The Boys and Girls of Scouts of America Troop 153 are doing Christmas tree pick up as part of our summer camp fundraiser.
Do you need your Christmas tree picked up? Have the Scouts do it.
We are asking for a donation of $30 for unflocked trees and $40 for flocked trees. These are suggested donations, please feel free to adjust if needed. This is a fundraiser for the scouts.
Pick up dates:
Dec 27 & 28, 2025.
January 3 & 4, 2026
January 10, 2026.
January 11, 2026. Last day.
To schedule your pick-up and for more information please use this link:
https://pickup.antiochtroop153.org/
Please use the link, it improves our services and help our parents and Scouts doing the tree pick up. Even if you email us, please fill out the link.
Please have your tree on the curb by 9 A.M. Our parents and Scouts will be picking up trees all day and might not pick up your tree until
later in the day. If you have issues, please email us, we will follow
up shortly. Use the email below.
We are all volunteers and have limited resources. No direct messages,
no text messages, we have multiple parents monitoring this email
account.
Please only email once, we may not respond to your email until later in the day.
Payment, please use Zelle and look for: Boys Scouts of America Troop 153. Use FULL name (no abbreviations). Zelle makes it easier. Email
If you’re unable to use Zelle, checks are appreciated made out to: BSA Troop 153. Checks can be left under your doormat on the day of pick up or mailed to: Troop 153, 3377 Deer Valley Rd, #329, Antioch CA 94531.
By Jaime Coffee Director of Communications Office of Media Relations, California Highway Patrol
SACRAMENTO — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) encourages the public to “brake” the habit of speeding this holiday season. The CHP will launch a Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24, and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, December 25.
During last year’s 30-hour holiday enforcement effort for Christmas, CHP officers arrested over 300 impaired drivers in just 30 hours, issued 2,251 speeding tickets – including 132 to motorists going over 100 mph. Tragically, during that same time period, at least 17 people lost their lives in crashes across the state.
Tragically, during that same time period, at least 17 people lost their lives in crashes across the state.
Every celebration starts with a smart choice. Always designate a sober driver before the festivities begin. If you plan to drink, plan your ride—use a rideshare, public transportation or call a trusted friend. Make this holiday season unforgettable for all the right reasons.
“Every instance of speeding or reckless driving carries the potential for life-changing consequences. Our officers see the destruction these choices can cause, and we urge every driver to slow down, stay alert, and make decisions that protect themselves and others. No destination is worth risking a life.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee
Removing dangerous drivers from California’s roads remains a top priority for the CHP. To support this goal, the CHP and the Department of Motor Vehicles recently launched Forwarded Actions for Speeding Tickets, or FAST, a pilot program that speeds up the process of removing drivers who exceed 100 mph from the roads. FAST automatically sends these citations to the DMV’s Driver Safety Branch, which can suspend or revoke a license. The CHP has also deployed 100 low-profile, specially marked patrol vehicles that have issued nearly 33,000 speed-related citations since May.
These steps, along with the upcoming Christmas HEP, send a clear message to drivers: slow down or face being stopped. Every decision behind the wheel matters, and obeying the speed limit can make the difference between arriving safely or not at all.
Additionally, winter weather can present significant challenges for motorists, particularly as storms impact roadways across the state. Rain, snow, and debris can quickly change driving conditions, reducing visibility and traction and increasing the risk of collisions.
To help everyone get home safely for the holidays, the CHP urges drivers to slow down, allow extra following distance, and remain alert for hazards such as standing water, rockslides, mud, or icy pavement.
Before traveling, check the weather and road conditions, ensure vehicles are properly equipped, and adjust driving behavior accordingly. Patience and preparedness are critical, as arriving safely is always more important than arriving on time.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service,and Security.
The SF Bay Area KYDS Club of Kiwanis is doing free gift wrapping until Dec. 24 at the Somersville Towne Center in Antioch. Donations accepted to help the Key Clubbers attend their yearly District Educational Convention in April. Look for the Holiday Gift Wrap sign near the security desk on the east end of the mall.
In partnership with Showers of Blessings Prayer and Outreach Ministries
By Allen D. Payton
Najee Harris, L.A. Chargers running back. Photo source: Da Bigger Picture Foundation
Join NFL football running back and Antioch High School standout, Najee Harris on Saturday, Dec. 20 for Da Bigger Picture Foundation’s Christmas Toy Drive in partnership with Showers of Blessings Prayer and Outreach Ministries.
“Come join us this holiday as we will be partnering up and passing out toys,” Harris said. “Limited toys so come early.”
In college, Najee played for the national champions Alabama Crimson Tide then was drafted by and played for the Pittsburg Steelers in the NFL. He is currently a running back for the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year contract but has been out for the season since September due to a torn Achilles.
About Da Bigger Picture Foundation
Formed in 2021, according to greaterthanthegame.org, Da Bigger Picture Foundation is “a non-profit that focuses on assisting underserved families in reaching their potential and goals. The foundation’s hope is to provide tools and assistance to families facing challenging times. Some of the key areas of focus will be education, homelessness, addressing hunger, and utilizing sports as a platform to develop life skills.”
About Showers of Blessings Prayer and Outreach Ministries
We are an outreach ministry that feeds those in need. We give out free groceries on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Learn more at www.facebook.com/thereshallbeshowers.
Students participated in the 1-mile and 3-mile runs and race with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. All photos courtesy of Antioch Unified School District unless noted.
By Allen D. Payton
According to the Antioch Unified School District, “despite chilly conditions, hundreds turned out for the 49th annual Holiday Run & Walk for Health.
“Founded by Tom Torlakson, former State Superintendent of Schools, the event was held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Contra Loma with many of our students running the race, including several high school cross country runners.
“Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch and the Rotary Club of the Delta, proceeds benefit our schools and community.”
Race Director Mike Green shared the following results of two races:
Male 3-Mile Race Winners
Giancarlo Olmedo – 15 years old – 19:31.5
Jailen Johnson-Truitt – 18 – 20:09.3
Dennis Gavrilenko – 22 – 20:26.3
Female 3-Mile Race Winners
Valeria Espinoza – 20 – 19:43.0
Kylie Wisely – 17 – 21:27.8
Jaelyn Wilkins – 17 – 22:53.8
Santa (Joe Goralka) with runners from the Antioch Police Department. Photo by Tom McNell
Green offered “Special thanks to East Bay Regional Parks District / Contra Loma for helping us host this event. Thank you to the Race Directors from Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs of the Delta, and to our event sponsor, Dr. Ali Shirani.”
Tiffany Stewart performs during the 2025 Brentwood Christmas parade. Photo courtesy of Virtuous Voices
By Allen D. Payton
During the Brentwood Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 29, 2025, Tiffany Stewart, founder of Antioch-based Virtuous Voices Music Academy, was a featured singer, delighting audiences at one of the community’s most beloved holiday events.
“Coach Tea”, as she’s referred to, performed Jesus is the Reason.
Her performance highlighted the growth of Virtuous Voices, a music program serving diverse students locally and nationwide through online and in-person voice training, group classes and the academy’s signature, Sing Theory program.
“Sharing my voice at the parade is a celebration of what music brings to our communities,” said Stewart. “I hope young singers feel inspired to step into their own musical journey.”
For more information about Coach Tea and Virtuous Voices Music Academy visit www.virtuousvoices.com or see their ad on the right side of this page.
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and the United Professional Firefighters Association of Contra Costa County Local 1230 are partnering to collect new, unwrapped toys for children in our communities!
Celebrate the season with Santa at one of his four stops across the county! Donate a toy, enjoy cookies and cocoa, and meet your local firefighters!
Fire Station 10- 2955 Treat Blvd., Concord Friday, December 19, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Fire Station 82- 196 Bluerock Drive, Antioch Saturday, December 20, 10:00 AM – Noon
Fire Station 92- 201 John Muir Parkway, Brentwood Saturday, December 20, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Fire Station 76- 1680 Refugio Valley Road, Hercules Sunday, December 21, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
For more information about Con Fire visit www.cccfpd.org.
Groups of ladies participated together in the Christmas House Tour and enjoyed the homes at 309 W. 4th Street (left) and 1001 A Street (right) on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Participants enjoy decorations, a taste of hors d’oeuvres, desserts and local history
By Allen D. Payton
This year’s Christmas House Tour fundraiser by the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch with the theme “Victorian Christmas” was a success. The tour, held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, included six homes and three businesses, plus the clubhouse, all decorated for the season and offered participants a taste of hors d’oeuvres, desserts and local history.
Club members volunteered inside the decorated Clubhouse, while members and tour participants enjoyed cookies, fellowship and photos with Santa. Photos by Allen D. Payton
The Clubhouse
Participants on the tour began at the Woman’s Club of Antioch Clubhouse, located at 509 G Street across from the Antioch Unified School District Offices. Members and tour participants enjoyed cookies and photos with Santa.
The Antioch Disney House was featured on The Great Christmas Light Fight Dec. 11, 2025. Photo by K. Vistalli
Homes on the Tour
The homes included Antioch’s, now, nationally famous Disney House, owned by Gary and Kristen Vistalli, which was recently featured on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” last week. It’s located at 3732 Colonial Court and the display of 40,000 lights and 80 home-made cutouts can be seen through January 1st.
For 25 years now, the Vistalli family has decorated their home for the holidays with a special Disney theme. Gary stated, “It just sort of evolved and every year I add something to it. Every year a few more lights go up, or a new character shows up.” Why Disney? The family says it’s their passion. Gary shared, “I fell in love with it as a kid,” and “I knew that when I got my own house that someday I would start sharing my love for Disney.”
Photos by Woman’s Club of Antioch
The “tourists” also enjoyed the home of Duane and Nancy Savioni at 3335 Fraser Road. Built in 1977, this lovely home is nestled in a homey Contra Loma neighborhood. The spirit of Christmas is enjoyed by this family each year. “It’s the most wonderful time of year.” They take pleasure in their fairly large Santa collection. Even their dog Gus gets in on the action as you can see in the photo.
Photo by Woman’s Club of Antioch
The home owned by Mark and Terri Hamilton at 2872 Dandelion Circle was third on the tour. Built in 1982, this cozy home has been filled with love, laughter and Christmas spirit since the beginning, they are proud to be the original owners. Each room is decorated with treasured holiday pieces, many of which carry special memories of adventure, family, and travel!
They offered a festive Santa scavenger hunt, supporting the local Antioch Animal Shelter, while adding a little extra fun to each participant’s visit.
922 Orchard Lane. Photo by Woman’s Club of Antioch
The fourth home on the tour, owned by David and Mary Jean Brink at 922 Orchard Lane, was built in 1952 by Clarence Brink, David’s dad. It was built with redwood he bought from the Antioch Lumber Company in downtown Antioch, now known as Rivertown. Clarence built five houses around town. The first house he built was in 1940. He worked on the houses on weekends as he held a full-time job at Dow Chemical. This house was the fifth and last house he built. The home was built mostly by hand using only one electrical tool. David and Mary Jean have lived in the home for the last 25 years.
922 Orchard Lane. Photo by Woman’s Club of Antioch
David took up after his dad being handy building things. In 1975, fifty years ago, he designed and made four wooden Peanuts characters. Mary Jean and her girls painted them. They will be decorating the lawn Christmas.
1001 A Street. Photos by Allen D. Payton
The home of Lisa Perry at 1001 A Street, on the corner of Beede Way, was the fifth on the tour. It was built in 1938 and custom designed for John and Lucille Sutton. John was the brother of Marion Sutton Beede and Antioch’s City Attorney at the time. Sadly, John served in WWII as an Army Sergeant and was killed in action.
1001 A Street. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Lisa has tried to keep the vintage charm of the home, while adding her own style and love of cottage chic. She has lived in the home since 1998, was a single parent for 22+ years raising her two daughters, who are now grown and live on their own. The home has been truly lived in, hosting many children’s birthdays, holiday parties, and family gatherings over the years. Lisa loves entertaining and decorating for all the holidays, especially Christmas, crafting many of her own decorations. She hopes that the love she has put into her home will be felt when visiting her residence.
309 West 4th Street. Photo by Allen D. Payton
The sixth and final home on the tour, owned by Susan Welch, is located at 309 West 4th Street in Antioch’s historic Rivertown District. The Craftsman bungalow, built in 1919, is a 1,650 square-foot home with three bedrooms, one bath and a very large basement that extends under the front porch. The basement has cement walls and floors with nine-foot ceilings. The first homeowners 106 years ago were Lawrence Kinnear and Edith Lutz. Lawrence was the owner of the Kinnear Drug Co., opened in 1920 and located at 618 2nd Street. Lawrence, born in Ohio, met Edith from Antioch while working in San Francisco as a pharmacist.
309 West 4th Street. Photos by Allen D. Payton
In 1960, forty years later, they sold the house to Charles and Ruth Rodrigues. Lawrence Kinnear used a room in the basement to develop film, probably for his drug store. The Rodrigues family used the basement as bedrooms for their four sons. The kitchen and bathroom were remodeled in a 1950’s style, the remainder of the house was original but buried under shag carpet. In addition, all the natural wood trim was painted. Susan removed almost everything in the kitchen and bath and rebuilt them using the craftsman style minus the clawfoot tub, which is original. The two doorways in the back of the dining room were widened, and I kept the original craftsman style. An interesting feature of the detached garage is a 2’x8’ foot rectangular hole in the center of the cement floor, possibly used for working on cars. The whole is now covered with planks.
Prime Vintage Realty in the former Antioch Lumber Company building at 340 W. 2nd Street. Photo by Allen D. Payton
Rivertown Businesses on the Tour
The first business on the tour was the former Antioch Lumber Company building, now occupied by Prime Vintage Realty owned by brokers Rodney and Ursula Lal, who improved the building after purchasing it several years ago. Located at 340 West 2nd Street on the corner of E Street, the Lals maintain their business in a piece of local history in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.
Prime Vintage Realty. Photos by Allen D. Payton
In 2015 the Antioch Chamber of Commerce honored Rodney and Ursula with the Community Champion Award. Rodney stated then, “The reason I got into real estate was to buy buildings and improve them.”
“It’s unique. It’s built with tender loving care. It’s just so beautiful. You haven’t seen the best, yet,” he shared. “Our city will prosper. You will see this building prosper. You will see people drive by here. The river has so much to offer. My goal is to beautify this city. I just love it.”
Willow Park Mercantile at 205 G Street. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Willow Park Mercantile, owned by Michael Gabrielson and Brandon Deshawn, was the second business on the tour. Located at 205 G Street on the corner of West 2nd Street in Rivertown, the store was created in 2015, and they recently celebrated the store’s 10-year anniversary. It’s an enchanting shopping destination where the store is beautifully arranged. Their eclectic and ever-changing inventory boasts a wide variety of treasures new and old. They feature over 20 vendors who showcase their eye-catching and wide array of furniture, home decor, gifts, handmade, vintage and antique items.
Owners Brandon Deshawn and Michael Gabrielson. Photo courtesy of Woman’s Club of Antioch
The store is a real treat during the holiday season as they have an amazing selection of holiday ornaments and décor. This is also a wonderful place to purchase gifts for your loved ones. Stop by and immerse yourself in their beautiful displays and get into the Christmas Spirit.
Rivertown Treasure Chest is located at 306 G Street. Photos source: Facebook
The final business and stop on the tour was Rivertown Treasure Chest at 306 G Street. Owners Debbie Blaisure and Toni Lincks received the 2022 Small Business of the Year Award from the Antioch Chamber of Commerce. They were recognized for operating a successful business, but also contributing to local organizations serving students, stray animals, special needs children and the elderly. The Chamber noted, “Debbie and Toni… are true ambassadors of the city of Antioch.” Recently they helped found the Downtown Antioch Association (DAA), hosted the meeting and Christmas mixer on Tuesday, December 16th.
Owners Debbie Blaisure and Toni Lincks. Photo courtesy of Woman’s Club of Antioch
Rivertown Treasure Chest has something for all ages. Amazing vendors, offer collectible comic books, pop culture items, vinyl records, CDS, vintage/new clothing, accessories, jewelry, housewares, CBD items, furniture, retro/new toys and much more. They are also an exclusive Dixie Belle Paint dealer.
If you’re looking for that “special” item, you can find it at their store. The eclectic inventory is ever changing. A large variety of one-of-a-kind pieces are offered, including some hand-made by Toni. They have a “Wish Book” you may write your wished-for item(s) down and they will do their best to find what you are searching for.
About the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch
PLEDGE (Mission)
“To improve and beautify the town, to do any business which shall promote the educational, industrial, benevolent, social or political welfare of its members or the community at large.”
The GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch has been an active participant in both shaping and improving our community for over 120 years. The founding members set an example for us to use our strengths and influence as women to promote the welfare of our community and its citizens. We are called to do no less. Collaborating with our fellow members throughout the world, we are enhancing our lives not only in Antioch, but statewide, nationally, and even internationally. We promote good work, altruism, and friendship. The projects we undertake help build a better future for us all. We are resilient and determined. Working together we can and will make a difference.
Our emphasis has been on making a difference in our public schools with both students and educators. We founded an emergency food closet for an Antioch elementary school and donated over 2,500+ items in 2025. With the support of the community, we donated $5,000 to Antioch High School’s students for scholarships for 2025. We will continue our many and current projects and begin others to support our local schools. There will be something for everyone to participate in! Small or large, our individual contributions of time and talents, added together, is what makes a difference. I am excited to see what we will accomplish, to continue the strong tradition of service that has been the pledge of the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch down through the years.
