Bail set at $2,575,000; 17-year-old Antioch suspect died from his injuries; victim is 21-year-old Antioch man
By Brentwood Police Department
The surviving suspect in Friday night’s shooting that occurred in the 800 block of Marjoram Drive in Brentwood at approximately 7:45 P.M. was identified as Antonio Barajas, a 20-year-old Walnut Creek resident. Barajas (born 12/29/2002) was booked at the Martinez Detention Facility, Saturday morning (7/15/23) for the following:
1. Attempted Murder
2. Attempted Robbery
3. Conspiracy
4. Assault w/ a Deadly Weapon
5. False Imprisonment
6. Discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle
7. Carrying a loaded firearm in public
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department, his bail was set at $2,575,000.
As previously reported, Barajas was not injured but the 21-year-old victim from Antioch was. The 17-year-old suspect from Antioch was transported to an area hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries. (See related article)
Anyone with information related to this shooting is asked to contact Detective Inerbichler or Detective Goold at 925-809-7911. Callers may remain anonymous.
Join us on Friday, July 28 for the Antioch AAU basketball Dream Team Celebration: Shooting for Success, a dynamic in-person event where we’ll celebrate achievements of our founding team!
Join us for an exciting time at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center at 213 F Street in Antioch. Get ready to be inspired and motivated as we come together to celebrate success and dream big. Whether you’re an athlete, artist, entrepreneur or simply someone with big dreams, this event is for you! These young men have worked so hard and would love for you to join us in celebrating our accomplishments.
The Dream Team aims to provide essential guidance, mentorship and educational opportunities for young boys, ages 9-11 in 4th and 5th grades. We firmly believe that by instilling positive values, life skills and a strong sense of self, we can support these young men in becoming confident, responsible, and successful community members.
Join us in celebrating them! Please sign up on eventbrite to ensure we have enough seats.
Once again, Claryissa Wilson and her Forever Me Foundation has organized the annual Antioch Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway. This year it will be held on Saturday, August 5 beginning at 10:00 AM at Dallas Ranch Middle School, 1401 Mt. Hamilton Way in Antioch.
The event will include entertainment and resources for those who attend.
Donations of school supplies which can be purchased on the Amazon Supply Wish List or at local stores. Financial donations can be made and volunteers can also register on the event’s website. See all by clicking https://linktr.ee/4evermefoundation.
Deer Valley High and Oklahoma State grad and former Warriors G-League team member, Kendall Smith will host his 3rd Annual Basketball Camp on Saturday, August 5th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
The free, co-ed camp is open to all Bay Area kids ages 7 to 17 and will be held in the gym at Deer Valley High School, 4700 Lone Tree Way in Antioch.
Antioch Rainbow Girls march in the Independence Day parade on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Photo by Allen D. Payton
By Tammy Gochenouer
Over the past fourteen years, California Rainbow Girls (CAIORG) have fundraised and donated over $1,000,000 to non-profit organizations across California. This past weekend at the state-wide meeting in Visalia, CAIORG announced their decision to support Banding Together as their 2024 recipient. Since 2009, Banding Together has brought music opportunities to individuals with special needs throughout the San Diego area. Their programing includes music therapy scholarships and free Jam Sessions, all of which utilize music as a means to promote socialization, expression and inclusion within the communities they serve.
Over the next year, members of CAIORG across the state will work together to support Banding Together through fundraising and volunteer activities and will present the total amount raised at their annual convention in 2024.
Photo courtesy of Tammy Gochenouer
Our local assembly, Diablo Valley #84, meets in Antioch. We have eight active members ranging in age from 12-17. Not only do we raise funds each year towards a state service project for a non-profit (we have assemblies all over the state if CA), we also do local projects to support our community. We have done city cleanups, food drives and making port pals for our local hospitals and clinics. The state project, Banding Together is located in the greater San Diego area. Our state leader chose this project because we are statewide and music and therapy have a special meaning to her.
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a nonprofit organization for girls between the ages of 11 and 20. Rainbow was created in 1922 for young women whose fathers were members of the Masonic Lodge, and their friends. The organization prepares the girls of today to be the leaders of tomorrow through leadership training, service opportunities, and sisterhood.
If you are interested in supporting California Rainbow and Banding Together, check out www.gocagrainbow.org.
It’s that time of the year again! We are proud to announce the 13th Annual Antioch Police Activities League Charity Golf Tournament is open for player and sponsorship registration. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this year’s fun and excitement! The tournament will take place on Friday, September 15th 2023, at the beautiful Lone Tree Golf and Event Center at 4800 Golf Course Road here in Antioch.
Attached you will find the registration form with additional information about how to register players, sponsor the event, or both! As in prior years, we are limiting our field to 128 players. Don’t wait too long to register, as you may miss out on participating in THE premier tournament in East County!
Please remember, all proceeds raised from this tournament go toward helping the youth in our community stay active and socially involved through positive relationships with mentors and members of the Antioch Police Department. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and your donation/sponsorship can be considered tax deductible.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
***Many of you who have played in prior PAL tournaments know it always sells out. As in years past, teams that register as part of a sponsorship get priority entry. Standard entries are then taken on a first come first serve basis. Any extra entries are placed on a waiting list and will be kept informed of openings in case any teams back out prior to the tournament.
The Deer Valley High School Class of 2023 grads turn the tassels on their caps inside the Los Medanos College stadium on Friday morning, June 9, 2023. Photos by Allen D. Payton
By Allen D. Payton
The Deer Valley High School Class of 2023 graduates, family and friends celebrated their shared accomplishment on Friday morning, June 9th. After entering with their teachers to the traditional playing of Pomp and Circumstance, inside the Los Medanos College football stadium, where the ceremonies were held due to the new turf field being installed in Wolverine Stadium, the graduates were welcomed by teacher and cross-country coach, Michael Green and enjoyed a performance of the National Anthem by the Divine Voices.
The Deer Valley Divine Voices sing the National Anthem. Teacher and coach Michael Green welcomes all in attendance.
They then heard from their first-year principal, Casey Lewis.
“Your journey made the days many,” he said speaking of the COVID pandemic. “Value you those you trust the most. Value those moments. Let them know you care. You don’t have to be great to get started. But you have to get started to be great.”
The grads hear from first-year Principal Casey Lewis.
“It has been an absolute honor to be your principal especially this class which was my first class. So, stay classy,” he added.
Antioch School Board Area 3 Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis (no relation to the principal) spoke of the “Wolverine spirit”.
AUSD Trustee Dr. Clyde Lewis speaks to the grads about the “Wolverine Spirit”.
“People who exhibit the Wolverine spirit are typically fearless and are not intimated by anything,” he said. “They are risk-takers and are so focused on their pursuits that the thought of failure does not stop them from their mission. Being a Wolverine means being a spirited, bold trendsetter who goes against the grain to accomplish their goals.”
Senior Class President Heather Galiwango speaks to her fellow graduates as Trustee Lewis listens.
Senior Class President Heather Galiwango then spoke to her classmates saying, “13 years. It’s been 13 years that the government mapped out a road for us. It seems as though our whole lives revolve around school until we got to high school. Then we overworked ourselves.”
“We’ve overcome a pandemic. We became the first class to have personalized parking spots,” she shared to cheers from the graduates. “Your successes as Deer Valley Wolverines are so impressive. Always know I’m rooting for you in your little corners. Thank you and congrats.”
Valedictorian Ryan Cao shares his thoughts with his classmates as Associate Superintendent of Educational Services Christine Ibarra looks on.
“At the beginning of this year I couldn’t wait to graduate. Now that I’m here, I feel the opposite,” said Valedictorian Ryan Cao. “Throughout my entire life I’ve always longed for the next chapter of my life. I didn’t spend enough time with my friends…and especially my grandfather.”
“Don’t let anyone question your talent or ability,” he continued. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Cherish what you have in the moment.”
The Class of 2023 grads receive their diplomas inside LMC stadium.
Principal Lewis introduced the Class of 2023 to Associate Superintendent of Educational Services Christine Ibarra who accepted the class for completing the requirements set forth by the Antioch Unified School District.
“Henceforth you are to be considered graduates and alumni of Deer Valley High School,” she said to cheers.
Several grads decorated their caps with special messages.
The Deer Valley Choir and Divine Voices who sang the National Anthem at the beginning of the ceremonies then performed “A Blessing” and “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday”.
The grads are announced by Math Instructor Jessika Tate (red & white sash, left) and Math Department Chair Maria McClain (yellow and green sash, right).
Math Department Chair Maria McClain and Math Instructor Jessika Tate read the names of the graduates as they received their diplomas by Dr. Lewis and Ibarra, first to the ASB and Class Officers, Valedictorian and Salutatorians then the rest of the graduates, as friends, families and classmates cheered.
Dr. Lewis and Associate Superintendent Ibarra take photos with the grads and their diplomas as classmates await their turn.
Class President Galiwango led the class in the turning of the tassels before they celebrated with hugs and tossing of their caps, before the recessional song of “It’s About Da** Time” played.
The DVHS ASB, 2023 class officers and fellow grads celebrate.
The Antioch High School Class of 2023 grads celebrate on Friday morning, June 9, 2023. Photos by Selena Cedano.
By Selena Cedano & Allen D. Payton
The 413 graduates of the Antioch High School Class of 2023 celebrated with their family and friends inside Eells Stadium Friday morning, June 9. They filed in to the traditional sounds of Pomp and Circumstance followed by a performance by the Music Masters, led by Director Katelyn Mason, of the National Anthem and “Not to Say Goodbye”.
The AHS Class of 2023 grads enter Eells Stadium to the sounds of Pomp & Circumstance.
ASB President, and 2022 Antioch Youth of the Year, Mateo Ismael Castro offered welcoming remarks. “Just remember, even though we go our separate ways we remain in each other’s hearts and always hold the ones you love in your heart. Hold them dearly,” he said. “Cherish the people around you because tomorrow is not promised, and hate can’t be taken back. Always be kind, hug each other and love one another. Laugh with your loved ones. Take breaths, smile when you can and always tell that person you love them. Never stay mad at each other because tomorrow everything can be gone.”
ASB President Mateo Ismael Castro welcomes all to the commencement, first year Principal John Jimno addresses his first graduating class and Superintendent Stephanie Anello accepts the graduates on behalf of the school board.
He was followed by Principal John Jimno in his first year in the position.
“Keep going in life. We are so proud of your achievements and accomplishments throughout these past years,” he shared.
Valedictorian Ruben Sandoval Ruiz offered encouraging comments to his classmates.
“Stand together through tough times,” he said. “Be your best self. Love yourself. Take challenges. Be brave.”
AHS Class of 2023 Valedictorian Ruben Sandoval Ruiz and Salutatorian Zachary David White speak to their classmates.
Salutatorian Zachary David White reflected on their four years in high school.
“The pain of the pandemic made us. The growth changed us,” he stated. “Stay positive in life even when it’s hard.”
The grads celebrate as they receive their diplomas.
Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha officially acknowledged the class on behalf of the school board.
“Life is full of surprises. Take it as it comes. Be wise”, she said.
Before accepting the class for meeting the state and district requirements to graduate, Superintendent Stephanie Anello said, “No dream or goal is ever too big for what you can accomplish. Think big. Reach high.
Several graduates decorated their caps with special messages.
Senior Class President Carol Cervantes spoke last before leading the graduates in the turning of their tassels. “When we are down in our time of need, be a friend,” she said. “Be kind in a big world.”
The graduates then celebrated their shared accomplishment with hugs and a few tossing their caps, as family and friends cheered.
