Rescued produce sorted at White Pony Express before delivery to community partners in Contra Costa County. Photo: WPE
Guest Commentary
By Tyler McCarthy, Outreach Associate, White Pony Express
On Friday afternoon, for a student who eats breakfast and lunch at school, the dismissal bell does more than end the school day. It starts a 68-hour clock. The last dependable school meal of the week has just been served. The next one won’t arrive until Monday morning.
We hear from our school partners what those hours can mean. As one parent liaison put it: “My thinking was that if I can give them a meal for Saturday, then they only have to get through Sunday. That lessens the need.”
California has done something remarkable. In 2022–23, it became the first state in the nation to guarantee every public school student access to free breakfast and lunch, regardless of family income. Nearly 3.5 billion school meals have been served since the program began.
It works. And at a time when changes to federal nutrition programs are putting additional pressure on some California families, it’s an achievement we must protect.
But hunger doesn’t follow a school calendar.
California’s universal meals program feeds children during the school day. Children still need to eat Friday night, Saturday, Sunday, holidays and school breaks. California has also embraced summer grocery benefits for eligible families, another important piece of the solution. But summer assistance does not solve the gap that arrives every week between Friday afternoon and Monday morning.
For a family already choosing between rent, utilities, transportation, and groceries, those aren’t simply gaps in a schedule. They can be the days the refrigerator runs empty. That’s where White Pony Express makes an enormous difference.
Every day, White Pony Express drivers collect surplus food from grocers, farms, wholesalers, and restaurants – high-quality food that is perfectly good but has nowhere to go. We sort it for quality the same day and deliver it, free of charge, to neighbors throughout Contra Costa County. Of the 135,000 people White Pony Express serves each year, nearly one-third – about 40,300 – are children.
Photo: WPE
Our School Pantry Program brings fresh groceries directly into 23 school communities where 80 percent or more of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Families shop at no cost, with no forms and no questions asked.
One pantry coordinator remembers a young mother raising three children alone after losing her husband. She came to the pantry for groceries, including peanut butter and chicken.
“She doesn’t have money to buy much,” the coordinator told us, “but she told me it’s a blessing to have White Pony Express helping us.”
Since the School Pantry Program began in 2015, White Pony Express has delivered more than three million pounds of food to school communities – the equivalent of roughly 2.5 million meals.
The model works because it connects two resources that already exist: good food that would otherwise go unused and trusted neighborhood schools where families already gather.
It also demonstrates something larger. Public programs and community organizations do not have to compete with one another. They can complete one another.
Photos: WPE
California has shown what is possible when we make a public commitment to feed children at school and then build a system capable of doing it at an extraordinary scale. Now we need to look just as honestly at the hours the school cafeteria cannot cover.
More than two million California children still lack reliable access to healthy food. For them, the problem doesn’t begin Monday morning. It begins Friday afternoon, when the bell rings. And that is a gap communities like ours can – and must – close.
To volunteer, donate food, or support the School Pantry Program, visit whiteponyexpress.org.
MOMS Clubs are for Moms Offering Moms Support. Join us for a family-friendly afternoon of Halloween fun while supporting an incredible local nonprofit!
This year’s Trunk or Treat will benefit Be Exceptional Programs, which provides inclusive and adaptive programs for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Families can look forward to:
Decorated trunks
Candy and non-candy treats
A petting zoo
Sensory-friendly activities
Children’s games and activity stations
Food vendors
Crowd-favorite trunk voting
More seasonal fun to be announced!
Admission is free, but preregistration is encouraged so we can plan for attendance, candy, and supplies. Optional donations will benefit Be Exceptional Programs.
Businesses, organizations, families, and community groups to host decorated trunks
Donations of individually wrapped candy and non-candy treats
Volunteers to help with setup, activities, parking, check-in, and cleanup
Community sponsors and in-kind donations
Food vendors interested in participating
Trunk hosts are encouraged to create child-friendly themes, carnival-style games, and interactive experiences.
Decorations may not include blood, gore, graphic imagery or realistic weapons.
Guests will be able to vote for their favorite trunks by making donations, with all voting proceeds benefiting Be Exceptional Programs. Prizes will be awarded to the trunks receiving the highest donation totals.
Interested in hosting a trunk, volunteering, sponsoring, or donating?
Follow this event page for vendor announcements, volunteer opportunities, attraction updates, parking information, and other event details as October approaches.
Children must remain under the supervision of their accompanying adult throughout the event.
We can’t wait to celebrate with our East County community!
Mattresses inside the DVHS gym, the Marching Teal & Black Regiment and First Trumpet Ramiyah Kidd in Mattress Costume in the band room. Photos courtesy of Kathy Barlow
To pay for competitions and equipment
By Deer Valley High School Band Boosters
The Deer Valley High School Instrumental Music Program, an award-winning group of local musicians, invites the community to its second annual Mattress Sale on Saturday, October 10, from 10 am to 4 pm, as the DVHS North Gym is transformed into a professional mattress showroom. Supporters can test and purchase 25+ top brand-name mattresses, adjustable bases, bedding and pillows, while providing funds for the Marching Band – Teal & Black Regiment and Orchestra, to travel and perform throughout California.
“One in four families will buy a mattress each year, and we are thrilled that people can find one at a great price, while supporting music in our school,” said Band Director (and Deer Valley alumnus) Brian Poole. “Through this fundraiser, we hope to make a significant dent in our travel and competition costs and be able to upgrade and repair instruments for our talented musicians,” continued Poole.
Deer Valley High School Marching Teal & Black Regiment.
The sale is backed by a fundraising firm that fills the gym with brand new top mattress brands including Purple, Helix and Beautyrest. The company offers a lowest price guarantee, since it doesn’t maintain a retail store and instead helps local organizations raise money. A full 50% of the profits goes to the music program.
“Young people will love the beanbag chair that transforms into a mattress,” said Band Boosters President Kathy Barlow. “Come support your back with a new mattress and support our kids.”
Financing, delivery, setup and removal of one’s old mattress are offered. And delivery is available throughout the U.S., so that family and friends elsewhere can support the music program.
Photo source: DVHS
Event visitors will enjoy live entertainment provided by The Teal Tones, Deer Valley’s Jazz Band, and its orchestral Chamber Ensembles.
The Deer Valley Music Program has a long history of entertaining the community in local parades and performances and participates in competitions and throughout California.
The Deer Valley HS Music Mattress Sale will take place Saturday, October 10 from 10 am to 4 pm, at the North Gym on its campus at 4700 Lone Tree Way, in Antioch. Just show up at the sale, or RSVP here for a 10% discount coupon: https://sanjose.cfsbeds.com/events/deer-valley-high-school
Prevents former ICE agents with history of misconduct from becoming law enforcement officers in California
Claims participating in ICE operations during Trump’s 2nd term “demonstrates an immorality”
Could be challenged in court, deemed unconstitutional
By Allen D. Payton
On Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law AB 1627, the Misconduct Ends Law-enforcement Trust Act of 2026 (MELT ICE) by Assemblywoman Anamarie Ávila Farías (D-Martinez), which disqualifies officers employed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from being employed as a peace officer in California, if they “engaged in serious misconduct that would have resulted in their certification being revoked…if employed as a peace officer in this state.”
While the law makes clear that existing police hiring rules covering serious misconduct by former law enforcement officers now, also apply to officers involved in immigration enforcement, it applies even if the ICE officer was not found guilty of misconduct in their current or previous position.
However, the soon to be new law could be challenged in court because of possible violation of federal labor law and deemed unconstitutional in part due to the “immorality” clause. That clause reads, “Participating in the operations of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on or after January 20, 2025, demonstrates an immorality that California cannot afford to have in its ranks of peace officer.”
On August 30th, the bill passed the state Senate on 29 to 10 party-line vote, and the Assembly by 57 to 16 also on a party-line vote. It was enrolled and presented to the Governor on Sept. 9th at 1 p.m.
Part of Package of Federal Immigration Enforcement Related Bills Signed by Governor
According to a press release from the governor’s office that day, “Governor Newsom signed 21 bills earlier today cementing California’s longstanding efforts to support immigrant communities and reflecting on the state’s response to an intensified federal immigration enforcement environment.”
“This action builds on years of work by Governor Newsom and the Legislature to support (illegal) immigrant families, protect communities and the economy from reckless immigration actions, strengthen transparency and oversight of detention facilities, and ensure that state resources are focused on public safety and the needs of Californians.
The governor’s office claims the package of bills, “Prohibits ICE officers who have committed serious misconduct on the job from becoming peace officers or public employees in California.”
Included in the bills was AB 1627 by Ávila Farías, described as “Public employment: disqualifications”, and known as the MELT ICE Act.
Legislative Counsel’s Digest of AB 1627
According to the Legislative Counsel’s Digest, “Existing (state) law specifies circumstances that disqualify a person from holding office or being employed as a peace officer, including, among other things, any person previously employed in law enforcement in any state or United States territory or by the federal government whose name is listed in any of specified indexes whose certification as a law enforcement officer in that jurisdiction was revoked for misconduct or who, while employed as a law enforcement officer, engaged in serious misconduct that would have resulted in their certification being revoked by the commission if employed as a peace officer in this state.
“This bill would specify that, for purposes of the disqualification circumstances described above, the terms ‘employed in law enforcement’ and ‘law enforcement officer’ include a law enforcement officer employed in any state or United States territory or by the federal government who engages in immigration enforcement, as provided.”
Bill Text Claims Participating in ICE Operations During Trump’s Second Term “Demonstrates an Immorality”
According to the Bill Text in, “SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
“(a) Beginning in 2025, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have terrorized California residents, United States citizens and noncitizens alike, through untargeted arrests and brutality based on nothing more than a person’s racial appearance, language spoken, means of earning a living, or exercise of First Amendment-protected expression.
“(b) Beginning in 2025, the United States Department of Homeland Security has recruited peace officers to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement with the promise of being unrestrained in the manner in which officers engage with civilians or by the laws of the State of California.
“(c) Participating in the operations of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement on or after January 20, 2025, demonstrates an immorality that California cannot afford to have in its ranks of peace officers whose duties include interacting with the public.”
Further according to the Bill Text, “…except as provided in subparagraph (B), any person previously employed as a sworn law enforcement officer or individual contractor, and personally engaged in immigration enforcement,” is “disqualified from holding office as a peace officer or being employed as a peace officer of the state, county, city, city and county, or other political subdivision, whether with or without compensation, and is disqualified from any office or employment by the state, county, city, city and county, or other political subdivision, whether with or without compensation, which confers upon the holder or employee the powers and duties of a peace officer.”
Subparagraph B (ii) reads, “‘Immigration enforcement’ includes any and all efforts to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal civil immigration law, and also includes any and all efforts to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal criminal immigration law that penalizes a person’s presence in, entry, or reentry to, or employment in, the United States.”
However, the bill “does not prohibit or restrict any governmental entity or official from sending to, or receiving from, federal immigration authorities information regarding the citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of an individual, or from requesting from federal immigration authorities immigration status information, lawful or unlawful, of any individual, or from maintaining or exchanging that information with any other federal, state, or local governmental entity.” That means existing law enforcement officers can cooperate with ICE within limits of California’s sanctuary state laws.
Assemblywoman Ávila Farías speaks about her bill, AB1627 on the Assembly Floor On May 27, 2026. Video screenshot source: CalMatters
Ávila Farías Comments About Bill, Signing by Governor
A press release issued earlier this year, after the State Assembly passed her bill, reads, “On the Assembly Floor, Assemblymember Ávila Farías emphasized that ICE enforcement has created fear across California—impacting both citizens and immigrants alike—and legislation is needed to proactively safeguard our communities and critical spaces.”
She is further quoted in a FOX11 Los Angeles report as saying in a statement, “California’s peace officers…must be guardians of constitutional rights, not participants in their erosion.” and “argued that participating in ICE operations during this period ‘demonstrates an immorality that California cannot afford to have in its ranks.’”
In her brief speech on the Assembly Floor on May 27th, Avila Farias said, “Communities are safer when we are policed by people who are committed to protecting the public rather than kidnapping them.”
During a presentation before the Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety in April, she said, “Frankly, I don’t want my kids or anyone else’s counting on people who flaunt the rule of the law.” Ávila Farías also claimed, “this bill, does not have any legal issues, and challenges, because we’re simply doing a modest expansion of existing law in a way to protect our community members and holding the highest regard of what our law enforcement professionals. It also is not honing into the individuals that are doing their jobs to the letter of the law. This is protecting vulnerable community populations…”
She repeated her remarks before the state Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety in June saying, “AB 1627 ensures that immigration enforcement personnel are disqualified from becoming a peace officer in California if they have committed misconduct in their prior roles. This bill is about restoring public trust and holding federal law enforcement to the same standards as any other peace officer in California.”
About the governor signing her bill Ávila Farías said, “Our kids deserve role models in uniform, not individuals tied to fear and intimidation. AB 1627 is about accountability, integrity, and reducing harm before it happens. With the signing of the MELT ICE Act of 2026, California sends a clear message: Federal agents who have disregarded constitutional rights are not to be entrusted with peace enforcement roles in our state. Thank you, Governor Newsom, for your commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting our communities.”
Ávila Farías’ office issued a press release about the bill’s signing.
“Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed my bill to prevent former ICE employees with documented histories of misconduct from becoming peace officers in California.
“AB 1627, the Misconduct Ends Law-Enforcement Trust Act of 2026, started with people in my community speaking up. One year ago, at a No Kings Rally in Concord, our community came together and spoke out about the fear many immigrant families were experiencing. That community activism helped inspire this legislation, and I am proud that their voices helped lead to meaningful change.
“AB 1627 was not written overnight. It was the result of many conversations, a lot of listening, and working with people who care deeply about public safety and accountability.
“At the heart of this bill is a simple principle: if someone has a documented history of misconduct, they should not be able to leave one agency and simply put on another uniform without accountability.
“I am honored and humbled to have played a part in creating one more barrier to prevent individuals who have abused their authority from becoming peace officers in California. This is about protecting public trust and making sure the people entrusted with a badge are held to a high standard.
“I want to thank Governor Newsom, my legislative colleagues, the community partners who stood with me, and the law-enforcement professionals who worked with us throughout this process. “This is what people power looks like. A community raised its voice, we listened, we worked together, and we turned that vision into law.
“AB 1627 takes effect January 1, 2027.”
Opposed by Statewide Police Organization
According to a report on MSN.com, “The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) has voiced opposition to the bill. ‘This bill is unnecessary, duplicative and it jeopardizes qualified immunity for California employees,’ stated David Mastagni on behalf of PORAC.
The report further claims, “Critics argue the measure represents ‘guilty by association’ and could worsen existing staffing shortages in California’s police departments and schools. According to data from PORAC, law enforcement agencies throughout California have lost over 3,300 sworn officers since 2020, with an average of 10% of policing roles remaining unfilled.”
Could Be Challenged in Court, Deemed Unconstitutional
However, the new law could be ruled unconstitutional if challenged in court as questions have arisen whether the state can legally enforce a lifetime ban on a specific class of former federal employees without violating federal labor protections or constitutional due process.
According to a report by iHeart Radio in February, “Legal experts question whether California can legally enforce a lifetime ban on a specific class of federal employees without violating federal labor protections or constitutional due process rights.”
Inclusion of the “immorality” clause could give further basis for a court challenge.
Team Jesus Outreach Ministries is a non-profit organization committed to providing basic necessities to those in need. Together, we can make a difference in their lives by providing food, water, clothing, toiletries, and positive words. Our ministry team and volunteers reach out into the local community to share the unconditional, uncondemning, and all-consuming love of God!
The breakfast will be held from 9:00-11:00 AM at 11 Texas Street in Antioch.
By Harlo Pippenger, Consultant, Gold Runner & Ahdel Ahmed, Public Relations Manager, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority
Stockton, CA – More than 100 years ago, Allensworth, CA was founded as a bold vision of freedom, opportunity, and self-determination. Amtrak’s Gold Runner invites you to honor that vision at the Allensworth Rededication on Saturday, October 10 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In partnership, Amtrak’s Gold Runner has scheduled a special stop at the park for multiple trains, bookable at exclusive half-price “Allensworth fares”.
Gold Runner will offer special-priced train tickets to the event from stations across its corridor, which connects the Bay Area and Sacramento to Bakersfield, with bus connections to Southern California. Trains will make a stop at the Allensworth station (CNL), which is normally a whistle stop for pre-booked groups. Riders can combine the event fare with Gold Runner’s standard discounts for children, seniors, veterans, and riders with disabilities, listed on the Deals webpage.
Hosted by California State Parks, the Annual Rededication of Col. Allensworth State Historic Park honors the park’s original dedication in 1976. Join us for historical re-enactments, tours of historic buildings, square dancing, arts and crafts, and food vendors.
Founded in 1908 by Colonel Allen Allensworth, a formerly enslaved man, the town was designed to be a self-sustaining community where African Americans could live, work, and thrive. Today, visitors can see the legacy of this trailblazing community come alive through re-enactments, storytelling, and tours of the lovingly restored and reconstructed early 20th century buildings. Step into the Colonel’s house, walk through the halls of the historic schoolhouse, and explore the church and library for an inspiring journey through a pivotal moment in history.
“The Annual Rededication celebration is a chance to reflect on what Colonel Allensworth and the town’s founders built here, and to make sure that story keeps reaching new people,” said Lori Wear, California State Parks. “We’re glad to be working with Gold Runner again this year. With the cost of driving going up, the train gives families an affordable way to get here, and that matters for a park that belongs to all Californians.”
The southbound trains running for the event include trains 702 (11:41 am arrival), 710 (12:41pm arrival). Northbound trains include 713 (9:40 arrival), 715 (11:39 arrival), 717 (2:46 arrival). Riders must select “Col Allensworth State Park, CA (CNL)” when purchasing train tickets. A discount will automatically be applied, and if eligible, riders can then combine this reduced ticket with additional savings regularly available which include:
Infants under 2 years of age ride for free
Children 2-12 years old ride half-price every day
Seniors (62+ years of age) receive 15% off
Veterans & active military members receive 15% off
Visitors attending the Rededication Celebration via the Gold Runner trains will arrive at the Allensworth station (CNL), which will serve as a special stop for this event. Upon arrival, two complimentary 29-passenger shuttles provided by Tulare County Area Transit will transport riders between the train platform and the historic schoolhouse. Typically, a whistle stop available only to pre-booked groups, the Allensworth station (CNL) will be fully activated for travelers on October 10, offering a rare and seamless opportunity to experience this historic park by rail.
Train tickets to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park can be booked online at the Colonel Allensworth landing page or contact Carmen Setness, community outreach coordinator for San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC), at csetness@sjrrc.com.
About Allensworth State Historic Park
The town of Allensworth is located in the heart of the Central Valley, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield. Boasting a rich history that is of interest to students, families, history buffs, minority community organizations, and anyone else looking to spend a fun day exploring the historic community and its restored buildings. In 1908, Allensworth was established as a town founded, financed and governed by African Americans. There were a series of challenges impeding the town’s long-term survival, but it is celebrated as a key historical icon. In 1974 California State Parks purchased the land in order to maintain it as a site for visitors to learn and explore the Colonel’s house, historic schoolhouse, Baptist church and library. For more information visit Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.
About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)
Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Gold Runner, previously Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile Gold Runner Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com. Gold Runner is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Gold Runner is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Gold Runner Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno.
