Noah is competing in Stan Lee’s Super Kid competition. Photos courtesy of his mother, Kristina.
Prize is $25,000 and appearance in a new comic book!
Voting for TOP 10 ends Thursday, October 8th at 7PM PDT
“Autism is my superpower.” – Noah
By Allen D. Payton
Noah is a 10-year-old Antioch boy competing in Stan Lee’s Super Kid 2026. According to his mom, Kristina, “he proudly calls autism his superpower and wants other children – especially kids who feel different – to know they never have to hide who they are. His family’s message to him has always been simple: sometimes thinking differently is exactly what makes you extraordinary.
“Noah loves Spider-Man because he sees an ordinary boy whose extraordinary ability is not always visible to everyone around him. That idea mirrors how Noah talks about autism: people may not immediately see what makes his mind work differently, but those differences can also be strengths.”
“I want other kids to know they should be proud of what makes them different,” Noah said.
According to a July 14th post on the Super Kid Facebook page announcing the contest, “If your kid goes above and beyond to make a difference in the world, this competition is one you don’t want to miss out on.
“One everyday hero will win a Marvel-ous prize including the title of 2026 Super Kid and $25,000! PLUS, they will transform into their own superhero identity and star in a new Stan Lee Universe comic book!
As of Tuesday night, Noah was in 5th place.
“This competition proudly supports the Stan Lee Foundation and their mission to promote literacy and the narrative arts. Now that’s competition with a whole lot of heart.
“Your kid isn’t a regular kid… they’re a super kid!”
Who is Noah’s favorite superhero and why do they admire them?
Spider-Man is Noah’s favorite superhero because he is a regular guy who is kind and helps people. Noah says Spider-Man’s superpower can be invisible to most people—they only know if he tells them or shows them. That reminds Noah of being autistic: people may not see it right away, but it is part of how he experiences the world. To Noah, Spider-Man proves that an ordinary boy can still do extraordinary things.
Where did Noah’s love of superheroes come from?
Noah’s love of superheroes began when he was little, watching Disney Junior’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends and PJ Masks. He loved how the heroes were leaders, helped others, and stood up for their friends and family even when they were afraid. Spider-Man became his very first favorite superhero, which makes this Stan Lee opportunity especially meaningful to him.
What superpower would Noah want and why?
Noah would choose telekinesis—the power to move things with his mind. He says he would use it to create cool things from the elements of the world and make things that are useful in everyday life. He loves the idea of a superpower that is not just amazing to watch, but could also help people solve problems, build things, and make life a little easier.
Vote for Noah to become the Super Kid by casting your free daily vote, or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Stan Lee Foundation and their mission to promote literacy and the narrative arts.
Who will star in a limited-edition Stan Lee Universe comic book, get VIP tickets to L.A. Comic Con, and take home $25,000? You decide! Voting for the TOP 10 ends Thursday the 8th of October at 7PM PDT.
The Caltrans QuickMap is a free mobile app from the California Department of Transportation that delivers real‑time traffic, road, and safety information directly from Caltrans, helping drivers plan trips, avoid delays, and stay informed on the road App Store.
What the app offers
The QuickMap app layers multiple live data sources onto a map, including App Store+1:
Freeway speeds and congestion (color‑coded lines; green = normal, red = slow)
Live traffic cameras and snapshots
Lane closures and CHP incidents
Chain controls and snow plows
Changeable message signs (CMS) content
Border wait times
Safety roadside rest areas and Park & Ride lots
Commercial vehicle info: weigh stations, escape ramps, overweight corridors, and California Truck Network routes
Key features
Auto‑refresh: Updates data every 3 minutes (adjustable in settings) App Store
Manual refresh: Available via the refresh button on the map
Geotargeted notifications: Optional push alerts for road closures near your location, even when the app is closed (requires background location; may impact battery life) App Store
Layer controls: Toggle on/off different data layers via the app’s menu QuickMap
How it works
The app uses Caltrans data plus other sources (e.g., Google Maps Traffic Layer, Automated Vehicle Location, cellular data) to provide speed and condition information QuickMap. Clicking a map marker shows detailed info in a pop‑up.
Tip: Enable geotargeted notifications if you want alerts for closures near you, but be aware of the battery impact App Store. This makes QuickMap a useful “know before you go” tool for both urban and rural California travel.
Selected Antioch residents are testing water in their homes for lead and copper from the City’s new Brackish water Desalination Facility. Graphic source: Utilities for My Home. All photos by Allen D. Payton
By City of Antioch
The City of Antioch Water Treatment Plant wants to reassure community members that city staff are currently conducting official sampling for an ongoing, multi-year Lead and Copper Corrosion Control Study. Following the recent opening of Antioch’s new Brackish Water Desalination Facility, this essential study allows certified city personnel and selected residents to monitor household drinking water and verify that no lead or copper is leaching into home plumbing.
Please note that participation is limited strictly to pre-qualified residential sites meeting specific EPA structural criteria, and we are not accepting general volunteers at this time. If your home was pre-selected, have been contacted by staff, or see water treatment personnel delivering or collecting sample bottles, please be assured that this is an official City of Antioch program and not a scam.
We sincerely thank our designated resident partners for helping keep Antioch’s drinking water safe, clean, and state-compliant.
According to the City’s Lead Service Statement in 2024, “Through completing a historical records review and field investigations, City of Antioch has determined it has no lead or galvanized requiring replacement service lines in its distribution system. This includes any privately-owned or customer-owned service lines.
City of Antioch reviewed all applicable sources of information, including:
• All construction and plumbing codes, permits, and existing records or other documentation which indicates the service line materials;
• All water system records, including distribution system maps and drawings, historical records on each service connection, meter installation records, historical capital improvement or master plans;
• All inspections and records of the distribution system that indicate service line material, including inspections conducted during the course of normal operations (e.g., checking service line materials when reading water meters or performing maintenance activities).
City of Antioch used stratified random sampling to develop the initial inventory. Stratified random sampling involves physically verifying a subset of randomly selected service lines in the distribution system. That subset is stratified or divided into groups based on certain characteristics (e.g., years the service lines were installed). Stratification allows for a sample or subset of service lines to be more representative of the service lines in the distribution system.
After investigating the subset of service lines, if no lead or galvanized requiring replacement service lines are discovered, the remaining service lines may be assumed non-lead with a certain level of confidence. City of Antioch verified 9322 service lines, and the service lines were verified non-lead copper, non-lead plastic, or galvanized. No lead or galvanized requiring replacement service lines were identified.
City of Antioch continues to document service line material information obtained from normal operations, such as service line maintenance or water meter readings, after October 2024 and will update the initial inventory accordingly.
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For questions or additional information, please contact the City of Antioch Laboratory at (925) 779-7024.
Current Antioch Acting City Manager Ana Cortez and outgoing City Manager Bessie M. Scott. Photos: City of Antioch
On last day of current City Manager Bessie Scott’s contract
By Allen D. Payton
The Antioch City Council will hold a special Closed Session meeting Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 7 at 1:30 PM to deal with four items, three of which are regarding the position of City Manager, as current City Manager Bessie Scott’s two-year contract ends tomorrow. She was hired in August 2024 on a 3-2 vote, with a Step B salary of $263,880 annually and began in the position in October 2024.
Scott has been on paid leave since May 5th following a 4-0 Closed Session council vote with District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker voting to abstain.
The other item on the agenda is to again discuss a potential lawsuit against the City.
Before the council adjourns into the closed-door meeting Wednesday, the public will have the opportunity to offer their comments on the agenda items.
Under Item 4.2, the Council will discuss the public employee recruitment of a new, permanent city manager and under Item 4.4, current Acting City Manager Ana Cortez, who is also the City’s current Director of Human Resources and is expected to be appointed as Interim City Manager, will be negotiating with the City Council regarding the position.
The four items on the agenda are as follows:
4.1. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT: Interim City Manager. This Closed Session is authorized pursuant to California Government Code section 54957.
4.2 Public Employee/Public Employee Recruitment: City Manager. This Closed Session is authorized pursuant to California Government Code section 54957(b).
4.3 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(2): Number of potential cases: (1). The City is in receipt of information concerning facts and circumstances that might result in litigation against the City which are known to a potential plaintiff or plaintiffs pertaining to possible Labor Code Section 1102.5, and Fair Employment and Housing Act violations.
4.4 CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6. City Negotiator: Director of Human Resources Ana Cortez Employee: Interim City Manager.
Following the Closed Session, City Attorney Lori Asuncion will report out any action taken.
We are a fun, family-friendly car show. This is a fundraising event to help Furry Friends Pet Relief (FFPR) continue their work in the community. FFPR helps families in need with their pets. They offer free- to low-cost spay and neutering, vaccines, preventative medical care and free food.
To raise concerns during Wednesday meeting that the regulation is bad policy that will increase housing costs, disrupt renters, and push housing providers to sell properties
BAAQMD’s actions part of effort to convert California homes to electric powered heat pumps for water heaters and HVAC systems
Contra Costa Supervisors Carlson, Gioia serve on BAAQMD Board
By Keegan Coleman, Actum
SAN FRANCISCO – Hundreds of rental housing providers, property owners and representatives from local rental housing affiliates across the nine counties that fall under the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s (BAAQMD) jurisdiction – including the counties of Contra Costa, Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma – will gather at the BAAQMD Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, October 7, to testify in opposition to the district’s gas appliance ban and make clear that the regulation is bad housing policy.
Background & Timeline
The Air District Board of Directors is considering changes to Regulation 9, Rules 4 and 6 which are intended to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides from residential and commercial furnaces and water heaters in buildings in the Bay Area.
According to the Water Heater Rule Draft Amendments Overview, “The amendments are designed to make compliance with the rule more affordable by providing exemptions for low-income property owners and addressing situations where installing a compliant water heater would be particularly expensive. The draft amendments and supporting material can be found at: baaqmd.gov/building-appliances.”
According to the District’s Notice of Public Hearing issued on Friday, Oct. 2nd, “On March 15, 2023, the Air District adopted amendments to Rule 9-4: Nitrogen Oxides from Fan Type Residential Central Furnaces and Rule 9-6: Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Emissions from Natural Gas Fired Boilers and Water Heaters that govern point of sale emission standards for small, typically residential and commercial, water and space heating systems.
The Board then conducted a public hearing on June 21, 2023, in which they directed staff to submit the current versions of Rule 9-4 and Rule 9-6 to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA and the California Air Resources Board for inclusion in the State Implementation Plan (SIP).
At their meeting on Nov. 4, 2026, the Air District Board of Directors will consider changes to Rule 9-6 for water heaters. The changes being considered would, if approved, provide for some exemptions to the zero-nitrogen oxides standard and would extend the compliance date. The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard and is also accessible via Zoom on the Air District’s website.
According to the Appliance Rules Concept Paper Overview, “To make the transition fair and practical, the Air District is working on 2026 flexibility amendments that could:
• Allow continued sales of small (≤35-gallon) gas water heaters for a limited time.
• Provide exemptions for low-income homeowners and some small business types.
• Permit contractors to purchase and install temporary “loaner” water heaters for emergencies
• Grant extra time or exemptions for homes needing major electrical upgrades, water heater relocation, or hydronic systems”
According to the District’s Fact Sheet on the proposed amendments, “The amended rules will affect Bay Area households that use natural gas appliances — roughly 2/3 of all households currently. The rule amendments will apply only to new appliances, and do not mandate retrofitting of existing appliances and the current timeline is as follows:
2027* – only zero NOx small tank type 75k BTU/hr water heaters can be sold or installed in the Bay Area.
2029 – only zero NOx furnaces less than 175k BTU/hr can be sold or installed in the Bay Area.
2031 – only zero NOx large commercial water heaters, tank type 75k to 2M BTU/hr and tankless water heaters, typically large commercial and multifamily water heaters can be sold or installed in the Bay Area.
*The Board of Directors will consider flexibility amendments in 2026 and potentially adjust the timeline with a later compliance deadline.”
According to the Rule Development History;
In December of 2024, Air District staff presented an informational update on the implementation readiness of the zero NOx requirements for residential water heaters (Rule 9-6) to the Air District Board of Directors.
In April of 2025, Air District staff presented to the Stationary Source Committee to share proposed next steps and potential flexibilities and amendments to Rule 9-6 (2027 compliance date) based on the IWG’s findings. The second phase of the IWG 2.0 will commence in late-2025 and will focus on furnaces Rule 9-4 (2029 compliance date).
So, the Air Board will consider the proposed amendments to Rule 9-4 at a later date.
Public Comments for Oct. 7th Meeting
During general public comments speakers will urge the Board to reconsider the regulation, warning that the mandate would impose high new costs on rental housing communities, create logistical and construction challenges for older and space-constrained properties, disrupt renters, and further strain a region already facing one of the nation’s most severe housing affordability crises. If Item 16 is pulled from the Consent Calendar, there will be another opportunity for public comments on the Stationary Source Committee’s report (see the Committee’s Item 5 on page 176 of the Board meeting agenda, entitled, State and Regional Efforts to Advance the Equitable Transition to Clean Appliances).
Representatives from organizations including Better Housing Policies, Business and Housing Network, Santa Clara Association of Realtors, San Mateo County Association of Realtors, East Bay Rental Housing Association, Berkeley Property Owners Association, California Rental Housing Association, South County Business Alliance, Silicon Valley Business Alliance, and Small Property Owners of San Francisco Institute will attend the meeting to emphasize to the Board that while clean-air goals are important, this regulation takes the wrong approach by shifting costly infrastructure burdens onto housing providers and, ultimately, renters.
Contra Costa Supervisors Ken Carlson and John Gioia who serve as Chair and Vice Chair of the BAAQMD Stationary Source Committee speak during its meeting on Sept. 9, 2026. Video screenshots.
Stationary Source Committee Meeting Details
During the District’s Stationary Source Committee meeting on September 9 2026, Chaired by Contra Costa County District 4 Supervisor Ken Carlson, and whose Vice Chair is Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, “Richard Chien, Planning and Climate Protection Manager, gave the staff presentation entitled, State and Regional Efforts to Advance the Equitable Transition to Clean Appliances, including: abbreviations; outline; major players in the clean appliance transition; spotlight on California Heat Pump Partnership; spotlight on Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) – heat pump water heater (HPWH) for hard-to-reach households, contractor readiness, building department support; spotlight on Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E); spotlight on load serving entities – funding support, permitting support; Senate Bill (SB) 222 – The Heat Pump Access Act, entitled, “Residential heat pump water heater or heat pump HVAC systems” (which Newsom signed into law on Sept. 28th); spotlight on Sprint to 9-6 – communications and outreach; spotlight on equitable building decarbonization; and Air District outreach and education.
“Jane Elias, Manager of Energy Programs with Metropolitan Transportation Commission/Association of Bay Area Governments, and Nik Kaestner, Senior Building Decarbonization Coordinator with the San Francisco Environment Department, provided additional context after the presentation.”
Before the presentation, the District’s Executive Officer and Air Pollution Control Officer Philip Fine explained to the committee members that the agenda item wasn’t Rule 9-4 or 9-6 which the Board will consider in November.
Chien shared about the California Heat Pump (Public-Private) Partnership Blueprint which is pushing to increase the number of housing units that install heat pumps throughout the state. “The 2025 California Energy Code (effective Jan 1, 2026) encourages heat pumps for both space and water heating and supports all‑electric new construction. California has committed to a clean energy future for all through groundbreaking building decarbonization efforts, including Governor Newsom’s goal to install 6 million heat pumps throughout the state by 2030.”
“Unlike traditional fossil gas systems, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat rather than generate it, making them highly efficient while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution,” the Blueprint claims.
According to the HVAC Laboratory, “At its core, a heat pump is an electrically powered appliance that moves heat between the indoors and outdoors. Unlike a furnace that burns fuel or a standard electric heater that converts electricity directly into warmth, a heat pump captures existing heat from the air—or even the ground—and relocates it. In heating mode, the outdoor unit extracts thermal energy from the outside air and brings it inside; even when temperatures drop into the 40s or 30s, there’s enough ambient heat to collect. Come summer, the cycle flips. The system acts just like a central air conditioner, pulling heat from your living spaces and expelling it outdoors.”
According to ElectrifyCalc, “California homeowners can expect to pay $5,500–$12,000 installed for a 2–3 ton air-source heat pump in 2026 — and with the Section 25C federal tax credit (30%, up to $2,000), HEEHRA (High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act) rebates up to $8,000, and California’s own TECH Clean CA program offering $1,000–$4,000, the net cost after stacking incentives can drop below $2,000 for income-qualified households.”
According to EnergyStar.gov, a heat pump water heater “takes the heat from surrounding air and transfers it to water in an enclosed tank.”
Chien also spoke about BayREN, the Bay Area Regional Energy Network, which is “a coalition of the Bay Area’s nine counties…partnering to promote resource efficiency at the regional level, focusing on energy, water and greenhouse gas reduction.” They are working to provide resources, such as “an express permitting form template and standardized information materials for city websites.”
He also spoke about what PG&E is doing to help streamline the installation of heat pumps including zero-interest loans. Finally, Chien spoke on the Equitable Decarbonization Program overseen by the California Energy Commission which includes the Initial Community Focus Areas of Western and Eastern Contra Costa and others in the Bay Area.
He, the other presenters and District staff then answered questions of the committee members followed by public comments on the item.
WHO: Noni Richen, Board President, Small Property Owners of San Francisco Institute
Derek Barnes, CEO, East Bay Rental Housing Association
Krista Gulbransen, Executive Director, Berkeley Property Owners Association
Public Comment Deadline Nov. 1st
The District is seeking public comments on the Proposed Rule Language and Preliminary Staff Report ahead of the Board of Directors meeting on November 4th. The public comment period for the proposed amendment to Rule 9-6 will close on November 1st at 6 PM. Online comments must be submitted through the Air District’s public comment tool to be considered. Under Air District policy, we cannot consider comments on regulations that are submitted by email. Written comments can also be submitted by mail to Rule Development, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, 375 Beale Street, Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94105. Verbal comments are welcome up to the day of and during the Public Hearing.
By California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Sacramento, CA —As California continues to strengthen emergency preparedness and public safety communications, CAL FIRE and local government emergency response agencies are announcing the availability of the AwareCA mobile application, providing Californians with another tool to stay informed and connected during emergencies.
“We know the public wants fast, accurate, mobile-first information directly from the agencies managing incidents on the ground,” said CAL FIRE Director/Fire Chief Joe Tyler. “We have always provided timely and accurate information to the public during emergencies, and now with AwareCA, CAL FIRE can provide the public this information in near real time, where they want it, their mobile device.”
AwareCA addresses the growing public demand for fast, accurate, reliable, and authoritative emergency information while reducing confusion caused by fragmented alerts, unofficial reports, rumors, and misinformation.
Developed through a collaborative process between CAL FIRE, Intterra, and local emergency response agencies, AwareCA was designed to support millions of users while ensuring agencies retain ownership of their data and maintain a single source of truth for public information. The app is designed to keep communities informed throughout all phases of an incident by providing:
Near real-time incident updates
Interactive emergency maps
Warning and order evacuation zones
Shelter and assistance locations
Hazard information
Road closures
Push notifications and location-aware alerts
AwareCA will support a wide range of emergencies and incidents across California, including wildfires, floods, earthquakes, severe weather situations, hazardous materials incidents, and other large-scale emergencies.
Source: CAL FIRE
All features of AwareCA are free for the user, including but not limited to:
Adding locations of interest with notification distances
Choosing different maps based on needs and preferences
Selecting layers to control which hazards get displayed
Viewing the map to quickly find incidents and emergency information
Following incidents and sharing critical information with contacts
Receiving alerts about fast-moving incidents directly from agencies
Following response assets such as aircraft
Viewing Caltrans traffic cameras and ALERTCalifornia wildfire cameras
During fast-moving emergencies, information can change quickly. AwareCA is designed to help Californians stay connected to updates from the agencies responsible for managing incidents, reducing reliance on unofficial sources and making it easier to find relevant information in one place.
Residents are encouraged to download the app and enable notifications for areas where they live, work, travel or have loved ones. AwareCA is now available for download on mobile devices in the App Store and Google Play.
