Community partners joined forces in Antioch to deliver fresh groceries, essential goods and compassion to hundreds of local families

By Steve Spraitzar, Public Relations & Trish Heaney – Marketing & Communications Manager, White Pony Express

Antioch, Calif. — On Saturday, October 18, 2025, White Pony Express (WPE) and Kaiser Permanente came together at Kaiser’s Antioch Medical Center to celebrate a remarkable milestone—the rescue and delivery of 32 million pounds of fresh, nutritious food since WPE’s founding in 2013.

The joyful Drive-thru Giveaway welcomed hundreds of local residents who received bags brimming with healthy groceries, hygiene kits, toys, books, and sweet treats. In total, WPE distributed more than 5,000 pounds of fresh foodand 1,000 hygiene kits, along with See’s Candies and other gifts to brighten the day for every family who came through.

The celebration was more than a giveaway—it was a gathering of community spirit and compassion. Volunteers offered smiles and encouragement, and new connections were formed in the heart of Antioch, strengthening bonds across East Contra Costa County.

“At White Pony Express, we believe that when one neighbor is fed, we’re all nourished,” said Eve Birge, CEO of White Pony Express. “Together with Kaiser Permanente and our community partners, we celebrate this milestone not only in pounds of food shared, but in the love that flows from neighbor to neighbor. This event reminds us that compassion is our greatest resource—and when we share it freely, everyone benefits.”

Eve added, “Today, collaboration is needed more than ever. These partnerships enable us to maximize resources. Working together, we believe we can provide access to good food to everybody in our community. And we couldn’t do it without partnerships like this.”

Pam Galley, Senior Vice President and Area Manager for Kaiser Permanente’s Diablo Service Area, shared, “At Kaiser Permanente, we believe that food is medicine, and good nutrition helps prevent and treat chronic disease. Everyone deserves access to healthy food, and through community partnerships like this one with White Pony Express, we are helping to improve the health of the communities we serve.”

Together, White Pony Express and Kaiser Permanente demonstrated what’s possible when compassion meets action—when organizations unite to ensure every neighbor has access to the nourishment and care they deserve.

About White Pony Express

Founded in 2013 by Dr. Carol Weyland Conner, White Pony Express is a volunteer-powered nonprofit based in Contra Costa County. Its mission is to eliminate hunger and poverty by delivering the abundance all around us to those in need—with love. WPE now rescues and redistributes approximately 14,000 pounds of fresh food daily to more than 100 partner agencies, supported by 1,200 dedicated volunteers who live the motto: “All of us taking care of all of us.”

For more information visit www.gracearmsofantioch.org or www.gbfofantioch.org.

Golden Hills Community Church is located at 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood. For more information and service times visit www.goldenhills.org or call (925) 516-0653.

By Vanessa Vizard, Vizard Marketing & PR for CalKids

Contra Costa, CA — Contra Costa County families welcoming a new baby can also celebrate another milestone: their child’s very first scholarship. Through the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS), every child born in the state on or after July 1, 2022, automatically has a CalKIDS Scholarship Account waiting in their name —  including more than $2 million in scholarship funds set aside for children in Contra Costa County alone.

CalKIDS is the nation’s largest children’s development account program, designed to support college and career training. For newborns and young children, the state invests up to $175 in a CalKIDS Scholarship Account:

• $100 for being born in California (babies born July 1, 2023, or later; $25 for those born between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023)
• $25 extra when parents claim the account online
• $50 extra for linking the account to a ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan

That’s up to $175 already invested in a child’s future, long before applications, admissions essays, or financial aid forms come into play.

“At First 5 California, we recognize that supporting healthy development begins with a commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive,” said Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, Executive Director of First 5 California. “CalKIDS is a powerful way to show families that their child’s future matters from the very beginning.”

With August, September, and October among the most common birth months in California, thousands of families are becoming newly eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship. It’s a timely opportunity for parents to take an easy first step that can grow into a lifelong advantage for their child’s education.

How to Claim Your Baby’s Scholarship

Claiming is quick, easy, and free at CalKIDS.org. Parents and guardians just need three pieces of information:

• The county where their child was born
• Their child’s date of birth
• The 13-digit Local Registration Number (LRN) on the birth certificate, or the unique CalKIDS code mailed to their home

Once claimed, families can log in anytime to view balances, link a ScholarShare 529 Account, and learn how funds can be used. Eligible expenses include tuition and fees, required books and supplies, and computer equipment at accredited higher education institutions nationwide.

“I appreciate the forward thinking of CalKIDS by investing in the education of our next generation! Starting to save for college early will pay dividends in the long run,” said Contra Costa parent Joshua Tan.

Small Actions Make a Big Difference

Research shows that children with even small savings for higher education are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate. Education is also one of the most powerful tools to break the cycle of poverty — a college degree can nearly double lifetime earnings. By giving every child in California a first scholarship, CalKIDS brings that opportunity to families from day one and makes the path to higher education more attainable for millions.

Across California, CalKIDS is working with hospitals, county offices, and community partners like United Ways of California to ensure families know about this opportunity from the very beginning.

“Every child deserves the chance to dream big, and that starts from the moment they are born. CalKIDS is helping families of newborns begin saving for education and career training right away. United Ways of California is proud to support this effort, which aligns with our work to expand economic mobility and opportunity across the state,” said Mandy Nand, Associate Director of Economic Mobility, United Ways of California. “United Ways of California is thrilled to support CalKIDS. By providing funds to every newborn, California is giving families peace of mind and an important financial foundation for their child’s future. This effort reflects our mission to help families build stability and opportunity from the very start of life.”

Since its launch in 2022, CalKIDS has become the largest child development account program in the country. In addition to newborns, CalKIDS also created accounts for over 4 million public school students, accounting for more than 5 million children total with CalKIDS Scholarship Accounts and $2 billion invested. More than 700,000 families have claimed their scholarships, turning possibility into action.

Families can learn more and claim their baby’s first scholarship today at CalKIDS.org.

About CalKIDS: The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) is the nation’s largest child development account program, providing scholarships for higher education. Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, and Chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, the program is designed to promote the pursuit of higher education statewide by empowering families to build assets, nurture savings habits, and raise their educational aspirations. Eligible public school students can receive CalKIDS Scholarships worth up to $1,500 and every child born in California on or after July 1, 2022, is awarded a CalKIDS Scholarship worth up to $175, ensuring more families have the resources needed to support their children’s education. To learn more, visit CalKIDS.org.

Legal experts warn it’s “A Child Predator’s Dream Bill”

By Greg Burt, Vice President, California Family Council

SACRAMENTO, CA — Governor Gavin Newsom has once again proven his contempt for California parents. Yesterday afternoon, he signed AB 495, a bill that fundamentally undermines parental rights and opens the door for abuse, kidnapping, and government interference in family life, all while claiming it “protects parents and children.”

After months of warnings from parental rights advocates, faith communities, and constitutional attorneys, Newsom ignored every concern. In a calculated act of deception, his office released a statement claiming AB 495 safeguards parental authority. In reality, this law allows any adult, without verification, without parental consent, and without even notifying parents, to make medical and educational decisions for a child.

CFC President: Newsom’s Assault on Parental Rights Endangers Children

“Governor Newsom is deliberately trying to deceive parents by claiming this bill protects them, when in fact it does the opposite,” said Jonathan Keller, President of California Family Council. “AB 495 strips parents of their constitutional rights and hands them over to unverified strangers. It is unconstitutional, it is illegal, and no school or medical facility should recognize or accept the authority of a Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit without a verified signature from a parent or legal guardian. Newsom knows exactly what this bill does, but he’s hoping the press and the public won’t read it for themselves.”

“AB495 allows…any adult claiming to be a relative within five degrees of kinshipcan sign a Caregiver Authorization Affidavit giving them the ability to ‘authorize any other medical care.’ And all this can be done with no parent signature, no notary, no verification and no parent notification required.”

Despite claims to the contrary, AB 495 allows ANY adult to use the new Caregiver Authorization Affidavit as “sufficient to authorize enrollment of a minor in school and authorize school-related medical care.” Then any adult claiming to be a relative within five degrees of kinshipcan sign a Caregiver Authorization Affidavit giving them the ability to “authorize any other medical care.” And all this can be done with no parent signature, no notary, no verification and no parent notification required. This law will allow unvetted adults to make medical decisions, enroll children in school, and act as de facto guardians, even though parents would remain legal guardians.

Legal Experts Warn: “A Child Predator’s Dream Bill”

“Governor Newsom deceptively describes AB 495 as a caregiver planning tool for undocumented immigrant parents. It’s more accurately described as a child trafficker’s and child predator’s dream bill,” said Dean Broyles, Esq., President and Chief Counsel of the National Center for Law & Policy. “Its sweeping application is not limited to immigrant families, does not require any parental notice or consent, and lacks even the most basic safeguards to protect children. Anyone falsely claiming kinship can easily sign the affidavit, access a child, obtain medical care, and enroll them in another school. Even the most basic safeguard of a notary is not required to confirm the true identity of the person accessing your child.  AB 495 violates fundamentally constitutionally protected parental rights, endangers California’s children, and will be appropriately legally challenged and struck down.”

“With AB 495, state-sanctioned kidnapping is now legal,” warned Julianne Fleischer, Senior Legal Counsel at Advocates for Faith & Freedom. “This is more than overreach — it is a betrayal of families and a blatant disregard for parental rights. This unprecedented intrusion into parental rights marks a deeply concerning moment for our state — one for which Gavin Newsom must answer.”

“Governor Newsom’s actions define him, not his smooth talk and 100-watt smile,” added Erin Friday, Esq., President of Our Duty – USA. “Behind that veneer, is a man who consistently signs bills that eviscerate parental rights. Handing a child over to an adult five degrees separated by marriage, divorce, or blood based upon an unverified one-page document with any pre-authorization of the parents, is beyond the pale.”

CFC Calls for Defiance and Parental Vigilance

California Family Council is calling on schools, hospitals, and clinics to refuse to accept any Caregiver Authorization Affidavit that is not verified or notarized by the child’s legal parent or guardian.

“Governor Newsom may have signed this bill into law,” Keller said, “but parents are under no moral or legal obligation to accept its legitimacy. This bill violates both the Constitution and common sense. No one, not a school administrator, not a doctor, not a government bureaucrat, has the right to override a mother or father’s authority.”

CFC urges parents to take immediate action to protect their families:

* Update emergency contact lists at schools and medical offices to include ONLY those adults you trust to make educational and medical decisions for your child.

* Submit written directives stating that NO ONE outside your listed contacts is authorized to pick up or make decisions for your child.

* Support efforts to legally challenge AB 495 and restore parental rights in California law.

“This coalition will not rest,” Keller concluded. “We will work with our partners, our attorneys, and thousands of California parents to overturn this unconstitutional law. Parents, not politicians, are the rightful guardians of their children.”

About California Family Council

California Family Council works to advance God’s design for life, family, and liberty through California’s Church, Capitol, and Culture. By advocating for policies that reinforce the sanctity of life, the strength of traditional marriages, and the essential freedoms of religion, CFC is dedicated to preserving California’s moral and social foundation.

On the “Compy” Compomizzo Fishing Pier

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

It is time to grab your poles and set your sights on the pier! This Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, the 37th Annual Free Kids Fishing Derby will be taking place from 9am-12pm.

Held in memory of late Antioch resident Uril E. “Compy” Compomizzo, who inspired the mission statement: “Get kids hooked on fishing, not drugs or gangs,” the fishing derby will be held on the fishing pier named for him and in the adjacent Waldie Plaza.

It provides the opportunity to teach kids fifteen years and younger conservation and the basics of fishing competition that may spur an interest in future events.

Register the day of the event to join in on this exciting afternoon filled with great catches!

Note: If you have your own fishing poles, please bring them. For those who do not have fishing equipment, there will be poles for you to borrow.

This event is made possible through the great partnership between the California Striped Bass Association, West Delta Chapter and the City of Antioch Recreation Department. Learn more about the West Delta Chapter when you visit, striper-csba.org/West-Delta-Chapter/

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

Fall into fun this October! Coyote Hills Camptoberfest is the perfect place for kids ages 5–12 to stay busy, have fun, and make new friends during their quick break from school! From relay races to scavenger hunts, with Coyote Hill’s there is plenty to keep everyone active! Sign up your little one today when you visit antiochca.gov/register

Coyote Hills Camptoberfest

Dates: Monday, Oct 6 – Friday, Oct 10

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Location: Antioch Community Center at 4703 Lone Tree Way

For questions about Coyote Hills Camptoberfest, contact our front desk at (925) 776-3050 or email recreation@antiochca.gov.

2025 Theme: Lace Up, Wheels Down, Let’s Skate!

By Robert Bruce, Paradise Skate Roller Rink

Antioch, CA – Paradise Skate Roller Rink is excited to join the Roller Skating Association (RSA) in celebrating National Roller Skating Month this October with the theme: “Lace Up, Wheels Down, Let’s Skate!”

This year’s campaign is all about encouraging people of all ages to discover—or rediscover—the fun, fitness, and community that roller skating brings. From beginners to lifelong skaters, October is the perfect time to get rolling!

Upcoming Events

• Learn to Skate Day – October 4, 2025

The first Saturday of October is dedicated to newcomers! Rinks nationwide, including Paradise Skate Roller Rink, will welcome first-time skaters to experience the thrill of roller skating.

• Cha Cha Slide Day – October 11, 2025

On the second Saturday of October, join us at 3 p.m. local time as we honor the late DJ Casper, creator of the “Cha Cha Slide.” Skaters across the country will come together to dance, slide, and celebrate.

• Unity Day – October 22, 2025

In partnership with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center, rinks will recognize Unity Day, a nationwide anti-bullying awareness initiative. Skating centers are encouraged to promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

Why Roller Skating?

Roller skating is more than just fun—it’s a lifestyle that promotes fitness, friendship, and joy. Skating works over 640 muscles, including the heart, providing an incredible aerobic workout while boosting mental health and reducing stress. Whether it’s artistic skating, speed skating, roller derby, or simply a night out with friends, roller skating has something for everyone.

Join the Fun!

Find your local rink at www.rollerskating.org. Parents can also join the Kids Skate Free Club at www.kidsskatefree.com to receive two free skating passes per child each week through the myHownd app.

About Paradise Skate: Since 1969, Paradise Skate Roller Rink (formerly Roller Haven) has been the place to roll, laugh, and make memories! Started by the Doolettle family, we’ve been bringing the joy of skating to the community for 56 years — from casual skate sessions to exciting lessons and even competitive skating. Whether you’re lacing up for the first time or chasing that perfect spin, Paradise Skate is where the fun never stops. Come skate with us and keep the tradition rolling — connect with us today!

·         Website: www.paradiseskate.com

·         Facebook: ParadiseSkate

Paradise Skate is located at 1201 W. 10th Street on the Contra Costa Event Park fairgrounds. For more information call (925) 779-0200 or email robert@paradiseskate.com.

About Roller Skating Association (RSA)

The Roller Skating Association (RSA) is a premier trade association dedicated to serving commercial (for-profit) skating center owner/operators and various stakeholders in the roller-related industry. Committed to promoting our members’ success through education and the advancement of the roller skating business, the RSA remains at the forefront of fostering positive change and innovation within the roller skating community.

Connect with Us

• Website: www.rollerskating.org
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/rollerskatingassociation