By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday night, July 28, 2026, the Antioch City Council unanimously adopted a proclamation in honor of the Antioch-Chichibu Sister City relationship’s 60th anniversary. That was followed by a photo with the seven visiting students from Chichibu, Japan in this year’s delegation, as well as their chaperones, host families and organization leaders.

WHEREAS, in 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower initiated a new international Sister City program for the purposes of cultural and economic exchange by establishing relationships between cities of similar size and economic base;

WHEREAS, in the 1960s, Mayor Verne Roberts traveled with the League of California Cities to six countries, including Japan, to investigate the possibility of establishing a Sister City relationship; and at the same time, Chichibu City was seeking a sister city in California;

WHEREAS, the two cities were likely candidates to be each other’s sister city as each city had manufacturing plants, were situated near a river, had a mountain in the vicinity, and were at the edge of the economic sphere of a large metropolitan area;

WHEREAS, in 1967, the City Council adopted a resolution formally accepting Chichibu as Antioch’s Sister City, with annual exchanges occurring every year beginning in 1971 with Antioch visiting Chichibu on odd numbered years and Chichibu visiting Antioch on even numbered years;

WHEREAS, this year in Antioch and next year in Chichibu, we celebrate sixty years of enduring friendship between our two communities having been united by a shared commitment to international goodwill, cultural understanding, and enduring friendship;

WHEREAS, generations of students, families, educators, civic leaders, and volunteers have strengthened the bonds between our cities through exchange programs, homestays, cultural experiences, and personal relationships that have enriched countless lives;

WHEREAS this extraordinary partnership has demonstrated that genuine friendship transcends language, geography, and culture, reminding us that respect, honor, kindness, and mutual understanding build stronger communities and a more peaceful world; and

WHEREAS, we proudly celebrate this historic milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving and strengthening this treasured bond between Antioch and Chichibu so that future generations may continue to learn from one another and carry forward the spirit of international cooperation and goodwill.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ron Bernal, Mayor of the City of Antioch, do hereby proclaim the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Sister City Relationship between the City of Antioch and Chichibu City, Japan, honor the rich history we have shared and look forward with hope and gratitude to many more decades of annual exchanges and lifelong friendships.

JULY 28, 2026

RON BERNAL, Mayor

For more information about the Antioch-Chichibu Sister City Organization visit www.facebook.com/AntiochChichibu.

By Claryssa Wilson & Velma Wilson, 4EverMe Foundation

The 4ever Me Foundation is excited to announce the 14th Annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway, returning on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Contra Costa County Event Park, 1201 W. 10th Street, Antioch, California.

This has been the most stressful year planning this event by far… it will be the first without my favorite bald guy to vent to and I’m honestly devastated but I know he is beyond proud of me.

This event is a testament of faith and perseverance and I am so amazed to see how this has grown from a small idea to help my classmates to a whole beacon a hope, a space where a whole community can be supported. Over 40,000 families since the start 14 years ago and I’m genuinely grateful to have been able to pour into others in this way for over half my life.

What a blessing.

We still need volunteers as this will be a labor of love far bigger than me. If you’re able to come and help, please sign up via this link: https://forms.gle/cqadRNFQxtGNaViB6

We are still accepting donations and resource vendors! the QR code will have that information.

Thank you to those who have supported and continue to pour into this event!

Founded in 2012 by Claryssa Wilson, Stuff the Bus has grown into one of East Contra Costa County’s premier back-to-school outreach events. Over the past fourteen years, the initiative has served more than 60,000 students and families by providing free backpacks, school supplies, educational resources, and encouragement.

“Our mission has always been to remove barriers to education while creating unforgettable experiences for children and families,” said Claryssa Wilson, Founder of the 4ever Me Foundation. “Every backpack represents hope, every volunteer represents compassion, and every smile reminds us why this work matters.”

Event Highlights

·         FREE backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last)

·         FREE haircuts and hair-care services

·         Ride in a real Monster Truck

·         Community Resource Fair

·         Educational and youth services

·         Food trucks

·         Live entertainment

·         Interactive games and family activities

·         Local nonprofit organizations and vendors

Event Information

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Contra Costa County Event Park
1201 W. 10th Street
Antioch, CA 94509
Admission: FREE

About 4ever Me Foundation

The 4ever Me Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through education, mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement. Since 2012, the Foundation has impacted more than 60,000 students and families through school supply distributions, mentoring, holiday assistance, and community outreach.

Learn more about this year’s efforts in a KTVU FOX2 interview.

For more information visit https://linktr.ee/4evermefoundation.

Your voice can help shape the future of health in our city

By City of Antioch

Contra Costa Health, Hijas del Campo and the City of Antioch invite residents to participate in an upcoming Community Health Assessment, an opportunity to share your experiences, identify community needs and help guide future health services, programs, and investments in Antioch and East County.

The Community Health Assessment (CHA) is an important effort to better understand the health needs of our communities throughout Contra Costa County, and advance health equity. Guided by a Steering Committee made up of county staff, community‑based organizations,and local health institutions/Medi-Cal providers, the CHA uses both primary data (surveys, listening sessions, focus groups, etc.) and secondary data (existing health and demographic information) to build a full picture of community health. 

To hear from as many residents as possible, a survey in 16 languages is being launched and CCH is supporting listening sessions across Contra Costa County, with a focus on reaching communities that are most vulnerable or historically underrepresented, as part of primary data collection. 

The findings from the analysis of the primary and secondary data will be shared in a CHA report on the CCH website and will help shape the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). This work reflects our commitment to listening to community voices and using what we learn to guide the future of health in Contra Costa County. 

The feedback collected will play an important role in shaping decisions that impact our community for years to come. We encourage residents of all backgrounds to attend and make their voices heard.

• Wednesday, July 29, 2026
• 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Antioch Community Center at Prewett Community Park – 4701 Lone Tree Way, Antioch

Participants will receive:

• Complimentary dinner
• A gift card as a thank-you for their time
• A welcoming space to share ideas and experiences

Your perspective matters. Help ensure Antioch and East County are well represented.

To take the online survey visit Community Health Assessment 2026 | Contra Costa Health.

By Antioch Police Department

Join us this Saturday, July 25th, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Target as we collect donations for our annual Backpack Drive! This will support local families in need and help students in the Antioch Unified School District start the school year ready to succeed. If you are unable to attend, you can still donate by utilizing our QR code for our Amazon Wishlist. Last year, thanks to your incredible generosity, we donated 300 backpacks, let’s beat that record this year!

Where: Target (5769 Lone Tree Way, Antioch)

When: Saturday, July 25th | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Thank you for supporting our community’s kids!

By Jaden Baird, PIO, City of Antioch

ANTIOCH, CA — The City of Antioch is proud to welcome a 13-member delegation from its sister city, Chichibu, Japan, as part of the annual Antioch-Chichibu Sister City Exchange taking place July 22 through August 3, 2026.

This year’s delegation includes five junior high school students, two high school students and six adults. Chichibu Mayor Kazuhiko Kiyono will also visit Antioch during the first three days of the exchange, joined by Chichibu City Hall staff member Ms. Satoko Suematsu and Chichibu business representative Mr. Noriyuki Imaizumi. Mayor Kiyono and Mr. Imaizumi will be hosted by Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal.

The exchange continues one of Antioch’s longest-running international partnerships. Established in 1967, the Antioch-Chichibu sister-city relationship has connected generations of residents through cultural exchange, host-family stays, student and adult delegations, and lasting friendships between the two communities.

“For nearly 60 years, Antioch and Chichibu have shown what is possible when two communities commit to friendship, cultural understanding, and people-to-people connection,” said Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal. “Having experienced firsthand as both a guest in Chichibu and a host family here at home, I have never experienced this level of honor, respect, hospitality and love anywhere else in the world. Our generations-long relationship is a gift from God.”

During their visit, delegates will stay with Antioch host families and participate in a variety of cultural, civic, and community activities. The delegation is scheduled to tour Antioch City Hall on July 24 as part of their Antioch tour. That evening, the City of Antioch will host a welcome dinner at Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill to formally greet the delegation and celebrate the continued friendship between the two cities. (See itinerary details)

The welcome dinner will also include a special recognition from representatives of the Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco, who are expected to present a commendation in honor of Antioch and Chichibu’s upcoming 60th anniversary as sister cities in 2027. The recognition highlights the enduring friendship between the two communities and the decades of cultural exchange, hospitality, and citizen diplomacy made possible through the Antioch-Chichibu Sister City Organization.

The visit also provides opportunities for Chichibu delegates to experience daily life in Antioch while learning about the city’s history, local government, neighborhoods, and community traditions. In return, the exchange allows Antioch families and residents to learn more about Chichibu, Japanese culture, and the value of international friendship.

The Antioch-Chichibu Sister City Organization plays a central role in coordinating the exchange, working with local families, volunteers, and community partners to provide delegates with a meaningful and welcoming experience. This year, 13 Antioch families are serving as hosts, including prior-year delegates and families interested in participating in a future exchange to Chichibu. Hosting is a requirement for families selected to send delegates to Chichibu in future years.

“We are very excited to welcome our friends from Chichibu this July. These visits are an amazing opportunity to connect, to share our community with others, and to continue the friendships that have grown through our Sister City relationship over many wonderful years,” said Jessica Davis, Vice President of the Antioch-Chichibu Sister City Organization. “We look forward to spending time together, making new friends and creating new memories during this year’s delegation visit.”

Since the partnership began in 1967, Antioch and Chichibu have maintained a consistent exchange of delegates, with only limited pauses in 2011 while Chichibu recovered from a major earthquake and during the COVID-19 shutdowns in 2021 and 2022.

Community members interested in supporting the exchange may donate snack or lunch items, drinks or bottled water for delegation outings. Residents interested in becoming members of the Antioch-Chichibu Sister City Organization are invited to attend meetings held on the second Wednesday of each month at the Antioch Community Center on Lone Tree Way.

The City of Antioch encourages residents to join in welcoming the Chichibu delegation and celebrating this enduring international friendship.

For more information about the Antioch-Chichibu Sister City Organization, upcoming activities or ways to support the exchange, visit www.facebook.com/AntiochChichibu or contact Jessica Davis at AntiochChichibuSCO@gmail.com.

By Antioch Police Department

Join us this Saturday, July 18th, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Antioch Walmart for our annual Backpack Drive!

We are coming together to support local families in need and ensure our students in the Antioch Unified School District start the school year ready to succeed. Last year, thanks to your incredible generosity, we donated 300 backpacks, let’s beat that record this year!

Where: Walmart – 4893 Lone Tree Way, Antioch

When: Saturday, July 18th | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Thank you for supporting our community’s kids.

By Antioch Recreation Department

The Antioch Water Park will begin offering a limited number of swim lessons starting Monday, July 20th. Morning and evening classes are now available for registration.

Space is limited due to reduced class sizes, as not all pools are available during ongoing renovations. We encourage you to register early! To view available classes and register, visit antiochca.gov/register.

Please note: The Antioch Water Park, located at 4701 Lone Tree Way in the Prewett Community Park, is not yet open for General Admission on weekdays or weekends. We appreciate your patience and understanding as renovations continue.

Monster Truck visit! Volunteers needed

By Team Jesus Outreach Ministries

ATTENTION KIDS!

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Team Jesus Outreach Ministries Community Backpack Giveaway!

Come out and take your picture with a REAL Monster Truck! This is an exciting opportunity for the whole family, and we can’t wait to see your smiles!

Saturday, July 18

Monster Truck Visit 10am-12pm

Backpack Giveaway-10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

11 Texas Street, Antioch

~Children must be present to receive a backpack (No Exceptions). *While Supplies Last*

Volunteer Arrival: 7:30 AM

As always, we kindly ask everyone to be respectful and patient with our guests, vendors and volunteers.

They are working incredibly hard to make this event a wonderful and successful day for every child and family in our community.

We look forward to serving you and making this a day to remember. See you there!