With the close of filing on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., according to Appointed City Clerk Michael Mandy, all those who pulled nomination papers, except for Diane Gibson-Gray, have filed them to run for the Antioch City Council. Incumbent Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker will face former Antioch Councilwoman and School Board Trustee Joy Motts for a third time in District 1 and incumbent Monica Wilson will face three challengers in the race for District 4. Gibson-Gray announced earlier Friday in a letter to the editor she will not be running in District 1, again.
Torres-Walker defeated Motts who ran for re-election in 2020, then Motts lost again to Torres-Walker in 2022 by just four votes following a recount.
Former Antioch Police Crime Prevention Commission Chair Sandra White will run for a third time against Wilson, having also run in 2020 and 2022. First-time council candidates Andrew Becker, a local homeless advocate and regular public speaker at council meetings, as well as Metty Mathews Alappat have also entered the race. According to her LinkedIn page, Alappat was a Senior Technical Account Manager for Amazon Web Services until July 2025.
Wilson is running for a fifth term, or a rather fourth-and-a-half term. She was first elected in 2012, then re-elected in 2016, then re-elected in 2020 for a two-year term following the City’s move to district elections, and again re-elected in 2022 for another full, four-year term.
Former Antioch School Board President Diane Gibson-Gray will not run for the Antioch City Council again. Photo source: 2022 campaign
“This isn’t stepping away from the fight for accountability in Antioch.” – Diane Gibson-Gray
To the Editor:
In 2022, I ran for Antioch City Council, District 1, because I believe in serving the greater good of this community. That race came down to four votes — Tamisha Torres-Walker’s margin of victory over Joy Motts. I finished just 128 votes behind Torres-Walker myself.
I’ve thought hard about what that result actually tells us. Together, Joy and I represented roughly 60% of the vote in that race. We split it, and a three-vote margin decided the outcome for all of District 1.
I fully intended to run again in 2026. My commitment to fiscal accountability and transparent government in Antioch hasn’t wavered. My reason for running was, and always has been, the greater good — making sound decisions for District 1 and for Antioch as a whole.
Yesterday, Joy Motts and I had a conversation about the race. We talked through the reasons each of us is qualified to serve, and the reasons we each felt called to run. The call ended the same way it began, with both of us still in the race.
I’ve seen comments on social media about vote-splitting, and I’ve had conversations with valued friends and family who share that concern. After a great deal of thought, I’ve decided to withdraw — for the greater good. Joy Motts and I have real differences in experience, style and approach, and in many ways have similar ideas and values. District 1 voters deserve to hear those differences clearly, head-to-head with Tamisha Torres-Walker, not blurred across a three-way field.
This isn’t stepping away from the fight for accountability in Antioch — it’s making sure that fight is decided by voters, not by how the numbers happen to fall. I’ll continue doing the work I’ve always done in this community, watching the budgets and asking hard questions, from outside the ballot box this time.
I wish both candidates a hard-fought, honest campaign. District 1 deserves nothing less. The outcome is theirs to decide.
Finally, I want to thank everyone who signed my nomination papers, and everyone who encouraged and supported me along the way. Your belief in me and in this community means more than I can say.
U.S. News & World Report’s annual study rates Kaiser hospitals among nation’s best for providing high-quality, specialized care
Antioch ranked Best Regional Hospital and among best in state
By Elissa Harrington, Senior Media Relations & Public Relations Representative, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
OAKLAND, CA – Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s hospitals are nationally recognized as “high performing” for treating complex medical conditions and procedures including congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and stroke.
U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Hospitals annual study rates Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals as among the top 30% of hospitals in the nation for at least one of the 37 measures evaluated.
Approximately 4,500 hospitals participated in the study, which analyzes performance in 14 specialty care areas and 23 procedures and conditions. The “high performing” designation honors those hospitals that deliver high-quality care when treating complex medical conditions, including congestive heart failure, pneumonia, colorectal cancer surgery, stroke, and diabetes.
Kaiser Permanente hospitals are consistently recognized as among the top hospitals in the nation for providing high-quality, safe patient care that leads to improved health outcomes.
“Kaiser Permanente continues to be a national leader in preventing disease, providing world-class treatment, and using evidence-based research to help our patients and members live longer and healthy lives,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our clinicians and staff are delivering exceptional care to our patients every day getting them the right care when they need it.”
Top hospitals in California
Eight Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are designated by U.S. News & World Report as “Best Regional Hospitals” and are ranked among the best in the state: Antioch, Richmond, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara, Roseville and South Sacramento.
Three Kaiser Permanente hospitals are also ranked among the top 50 in the nation for providing high-quality specialty care:
San Francisco is ranked 34th for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery
Santa Clara is ranked 42nd for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery
Vallejo is ranked 45th for rehabilitation
Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa is also rated high-performing nationally for its geriatric care.
“Everything we do is centered around making sure our patients receive high-quality and high-value care,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “This recognition underscores the strength of our integrated model and the dedication of our physicians, nurses, and care teams, who provide compassionate, evidence-based care for our members and patients every day.”
In its hospital analysis, U.S. News & World Report uses publicly available data such as volume, mortality rates, infection rates, staffing levels, and patient satisfaction rates, among other factors.
The annual ratings and rankings are designed to help patients make informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.
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. For more information, go to about.kp.org.
Advice from pediatric experts across Sutter Health on helping children and teens thrive this school year.
By Monique Binkley-Smith, Manager, Media Relations, Sutter Health
The countdown to a new school year has begun. For many families, that means shopping for supplies, filling out forms and preparing for busy schedules. It’s also the perfect time to reset healthy habits.
Pediatricians across Sutter Health share 11 back-to-school tips to help children and teens stay healthy, focused and ready to learn.
Start adjusting sleep schedules now
One of the biggest mistakes families make is waiting until the night before school starts to reset bedtime.
“As the school year approaches, it’s time to start adjusting your sleep routine,” says Dr. Dan Brennan, Greater Central Coast Children’s Service Line medical director with Sansum Santa Barbara Medical Group in Santa Barbara. “In the weeks leading up to the start of school, start moving bedtime up by 15 minutes a night until you get to the expected school-year bedtime.”
Know how much sleep children really need
Adequate sleep helps regulate metabolism, maintain a healthy weight, promote positive mood and behavior, and support memory retention and mental alertness needed for academic success, says Dr. Jessica Tsai, with Sutter East Bay Medical Group in Antioch.
Dr. Rakhi Mehrotra, with Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group in Livermore, also recommends helping kids and teens stay on track by keeping the same bedtime and wake-up time every day, including weekends.
Drs. Tsai and Mehrotra recommend the following hours of sleep by age:
• Preschoolers: 10-13 hours daily, including naps
• Children age 6-12: 9-12 hours nightly
• Teens: 8-10 hours nightly
Fuel kids for learning and growth
Healthy eating habits help children get the nutrients they need for energy, growth, focus and overall well-being, according to Dr. Mehrotra.
She recommends:
• Starting the day with breakfast
• Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and dairy each day
• Choosing colorful fruits and vegetables throughout the week
• Filling half the plate with fruits and vegetables, one-quarter with whole grains and one-quarter with healthy protein
• Choosing healthy snacks such as fruit, yogurt, nuts, vegetables and whole-grain options
Make water the beverage of choice
Hydration becomes especially important as children spend more time outdoors and return to sports.
“With kids outside more, we want to encourage families to provide as much hydration as possible, water being our first choice,” explains Dr. Brennan.
Sugary and caffeinated beverages should be avoided. Caffeinated beverages work against hydration and generally lead to more dehydration, he notes.
Encourage kids to get moving
Physical activity supports both physical and mental health.
“Whether it’s organized sports, riding bikes, walking the dog or playing at the park, daily physical activity supports both physical and mental health,” says Dr. David Tejeda, with Sutter West Bay Medical Group in San Francisco.
For children interested in organized athletics, Dr. Brennan suggests recreational sports leagues and individual activities such as swimming, running, biking, gymnastics, and rock climbing.
Avoid specializing in one sport too soon
Playing the same sport year-round may sound like a path to success, but pediatricians often see the downside.
“I discourage my pediatric patients from specializing in one sport too early,” emphasizes Dr. Brennan. “High-level athletes benefit from cross training that comes with playing a variety of sports.”
He notes that children who play one sport year-round can develop chronic overuse injuries.
Prepare young athletes before the season begins
As children return to practices, tryouts and games, Dr. Anita Juvvadi, with Sutter West Bay Medical Group in San Francisco, encourages families to focus on the basics:
• Increase activity gradually before organized practices begin
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Prioritize consistent sleep
• Eat enough to support increased activity
“The body needs time to acclimate to new movement and sustained activity,” she says.
Warm up the right way
Before sports and physical activity, Dr. Liang Xue, with Sutter East Bay Medical Group in Brentwood, recommends active, dynamic warm-ups rather than static stretching.
Dynamic warm-ups use movements such as jogging, skipping, lunges and arm circles to increase blood flow, raise body temperature and prepare muscles and joints for activity.
In contrast, holding static stretches before exercise may temporarily reduce strength and power. Saving static stretching for after activity, when muscles are warm, can help improve flexibility and support recovery.
Protect growing bodies and brains
Protective gear matters, according to Dr. Brennan.
“A helmet when riding a bike, skateboard, or scooter can protect that precious brain, and don’t forget to buckle the helmet,” he advises.
He also cautions parents about e-bikes and electric scooters, which account for a growing number of serious injuries, emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
“When possible, skip the electric version and stick to good old-fashioned pedaling,” he says.
Know the signs of concussion
As children return to school sports, parents should familiarize themselves with concussion symptoms.
Dr. Angela Lumba-Brown, a pediatric emergency medicine physician with Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group in Palo Alto, reminds parents to watch for:
• Worsening headaches
• Repeated vomiting
• Balance problems
• Seizures
• Neck pain
• Unusual behavior
“If a concussion is suspected, children should be removed from play and evaluated before returning to sports,” she says.
Don’t forget vaccines and sun protection
The start of the school year is an ideal time to review routine immunizations.
“Vaccines save lives and keep children healthy by building immunity to many serious viral and bacterial infections,” advises Dr. Brennan.
He stresses the importance of families staying up to date on routine vaccinations and annual flu vaccines.
For outdoor activities, Dr. Yvonne Nicole Lee, with Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group in Santa Clara, recommends broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, hats, UV-protective clothing and sunglasses. Sunscreen should be applied 10 to 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours.
The Bottom Line
Healthy school years don’t happen by accident. Good sleep, nutritious meals, physical activity, hydration, injury prevention and routine healthcare all work together to help children learn, grow and thrive.
Brings proven record of securing park funding, protecting land, and expanding public access
New General Manager Max Korten. Photo: EBRPD
OAKLAND, Calif. – Twenty-seven years ago, Max Korten was a young ranger in the Sierra Nevada, leading campfire talks for the U.S. Forest Service. On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors voted 6-0 to appoint him General Manager, putting him at the helm of one of the largest regional park systems in the country. Korten has served as Acting General Manager since November 2025.
“Max has demonstrated steady, thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to the East Bay Regional Park District’s mission, employees, and the communities we serve,” said Olivia Sanwong, president of the Board of Directors and representative for Ward 5. “The Board is confident that his experience, collaborative approach, and clear vision will guide the Park District forward as we expand access to nature, preserve our rich heritage of natural and cultural resources, provide meaningful environmental education, and ensure that an environmental ethic continues to guide all that we do. We are pleased to appoint him as general manager and look forward to continuing our work together.”
Korten joined the Park District as Deputy General Manager in October 2024. From the start, he worked closely with teams across the District to resolve challenges and build a more cohesive organization. Korten has worked diligently to build trust between the Board and staff through increased communication, transparency, and engagement. His accomplishments include collaborating with union leaders to reach an agreement on a new telework policy and working with neighboring city officials to preserve the historic Flag Barn in Brentwood. Korten is currently supporting staff and partners in efforts to reduce traffic on Del Valle Road in Livermore and is working with the Trust for Public Land, state leaders, and the cities of Berkeley and Albany on the potential acquisition of Golden Gate Fields.
Before joining the Park District, Korten spent 10 years at Marin County Parks, the last eight as director and general manager, leading an agency responsible for 34 open space preserves, 45 parks, and about 150 employees on a $35 million annual operating budget. He reported directly to the Marin County Board of Supervisors and worked with nine commissions and board-appointed committees.
During his tenure at Marin County Parks, Korten led the passage of the 2022 renewal of Measure A, the countywide sales tax that funds park maintenance, wildfire fuel reduction, farmland preservation, and public access, winning voter approval by about 75%. He also worked to eliminate park entrance fees, an initiative that aimed to expand equitable public access. He was also successful in passing a $20 million acquisition bond measure.
Looking ahead, Korten has prioritized aligning the Park District’s fire, stewardship, and operations teams around a cohesive vegetation management strategy. The effort includes mapping wildfire risk and habitat opportunities across the Park District for the first time. He is also leading development of District planning to support the Board in establishing shared goals and strategies to guide implementation in the years ahead.
“I’m honored and grateful for this opportunity, and I don’t take it lightly,” Korten said. “The Park District is a special place, and I’ve learned so much from the people who came before me. These parks are meant to be here forever, for everyone, and my focus is on keeping the organization strong so we can protect these resources while making sure they remain accessible and welcoming to all.”
Earlier in his career, Korten served as a wilderness ranger for the U.S. Forest Service, as natural resources program director for Conservation Corps North Bay, and as a backcountry ranger and trail crew supervisor for the Bureau of Land Management.
Korten holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a master’s degree in natural resources from Humboldt State University. He lives with his family in Berkeley, where he is a regular on the trails of Tilden Regional Park.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
In the race for the Antioch School Board, as of Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Area 2 incumbent Dr. Jag Lathan has not yet pulled nomination papers to run for re-election and Area 5 incumbent Mary Rocha has. Only one candidate, Roxanne Reece, has filed to run for Area 2 Trustee and two potential challengers have also pulled papers to run for Area 5 Trustee.
They include Brandon William Lawson and Brandon Kenyetta Dawkins. But none of the three in that Area have filed papers which are due by this Friday, August 7 at 5:00 p.m. If Lathan does not run for a second term, the filing period for Area 2 is extended until Wednesday, Aug. 13th at 5:00 p.m.
According to her Roxanne Reece for Antioch School Board campaign Facebook page, she is a “Parent, Advocate, Community Voice” and is “Committed to students, families, educators, accountability, and a stronger future for Antioch schools.”
According to his campaign Facebook page at facebook.com/bdawkinsforantioch, and his campaign website, bdawkinsforantioch.com, Dawkins is a “Healthcare Worker, Labor and Community Organizer”. and “a father of five, with four of his children attending Antioch Unified schools.” His campaign slogan is “Whole Student, Whole Community.”
Rocha hasn’t yet updated her campaign Facebook page, facebook.com/MaryRocha4Antioch, for this year’s race and doesn’t have a campaign website, yet. No website or social media could be found for Lawson.
The trustee terms last four years.
AUSD Trustee Areas Final Map 2022
To run, candidates must live within the Trustee Area, acquire nomination papers at and submit them to the Contra Costa Elections office, 555 Escobar Street in Martinez. Interested candidates can schedule an appointment by emailing candidate.services@vote.cccounty.us or by calling (925) 335-7800. Walk-ins are accepted, but service is subject to the availability of staff. Appointments are available on weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Filing documents and information will be provided to interested constituents at their appointment. The process takes approximately 20 minutes. For more information visit www.contracostavote.gov/elections/candidates-campaigns-measures/run-for-office.
We are so excited for our very first National Night Out downtown on G Street! Thanks to APD and Nicole Holmes from The Lemon Tree for making this happen! Come join us! Spread the word!!
