Longest continuous, non-motorized coast-to-coast relay in world history begins July 1st in California

By Dave Whitson, Director, 250 Relay, American Discovery Trail Society

Starting next Wednesday, July 1st, the American Discovery Trail Society (ADTS) celebrates the outdoors and 250 years of our independence with the American Discovery 250 Relay— a 6,800-mile (11,000 km) journey along the entire American Discovery Trail from California to Delaware. This event will be the longest continuous, non-motorized relay in world history. Participants will carry specialized batons carrying a replica of the Declaration of Independence. (See related article)

The FIRST WEEK highlights are as follows:

Wednesday, July 1st: Relay begins at Point Reyes National Seashore at Limantour Beach. Members of the 1980-81 HikaNation event will be on hand to help start the relay. This event inspired the establishment of the American Discovery Trail, and details can be found in the attachment, below. The relay will start at 8:30 AM PT.

Saturday, July 4th: The Relay crosses the Golden Gate Bridge. A July 4th party hosted by Pier 39 takes place from 11AM to NOON.

Monday, July 6th UC Berkeley, CA to Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA. Start time: 8AM

Tuesday, July 7th: Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA to Antioch Community Park, CA. Start time: 8:30AM

• Tuesday, July 7th: City of Clayton Welcome. Noon to 1PM. Contact Chris Karney, chrisk@claytonca.gov or 925-943-2680.

Wednesday, July 8th: Antioch Community Park, CA to Sacramento – William Land Park, CA. Start time: 7:30AM

• Wednesday, July 8th: City of Oakley Welcome. Time TBA. Contact Troy Faulk, Faulk@ci.oakley.ca.us or 925-625-7038.
• Wednesday, July 8th: Yolo County Welcome. Noon to 1PM. Contact Terry Selk, terry@visityolo.com or 530-297-1900

MAP OF FIRST WEEK:

For a complete calendar, please visit: discoverytrail.org/adt-relay-calendar.

Interested participants or teams are asked to register for FREE at discoverytrail.org/america-250-relay.  Runners, cyclists, hikers, wheelchair users and horseback riders are all encouraged to take part. We also encourage interest from those who wish to help with logistics, welcoming events or sponsorships.

About the American Discovery Trail

The American Discovery Trail is the nation’s first non-motorized coast-to-coast trail. It runs for 6,800 miles through 15 states and Washington, D.C. The route incorporates numerous local, state, and national trails, with most of them designed for walking, hiking, and running and for bicycle and equestrian use. It connects scores of scenic and historic trails, backcountry roads, national parks and forests plus thousands of state and local properties of historic, cultural and natural significance. Users can experience their local environment, or the 23 ecosystems the trail passes through – deserts, mountains, forests, waterfronts, and plains. You can learn more about the ADT by visiting www.discoverytrail.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Marks commitment to community, innovation and fresh food with weeklong promotions

Centennial Shuffle Week: June 24–30; Donating $100K to Nor Cal nonprofits

Win prizes in the 100th Anniversary Celebration Promotion Sweepstakes

By Kent Streeb, Director of Public Affairs & Communications, Safeway Northern California Division

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway is proudly celebrating 100 years of serving Northern California communities, marking a milestone that began in 1926 and continues today. Through 262 stores spanning Northern California, Safeway acts as a community hub — a place where neighbors connect, families shop, and communities come together — just as it did a century ago.

“Safeway is woven into the fabric of neighborhoods, bringing generations of families together around the table to share in the joy of food,” said Kelly Mullin, President of Safeway’s Northern California Division. “We have evolved alongside the communities we serve while remaining grounded in our commitment to fresh, locally sourced produce, quality products, and the friendliest shopping experience. Reaching this 100-year milestone is a remarkable achievement attributable to the incredible loyalty of our customers.”

A lasting symbol of Safeway NorCal’s legacy is its oldest store still in continuous operation, located at 2020 Market Street in San Francisco. The store first opened its doors in 1954 and has served the community at its current site for 72 years, reflecting Safeway’s deep and enduring roots in Northern California’s neighborhoods.

Centennial Shuffle Week: June 24–30

To celebrate its 100th year, Safeway is kicking off the “Centennial Shuffle,” inviting customers in the region to experience a week of fun and interactive in-store activities. At 8am, 10am, noon, 4pm and 6pm daily, when prompted, shoppers can find and line up at a Centennial Shuffle logo and number on store floors for a chance to win prizes ranging from grocery credits to giveaways, including two new SUVs! Additional activities include customer appreciation moments, tastings, discounts and surprises across stores.

100th Anniversary Celebration Promotion Sweepstakes

We’re celebrating 100 years in a special way! Shop, earn 4x Points & redeem Points for a chance to win in the 100 Year Sweepstakes. Redeem points for a chance to win one of two Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vehicles, a Monterey Bay Weekend Excursion for Two and one of 100 $500 Gift Cards.

Points that have been earned prior to the Promotion Period that began on April 29, 2026, will be eligible also. Points for Point Entries (defined below) must be redeemed by 11:59 PM MT on August 25, 2026.

Earn 1 Point for every $1 you spend on groceries. Earn 2 Points for every $1 you spend on gift cards. Earn 1 Point for every $1 you spend on qualifying pharmacy purchases.

See more, here. See Official Sweepstakes Rules.

$100K to Area Nonprofits

To mark 100 years of helping our communities fight hunger, the Safeway Foundation is donating $100,000 total — $25,000 each — to four of Northern California’s oldest hunger relief organizations: Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County (1972), F.I.S.H. of the Santa Rosa Area (1972), Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano (1975), and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (1976).

Safeway Firsts and Innovation

Since 1926, Safeway has pioneered innovations that have improved the shopping experience and helped shape the grocery industry:

• 1926: Merger of Skaggs United and Sam Seelig Stores leads Skaggs outlets in Northern California to operate under the Safeway banner
• 1926: Safeway name derives from stores only accepting cash, instead of credit, as the “safe way” to shop with fiscal prudence
• 1929: Launches Lucerne, one of the industry’s earliest private-label brands
• 1940: Begins sourcing produce directly from local growers to deliver fresher products faster
• 1940: Introduces parking lots at stores, one of the first grocers to do so.
• 1950s: Pioneers the modern checkstand, improving convenience and efficiency
• 1971: Introduces nutrition labeling ahead of federal requirements
• 2001: Launches home delivery, paving the way for today’s online shopping

Safeway Across Northern California & Northern Nevada 

Safeway proudly serves communities at locations in the following counties:

Contra Costa, 28, Alameda, 33, Amador, 1, Butte, 4, Churchill, 1, Del Norte, 1, El Dorado, 8, Fresno, 4, Humboldt, 4, Lake, 2, Lassen, 1, Madera, 1, Marin, 9, Mendocino, 3, Mineral, 1, Monterey, 9, Napa, 3, Nevada County, CA, 3, Northern Nevada, 9, Pershing, 1, Placer, 12, Plumas, 1, Sacramento, 17, San Benito, 1, San Francisco, 15 (including longest continuously operating store at 2020 Market Street), San Joaquin, 7, San Mateo, 20, Santa Clara, 39, Santa Cruz, 7, Shasta, 4, Solano, 7, Sonoma, 15, Stanislaus, 2, Tehama, 1, Tuolumne, 1, Yolo, 2.

About Safeway

Safeway is one of the most well-recognized grocery retail brands with a long-standing reputation for quality and service, proudly serving Northern California since 1926. Today, the company operates over 285 stores across Northern California, Nevada, and Hawaii, under four banners, including Andronico’s, Safeway, Pak N’ Save, and Vons. In 2025, the

Safeway Northern California Division donated more than $55 million in food and financial support to charitable organizations in the communities it serves. Safeway Northern California is a division of Albertsons Companies.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

With parade, live music, Kids Zone, dunk tank fundraiser, food and fireworks show over the river!

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

Join the City of Antioch for a festive day of community pride and patriotic fun in celebrating America’s 250th Independence Day in our historic, downtown Rivertown Saturday, July 4th. Visit Waldie Plaza to experience live entertainment and enjoy food from local restaurants, vendors and trucks. Have an exciting time with friends and family in the Kids Zone located at City Hall, before picking your spot to see the big, unforgettable fireworks show over the river to cap off the celebration!

Schedule of Events 

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM     Parade

4:00 PM – 9:00 PM     Kids Zone

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM     Live Entertainment | Farenhyte 5150

5:00 PM – 9:00 PM     Kids Zone Stage | DJ Melly Mel

                  7:00 PM     Announcement of Parade Winners 

7:30 PM – 9:15 PM     Live Entertainment | Kalimba

9:20 PM – 9:40 PM     Fireworks Show 

* Times subject to change

Sign Up to Take the Plunge!

Dunk Tank Fundraiser Information

What better way to celebrate Independence Day than by making a splash and raising funds for a fantastic cause? By participating in our Dunk Tank event, you’ll not only have a blast but also contribute to providing scholarships for youth and adults to participate in recreational activities they might not otherwise have access to.

Not interested in sitting in the tank? Get involved by donating to the cause! As you attend our Fourth of July Celebration, stop by the Kids Zone to take your turn trying to sink the sitter! Cheer on our throwers and our volunteers as we raise money to continue to provide recreational opportunities for residents, young and young at heart! The deadline to sign up to take the plunge is Friday, June 26th.

Parade Entry Registration

Ready to show off your red, white, and blue spirit? Parade registrations for Antioch’s 4th of July Celebration are now open! Don’t miss out—register today and be part of one of Antioch’s favorite traditions!

Whether you’re young or young at heart, a solo walker or part of a group, this parade is for everyone. From classic cars and colorful floats to decorated bicycles and festive performances, let your creativity shine as we come together as a community to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!

Parade Route

The parade will begin at the intersection of W 2nd St. and E St. Antioch, CA at 4 pm. The Judge’s Station will be located at the center of Waldie Plaza. A second parade performance stop will be on W 3rd St. next to City Hall. We will finish the parade on W 3rd St. at the corner of D St.

Celebration Site

The main celebration site will take place in Waldie Plaza and the parking lot of City Hall, encompassing W 2nd St. to W 3rd St. and G St. to I St. There are many occurrences within the celebration site, including a live entertainment stage, local restaurants, food trucks, vendors, Kids Zone, DJ stage, and much more.

For parade registration and event details, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit: www.antiochca.gov/221/Fourth-of-July-Celebration.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Museum, Sports Legends Hall of Fame closed to public beginning today, June 18, 2026

By Carla Baker Marymee, Media Relations, Antioch Historical Museum

ANTIOCH, CA — June 17, 2026 — The Antioch Historical Museum, located at 1500 W. 4th Street, is temporarily closing to the public as the building’s exterior receives much-needed refurbishment and internal operations are modernized. The closure begins June 18, 2026. Work starts June 22 through July 31. Due to insurance liability issues, the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame, housed within the museum, will also be closed.

The temporary closure supports the first phase of the museum’s newly adopted 5‑Year Strategic Plan, which aims to elevate, protect, and reimagine Antioch’s cultural legacy. This initial phase focuses on foundational work, including a full assessment of the historic 1910 Riverview High School building, establishing a modernized organizational structure, and launching the search for the museum’s first Executive Director.

“After several meetings with the Transition Team and our officers, it became clear that we needed this temporary closure to focus our time and energy on making external improvements to the building and modernizing internal operations,” said Theresa Court, President of the Antioch Historical Museum.

As part of the building assessment, Craig Andrews, Manager of the City of Antioch Building Services Division, conducted a full inspection. “We were delighted to learn that the building is solid and sound,” said Tom Hartrick, Transition Team member and owner of Infinity Painting.

Exterior improvements will be completed by Redwood Painting Company, a leading industrial and commercial coatings contractor led by George Del Monte. Work will include a light power wash, inspection and replacement of aging window frames, refurbishment of the museum’s two front entrance doors, fresh white paint on all previously painted surfaces, and removal of damaged wood and the catwalk above the ADA access door.

In addition to physical upgrades, the museum is undertaking a comprehensive review of its internal operations, financial systems, computer infrastructure, and all communications vehicles, including the website, social media, and digital communication to the members.

Transition Team members Donna McGee, Site Director at Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center, and Mike Green, Vice Principal at Deer Valley High School, are leading the recruitment effort to find a future Executive Director.

“Implementing the new Strategic Plan is a process and in motion. The changes will take time, but everything we’re doing is to make the museum thrive and preserve the region’s heritage for future generations,” Court said.

The Antioch Historical Museum is housed in the historic 1910 Riverview High School, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is also home to the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame. For more information, contact Carla Baker Marymee, Antioch Historical Society Museum Public Relations Strategist, at (925) 775‑8764. Visit the museum on Facebook at facebook.com/antiochhistoricalmuseum or online at antiochhistoricalmuseum.org.

By City of Antioch Parks and Recreation Department

Juneteenth is not only a time for joy, but it is a time for reflection, giving back and sharing community resources.

The City of Antioch Parks and Recreation Department is proud to host Team Jesus who will be accepting donations of dry food, toys and school supplies during this year’s festivities.

Those who donate goods or monetary donations will receive a raffle ticket for a prize drawing at the Antioch Juneteenth Celebration!

FRIDAY JUNE 19th, 2026

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Williamson Ranch Park, Antioch

FREE

For more information visit antiochca.gov/218/Juneteenth-Celebration.

For more information on Team Jesus Outreach Ministries visit www.teamjesusoutreach.org.

This year’s theme: Strengthening Our Village

By Clarissa Wilson, 4 Ever Me Foundation

Calling all youth and young adults, join us for our Annual “Let Freedom Roll” Juneteenth Celebration as we Strengthen Our Village! We have a late morning-early afternoon of fun, excitement and educational moment celebrating FREEDOM, so grab your skates or rent them from Paradise Skate Roller Rink in addition to some field games and activities. Scan the QR code and we look forward to seeing you on Friday, June 19th as we let FREEDOM ROLL!!

Presented by 4 Ever Me Foundation. For more information visit www.facebook.com/4evermefoundation or email 4evermefoundation@gmail.com.

Fourth Annual event features live performances, music, food, activities for kids and adults, and more!

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

Celebrate this Juneteenth with the City of Antioch! This free annual city-sponsored Juneteenth Celebration is where we come together as a city to honor freedom, culture and community. Join us Friday, June 19th for a day of reflection that showcases the richness of African American heritage as we embrace the vibrancy and resiliency of Black culture. This event features live performances, music, food, activities for kids and adults, and so much more!

What Is Juneteenth?

Short for June Nineteenth, Juneteenth is a holiday celebrating the 1865 emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States – marking the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state and ensure the freedom of all remaining enslaved people. Texas became the first U.S. state to celebrate Juneteenth in 1979. Officially becoming a U.S. federal holiday in June of 2021, the City of Antioch is proud to present our fourth annual Juneteenth Celebration.

Entertainment

The Antioch Juneteenth Celebration music line up is here!

DURTI RYCE Featuring DERON will light up the stage with a tribute to the one and only Frankie Beverly, an icon of soul and R&B!

Oh, we’re not done. We are also excited to welcome powerhouse songstress, MONIQUE RENEE who will grace the stage with a tribute to Lady T, Teena Marie!

Two acts, two unforgettable icons to be honored, one incredible night. Join us for food, games, fun, and memories at this year’s Antioch Juneteenth Celebration.

We’ll see you there!

FRIDAY, JUNE 19th, 2026

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Williamson Ranch Park, Antioch, CA

For more information visit Juneteenth Celebration | Antioch, CA.

Longest continuous, non-motorized relay in world history will have stops in Walnut Creek, Antioch July 6-8

Interested individuals or teams can participate

By Dave Whitson, ADT 250 Relay Director, American Discovery Trail Society

FRONT ROYAL, VA – In 2026, the American Discovery Trail Society (ADTS) celebrates the outdoors and 250 years of our independence with the American Discovery 250 Relay— a 6,800-mile (11,000 km) journey along the entire American Discovery Trail from California to Delaware, traversing through hundreds of cities, towns, villages and hamlets, starting in July and ending around Thanksgiving. This event will be the longest continuous, non-motorized relay in world history. The ADTS invites all to join in the celebration by participating for a day or more in a relay, attending one of over 100 local events, or sharing your story of personal growth and adventure. Together, we commemorate America’s past and unify our country.

Specialized Batons

Participants will carry a specialized baton displaying the header and carrying a copy of the Declaration of Independence. There will be three batons to choose from – each engraved with the three founding principles in the document: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. There will be three different colors assigned to each baton as well – red, gold and blue.

We have provided an informational webinar presenting an overview of the event which you can link to HERE. 

Interested participants or teams are asked to register for free at discoverytrail.org/america-250-relay.  Runners, cyclists, hikers, wheelchair users and horseback riders are all encouraged to take part. We also encourage interest from those who wish to help with logistics, welcoming events or sponsorships. 

The ADTS is making the turn-by-turn route instructions and GPS tracks free to the public during the 2026 year as part of the celebrations thanks to a generous donation from Indiana Trails. 

DATES HAVE BEEN SET! 

California dates are from July 1st-15th with stops in Walnut Creek and Antioch on July 6th and 7th, leaving on the 8th. The California segment will begin at Limantour Beach in Marin County where we’ll gather for the American Discovery 250 Relay kick-off, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and end with a final leg from Tahoe City on the Tahoe Rim Trail into Nevada on July 15th.

Contra Costa County Segments

• Monday 07/06/2026 — UC Berkeley, CA at 8:00 a.m. run and walk to Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA — 28.3 miles We’ll meet on the corner of Bancroft and College Ave, right on the edge of the UC Berkeley campus. The Telegraph Channing Garage is a nearby parking option. Estimated arrival time: 5pm
• Tuesday 07/07/2026 — Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA at 8:30 a.m. run and walk to Antioch Community Park, CA — 36.6 miles The day begins with a special event–a breakfast hosted by the City of Walnut Creek, in collaboration with Save Mount Diablo. Free food! (We’re going to need it.) We’ll aim to hit the road around 9am. Lunch-time gathering in Clayton, hosted by the City of Clayton. Details to follow. Estimated arrival time: 7pm.
• Wednesday 07/08/2026 — Antioch Community Park, CA at 8:30 a.m. bike to Sacramento – William Land Park, CA — 69.4 miles We depart from Antioch / Worth Shaw Community Park. The City of Oakley will offer a refreshment stop for participants at Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline around 9:30am. A support vehicle will be accessible in Oakley (7.5 miles), Isleton (30 miles), Locke (39.6 miles), and Clarksburg (55 miles), and also on-call for road-side support. Water will be available in the vehicle to top off bottles, and it will also be possible for participants to have some of their own supplies transported. Estimated arrival time: 4pm.

The entire relay calendar is now available to review here: discoverytrail.org/adt-relay-calendar.

Many Sections of the Trail are Multi-Modal and ADA Accessible

On many days we can have hikers, runners, bicyclers, and others. Thus, a 70-mile “bike” day will certainly include bicyclists who go the full distance, but there also can be people who meet up at the starting point in the morning and walk for a mile or more, or there may be walkers who gather at sites where the bikers stop for lunch or at the end of the day. Also some days listed as “hike” can include families or others who wish to ride their bikes.

There are some days when certain modes are not practical or allowed, such as no bicycles in wilderness areas. Thus, the sign-up form asks the date, the mode of transit, and the desired starting and ending points. Note that the relay will split in Denver, so in September and October we are running two relays at the same time, one through the south-central region and through the north-central region. We unite in late October in Cincinnati.

About the American Discovery Trail

The American Discovery Trail is the nation’s first non-motorized coast-to-coast trail established in the USA in 1990. Since then, hundreds have taken the challenge to walk, bike, wheelchair or horseback the entire trail (or sections thereof) with life-changing results.

It runs for 6,800 miles through 15 states and Washington, D.C. The route incorporates numerous local, state and national trails, with most of them designed for walking, hiking, and running and for bicycle and equestrian use. It connects scores of scenic and historic trails, backcountry roads, national parks and forests plus thousands of state and local properties of historic, cultural and natural significance. Users can experience their local environment, or the 23 ecosystems the trail passes through – deserts, mountains, forests, waterfronts, and plains. You can learn more about the ADT by visiting www.discoverytrail.org. 

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.