Donations, 10% of specific sales support effort through Dec. 31

By Allie Packer

Chick-fil-A Antioch at Lone Tree Way has partnered with Tunnels of Joy to bring the spirit of the season to life—one car at a time. The restaurant transformed its drive-thru into a “Tunnel of Joy,” complete with Christmas lights, festive décor and live carolers. This special effort is to support six-year-old Angelo Venegas, a local child bravely battling brain cancer. Guests will find QR codes on signage and in carry-out bags, providing them an easy way to donate for Angelo through Dec. 31. Additionally, the restaurant will donate 10% of the sale of all Peppermint Chip Milkshake sales to support Angelo during the same time frame.  

“We’re honored to partner with Tunnels of Joy to help bring light, hope and joy to families battling health challenges during the holiday season,” said Evan Hawthorne, local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Antioch at Lone Tree Way. “We invite our community to join us in celebrating the season and supporting a cause that truly touches the hearts of so many people in our community. 

“Tunnels of Joy” is a Brentwood-based neighborhood group dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer patients and their families. Tunnels of Joy creates holiday light displays, featuring a walking path illuminated by lights and festive decorations. 

According to a post on the Tunnels of Joy Facebook page, “The reason for The Tunnels of Joy Season…ways to donate:

1. Venmo Donations go directly to the family.  Just scan the QR Code.

2. Donation Boxes are located at Tunnels of Joy on La Costa Dr and Torrey Pines…you can also drop off letters to Angelo here.

3. Chick fil A on Lone Tree is donating a percentage of its Peppermint Shake sales to Angelo, now through Dec 31st.”

Chick-fil-A Antioch is located at 5705 Lone Tree Way in the Slatten Ranch Shopping Center, is open 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Monica’s Riverview is located at 1 I Street on the pier in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. For menu and more information see www.visitmonicas.com.

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Proceeds to benefit Delta Veterans Group

Veteran’s Appreciation Night next Monday, November 10, 2025, from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.

Enjoy great food and drinks with Smash Burgers from Chef Jeff. Help us give back to our local heroes. 10% of all proceeds will be donated to the Delta Veterans Group.

The event will be held at HOPS AND GRAPES, 24 W. 10th Street, Antioch on the corner of B Street.

For more information about Delta Veterans Group visit https://deltaveteransgroup.org.

Just like the deck at Monica’s Riverview; similar to previous lease to Sean McCauley of City-owned land next to Smith’s Landing for new patio

Will also discuss two ongoing lawsuits

By Allen D. Payton

During a Closed Session meeting beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, the Antioch City Council will consider the use of the City-owned parking lot at the north end of G Street by Sean McCauley, owner of the adjacent property at 113 G Street, which is planned to be a restaurant. The area for the proposed outdoor dining deck, like the one he built at Monica’s Riverview, is approximately 1,275 square feet.

Smith’s Landing Patio

Previously, the Council approved the rental of land near the Antioch Marina adjacent to Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill to McCauley for an outdoor dining patio for that restaurant. It is also approximately 1,300 square feet in size.

He said the “concept for the Smith’s Landing Patio took over three years to approve and plans were submitted for permits earlier this month. We are excited about it and wanted to share it with the public.”

“We are planning to open the patio in spring of 2026,” McCauley added.

G Street Parking Lot Needs Improving

“It will cost about $100,000 to improve the G Street parking lot,” he shared. The costs of the deck are separate and part of the restaurant improvements.

“There will still be parking there,” McCauley explained. “We’re only taking five stalls.”

The council previously rejected his proposal during their meeting on Aug. 9, 2025, he said.

Interim City Attorney Derek Cole reported out from that Closed Session meeting simply that “Direction was given to the City’s negotiators.”

Will Discuss Two Lawsuits

The Council will also discuss two lawsuits during the Closed Session meeting, including one by the California Resources Pipeline Corporation v. City of Antioch regarding use of the natural gas pipeline which was blocked by the previous council majority. The case is being heard in Superior Court in Contra Costa County. The other, a federal lawsuit against the City, six cops and former police chiefs, was brought by murder suspect Trent Allen and others. The case is labeled Trent Allen, et al. v. City of Antioch, et al., and is being heard in U.S. District Court Northern District of California.

Public Comment will be received on all three meeting agenda items before the Council adjourns into Closed Session. That meeting will be followed by a Special Meeting at 5:30 p.m. to appoint a new City Clerk and the Council’s regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. The meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. They can also be viewed via livestream on the City’s website and the City’s YouTube Channel, on Comcast Cable Channel 24 or AT&T U-verse Channel 99.

Free event!

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

Antioch, it’s time to gear up for the brightest and the loudest day of the year!

Thursday, September 18th from 4PM to 8PM, the Antioch Recreation Department will host its sixth annual Big Truck Day– a day that gives families and kids of all ages an opportunity to learn more about local companies and the large vehicles they use to keep our community safe and green. Enjoy food truck options brought to you by Foodie Crew, while you see, touch and explore school buses, tractors, fire engines and many more vehicles that help our city function. Learn more about how to get involved with Big Truck Day when you visit antiochca.gov/big-truck-day.

Sixth Annual Big Truck Day, Thursday, September 18, 2025, 4:00PM-8:00PM at Prewett Family Park, 4703 Lone Tree Way, Antioch.

A special thank you to our event sponsors Republic Services, AT&T, Carbon Health and Antioch Charter Academy I. Learn how to become an event sponsor when you visit antiochca.gov/recreation/special-events.

Huevos Divorciados available at Monica’s Riverview through September! With all your fave flavors!

According to mylatinatable.com, “Huevos divorciados are a traditional breakfast originating in central Mexico, which consists of two fried eggs (huevos estrellados or sunny side up eggs) on top of a fried tortilla, with one egg covered in a red sauce (salsa roja), and the other in a green sauce (salsa verde). To keep them separate (aka divorced), there is a column of refried beans with queso fresco and tortilla chips.”

Choose steak, shrimp, chicken, carnitas, or chorizo. Every plate gets the house sauce treatment of red and green sauce and topped with avocado.

Monica’s is located at 1 “I” (eye) Street on the pier in the heart of Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. See their entire menu at www.visitmonicas.com.

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Stomp, sip and unwind on the pier

Save the date and join us in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown Saturday, September 6, 2025, 5PM–9PM for line dancing, delicious food and excellent wine on the riverfront brought to you by:

The Pour Up Wine Bar, Monica’s Riverview, Country Kru Line Dancing and Antioch.Town.

We will have a combination of line dancing lessons, live walkthroughs and a request list.

This event is 18+.

Different ticket options available. So, please check out tickets now available on Eventbrite. See you sundown on the dance floor!

Located at 1 I Street #Unit C in Antioch on the pier.

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Tacos for Books – Order online or in the restaurant

PLEASE SHARE THIS EVENT WITH FAMILY and FRIENDS!!!

Friends of the Antioch Library CHIPOTLE FUNDRAISER.

Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 4:00pm-8:00pm

5401 Lone Tree Way, Suite 100,  Brentwood in the Lone Tree Plaza.

25% of even sales help support programs at the Antioch Libraries!

Order online using CODE 942BC9D.

Ordering in the restaurant? Just mention The FRIENDS OF THE ANTIOCH LIBRARY when placing your order

TACOS FOR BOOKS!!! But you can also order their burritos, salads and bowls.

For more information about Friends of the Antioch Library visit ccclib.org/ant-friends or follow them on Facebook.