By Antioch Police Department

Let’s make a difference—together!

Join us for our Monthly Community Clean-Up on Saturday, August 2nd from 10 AM to 12 PM at Marchetti Park, 5298 Belle Drive!

Grab your friends and your good vibes—we’ll provide the supplies.

Let’s keep our city beautiful and show some love to the neighborhood!

By Velma Wilson

We are prepared to have some great resources and services provided for our 13th Annual Stuff The Bus school supply giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. Join us at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) on W. 10th Street in Antioch.

Please REGISTER

If you have/know of a great (preferably FREE) resource or have beneficial info that you would love to share with the community!!

If you are a self-contained food truck!!

Link: https://form.jotform.com/251927197459169

or scan the QR code below!

The QR code below will also give you access to information including a volunteer sign-up form as well as ways to donate to this event!! Please share

For families looking to register, registration is now open. You will see that information pop up via this link: https://linktr.ee/4evermefoundation

UPDATE: Claryssa Wilson, a dedicated Antioch High School alumna, community leader, and founder of the renowned annual event, is proud to announce the return of the 13th Annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway, an event that has become a cornerstone of community support and youth empowerment in East Contra Costa County. Since its inception when she was just in the 6th grade, Claryssa has been committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of socioeconomic background, has access to the essential tools needed for academic success.

This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be held at the Contra Costa County Event Park (Fairgrounds), located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch, CA. Over the past twelve years, this inspiring initiative has provided backpacks filled with school supplies to over 40,000 students across Antioch, Pittsburg, and neighboring communities. It has grown into a collaborative effort with numerous local organizations and sponsors, including the Golden State Warriors, the Antioch Schools Education Foundation, Adonal Foyle’s Kerosene Lamp Foundation, and many others who share a common vision of fostering educational opportunity and community resilience.

“No student should face a new school year without the basic supplies they need to succeed,” said Claryssa Wilson, founder and host of the event. “Our mission is rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the chance to learn, grow, and excel. By providing these supplies, we’re helping to level the playing field and inspire hope for a brighter future.”

This year’s event is expected to reach and serve thousands of students, many of whom are vulnerable and face significant barriers such as foster care, homelessness, or economic hardship. The event will feature an array of family-friendly activities, vendor booths, and entertainment designed to bring joy and support to families. Children and parents will have the opportunity to enjoy performances by Jordan Orosco, known as The Mathemagician, whose engaging magic and math demonstrations foster a love of learning. The event will also include a Stepz Dance Fitness segment, interactive games, resource tables, and much more to create a festive, supportive atmosphere.

One of the new highlights this year is a full-service Hair Salon, offering FREE haircuts, braiding styles, washes, blow-drys, and silk presses. This service aims to boost confidence and help families prepare for the upcoming school year. Services will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration is required.

In addition to the giveaways and entertainment, the event provides a platform for community organizations, local businesses, and educational resources to connect with families, share information, and foster ongoing support. The event’s overarching goal is to create a sense of unity, hope, and empowerment for families, especially those most in need.

All media outlets and press representatives are warmly invited to cover the event. To coordinate interviews with Claryssa Wilson or for additional information, please contact:

Phone: (925) 250-3051
Email: Blessedbydesgn09@gmail.com

The Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway is organized by the 4ever Me Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Claryssa Wilson in 2012. Over the past decade, the Foundation has dedicated itself to supporting foster children, unhoused youth, and children facing homelessness, providing vital supplies, mentorship, and community support. To date, the Foundation has served more than 40,000 students and continues to expand its outreach and impact.

All donations, sponsorships, and gifts to the 4ever Me Foundation and the Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway are tax-deductible and vital to maintaining and growing this impactful community effort. Contributions can be made through the Foundation’s website or by contacting the organization directly.

Join us this August in making a tangible difference—helping empower students to succeed academically and build a foundation for lifelong achievement. Your support ensures that no child is left behind because of a lack of basic school supplies. Together, we can create a stronger, more resilient community where every student has the tools to thrive.

Community embraces restoration of 157-year-old bell from First Congregational Church of Antioch

By Tom Menasco & Carla Baker Marymee

The Antioch Historical Museum is excited to announce a groundbreaking ceremony to restore the 157-year-old First Congregational Church Bell and construction of the Unity Bell Tower. The ceremony is scheduled for July 23, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The community is invited to attend.

The 700-pound brass bell, donated by First Congregational Church Board member Paul Fish, is one of the oldest artifacts from the settling of Antioch by early Americans. The church bell is said to have brought early members of the church together as it rang loudly across the city. It was heard by Antioch’s founders; Rev. W.W. Smith and Captain George W. Kimball, as well as Thomas Gaines, the first known Black settler who was a sexton of the church.

“The First Congregational Church of Antioch traces its roots to June 12, 1865, when it was founded as the city’s pioneer church under the United Church of Christ (UCC) banner.

“Over its 150-year history, the church has prioritized hospitality—welcoming all without exception, including African Americans as early as 1875 and children of Chinese laborers building the Delta levees,” Dwayne Eubanks, Antioch Historical Museum board member said.

“Antioch is the third largest city in Contra Costa County with a population of more than 117,097 residents. Over the decades the demographics of Antioch have changed. We are a diverse community with an amazing history and story to tell. Our goal is to become a reflection of an inclusive, multiracial, and multicultural city that embraces all people. It is our wish that this bell and the Unity Bell Tower will symbolize growing appreciation for all people,” he said.

“We thank the Antioch community for recognizing the importance of preserving this valuable piece of the city’s history. Because of generous donations, we were able to raise $85,000.00,” Eubanks added.

Work on the Unity Bell Tower is being accomplished by Wayne E. Swisher Cement Contractor, Evan & Son Masonry, and Drill Tech who have made significant in-kind contributions to this project.

The project has also been generously supported by individual donors, the Antioch City Council, local businesses, and non-profit organizations including: Delta Veteran’s Group and Antioch Veterans Banner Program, St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Fontana Family Foundation, Antioch Rotary Club, Kiwanis Delta Antioch, and Class of ’66 Antioch High School.

Individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations individuals who would still like to support this project, can make online donations at our website: https://antiochhistoricalmuseum.org/unity-bell-tower-donation/

There are eight sponsorship levels, providing a range of giving opportunities – diamond, gold, platinum, silver, bronze, copper, sapphire, and ruby. Names of sponsors will be permanently inscribed at the exhibit site. Contributions are tax deductible.

The project’s dedication is expected by Fall 2025, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the society’s creation and the 25th year being located at the 1910 Riverview High School site.

The Antioch Historical Museum resides within the 1910 Riverview High School, a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum, located at 1500 W. 4th Street, is also home of the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame program. The Sports Legends Hall of Fame showcases and honors the achievements of 253 individual athletes and 17 teams.  

For more information and construction updates, visit our website http://antiochhistoricalmuseum.org/. Check out our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/antiochhistoricalmuseum/

For additional information contact: Dwayne Eubanks at the Antioch Historical Society Museum at (925) 757-1326 or AntiochHistoricalSociety@comcast.com.

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

Movie fans of Antioch!

Tonight is the first Outdoor Movie Night event of the summer!

You voted! We listened!

First up is Moana 2!

@foodiecrewsf will also be on site for Food Truck Thursday so you will have a plethora or dinner options!

The film starts at dusk. Make sure to bring enough seating for the whole family and enjoy our first Outdoor Movie Night of 2025!

The City of Antioch presents Resource Recovery Ambassadors: a fun training program for all who live, work or play in Antioch to become experts in sorting discards for recycling and composting to help combat climate change! Participants can receive $75 after completing the 2-part training.

Funded in part by CalRecycle.

Upcoming Training Dates:

Online Video Training Monday August 11th, 6-8pm OR Thursday August 14th, 4-6pm

In-Person Training Saturday August 16th is FULL! (we will offer another in-person course in early 2026)

Fill out registration form: https://forms.office.com/g/Vn1Z6y81kD

To celebrate signing of Declaration of Independence and nation’s 249th birthday

Parade winners announced, U.S. Senator makes appearance, SWAT’s presence explained

By Allen D. Payton

Hundreds of Antioch residents lined the streets of historic, downtown Rivertown on Independence Day, during the annual celebration Friday afternoon, to enjoy the July 4th Parade, Kids and Family Zone, food from local restaurants and  food trucks, live music by “Sade of the Bay”, the Ariel Marin Band, and The Purple Ones – Prince Tribute Band who ended their performance with a solid rendition of Purple Rain to the delight of the crowd in Waldie Plaza, as the fireworks show over the river began about 9:20 p.m.

During a break in the music, Mayor Ron Bernal thanked those who gathered for the celebration.

Thousands gathered on the Promenade and Uril E. “Compy” Compomizzo Fishing Pier along the Antioch waterfront to enjoy the show shot from the barge on the river. It floated too far east and had to be called to head back west just in time for the spectacular grand finale. (See video)

2025 Antioch Independence Day – July 4th Parade Winners

The three Antioch Independence Day – July 4th Parade Judges, Assistant City Manager Brad Helfenberger, former Antioch School Board Trustee Alonzo Terry, and Rivertown Treasure Chest co-owner and Downtown Antioch Association leader Debbie Blaisure, determined the following winners in each category:

MOST PATRIOTIC: DELTA VETERANS GROUP @deltaveteransgroup;

BEST PERFORMANCE: PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEER TEAM @parkmiddleantioch; and

BEST VEHICLE: BRUSH PROS @brushprosca.

“Three very deserving winners!” Blaisure said. “The crew did a great job working together,” Terry added.

In a post on the Antioch Recreation Department’s Instagram page City staff wrote, “Thank you so much to every single one of our parade participants!”

Senator Schiff Shows Up, SWAT’s Presence Seen

During the parade, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) participated, waving to the crowd while walking with a group holding signs with his name on them.

Some people speculated he was the reason for the Antioch Police Department SWAT Team’s presence along the parade route and throughout the celebration. However, according to Lt. Mike Mellone, that wasn’t the case.

“We had planned for a tactical presence at the parade well before we were made aware of Senator Schiff’s attendance. This decision was based on the elevated threat environment tied to ongoing world events, as well as adherence to best practices for securing large-scale public gatherings,” he shared.

“There were no specific or credible threats made in advance of the event. Our department worked closely with regional and federal partners to monitor for any potential risks and ensure the safety of all attendees,” Mellone added.

See more videos on the Antioch Herald Facebook page here, here, here and the grand finale here.

See for free Ariel “Sade of the Bay” Marin Band and The Purple Ones Prince Tribute band

Enjoy live musical performances by two Bay Area bands for free, on the stage in Waldie Plaza, during this year’s Antioch Independence Day Celebration this Friday, July 4th in historic, downtown Rivertown. Following the parade at 4:00 p.m. Ariel Marin Band will perform at 5:00 p.m. followed by The Purple Ones – The Insatiable Tribute to Prince.

Ariel Marin Band

Performance Time: 5:00pm-6:30pm on Waldie Stage

Also known as Sade of the Bay, the Ariel Marin Band is an award-winning multi-genre band featuring 5-octave powerhouse Ariel Marin and multi-platinum (MC Hammer) producer James “Jae-E” Earley. They play it all from Fleetwood Mac to Motown, Sade to 80’s hits, Journey to Lynyrd Skynrd, and your favorite classics! Funk, Rock, Pop, Folk, Country, R&B, Motown, Soul, they do it all. They are known for their incredible SADE tribute concert, popular Sha’Motown epic Motown tribute, and Funkin’ Fantastic.

For more information visit www.arielmarinmusic.com.

The Purple Ones – The Insatiable Tribute to Prince

Performance Time: 7:15pm-9:15pm on Waldie Stage

Since 2012, Oakland California’s The Purple Ones treat the music and patented vibe of Prince’s legacy with the utmost respect. The musical dexterity of The Purple Ones – with 10-12 pieces on stage (including a 3-4 piece horn section and 3 vocalists that trade off lead vocals) – delivers their own spin on Prince’s (and other Prince related artists such as The Revolution, The New Power Generation, Sheila E., Morris Day & The Time and the general Minneapolis Sound) live onstage, as this funk machine, dance party has to be experienced to be believed!

The Purple Ones is a group of world-class musicians that carries out the Purple Legacy of the MUSIC. TPO brings the energy to the audience with the electricity Prince brought on his iconic live shows, something that no other Prince tribute out there can do. No karaoke studio arrangements here! TPO is NOT a typical tribute band. There is no impersonator or look- a-like, nor do they dress up in goofy costumes or wigs.

For more information visit https://purpleones.com.

Waldie Plaza is located between W. 2nd Street across from City Hall, I (Eye) Street and the river.

Thank you to your July 4th Sponsors: All Phase Brokers, Republic Services, Ironworkers Family Health and Marathon Health.

For more information about Antioch’s July 4th Celebration events and activities, including the parade details and fireworks over the river, click here.

By Acting Lt. Whitaker #6155, Antioch Police Department Investigations Bureau

Right now, Monday, June 30, 2025, Antioch police officers are investigating an officer-involved shooting that happened in the 3800 block of Osprey Drive. On June 30th at 7:15 am officers responded to a 911 call in which a man was threatening to kill everyone in the home. When the officers arrived, the man was armed and rushed officers with a knife. An officer-involved shooting occurred.

Officers immediately provided aid to the 26-year-old man. Unfortunately, he died at the scene. Right now, Antioch PD investigators are on the scene. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office will conduct the criminal investigation.

We are asking our community to stay clear of the area while our investigators do their work. We will continue to post updates on our social media platforms. We thank our community for your patience.

If you have any additional information on this incident, please email Detective Cox at: jcox@antiochca.gov.