Representing Contra Costa County; Application deadline: Nov. 9
By Diana Oyler, Sr. Deputy, Contra Costa County Administrator’s Office & Office of Communications & Media
(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking an individual who is interested in park land use to represent the County on the East Bay Regional Parks District Park Advisory Committee (PAC). The PAC is a 21-member citizens’ advisory group that studies issues and makes recommendations and comments on myriad policy issues, such as grazing, dogs, horses and bikes in parks, the Park District budget, naming of park facilities, park land use plans, new concessions, and more.
Members are appointed for two-year terms and may serve a total of four consecutive terms, or eight years. The term of office for this appointment will be January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028. Service is voluntary and members receive no compensation. Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 4 p.m.
Application forms for the Contra Costa County seat can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 655-2000, or the application can be completed online by visiting the County website at https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/3418. Applications should be submitted to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., Martinez, CA 94553, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2026.
Applicants should plan to be available for public interviews to be held virtually via Zoom on Monday, November 23, 2026.
More information about the Park Advisory Committee can be obtained on their website at: https://www.ebparks.org/public-meetings/park-advisory or by calling Erich Pfuehler at the East Bay Regional Parks District at (510) 544-2006.
How do we move forward when it feels like we keep taking steps backward?
That’s the question I find myself asking every time a new City Council agenda is released – and why I talk so much.
Across the Bay Area and throughout California, communities are finding creative ways to adapt to a changing economy, workforce shortages, tightening budgets and the evolving needs of residents. They are identifying opportunities, thinking bigger and finding ways to move projects forward.
For example:
Brentwood, CA is nearly complete with the Sand Creek Sports Complex
Kern County is developing one of California’s largest master-planned active-lifestyle communities for seniors.
Martinez has a draft of what its waterfront could look like.
Oakley, CA is breaking ground on the Amtrak station this week and has a 55-acre park plus other sports fields coming in the future.
Ontario, CA is developing a 200-acre sports empire with a 6,500 seat baseball stadium and eight baseball/softball diamonds.
Pittsburg, CA Dream Courts are nearing completion.
Plumas Lake, north of Sacramento, is getting a wave park on more than 100 acres.
Rancho Cordova is moving forward with plans for a 7,500-plus-seat arena.
Richmond, CA has $550 million coming from Chevron that they get to put to work.
Walnut Creek, CA is making major improvements in Heather Farms.
Antioch…. Crickets.
Actually, scratch that. In Antioch, we are losing things such as the El Campanil Theatre, Babe Ruth Fields, our Amtrak Station and are mall is on its last leg.
Every other community in State of California isn’t sitting around waiting for opportunity to knock. They’re creating it by doing the work and actually being inviting—it also helps when a city is clean and crime is under control.
For a decade, Antioch has used the word “opportunity” as its motto, yet actions say otherwise. At what point do we stop talking about opportunity and instead put shovels in the ground and begin working towards our potential.
Too often, it feels like we wait, hope something happens or throw up our hands before we even get started. That mentality has to change. Our city deserves better, our residents deserve better, and our future is worth fighting for.
We have so many underutilized assets that its embarrassing – the delta waterfront, the foothills of Mount Diablo, our agricultural heritage. Instead, Antioch apparently has lost its identity and we have no idea what we want to be in 10, 20, or 30 years from now.
It’s difficult to create a roadmap for the future when we haven’t even agreed on where we’re trying to go. There is no map. There is no vision. There is no plan.
And that’s where leadership matters.
If we want meaningful plans that reflect the priorities, needs and aspirations of our residents, we need a City Hall that is capable of helping lead those conversations. That requires strong leadership from the city manager’s office, competent department heads and a culture that encourages innovation, accountability and problem-solving.
Unfortunately, when leadership breaks down, the entire organization suffers – which we are experiencing right now with Band-Aid solutions to lipstick on a pig commentary.
How can we expect staff, or even investors, to bring forward bold ideas, pursue economic development opportunities or engage residents in meaningful discussions when we are still struggling to manage basic contracts?
Look no further than what happened at the last City Council meeting.
I raised concerns about nearly $500,000 in contract amendments involving work at the water park. These amendments were placed on the consent calendar, where items are typically approved without discussion.
The council ultimately approved the amendments, potentially avoiding a legal dispute with the contractor.
But here’s the problem: The work had already been completed nearly a month before the amendments were brought to the council for approval.
Think about that for a moment.
Under the city’s contracting rules, agreements exceeding $50,000 require City Council approval. Yet somehow, additional work approaching half a million dollars was either authorized beyond the appropriate approval process or allowed to proceed without sufficient oversight.
Then, after the work was completed, the council was essentially asked to approve the bill.
What would have happened if the council had voted no?
Would the city have faced a lawsuit? Would taxpayers have been left paying even more? Who was responsible for ensuring the proper approvals were obtained before the work began?
These aren’t minor administrative questions. They go directly to accountability, communication, financial oversight and the basic responsibility of protecting taxpayer dollars.
And frankly, the City Council should never be put in a position where it is asked to approve nearly $500,000 in additional spending after the work is already finished.
This is precisely the type of dysfunction that erodes public confidence in City Hall – and this isn’t even bringing up the staff report on the Economic Development Department and staff mailing in the item for council to basically work through with few details and boundaries, such as the budget.
I realize I am a candidate in Antioch District 4, but with an election coming quickly, I would hope all voters would require candidates to actually explain how they intend to fix basic problems at city hall. Not with campaign rhetoric, talking point, fancy slogans we here every year, but provide an actual plan that could result in real solutions.
Perhaps Mayor Pro Tem Don Freitas is onto something with his request for a centralized purchasing department responsible for all contract administration, compliance, and ensuring proper procedures are followed. It warrants some serious consideration given the water park example above.
It’s a practical proposal that deserves discussion which apparently went over the head of the rest of the city council.
There is no doubt in my mind that many parts of City Hall seem to operate like the Wild West, with inconsistent oversight, questionable communication and problems being addressed only after they’ve already occurred.
That isn’t how a professional organization should function, particularly one responsible for managing millions of dollars in public funds. It is almost worth a call to the Grand Jury and let them see if my hunches are correct.
Antioch needs leadership that sets expectations, holds departments accountable, empowers employees to succeed and ensures that basic government operations are handled correctly.
We also need a City Council willing to require those standards rather than simply accepting explanations after the fact.
Bottom line: You cannot build a city of opportunity on a foundation of dysfunction and not everyone playing by the same rulebook.
We should be talking about economic development, new amenities, attracting investment, supporting local businesses and creating a community that future generations are proud to call home. You know, showcasing potential.
Instead, we’re spending valuable time cleaning up preventable mistakes over and over again.
Our community has tremendous potential. The location, the people, the natural beauty and the opportunities are all here. What we need now is the leadership, vision and discipline to put those assets to work.
We shouldn’t have to wait another year or two for competent management, better communication and basic accountability. And we certainly shouldn’t have to wait for detail oriented staff reports with all the information that would inform a community – it would actually shorten council meetings.
Antioch should understand that opportunity isn’t something you hang on a wall or put on letterhead and it happens. It’s something you pursue, plan for and deliver.
And until City Hall starts operating with that mindset, we’re going to keep asking the same frustrating question: How do we move forward when we keep shooting ourselves in the foot with the same issues over and over again.
Discuss 2027-28 General Fund Budget with projected $11.2M deficit, consider closing Marina due to annual subsidy
Receive reports on APD Reform, Youth Services, Delta Landing homeless hotel in Pittsburg, vote on 3% COLA for final employee group
By Allen D. Payton
During their meeting Tuesday night, Oct. 13, 2026, the Antioch City Council will deal with 315 pages of a full agenda with 18 items, including 16 items on the Consent Calendar. They will begin with a Special Meeting at 5:00 p.m. to discuss and give input to staff on development of the Fiscal Year 2027-2028 General Fund Budget. Then at 7:00 p.m. their Regular Meeting will begin.
2027-28 General Fund Budget Development
During their Special Meeting, the Council will discuss the 2027-28 General Fund Budget Development which shows the City facing a $16.25 million deficit before a $5 million transfer from the Budget Stabilization Fund for a projected net $11.25 million deficit for the fiscal year.
One item of controversy is the possible closing of the Antioch Marina. According to the City staff report, “as mentioned at the August 25th session, the non-departmental budget reviewed included a reduction in the subsidy to close the Marina and provide for only debt service repayment and the existing full-time staffing at the Marina, which would need to be re-assigned to other areas within Public Works. If the Marina were closed, this could potentially provide $185K in budget savings in 2027/28, however the loss of a recreational facility and potential harmful business impact to the restaurant at the Marina may negate the financial savings.”
Presentations
Toward the beginning of the Regular Meeting the Council will be provided with three presentations including:
Delta Landing: Program Operations, Service and Outcomes report by Contra Costa Health for the homeless hotel in Pittsburg at the former Motel 6 site on Loveridge Road.
Consent Calendar
Under the Consent Calendar the Council will vote on accepting completion for the Antioch Water Park Concrete improvements 2026 Project (Item 15.L.) and Pool Resurfacing Project (Item 15.M.). Plus, they will vote on rejecting all bids and re-evaluating the scope of the Installation of Park Signage Project (Item 15.N.) because the lowest responsive bid that could be accepted was over $86,000 more than budgeted. Finally, the Council will vote on approving the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Antioch and the Confidential Unit for a 3% COLA at a total cost of $111,883, with $92,419 from the General Fund, and approving a Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget amendment to cover the additional costs (Item 15.P.). As previously reported, the Confidential Unit includes a variety of staff positions: the Deputy City Clerk, Account Specialists, Analysts, Assistants, Coordinators, Specialists and Technicians. The 26 employees in the Unit have been working without a contract since September 30, 2025. See City’s Master Salary Schedule.
Reestablishing Economic Development Department
Under Item 16, the Council will vote on reestablishing a standalone Economic Development Department separate from Community Development, determine funding for an Economic Development Director position with an amended job classification and amended salary range, an Economic Development Specialist, and assigning a Department budget.
Downtown Security Services
Finally, under Item 17, the Council will give direction to staff on reestablishing private security services for downtown Rivertown. That includes initiating a competitive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for private security services; determining the geographic scope of services, including whether coverage should be limited to City-owned properties and designated public areas in the Rivertown/Downtown area or include additional areas throughout the City; and determining the days and hours of operation for private security services. The council will decide on a budget during a future meeting.
Meeting Details
The Special Meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. and Regular Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m., both in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 H Street, in historic, downtown Rivertown and can be viewed via livestream on the City’s website, on Comcast cable TV channel 24 or AT&T U-verse channel 99 or on the City’s YouTube channel.
See the complete agenda packet with staff reports here.
According to documents available on the Superior Court of California, Contra Costa County website, a private security company based in Antioch sued The Greater Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce and “Does 1-50” to get paid a little more than $15,000 for providing services to the Pittsburg Seafood Festival in 2023. The annual event was organized by the Chamber for which Wolfgang Croskey, a current Pittsburg City Council candidate, was and is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
While the organization’s new website offers no mention of him, on the page of Croskey’s campaign website entitled, “The Record” he lists, “Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce, CEO 2020 onward.”
In his role as CEO, Croskey signed the agreement with Strategic Threat Management, Inc. in August 2023 for the security services provided to the festival the following month. Yet, Croskey and the Chamber refused to pay, even after being sued and losing in court in 2024, until now.
While the contract total was for $26,561.60, the company sought $15,173.60 in their lawsuit, filed April 23, 2024, and the default judgment was issued and filed a little over a year later, on April 29, 2025. It required the Chamber to also pay the company pretrial interest at an annual rate of 10%, plus, attorneys fees and other costs for a total of $18,555.30.
Asked why the difference between the contract total and amount in the lawsuit, Strategic Threat Management’s president, Lawrence Treat explained, “He paid 50 percent as a deposit.” The additional amount sought in the lawsuit was to cover interest before it was filed. “He totally ghosted us. The judgment was by default. He completely ignored the court.”
On Monday, October 12, 2026, Treat shared with the Herald that Croskey had paid his attorney on Friday which was confirmed today. Asked what Croskey said to him, Treat said, “He didn’t say squat. No apology. It’s an absolute insult. It couldn’t have come at a better time. More important is the principle. You can’t do that to honest people. We’ve been in the community for a long time. It was absolutely uncalled for. It goes to his character. Heaven forbid he ends up in office. He’ll be in charge of city finances.”
“How timely was that?” Treat added asking rhetorically.
When asked why the Chamber still hadn’t paid Strategic Threat three years after their services were rendered and 18 months after the judgement was issued,Croskey said on Monday, “That’s been taken care of and paid.”
Asked if there was a dispute, he said, “No dispute at all. Just a revenue issue. The last couple of festivals have taken out of the Chamber. We’ve lost the steel mill and Corteva. We’ve lost some major sponsors. It’s been hard. We’ve never disputed the item or their services. The Chamber doesn’t get any money from the City and hasn’t for the past two years.”
The 2024 festival was the final year of the annual event that was first held in 1984.
Asked why the Chamber did not respond to the lawsuit in 2024 Croskey said, “There was nothing to dispute. Just took a little bit longer than expected. But it was paid 100 percent in full.”
ANTIOCH, Calif. — In response to the announcement by Chief Joe Vigil earlier Friday, October 9, 2026, Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal today recognized a significant achievement for the city following the U.S. Department of Justice’s determination that the Antioch Police Department has reached substantial compliance with the requirements of its agreement with the federal government. (See related article)
The determination brings the 21-month agreement to a close and marks an important step forward for the department and the Antioch community.
“This is good news for Antioch and an accomplishment our community can be proud of,” said Mayor Bernal. “For the past 21 months, Chief Vigil and the men and women of the Antioch Police Department have worked hard to meet the DOJ’s requirements while making meaningful improvements to the department. They deserve recognition for what they’ve accomplished.”
Throughout the agreement, the department worked to address the DOJ’s requirements while strengthening its policies, practices, and commitment to accountability and community engagement.
Bernal said the conclusion of the agreement is an opportunity to recognize the department’s work while remaining focused on the future.
“Meeting the requirements of this agreement was important, but our responsibility to the community doesn’t end here,” Bernal said. “We have an obligation to keep improving, to hold ourselves to high standards, and to earn the confidence of the people we serve.”
The mayor said the city will continue supporting the department’s efforts to build on the improvements made over the past 21 months.
“Our goal hasn’t changed,” Bernal said. “We want Antioch to be home to one of the best police departments in the country. We’ve taken an important step toward that goal, and we’re going to keep working to get there.”
Councilman Rocha Praises Chief Vigil
In addition, District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha also responded writing, “I offer my praise of APD Chief Vigil working in collaboration with City leadership to successfully implement into practice police reform initiatives identified in the US DOJ agreement that has resulted in the release of federal DOJ oversight. I believe the research based best practices, procedures and supervision will continue to improve community public safety services that will become a model for other law enforcement agencies to follow.”
Former City Manager Scott is Proud of Team
When informed of the decision by the DOJ, former City Manager Bessie Scott shared her thoughts and appreciation. She wrote, “I’m extremely proud of our team for being able to negotiate this settlement agreement and work diligently to set up the structures and processes for sustaining substantial compliance at APD! Chief Vigil, Captain Bower, (Assistant City Attorney) Kevin Kundinger, and (consultant) Manjit Sappal are dedicated to the success of maintaining the reforms we worked hard on to achieve.”
“I believe this may be the fastest exit from a Consent Decree to date, and I am proud of our team for their commitment to advancing constitutional policing in Antioch,” she added.
Vigil later responded simply, “Team effort.”
UPDATE 1: Torres-Walker Responds
In a brief post on her official Facebook page Saturday morning, District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker offered her thoughts on Chief Vigil’s announcement writing, “All these years of hard work are paying off.
“I want to thank Chief Vigil, Former City Manager; Bessie Marie Scott, out of the way; all members of the Antioch Police Department; and Community members who never stopped fighting. Without your commitment and hard work, this great milestone would not be possible.
“Progress should always be applauded while understanding that there is still more work to do.”
The councilwoman was asked to clarify what she meant by “out of the way” but did not respond to efforts to reach her.
The other two council members were also asked for their comments but did not respond prior to publication time.
Antioch Police Chief Joe Vigil announces his department’s release from the agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. Video screenshot
“Significant Progress Across the Department…A Milestone, Not an Endpoint”
“While this is an important achievement, our work doesn’t stop here.” – Chief Joe Vigil
By Chief Joe Vigil, Antioch Police Department
ANTIOCH, Calif. — The Antioch Police Department (APD) is proud to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing reform efforts: The U.S. Department of Justice (U.S. DOJ) has determined that APD has achieved substantial compliance with the requirements of its Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
On September 30, 2026, the U.S. DOJ notified APD they were releasing them from the MOA. The DOJ advised APD they had achieved substantial compliance with its requirements. APD is no longer under federal oversight.
The MOA, signed January 2, 2025, established comprehensive requirements addressing constitutional and non-discriminatory policing, recruitment and promotions, data collection and analysis, misconduct investigations, language access, community engagement, accountability, oversight, and collaboration among City leadership, the Police Department, and community stakeholders.
As previously reported, the U.S. DOJ stated the agreement was intended “to resolve an investigation of race discrimination and other discriminatory conduct by APD officers against members of the public in Antioch.”
In addition, under the agreement, APD was required to “hire an expert law enforcement consultant jointly selected by the parties to review and update APD’s policies, procedures and training on a variety of topics, including non-discriminatory policing, use of force, hiring and promotions, investigations of misconduct, discipline, community policing, language access, and other topics.”
Furthermore, the MOA contemplated “a role for the Antioch Police Oversight Commission and sets forth a framework for data collection and reporting for a five-year period of departmental monitoring, among other provisions.”
Finally, according to the 25-page agreement, “This Agreement may terminate prior to the five-year date (‘Early Termination’) if the United States determines that the APD has substantially complied with each of the provisions of the Agreement and has maintained substantial compliance for at least twelve months, no sooner than three years from the Effective Date.”
The council was also provided semi-annual progress reports by APD.
In a video announcement posted on APD’s Facebook page today, Vigil summarized the matter. He said, “Throughout this process we’ve strengthened our policies and training, enhanced accountability and misconduct investigations, improved safeguards against biased policing and expanded our community engagement efforts. While this is an important achievement, our work doesn’t stop here. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, constitutional policing and earning the trust of our community, every day. We’ll also continue our work under the Allen Agreement and maintain independent oversight to help sustain this progress.” (See related article)
“Thank you to everyone who has been part of this effort. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and we look forward to continuing this effort, together,” he concluded.
Reaching this milestone reflects the work of APD personnel, City leadership, community partners, oversight stakeholders, and residents who contributed to the reform process.
Significant Progress Across the Department
Throughout the process, APD established and strengthened systems designed to promote accountability, consistency, and constitutional policing. Key accomplishments include:
Accountability, policies and training: APD established a Compliance and Professional Standards Division and strengthened processes for policy implementation, training, supervision, auditing, and accountability. Policies were reviewed and updated with input from Department personnel, industry experts, and the Antioch Police Oversight Commission, and were submitted to and approved by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Constitutional policing, hiring and investigations: APD revised its bias-based policing policy, implemented Principled Policing training, established processes to review racial disparities in police activity, and enrolled in the Active Bystandership in Law Enforcement (ABLE) program. The Department also strengthened hiring and promotional processes through standardized procedures, independent testing, external evaluators, professional panels, and community participation. Misconduct investigations were standardized and assigned to third party investigators to provide an additional level of independent review.
Language access and community engagement: APD identified bilingual personnel, expanded access to translation resources, and implemented language-assistance tools, including live translation capabilities in more than 50 languages through updated body-worn cameras. The Department also established a community engagement unit and expanded partnerships with schools, youth organizations, businesses, faith-based institutions, and neighborhood groups. APD revamped its Neighborhood Watch program, developed a Youth Academy, and is working to re-establish its Cadet Program.
Data, oversight, and continuous improvement: APD strengthened data collection and analysis and established processes for ongoing review of Department practices. These systems are intended to help sustain the reforms implemented through the agreement and identify opportunities for continued improvement.
These efforts build on work that began before the MOA was formally executed and have continued throughout the Department’s reform process.
A Milestone, Not an Endpoint
The U.S. DOJ’s determination of substantial compliance is an important milestone for APD and the Antioch community. It does not mean the work of maintaining these standards or earning community trust is complete.
APD remains committed to effective supervision, ongoing training, accountability, policy review, data analysis, and meaningful community engagement.
APD also remains committed to the Allen Settlement Agreement, which continues to require additional reform and accountability measures. The Department will continue building upon the constitutional policing practices established through this reform process.
Thank You to the Antioch Community
This milestone would not have been possible without the dedication of APD personnel, City leadership, the Antioch Police Oversight Commission, the independent monitoring team, community partners, and residents who participated in and contributed to the reform process.
APD recognizes that community trust is earned through consistent actions over time. The Department is proud of the progress made and remains committed to building upon it.
For additional information regarding APD’s reform efforts and compliance documentation, visit the City of Antioch Police Department’s Transparency webpage.
The Antioch Police Officers’ Association (APOA) is pleased to announce its endorsement of Sandra White for City Council District 4 and Joy Motts for City Council District 1.
Our members are dedicated to protecting and serving the people of Antioch, and we believe strong, collaborative leadership at City Hall is essential to that mission. Sandra White and Joy Motts have shown a commitment to public safety and to the future of this community. We are proud to support them.
The APOA’s endorsement reflects its members’ shared goal of a safe, thriving Antioch for residents, families, and local businesses. The Association looks forward to working with both candidates to support the city’s police department, strengthen community trust, and build a better future for Antioch.
The APOA encourages all Antioch residents to learn about the candidates, make a plan to vote, and take part in the upcoming election.
As staff and supporters look on, tutor and acting Executive Director Michael Meyer with Ben Fong, the longest serving tutor who just turned 94, cut the ribbon to celebrate Delta Learning Center’s 50th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. Photos: DLC
By City of Antioch
An iconic non-profit recently celebrated its golden anniversary with community, staff and its board members.
Held on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, the Delta Learning Center hosted a gathering to mark 50 years of tutoring students.
The West Tregallas Road center, across from the Antioch main Post Office, is one of oldest educational resources in East County.
Its mission statement notes it “prides itself on delivering the highest quality credentialed teacher tutoring services at an affordable rate.”
Don Watson, Delta Learning Center’s longest serving board member (left), and DLC Executive Assistant Martha Goralka with Nora von Ubin, Executive Director of An Elderly Wish Foundation which rents a room in the building.
The center offers tutoring for K-12 students by credentialed teachers.
One parent at the event said her daughter, a senior and student leader at an AUSD high school, benefited greatly from DLC.
The Center’s Executive Assistant, Martha Goralka spoke during the ceremony and shared the following prepared remarks.
“Good morning and welcome to the Delta Learning Center’s 50th Anniversary celebration. We have come to honor those visionaries who 50 years ago decided that it was imperative that ALL students be given a chance to learn to the best of their abilities. And honor those visionaries who have supported us with their time, talent and treasure over the past 50 years.
“Retired Antioch Unified school psychologist Julia “Bess” Combs knew that students with learning disabilities needed extra help. That was a newer concept in the 1970’s. She recruited her retired teacher friends to start one-on-one tutoring in 1976. The mission of the Center has expanded to include ALL students of every age; TK through adult. The Delta Learning Center tutors have only earned minimum wage for their dedicated commitment to our East County students of all ages and all needs. As you might guess, only the most committed teachers are willing to work for such a low wage. In fact, over the years, several of our tutors have donated back their wages to our scholarship fund; so, our most needy students can attend.
“In 1989, 13 years after the Center was founded, the board decided that building a building to house the Center would ensure that the Center could avoid rent increases at churches. It was important that the building not look like a school, but like a whimsical, fun place to come after school, hence the triangle and odd shaped windows. The Center had moved from Bess Combs garage to church Sunday school rooms to this amazing building built by our entire community with donations, discounts and donated services.
“The longest serving board member in the History of the Delta Learning Center, Antioch Lion’s Club member Don Watson, told me that because Bess was a Soroptimist, that organization took the lead and if the operations account ran low, Ethel Balbi, a Soroptimists from San Rafael would say, “How much do you need?” and would write a check. We don’t have those Angels anymore, but we do receive grants and a gift that keeps us going including from an anonymous donor. We are grateful to the Antioch Community Foundation, St. John’s Luteran church, Keller Canyon fund, local service clubs, including the Soroptimist International of Antioch, GWFC Woman’s Club of Antioch, Rotary Club of the Delta/Antioch, Rotary Club of Antioch, Rotary Club of Brentwood, Rotary Club of Oakley, Antioch Lion’s Club, Delta Advocacy and so many more. Thank you, East Contra Costa County! And thank you Rotary Club of Cupertino, that arranged for us to install solar panels so that we can afford PG&E!
“Former board members will tell you what a miracle it is that we have survived all these years. And so will our miracle working former executive directors. We are currently working without an executive director. It is hard to recruit when you are offering just over minimum wage and a list of responsibilities a mile long.
“We are especially grateful for our tutors, Ben Fong, our longest serving tutor who works miracles with Algebra and geometry middle school and high school students, Ben has his 94th birthday on October 7th and plans to work until he is 100 or so; Sonia Spohrer, who works with Spanish speakers learning English and grade school students; Barbara Klein who works with ELA, special ed grade school students; Lynne Wheelock, who works with K through 4th grade students and Karen Bouskill who works with college, special education and 4th through adult. Michael Meyer tutors all subjects for High School and adult students including GED – his schedule is always full. Our administrative assistant, Moriah Green, coordinates our tutoring assignments. She graduated from Dozier Libbey Medical High School, the Opportunity Junction clerical program and is finishing at Los Medanos College before applying to an Historically Black College. We couldn’t operate without her.
“Our board members are Antonio Hernandez, president (school board member and medical student) Sandra White (Past president of the Rotary Club of Antioch and City Council candidate) Sophia Macha (Secretary and former student, currently studying at UC Davis) Michael Meyer (Tutor and acting executive director) and Martha Goralka (Vice President and acting assistant executive director; currently the longest serving board member – she knew Bess Combs)
Goralka then acknowledges the representatives of elected officials who were able to attend the ceremony including Kayla Turnage with Assemblymember Anamarie Ávila Farías’ office, Theresa Anderson with State Senator Tim Grayson’s office and Dominique King with Congressman Josh Harder’s office.
