the tour was the former Antioch Lumber Company building, now occupied by Prime Vintage Realty owned by brokers Rodney and Ursula Lal, who improved the building after purchasing it several years ago. Located at 340 West 2nd Street on the corner of E Street, the Lals maintain their business in a piece of local history in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

Prime Vintage Realty. Photos by Allen D. Payton

In 2015 the Antioch Chamber of Commerce honored Rodney and Ursula with the Community Champion Award.  Rodney stated then, “The reason I got into real estate was to buy buildings and improve them.”

“It’s unique.  It’s built with tender loving care.  It’s just so beautiful.  You haven’t seen the best, yet,” he shared. “Our city will prosper. You will see this building prosper. You will see people drive by here. The river has so much to offer. My goal is to beautify this city. I just love it.” 

Willow Park Mercantile at 205 G Street. Photos by Allen D. Payton

Willow Park Mercantile, owned by Michael Gabrielson and Brandon Deshawn, was the second business on the tour. Located at 205 G Street on the corner of West 2nd Street in Rivertown, the store was created in 2015, and they recently celebrated the store’s 10-year anniversary. It’s an enchanting shopping destination where the store is beautifully arranged.  Their eclectic and ever-changing inventory boasts a wide variety of treasures new and old. They feature over 20 vendors who showcase their eye-catching and wide array of furniture, home decor, gifts, handmade, vintage and antique items.

Owners Brandon Deshawn and Michael Gabrielson. Photo courtesy of Woman’s Club of Antioch

The store is a real treat during the holiday season as they have an amazing selection of holiday ornaments and décor.  This is also a wonderful place to purchase gifts for your loved ones.  Stop by and immerse yourself in their beautiful displays and get into the Christmas Spirit.

Rivertown Treasure Chest is located at 306 G Street. Photos source: Facebook

The final business and stop on the tour was Rivertown Treasure Chest at 306 G Street. Owners Debbie Blaisure and Toni Lincks received the 2022 Small Business of the Year Award from the Antioch Chamber of Commerce.  They were recognized for operating a successful business, but also contributing to local organizations serving students, stray animals, special needs children and the elderly.  The Chamber noted, “Debbie and Toni… are true ambassadors of the city of Antioch.” Recently they helped found the Downtown Antioch Association (DAA), hosted the meeting and Christmas mixer on Tuesday, December 16th.

Owners Debbie Blaisure and Toni Lincks. Photo courtesy of Woman’s Club of Antioch

Rivertown Treasure Chest has something for all ages. Amazing vendors, offer collectible comic books, pop culture items, vinyl records, CDS, vintage/new clothing, accessories, jewelry, housewares, CBD items, furniture, retro/new toys and much more.  They are also an exclusive Dixie Belle Paint dealer. 

If you’re looking for that “special” item, you can find it at their store.  The eclectic inventory is ever changing.  A large variety of one-of-a-kind pieces are offered, including some hand-made by Toni. They have a “Wish Book” you may write your wished-for item(s) down and they will do their best to find what you are searching for.

About the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch

PLEDGE (Mission)

“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.”

The GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch has been an active participant in both shaping and improving our community for over 120 years.  The founding members set an example for us to use our strengths and influence as women to promote the welfare of our community and its citizens.  We are called to do no less.  Collaborating with our fellow members throughout the world, we are enhancing our lives not only in Antioch, but statewide, nationally, and even internationally.  We promote good work, altruism, and friendship.  The projects we undertake help build a better future for us all.  We are resilient and determined.  Working together we can and will make a difference.

Our emphasis has been on making a difference in our public schools with both students and educators.  We founded an emergency food closet for an Antioch elementary school and donated over 2,500+ items in 2025.  With the support of the community, we donated $5,000 to Antioch High School’s students for scholarships for 2025.  We will continue our many and current projects and begin others to support our local schools.  There will be something for everyone to participate in!  Small or large, our individual contributions of time and talents, added together, is what makes a difference.  I am excited to see what we will accomplish, to continue the strong tradition of service that has been the pledge of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch down through the years.

Together with you in service,

Carolyn Dinelli, President 2024-2026

For more information visit www.gfwcwomansclubofantioch.org.

Home descriptions primarily provided by Woman’s Club of Antioch.

Holly Jolly Kids Workshop in Rivertown Dec. 12

Wednesday, December 17th, 2025

For rental information contact Royal Banquet and Event Halls at (925) 732-3333 or visit www.royalbanquetbayarea.com.

Hope In Motion Christmas Toy Giveaway in Antioch Dec. 21

Tuesday, December 16th, 2025

For newborns – 17 year olds; Register by Dec 17 at 11 p.m.

La recolección de juguetes será el Domingo 21 de Diciembre

Puede registrarse antes del 17 de Diciembre a las 11 p.m.

Para recién nacidos hasta jóvenes de 17 años

Presented by One Day At a Time and Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K.

ANTIOCH — IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN!

Hope In Motion is back, and this year, we’re pouring even more love, purpose and community spirit into our holiday tradition! One Day at A Time is collaborating with Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K. to bring joy to kids in Antioch.

Former 49er Jeremy Newberry was in Antioch on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2025, for the annual Newberry’s BLOCK Toy Drive & Car Show at Lumpy’s Diner in Antioch. Photos by Allen D. Payton

The toys collected during the successful Toy Drive and Car Show by Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K. at Lumpy’s Diner in Antioch on Sunday, Dec. 14. will be distributed this Sunday, Dec. 21. (Details below) (See more photos on the AntiochHeraldCA Facebook page. Click the View post button)

Photos by Allen D. Payton.

This season, we’re wrapping support around the youth and communities throughout Antioch, not just to give toys, but to offer hope, connection and a reminder that none of us are in this alone.

In times when the world feels divided, we choose unity. When resources feel scarce, we choose generosity. This event is not about what we give it’s about why we give. It’s about building a community where every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

To make this year’s event possible, we are calling on individuals, organizations, and businesses who believe in investing in their community:

  • Donations of new or gently used toys
  • Clothing, warm wear, and accessories
  • Books that inspire, educate, and uplift
  • Volunteers ready to serve with heart
  • Business Sponsors who want to make a lasting impact

Whether it’s just support, in-kind contributions, or resources your business can provide, sponsorships help us expand our reach and multiply the joy we can deliver to local families. This is an opportunity for businesses to stand with Antioch, support our youth, and be visibly part of something meaningful.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Photos with Santa
  • Donuts & Light Beverages
  • Toy Distribution for Local Families
  • A joyful, uplifting, community-centered experience
  • Our mission is simple:
  • No child without a gift. No family left out. No community forgotten.

Hope is more than a word — it’s action.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

You do have to register for it by filling out the form at Toy Drive Distribution. Please fill out this form by December 17th at 11pm! This is open to Antioch Residents Only! 

The toy pick-up will be on Sunday, December 21st between 2 – 5 pm at the Antioch High School Gymnasium at 700 W. 18th Street. Please make sure to bring your ID and proof of residency!

This is for newborns – 17 year olds.

For more information please contact John Mixon at (925) 339-3844 or John.mixon@odatec.org.

PORFAVOR LEA TODA LA INFORMACION DETALLADAMENTE. 

One Day at A Time está colaborando con Newberry’s Block para llevar alegría a los niños de su comunidad. Tendremos una colecta de juguetes, ¡debe registrarse! Puede registrarse completando este formulario. ¡Complete este formulario antes del 17 de Diciembre a las 11 p.m.! ¡Esto está abierto solo para residentes de Antioch!

La recolección de juguetes será el Domingo 21 de Diciembre entre las 2 y las 5 p. m. en el gimnasio de la escuela Antioch High School, 700 W. 18th Street. ¡Asegúrese de traer su identificación y comprobante de residencia!

Esto es para recién nacidos hasta jóvenes de 17 años. 

Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Athziri Martinez (925)565-2809 o athziri.martinez@odatec.org.

About One Day At a Time

One Day at a Time provides Latino youth and young adults of color with Hope, Support, Healing and Opportunity to realize their strengths, their self-worth, and their power.

Your donations, your sponsorship, your service — all of it fuels change. Together, let’s create a season filled with dignity, joy, and unforgettable memories for the families of Antioch. For more information visit www.odatec.org/.

About Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K.

Newberry’s B.L.O.C.K. is a non-profit organization providing underprivileged children the opportunity to participate in sports by sponsoring scholarships & equipment to youth programs Benefiting Leagues Offering Children Kindness. For more information call (925) 783-6050, email newberrysblock@yahoo.com or visit www.facebook.com/NewberrysBlock.

#HopeInMotion #AntiochUnited #CommunityStrong #GiveHopeNotJustGifts #OneCityOneFamily #MerryChristmas

Assemblywoman honors Antioch’s J.R. Wilson as 2025 Veteran of the Year

Friday, December 12th, 2025
State Assemblywoman Lori Wilson honored Antioch veterans’ leader Gerald “J.R.” Wilson as the 2025 Veteran of the Year for the 11th District during a ceremony and luncheon with family and friends with a resolution and check for his Delta Veterans Group organization on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. All photos by Allen D. Payton

Makes donation to his Delta Veterans Group

Also honored by Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis, Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal

By Allen D. Payton

During a luncheon ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, Antioch resident and veterans’ leader Gerald “J.R.” Wilson was honored by Assemblywoman Lori Wilson as the 2025 Veteran of the Year for the 11th Assembly District.

During the brief ceremony and luncheon, attended by a few of his family and friends, at Monica’s Riverview restaurant in historic, downtown Rivertown, Wilson (no relation) presented J.R. Wilson with a framed certificate from the California State Assembly of a Resolution (see below) honoring him. She also presented him with check for a donation of $1,000 to his organization, the Delta Veterans Group.

It’s the Assemblywoman’s first Veteran of the Year Award that she’s presented since being elected during a special election in March 2022 when her district still included a portion of Antioch. The new district went into effect following that November’s General Election and no longer does.

“Many times we recognize amazing people in our district and state who do amazing things,” the Assemblywoman said. “I’ve had the opportunity, to now, each year nominate a Woman of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year…different businesses and things like that. I come from a military family. My husband is retired Air Force. My son is a former Marine. I thought…I have yet to do a veteran and I wanted that to be coming from a veteran family and I wanted to include that in the things that we do.”

Then turning to J.R. she said, “So, you are my inaugural, just so you know, my inaugural veteran that I get to recognize.”

“I did not know that,” he responded.

Lori Wilson then read about J.R.’s background and accomplishments as leader for veterans, both locally, statewide and nationally.

Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal with J.R. Wilson (center) and Assemblywoman Lori Wilson hold resolutions from her (right) and County Supervisor Diane Burgis (left) during a ceremony and luncheon on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025.

Mayor Ron Bernal was also in attendance and said “J.R. is amazing and an asset to Antioch.”

Then speaking to Wilson the mayor said, “I want to thank you for your service, for your heart…for loving the people you serve in Antioch.”

Bernal then said a proclamation from the City of Antioch was being prepared and would be presented to J.R. Wilson at a later time.

The veteran was also presented by the mayor with a Proclamation from Contra Costa County District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis who also honored him as 2025 Veteran of the Year, even though Wilson lives in District 5. She did not attend the ceremony.

J.R. then thanked the Assemblywoman and shared his appreciation for those in attendance.

“Everyone of you mean a lot to me. There are mentors, here,” he said and then shared something about those seated around the table.

MEMBER’S RESOLUTION

By the Honorable Lori D. Wilson, 11th Assembly District

Relative to commending

GERALD WILSON

WHEREAS, Throughout the course of American history, courageous individuals have taken up arms to secure, defend, and maintain the core principles upon which the nation’s freedoms depend, and as one such stellar individual, Gerald “J.R.” Wilson will be honored as the 2025 Veteran of the Year for the 11th Assembly District; and

WHEREAS, A veteran of the United States Army who served in the Military Intelligence Corps, J.R. Wilson has established a long history of supporting his fellow veterans, beginning in 1998 when he joined Disabled American Veterans (DAV), where he graduated from its Academy Class VI and took on the role of National Service Officer, and he went on to serve as National Service Officer Supervisor from 2000 to 2004; and

WHEREAS, In further service to DAV, J.R. has served on its Interim Legislative and National Executive committees, as the Mt. Diablo Chapter Commander, as State Commander and Legislative Director for the Department of California DAV, and as Legislative Director and Chair of the California State Commander’s Veterans Council; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, J.R. founded and took on the role of Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit Delta Veterans Group (DVG), guiding the organization as a champion for providing the four pillars of success—housing, employment, health care, and education—to veterans and working to ensure that they have access to the resources necessary for a fulfilling and balanced life; and

WHEREAS, Among his remarkable accomplishments in leading DVG, J.R. launched its inaugural Stand Down on the Delta event in 2015, which has since become an annual four-day, three-night program in which veterans are provided full medical treatments; court and legal services; Department of Motor Vehicles assistance; chaplain services; housing, addiction, and mental health counseling; employment assistance; and a myriad of other community services while being offered clothing, meals, showers, sleeping tents, and a safe place to “stand down” for the duration of the event; and

WHEREAS, Having worked to unite local veteran service organizations in Contra Costa County to strengthen community support and create a lasting impact for those who have served the nation, J.R. also launched the Antioch Veterans of the Year and Lifetime Veteran of the Year programs, created the Antioch Veterans Memorial Banner Program, and joined a group of veterans in redesigning the City of Antioch’s Veterans Memorial; and

WHEREAS, Recognized with numerous honors for his tireless service, including Antioch Citizen of the Year and recipient of the Key to the City of Antioch in 2023, J.R. Wilson has dedicated his life to honoring and supporting those who have courageously served and sacrificed while safeguarding the nation’s principles, for this generation and for generations to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY ASSEMBLY MEMBER LORI D. WILSON, That she takes immense pleasure in recognizing Gerald Wilson as the 2025 Veteran of the Year for the 11th Assembly District and expresses her sincere gratitude for his dedication to duty and his honorable and faithful service to the United States.

Dated this 9th day of December, 2025.

Honorable Lori D. Wilson

11th Assembly District

Later, in a post on his Facebook page, J.R. Wilson wrote, “I am truly humbled and honored to be selected as the 2025 “Veteran of the Year” for California’s 11th Assembly District.

So grateful to celebrate this moment alongside Assemblywoman Lori Wilson and Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal.

This recognition belongs to our entire community. I couldn’t do what I do without the incredible support of our volunteers, partners, and fellow veterans.

This is not a me thing — it’s a WE thing.

Veterans served their Country, and Veterans serve their Communities.”

Contra Costa County Homeless Person’s Memorial Day event in Antioch Dec. 19

Friday, December 12th, 2025

For those who have died in the past two years

Watch national ceremony online Dec. 18

By NAMI Contra Costa

Join us for Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, where we will create a space to remember, honor and celebrate those in our community with a lived experience of homelessness who have died in the past two years. As part of the event, we will be reading their names and stories. You are invited to share the names of people whom you would like to be remembered here: https://forms.gle/ksauQ1dwxKT2j2rR7.  

This hybrid (in person and online) event will take place:

Friday December 19, 2025

11:00 am – 1 pm

  • Reading of the names: 11:30 am
  • Lunch served: 12:30 pm

Physical Address:  NAMI CC – 40 Voices African American Holistic Wellness and Resource Hub, 1020 East Tregallas Road, Antioch

Zoom: https://homebaseccc.zoom.us/j/86971795919 

Event co-hosted by Antioch Seventh Day Adventist Church, Bay Area Rescue Mission, City of Antioch, Contra Costa Council on Homelessness, NAMI Contra Costa, and Safe Organized Spaces Richmond.

If you have questions, please reach out to contracostacoc@cchealth.org.

National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day Ceremony (Virtual Attendance)

Please join us from wherever you are on Dec. 18th for a livestream of this year’s Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. PST.

The National Coalition for the Homeless, the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, and the National Consumer Advisory Board, a member network of the Council, encourage our communities to organize or take part in Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day (HPMD) events on or around the winter solstice — the first day of winter and the longest night of the year.

At these events each year, we remember those who have died and we strengthen our resolve to work for a world where no life is lived or lost in homelessness. We state clearly, together with others in scores of communities across the nation, that no person should die for lack of housing.

List of Speakers For the Memorial Event

Register at: 2025 Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day Ceremony Livestream.

About NAMI CC – Support. Educate. Advocate. Outreach.

Mission Statement – To provide support, outreach, education, and advocacy to individuals impacted by mental illness, their families, and the broader community.

NAMI Contra Costa is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing outreach, education, support and advocacy to individuals living with mental illness, their families, and the broader community. We have been serving in Contra Costa County and beyond for over 35 years. All our programs are free, so get involved today and help make a difference in your life, others’ lives, and in the local community. 

NAMI Contra Costa is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. We are unique in our independence with long history of supporting individuals living with mental illness, their families, and the broader community.

NAMI CC has a commitment to serve the needs of all impacted by mental illness. We have staffed our agency to be reflective of those who are unserved, underserved, and inappropriately served. We have many support groups, classes, and services for these communities. Additionally, to help reach much of the homebound community, we provide almost all of our groups and classes via Zoom, and now more are in-person. So please visit our calendar page for group dates and times.

NAMI Contra Costa was named the 2023 California Nonprofit of the Year. 

About the Delta Bay Wellness Hub

NAMI CC is committed to ensuring ALL individuals impacted by mental illness have their needs met and no one is left behind. We, therefore, lifted the 40 Voices Campaign to advocate for an African American Holistic Wellness & Resource Hub to improve outcomes for the African American community. Despite 40 Voices’ successful advocacy for a total of $8.9 million dollars from the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors, we have been asked to wait until 2029 for the physical site of the hub to be realized. We cannot afford to wait. NAMI CC CEO and Founder of the 40 Voices Campaign, Gigi Crowder, decided to move forward with the hub – primarily using her own personal funding and securing donations from others.

If you would like to support this important effort, you can Zelle a payment (510-990-2670) or mail in a check (2151 Salvio Street, Suite V, Concord, CA 94520) or simply go to ww.namicontracosta.org/donate to make a donation. All donations are tax deductible. Donations of $40 dollars or more will be recognized on a poster as a “Founding Contributor” of the 40 Voices African American Holistic Wellness & Resource Hub at Delta Bay. The renovations have resulted in a beautiful healing space.

For more information, contact: Gigi R. Crowder at (510) 990-2670 or gigi@namicontracosta.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.