Theme: Antioch Through My Eyes

By Terri Hamilton, GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch

The GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch hosted an award ceremony and ice cream social on May 7, 2026, recognizing the winners of the “Antioch Through My Eyes” writing contest.

The district-wide contest invited all fourth and fifth grade students in Antioch Unified School District to share their perspectives, creativity, and voices through writing. The program was designed to support local schools while giving students a meaningful opportunity to express themselves and write with purpose.

Winners were selected in each grade level, with first ($100), second ($50), and third ($25) place awards presented to top essays. In addition, one student from each participating class was recognized with a special “Top of the Class” ($10) award.

The ceremony was held at the Woman’s Clubhouse and brought together students, their families, teachers, principals, board members to celebrate the young writers’ achievements. The event concluded with an ice cream social in honor of all participants.

The winners are:

4th Grade:

1st prize– Madeline Cortes, Fremont

2nd prize– Marcus Hamilton, Orchard Park

3rd prize– Hayley Corado, Marsh

5th Grade:

1st^t prize– Alyssa Bennett, Mno Grant

2nd prize– Aissatu Diallo, Mno Grant

3rd prize–Natalia Saucedo, Kimball

“Top of the Class” Award

Fremont—Nehemias Bueso/ 4th grade; Grant—Albertha Kolaco/5th grade; Kimball—Yahir Camacho/4th grade and Noah Sarabia/5th grade; London—Chiara Guisadio/4th grade; Marsh—Ezeuiel Escobar/4th grade; Mission—Angel Gibbs/5th grade; Muir—La’Riyana Mayfield/5th grade; Orchard Park—Mia Ramirez/4th grade and Alexa Colmenares/4th grade; Sutter—Ella Garringer/4th grade.

About the GFWC Woman’s Club of Antioch

In 1902, 11 of the 15 ladies founded the Woman’s Club of Antioch and pledged: “To improve and beautify the town, to do any business which shall promote the educational industrial benevolent, social or political welfare of its members or the community at large.” For m ore information visit www.gfwcwomansclubofantioch.org.

From Antioch, Brentwood, Discovery Bay & Martinez

Coronations May 14th at the 2026 Contra Costa County Fair

2025 Queen & Princesses end their reigns

By Cheyenne Erickson, CEO, Contra Costa Fair & Event Park

The Contra Costa County Fair Scholarship Program provides young participants with valuable life and career skills while giving them the opportunity to earn education funds. Through the program, participants develop speech writing and public speaking abilities, build professional resumes, and showcase their unique talents.

They also gain confidence through interview practice, including answering impromptu questions skills that prepare them for future academic and career opportunities. The program focuses on personal growth, leadership, and community involvement, all while rewarding participants with scholarships to support their educational goals. Miss Contra Costa will receive a $1,000 scholarship and Mini Miss Contra Costa will receive $500 provided by the Contra Costa County Fair. They will serve as ambassadors of the fair throughout the year at community service events.

MISS CONTRA COSTA CONTESTANTS:

• Emelia “Eme” Brown, 17, lives in Discovery Bay and she attends Liberty High School. She is a varsity volleyball player and participates in swimming and basketball. She enjoys surfing and spending time on the water.
• Yareli Santuario, 17, lives in Antioch and attends Antioch High School. She is passionate about spreading positivity in her community and is involved with Be Exceptional and serves as an ambassador for the We Get It Foundation.
• Kaylee Rhiann Wright, 17, lives in Martinez and attends Alhambra High School. She enjoys meeting and uplifting others, loves animals and has a soft spot for dark chocolate.

MINI MISS CONTRA COSTA CONTESTANTS:

• Gianna Lynch, 11, is a fifth grader from Brentwood. She enjoys performing in plays, singing, and acting, and is an active member of Brentwood 4-H.
• Teigan Moore, 8, of Discovery Bay, loves reading and art. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and hopes to become a teacher one day.
• Chloe Pettyjohn, 11, from Brentwood, has a two-year-old Pomeranian named Peanut. She enjoys dancing, karate and crafting, and values time with her family and friends.

2025 Queen & Princesses to End Their Reigns

Aili Selvin of Martinez will end her reign as the 2025 Miss Contra Costa County Fair Pageant Queen. The County Fair Board offered their appreciation to her saying, “We are so proud of you and appreciate your contributions to your community all while carrying yourself with the upmost poise and kindness. We look forward to seeing more of your bright future!”

The 2025 Fair Princesses Jocelyn Luna of Oakley and Madilyn Davis of Antioch and Miss Congeniality Michalia Banks of Antioch will also end their reigns.

Pageant Director Danielle Ferguson said, “I am honored to serve as the new Director for the Miss Contra Costa County Scholarship Program.  I grew up in the pageant world, competing from infancy through the age of 24, and spent many years as a dedicated dancer – truly growing up on the stage.  These experiences shaped my love for performance, confidence-building and empowering young women.  I am excited to bring passion, polish and heart to this program and to create an inspiring and memorable experience for every participant.”

Meet the six contestants during the 2026 Contra Costa County Fair May 14-17 at the Contra Costa Event Park, 1201 W. 10th Street, Antioch. Join us May 14th for both competitions and come support your next Miss & Mini Miss Contra Costa! For more information visit Miss Contra Costa and www.contracostafair.com where you can purchase tickets for the fair.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

During 2025 Rhythms by the River Fall Festival

Click for details about the Annual Rhythms by the River Fall Festival in Rivertown Oct. 4. For more information about the Downtown Antioch Assocation visit https://downtownantioch.com.

Part of the Golden State’s 175th Anniversary celebration

Vote Nov. 3-17 for your favorite People’s Choice Award winners

By California Department of Parks and Recreation

Hey California State Parks fans,

Have you ever taken a breathtaking photo in one of California’s state parks and thought, “This is so good it could win a contest”? Well, now’s your chance. Inspired by the Golden State’s 175th anniversary earlier this month, California State Parks is holding a photo contest inviting Californians to celebrate the state’s natural beauty and history. You can submit photos taken in one of 280 state parks in up to five categories for a chance to win special prizes, including A Wild Ride, Living Wonders, Heroes and Helpers, Space for All and Landscapes and Legacy.

Photos must be taken in 2025. Be sure to submit yours by October 9, 2025.

5 People’s Choice Awards Winners, Vote for Your Favorite

Then, the public can vote for their favorite photos: Nov. 3-17

From Nov. 3 to 17, help choose the People’s Choice Award winners by voting for your favorite semifinalist photos. First, a panel of judges will pick the top 50 semifinalist photos in each category. Then, you can vote once per day on any photo—even your own. The photo with the most votes in each category wins the People’s Choice Award.

Submit your photos and see the full contest rules at Photocontest.parks.ca.gov!

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.