Pearls of Perfection Cotillion dance was held on January 9, 2016 at the San Ramon Marriott. photo courtesy of Jovanka Beckles from her Facebook page.

By Nick Goodrich

The Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta started 2016 off right. On January 9th, their Pearls of Perfection program held its annual Cotillion Ball, in recognition and celebration of the eleven young ladies that successfully completed the 9-month process.

These young women began their journey in early 2015, when they were officially inducted into the program as Debutantes. Nearly a year of hard work and dedication culminated in the black-tie Cotillion Ball, held at the San Ramon Marriott Hotel in San Ramon.

Pearls of Perfection is a comprehensive program that has produced well-rounded graduates since it’s inception. Girls become eligible for Pearls of Perfection after 11^th grade, but may participate as a Lady-in-Waiting for a year before beginning the main program. Once they are accepted as Debutantes, the young ladies attend a series of events and workshops over the next year, focusing on personal growth and education as they prepare for the next step after high school.

Pearls of Perfection’s goal is to provide young women with the resources and ability to succeed in the future, and become active contributors in their community. That means that academic excellence is emphasized, along with etiquette programs, promotion of self-awareness and self-esteem, and other skills that participants can rely on for the rest of their lives. Community service is just one other aspect of the Pearls program, allowing the women the chance to participate in service projects to instill the importance of giving back to the community. The participants even plan out and execute a project to gain leadership and real-world experience, reminiscent of the Boy Scouts of America’s Eagle Scout projects. The current graduates of the program held a fashion show for their project, which sported a dual-theme of “college” and “TV shows”. The ladies began by presenting the colleges they planned to attend, and transitioned to the lighter theme of popular TV shows later in the evening.

But the program’s main focus, and one of the reasons it is valued so highly, is its emphasis on college preparedness. Delta Sigma Theta places a high value on education before, during, and beyond high school, and that is reflected in how Pearls of Perfection is constructed. Ladies undergoing the program participate in a series of college preparedness workshops, including resume-building, scholarship and financial aid seminars, and segments that emphasize awareness of and readiness for the college application process. By the time the annual Cotillion Ball rolls around, these women are focused and prepared for the excitement and challenges that college will bring.

Brenda Captain-Edwards heard about the program in 2015, and it was not long before her daughter Brandi had expressed interest and was enrolled as a Lady-in-Waiting. That part of the program lasts a year, and is available to girls who have not reached the age requirement to become a Debutante, but are eager to get involved. It allows them to experience a healthy dose of Pearls of Perfection before starting as a Debutante, and to get a grasp of what the program is like and what they will be learning.

“Most of the participants started when they were seniors, and went right into the Debutante program,” said Captain-Edwards. “But there were a few others like Brandi that were 11th graders, and were preparing to go into the Debutantes. They’re similar but they do some things differently, like the Mock Trial, which was wonderful. Parents were able to come in and be the jury, so it was really fun.”

Parental involvement is a big part of the Pearls program, and they are able to participate in many of the program’s workshops and events. Mrs. Captain-Edwards found the financial aid and scholarship segment to be particularly helpful, as the college financial aid process can be confusing. But she and her daughter Brandi feel well-versed in the system. Confidence going into the college application process affords families the freedom to thoroughly explore every option and find the best fit for each participant.

As for Brandi, she has gotten a taste for the program after participating as a Lady-in-Waiting, and she is looking forward to the next step.

“Before I got into the program, I kind of thought I would be around snotty people, because you hear the word Debutante,” she laughed. “But once you get to know the girls, they’re the same as yourself. You start hanging out with them more, and it’s just a really good program.”

Brandi, a student at Deer Valley High School, completed the Ladies-in-Waiting program earlier this year, and is set to begin as a Debutante in March. As a junior in high school, she is already a great deal ahead of many of her classmates, who have not had the benefit of preparing for college as thoroughly or early on as Pearls of Perfection participants are able to.

Overall, Pearls of Perfection continues to produce graduates that are prepared to succeed at every stage of their lives. The program recognizes that college is an important part of the foundation that these women will build to rely on in the future, and Brenda and Brandi feel prepared to meet the challenge that it presents. “Since she’s been in the program, what I’ve seen is growth in leadership, etiquette skills, and an overall career awareness, which includes her academics now, and how she’s planning on mapping out her college experience,” said Brenda of her daughter.

“Polished, poised, and prepared” is the mantra of Pearls of Perfection, and they continue to guide young women in meeting these standards to the highest degree. More information on the Pearls of Perfection Program can be found at www.ccacdst.org/debutante.

Maria McClain, math teacher, Deer Valley High School, Antioch Unified School District

By Allen Payton

Deer Valley High math teacher, Maria McClain was recently named one of the eight semi-finalists for 2016 California’s Teacher of the Year. Each year thousands of teachers throughout the State are nominated by their Districts. Finalists from each County are then nominated for the State award.

was recognized for her contribution to the teaching profession at a gala held last week in Sacramento. She is the only teacher from Contra Costa County to be either a semi-finalist or finalist for 2016.

McClain is in her 29th year of teaching grades 10–12 for the Antioch Unified School District. For the past 20 years, McClain has been at Deer Valley High School (Antioch). McClain has taught high school pre-calculus, AP Calculus, AP statistics, and algebra, as well as junior high school mathematics and algebra.

Last year, she was chosen as one of two 2015–2016 Teachers of the Year for Contra Costa County.

McClain obtained her undergraduate college units at Diablo Valley College, followed by earning her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and teaching credentials at California State University, Sacramento.

“Congratulations Ms. McClain and Deer Valley High School — you continue the tradition of great teaching in the Antioch Unified School District,” reads the statement on the AUSD Facebook page.

For more information on the California Teachers of the Year, visit www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr15/yr15rel79.asp.

Fiona Ma

Antioch City Councilmember Monica Wilson announced on Wednesday she has earned the backing of Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma, in her supervisorial campaign.

According to a news release from Wilson’s campaign, Ma currently serves over 9.5 million Californians on the Board of Equalization for District 2, which stretches from Santa Barbara County to the Oregon border and overlaps all of the third supervisorial district in Contra Costa. The Board of Equalization is the only publicly elected state tax commission and collects more than $50 billion in state taxes every year while holding meetings to hear business, income and property tax appeals.

“When I heard Monica was running for Supervisor, I knew Contra Costa had a great opportunity to elect a leader on transportation and the economy,” said Ma.

Wilson is Antioch’s alternate on two transportation boards, the East Contra Costa Regional Fee & Finance Authority and the State Route 4 By-Pass Authority, according to Antioch City Clerk Arne Simonsen. She has attended one meeting of those boards.

Ma won her election to the Board of Equalization with over 68% of the vote in November 2014.

Prior to serving on the Board of Equalization, Ma served in the California State Assembly from 2006 until 2012 for the 12th District and was the first Asian woman to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore and as Assembly Majority Whip for three years. She first got her start as a small business owner and Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and was an elected delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business under President Clinton aimed at advocating policies to Congress that help small businesses grow in the modern age.

“Fiona is trailblazer, and I’m honored to have her support and mentorship in my campaign,” said Wilson.

Wilson is one of six candidates running in the District 3 Supervisor race. The election will be held June 7th. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote, the two candidates to receive the most votes will face off in the General Election in November.

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is seeking individuals with sound knowledge and experience in the field of public and private finance, to serve on the Treasury Oversight Committee (Committee). To be considered, candidates must be County residents, and may not be employed by an entity that has contributed to the reelection campaign of the County Treasurer or a member of the Board of Supervisors in the previous three years, may not directly or indirectly raise money for the County Treasurer or a member of the Board of Supervisors while a member of the Committee, and may not secure employment with bond underwriters, bond counsel, security brokerages or dealers or with financial services firms for three years after leaving the Committee.

The Committee meets quarterly on the third Tuesday of the month at 3:00 p.m. at 625 Court St, Room B001, Martinez, CA 94553, for approximately one hour. Its duties include reviewing and monitoring the County Treasurer’s annual investment policy, and ensuring an annual audit is conducted to determine the County Treasurer’s compliance with Government Code §§27130-27137. The annual audits, meeting agendas and minutes of the Committee are available online. Members of the Committee receive no compensation for their service. The Board of Supervisors will appoint to fill two vacancies for a four-year term ending on April 30, 2020. The new appointees will fill the seats of either the Representative of the Board or a Public Member At-Large.

Application forms can be obtained from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors by calling (925) 335-1900 or by clicking on the following link: Application Form. Applications should be returned to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, Room 106, County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553 no later than Friday, March 4, 2016 by 5 p.m. More information about the Treasury Oversight Committee can be obtained by calling Russell Watts at (925) 975-2888 or visiting the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s website at www.cctax.us.

Los Medanos College (LMC) is preparing to host the annual “Celebrating the Life of César Chávez” awards ceremony on Friday, April 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the college’s Recital Hall. The college is located at 2700 East Leland Road in Pittsburg. The public is welcome to attend and the event is free.

Los Medanos College hosts this annual event to honor the life of César Chávez and to recognize East Contra Costa County community leaders who continue his great tradition of service and social activism. A true American hero, César Chávez exemplifies service to community and non-violent social change.

The college is now seeking nominations for three recognition awards, which will be presented at the event. The LMC César Chávez Award for Exemplary Community Service, established in 1995, is awarded to one of our local citizens who best represents the following core values established by César Chávez: Service to Others, Sacrifice, Help the Most Needy, Determination, Non-Violence, Acceptance of All People, Respect for Life and the Environment, Celebrating Community, Knowledge, and Innovation. The East County Educator Award honors a member of the educational community who demonstrates the above values and a commitment to student success and equity, particularly for low-income students and students of color. The Chávez Spirit Award recognizes an emerging leader who is making an impact on East Contra Costa County in the areas of advocacy and social justice.

To nominate someone for one or more of these awards, please visit: www.losmedanos.edu/chavez/nominate/.

The deadline for nominations is Thursday, March 10, 2016.

For more information, contact Jennifer Adams, jadams@losmedanos.edu or (925) 473-7302.

By Nick Goodrich

The Antioch Unified School District Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, February 17th and opened with the unveiling of a new AUSD commercial aimed at increasing attendance in Antioch schools, which has been a problem in recent years.

During public comments section, several parents of District schoolchildren brought complaints or questions before the Board. One parent, Julie Young, informed the Board that the California Department of Education recently released the records of some students in the District, as a result of an ongoing court case. As a result of Concerned Parents Association vs. California Department of Education, records were authorized for release of some students who have attended schools since up to 2008. Information made available in the Department of Education’s archives include these students’ state test scores, GPA’s, and attendance records, among others. The Board was able to waylay these fears to some extent by acknowledging that only students involved in the case would have their records released.

Soon after public comments, the Board made their choice of Leadership Associates official in their hunt for a new Superintendent. The search firm was voted in 5-0 Wednesday night, after being decided on during the last Board meeting on January 20th to glowing reviews. With the search heating up, the Board can begin the next steps to finding the District’s new Superintendent.

One issue raised during Wednesday’s meeting was that of digitalization. It is common practice for school districts to adopt new textbooks and update course materials that will last for up to a decade or more, and districts almost always pay in advance for the new set of books. The board voted to do so on Wednesday, as a result of the District’s adoption of Common Core.

However, as part of a larger conversation dating to last year, some members of the Board wondered whether paying in advance for 8 years of books is a good idea in what is rapidly becoming a paperless world. In fact, Wednesday’s meeting marked the first time the Board has been able to review their full meeting packets on computers, rather than receiving stacks of paper to sort through. This came about as a result of Claire Smith’s suggestion to save paper and condense the packets.

“What is the logic in paying eight years in advance for Common Core textbooks and curriculum?” asked tew Trustee Fernando Navarro. “We’re in an election year, and the next administration may not agree with Common Core.”

He also noted that several Districts have begun experimenting with digitalizing some aspects of their curriculum. Smith echoed this concern, wondering if the District would be “locked in” to a paper curriculum in the event that digitalization became a viable option in the near future. Board staff answered that while the books were Common Core, they still presented a good curriculum and could be used even if Common Core was thrown out in the next several years; and they informed the Board that it did not appear digitalization of the District would be likely within the time frame of the 8-year book contract.

Board Member Debra Vinson was on board with the adoption of the textbooks, but had some cautionary advice in the careful choosing of which books to adopt. She reminded the room that in the past, the District has bought books that sat unused for years, as they became obsolete soon after being adopted.

The Antioch School Board last adopted books in 2003. After a spirited debate among the Board, they voted 3-2 during the February 17^th meeting to adopt the textbooks, with Navarro and Diane Gibson-Gray dissenting.

The Board then turned to a discussion of the vendors they employ to run mentor and college preparation programs, among others, in the District. These vendors are contracted by the District to increase students’ knowledge and ability in the college application process and prepare them for state tests, while also offering programs to help students in their classes.

However, as noted by the Board, oversight and accountability has been lacking in the District’s vendor process. This was brought to a head when a vendor working for the District asked for a $25,000 increase in pay from the previous years’ deal, or they would not be able to fully meet the contract’s requirements in serving District schoolchildren.

The Board was not pleased, and discussed how to better oversee vendor operations and revamp the vendor selection process to avoid situations like this one in the future. Board Member Walter Ruehlig suggested unannounced visits to vendor-hosted programs, in order to increase accountability and keep vendors on track. Daily reports on vendor expenditures were raised as a solution. Debra Vinson said that some groups, which get Title I funding without having to report much information to the District or the government, should be held to the same standard as those who don’t receive the funding. “We need to be more vigilant about monitoring data from all our vendors,” she said.

Members of the vendor in question were present at the meeting. Synitha Walker told the Board that her organization, Parents Connected, offers financial aid workshops, summer programs, and college tours for students, among other opportunities, and that the vendor employees do not receive a salary; they work full-time on a volunteer basis, and all the funding from the district goes straight to the students. If there is a rise in costs, she stated, it is for the students’, and not the vendors’, benefit.

In all, after another lengthy consideration, the Board voted against the extra $25,000 for the vendor. However, they promised to shore up processes and set new standards for vendor contracts in the future, and will look into taking action in future meetings.

Cornerstone Christian School Basketball team player #10 Devin Hicks, Antioch, Ca.,Feb.12, 2016. photo by Cathie Lawrence

Cornerstone Christian boys’ basketball has best season in program history

By Luke Johnson

Antioch’s Cornerstone Christian High School senior guard Devon Hicks was born with tight tendons in his hands, which makes him unable to fully extend some of his fingers on each hand. Despite that, Hicks leads the Small School Bridge Athletic League in scoring with 22.4 points per game.

“Some people look at it as a birth defect, but I look at it as motivation to get better,” Hicks said.

Thinking with positive mindset was not always easy for Hicks. He found himself frustrated at times attempting to perform simple tasks such as catching a ball. But he said he was able to persevere through his faith in God.

“I know God has a better plan for me,” Hicks said. “There are people out there who have it far worse… When I was little I sometimes questioned why it happened to me. But as I got older I realized instead of quitting to just keep working hard… That’s my motto.”

On Senior Night, the school presented Hicks with an honor of being Cornerstone Boys All Time Scoring Leader with 1,249 points and All Time Leader Three-Points Made with 182. He’s also a two-time recipient of All SSBL Honors.

In his freshman year, Cornerstone did not have a boys’ varsity basketball program because there were not enough players to fill the roster minimum of six. According to Pastor Steve Miner, the school has approximately 60 students grades 9-12, and less than half of them are male. Fast forward to the present — the team is having its winningest season with a 16-5 record, and earned a Division-VI North Coast Section Playoff berth for the first time in program history.

“It feels unreal, because I started out literally begging people to play,” he said. “I just want to set this up for future years to come at Cornerstone.”

Hicks is the only senior on team, and will soon leave behind a legacy that has encouraged the underclassmen to step up their game.

“He’s an inspiration to all of us by his work ethic, his good attitude [and] his sense of humor. He’s a good kid,” coach Ezra Hunter said.

The Cougars could not have reached this level of success if it were not for Hicks’s right-hand man, Amari Simmons. The 6-foot-2 junior ranks number one in NCS in rebounds with 11.2 per game, and is also among the top scorers with 19.7 points per game.

The postseason begins Wednesday, Feb. 24, and Cornerstone will start off by traveling 282 miles north to face Ferndale High School (15-10) in the first round of NCS.

Cornerstone is located at 1745 East 18th Street in Antioch.