Rep. John Garamendi with his wife, Patti (top) as she speaks and the Congressman speaks to the honorees at his 13th Annual Women of the Year event on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Photos: Office of Congressman John Garamendi
22 from Contra Costa County, 52 total
Learn why the congressman honored the two women from Antioch
By Cameron Niven, Office of Congressman John Garamendi
BENICIA, CA – On Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at his 13th annual Women of the Year event, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08) honored 52 women from California’s 8th Congressional District, including 22 from Contra Costa County and two from Antioch, who are leaders and visionaries in their communities. Each honoree has made a real difference in our community through public service, business, education, and the local economy.
“Every year, I’m honored to recognize the remarkable women of California’s 8th District who serve as the backbone of our community,” said Rep. Garamendi. “They come from every corner of our district and from many different backgrounds, and they work in a wide range of fields. Each is united by the profound impact they have on the people around them.”
“Their commitment and passion for service deserve recognition, and through this award, their contributions will be preserved for generations in the official Congressional Record in Washington, D.C.”
The event was held in Benicia at the Clocktower and the women from Antioch who were honored are Laura Jacques and Lisa Lacy.
In a post on Facebook following the event the congressman also wrote, “Yesterday I had privilege of recognizing 52 women from California’s 8th Congressional District at my annual Women of the Year celebration. These women are leaders and visionaries who are making a real difference in our community through public service, business, education, and the local economy. Thank you to every honoree for all you do. Congratulations!”
Antioch resident Laura Jacques (second from left) was among the 52 women honored by Congressman Garamendi this year.
When reached for comment about the honor, Antioch resident Laura Jacques said, “I was very honored. I was really humbled by some of the other women who were there and I was thinking, ‘do I really belong here?’ I was really surprised.”
“It was a really nice event,” she added.
The 2026 Women of the Year Honorees are:
Contra Costa County:
Laura Jacques (Antioch)
Lisa Lacy (Antioch)
Champagne Brown (El Cerrito)
Stacy Wayne (El Cerrito)
Susan Duncan (El Cerrito)
Christine Mathias (El Sobrante)
Jamela Smith-Folds (Hercules)
Christine Dean (Martinez)
Rachel Shoemake (Martinez)
Annisha Geran (Pittsburg)
Kaitlin Clink (Pittsburg)
Annie King-Meredith (Richmond)
Elana Bolds (Richmond)
Maria Del Rocio Martinez Luna (Richmond)
Mary Ann Dawkins-Padigela (Richmond)
Dr. Mayra Padilla (Richmond)
Michelle Denise Milam (Richmond)
Nwaeze Nmereole (Richmond)
Shasa Curl (Richmond)
Amanda Jenkins (San Pablo)
Dr. Rocio Hernández (San Pablo)
Yolanda Mendoza (San Pablo)
A photo and a bio about each woman were included in a program provided to each honoree at the event and a plaque showing their information entered into the Congressional Record was presented to them by the congressman.
Laura Jacques, from the event program, and being presented with her plaque by Rep. Garamendi on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Photos: Office of Rep. Garamendi
Laura Jacques – Antioch – Contra Costa County
Laura Jacques is a dedicated member of the Antioch Historical Society and the Woman’s Club of Antioch. In her role with the Historical Society, Laura is essential in organizing and running several community events, including the city’s 150th anniversary and the relocation of the Red Caboose. Laura continuously goes above and beyond, whether it is helping produce a commemorative coin, a book documenting Antioch’s history, or a celebratory barbecue.
As a part of Antioch’s Woman’s Club, Laura has worked tirelessly to transform her local community. She has dedicated her efforts to enhancing the Woman’s Club’s outdoor space, while also spearheading the early stages of a new mural on the building’s exterior that will celebrate local history and art. In addition to directly supervising the reconstruction of the space, Laura was instrumental in the project’s fundraising.
Across all her roles, Laura consistently drives positive change in her community through her leadership, sense of civic responsibility, and commitment to excellence. Her efforts have benefited Antioch community members of all ages and her dedication to supporting the community is truly worth celebrating.
Laura Jacques being honored by Rep. Garamendi (left) and with other honorees (2nd from left) and the congressman (right).
Lisa Lacy – Antioch – Contra Costa
Lisa Lacy is a dedicated member of the Antioch community who works tirelessly to protect and care for the local feral feline population of Antioch. Starting her days in the early hours of the morning, Lisa works to trap, transport, house, and medicate feral felines across Antioch. She has worked tirelessly to prepare formerly feral cats for their new lives in loving homes through trap, neuter and return efforts. Lisa has helped to create a more humane environment for our feline friends and those who enjoy their company.
To educate and empower her fellow Antioch community members, Lisa created the Scruffy to Fluffy information page. Community members can find adoptable cats, as well as information on how best to deal with those that are feral. Many community members have turned to her after receiving litters that are too large for them to manage, and Lisa has helped to arrange adoptions and other methods of care.
Her work has benefited both 4-legged and human members of Antioch’s community, and her dedication does not go unnoticed. Lisa’s dedication to caring for Antioch’s feline population reflects the very best of community service and continues to make a meaningful difference for both animals and residents.
Lisa Lacy did not attend the event and did not provide a photo of herself for the program. Efforts to reach her were unsuccessful prior to publication time.
A video of the event can be found here and see more photos here.
Also, for obstructing an executive police officer with intimidation; already bonded out of custody
Four other calls for service on the same street the same day, one for assault, another for a fight
By Allen D. Payton
According to the Antioch Police Department’s CitizenRIMS Arrests list, 50-year-old Justin Lee Miller was arrested on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 10:30 p.m. in the 800 block of W. 6th Street for domestic violence and obstructing or resisting an executive police officer with intimidation. Both are felonies. He was also charged with a misdemeanor for obstructing or resisting a peace officer or emergency medical technician.
The five-foot, 11-inch, 225-pound Miller is described as White. He was charged with 273.5(a) Pc: Inflicting corporal injury on a spouse, cohabitant or dating relationship – Aggravated (F), 69(a) Pc: Obstructing or resisting an Executive Officer – Intimidation (F); and 148(a)(1) Pc: Obstructing, resisting, etc. a public, peace officer or emergency medical technician – Simple (M). Case Number: 26-10308. Incident Number:2610240184.
According to the CitizenRIMS Crime Map, the incident occurred at 8:10 p.m. in the same block where another arrest for assault occurred earlier that day at 12:06 PM. (See related article)
Other calls in the 800 block of W. 6th St. Oct. 24, 2025.
In addition, the Crime Map shows there were three other calls for service in that same block that day, including for a fight. That call occurred at 4:50 PM was closed at 5:22 PM with no report made – Incident Number: 2610240138. Later, there were two calls requesting extra patrols at 9:30 PM which was closed at 11:32 PM after it was cancelled (Incident Number:2610240203), and at 11:30 PM which was closed at 3:00 AM the following morning, which was also cancelled – Incident Number:2610240230.
According to the California.Public.Law website, upon conviction for the domestic violence, Miller “shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years, or in a county jail for not more than one year, or by a fine of up to six thousand dollars ($6,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment.”
Obstructing a senior officer, “is punishable by a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170, or in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.”
The obstructing or resisting charge is “punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.”
According to localcrimenews.com, this is the third arrest for Miller who is a resident of Antioch. He was previously arrested for battery on a spouse, cohabitant or former spouse on Sept. 29, 2025, and for DUI in Sept. 2014.
Our office is hosting a Virtual Military Service Academy Nomination Information Night on Thursday, October 29th from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. Join us for an opportunity to learn more about the nomination process and ask any questions you may have.
This meeting is open to CA-10 students and parents. District 10 includes portions of Antioch. See District and information map here.
RSVP to ryan-thomas.brown@mail.house.gov or call Congressman DeSaulnier’s office at (925) 933-2660 for the Zoom login information.
Showed up at local hospital early Tuesday; Pittsburg Police assist
By Lt. Michael Mellone, Antioch Police Department
On October 27, 2026, at 3:28 a.m., Antioch Police officers were notified that a 16-year-old with a gunshot wound had been brought to a local hospital by private transportation.
Around the same time, APD dispatch received a 911 call reporting an attempted vehicle theft at a residence in the 3200 block of South Francisco Way. Responding officers located evidence of a shooting. Preliminary information indicates the two incidents may be related.
Officers have detained individuals of interest, and investigators are interviewing witnesses and gathering additional information. At this time, there is no known ongoing threat to the community.
According to the APD CitizenRIMS Crime Map, the call regarding the attempted vehicle theft occurred at 3:26 AM and was closed at 4:18 AM. Incident Number: 2610270020. A second call that appears at the same location at 12:20 PM labeled “Service to Citizen” was “a call that was created to give a witness a ride,” Lt. Michael Mellone explained.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Ibanez at (925) 779‑6890 or ribanez@antiochca.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
The Antioch Police Department thanks South Francisco Way residents for their cooperation and the Pittsburg Police Department for its assistance during this incident.
During their meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the Antioch City Council unanimously approved the following proclamation:
WHEREAS, October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and aims to raise awareness and to educate about breast health and breast cancer, which is a leading cause of death in women in the United States;
WHEREAS, October is also the month that recognizes the many survivors, those living with metastatic breast cancer, their supporters and loved ones, and honors those lives lost to the disease;
WHEREAS, the history of Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in 1985 as a week-long awareness campaign by the American Cancer Society and it eventually extended to a month-long event, and the pink ribbon came into play in 1992;
WHEREAS, the month of October aims to promote screening and reduce the risk of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. For these women, the impact of breast cancer extends well beyond the single month of awareness;
WHEREAS, breast cancer affects men too. In 2021, October 17 to October 23 was designated as “Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week”. According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,800 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025. But lack of awareness and stigma can be barriers to detection and care in men, trans men, and non-binary people; and
WHEREAS, this October, we want to make Breast Cancer Awareness Month more than just about awareness. This October, we encourage more involvement to get screened and take action since early detection of breast cancer is often key to successful outcome.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, hereby proclaim that October 2026 is “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”.
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.
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