Published courtesy of the Antioch Herald

By Antioch Police Department

Today, Sunday, December 22, 2024, we had the privilege of doing something truly special that warmed our hearts.

Last week, Officer Lundin responded to a burglary in progress. The suspects escaped, taking with them all the Christmas gifts. The victim, who had recently lost her job, was devastated and unable to replace the presents for her family and young daughter.

Officer Lundin couldn’t stand by without helping. She rallied her patrol team, and with the incredible generosity of our community, we were able to replace the stolen gifts and bring some holiday magic to the family.

When our dayshift crew arrived with the gifts, the victim greeted us with the biggest smile and even baked cookies for everyone. The joy and gratitude we witnessed made this moment unforgettable.

(Side note: Did you know Officer Lundin has a huge heart for animals too? She’s often called on by our dispatchers when Antioch Animal Services is not available for loose or injured pets—and rumor has it, they might have even convinced her to adopt a dog!)

Officer Lundin, thank you for your kindness, dedication, and determination to make things right. You’ve truly embodied the holiday spirit!

Tuesday & Wednesday, Dec. 24 & 25

SACRAMENTO – As families prepare to celebrate the holidays, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds everyone to prioritize safety on the road. To keep travelers safe throughout the busy holiday season, the CHP is initiating the first of two statewide Maximum Enforcement Periods (MEP) this month to reduce traffic incidents by targeting unsafe driving behaviors and assisting motorists.

The CHP’s Christmas MEP begins at 6:01 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, and continues until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, December 25. During this period, the CHP will increase patrols throughout the state to deter dangerous driving behaviors, including impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving and seat belt violations. The CHP also encourages the public to report unsafe drivers by calling 9-1-1.

“This time of year is about celebrating with family and friends, but it’s also a time when traffic incidents increase due to poor driving decisions,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Each of us has a role in making California’s roads safer. Let’s work together to keep this holiday season free of tragedy.”

Last year, during the 78-hour Christmas MEP, 20 people lost their lives in crashes within CHP jurisdiction. In addition, CHP officers made over 900 arrests for driving under the influence.

Let’s make safety our top priority on the road! Buckle up, drive responsibly, and if you’re celebrating, always plan for a sober ride. Your thoughtful choices can help prevent crashes and keep California’s roads safe for everyone. Celebrate wisely and drive with care!

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Join us at Golden Hills Community Church on Christmas Eve for one of our annual Candlelight Services! We will sing Christmas songs of worship and hear from God’s Word as we celebrate the birth of our Savior!

Our first service will be inside the Sanctuary at 7:00 pm. Our second service will be outside on the Plaza at 11:30pm. Please bring your own chair and wear something warm!

These services are for the whole family! Each service will be 30–45 minutes.

Golden Hills Community Church is located at 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood. For more information visit www.goldenhills.org.

Drop-off deadline extended until Thursday morning, Dec. 19

By Trine Gallegos

In its 9th year, Antioch High will host a giveaway on Dec. 20 for AUSD students in need. Some 200 families are helped each with 100+ AHS student volunteers who sort, set and help run the event. This is one of the school’s biggest community project. Click here for the Amazon Wish List.

Donation drop-off deadline extended until Thursday morning, Dec. 19.

This is one of the best things Antioch High does … host a holiday giveaway for our district’s students in need. If you’re an area business and want to do a drive, email TrineGallegos@antiochschools.net. Thanks in advance to all!

Presented in coordination with Seven Stars Baptist Church and Midnight Basketball League

Last day to register: Dec. 19

By Yvette Williams

Antioch Seasons of Sharing event on Saturday, Dec. 21, will feature free photos with Santa Claus, live entertainment, gifts, games and activities for the entire family, free groceries and free pop-up Community Boutique. The event will be held from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at Antioch Middle School, 1500 D Street.

Community Supportive Programs

• Employment opportunities
• Free Community resources
• Free Mental Health
• Union Apprenticeship Employment Sign Up
• Free Hot Lunch & Free toy giveaways will be provided until supplies run out.

The last day to register is December 19, 2024. Secondly due to our limited supplies of toys, this event is for our Antioch community members only. All children registered will need to be present for Gift Giving. All Antioch residents will need proof of where they live in Antioch. This information will be verified at the registration table upon entering.

We are grateful for any toy donations or financial support to the success of the event. Anyone can donate through this site, via the donation option. Additionally, we have an Amazon Wish List to guide you. $25 and under https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/JP44T9CR7EDR?ref_=wl_share

For toy drop-offs we will have volunteers at our registration table, ready to receive donations. We can also make alternative arrangements if needed.

For Vendors or community member questions please call or email me directly at (925) 658-8278 or Yvette4Hope@gmail.com. Please follow my Eventbrite page for future Community Events open to the public.

For more information and to register visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1105967541689.

You are invited to join us for a Grand Chanukah Celebration on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 4:30pm!

Come celebrate the Festival of Lights with Chabad of the Delta and our surrounding communities as we light the grand Menorah in Brentwood City Park. A reception will follow inside the adjacent Brentwood Community Center.

Our local community leaders will participate in kindling the giant “Menorah of Freedom”. There will be fun activities for everyone including:

• Epic LED Light show
• Giant Menorah Lighting with Dignitaries
• Chanukah Donuts
• Latkes
• Chocolate Gelt
• Chanukah Crafts
• Festival Indoors, Lighting Outdoors
• Win Chanukah Gifts
• Security Presence
• Free Fidget Dreidel for the first 50 Children

For many of us, Chanukah prompts warm, loving memories from our childhood. We light the Menorah every night of the 8-night holiday. These lights offer warmth, joy, strength, inspiration and renews our sense of identity.

This year, Chanukah begins at sunset on Wednesday, Dec. 25th and ends at nightfall on Thursday, Jan. 2nd.

Rabbi Peretz Goldshmid, director of the Chabad of the Delta Jewish Center, describes Chanukah as “a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition. In ancient times our ancestors rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem with the Menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to making this world a better and brighter place.”

As we celebrate in East Contra Costa, we join millions the world over, promoting the universal message that good will prevail over evil, freedom over oppression and light over darkness!

Make sure not to miss this opportunity to celebrate with your family and friends! Brentwood City Park is located at 790 2nd Street and the Brentwood Community Center is located at 35 Oak Street.

For more information, contact Chabad of the Delta at (925) 420-4999 or online at JewishDelta.com/Chanukah.