Recreational Preschool, Coyote Hills and Youth Sports Camps; scholarships available

By Antioch Recreation Department

The City of Antioch Recreation Department offers a variety of youth day camps throughout the year designed to encourage growth and provide an enriching experience for young participants. Summer Camps include Preschool, Coyote Hills and Youth Sports Camps.

Trained Recreation Staff guide participants through daily activities, games, challenges, and/or craft projects relating to the theme of the camp. Campers have the opportunity to enjoy field trips, live performances, hands-on demonstrations and the best of what Antioch Recreation has to offer!

Antioch Recreation Preschool Camp

Monday-Thursday | Ages 3.25 to 5 | 9:00am to 1:00pm | $172R/$189NR | Antioch Community Center

Antioch Recreation Preschool Camp is the perfect place for children ages 3.25 to 5 to learn, play, and grow in a safe and nurturing environment! This fun-filled program is designed to inspire creativity, foster social skills, and encourage curiosity through exciting weekly themed activities tailored to your little one’s interests and developmental needs. Our counselors guide campers through carefully planned games, crafts and projects that support early learning milestones while making new friends. 

Get ready for a week full of fun, friends, and adventure!  Each week brings a brand-new theme packed with exciting activities like crafts, science experiments, sensory play, and weekly cooking circle, outdoor games, and splash-tastic water play on our playground! Grab your swimsuit and towel and come make some summer memories with us!

2026 Themes 

• June 22-June 25 — Outer Space
• June 29-July 02 — Stars & Stripes
• July 06-July 09 — Mad Science
•  July 13-July 16 — Safari
•  July 20-July 23 — Under the Sea
• July 27-July 30 — Fairy Tales

Coyote Hills Summer Day Camp

Monday-Friday | Ages 5 to 12 | 9:00am-4:00pm | $243R/$267NR | Antioch Community Center 

Camp Director: Zakiya Adams Email Zakiya Adams

Recreation Supervisor: Jaylyn Valenzuela Email Jaylyn Valenzuela

Overview: Coyote Hills Summer Day Camp is an engaging and adventurous summer program designed for youth ages 5 to 12. Key features include age-appropriate activities where campers are grouped by age to ensure each activity is tailored to their developmental stage and interests, fostering fun and inclusivity. Each week a new theme is introduced, ensuring a fresh experience each week with new activities, new craft projects, new games, and new friends!

• Discovery Group: Youth entering grades K to 1
• Explorer Group: Youth entering grades 2 to 3
• Adventure Group: Youth entering grades 4 to 6

2026 Themes & Dates

Coyote Hills: Mad Scientists [June 22-June 26]

Get ready to tinker and explore with Coyote Hills Mad Scientists Week. This week invites campers to step into the lab and discover the excitement of science through hands-on experiments and creative exploration. Each day, campers will conduct age-appropriate science activities, create messy concoctions, and solve wacky challenges that spark curiosity and imagination. In addition to science fun, campers will enjoy games, crafts, and outdoor play that encourage teamwork, creativity, and confidence.

Coyote Hills: Stars and Stripes [June 29-July 2*]

Celebrate the upcoming holiday with Coyote Hills Stars and Stripes Week! Throughout the week, campers will enjoy classic games with a festive twist, design star-spangled art projects and participate in group challenges that build confidence and friendships. With plenty of movement, imagination, and summer fun, this week is all about shining bright, working together, and making memories.

Coyote Hills: Junior Rangers [July 6-July 10]

Coyote Hills Junior Rangers week encourages campers to learn more about the outdoors as they explore nature. Throughout the week, Junior Rangers will learn more about outdoor safety and local wildlife as they enjoy age-appropriate games, nature hikes, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and environmental education activities. Whether your child dreams of becoming a park protector or wildlife explorer, Coyote Hills Junior Ranger week will spark curiosity and interest in protecting the environment.

Coyote Hills: Junior Rangers [July 13-July 17]

Get ready for a wild adventure! Coyote Hills Into Jumanji invites young explorers to step into a jungle-inspired world filled with games, teamwork, creativity, and nonstop fun. Campers will work together to survive the jungle by solving puzzles, completing quests, and earning rewards. Throughout this week-long day camp, campers will embark on exciting daily challenges, obstacle courses, themed games, and imaginative activities that bring the spirit of adventure to life. In between adventures, participants will enjoy arts and crafts, group games, and time to make new friends in a safe, supportive environment.

Coyote Hills: Aqua Adventures [July 20-July 24]

Make a splash this summer with Coyote Hills Aqua Adventures. Campers will dive in the wonders of the water as they explore ocean life and underwater worlds. Each day brings a new aquatic adventure encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity in a safe environment through water conservation games, themed art projects, team challenges & activities and trips to the Antioch Water Park.

Coyote Hills: Ultimate Showdown [July 27-July 31]

Get ready for an action-packed week of friendly competition and big fun with Coyote Hills: Ultimate Showdown! Campers will compete in various challenges, from classic games and relay races to brain teasers, art battles and surprise showdowns. Each day brings new and exciting challenges that encourage campers to try new things, cheer each other on, and celebrate their strengths.

Multi-Sport Camp: Pros and All-Stars (Ages 7-14)

Antioch Youth Sports Summer Camp is a fun-filled program designed to introduce young athletes to the fundamentals of a wide variety of sports while learning about teamwork, health and wellness. Each week will consist of fun drills and games designed to introduce campers to a variety of sports such as basketball, baseball/softball, soccer, volleyball, football and school yard games. Each week features two visits to the Antioch Water Park for swimming and water play. 

Summer Camp Scholarships

Antioch Recreation is excited to offer a new scholarship opportunity this summer. The RaSi Holds Hands scholarship is open to eligible households, including those that have already received 2026 Antioch Recreation Youth Activity Scholarship. Funding is provided by a donation from RaSi Holds Hands Inc. Click for the Application.

For more information visit Camps | Antioch, CA and for inquiries about camps, please contact the front desk of the Antioch Community Center at 925-776-3050 or email the Recreation Department at recreation@antiochca.gov.

Julian Bridges wants to represent Antioch

“Julian is going to be a world champion, now.” – Ruben Herrera

Deer Valley High Class of 2019 grad

By Allen D. Payton

After leaving to train in Las Vegas seven months ago, Antioch boxer Julian Bridges is back and has been making his mark going undefeated in the first nine matches of his professional career including five knockouts. The City Council honored Bridges during their meeting Tuesday night, March 24, 2026, with a proclamation recognizing his success. He was also honored by Assemblywoman Anamarie Avila Farias with a Certificate of Recognition.

Before he left last August, the day after his 24th birthday, Bridges trained at the Team Salguera Boxing Gym in the Cielo Supermarket Shopping Center at 1860 A Street in Antioch, where he has returned.

Last summer, he officially signed a contract with Capetillo Boxing Gym in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Bridges continued his journey in professional boxing while proudly representing the city of Antioch. The gym, owned by renowned trainer Jorge Capetillo, is recognized for its elite training of world-class fighters, including Tyson Fury, Fernando Vargas, Jr., Emiliano Vargas, Brandon Moreno (UFC), and Canelo Alvarez, among others.

Pastor Ruben Herrera of Palabra De Dios Church in Antioch, with family connections to Capetillo Boxing Gym, has played a pivotal role in helping Bridges move closer to his dream of becoming a world champion.

“The community is excited to witness the rise of a future boxing champion representing Antioch, California,” Herrera said. “Julian is an impressive boxer and boasts an undefeated professional record.”

Return to Antioch

About Bridges’ return the pastor shared, “We were able to get out of that contract and bring him back home. His heart is here in Antioch and the Bay Area. He wants to be the face of Antioch.”

“He learned a lot in Las Vegas. Jorge Capetillo is an amazing coach and the gym was amazing,” Herrara continued. “Julian sparred with the best boxers in the world at that gym. He was able to go toe-to-toe with them. He’s probably the best boxer in the Bay Area. He’s ranked 47th in his weight class in the U.S. He feels stronger than ever. Julian is going to be a world champion, now.”

Started Boxing at Age 14

Bridges shared about his beginnings in the sport.

“I started when I was nine years old, first with kick boxing because I was getting bullied,” he said. “I switched over to boxing at 14 and I was trying to get a scholarship. Then I met coach Sergio who encouraged me to turn pro at 21 years old. He’s the one who believed in me before I believed in myself. I respect him. He’s like a second father figure to me.”

“Ever since then I had fights, locally in Sacramento, Redwood City and Nashville and in 2024 in Vegas as Canelo’s undercard during Cinco de Mayo weekend,” he stated.

“Sergio told me about Pastor Ruben. This is the guy who has connections,” Bridges explained. “My dad said let’s talk to him. So, we sat down and had a talk. He asked how serious and how committed I am to this. He said God directed him to help me out.” 

“We went to Vegas and met Jorge Capetillo, a trainer with a gym there,” Bridges continued. “I went there in August to train and he sent me a contract. Now, I’m signed with him.” 

A sendoff party was held on Thursday, August 21st, Bridges celebrated his 24th birthday on Saturday, then moved to Vegas on Sunday, the next day.

Wants to Represent Antioch

He says he wants “to represent the City of Antioch and will wear the city logo on his boxing shorts.”

During the council meeting, Mayor Ron Bernal said they’d get him a bigger City patch and Councilman Louie Rocha offered to get some items with the City of Antioch logo on them.

Born in San Jose, Bridges said he has lived in Antioch since he was eight years old and graduated from Deer Valley High School in 2019. 

His father and mother, John and Jessica Bridges, live in Antioch and Bridges has six siblings, three bothers and three sisters and he’s the second youngest.

His family supports him, he shared.

“At first my mom didn’t like me fighting. But now she’s all into boxing,” Bridges said with a laugh.

Mom Jessica said, “I’m a very proud mom. He’s come a long way. I’m excited about his new opportunities and I’m looking forward to seeing all the great things he’s going to do for the gym and the city of Antioch.” 

Boxing Record

The six-foot tall, 146-pound boxer said he “fights in the welterweight class.”

According to BoxRec.com, Bridges began his professional career with his debut fight on November 5, 2022, and his boxing matches also took him to Costa Mesa, CA and Tijuana, Mexico.

According to Tapology.com, his middle name is Delore and his first two knockouts occurred in Round 1, another was in Round 2 and the fourth happened in Round 3. Bridges’ four non-knockout fight victories were by unanimous decision. He fought twice in 2023, three times in 2024, once in 2025 and so far, twice in 2026.

City Council Honors Bridges

During their March 24th meeting the Antioch City Council voted unanimously to approve the following proclamation recognizing Bridges’ achievements in boxing.

MARCH 24, 2026

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch proudly recognizes the achievements and contributions of its residents who exemplify dedication, perseverance, and excellence; and

WHEREAS, Julian Bridges, a talented and disciplined boxer from Antioch, California, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the sport of boxing and a relentless pursuit of excellence; and

WHEREAS, Julian Bridges has compiled an impressive boxing record of 9-0, 5KO’s Nine Wins, Zero Losses, five of those wins coming by Knock Out, reflecting his skill, preparation, and determination in the ring; and

WHEREAS, Julian Bridges has earned notable achievements and accolades, including earning the Professional Ranking of 47th within the entire Country, distinguishing himself as a high-performing athlete; and

WHEREAS, Julian Bridges trains with Coach Sergio Salguera, of the Team Salguera Boxing Gym, where he continues to refine his craft and represent Antioch with pride; and

WHEREAS, through his discipline, sportsmanship, and perseverance, Julian Bridges serves as a role model to youth in the Antioch community, demonstrating the value of hard work, focus, and resilience; and

WHEREAS, we recognize Julian Bridges for his outstanding accomplishments in boxing, his dedication to excellence, and his positive impact on the Antioch community; and

WHEREAS, Julian Bridges’ achievements bring recognition and pride to the City of Antioch and reflect the strength, determination, and spirit of its residents.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch,

On behalf of the City Council do hereby recognize and honor Julian Bridges and extend our sincere congratulations and best wishes to Julian Bridges for continued success in all future endeavors.

MARCH 24, 2026

RON BERNAL, Mayor

According to a Facebook post by JuicyFights on March 7, 2026, “Undefeated welterweight prospect Julian Bridges kicks off his 2026 campaign this Saturday against veteran William Davis at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, California. The 24‑year‑old Antioch native, now 8‑0 with 4 KOs, reunited with coach Sergio Salguera, saying the home environment has him feeling sharper than ever.”

“Bridges’ resume already boasts a first-round KO of unbeaten Allen ‘Chubby’ Medina and a UD win over unbeaten Jabin Chollet, building confidence and resilience. He’s focused on growth and plans to stay active throughout 2026 in the tough welterweight ranks.”

Bernal and Herrera attended the fight. “It was my first fight,” Bernal said during the council meeting.

That was Bridges’ ninth victory.

Next Fight in Stockton June 27th

The Antioch boxer announced during Tuesday’s council meeting that his next fight is scheduled for June 27th at the Stockton Civic Center and invited everyone to attend. “Bridges will be the main event,” Herrera added.

Including 7 traffickers in Contra Costa County; Contra Costa DA’s Office, Pittsburg PD participate

By Lt. Joshua Singleton, Task Force Commander, Human Trafficking Task Force, Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office                 

Days after the Super Bowl, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force reported its own statistics: numbers that showed enhanced investigations resulted in the arrests of 29 traffickers and the recovery of 73 sex trafficking victims, including 10 minors. One of the victims, who was being trafficked in Oakland, was 12 years old.

Law enforcement operations were held throughout 11 Bay Area counties during the lead up to one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Similar enforcement is being prepared for the deluge of fans coming to see the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament games at Levi’s Stadium between June 13 and July 1.

District Attorney Jeff Rosen said: “Beyond football, the Super Bowl was a triumph of Bay Area law enforcement planning, organization, cooperation, and safety. Human trafficking is not a game, it’s a tragedy. However, our team was very successful. Close to 70 agencies effectively discouraged traffickers from exploiting the game and victims. For traffickers that still came to the game from all over the world with bad intentions, many ended up behind bars.”

The HTTF helped organize the efforts of 67 law enforcement agencies from Sacramento to Monterey.

For two weeks before the Big Game, the Task Force set up a command center in Sunnyvale populated with more than 20 analysts from various agencies, such as the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, the DA’s Crime Strategies Unit, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, Pittsburg Police Department, federal agencies, and partners from community-based organizations such as In Our Backyard, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The analysts worked on tips in real time and worked alongside agents in the field to do investigations and make arrests. Operations that often take weeks took minutes in the enhanced Human Trafficking Tactical Operations Center.

Launching almost 40 operations, investigators recovered 20 victims from San Mateo County alone. Seven traffickers were arrested in Contra Costa; six in Monterey and Solano counties. In Santa Clara County, seven victims were recovered, two traffickers arrested and a firearm was seized. 

View the In Our Backyard 2026 Super Bowl Report.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Greg Burt, Vice President, California Family Council

LONG BEACH, CA — Outside a Long Beach hotel where the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) convened its Federated Council meeting last Friday morning, female athletes stood shoulder to shoulder with parents, advocates, and state lawmakers to deliver a clear and urgent message: girls’ sports are for girls.

The 111-year old CIF, according to Wikipedia, is the governing body for public and private high school sports in California.

The February 6 press conference, organized by California Family Council’s Outreach Director Sophia Lorey, ahead of the CIF meeting, marked a significant moment in California’s ongoing debate over fairness and safety in women’s athletics. For the first time, two members of the California State Assembly publicly joined female athletes to confront CIF leadership over policies that allow males who identify as transgender to compete in girls’ sports and access female locker rooms, policies critics argue violate the original intent of Title IX. (Watch the press conference here…)

But the peaceful gathering also revealed the deep political divide surrounding the issue, as a prominent Democrat legislator representing the Long Beach area publicly criticized the presence of Republican lawmakers and dismissed concerns raised by female athletes.

Athletes Speak: “This Isn’t Fair. This Isn’t Safe.”

At the heart of the press conference were the voices of young women whose athletic careers have been directly impacted by CIF policies.

Reese Hogan, a varsity tri-sport athlete in track and field at Crean Lutheran High School, described the toll of repeatedly competing, and losing, against a male athlete in girls’ events.

“Track is not just something I do. It’s who I am,” Hogan said. “I train to push my limits, to compete fairly, and to earn every achievement through hard work. But over the past two years, that fairness has been taken away from me.”

Hogan detailed five separate competitions, spanning from May 2024 to January 2026, in which she lost to a male athlete competing in the girls’ division. One moment, she said, still stands out.

“At CIF finals, I broke my school record in the triple jump,” Hogan explained. “I jumped 37.2, earning a new personal record and breaking my school record. It was one of the proudest moments of my athletic career. That jump should have earned me first place.” Instead, a male athlete who jumped 4 feet farther placed first.

Hogan said the experience was devastating.

“CIF, why won’t you do anything?” she asked. “You are protecting males competing in women’s sports more than you are protecting the women the sport was created for.”

Hogan warned that allowing males into girls’ sports is not merely unfair, but dangerous.

“There is a reason sports are divided by sex,” she said. “It is not a matter of opinion; it’s a matter of fact.”

Locker Rooms and Lost Privacy

Another athlete, Audrey Vanherweg, a senior and four-year varsity athlete at Arroyo Grande High School, spoke about the consequences of CIF policies beyond the field of play.

Two years ago, Vanherweg said, she began hearing rumors that a boy was using the girls’ locker room. At first, she tried to ignore it. But when she learned that the same male student would also compete in girls’ track and field, the issue became unavoidable.

“I wasn’t going to go into a locker room and change in front of a boy,” Vanherweg said. Especially since he “wasn’t changing himself, but simply just watching all of us girls undress.”

Rather than risk her privacy, Vanherweg made a painful decision.

“I decided to go change in my car,” she said. “I’m more comfortable changing in my own car than in my own school locker room, where boys are welcomed to watch girls undress.”

As a thrower, she explained, competing against males also undermines fairness.

“Boys have a strength advantage,” she said, explaining that boys compete with the heavier implements in track and field competitions. “So, if a boy decides to throw as a girl, he not only has the strength advantage, but also a lighter implement.”

Vanherweg said she is speaking out not just for herself, but for future generations of girls.

“I’m speaking out against CIF policy, not only for myself, but for all other girls, girls who are too afraid to speak out, girls who don’t know what’s going on, and girls who haven’t been born yet,” she said.

Lawmakers Step In

Standing with the athletes were Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez (R–Murrieta) and Assemblyman David Tangipa (R–Fresno), the first time multiple Republican legislators have publicly joined female CIF athletes at such an event.

Assemblywoman Sanchez, author of AB 89, the Protect Girls’ Sports Act, said the rejection of her bill in committee last year did not end the fight.

“Politicians killed the bill, but they didn’t kill this movement,” Sanchez said. “And they didn’t silence these athletes.”

Sanchez emphasized that Title IX was designed to guarantee fairness and opportunity for women.

It was “never meant to be controversial,” she said. “It was meant to guarantee girls a fair shot, a fair race, a fair roster, and a fair opportunity to win.”

She warned that those protections are being eroded across California.

Girls “are losing podium spots, losing championships, losing scholarships… and some are even losing the basic right to privacy and safety in their own locker rooms.” Sanchez said. “That is not equality. That is not progress, and we will not pretend it is.”

Assemblyman Tangipa, a former Division I football player at Fresno State, challenged fellow lawmakers to stop referring to those who want female-only sports as Nazis. He also urged fathers to confront the reality facing young women.

“Why or how is it somehow believed [that it’s] Nazi ideology when you just wanna place to dress freely, and why and how is it Nazi ideology when you want to play in your sport freely?” Tangipa asked. “Why do we ignore safeguards and disregard biology and reality, which is insanity?

He urged fathers to step up.

“There are boys in your daughter’s locker room. There are boys in your daughter’s sports,” he said. “Where are you?”

Tangipa pledged continued action, including potential ballot initiatives, to restore protections for female athletes.

A Democrat Arrives—Then Attacks

In an unexpected development, Assemblyman Josh Lowenthal (D–Long Beach), the Speaker pro Tempore and representative of the district where the CIF meeting was held, appeared near the protestors, but not to support their cause.

Instead, Lowenthal criticized the presence of Republican legislators in his district, accusing them of staging a press conference “about trans kids in sports” without notifying him.

“We all know they don’t actually care about women,” Lowenthal said, adding that an upcoming budget vote funding $90 million for “women’s reproductive health, [abortion]” specifically for Planned Parenthood, would prove his point.

Assemblywoman Sanchez later responded by posting a video of Lowenthal’s remarks on X. (Watch this post here…)

“Respectfully,” Sanchez wrote, “I will stand up to protect girls’ sports in any city, and I’ll always stand with these brave women… No man, especially not you, will ever tell me otherwise.”

Sophia Lorey Challenges CIF

After the press conference, Sophia Lorey, Outreach Director for California Family Council and a former four-year CIF varsity athlete herself, addressed the CIF Federated Council directly, issuing a pointed challenge to its leadership. Lorey rejected the claim that CIF’s hands are tied by state law, arguing that the federation has the authority to act now if it chooses to do so.

“You have a policy in place,” Lorey told the board. “Until you remove the policy that allows males to be in female locker rooms and sports, you can’t say your hands are tied by the state. Remove that policy and stand up for these girls.” Lorey emphasized that female athletes should never have to resort to lawsuits to secure basic protections, adding that CIF leaders have a limited window to act. “Silence is no longer neutrality,” she warned, calling on CIF officials to work with advocates and restore fairness and safety in girls’ sports.

Many of the female athletes also went inside to address CIF leadership directly during the public comment period.

For them, the issue is not partisan.

“This isn’t about politics,” Sanchez said. “It’s about principle.” And as the athletes made clear, they are no longer willing to be silent.

“When you sideline girls,” Sanchez warned CIF leaders, “we will stand up. When you ignore them, we will amplify them. And we will not stop fighting.”

About California Family Council

California Family Council works to advance God’s design for life, family, and liberty through California’s Church, Capitol, and Culture. By advocating for policies that reinforce the sanctity of life, the strength of traditional marriages, and the essential freedoms of religion, CFC is dedicated to preserving California’s moral and social foundation.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Antioch Sports Legends is hosting a Crab Feed Fundraiser and You are invited to attend!
We are hoping to see our friends and supporters on Saturday, February 28th, 2026, at the Antioch Community Center in Prewett Family Park, 4703 Lone Tree Way. The price for each ticket is $100 per ticket – All-inclusive is the food, beer, wine and beverages. Doors open at 5:30 pm and dinner will be served at 6:30 pm

There will be raffle prizes, silent auction prizes as well as a live auction.

Round tables of 8, 9 or 10 can be reserved and purchased. Individuals are encouraged to attend too.

Please come join us for a fun filled night of delicious crab and great company! This is a smaller event and the number of tickets are limited, so please get yours today, as this event is projected to sell out fast.

To purchase your ticket securely online click: https://square.link/u/y6KRih2r

If you are not able to use a debit or credit card, please stop by the Antioch Sports Legends office any Wednesday or Saturday inside the Antioch Historical Society Museum at 1500 West 4th Street, from 1pm-4pm by February 14th to purchase your ticket. We accept cash, checks, debit or credit cards while tickets are available.

San Francisco, CA – With the Super Bowl less than two weeks away and thousands of fans expected to visit the Bay Area, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reminding consumers that preparation is just as important as excitement when attending an event of this size.

“Events of this scale bring a lot of excitement, but they also bring higher prices and increased risk for consumers,” said Alma Galvan, spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau. “Planning ahead, buying tickets from trusted sources, and understanding travel and lodging costs can help fans avoid unnecessary stress and financial loss.”

Protect yourself before you buy

Tickets for the Super Bowl are among the most sought-after and most expensive in sports. Unfortunately, that demand also attracts scammers.

The BBB encourages fans to:

• Purchase tickets only from official sources or reputable resale platforms
• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, especially those found on social media
• Avoid sellers who request payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or peer-to-peer apps with no buyer protection
• Use a credit card whenever possible, as this can add an extra layer of protection

Consumers should also take time to research sellers, read refund policies carefully, and confirm ticket delivery methods before completing a purchase.

Travel and transportation

The Bay Area is preparing for a significant surge in travel related to this sporting event. Airports, highways, and public transportation systems will all experience increased traffic.

The BBB advises travelers to:

• Arrive early at airports and allow extra time for security and delays
• Consider multiple airport options, including San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland
• Plan transportation to and from the stadium in advance, including public transit and rideshare options

Hotel accommodations

The BBB is also reminding travelers to budget carefully for lodging. Hotel prices across the region have increased dramatically for Super Bowl weekend.

BBB recommends that travelers:

• Book lodging as early as possible to avoid higher prices and limited availability
• Compare pricing across nearby cities
• Review cancellation policies and additional fees carefully before confirming reservations
• Verify websites before making any purchases
• Confirm reservation numbers and confirmation emails before traveling to the Bay Area

A final reminder to fans

The Super Bowl will be an unforgettable moment for all those in attendance. With smart planning, fans can enjoy the event and all that the Bay Area has to offer without unnecessary stress or financial loss.

Consumers who encounter suspicious ticket sellers or misleading travel offers are encouraged to report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker.

ABOUT BBB

The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for more than 110 years. In 2024, people turned to BBB.org more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.5 million businesses, and 725,000 times for BBB charity reports on 12,000 local and national charities. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States and Canada.

Will compete in district competition February 19

By Wayne Steffen

Twelve boys and girls aged 8 to 14 were named local champions of the 2026 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship.  Antioch Council #3265 sponsored the local competition at Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church parish center. 

The champions are:

Age                 Boys                            Girls

8                      Greyson Elliott            Charlotte Kerian

9                      Santiago Sandoval      Riley Page

10                    Cristiano Pham           Ava Agpalo

11                    Michael Kelly             Cameryn Smith

12                                                        Devyn Jones

13                    Jayden Rivera

14                    Ryan Wisely                Xofia Espinole

The champions will compete in the district competition to be held on February 19 with an eye toward moving on to diocese, state, national and international levels.

Council #3265 in Antioch, CA is one of 17,000 Knights of Columbus councils that make up the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in 1882 to assist working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States, today the approximately two million members of the Knights put their faith into action through a broad range of charitable causes locally, nationally, and internationally with financial contributions and hands-on service.

In addition to forfeiting game against Liberty High School; includes “antibullying training…community service hours” for “entire team”

“…privacy and confidentiality prevent us from providing specific details regarding the disciplinary measures taken…” – Principal Jimno

By Allen D. Payton

In a recent letter to parents and the community, Antioch High School Principal John Jimno said the varsity team members who participated in a bullying incident and the coaching staff responsible for oversight at the time have been disciplined.

The “appropriate discipline” is in response to the incident, in what some in the community have claimed involved a special needs student, and was in addition to Jimno forfeiting the team’s game against the Liberty High School Lions on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, as previously reported.

Jimno did not share his letter with the media and wouldn’t respond to questions asking for details about the discipline he meted out to both the players and coaching staff. But he did share a list of who and how the discipline was administered and said that the “list is not exhaustive.”

The letter reads:

Dear Antioch Community,

As you know, two weeks ago the Antioch High School leadership team, in coordination with the Antioch District Office, made the difficult decision to cancel the football game against Liberty High School. This decision was made following a video that depicted numerous students on the team engaging in behavior in violation of the District’s Code of Conduct. Since that time, we understand that many in our community have sought answers regarding the nature of the violation and whether disciplinary action was taken.

At the time of the cancellation, the investigation into the incident, and those responsible, was just beginning. However, the video itself made clear that misconduct occurred. We determined that allowing the team to play the game against Liberty High School would not reflect the values of Antioch High School and the District expect from the program and their athletes. Our priority was to make certain that those involved, and the team as a whole, recognized the gravity of the actions captured in the video and their impact.

While the investigation remains ongoing, we can provide a brief update on where the matter stands today. Through cooperation with members of the Antioch High School football team, we have identified many of the students involved. We have also identified a coach who potentially had supervisory responsibility at the time of the incident, and the District is reviewing this matter with utmost seriousness.

Although privacy and confidentiality prevent us from providing specific details regarding the disciplinary measures taken, we can confirm the following measures are in place:

• Appropriate discipline has been implemented for the players found to have violated District policy.
• Appropriate discipline has been implemented for any coaching staff found to be responsible for oversight at the time of the incident.
• The entire football team participated in a restorative circle to understand the impact of this incident and this type of conduct.
• The entire Antioch High School football team has participated in antibullying training. Those players identified to have been involved have participated in additional antibullying training.
• Each member of the Antioch High School football team has begun and will complete community service hours.

This list is not exhaustive, but it reflects the seriousness with which Antioch High School and District leadership have addressed this situation. We also want to acknowledge the commendable leadership demonstrated by some members of the football team. These students recognized the inappropriateness of the incident, and despite difficulty of speaking up, came forward and took responsibility. Their honesty and transparency about the incident is commendable.

Bullying is and will never be tolerated at Antioch High School or with the District. If you know of anyone being bullied, or anyone engaging in bullying, please reach out to me directly. I will act immediately to ensure that no student endures such behavior in our school community.

Antioch High School must always remain a safe environment where students can enjoy their teenage years, build lasting friendships, and prepare for future success.

Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this situation.

Sincerely,

John Jimno

Principal

925-779-75500 Ext. 40040

johnjimno@antiochschools.net

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The Antioch High varsity football Panthers played two more games after the forfeit, including on the following Saturday, Nov. 8, against Pittsburg High in the annual Big Little Game. The Pirates won by a score of 56-3. According to MaxPreps, the Panthers played again on Friday, Nov. 14 against Ukiah in the 2025 North Coast Section Football Championships Division 3 game but lost to the Wildcats 26-15. Antioch High ended the season with a record of 7-4 overall and 3-2 in the Bay Valley League for a third place finish behind Pittsburg and Liberty, and ahead of the Deer Valley High Wolverines, Heritage Patriots and Freedom Falcons.