Free money for college!

More than 60% of public-school students in grades 2-12 eligible for up to $1,500

By Vanessa Vizard, Vizard Marketing & PR

Sacramento, CA — As the year comes to a close and families begin setting goals for the year ahead, California is reaffirming its commitment to young people through CalKIDS, the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program. Backed by a $2 billion statewide investment for more than five million children, CalKIDS is the largest education-focused asset-building effort in the nation, providing automatic scholarship accounts to millions of California children and students to help pay for college or career training after high school.

As families think about meaningful gifts this holiday season and prepare for the opportunities a new year brings, claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship Account is a simple step with a lasting impact. Eligible children and students can receive between $175 and $1,500 in free scholarship funds, with no application, no essays, and no income verification required. These funds are already set aside for children and students and can be used for qualified higher education expenses, making CalKIDS one of the most accessible scholarships available to California families.

“CalKIDS has been an amazing success, with nearly 1 million scholarship accounts already claimed by California families,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, Chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board, which administers CalKIDS. “As we look ahead to the new year, families across the state still have a tremendous opportunity to claim scholarship dollars already set aside for their children and students, funds that can help lower the cost of college or career training and expand what’s possible for their future.”

More than 60% of public-school students in grades 2 through 12 are eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship Account worth up to $1,500.  When CalKIDS launched in 2022, the program awarded scholarship accounts to students from elementary school to high school, meaning current college students may also be able to claim and use their CalKIDS Scholarship funds today. Awardees can use their funds until age 26.

Additionally, 100% of newborns born on or after July 1, 2022 in California automatically receive a CalKIDS Scholarship Account worth up to $175. This includes an initial scholarship awarded at birth, with additional incentives available when families claim the account and link it to a ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan where they can continue saving on their own.

CalKIDS Scholarships can be used for tuition and fees, required books and supplies, computer equipment, and other qualified education expenses at accredited institutions nationwide making CalKIDS one of the simplest and most flexible scholarships students can claim this holiday season and in the year ahead.

To date, CalKIDS scholarship funds have been used by nearly 150,000 students towards their academic success at a college or career training program. For one awardee, Bryan a student at California State University, Fullerton, CalKIDS was described as: “A financial ease into pursuing a degree.”

How Students and Families Can Claim a CalKIDS Scholarship:

Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship takes only a few minutes at CalKIDS.org.

• For public school students, including those who are now college-aged, families will need the Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a 10-digit number found on school portals, report cards, or by contacting the public school the student attended during the 2021–22, 2022–23, or 2023–24 academic years.
• For children born in California on or after July 1, 2022, families will need the child’s date of birth and the Local Registration Number, a 13-digit number found on the birth certificate.

Once an account is claimed, families can log in at any time to view their scholarship balance, link it to a ScholarShare 529 account, learn how the funds can be used, and request a disbursement once the student is enrolled in higher education or career training.

CalKIDS reflects California’s long-term commitment to expanding opportunity, reducing education costs, and investing early in the success of its young people.

Families are encouraged to check if they have a CalKIDS Scholarship Account available to claim this holiday season by visiting CalKIDS.org.

About CalKIDS: The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) is the nation’s largest child development account program, providing scholarships for higher education. Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, and Chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, the program is designed to promote the pursuit of higher education statewide by empowering families to build assets, nurture savings habits, and raise their educational aspirations. Eligible public school students can receive CalKIDS Scholarships worth up to $1,500 and every child born in California on or after July 1, 2022, is awarded a CalKIDS Scholarship worth up to $175, ensuring more families have the resources needed to support their children’s education. To learn more, visit CalKIDS.org.

By Jeremy Gamez

The Boys and Girls of Scouts of America Troop 153 are doing Christmas tree pick up as part of our summer camp fundraiser.

Do you need your Christmas tree picked up? Have the Scouts do it.

We are asking for a donation of $30 for unflocked trees and $40 for flocked trees. These are suggested donations, please feel free to adjust if needed. This is a fundraiser for the scouts.

Pick up dates:

 Dec 27 & 28, 2025.

January 3 & 4, 2026

January 10, 2026.

January 11, 2026. Last day.

To schedule your pick-up and for more information please use this link:

https://pickup.antiochtroop153.org/

Please use the link, it improves our services and help our parents and Scouts doing the tree pick up. Even if you email us, please fill out the link.

Please have your tree on the curb by 9 A.M. Our parents and Scouts will be picking up trees all day and might not pick up your tree until

later in the day. If you have issues, please email us, we will follow

up shortly. Use the email below.

We are all volunteers and have limited resources. No direct messages,

no text messages, we have multiple parents monitoring this email

account.

Please only email once, we may not respond to your email until later in the day.

Payment, please use Zelle and look for: Boys Scouts of America Troop 153.   Use FULL name (no abbreviations). Zelle makes it easier. Email

for Zelle: troop153treepickup@gmail.com

If you’re unable to use Zelle, checks are appreciated made out to: BSA Troop 153. Checks can be left under your doormat on the day of pick up or mailed to: Troop 153, 3377 Deer Valley Rd, #329, Antioch CA 94531.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Troop 153

Through Christmas Eve; Donations accepted

The SF Bay Area KYDS Club of Kiwanis is doing free gift wrapping until Dec. 24 at the Somersville Towne Center in Antioch. Donations accepted to help the Key Clubbers attend their yearly District Educational Convention in April. Look for the Holiday Gift Wrap sign near the security desk on the east end of the mall.

The mall is located at 2550 Somersville Road. For hours and more information visit Somersville Towne Center.

“Negligent Discharge of a Firearm”

By Lt. Franco Cesar #7264, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On December 18, 2025, at 8:46 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting in the 2700 block of Entrada Circle. Upon arrival, officers located a 17-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound.

Officers immediately began providing medical aid until personnel from Con Fire arrived on scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

During the investigation, officers identified the suspect as a 14-year-old male, who was taken into custody at the scene for Negligent Discharge of a Firearm.

According to Bay New Video, “Thursday night Antioch police responded to…reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they found one juvenile that had been accidentally shot in the face by his cousin. Witnesses said the bullet entered the cheek and exited the back of the neck. The victim was transported to a local hospital. The cousin was taken into custody by Antioch police. There has been in the city of Antioch over the past year a reduction of violent crime…Tonight’s shooting was an unfortunate accident.”

The investigation into this incident remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department at tips@antiochca.gov.  

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Allen D. Payton

According to the Antioch Unified School District, “despite chilly conditions, hundreds turned out for the 49th annual Holiday Run & Walk for Health.

“Founded by Tom Torlakson, former State Superintendent of Schools, the event was held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Contra Loma with many of our students running the race, including several high school cross country runners.

“Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch and the Rotary Club of the Delta, proceeds benefit our schools and community.”

Race Director Mike Green shared the following results of two races:

Male 3-Mile Race Winners

Giancarlo Olmedo – 15 years old – 19:31.5

Jailen Johnson-Truitt – 18 – 20:09.3

Dennis Gavrilenko – 22 – 20:26.3

Female 3-Mile Race Winners

Valeria Espinoza – 20 – 19:43.0

Kylie Wisely – 17 – 21:27.8

Jaelyn Wilkins – 17 – 22:53.8

Green offered “Special thanks to East Bay Regional Parks District / Contra Loma for helping us host this event. Thank you to the Race Directors from Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs of the Delta, and to our event sponsor, Dr. Ali Shirani.”

See more photos on the AUSD Facebook page.

By Allen D. Payton

During the Brentwood Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 29, 2025, Tiffany Stewart, founder of Antioch-based Virtuous Voices Music Academy, was a featured singer, delighting audiences at one of the community’s most beloved holiday events.

“Coach Tea”, as she’s referred to, performed Jesus is the Reason.

Her performance highlighted the growth of Virtuous Voices, a music program serving diverse students locally and nationwide through online and in-person voice training, group classes and the academy’s signature, Sing Theory program.

“Sharing my voice at the parade is a celebration of what music brings to our communities,” said Stewart. “I hope young singers feel inspired to step into their own musical journey.”

For more information about Coach Tea and Virtuous Voices Music Academy visit www.virtuousvoices.com or see their ad on the right side of this page.

By Golden Hills Community Church

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!

Golden Hills Community Church is located at 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood. For more information visit www.goldenhills.org or call (925) 516-0653.

Building two tiny home ADU’s

By Antioch Unified School District

It’s community building at its best. In partnership with Antioch High School and Rebuilding Together East Bay Network, the Big Skills Tiny Homes program is a hit.

Brandy Mazariegos, site manager, said the project (which started in the fall) is “going wonderfully! The students are doing an amazing job and showing off their new skills every day.”

Big Skills students build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as part of their hands-on learning experience, gaining real-world construction skills while contributing to affordable housing solutions. These student-built ADUs are then placed in local communities, showcasing the power of youth, craftsmanship and community impact.

The program provides students with “meaningful skills while also creating affordable housing for low-income community members,” she shared. The goal for Brandy and the 26 AHS woodshop students is to finish the two wee homes by June of 2026.

Brandy said “As site manager, I have the privilege of supporting the students on the job site, guiding them through hands-on learning, and keeping the project running smoothly. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see their growth — not just in technical abilities but also in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.”

We look forward to following this amazing construction project over the next few months and sharing the final product with everyone this summer.

About Rebuilding Together East Bay Network

Rebuilding Together East Bay Network is a non-profit organization based in Berkeley, California serving the San Francisco Bay Area. We coordinate donors and volunteers to meet critical needs for our neighbors to receive repairs, renovations, safety modifications, housing and workforce development.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.