Antioch High hosts Parade, Street Percussion & Jazz Competitions but not eligible for awards

By Antioch Unified School District

It was a hot day but that didn’t stop 24 school music groups from giving great performances.

On Saturday, Oct 3, 2026, the 37th annual Delta Band Review started the day of competition with a parade in front of Antioch Middle School on D Street.

A total of 20 high school marching bands competed. The event also included a jazz contest, with four schools competing.

The Deer Valley High School Teal & Black Regiment marched away with the second place award in the Parade division 2A. The Parade and Jazz Competition awards were presented in Eels Stadium.

Antioch High School’s Pride of Antioch Marching Band and Color Guard kicked off the day but, as event host, wasn’t eligible for awards.

Thanks to the many who made this event so special.

Organized by Antioch Band Backers Association

The Delta Band Review is organized by the Antioch Band Backers Association.

In a letter to “Band Members, Directors, Coaches and Guests, AHS Band Director Brian Allen Hobbs and Association President Johnny Hackenkamp wrote, “On behalf of the Antioch Band Backers Association, it is our absolute pleasure to welcome you to the 37th Annual Delta Band Review!

“Today, we invite you to experience the spectacular sights, sounds, and magic of marching and jazz bands. From the vibrant performances on the streets of Antioch to the captivating sounds inside the Beede Auditorium, this event promises an unforgettable celebration of music and community. The Parade and Percussion competitions will take place at Antioch Middle School and the City Library, while the awards ceremony will be held at Eells Stadium on the AHS campus.

“The success of this event is a testament to the dedication, passion, and support of so many individuals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers, donors, band families, and community members whose hard work has made today possible. Be sure to check out our special thanks page, where we recognize these amazing contributors.

“Once again, welcome to Antioch High School. We are excited to have you here and wish the best of luck to all the bands competing today!

For more information visit www.deltabandreview.com and www.antiochbandbackers.com.

See more photos on the AUSD Facebook page post on Oct. 5th.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

To pay for competitions and equipment

By Deer Valley High School Band Boosters

The Deer Valley High School Instrumental Music Program, an award-winning group of local musicians, invites the community to its second annual Mattress Sale on Saturday, October 10, from 10 am to 4 pm, as the DVHS North Gym is transformed into a professional mattress showroom. Supporters can test and purchase 25+ top brand-name mattresses, adjustable bases, bedding and pillows, while providing funds for the Marching Band – Teal & Black Regiment and Orchestra, to travel and perform throughout California.

“One in four families will buy a mattress each year, and we are thrilled that people can find one at a great price, while supporting music in our school,” said Band Director (and Deer Valley alumnus) Brian Poole. “Through this fundraiser, we hope to make a significant dent in our travel and competition costs and be able to upgrade and repair instruments for our talented musicians,” continued Poole.

The sale is backed by a fundraising firm that fills the gym with brand new top mattress brands including Purple, Helix and Beautyrest. The company offers a lowest price guarantee, since it doesn’t maintain a retail store and instead helps local organizations raise money. A full 50% of the profits goes to the music program.

“Young people will love the beanbag chair that transforms into a mattress,” said Band Boosters President Kathy Barlow. “Come support your back with a new mattress and support our kids.”

Financing, delivery, setup and removal of one’s old mattress are offered. And delivery is available throughout the U.S., so that family and friends elsewhere can support the music program.

Event visitors will enjoy live entertainment provided by The Teal Tones, Deer Valley’s Jazz Band, and its orchestral Chamber Ensembles.

The Deer Valley Music Program has a long history of entertaining the community in local parades and performances and participates in competitions and throughout California.

The Deer Valley HS Music Mattress Sale will take place Saturday, October 10 from 10 am to 4 pm, at the North Gym on its campus at 4700 Lone Tree Way, in Antioch. Just show up at the sale, or RSVP here for a 10% discount coupon: https://sanjose.cfsbeds.com/events/deer-valley-high-school

Community invited to anniversary celebration and ribbon cutting October 3

By Martha Goralka, Executive Director

ANTIOCH, Calif. — Delta Learning Center invites the community to celebrate its 50th anniversary on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Antioch. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m.

Established in 1976, Delta Learning Center has provided five decades of educational support to learners in East Contra Costa County. The nonprofit offers personalized, one-on-one tutoring by credentialed teachers, helping students strengthen academic skills and build confidence.
The anniversary celebration will recognize the students, families, educators, volunteers and community supporters who have contributed to the center’s history while looking ahead to its continued service.

Current and former students, families, neighbors, local businesses and community partners are invited to attend and help celebrate this milestone. Members of the media are welcome to cover the celebration and ribbon cutting.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ribbon Cutting: 10:30 a.m.

Location: Delta Learning Center

275 W. Tregallas Road

About Delta Learning Center Founded in 1976, Delta Learning Center is a nonprofit tutoring organization serving East Contra Costa County. The center provides individualized educational support for prekindergarten, K–12 and adult learners. For more information, visit http://www.deltalearningcenter.org or call 925-757-1310

By Lt. Franco Cesar, Antioch Police Department

ANTIOCH, Calif. — On September 26, 2026, at 8:56 p.m., the Antioch Police Department Dispatch Center received multiple calls reporting five to six gunshots in the 5400 block of Prewett Ranch Drive.

While officers were responding to the area, dispatch received a report that a 16-year-old male had been dropped off at a local hospital with a gunshot wound. Additional officers responded to the hospital and contacted the victim, a Brentwood resident. The victim told officers he was leaving a house party on Prewett Ranch Drive when the shooting occurred.

The victim was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Officers processing the scene on Prewett Ranch Drive confirmed the shooting was connected to the nearby house party. During the preliminary investigation, officers also discovered that two nearby residences had been struck by gunfire. No additional injuries were reported.

There is currently no suspect information available. The Antioch Police Department is actively investigating the incident and working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Anyone with information about this incident, or anyone who has home surveillance or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the shooting, is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department.

Those wishing to remain anonymous may also submit a tip. Case No.: 26-9254

Cops will be on, provide extra patrols in and around campus today

By Antioch Police Department

The Antioch Police Department is aware of messages and rumors circulating regarding a possible act of violence at Antioch High School today.

We are working closely with Antioch High School administrators and school security and are actively investigating the information that has been reported. At this time, we have no information that supports the rumor.

As a precaution, Antioch Police officers will be present at the school today, and officers will conduct additional patrols in and around the campus. We will remain in close communication with school officials throughout the day.

We understand that messages like these can be concerning for students, families, and staff. We ask everyone to rely on information from official school and Antioch Police Department sources and to avoid sharing unverified rumors or screenshots on social media.

See something, say something. If you have firsthand information, screenshots, messages, or other specific information that may assist the investigation, please contact the Antioch Police Department at (925) 778-2441. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Please call 9-1-1 for an immediate threat or emergency.

Our Dispatch Center is receiving a high volume of calls regarding this situation. If you do not have new information to report or need police assistance, please monitor official school and Antioch Police Department channels for updates rather than calling Dispatch for a status update.

We will provide additional information if there are significant developments.

Service • Integrity • Community

Both were Liberty High student-athletes; two others injured, including another Liberty student-athlete

UPDATES: No police chase prior to collision; third boy who survived, the driver from Brentwood, identified; online fundraisers for families of the two deceased and survivor’s recovery established

By Lt. Franco Cesar, Antioch Police Department

ANTIOCH, CA – The Antioch Police Department is deeply saddened to report a fatal traffic collision that occurred early Sunday morning, claiming two lives and leaving others injured.

On September 13, 2026, at 12:11 AM, APD Dispatch received a report of a major vehicle collision in the area of Deer Valley Road and Balfour Road. Officers arrived on scene at 12:21 AM and located two vehicles involved: a white BMW and a silver Infiniti.

Tragically, two occupants inside the Infiniti died at the scene. A third individual from the Infiniti sustained injuries and was promptly transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The driver of the BMW also sustained injuries as a result of the collision.  

According to Sgt. Rob Green the two deceased were 17-year-old males from Discovery Bay. According to a report by The Press, they were “Liberty High School student-athletes” and one of the injured was another current Liberty student and athlete from the Brentwood school.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under active investigation by the Antioch Police Department Traffic Unit. Out of respect for the families and loved ones involved, law enforcement is working to confirm the identity of one victim and complete next-of-kin notifications before releasing additional information.

UPDATE 1 (9/14/26): One of the two boys has been identified by his mother. In posts on her Facebook page and the Instagram account for her photography business Monday morning, Sept. 14th, Stephanie Starkenberg-Ferrari shared her son’s name, Dominic Anthony Starkenberg Ferrari, and his birthdate, March 21, 2009, along with his photo.

UPDATE 2 (9/15/26): The other boy was identified in an online fundraiser on AngeLink, as Caden Kyle. That was organized by Lynne Mile on behalf of Chris Kyle and Shannon Boyle. As of Tuesday afternoon, $32,244 of $35,000 Goal had been contributed. In addition, a GoFundMe account has been set up to benefit Starkenberg Ferrari’s family, listed as Stephanie, Gino and Sophia. As of Tuesday evening, $39,548 of the $47,000 goal had been raised.

UPDATE 3 (9/15/26): Not a Police Chase

To dispel one of the rumors on social media that a police chase had occurred prior to the collision, Sgt. Green, “It was not a police chase. The BMW involved, did flee from East Bay Regional Park Police a week before the crash. But there is no indication the driver of the BMW was the one who fled. That car was entered as a felony vehicle on the CHP log. That’s how that rumor started.”

Asked about the driver of the other vehicle with the three boys inside he said, “Neither of the boys who died was the driver. The boy who survived was.”

“That is all we have right now. We are just determining if there was any negligence involved,” Green added.

UPDATE 4 (9/16/26): Third Boy Identified, Online Fundraiser for His Recovery Established

The third boy involved in the fatal collision early Sunday morning, the driver of the Infiniti, has been identified as James Harper. He is from Brentwood according to Sgt. Green. A GoFundMe account has been established by Mateo Morrison to raise funds to support Harper’s recovery. It reads in part, “James is a Liberty student who plays soccer and is active in the FFA” (Future Farmers of America) and “has a long road to recovery in front of him.” As of Wednesday evening, $16,029 of the $20,000 goal had been raised.

As investigators work to piece together the events leading up to the collision, the Antioch Police Department asks anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has surveillance or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the crash, to please come forward. If you have any information, please contact Sgt. Green of the Traffic Unit at (925) 779-6864. Anonymous tips may also be submitted directly to the department. Case No.: 26-8743.

Please check back later for any additional updates to this report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By City of Antioch Youth Services Network, Community Services Department

About the Antioch Council of Teens (ACT) – ACT is comprised of youth ages 12-18 who cultivate change through community service, social activities for youth, and civic leadership. Our members are dedicated to strengthening their community and amplifying youth voices. ACT is driven by a vision in which youth have the opportunities, supports and resources to develop their full potential.

It operates with the staff of the City of Antioch Youth Services Network in the Community Services Department.

Reasons to Join

• You will be able to socialize and meet with other youths within the community
• Participate in community service events
• Participate in the planning of youth events
• Safe and fun environment for you to be yourself
• Play a role in your community by participating in civic engagement opportunities

Meeting Times: 

ACT meets every 2nd and 4th day of each month from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at the Antioch Water Park, 4701 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. Dinner and snacks are always provided!

How to Join

1. Fill out form.
2. You will receive an email with an application.
3. Please return a completed packet via email to youth@antiochca.gov or in person at the Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch.

Contact Us

Email Antioch Council of Teens for more information at youth@antiochca.gov. Follow us on Instagram @AntiochYouthServices to keep up with what’s happening next. For more information visit Antioch Council of Teens.

Thanks to witness info, technology and detective work

Both held on $100,000 bail

By Lt. Michael Mellone, Antioch Police Department

ANTIOCH, Calif. — The Antioch Police Department has arrested two 18-year-old Antioch residents following an investigation into the August 31 robbery of Antioch Jewelers on Wild Horse Road off Hillcrest Avenue.

At approximately 11:00 a.m. on August 31, Antioch Police officers responded to Antioch Jewelers after two masked suspects entered the business. One suspect sprayed the store owner with pepper spray while the second used a hammer to smash a glass jewelry display case. The suspects removed trays of jewelry and fled from the business.

An important break in the case came from witnesses who observed the suspects and their getaway vehicle. One witness was able to obtain the vehicle’s license plate and provide that information to police. That information, combined with investigative work by responding officers and the Antioch Police Department’s automated license plate reader system, helped investigators quickly develop leads associated with the suspect vehicle.

Later that day, officers and detectives located the suspect vehicle parked and unoccupied in Antioch. The vehicle was seized as evidence as detectives continued working to identify those responsible.

The following morning, September 1, Antioch Police detectives continued pursuing leads developed during the investigation and located 18-year-old Adrian Ramel Cortez in Antioch (born 11/22/2007). Detectives conducted surveillance as Cortez traveled through the city before coordinating with uniformed officers to take him into custody near West 4th and K streets.

At the time of Cortez’s arrest, officers recovered a significant amount of jewelry from a bag he was carrying. The store owner later identified the recovered jewelry as property taken during the robbery. Officers also discovered a concealed .40-caliber semiautomatic handgun in Cortez’s possession following his arrest.

Detectives continued working the case after the first arrest. Additional investigative efforts led them to identify 18-year-old Zaimarri Tylann Williams of Antioch (born 3/16/2008) as the second suspect. On September 10, Antioch Police detectives served a search warrant at an Antioch residence as part of the continuing robbery investigation. Williams was located during the operation and taken into custody. Detectives also collected additional evidence associated with the investigation.

Cortez and Williams were arrested in connection with the robbery and are accused of violations including robbery (PC 211) and felony vandalism (PC 594(b)(1)).

This investigation highlights the value of community cooperation, technology, and persistent investigative work. The witness who recognized the importance of obtaining the suspect vehicle’s license plate provided officers with a critical piece of information at the very beginning of the investigation. APD’s automated license plate reader system helped detectives build upon that information, and investigators continued developing evidence that led to the identification and arrests of both suspects.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Arturo Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or email abecerra@antiochca.gov.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Case No.: 26-8297

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, eight-inch tall, 145-pound Cortez is non-Hispanic, but also listed as unknown, and is being held in a Custody Alternative Facility on $100,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 16 at 8:30 a.m. in Dep’t. 5 in Martinez.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch tall 160-pound Williams is non-Hispanic, but also listed as Black, and is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility also on $100,000 bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.