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
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.
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.
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.
Students participated in the 1-mile and 3-mile runs and race with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. All photos courtesy of Antioch Unified School District unless noted.
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
Santa (Joe Goralka) with runners from the Antioch Police Department. Photo by Tom McNell
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.”
Tiffany Stewart performs during the 2025 Brentwood Christmas parade. Photo courtesy of Virtuous Voices
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
