By Trish Heaney, Marketing and Communications Manager, Steve Spraitzar, Public Relations, and Tyler McCarthy, Outreach Associate, White Pony Express

ANTIOCH, Calif. – White Pony Express (WPE) and Kaiser Permanente partnered to hold a Drive-Thru Giveaway Saturday on August 1, 2026, at Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center, distributing groceries and essential goods to 200 local families while marking a milestone of 32 million meals rescued and delivered to Contra Costa County residents since WPE’s founding.

Families were connected to the event through 20 Antioch-based nonprofit partners served by WPE. Each family received two bags of fresh groceries along with hygiene kits, toys, children’s books, and treats. In total, WPE distributed 5,075 pounds of groceries and more than 2,500 hygiene and beauty kits and children’s gifts.

“Extraordinary things are possible when we commit to the shared belief that every one of us belongs to one human family and when one person thrives, we all thrive,” said White Pony Express CEO Eve Birge. “This drive-thru is more than a giveaway — it’s a celebration of a community showing up for itself, with love at the center.”

Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal, who attended the event, pointed to White Pony Express’s outsized role in the city.

“I didn’t realize Antioch gets the most food from White Pony Express out of the whole county,” Bernal said. “This is a great way to address not just food insecurity but having quality food for people — because that’s really the missing element.”

Antioch Councilmember Tamisha Torres-Walker, a longtime WPE community partner, echoed that sentiment.

“White Pony Express has always showed up and showed out and made sure our families had what they needed,” Walker said. “You bring White Pony Express together with Kaiser Permanente, you get two organizations that are caring for people in very practical ways to make sure their families are healthy.”

Events like the August 1st giveaway come as food insecurity continues to climb across Contra Costa County driven by CalFresh cuts, rising grocery and housing costs, and stagnant wages.

White Pony Express was founded on the idea that hunger is not caused by a lack of food, but by a failure to connect existing surplus with the people who need it. Each day, WPE’s staff and 2,000+ volunteers rescue fresh food and essential goods from local grocers, farms, and businesses and deliver it within 24 hours to families across the county — a model that allows the organization to scale and respond quickly as hunger grows more widespread.

About White Pony Express

White Pony Express is a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2013 by Dr. Carol Weyland Conner on a simple, radical belief: hunger is not a scarcity problem, it’s a logistics problem. Our mission is to end hunger and poverty by delivering the abundance already all around us to our neighbors in need — with love. Every day, WPE’s staff and 2,000+ volunteers rescue fresh, healthy food and essential goods from local grocers, farms, and businesses, redistributing it within 24 hours to families across Contra Costa County. To date, we’ve recovered and delivered more than 38 million pounds of food through partnerships with 140+ nonprofits, schools and faith-based organizations, guided by the mantra “all of us taking care of all of us”.

By Claryssa Wilson & Velma Wilson, 4EverMe Foundation

The 4ever Me Foundation is excited to announce the 14th Annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway, returning on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Contra Costa County Event Park, 1201 W. 10th Street, Antioch, California.

This has been the most stressful year planning this event by far… it will be the first without my favorite bald guy to vent to and I’m honestly devastated but I know he is beyond proud of me.

This event is a testament of faith and perseverance and I am so amazed to see how this has grown from a small idea to help my classmates to a whole beacon a hope, a space where a whole community can be supported. Over 40,000 families since the start 14 years ago and I’m genuinely grateful to have been able to pour into others in this way for over half my life.

What a blessing.

We still need volunteers as this will be a labor of love far bigger than me. If you’re able to come and help, please sign up via this link: https://forms.gle/cqadRNFQxtGNaViB6

We are still accepting donations and resource vendors! the QR code will have that information.

Thank you to those who have supported and continue to pour into this event!

Founded in 2012 by Claryssa Wilson, Stuff the Bus has grown into one of East Contra Costa County’s premier back-to-school outreach events. Over the past fourteen years, the initiative has served more than 60,000 students and families by providing free backpacks, school supplies, educational resources, and encouragement.

“Our mission has always been to remove barriers to education while creating unforgettable experiences for children and families,” said Claryssa Wilson, Founder of the 4ever Me Foundation. “Every backpack represents hope, every volunteer represents compassion, and every smile reminds us why this work matters.”

Event Highlights

·         FREE backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last)

·         FREE haircuts and hair-care services

·         Ride in a real Monster Truck

·         Community Resource Fair

·         Educational and youth services

·         Food trucks

·         Live entertainment

·         Interactive games and family activities

·         Local nonprofit organizations and vendors

Event Information

Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Contra Costa County Event Park
1201 W. 10th Street
Antioch, CA 94509
Admission: FREE

About 4ever Me Foundation

The 4ever Me Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through education, mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement. Since 2012, the Foundation has impacted more than 60,000 students and families through school supply distributions, mentoring, holiday assistance, and community outreach.

Learn more about this year’s efforts in a KTVU FOX2 interview.

For more information visit https://linktr.ee/4evermefoundation.

Deadline for donations: July 17

By Debbie Blaisure

Calling all Antioch businesses and residents! We are asking for your donations or support of a fundraising opportunity for the DAA!

Gladys Torres of Timeless Elegance Vintage Store (at 204 G Street) and Alliance Estate Sales has offered to coordinate this online auction, and others will be assisting with the tasks of taking pictures and gathering items. We are looking for 50 or more items by Friday, July 17th which will bring interest to the auction.

They can be vintage or collectible items, gift certificates, raffle baskets, services, luncheons with City leaders, etc.

Please message Debbie Blaisure or Gladys Torres with any items or questions or let us know in the comments what you might want to donate to coordinate with us. Half of the proceeds of the item can go to the donor or you may donate the full amount to the DAA!

Let’s work together to raise funds for future events by the DAA. For more information visit https://downtownantioch.com.

Thank you for your support!

^{Paid advertisement}

Velma Wilson to sing National Anthem before July 3rd game

By Allen D. Payton

Tickets are available to the California Classic NBA Tournament on July 3rd to support the 4 Ever Me Foundation’s 14th Annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway. The public is encouraged to purchase tickets for themselves or for foster and group homes to take their youth.

“This is such an awesome opportunity to bring children out to see the games,” said Founder Claryssa Wilson.

Friday’s games include the Miami Heat vs. the San Antonio Spurs at 5 p.m. and the Warriors vs. Lakers at 7:30 p.m.

$5 from each ticket, starting at $35 and up, will support the Giveaway scheduled for Saturday, August 1st.

California Classic games will include rookies selected in the 2026 NBA Draft along with players competing to make the NBA and G League regular season rosters. 

The first 2,500 fans in attendance each day will receive a California Classic Commemorative Pin. For more information visit California Classic presented by CarMax | Chase Center.

Police investigating, public asked for help

Fundraisers Sunday, June 28th and online

By RRTH Learning Center & RR Ministries

Our organization, RR Transitional Housing Learning Center, helps more than 250 students in Contra Costa County and we have been recently burglarized. They stole 40 Chromebooks from our kids.

Between Thursday, June 18, 2026, after 4:00 PM and Friday, June 19, before 6:00 PM, our location at 512 W. 2nd Street in Antioch was broken into. During the burglary, all of the Chromebooks donated by the Antioch Rotary Club were stolen.

These Chromebooks were used daily in our free tutoring program, youth job readiness program, homework support services, reading intervention activities, and educational workshops. Every service we provide is offered at no cost, making these resources vital for the children, youth, and families we serve.

In addition to the Chromebooks, our livestream equipment, personal laptops, and other devices were also taken.

We are also addressing attempts to access our financial and communication platforms, including Venmo, PayPal, email and banking-related accounts. We have taken immediate steps to secure our systems, filed a police report, and are working with law enforcement.

Our hearts are heavy. These resources helped children learn, complete homework, build confidence, and prepare for their futures.

We are asking for the community’s help. If you were near 512 W. 2nd Street in Antioch between June 18 and June 19 and saw anything suspicious, have information about this incident, or notice someone attempting to sell multiple Chromebooks or other electronic equipment, please contact us or local law enforcement.

According to Antioch Police Lt. Mike Mellone, a report was taken and the burglary is under investigation.

While this is heartbreaking, it will not stop our mission. We remain committed to serving our community and providing free programs to the children, youth and families who depend on them.

As we prepare for our summer programs, we urgently need your help replacing these essential resources so we can continue providing free services to the hundreds of students and families who rely on us each year.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps us move one step closer to restoring these vital programs. If you are unable to donate, sharing our story with others is equally appreciated.

Visit the GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/f/support-rr-transitional-housings-mission or contribute through Zelle or PayPal.

In addition, a fundraiser will be held on Sunday afternoon, June 28th at our location beginning at 2:00 p.m. (See fliers)

Together, we can turn this setback into a story of hope, resilience and community support.

Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, standing with our students, families and community, and your  support during this difficult time.

For more information about RRTH Learning Centers visit https://rrth.org and about Ministerios Rey De Reyes visit https://rrministriesantioch.com.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Museum, Sports Legends Hall of Fame closed to public beginning today, June 18, 2026

By Carla Baker Marymee, Media Relations, Antioch Historical Museum

ANTIOCH, CA — June 17, 2026 — The Antioch Historical Museum, located at 1500 W. 4th Street, is temporarily closing to the public as the building’s exterior receives much-needed refurbishment and internal operations are modernized. The closure begins June 18, 2026. Work starts June 22 through July 31. Due to insurance liability issues, the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame, housed within the museum, will also be closed.

The temporary closure supports the first phase of the museum’s newly adopted 5‑Year Strategic Plan, which aims to elevate, protect, and reimagine Antioch’s cultural legacy. This initial phase focuses on foundational work, including a full assessment of the historic 1910 Riverview High School building, establishing a modernized organizational structure, and launching the search for the museum’s first Executive Director.

“After several meetings with the Transition Team and our officers, it became clear that we needed this temporary closure to focus our time and energy on making external improvements to the building and modernizing internal operations,” said Theresa Court, President of the Antioch Historical Museum.

As part of the building assessment, Craig Andrews, Manager of the City of Antioch Building Services Division, conducted a full inspection. “We were delighted to learn that the building is solid and sound,” said Tom Hartrick, Transition Team member and owner of Infinity Painting.

Exterior improvements will be completed by Redwood Painting Company, a leading industrial and commercial coatings contractor led by George Del Monte. Work will include a light power wash, inspection and replacement of aging window frames, refurbishment of the museum’s two front entrance doors, fresh white paint on all previously painted surfaces, and removal of damaged wood and the catwalk above the ADA access door.

In addition to physical upgrades, the museum is undertaking a comprehensive review of its internal operations, financial systems, computer infrastructure, and all communications vehicles, including the website, social media, and digital communication to the members.

Transition Team members Donna McGee, Site Director at Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center, and Mike Green, Vice Principal at Deer Valley High School, are leading the recruitment effort to find a future Executive Director.

“Implementing the new Strategic Plan is a process and in motion. The changes will take time, but everything we’re doing is to make the museum thrive and preserve the region’s heritage for future generations,” Court said.

The Antioch Historical Museum is housed in the historic 1910 Riverview High School, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is also home to the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame. For more information, contact Carla Baker Marymee, Antioch Historical Society Museum Public Relations Strategist, at (925) 775‑8764. Visit the museum on Facebook at facebook.com/antiochhistoricalmuseum or online at antiochhistoricalmuseum.org.

By City of Antioch Parks and Recreation Department

Juneteenth is not only a time for joy, but it is a time for reflection, giving back and sharing community resources.

The City of Antioch Parks and Recreation Department is proud to host Team Jesus who will be accepting donations of dry food, toys and school supplies during this year’s festivities.

Those who donate goods or monetary donations will receive a raffle ticket for a prize drawing at the Antioch Juneteenth Celebration!

FRIDAY JUNE 19th, 2026

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Williamson Ranch Park, Antioch

FREE

For more information visit antiochca.gov/218/Juneteenth-Celebration.

For more information on Team Jesus Outreach Ministries visit www.teamjesusoutreach.org.

Theme: Antioch Through My Eyes

By Terri Hamilton, GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch

The GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch hosted an award ceremony and ice cream social on May 7, 2026, recognizing the winners of the “Antioch Through My Eyes” writing contest.

The district-wide contest invited all fourth and fifth grade students in Antioch Unified School District to share their perspectives, creativity, and voices through writing. The program was designed to support local schools while giving students a meaningful opportunity to express themselves and write with purpose.

Winners were selected in each grade level, with first ($100), second ($50), and third ($25) place awards presented to top essays. In addition, one student from each participating class was recognized with a special “Top of the Class” ($10) award.

The ceremony was held at the Woman’s Clubhouse and brought together students, their families, teachers, principals, board members to celebrate the young writers’ achievements. The event concluded with an ice cream social in honor of all participants.

The winners are:

4th Grade:

1st prize– Madeline Cortes, Fremont

2nd prize– Marcus Hamilton, Orchard Park

3rd prize– Hayley Corado, Marsh

5th Grade:

1st^t prize– Alyssa Bennett, Mno Grant

2nd prize– Aissatu Diallo, Mno Grant

3rd prize–Natalia Saucedo, Kimball

“Top of the Class” Award

Fremont—Nehemias Bueso/ 4th grade; Grant—Albertha Kolaco/5th grade; Kimball—Yahir Camacho/4th grade and Noah Sarabia/5th grade; London—Chiara Guisadio/4th grade; Marsh—Ezeuiel Escobar/4th grade; Mission—Angel Gibbs/5th grade; Muir—La’Riyana Mayfield/5th grade; Orchard Park—Mia Ramirez/4th grade and Alexa Colmenares/4th grade; Sutter—Ella Garringer/4th grade.

About the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch

In 1902, 11 of the 15 ladies founded the Woman’s Club of Antioch and pledged: “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.” For m ore information visit www.gfwcwomansclubofantioch.org.