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.

Application Deadline: May 15th

By Antioch Recreation Department

Step up, stand out, and be part of something amazing this summer!

We’re looking for energetic, motivated teens to step into the role of Junior Recreation Leader (JRL) and help bring our summer programs to life.

From leading activities to creating memorable experiences for the community, this is your chance to build skills, make friends, and have a blast while making a difference.

Don’t wait – applications close May 15th!

JRL Program Overview

The Antioch Recreation Junior Recreation Leader program provides youth ages 13 through 15 with the opportunity to gain leadership skills and work experience by volunteering at local recreation centers and working with trained recreation staff. Participants gain professional experience beginning in the application and interview process, receive training in a variety of leadership and youth development skills, and go on to volunteer at our Coyote Hills Summer Camp, Youth Sports Camps, and Antioch Senior Center. 

Youth work under the direct supervision of the Program Coordinators, Camp Directors, and Recreation Staff. It is essential for participants to be committed, responsible, and engaged. Junior Recreation Leaders (JRLs) are program volunteers who shadow part-time staff, assist when directed, and gain valuable experience connecting with peers and their community.

This year, the program will run for 6 weeks, from June 22, 2026 through July 31, 2026. Program hours are generally Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am to 4:00pm. Occasionally, hours will adjust to 8:30am to 1:00pm, depending on the site. There will be occasional field trips and off-site visits to local businesses. Junior Recreation Leaders are expected to be punctual and must be picked up on time at the end of the program day. Ask staff about available transportation options, if needed.

Applicants need to indicate their availability for the summer. We understand that families schedule vacations and other activities over the summer, so a short period when the applicant is not available does not disqualify the applicant. However, scheduling to miss 10 or more days of the program will affect applicant ranking.

Space is limited. Failure to attend the mandatory training on June 9th to 11th will result in dismissal from the program. Application must be fully completed; incomplete applications will not be considered. The application deadline is May 15th at 5 pm. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

For Application Documents visit www.antiochca.gov/645/Junior-Recreation-Leader.

If you have any questions, please email recreation@antiochca.gov.

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

In an effort to Keep Antioch Beautiful and to celebrate Arbor Day we hosted an event to plant nearly 30 trees around Prewett Family Park and in the Antioch Community Center’s parking lot!

First celebrated in the U.S. in 1872, Arbor Day is a national holiday in which encourages public attention to the importance of trees in our ecosystem. Planting, relocating and even climbing trees are encouraged, along with learning more about the myriad of ways trees function in our environment and help us all to exist. Learn more about Arbor Day from the Farmer’s Almanac and Arbor Day Foundation.

Thank you to everyone involved:

• Students from Holy Rosary School
• Antioch Public Works
• Antioch Police Department
• Antioch Public Safety
• City Council Members Don Freitas and Monica Wilson

The strides our community makes to Keep Antioch Beautiful are ongoing!

And takes the involvement of our entire community.

If you are interested in any upcoming volunteer events, please visit our website: antiochca.gov/recreation

See more photos of the event on the City of Antioch Recreation Department Facebook page.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

At Antioch Libraries Tuesdays and Thursdays

Free poetry and art workshops for ages 12-18 at the Contra Costa County District 3 and 5 libraries in Antioch (Tues & Thurs), Brentwood (Wed) and Pittsburg (Mon). Professional artists help youth build personal/educational skills. Snacks & supplies included!

A creative and supportive artist team works with youth to develop skills for personal growth, team building, educational, and professional opportunities.

The Youth Arts Connection library workshops are funded in part by Measure X.

See schedule: https://artscontracosta.com/youth/

For more information email info@artsccc.com.

Partners include the Contra Costa County Library, Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services, and Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County.

From Antioch, Brentwood, Discovery Bay & Martinez

Coronations May 14th at the 2026 Contra Costa County Fair

2025 Queen & Princesses end their reigns

By Cheyenne Erickson, CEO, Contra Costa Fair & Event Park

The Contra Costa County Fair Scholarship Program provides young participants with valuable life and career skills while giving them the opportunity to earn education funds. Through the program, participants develop speech writing and public speaking abilities, build professional resumes, and showcase their unique talents.

They also gain confidence through interview practice, including answering impromptu questions skills that prepare them for future academic and career opportunities. The program focuses on personal growth, leadership, and community involvement, all while rewarding participants with scholarships to support their educational goals. Miss Contra Costa will receive a $1,000 scholarship and Mini Miss Contra Costa will receive $500 provided by the Contra Costa County Fair. They will serve as ambassadors of the fair throughout the year at community service events.

MISS CONTRA COSTA CONTESTANTS:

• Emelia “Eme” Brown, 17, lives in Discovery Bay and she attends Liberty High School. She is a varsity volleyball player and participates in swimming and basketball. She enjoys surfing and spending time on the water.
• Yareli Santuario, 17, lives in Antioch and attends Antioch High School. She is passionate about spreading positivity in her community and is involved with Be Exceptional and serves as an ambassador for the We Get It Foundation.
• Kaylee Rhiann Wright, 17, lives in Martinez and attends Alhambra High School. She enjoys meeting and uplifting others, loves animals and has a soft spot for dark chocolate.

MINI MISS CONTRA COSTA CONTESTANTS:

• Gianna Lynch, 11, is a fifth grader from Brentwood. She enjoys performing in plays, singing, and acting, and is an active member of Brentwood 4-H.
• Teigan Moore, 8, of Discovery Bay, loves reading and art. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and hopes to become a teacher one day.
• Chloe Pettyjohn, 11, from Brentwood, has a two-year-old Pomeranian named Peanut. She enjoys dancing, karate and crafting, and values time with her family and friends.

2025 Queen & Princesses to End Their Reigns

Aili Selvin of Martinez will end her reign as the 2025 Miss Contra Costa County Fair Pageant Queen. The County Fair Board offered their appreciation to her saying, “We are so proud of you and appreciate your contributions to your community all while carrying yourself with the upmost poise and kindness. We look forward to seeing more of your bright future!”

The 2025 Fair Princesses Jocelyn Luna of Oakley and Madilyn Davis of Antioch and Miss Congeniality Michalia Banks of Antioch will also end their reigns.

Pageant Director Danielle Ferguson said, “I am honored to serve as the new Director for the Miss Contra Costa County Scholarship Program.  I grew up in the pageant world, competing from infancy through the age of 24, and spent many years as a dedicated dancer – truly growing up on the stage.  These experiences shaped my love for performance, confidence-building and empowering young women.  I am excited to bring passion, polish and heart to this program and to create an inspiring and memorable experience for every participant.”

Meet the six contestants during the 2026 Contra Costa County Fair May 14-17 at the Contra Costa Event Park, 1201 W. 10th Street, Antioch. Join us May 14th for both competitions and come support your next Miss & Mini Miss Contra Costa! For more information visit Miss Contra Costa and www.contracostafair.com where you can purchase tickets for the fair.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

For “emotional, mental, and psychological…injuries, disability, losses, and damages suffered” due to 2019 incident

By Allen D. Payton

During a special Closed Session meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Antioch City Council will discuss a lawsuit by a former Antioch Unified School District student with a heart disorder who almost drowned in a City pool for “emotional, mental, and psychological…injuries, disability, losses, and damages suffered.” The lawsuit was filed against the City, District and Antioch Water Park by “Jayson Robinson, a minor (at the time), by and through his Guardian Ad Litem, Philana Stearne.”

According to the lawsuit, after being transported by bus to the water park during a school sponsored activity, Robinson was allowed to go swimming even though Stearne had provided written notice that he could not swim and was not allowed to swim during the excursion. After an unknown amount of time Robinson was found at the bottom of the pool unconscious. He was extracted from the pool and found to be “pulseless and apneic”. Lifeguards performed four rounds of CPR to revive Robinson who was then airlifted and rushed to UCSF Children’s Hospital in Oakland.

According to the lawsuit documents, “From approximately 2012-2020, PLAINTIFF (Robinson) was a student at Jack London Elementary School…Dolores Williams was the principal… On or about May 28, 2018, PLAINTIFF was in the fifth-grade and assigned as a student in Shelly Travers class.

According to the First Amended Complaint for Damages demanding a jury trial filed Nov. 23, 2021, “PLAINTIFF is a fifth-grade student with Wolff-Parkinson White Syndrome and a learning disability. PLAINTIFF is enrolled in special education instruction classes which entail his removal from class 10 times a week for help with academics and to be provided extra educational resources.”

The lawsuit also reads, “On May 28, 2019, PLAINTIFF attended school sponsored activity with his class to Antioch Water Park located at 4701 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA 94531. While at the water park, PLAINTIFF was concurrently under the direct supervision of Defendants employed by Defendant ANTIOCH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, and employees of Defendant ANTIOCH WATER PARK. Students were transported via bus from the school to Antioch Water Park. PLAINTIFF’S Guardian Ad Litem, PHILANA STEARNE, provided written notice to Defendants that PLAINTIFF could not swim, and was not to be allowed to swim on the excursion. Defendants ignored the written notice of PLAINTIFF’S Guardian Ad Litem, PHILANA STEARNE, and through failed supervision, PLAINTIFF entered the pool. Due to lack of supervision, PLAINTIFF was found at the bottom of the pool unconscious after an unknown amount of time. PLAINTIFF was extracted from the pool and found to be pulseless and apneic. Lifeguards performed 4 rounds of CPR and PLAINTIFF finally awoke. Robinson was then airlifted and rushed to UCSF Children’s Hospital in Oakland.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a heart condition present at birth. That means it’s a congenital heart defect. People with WPW syndrome have an extra pathway for signals to travel between the heart’s upper and lower chambers. This causes a fast heartbeat. Changes in the heartbeat can make it harder for the heart to work as it should.

“WPW syndrome is fairly rare. Another name for it is preexcitation syndrome.

“The episodes of fast heartbeats seen in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome usually aren’t life-threatening. But serious heart problems can occur. Rarely, the syndrome may lead to sudden cardiac death in children and young adults.”

The lawsuit documents also read, “On or about November 5, 2019, PLAINTIFF presented to ANTIOCH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, by mailing to ANTIOCH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, a written claim for the injuries, disability, losses, and damages suffered and incurred by him by reason of the acts and omissions described” and that Robinson “was harmed and suffered extreme physical, emotional, psychological and economic damages.”

The lawsuit seeks the following relief:

“a. For damages for past and future medical, psychotherapy and related expenses according to proof at the time of trial;

b. For general damages for physical and mental pain and suffering, and severe and extreme emotional distress in a sum to be proven at the time of trial;

c. For damages for future lost wages and a loss of earning capacity according to proof at the time of trial;

d. For damages for past and future education costs according to proof at the time of trial;

e. For attorney’s fees;

f. Any appropriate statutory damages;

g. For prejudgment interest pursuant to statute;

h. For the costs of suit herein; and,

i. For such other and further relief as the Court deems proper.”

Meeting Details

The Council’s Closed Session meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. inside the Council Chambers located at 200 H Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. It will be followed by the regular meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. The beginning of the Closed Session and entire regular meeting can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website or on Comcast cable TV channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99.

Deer Valley High Senior Class President also presented with $1,500 scholarship by local Rotary Clubs

By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, Friday night, March 27, 2026, Amanda Brown was honored as Antioch’s 2025 Youth of the Year.

She is an exceptional student whose dedication, leadership, and passion for service truly set her apart. As senior class president at Deer Valley High School, she plays a pivotal role in planning and executing student activities, earning a reputation as a dependable leader and trusted mentor among her peers.

Amanda has become the school’s premier Master of Ceremonies for large events. Last year during the Deer Valley High School Special Olympics, she emceed the event with remarkable compassion, high energy, making every participant feel valued and celebrated. Her skill, poise and heart for service have made her the go-to emcee, admired for bringing joy and professionalism to every occasion.

Beyond her leadership at school, Amanda actively contributes to the community. She teaches cooking classes and leads youth enrichment activities at the Antioch Recreation Center, inspiring younger students and fostering a positive, supportive environment. Her dedication to helping others, combined with her excellent attendance, academic achievement and strong work ethic, demonstrates a rare combination of character, talent and service-mindedness.

Amanda Brown is more than a student leader—she is a remarkable young person whose compassion, initiative, and integrity continue to impact everyone around her. She exemplifies the very best of youth leadership, and her contributions promise a bright future of meaningful service and community engagement.

During the Gala ceremony, Amanda was presented with a scholarship for $1,500 from $750 contributed by each the Antioch Rotary Club and Rotary Club of the Delta (Antioch).

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

100 riders involved

By Antioch Police Department

On Saturday, March 21, 2026, our Dispatch Center received multiple calls reporting a large group of approximately 50 dirt bikes and minibikes traveling throughout the city. Callers advised the group was riding recklessly, weaving in and out of traffic, and was being assisted by several vehicles blocking intersections.

Officers monitored the situation and used drones to track the group safely. When conditions allowed, officers made contact with several riders. Four mini bikes were towed and one additional dirt bike driver was cited.

According to Sgt. Rob Green, “The drivers ranged in age from 15 to 20 years old. Initially there were about 50 but it ended up being 100 riders involved. We could tell this was a mass organized event because a lot of them were in clothing that advertised it, called ‘Antioch Rideout 2026.’”

We are thankful for the community members who reported this activity and helped us respond quickly and safely. Reckless riding of this nature puts not only the participants at risk, but also other motorists, pedestrians, and families in our community.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.