During their meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the Antioch City Council unanimously approved the following proclamation:
WHEREAS, October 1992 was the first time Filipino American History Month was celebrated in the United States. In 2009, U.S. Congress declared October as Filipino American History Month, and in 2015, President Obama celebrated the first Filipino American History Month at the White House;
WHEREAS, understanding the history of Filipino people in the United States is an important part of celebrating Filipino American History Month;
WHEREAS, the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States occurred on October 18, 1587, when “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed at what is now Morro Bay, California;
WHEREAS, Filipino Americans are the second largest Asian American group in the nation and the third largest ethnic group in California;
WHEREAS, Filipino American History Month is an opportunity to highlight the economic, cultural, social, and other notable contributions Filipino Americans have made in countless ways toward the development of United States history;
WHEREAS, the contributions of Filipino Americans have enhanced the freedom and prosperity America continues to enjoy today;
WHEREAS, the customs and traditions of Filipino Americans are respected and celebrated as part of the rich history of our city, state, and nation; and
WHEREAS, the late Peter Aquino Aduja of Hawaii became the first Filipino American elected to public office and the late Thelma Garcia Buchholdt of Alaska became the first Filipina American elected to a legislature in the United States, respectively, inspiring fellow Filipino Americans to pursue public service in politics and government.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, hereby proclaim that October 2026 is “Filipino American History Month” in the City of Antioch.
Race pits independent long-timer against activist newcomer
Dawkins claims he’s running because Rocha encouraged him to, but she says she only said he should – someday but not against her
By Allen D. Payton
With a week to go in the Trustee Area 5 race for the Antioch Unified School District Board election, I’ve decided to endorse Mary Rocha for re-election for a third and most likely final term in a row. The long-time, local elected official, who first served on the school board, when she served as Board President, then on the Antioch City Council, including one term as mayor, and has been serving on the school board again since 2018.
She faces newcomer Brandon Dawkins as her only challenger.
Reasons for Rocha
I served with Mary for four years on the council. We worked together well during the final two years of my term and her first two as mayor and I know I can trust her as she does what she says she will.
More importantly, Rocha is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in even if it means being the odd person out when voting on major issues. For example, she was the only trustee to vote against hiring the current superintendent who has since been placed on paid leave and is now suing the District and Rocha. (See related article)
She voted against staff salary increases due to concerns about budget impacts this past year. Rocha also said no to painful cuts, but she did support some budget cuts. Because of her leadership in that area, two of the other trustees joined her to form a new board majority.
Rocha said no to painful cuts, but she did support some necessary staff and budget reductions. She said her efforts help win other board members to her side.
As previously reported, during their meeting on May 13, 2026, on a vote of 3-1-1 with Rocha voting “no”, the Trustees approved the Budget Reduction Plan including the concessions that saved several specific jobs. The Board then voted 3-1-1, again, on final layoffs of 78 Certificated employees which, were mainly teachers, also with Rocha voting against. Finally, after Rocha was able to get the other board members to agree to saving the jobs of the Behavior Support Specialists (3 FTE), Board Certified Behavior Analyst (1 FTE) and Bilingual Instructional Assistants – (12.4275 FTE), the Trustees voted 4-0-1 with Rocha voting in favor, on final layoffs of a little over 81 Full-Time Equivalent Classified Services employees.
Rocha has the backing of almost 20 current and former elected officials in or who represent Antioch, district and community leaders and also one union, the Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades Council.
Dawkins’ Background
According to his website, Dawkins has worked for the City and County of San Francisco for the past 18 years, currently as a health worker with the San Francisco Department of Public Health. He is a member of SEIU Local 1021, where he previously served as Vice President of Organizing. Dawkins also holds a bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies with an emphasis in Behavioral Sciences from S.F. State.
He does have some experience with Antioch schools, having served on the AUSD Safety Committee and as a parent representative on the district’s Community Schools Steering Committee, according to his website which his good.
Rocha and Dawkins participate in the NAACP Candidate Night moderated by the League of Women Voters on Sept. 24, 2026. The photo by Allen D. Payton posted on the Antioch Herald Facebook page that night then used by the Dawkins campaign without permission or attribution.
Challenges with Dawkins
But during the night of the NAACP Candidates forum on Sept. 24th, I met and spoke to Dawkins for the first and only time and I gave him my business card with my phone number and email address. But I’ve never heard from him. Plus, his campaign website does not include either his phone number or email address. In order to contact him, I completed a form on the website and provided my phone number and email address last Wednesday. Yet, I still haven’t heard from him, or anyone associated with his campaign in order to speak with Dawkins to ask him a few questions. That’s not good for someone who wants to serve in public office. Candidates and elected officials need to be accessible to the public they’re wanting to or do represent. I finally saw his email address on his campaign Facebook page late Sunday night and sent him a message. But as of Tuesday he still hasn’t responded or contacted the Herald.
Worse, in introducing himself during that forum Dawkins embellished a conversation he had with Rocha a few years ago when he said the reason he’s running is because she encouraged him to at that time. But when asked about it, Rocha said, “I only met him two years ago at the Democrat Central Committee dinner when Louie (her son) was running for city council. I told him, ‘You sound good. You would make a good school board member.’”
She never expected Dawkins would run this year or against her.
Plus, he or someone on his campaign posted on his campaign Facebook a photo from that forum taken by this reporter that had been posted on the Herald’s Facebook page without permission and without mentioning where it was obtained.
When informed of it, either he or someone from his claimed, “Actually, this photo was taken by another community member who was in attendance and it was posted on their page.” But it is the exact same photo and that person obviously obtained it from the Herald’s Facebook page and posted it on theirs. On Tuesday prior to publication time, I asked them to either give credit to the Herald or remove the photo.
Brandon Dawkins in his official campaign photo (top left), in a photo by SEIU (bottom left) with unionized Starbucks workers and their allies celebrating Pride month at a store in Antioch, Thursday, June 27, 2024, and (top right) in a photo wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf posted on his Facebook page on Sept. 14, 2026, (top center) speaking at an anti-ICE rally in favor the County’s non-cooperation policy, (bottom center) speaking at an SEIU rally and (bottom right) speaking at what appears to be an anti-Trump political rally. Sources of all photos except by SEIU: Dawkins’ campaign website and Facebook pages.
Opposed to School Safety Officers on Antioch Campuses
Also, on Dawkins’ website, he claims to have “helped lead efforts to replace armed police officers in Oakland schools with unarmed school safety staff.” So, he’s against School Resource Officers like the six AUSD high school and middle schools could have had and Rocha supported in a 3-2 vote on August 6, 2020 after she endured being almost knocked to the ground the night before by protesters against the SRO’s who twice interrupted to the Board meeting. But the new council majority, which included District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, voted to rescind the federal grant that the previous council majority voted to accept after the hiring process had already begun. The councilwoman is the only local elected official or community leader who has endorsed Dawkins. Plus, a post on Torres-Walker’s Instagram account shows a photo of him standing between her and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson revealing with whom he’s politically aligned, especially since they’re all backed by many of the same groups.
He’s also endorsed, of course, by SEIU Local 1021, plus, the Contra Costa Central Labor Council, as well as by a variety of Democrat organizations, injecting partisan politics into what is supposed to be a non-partisan office.
While Dawkins seems like a nice man and his campaign platform is good, being an advocate is one thing, but being an activist is another. The last thing the Antioch School District or Board needs right now is an activist, especially on international and other matters that have absolutely nothing to do with Antioch or our local students. Nor do we need a union organizer who would be torn between representing the taxpayers’ interest and those of the district’s unionized staff during salary negations.
Rocha’s the Right Trustee to Represent Us for Responsible Leadership
Plus, we need a trustee who has the experience, now and will continue leading on fiscal responsibility, not someone who will be learning on the job for the first six months to two years, along with the other new school board trustee who is running to replace Dr. Jag Lathan and without opposition will be automatically elected. Antioch also needs a trustee who will focus on helping the students who desperately need so much of it, especially in the areas of math and English, based on the information from the latest California School Dashboard that was released last week. Mary Rocha is the right trustee at the right time to represent us who will do just that.
On her campaign website she writes, “I remain committed to transparency, accountability, academic excellence, and working collaboratively with families, staff, and the community to prepare every student for a successful future.” That’s what Antioch needs.
4.5-star rating reflects the expert medicine, seamless care, and outstanding service provided to more than 1.5 million Medicare Advantage members inCA
By Elissa Harrington, Senior Media Relations & PR Representative, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
OAKLAND, Calif. October 27, 2026 — Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare Advantage health plan in California is among the highest rated plans in the state, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ 2027-star ratings.
Kaiser Permanente California earned 4.5 stars. The top rating is 5 stars.
Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare HMO health plan in California has been highly rated for 17 consecutive years (2011-2027) and is tied for the highest performing health plan in the state.
“Every day our Northern California care teams deliver personalized, compassionate care to our Medicare health plan members, helping them lead healthy and productive lives,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region, which serves more than 1.5 million Medicare health plan members. “We’re proud to be recognized nationally for the high-quality care and outstanding service we provide.”
This high rating reflects the expert medicine, seamless care and outstanding service Kaiser Permanente California and all Kaiser Permanente health plans provide to their Medicare health plan members. For the third year in a row, all Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plans are rated 4 stars or higher.
“Our physicians, nurses, and care teams in Kaiser Permanente Northern California are committed to helping our Medicare health plan members achieve better health outcomes through coordinated, personalized, high-quality care,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “These ratings reflect the expertise of our teams and their dedication to supporting the health and well-being of our older adult populations.”
What CMS ratings measure
Every year, CMS publishes Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) ratings. Each year, CMS rates Medicare health and prescription drug plans using a 1-to-5-star scale. The ratings help consumers compare the quality of available plans.
CMS evaluates several key areas to determine star ratings:
How well health plans help members stay healthy
How well plans manage ongoing health conditions
Member experiences
Customer service
Access to care
Pharmacy services
Enrolling in a Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan
Open enrollment for all 2027 Medicare health plans begins on October 15 and runs through December 7, 2026. Kaiser Permanente is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Kaiser Permanente depends on contract renewal.
Medicare beneficiaries can learn more about the CMS star ratings and Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare health plans by visiting kp.org/medicarestars.
About CMS
CMS is the federal agency that provides health coverage to more than 160 million through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Health Insurance Marketplace.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.
With “sound judgment, respectful leadership and consistent follow-through”
By Sandra White, Candidate for Antioch City Council, District 4
For 16 years, Antioch has been my home. Like many of my neighbors, I want to see our city thrive, a place where families feel safe, businesses succeed, young people have opportunities, and residents have confidence in their local government.
I am running for City Council because I believe we can do more to turn those shared hopes into results. We need leadership that is proactive not reactive. Leadership that focuses primarily on what the people of Antioch need and take action.
My commitment to Antioch began long before this campaign. Through my service with the Rotary Club of Antioch, the Crime Prevention Commission, local education organizations, and youth initiatives, I have worked alongside residents who give their time and energy to strengthen our community. Those experiences have shown me what is possible when people work together. They have also reinforced the importance of city leadership that listens, follows through, and treats residents with respect.
As a Vice President of Human Resources, I work through difficult decisions, evaluate competing needs, and help people resolve problems. My background in counseling psychology informs how I listen and approach conflict. I would bring those same skills to the City Council: asking thoughtful questions, reviewing the facts, considering financial consequences, and holding myself accountable for results.
A Safer Antioch Starts with Leadership
Public safety must be a promise our city delivers on every day. Every Antioch resident deserves to feel safe at home, walk through a park without fear, not have their neighborhood taking over by side shows and shop at local businesses with confidence. I will prioritize adequate police staffing, responsive emergency services, rigorous training, and accountability that builds public trust. I will also champion crime prevention through youth programs, better street lighting, well-maintained public spaces, and behavioral health professionals who can respond when appropriate. My commitment is clear: safer neighborhoods, stronger community trust, and measurable results.
Local Business Growth and Opportunity
We also need a stronger local economy. Residents regularly ask why storefronts remain empty and why they must leave Antioch for shopping, dining, and entertainment. City Hall must understand the barriers facing businesses and work to address them. Our planning decisions should consider appropriate housing needs alongside jobs, traffic, infrastructure, public services, and the commercial activity that helps fund them.
Pathways to Housing and Recovery
Addressing homelessness requires compassion, clear expectations, and sustained coordination. I support a treatment-first approach that connects people with mental health care, substance use treatment, and pathways toward stability. Residents also deserve safe, accessible sidewalks, parks, and public spaces. We need to measure whether our efforts are helping people and improving conditions, not just implementing an expensive short-term fix.
These priorities require responsible financial decisions. Every dollar the city spends should serve a clear purpose. I will ask what proposals cost, how we will pay for them, and how residents will know whether they are working.
Above all, I want residents to feel heard. People should be able to ask questions, express disagreement, and participate in city government without being dismissed or intimidated. Public service requires the humility to listen, acknowledge mistakes, and correct courses.
I am running because I care about Antioch’s future and am prepared to do the work that serving this community requires.
My commitment is to bring preparation, sound judgment, respectful leadership and consistent follow-through to District 4. Together, we can build a stronger, safer Antioch.
To learn more and to offer your support, please visit my website at www.sandragwhite.com.
According to the Antioch Police Department’s CitizenRIMS Arrests list, 28-year-old Jesse James Hernandez was arrested Saturday afternoon, Oct. 24, 2026, at 12:36 PM in the 800 block of W. 6th Street for felony battery with serious bodily injury.
He’s described as Hispanic, five-foot, eight inches tall and 125 pounds and is charged with243(d) Pc: Battery with serious bodily injury (F) which is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year and as much as two, three, or four years.Case Number:26-10302. Incident Number: 2610240088.
According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Hernandez was born on Nov. 5, 1997, and is described as five-foot, seven inches tall and 150 pounds. He is also charged with 182(A)(1) PC: misdemeanor criminal conspiracy and being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on $50,000 bail. Also, according to the Sheriff’s Office, his name is Jesse James Hernandez, Jr.
The dominating Black & Gold Yoc Boyz look to defeat their long-time rivals
By Allen D. Payton
This Friday night, Oct. 30, 2026, the 7-1 Antioch High Panthers Varsity Football Team takes on the 5-3 Pittsburg Pirates at home in Eells Stadium at 7:00 p.m. The JV game begins at 4:30 p.m.
So far this season, Antioch has dominated all but one of their opponents by defeating Dublin High 29-7, Bear Creek 54-14, Heritage 24-6, Emerald 54-0, Deer Valley 40-12, Hercules 62-0, and Freedom 52-18. The team’s only loss was a nailbiter with a score of 20-21 against San Leandro.
Friday night’s game is the second-to-last for the season with the Panthers’ final game to be played against Liberty on Friday, Nov. 6th.
During special Closed Session meeting last Friday, less than two weeks before the election
“…the selection of the City Manager should be made by the new council members after the election.” – Councilman Louie Rocha
By Allen D. Payton
During the report out from the Closed Session at the end of the Antioch City Council’s special meeting on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, Acting City Manager Ana Cortez said, “Today, City Council met on the item entitled, ‘Public Employee Appointment: Position Interim City Manager…the Council took no reportable action.”
However, the agenda for tomorrow night’s Oct. 27th Council meeting, under Item 19.3 entitled, Discussion of Recruitment Strategy and Plan for Council Identified Key Positions and Citywide Recruitment and Staffing Status Update, it shows under City Manager, the Status is Active Recruitment and the Plan is, “Council provided direction to post the RFQ (Request for Quote), which closes on 10/30/2026, Firm to be selected week of 11/9/2026, Position to be posted early January and Acting City Manager/firm to work with Council on the timeline for interviews prior to position closing.”
That means the city council decided to move forward with choosing a search firm for the hiring of the city manager with the deadline for the firms to submit their proposals by this Friday, just four days before the election. Plus, the current council will choose the firm before whichever candidates get elected and are seated in December. But the position of city manager will not be posted until January, so the new council members will be involved in the vote to hire one.
When contacted about waiting until after the election and the candidates who are elected are seated in December, District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha responded, “I agree that the selection of the City Manager should be made by the new council members after the election. However, when it comes to selecting an Interim City Manager to fill the gap until we are able to search for a permanent CM, we need to take action sooner than later.”
During Tuesday’s meeting Council will also discuss 44 other vacant City positions.
Questions for City Staff
Both Cortez and City Attorney Lori Asuncion were asked why the Council’s direction to Cortez wasn’t reported out and kept secret until the agenda was released early Saturday morning. They were also asked to clarify the aforementioned description regarding the city manager recruitment included in Tuesday’s meeting agenda.
In response Asuncion wrote, “At the October 7, 2026, special council meeting, there were two reports made regarding the Interim and Permanent City Manager positions:
For the Interim, Council gave general direction that Ms. Cortez would remain Acting (no change) while the Council completes the process of selecting an Interim City Manager, authorized Ms. Cortez to negotiate an employment agreement with a candidate when selected, and that the appointment and agreement for an Interim City Manager would come to the council in open session at a regular city council meeting for consideration.
For the Permanent, Council gave general direction for staff to move forward with a Request for Proposal process for the Permanent City Manager recruitment.
“For clarity, the Brown Act does not require a report out every time the Council meets in closed session. It requires a report of action taken in closed session for specified items (e.g., final action related to real property, litigation, appointment, dismissal, acceptance of resignation, etc.). Here in Antioch, the Council often opts for more transparency beyond what the law requires by reporting out general direction, where appropriate.
“I will of course defer to Acting CM Cortez regarding the specifics of the RFQ process that was used and the timeline for the permanent city manager, but it is my understanding that the RFQ was circulated for 2 weeks ending October 30, 2026, consistent with the October 7, 2026, direction. It is also my understanding, consistent with the report out on October 7, 2026, that the selection of an Interim City Manager and the selection of a Permanent City Manager are separate processes.”
Asuncion was then asked how and why would giving direction on hiring a search firm to fill a position even be a matter for Closed Session and shouldn’t that have been brought back to open session for discussion and direction. But she did not respond nor did Cortez, prior to publication time.
Please check back later for any updates to this report.
The Freewheelers Cello Band will perform at the Bridgehead Café in Antioch, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, from 4-7 PM.
A completely unique sound, where an orchestral instrument meets rock ‘n roll, blues, jazz and funk, is the result. Sacramento born cellist Ilene McHolland and Dutch bassist Bas Vossen have merged local talents Ben Cooper (drums) and Mike Delgado (guitar) in the band, played Clayton Club Saloon, the Discovery Bay Country Club and some private parties. They host the Delta Sports Bar monthly jam session from March to October (voluntarily).
The Bethel Island band has been around since 2007, when Ilene met Bas in Amsterdam, during a blues and rock concert in the famous Bourbon Street bar. They first played a festival where the audience responded very positively, sparking their first European tour through the Netherlands, Germany and Spain.
The Freewheelers offer a big difference from other bands: an electric, six-string NS Design cello with effects normally known from guitar players.
The performance will also include a Zombie Dance Contest. Prizes include a Zombie Sword, a Zombie Mask, Pirate Knife, and they hope to add more. If the entire audience is dancing, there will be more!
Bridgehead Café is located at 2415 E. 18th Street – near the graveyards. Oooohhhh, spooky!
