Honoring the brave men and women who gave everything for our freedom. Join us this Memorial Day as the Delta Veterans Group and the City of Antioch come together to remember, reflect and honor our fallen heroes.
According to MemorialDay2026.com, “Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring and mourning military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It’s a day of remembrance, reflection and gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice made by service members throughout American history.
“Memorial Day traces its roots to the years following the Civil War, when communities across America began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. Originally called ‘Decoration Day,’ the observance was first widely celebrated on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
“After World War I, Memorial Day evolved from honoring just Civil War casualties to commemorating American military personnel who died in all wars. In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, officially declaring Memorial Day a federal holiday and moving its observance to the last Monday in May.”
Photos & artwork: City of Antioch Recreation Dept.
By City of Antioch Recreation Department
In an effort to Keep Antioch Beautiful and to celebrate Arbor Day we hosted an event to plant nearly 30 trees around Prewett Family Park and in the Antioch Community Center’s parking lot!
First celebrated in the U.S. in 1872, Arbor Day is a national holiday in which encourages public attention to the importance of trees in our ecosystem. Planting, relocating and even climbing trees are encouraged, along with learning more about the myriad of ways trees function in our environment and help us all to exist. Learn more about Arbor Day from the Farmer’s Almanac and Arbor Day Foundation.
Thank you to everyone involved:
Students from Holy Rosary School
Antioch Public Works
Antioch Police Department
Antioch Public Safety
City Council Members Don Freitas and Monica Wilson
The strides our community makes to Keep Antioch Beautiful are ongoing!
And takes the involvement of our entire community.
If you are interested in any upcoming volunteer events, please visit our website: antiochca.gov/recreation
Plus, this year’s National Night Out and Sister City activities; but no mention of Holiday Delites Celebration
By Allen D. Payton
During their special meeting budget workshop on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Antioch City Council directed staff to keep funding for four community events and activities. They include this year’s Juneteenth celebration, the July 4th celebration on the nation’s 250th Independence Day and the National Night Out event. Also, the council protected funding for this year’s Sister City activities with Chichibu, Japan.
While reviewing a list of Deficit Reduction Proposals from city staff, Council postponed decisions for several of the items asking for more information from staff, first. Those are expected at a Budget Session before next Tuesday’s regular Council meeting.
Council’s decisions on the Deficit Reduction Proposals for FY 2026-27 budget. Source: City of Antioch
“Since we’re hosting, this year, I’ll say ‘no’,” Mayor Pro Tem and District 3 Councilman Don Freitas said to the recommendation to “Pause Sister City Activities.” The other three council members and Mayor Ron Bernal agreed.
Following are the costs to the City’s General Fund budget for the four items:
Juneteenth – $54,606, which includes vendors, supplies and police staffing;
July 4th – $157,586, which includes fireworks, vendors, supplies and police staffing;
National Night Out – $3,842 for police overtime; and
Sister City activities – $15,000
City Finance Director Dawn Merchant asked the council members to confirm they were agreeing to only fund the three events, plus, Sister City activities, they each responded, “Yes.”
However, none of the council members or staff mentioned the annual Holiday Delites Celebration in December which wasn’t on the list for cutting. A question asking about funding for that event was sent to council members and staff.
UPDATE: Later, Bernal responded, “Forgot about that one. I’m sure we can add it when we do our next study session.”
Get ready for a fun-filled Mother’s Day weekend with live music, delicious dinner, dancing with great company at the Bay Area’s premier location for Soul, Style and Celebration!
Join us for The Wright Social Spot’s 6th Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Dinner Show with Live Music and Dancing, Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Join us for a night of great music and delicious food at our cozy venue. Get ready to groove to live tunes and enjoy a scrumptious dinner with your loved ones.
Dinner served 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM followed by the Show and Dancing.
This in-person event will be held at The Wright Social Spot. So, mark your calendars, get your tickets and come on down for a fantastic time. Don’t miss out on this special occasion celebrating all mothers!
Tickets are $75 per person plus, fee and available at www. Eventbrite.com/e/1983484799429. Location provided upon purchase. For more information about The Wright Social Spot and Wright’s Catering visit their Facebook page or Instagram at TheRightSocialSpot.
