On Friday, March 27, 2026, Grace n’ Grub will host the Grand Opening of the Daily Bread Market which will include a variety of other food pop-ups. The event will be held at 2515 Somersville Road from 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM. and will include a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal and other community leaders.
The market will continue each following Wednesday and Friday.
Grace n’ Grub is a youth-led food business founded by Diego Chavez Marquez when he was just 17 years old, and operated with his brothers Alfredo, 20, and German, 15, and a few of their closest friends, according to a Los Medanos College Experience report.
For more information about Grace n’ Grub visit them on Instagram.
411 donations received to Keep the Arts Alive in Antioch; Dance Gala benefit April 18
By Sharon Sobel Idul, Board President, El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation
As announced at the Antioch City Council meeting, last night, March 24, 2026, the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation’s recent GoFundMe campaign has not only reached, but exceeded, its $50,000 fundraising goal.
The Keep the Arts Alive in Antioch campaign was launched in late fall to supplement the 2026 operating costs of the historic El Campanil Theatre. The El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to every donor and supporter who made the campaign’s success possible and invites the community to continue being part of this important work.
As of March 25, 2026, a total of $65,190 has been raised from 411 gifts.
Source: El Campanil Theatre
“This achievement is a testament to how much El Campanil Theatre means to our community,” said Sharon Sobel Idul, Board President. “The overwhelming support shows that people believe in preserving this historic venue and ensuring it continues to serve as a home for the arts for generations to come. The work is not done and we’ll continue to apply for grants and diversify our programming, but we are elated to see a renewed sense of excitement and energy around this theatre,” Idul said.
Building on this momentum, El Campanil Theatre and Black Diamond Ballet invites the community to attend our upcoming benefit, City of Stars – A Dance Gala to Keep the Arts Thriving in Antioch, in collaboration with Black Diamond Ballet, Saturday, April 18th. Proceeds will benefit El Campanil Theatre to ensure a vibrant hub for future performances, concerts, dance, and community events for many years to come.
For more information about El Campanil Theatre and tickets to City of Stars and all other upcoming events, please visit www.ElCampanilTheatre.com or contact our box office at 925-757-9500.
While monthly donations provide the most sustainable support, one-time gifts are just as impactful and play a critical role in maintaining this historic theatre, funding new productions, and expanding arts access across East Contra Costa County. Continued contributions are welcome.
● Or choose “One-Time” to make an immediate impact
● Share the link with friends, family and neighbors
El Campanil Theatre is an asset to the community and has stood as long as it has because of community support. By becoming a recurring donor or by making a generous one-time gift, you ensure that the crown gem of Antioch continues to inspire audiences and nurture creativity for generations to come.
The theater is located at 602 W 2nd Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown district.
About El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation
The El Campanil Preservation Foundation is the nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining and operating El Campanil Theatre, a historic performing arts venue in downtown Antioch, California. Originally opened in 1928, the theatre is a cherished cultural landmark presenting live performances, films, and educational programs for audiences of all ages. The Foundation relies on community donations to preserve this beloved institution and keep the arts thriving in East Contra Costa County.
Join Mayor Ron Bernal on Thursday, April 2, 2026, for a community conversation with state leaders, featuring State Senator Grayson and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma.
This town hall brings together local and state leadership to discuss issues impacting Antioch and the region. Residents will have the opportunity to hear updates, ask questions and engage directly with leaders working on behalf of our community.
Be part of the conversation and help shape Antioch’s future.
The event will be held at the Antioch Water Park Community Room at Prewett Family Park, 4701 Lone Tree Way from 6:00-7:30 PM.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a fun way this Saturday and Sunday, March 14 & 15, while you stop, dine and shop in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown.
Presented by the Downtown Antioch Association. For more information visit www.downtownantioch.com.
Upon arriving, please follow the signs to enter from the entrance on W. 10th Street to W. 18th Street. Please DO NOT enter via O St.
Appointments are required
Antioch residents only
Bring a driver’s license with an Antioch address
Bring a shovel, your containers, gloves if you can, and wear closed-toe shoes. Masks (optional).
You will have approx. 10-15 minutes to fill the containers you bring (40 gallons max.) 8 x 5-gal. buckets work best. No bags please. We will have some staff on hand to help.
This is a great opportunity to pick up free compost for your garden while supporting sustainable waste practices in our community.
Allison Norris (Herald file photo) and Joanne Bilbo (photo courtesy of Antioch Sports Legends) will be honored as Antioch’s 2025 Citizens of the Year at the annual Chamber Gala & Dinner on March 27th.
Antioch Chamber of Commerce announces other community award winnersincluding 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
Antioch Police Lt. John Fortner has retired. Photos: Antioch PD
Began career with Sheriff’s Office, then with APD as volunteer Reserve Officer in 2000
By Antioch Police Department
After 25 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, Lieutenant John Fortner has officially retired.
John began his career with the City of Antioch Police Department on August 20, 2001. Prior to joining APD, he served with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office at the Martinez Detention Facility and also volunteered his time as an Antioch Police Reserve Officer beginning in January 2000.
Before entering law enforcement, John proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1990–1998, receiving an Honorable Discharge.
During his career with APD, Lieutenant Fortner served in numerous roles including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, SWAT Team Member and Team Leader, Special Response Unit member, and Detective in the Violent Crimes Unit. He also served as both a Department Firearms Instructor and SWAT Instructor, helping train and mentor the next generation of officers.
John supported and supervised several important programs throughout his career, including the Reserve Officer Program, SWAT proactive patrol operations, the Explorer Post, Special Events, and community initiatives such as the Northern California Special Olympics Torch Run and Tip-a-Cop events.
His dedication and service were recognized with both the Medal of Valor and the Meritorious Service Award.
Thank you, John, for 25 years of commitment, leadership, and service to the Antioch community.
Please join us in congratulating him and wishing him a long, healthy, and well-deserved retirement!
