Virtuous Voices Singers (left to right) Ivan Stewart, Lydia Stewart, Elise Culberson, Roma Desilva and Mya King perform at the Brentwood Juneteenth Festival June 19, 2025. Academy Founder, Tiffany Stewart with her students. Photos by Virtuous Voices
The City of Brentwood joyfully celebrated its Second Annual Juneteenth Festival this past Thursday with a powerful showcase of culture, unity, and artistic expression. Opening the event with a moving performance was Antioch-based Virtuous Voices Music Academy, whose singers delivered a heartfelt tribute to freedom through song.
As the first act of the day, Virtuous Voices set an inspiring tone for the festival, reminding attendees of the power of music to uplift, connect, and reflect on our shared history. Their performance underscored the importance of celebrating freedom – especially in today’s world where unity and expression remain essential.
The Virtuous Voices Singers performing at the event were Ivan Stewart, Lydia Stewart, Elise Culberson, Roma Desilva, and Mya King.
Virtuous Voices Music Academy, known for cultivating confidence and creativity through vocal performance and music theory, was honored to be part of this meaningful community event.
“We are so proud of our young singers,” said Tiffany Stewart, founder of Virtuous Voices Music Academy, a vocal coach and Music Theory Teacher. “To open a celebration as important as Juneteenth is a true honor. Our students sang not only with skill, but with heart.”
The Juneteenth Festival in Brentwood continues to grow as a cherished local tradition, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrating Black culture, resilience, and excellence.
Almost half of cuts from Police Department staffing, overtime savings
Plus, $165.3 million 5-Year Capital Improvements budget and $2.4 million in federal community funds
By Allen D. Payton
Following all the special budget session meetings over the past several months, the Antioch City Council, during their meeting Tuesday night, June 24, 2025, is expected to approve the 2025-26 budget with over $11.5 million in spending cuts and using $5 million from the Budget Stabilization Fund. The City was facing a $24.3 million deficit for the coming fiscal year and if the budget is approved as recommended, will have a net deficit of $7.7 million which will be covered from reserves.
Almost half of the savings, $5.5 million, will be in the Police Department budget from Vacancy Savings and Overtime Reductions. UPDATE: That’s due to the current staffing vacancies of approximately 30 sworn officers and the chief informing the council that they expect to add 15 more officers in the next year. So, instead of determining the savings from the staff vacancies during a mid-year budget review and spending the one-time funds on other City budget items, the council chose to account for it in the budget up front to reduce the deficit.
In spite of the cuts, future fiscal years still show the City facing projected deficits of $10,629,642 in 2026-27 and $25,396,400 in 2028-29.
The proposed budget also includes an allocation from the Measure W 1% City sales tax of 70-15-15 or 70% for Police, 15% for Quality of Life and 15% for Youth. (See page 6 of the Budget)
According to the City staff report for item #5, “Since March, City Council and staff have been diligently scrutinizing the budget to close a starting point fiscal year 2026 deficit of $24,270,240. Initially, staff was able to shave $8,603,792 from that number, for a fiscal year 2026 deficit of $15,666,448 as presented at the March 4th budget session. Upon further collaboration with the Council, City Manager and departments as we moved through the exhaustive budget process, and through a series of further adjustments, a General Fund budget with a net deficit of $7,737,331, after a $5M infusion from the Budget Stabilization Fund.”
In addition, under item #3 the Council is expected to approve the Five-Year Capital Improvement Program budget for 2025-2030 for Community Facilities, Parks & Trails, Roadway Improvements, Traffic Signals, Wastewater & Storm Drain System and the City’s Water System. Currently, there are $163.3 million of projects in progress which includes $6,238,209 of projects that the Council added to the list.
Finally, in other budget action, under item #4 the Council will consider approving the recommendations of the City Council’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Subcommittee for a total of $2,369,318 in federal funds for the coming fiscal year. Mayor Pro Tem Louie Rocha, representing District 2, and Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, representing District 1, served on the CDBG Subcommittee for this funding cycle.
The meeting begins at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers inside City Hall at 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown. It can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast Local Cable Channel 24 or on AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
By Warren Cox, Market Manager, California Farmers’ Market Assocation
Antioch CA…It’s here! The new Farmers’ Market in Antioch, in the middle of the Rivertown District in historic downtown, opens Sunday, June 22, 9am-1pm. Conveniently located in the parking lot at the corner of I Street and W. 3rd Street near City Hall, the market will host plenty of free nearby parking in several public lots within 2 blocks of the market.
Join us on Opening Day, Sunday June 22, where 25 truckloads of fresh produce from local family farms will gather featuring the famous super sweet white corn from Brentwood, tree- ripened apricots from Patterson, peaches and nectarines from Hughson, vine-ripe strawberries and organic vegetables from Hollister. Farm fresh eggs, Asian vegetables, freshly baked breads and pastries from Little Sky Bakery are sure to be a hit.
Opening Day highlights include a ribbon cutting with the Mayor Ron Bernal at 10am. Bring the children for kids’ crafts, balloon art, and live music. Customers can also Guess the Number of Cherries in the Giant Jar for a chance to win a Market Basket packed with $200 worth of goodies from the vendors.
“Our farm is thrilled to have a farmers’ market in Antioch every Sunday, opening just in time for our first pick of the sweet corn in Brentwood. Picked in the morning, we will bring a truck loaded to the brim” says Glenn Stonebarger of G&S Farms.
This market is made possible from the springtime volunteer work of dedicated community groups.
“Sunday mornings in Antioch are a perfect time to meet up with neighbors, celebrate good food, and access the bounty of our local harvest season in one place!” says Joy Motts, President, Celebrate Antioch Foundation one of the partners for the farmers’ market, along with the City of Antioch.
THIS LOCATION IS CERTIFIED BY THE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL COMMISSIONER, WHERE FARMERS OFFER FOR SALE ONLY THOSE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES THEY GROW THEMSELVES. IT IS OPERATED BY CALIFORNIA FARMERS’ MARKETS ASSOCIATION, SPONSORED BY CELEBRATE ANTIOCH FOUNDATION, AND HOSTED BY THE CITY OF ANTIOCH. FOR MORE INFO: @ANTIOCHFARMERSMKT, 800-806-FARM , CAFARMERSMKTS.COM.
The 151 members of the Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Class of 2025 celebrate, some by tossing their caps into the air. All photos by Selena Cedano unless noted.
By Allen D. Payton
The 151 graduates of the Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Class of 2025 celebrated their commencement on Thursday evening, June 5, 2025, inside Wolverines Stadium at Deer Valley High School, along family, friends, faculty, staff and school board trustees. Entering to the traditional sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance” the class was led onto the field by Principal Blair Wilkins.
DLMHS Principal Blair Wilkins leads the processional onto the field at Wolverines Stadium and class members wait to be seated Thursday evening, June 5, 2025.
The Presentation of the Colors by the U.S. Navy Color Guard was followed by the singing of the National Anthem by three of the graduates, Gabriel Fuentes-Carrillo, Hannah Chung and Shari Bengco. ASB President Chloe Liang then led her classmates in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ASB President Chloe Liang leads in reciting the National Anthem as AUSD Director of Student Support Services Tim Cooper participates (left). Video screenshot. The U.S. Navy Color Guard presents the Colors and Hannah Chung, Shari Bengco and Gabriel Fuentes-Carrillo perform the National Anthem.
Wilkins welcomed all those in attendance and introduced Antioch Unified School District Board President Antonio Hernandez, Vice President Mary Rocha and Trustees Dee Brown and Olga Cobos-Smith, and district leadership. Hernandez then shared his thoughts about his own experience as a Dozier-Libbey graduate.
Principal Wilkins spoke to the graduates followed by School Board President, and Dozier-Libbey alumni, Antonio Hernandez, as teacher Lisa Godinez (left) and Trustees Dee Brown and Olga Cobos-Smith (right) listen.
Student Speakers
Saryah Tokhay and Valedictorians Johnross Rayos and Jessica Rodriguez spoke to the graduates.
Tokhay spoke of “Hope” quoting Emily Dickinson. “That bird, hope, has been with us all along. It sang when we were little first graders. It sang when our hands and knees shook during our first high school presentation.”
She then spoke of several teachers scheduling tests “all in the same week. It was like an academic ambush.”
“It sang quietly in the background reminding us that we’ve made it this far,” Tokhay continued speaking about hope.
Student speakers included Saryah Tokhay (left) and Valedictorians Jessica Rodriguez and Johnross Rayos.
She then mentioned preparing for her final school project and some inspiring words from her younger, 12-year-old sister. “She said that to remind me of this wild, emotional, in-between moment is something I’ll miss someday, that I’ll want to feel this moment again.”
“She said it to help me understand that instead of dreading an unknown future, I should live in this moment and let that little bird’s quiet and steady voice sing of hope,” Tokhay stated.
She then thanked the teachers, families and her friends.
“The bird still sings. Congratulations, Class of 2025,” Tokhay concluded.
The Class of 2025 listen to the speakers and graduates line up in the queue for their diplomas, guided by members of the Honor Guard from the Junior Class.
Together, Rodriguez and Rayos took to the podium and shared their thoughts, as well.
Rodriguez spoke of their time in school together saying, “Four years ago we were graduating middle school, not in person but behind a screen” referring to their experience during COVID. She compared that to “walking through our small campus in our scrubs.”
“Suddenly things got real,” she continued. “We became more thoughtful, culturally aware. Group projects redefined how we work together and communicate.”
“Then, junior year came crashing in more demanding than we expected with new AP classes and heavier workloads,” Rodriguez shared. “Then we began senior year, the year we assumed would drag on but actually went by in a blink.”
“We became involved in our community, discovering the impact we could have and realizing we were truly growing up,” she stated. “Along the path we made priceless friendships. High school taught us a final lesson. It’s in our hands to pave our own road, create our future. I hope all of us remember that we were forged into one family…the changes and contributions we make in the future will impact all of us. Perfection was never the goal, progress was.”
“Your strength is only limited by the boundaries your mind places on your heart. Break through them, We did it and now the next chapter of our lives is beginning,” Rodriguez concluded.
Rayos implored his classmates to remember the words, “Good enough. You are good enough.”
He encouraged the graduates to reflect on their time at Dozier-Libbey. “You are more than enough.”
“You are more than qualified to become a nurse, a doctor, an engineer or whatever you decide to pursue in your career,” Rayos stated. “Think of today’s ceremony as the beginning of another journey…that will mold you into something amazing and fulfilling; a journey worthy of infinite memories and a worthy story you can pass on to your future families.”
“And please remember, you will always be enough,” he concluded.
Many of the graduates decorated their caps with personal messages.
Wilkins offered his first graduation speech as principal saying, “I would like to thank you for welcoming me to our school community. Congratulations on earning your high school diploma, a major milestone that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. Each of you before me has a story and your next chapter is just about to start.”
“You are prepared to face life’s challenges because you are a graduate of Dozier-Libbey Medical High School,” he continued. “I would like to wish you luck.”
Wilkins then offered “key pieces of advice that I’ve learned since graduating 26 years ago from this very field,” referring to his own time at Deer Valley High School.
Video screenshots.
“Continue to advance yourself through education,” he stated. “Education is the key that will unlock doors and your growth as you continue. Surround yourself with good people. With good people, working as a team, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.”
“Don’t forget about the community that helped raise the person who you are,” Wilkinson encouraged the class. “Strong communities need strong leaders like you.”
“You are not just the future of America, you are the proof that all people, from all walks of life can come together and be stronger as one,” Wilkinson concluded.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne then offered the official Acceptance of the Class of 2025, informing them they had completed all the state and district requirements to graduate.
“Henceforth you are to be considered high school graduates and alumni of Dozier-Libbey Medical High School. Congratulations,” he stated to cheers from the class and audience.
The diplomas were then distributed by the school board trustees as the names were read by DLMHS teacher Lisa Godinez.
Senior Class President Talia Major leads her fellow graduates in the turning of their tassels. (Left – Video screenshot)
Senior Class President Talia Major then led her fellow classmates in the turning of the tassels saying, “The tassel turning is meant to signify the closing of one chapter and the opening of another. As we close our chapter at Dozier-Libbey one specific song comes to mind. One Direction once said, ‘Good-byes are bittersweet, but it’s not the end. I’ll see your face again.’ Since this is our last time together I have no doubt in my mind that we’ll all go on to success.”
That was followed by several of the graduates tossing their caps into the air to celebrate.
Antioch Police Officer Tryner was on the lookout for stolen cars, so when dispatch got calls about a sideshow spinning up, he rolled just in time to see a black Dodge Challenger doing donuts like it was auditioning for Fast & Furious: Antioch Drift.
The car didn’t make the cut. Its rear tires were blown, the driver was heavily intoxicated, and surprise the vehicle was stolen.
One is in custody, the stolen car recovered, and yep… we’re back at it again Sunday.
A few members of the Antioch High Class of 2025 graduates toss their caps into the air to celebrate at Eells Stadium on Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025. Photos by Allen D. Payton
By Allen D. Payton
The 340 graduates of the Antioch High School Class of 2025 – smaller than in recent years – were celebrated inside Eells Stadium on Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025. They entered the field to the traditional sound of Pomp and Circumstance. The Presentation of Colors was provided by the U.S. Marines Color Guard and the National Anthem, known as “The Star-Spangled Banner” was played over the loudspeakers as all in attendance stood at attention out of respect to begin the ceremony.
Principal John Jimno and ASB President Fifita Grewe lead the Class of 2025 into Eells Stadium for the graduation ceremony.
Fifita Grewe, Associated Student Body President “for the second year in a row” – she pointed out, was the first to speak to the graduates and audience.
“To all my family and friends, and boyfriend, of course, thank you for being my biggest cheerleaders. I love you all,” she stated. “We are celebrating the beginning of a new journey. High school was definitely not easy. But with the support…I was able to push through.”
The U.S. Marines Color Guard and ASB President Fifita Grewe stand at attention for the National Anthem before speaking to her fellow graduates.
“Don’t wait until all the good times are just good memories. Enjoy them now,” Grewe encouraged her fellow classmates. “It’s never a good-bye. It’s see you later.”
Principal Jimno speaks to the graduates.
Principal John Jimno welcomed everyone to the commencement ceremony and introduced the other student speakers.
Salutatorian Grace Fung spoke of her grandmother who did not get an education because it was not allowed for females.
She also spoke of her parents who are both deaf “living in a silent world.”
Many of the graduates decorated their caps with special messages.
Fung then asked her classmates, “Who’s ready to jump into the end portal with me?” making a reference to the Minecraft online game.
“The game doesn’t end here,” she stated. “I thought high school was the end game. Life is not a linear path. Life doesn’t end here. This is only the first of many…battles we will face.”
“Twenty years from now you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the things you did to,” Fung encouraged the graduates. “This is only the beginning.”
Class Salutatorian Grace Fung (left) and Valedictorian Zack Gregson (right) share their thoughts with the graduates.
Class Valedictorian, Zack Gregson, spoke next, saying, “You all challenged me to grow as a student but also as a person. The connections I made at this school made it more memorable.”
He then spoke briefly in Spanish which was met with a round of applause.
“Over the past four years we’ve changed both externally and in character,” he continued. “We’ve been fortunate enough to call this school our home.”
“Discipline was the quiet force that brought us all to this stage today. It’s the difference between wishing and doing,” Gregson stated. “We’re here because we kept going. That’s something to be proud of. Let’s take the same discipline and courage with us. Keep showing up. Keep moving forward.”
He spoke in Spanish, again and then ended with, “Congratulations, everyone. We earned this. We’ve already proven we could do hard things. Now let’s do great ones.”
The graduates received their diplomas from School Board Trustee Dee Brown (left) and Board President Antonio Hernandez (right) on stage at Eells Stadium.
Principal Jimno then offered his thoughts saying, “It is an honor and privilege to stand before this graduating class. It’s been so fun to watch you grow and come together as a class.”
“One thing that stands out about this class is your service to others,” he stated. “You have truly inspired me.”
Graduates celebrate receiving their diplomas on Wednesday, July 11, 2025.
Interim Antioch Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne then offered the official acceptance of the Class of 2025, having met all the state and district requirements for graduation.
Antioch School Board Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha offered a few words, as well, and reminded the graduates, “you’ll always be a Panther and bleed black and gold.”
The class members then received their diplomas from Trustee Dee Brown and Board President Antonio Hernandez as they crossed the stage to the cheers of friends and family.
Senior Class President Aeowynne Magototo offered Closing Remarks and led her classmates in the turning of the tassels. She’ll be attending UC Davis in the fall.
The AHS Class of 2025 graduates turn their tassels under the leadership of Class President Aeowynne Magototo.
“Wow. High school is over on a random Wednesday morning,” she said with a chuckle.
Magtoto spoke of her parents, “Emigrating me and my sisters to America” and then spoke briefly in her native Filipino language of Tagalog.
“I want you to take this chance to reflect,” she continued. Referring to the graduates’ shared experience during COVID Magtoto said, “We went from online screens to wearing masks. We were lucky to have all four years on campus.”
“Life isn’t a fairy tale. Tender bruises, growing pains have shaped me into the person I am today,” she stated.
“We are young and wild. There’s nothing stopping us,” Magtoto implored her classmates. “Don’t forget to live in the moment of ‘alwaysness’. We’ve waited our entire lives for this moment.”
She then led the graduates in the turning of the tassels on their graduation caps signifying the completion of the ceremony. A very few tossed their caps into the air to celebrate, and they exited the stadium to the sounds of Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration”, as family and friends met their graduates on the field and surrounding Mike Hurd Track.
A few graduates of the Deer Valley High Class of 2025 tossed their caps into the air to celebrate following the ceremony Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025. Photos by Allen D. Payton
By Allen D. Payton
Deer Valley High School celebrated 331 graduates in the Class of 2025 inside Wolverine Stadium Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025. The traditional processional of Pomp and Circumstance was performed by the Deer Valley Band led by Music Director Ryan Carr. That was followed by the Presentation of Colors by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard. The National Anthem was announced by Salutatorian Jordynn Chung and performed by the Deer Valley Divine Voices led by Choral Director Alivia Logan. Vice Principal Mike Green served as Master of Ceremonies.
The Divine Voices performed the National Anthem following the Presentation of Colors by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard.
Opening remarks were offered by Antioch Unified School District Board President Antonio Hernandez who spoke of his own journey through Antioch schools and will be graduating with two master’s degrees from Stanford University in public policy and education.
Principal Veronica McClennan welcomed all in attendance and offered her appreciation saying, “To the family and friends, you have been a guiding voice for these graduates. You have shaped who they are, who they’ll become.”
Vice Principal Mike Green served as Master of Ceremonies and Principal Veronica McClennan offered her remarks Wednesday morning, June 11, 2025.
“To the teachers, coaches and staff, your guidance goes well beyond the grade. You have…believed in our students,” she continued.
McClennan then offered encouraging, departing words to the graduates.
“To our graduating Wolverines…you are stepping into this world…full of promise,” she stated. “You are ready to enter this world to write your story. Be bold, be courageous, be humble.”
“Remember, success is measured by impact. Congratulations, graduates. We are already incredibly proud of you,” McClennan added.
Class President Priscilla Rodriguez and Valedictorian Zeb-Alexander Congson share their thoughts with their classmates.
Class Speakers
Class President Priscilla Rodriguez spoke first acknowledging, “the families who motivated us and kept pushing us to the end.”
“Thank you to our teachers…who made a big impact on our lives,” she continued.
Trustees Dee Brown (left) and Antonio Hernandez (right) hand out diplomas to the graduates.
To her fellow classmates Rodriguez said, “I wish you all nothing but the best because the world doesn’t know what’s coming next. Only you do.”
Valedictorian Zeb-Alexander Congson, who will be attending UC Berkeley and studying aerospace engineering, also thanked the families, his fellow classmates and the faculty.
“Your belief in us is what made this rare moment possible,” he stated.
With help from the Honor Guard graduates queue up to receive their diplomas.
Then speaking about his own experience Congson said, “I never wanted to be a scholar, an athlete. It wasn’t until my first volleyball try out that my thinking began to shift. That one push kick started four seasons. I realized how much I gained from one step into one unfamiliar territory.”
To his fellow graduates he advised, “It won’t always be easy. But growth is rarely easy. Push your comfort zone.”
Several graduates expressed their excitement upon receiving their diplomas.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne then offered the official acceptance of the Class of 2025, having met all the state and district requirements for graduation.
The Divine Voices performed again, singing, “Shine Like Stars” and “It’s So Hard to Say Good-bye”.
Then the graduates enjoyed what they all looked forward to, receiving their diplomas. Math Department Chair Maria McClain and Math Instructor Jessika Tate read the names, as Area 3 Trustee Dee Brown and Hernandez, who represents the District’s Area 1, handed out the diplomas.
The traditional turning of the tassels was led by Class President Priscilla Rodriguez.
Senior Class President Rodriguez returned to the stage to lead the class in the turning of their tassels to conclude the ceremony. A few graduates followed the celebratory tradition of tossing into the air their caps – many of which were decorated with personal messages.
Many graduates decorated their caps with personal messages.
Congratulations to the Deer Valley High Class of 2025!
