This Thursday, December 11, 2025, you are invited to join us for a Christmas Concert led by our High School Ministry! This will be a time of worshipping Christ and reflecting on the first Advent through Scripture reading, songs led by the High School worship team, and a brief Christmas message.
There will be s’mores and hot chocolate available too!
Santa arrived during the Holiday Delites Parade riding in the Antioch Historical Society’s old fire truck. Later, the Antioch and Deer Valley High School Marching Bands performed Christmas carols together in Waldie Plaza following the Christmas Tree lighting. All photos by Allen D. Payton
See photos and parade winners
By Allen D. Payton
The Antioch community joined together to begin the Christmas season with the annual Holiday Delites Celebration with the parade and Christmas Tree lighting in 46-degree weather in historic, downtown Rivertown on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. The event began with a Sip & Shop with local stores open and vendor booths on G Street.
Before the Christmas Tree Lighting in Waldie Plaza, City staff handed out gifts of STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – Kits to children while families took photos with Santa and the Grinch.
The countdown to the Christmas Tree Lighting was led by Mayor Ron Bernal who was joined by Mayor Pro Tem Louie Rocha, Councilwomen Monica Wilson and Tamisha Torres-Walker, City Clerk Michael Mandy and Parks and Recreation Director Shahad Wright.
Following the tree lighting, the Deer Valley Choir sang Christmas carols followed by the Antioch and Deer Valley High School Marching Bands who joined together to perform more Christmas carols.
Join local communities, friends and family take a step for health at the 49th Annual Holiday Run & Walk for Health – a memorial to Paul Schorr – at Contra Loma Regional Park, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.
Hosted by Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch and Rotary Club of the Delta (Antioch), this cherished community event that promotes fitness and well-being was founded 49 years ago by Tom Torlakson, former Antioch Councilman, County Supervisor, State Assemblyman, State Senator and California Superintendent of Public Instruction. The event honors the legacy of Paul Schorr, a dedicated race director who passionately supported local runners as well as local Kiwanis and Rotary members, who passed away on April 12, 2023.
2013 Holiday Run 3-mile race participants begin. Herald file photo
Participants of all ages are encouraged to lace up their shoes and enjoy a day of fun camaraderie and holiday spirit. Come be a part of this time-honored tradition.
Race Schedule:
7:30 AM – Registration Opens
9:00 AM – 1 Mile 9:35 AM – 5K Run/Walk
10:15 AM – Kid’s Dash with Santa
Holiday Run Course Map.
The event is located at Contra Loma Regional Park – 1200 Frederickson Lane, Antioch. As you enter the park, you will stop at a parking booth. Tell them you are here for the Kiwanis/Rotary Run and they will tell you were to park. The race will take place in the parking lot of the swimming lagoon.
Frank Ballesteros’ adaptation of ‘A Christmas Carol’ showcases local Antioch community theater talent
By Carla Baker Marymee
Ebenezer Scrooge played by Joe Ballesteros in the 2025 Humbug play in Antioch. Photo: The Mad Hatter Players
“Humbug,” a Bay Area tradition is returning for its 49th year. Joe Ballesteros is performing as the character of Ebenezer Scrooge in “Humbug,” as an injury prevents his father, Frank Ballesteros, from performing. “Humbug” is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella entitled, “A Christmas Carol.”
Presented at the Paulette Taylor Studio, located at 307 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown, show times are: Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Dec. 22 & Dec. 23 at 7 p.m.; and Christmas Eve at 11 a.m.
“Humbug” mirrors the traditional story of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol,’ similar to the 1954 classic movie and the 1980’s version played by George C. Scott. The production includes one spirit (Jacob Marley) and three ghosts that represent Scrooge’s past, present, and future, with each embodying a different theme.
However, there are a few minor modifications. While Frank Ballesteros’ adaptation of the classic Christmas Carol finds Scrooge understanding that true fulfillment comes from compassion, generosity, and human connection, he also accepts Christ in his heart.
“It’s the same message of Christmas, one of the most iconic and beloved Christmas stories of all time. The message is especially important today. Plays like ‘A Christmas Carol’ are central to many people’s holiday experience because it continues to embody the season’s spirit,” Joe Ballesteros said.
“This play evokes a sense of tradition. Many families in Antioch have made attending this holiday play a cherished annual tradition. The play brings a room of strangers together, providing a shared cultural touchstone, uniting families and communities through storytelling,” Jim Lanter, show producer said.
The actors portraying Bob Cratchit and family, including Tiny Tim (center front) in the 2025 Humbug play in Antioch. Photo: The Mad Hatter Players
Presented by the Madd Hatter Players, the actors include: Ebenezer Scrooge-Joe Ballesteros; Bob Cratchit-Curtis Moore; Anne Cratchit-Kelly Halvorson; Peter Cratchit-John Hilton; Belinda Cratchit-Vivienne Riley; Martha Cratchit-Tori Gregory; Elizabeth Cratchit- Avery Simmons; Edwina-Zoey Siino; Edward-John Hilton; Tiny Tim-Nello Siino; Frederick Holywell-Christien Green; Mrs. Cooper-Patti Blevins; The Collector-Suzanne Pamphile; Jacob Marley-Christian Nance; Ghost of Christmas Past-Jenna Riley; Ghost of Christmas Present-Adriana Arceo; Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come-Anthony Chaves; Belle-Jessica Miller Drum; Ebenezer-Jaime Aragon Jr.; Mr.Fezziwig-Robert Sisk; Mrs. Fezziwig-Deborah Misquez; Dick Williams-Elijah Enriquez; Young Ebenezer-Ruhaan Kumar; Fan- Marisa Misquez; Stern Man-David Calvo; Georgina–Olivia Dukes; Alice-Chole Coon; Jane-Paisley Greenlaw; Ignorance-Odin Slaughter; Want-Genevieve Slaughter.
The actors who portray the three Spirits and Jacob Marley (2nd from left) in the 2025 Humbug play in Antioch. Photo: The Mad Hatter Players
The play is sponsored by the Rotary Club of the Delta and Jim Lanter State Farm Insurance. The play is produced by Jim Lanter and directed by Joe Ballesteros, Curtis Moore, and Kelly Halvorson.
The doors will open 45 min. before show time. The audience is urged to arrive early as tickets will only be sold at the door: Adults $20, Seniors $15, and Children $8.
Parking is readily available at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, Antioch City Hall, and Pantell’s Music Box parking lot.
Gift Wrapping Event at Barnes & Noble Thursday, Dec. 4; plus, Warm Coat and CANTREE Food Drives and more
By Jody Drewery, President, Women’s Council of REALTORS®
Real Estate is not just about buying and selling homes — it’s about showing up for our community. I’m proud to be a part of the Delta Women’s Council of REALTORS® and the Delta Association of REALTORS® Community Foundation, where giving back is at the heart of what we do.
This season, we have several opportunities to make a difference — and you don’t have to be a REALTOR® to help.
First, join us this Thursday! Delta Women’s Council of REALTORS® will be at Barnes & Noble in the Streets of Brentwood (2475 Sand Creek Road, Suite 100) for a community Gift Wrapping Event and hosting Adopt-a-Senior.
You can also:
Donate to the Warm Coat Drive (see above) or
Donate a Gift Card
Donate canned goods to the CANTREE Food Drive (see below)
Every contribution, big or small, helps someone in need — and with the year many families have had, from economic challenges to government impacts, there has never been a more meaningful time to come together.
If you’d like additional information or want to get involved, please call (925) 818-1977 or visit www.facebook.com/WCRDelta. Let’s collaborate and spread some love throughout our community.
Antioch’s Disney House will be featured on The Great Christmas Light Fight TV show on ABC Dec. 11. Photo by K.Vistalli
Ready, set, glow!
By Allen D. Payton
The most wonderful time of the year is here as ABC’s hit decorating competition series, “The Great Christmas Light Fight,” returns for its 13th season. The Disney House of Antioch’s own Vistalli Family will be competing as one of the 2025 Contenders.
According to ABC and Wikipedia, “The Great Christmas Light Fight” is a popular American reality competition show where families showcase their elaborate Christmas light displays for a chance to win the weekly episode’s $50,000 grand prize and Light Fight trophy.
The show first aired on December 9, 2013, on ABC. Each episode features four families competing to create the most impressive Christmas light displays. The displays are judged based on three criteria: use of lights, overall design and Christmas spirit.
Each display is first individually featured, then the judge or judges review the display and its specific details. Once all contestants have been reviewed, a winner is chosen, and the judges return to the winner to congratulate them.
The show is hosted by lifestyle expert Carter Oosterhouse and interior designer Taniya Nayak, who assess the creativity and effort put into each display.
Kristen Vistalli said, “We’re so excited to be on the show. The experience was amazing. They film a whole year in advance so the family can prepare.”
“They filmed last Nov. 1st and 2nd,” said Gary. “They were at our home from 2:00 p.m. until midnight for two days. They had a crew, here, of about a dozen. They had a big boom rig and also used a drone.”
“To see how a television is produced is really cool,” Kristen said.
“We haven’t seen any of it, yet,” she added..
The Antioch Disney House will be featured on the episode airing December 11 at 10:00 p.m. on ABC.
See the Lights Now
You can drive by now and see the lights, now. They’re on every night from Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 11:00 p.m. The Disney House is located at 3732 Colonial Court in Antioch.
Fundraiser & Toy Drive with Antioch Police Dec. 6
Reminder about this Saturday’s fundraiser with the Antioch Police Department from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Stop by with new unwrapped toy, with emphasis on teens, also gift cards, warm winter clothing or donations by Venmo. (See related article)
As USPS underscores readiness to deliver and meet holiday mail and shipping needsduringtheir 250th year
Postal Service encourages public to follow online holiday hub for all shipping information
Get a letter from Santa with the North Pole postmark!
CALIFORNIA — The United States Postal Service’s busiest holiday season is in full swing as its real-time Holiday Mail Counter goes live online, and Postal Service leaders say they are ready to deliver for every American’s holiday mailing and shipping needs.
The Postal Service has made continued investments in network transformation and modernization, boosting the strong and reliable service customers have come to expect throughout the organization’s 250 years of service to the nation. As it expands its role as the nation’s end-to-end carrier of choice, the Postal Service’s improvements in infrastructure, technology, and shipping standards are core components of holiday readiness in California and across the nation.
The holiday season is the busiest time of year for the Postal Service and one of the most critical opportunities to serve communities in California. Throughout its 250 years of service, the organization has evolved from horseback and steamships to the Next Generation Delivery Vehicles serving communities today. Thanks to investments made in California and across the country, and the dedication of the USPS workforce, the Postal Service is prepared to deliver this holiday season reliably, quickly, and affordably.
Source: USPS
“The Postal Service plans throughout the year to deliver the nation’s mail and packages during the high-volume holiday season and we are well prepared and ready to deliver for the American public,” said Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner. “For the past several years, the Postal Service has been gaining market share in our package business, which reflects the strong value and excellent portfolio of the shipping options we provide. We expect to see a continuation of this trend in the coming holiday period and to continue winning a larger share of the nation’s shipping business.”
The Postal Service has opened hundreds of expanded facilities with new state-of-the-art sorting machines, bringing the Postal Service total to 614 packaging sorting machines across the country. These investments have resulted in a daily processing capacity of approximately 88 million packages – up from 60 million last holiday season. The Postal Service also plans to hire 14,000 temporary employees to support the holiday season, complement the full-time workforce, and ensure the Postal Service can handle the extra holiday volume across the country.
The Postal Service remains the most affordable way to send mail and packages. This holiday season, customers can expect their mail and packages to be delivered, on average, in less than three days. For shipping within the same regional service areas, holiday customers can expect a 2–3-day turnaround.
Local hours at all post offices are available at USPS.com.
The Postal Service has also launched a live holiday counter, keeping tally of how many mail pieces and packages have been accepted into the network this holiday season.
For holiday related information – including how to order free Postal Service shipping supplies – and to see the Holiday Mail Counter visit usps.com/holidaynews.
Source: USPS
Letters from Santa
Yes, there is a Santa Claus and the Postal ServiceTM can help you prove it when Santa replies to your child’s letter — complete with the North Pole Postmark! Create the excitement of Christmas, letter writing, stamps and penmanship. For detailed instructions and more information visit Greetings from the North Pole – Letters from Santa.
About USPS – Delivering Since 1775
The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Delivering since 1775 and overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
