The 140-acre Freschi property was added to the Deer Valley Regional Park south of Antioch and west of Brentwood. Photo: EBRPD
Purchased from the John R. Freschi, Jr., 2018 Living Trust for $1.82 million; will be added to acreage sold by Jack Roddy and partners
By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District
The East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) is pleased to announce the acquisition of 140 acres adjacent to Deer Valley Regional Park in partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy (Conservancy). The property is located in eastern unincorporated Contra Costa County south of Antioch and southwest of Brentwood, within the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP) area.
The property was purchased from the John R. Freschi, Jr., 2018 Living Trust and is accessed from Briones Valley Road, approximately 1.3 miles west of Deer Valley Road. The property will become an addition to Deer Valley Regional Park.
Source: EBRPD
Consistent with other properties acquired in partnership with the Conservancy and conserved for the HCP/NCCP, a Covenant to Restrict Use of Property ensures that existing wildlife and habitat values are protected. The restrictive covenant permits public recreation compatible with habitat values.
The property is composed of oak woodland and oak savanna and includes sprawling grasslands, a segment of Marsh Creek riparian habitat, and a seasonal pond. No species studies have been completed yet, but habitat found on the Freschi property is known to support the California red-legged frog, the California tiger salamander, and a variety of raptors.
“This acquisition reflects the Park District’s ongoing commitment to protecting critical habitat and expanding access to nature for all,” says Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “We’re grateful for our strong partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy and the support of state agencies that helped make this purchase possible. We look forward to incorporating this beautiful landscape into Deer Valley Regional Park and to preserve its ecological value for generations to come.”
“Preserving this land not only safeguards vital habitat but also furthers our vision of connecting people to open space in east Contra Costa County,” says Colin Coffey, Park District Board Member representing Ward 7, which includes parts of Contra Costa County. “Strategic acquisitions like this are a key part of building out a regional park network that serves both wildlife and the community. I’m proud to see this progress in a region I represent and care deeply about.”
“Land conservation in this region is made possible through strong, collaborative partnerships,” says Hugh Henderson, Board Chair for the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy and Vice Mayor of the City of Oakley. “The Conservancy and the Park District worked closely with the seller to secure the protection of this property. As habitat for endangered and threatened species, this land holds significant ecological value, and we are dedicated to its long-term stewardship and conservation.”
Source: EBRPD
Will Be Added to Acreage Sold to Park District by Jack Roddy
The land is in addition to the acreage sold by Jack Roddy and partners which includes the former 18-hole Roddy Ranch Golf Course located off Deer Valley Road. In 2022, the Park District adopted a Habitat Restoration and Public Access Plan to restore native grasslands across the 230-acre golf course and provide facilities for passive recreation including walking, biking, horseback riding, and picnicking. This parkland is part of the Conservancy’s Preserve System, which emphasizes environmental restoration and preservation.
The next phase of Park development includes:
Restoring 84 acres of grasslands
Installing picnic areas, restrooms, and nearly four miles of multi-use trails
Building an interpretive pavilion for environmental education and history
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026, pending permit approvals and funding.
A public ribbon cutting to celebrate the addition of the property to the Park District will take place later in the year.
The property was acquired in partnership with the Conservancy using a combination of grant funds from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife ($1.5 million) with additional funding ($320,000) provided by the Wildlife Conservation Board, both secured by the Conservancy.
The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, over 126,000 acres, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The Delta Veterans Group brings Contra Costa County (CCC) “Stand Down on the Delta” a Homeless Veterans’ “Hand Up” event every other year (2015, 2017, 2019….) DVG is proud to bring Stand Down on the Delta 2025, September 12-15, to the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch.
This is a four-day event wherein U.S. military veterans receive services in Medical, Dental, Veterans Treatment Court, Housing, Job Placement, Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Counseling.
To date the Stand Down on the Delta biennial event has helped thousands of veterans and their families, served thousands of meals, given away over 1,100 pairs of boots, over 1,500 sleeping bags, over 1,300 pairs of new jeans, $500,000 in dental care, taken over 200 veterans fishing on our Delta shores and helped many more find permanent housing.
We work with over 70 different organizations during our four day Stand Down on the Delta event. In September of 2019 over 850 Volunteers from around the State of California and even as far as South Carolina came to Antioch to help us provide these great services to our veterans.
About DVG
Delta Veterans Group is a 501(c)3 Veterans service non-profit that assists our Nation’s finest men and women with housing, employment, health, and education services. Founded in Contra Costa County in 2012 by Army veteran J.R. Wilson, DVG has now grown to provide services to surrounding Northern California areas including Alameda, Monterey, Napa, San Joaquin, San Francisco and Solano counties.
“The New TDT Network” brings community-driven changes to nearly all of the agency’s bus routes
By Leeann Loroño,Manager of Customer Service and Marketing, Tri Delta Transit
After canvassing East County for input from riders and residents over the last year, Tri Delta Transit (also known as East Contra Costa Transit Authority) is poised to launch a significant realignment of its transit system, offering service that is faster, more direct and more frequent beginning Aug. 10.
Dubbed “The New TDT Network,” this realignment brings sweeping changes to nearly every Tri Delta Transit route, informed by a blend of public feedback and data analysis. Bus routes across the system have been made faster and more direct, with better connectivity between buses and BART.
A brief video highlighting the major changes of the new network – and how they were determined – is available at revitalizetridelta.com.
Busier areas will see more frequent and consistent service, with improved weekend service across the board. The updated system introduces a brand-new route running every 15 minutes, along with four additional routes operating every 30 minutes, making morning commutes smoother for bus riders.
“We wanted to be sure these changes served local riders – particularly those who rely on transit for their morning commutes,” said Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis, who chairs Tri Delta Transit’s Board of Directors. “These updated routes – including Tri Delta Transit’s first route to run every 15 minutes – will not only greatly improve commutes for those who already ride but open up new possibilities for those whose schedules didn’t align with the previous system.”
Source: Tri Delta Transit
Integration with Tri MyRide has also been expanded to better serve the Brentwood, Antioch and Oakley areas, while maintaining existing coverage in the Pittsburg and Bay Point area.
“From the beginning of the New TDT Network initiative, our goal has been to ensure that the new network is able to better meet the needs of the communities we serve,” said Rashidi Barnes, CEO of Tri Delta Transit. “This new network is a direct result of that goal and aligns with everything we’ve heard from the public over the last year. Our riders can look forward to consistent bus service with lower wait times that offer faster, more direct routes to where they need to be.”
For details on specific route changes and other information about The New TDT Network, visit revitalizetridelta.com.
About Tri Delta Transit
Tri Delta Transit provides over 2,000,000 trips each year to a population of over 315,000 residents in the 225 square miles of eastern Contra Costa County. For additional information about the Tri Delta Transit, please visit www.trideltatransit.com.
Closed Antioch, Pittsburg/Bay Point Stations; police seek suspects
By Allen D. Payton
According to Jim Allison, BART Media Relations Manager in a message at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 6, 2025, “Antioch station is closed and there is no service between Pittsburg/Bay Point Stations and Antioch Stations due to police activity at Antioch Station. The
“BART police are investigating a shooting that occurred at about 8:15 p.m. in the bus zone near the station,” he continued. “One adult male victim was transported to John Muir Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.”
BART Police are searching for suspects and the Antioch Police Department have been assisting in the investigation, as well.”
“There is no indication that the shooting victim was a BART rider,” Allison added.
Antioch Police posted a message on their Facebook page informing the public of the investigation and to avoid the station area.
No additional information has been provided as of Monday afternoon.
FREE admission to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 from June 2–5
By Greg Heckmann, Marketing Director, Maya Cinemas of North America, Inc.
Maya Cinemas is excited to welcome families back to its popular Summer Kids Camp, beginning Monday, June 2, 2025. This fun-filled summer tradition offers a lineup of beloved family films for just $3 per ticket, every Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m., a perfect way to enjoy a movie indoors during the warmer months.
To kick off the season, Maya Cinemas will offer FREE admission to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 from June 2–5 at 10:30 a.m. These special screenings are limited to six tickets per person, available in person at the box office only. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Source: Maya Cinemas
Full Summer Kids Camp Schedule
$3 Tickets • All Shows at 10:30am, Monday-Thursday
The Bad Guys • June 9-12
Shrek • June 16-19
Minions: Rise of Gru • June 23-29
Kung Fu Panda 4 • June 30-July 3
Migration • July 7-10
Trolls Band Together • July 14-17
Puss ‘n Boots: The Last Wish • July 21-24
Despicable Me 4 • July 28-31
The Wild Robot • August 4-7
The Land Before Time • August 11-14
Maya Cinemas will offer a $20 Passport for 10 Summer Kids Camp movies. This is a savings of $10.
$2 from every Kid’s Combo purchased during the Summer Kids Camp shows will benefit the Maya Community Foundation.
Bakersfield – 1000 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93304
Delano – 401 Woollomes Avenue, Delano, CA 93215
Fresno – 3090 East Campus Pointe Drive, Fresno, CA 93710
Salinas – 153 Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901
North Las Vegas – 2195 North Las Vegas Blvd., North Las Vegas, NV 89030
ABOUT MAYA CINEMAS
Founded in 2000, Maya Cinemas was created to bring high-quality, first-run movie experiences to underserved and family-oriented communities, particularly those with a strong Latino presence. In addition to mainstream Hollywood films, Maya Cinemas offers unique programming through its Canal Maya series, all presented in modern, state-of-the-art theaters. Through its Maya Community Foundation, the company remains committed to enriching the communities it serves. For more information and showtimes visit www.mayacinemas.com.
Mural designed, created, and installed by LMC art students to celebrate the 51st Commencement. Source: LMC
Honors 1,358 Class of 2025 graduates on Friday
By Juliet V. Casey,Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, CA – Los Medanos College is pleased to announce its 51st Commencement celebration to held at 2:15 p.m. on Friday, May 23 inside the LMC Stadium.
The ceremony honors 1,358 graduates who earned 2,266 awards, including 662 associate of arts degrees, 176 associates of science degrees, 228 associates of arts degrees for transfer, 302 associates of science degrees for transfer and 698 certificates of achievement.
The stadium is located at 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. Students should plan to arrive no later than 1:15 p.m. for check-in and line-up on the Softball Field.
“We are exceedingly proud of the Class of 2025,” LMC President Pamela Ralston said. “This group represents resilience and courage as well as an abiding hope for a brilliant future.”
As part of her address to graduates, Ralston will highlight graduating students for their achievements in the classroom, in their campus life and in the community. She will acknowledge the special status of several of the graduates who persevered as the first in their families to attend and graduate college. Others, she recognizes for their determination to expand their horizons even as they care for children or others. She also recognizes students who continued to work to support their families while attending college, veterans, and those who took courageous steps to start new traditions and events, contributing to the cultural wealth of LMC’s college community.
Featured graduation speakers Naw Shanyda Soe, Associate of Arts: Biological Science, Graduating with Honors and Mikayla Ari Hubbard, Associate in Science for Transfer: Business Marketing, Graduating with Honors. Source: LMC
Other featured speakers include honors graduates Naw Shanyda Soe, Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts: Math and Science, Associate in Science for Transfer in Biology, and a Certificate of Achievement in Intersegmental General Education, and Mikayla Ari Hubbard, Associate in Arts for Transfer in Business Administration and a Certificate of Achievement in CSU General Education. Los Medanos College Associated Students President Armon Gozalez and District Student Trustee Halena Neyazi will help lead the turning of tassels.
Ceremony Details
The 2025 ceremony will be held on May 23, 2025, at 2:15 PM inside the LMC Stadium on the Pittsburg campus. Students should plan to arrive no later than 1:15 PM for check-in and line-up on the Softball Field.
The ceremony is general admission and no tickets are required to attend. There is NO RESERVED SEATING at the stadium. The stadium bleachers have wheelchair access with limited seating for people with disabilities. Chairs will also be placed on the walkway at ground level of the field for additional seating and accessibility. Guests should arrive early for optimal seating.
Source: LMC
LMC Stadium Policy: Prohibited Items
Los Medanos College is committed to providing a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience. Thank you for your cooperation with the following:
The following are not permitted anywhere on-campus:
1. Alcoholic beverages and smoking
2. Dogs/animals (except for service animals)
3. Weapons or explosives of any kind
The following are not permitted inside the Stadium:
Guests who attempt to bring the following inside the stadium will be asked to take them outside and/or return them to their vehicles.
1. Artificial noise-making devices
2. Glass bottles
3. Balloons
4. Signs/displays larger than 11”x17”. (All signs must be hand carried and may not be mounted on posts/poles/etc.)
5. Umbrellas larger than 42” are not permitted in the bleachers. (Larger umbrellas may be used in other areas of the stadium.)
For more ceremony details for the Class of 2025, please visit the LMC Commencement website. Additional details regarding the event will be available soon. Keep checking that page for more information.
About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.
Contra Costa County District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover. Official photo
County’s fourth longest serving and first Black supervisor
Board, family issue statements, former colleagues offer thoughts
By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Office of Communications & Media, Contra Costa County
(Martinez, CA) – “We are deeply saddened to learn today of the passing of former Supervisor Federal Glover, who served our community with distinction and dedication during his time on the Board of Supervisors. Federal’s leadership and tireless commitment to improving the lives of residents left a lasting legacy that continues to benefit our County today. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working with him. Federal will be remembered not only for his contributions to public service, but also for his compassion and integrity. We honor Federal’s life and the positive impact he had on our community. Further details regarding services or ways to pay tribute will be shared as they become available. Thank you for joining us in reflecting on Federal’s lasting contributions.”
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors
In addition, Glover’s widow, Janis issued the following statement from the family:
It is with deep sorrow that our family announces the passing of my beloved husband, Federal D. Glover, who departed this life today at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. Federal was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and public servant. For over two decades, he served the people of Contra Costa County with distinction, becoming the first African American elected to the Board of Supervisors. His legacy is one of unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and service. He believed deeply in the power of community and worked tirelessly to uplift and unite the people he was honored to represent. As a family, we are heartbroken by this loss. After 47 years of marriage, I grieve alongside our children, Tederal Glover and Carissa Dorton, our grandchildren, and the extended Glover family. We are grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support we have already received. At this time, there are no funeral or memorial plans in place, but we will share more information with the public as those arrangements are made. We appreciate your continued prayers and kind understanding as our family grieves this tremendous loss.
With gratitude, Janis Glover
Supervisor John Gioia Shares Thoughts
According to District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, Glover passed away today, Sunday, May 18, 2025. Glover’s former Board colleague shared his comments on his own official Facebook page:
“Today the Bay Area lost an historic and impactful leader and I lost a best friend – Supervisor Federal Glover.
I was honored to work alongside Fed Glover for 25 years through many fights together and personally saw his commitment to make our County a more just and equitable place for all.
“Our establishment of a County Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice would not have happened without Federal’s strong leadership.
“He overcame many obstacles to become one of our County’s longest serving Supervisors and his core mission was always to increase opportunities for our most disadvantaged residents. Those lives he touched will continue to benefit from his work long after his death.”
Former Supervisor and Glover’s Mentor Joe Canciamilla Offers Comments
Former County Clerk and Supervisor Joe Canciamilla, in whose footsteps Glover followed from the Pittsburg City Council to the Board, after he was elected to the State Assembly, offered comments about his longtime friend.
“Federal led a life of public service,” he shared. “Not only as an elected but throughout as a community leader, volunteer and public servant. His legacy will be seen throughout the communities he served for many years to come.”
Personal Information, Business and Political Experience, and Accomplishments
Federal once shared that his name was supposed to be Tederal, but there was a mistake on his birth certificate and his name beginning with “f” instead, stuck. According to his bio on the Contra Costa County website, he was “born and raised in Pittsburg, Federal…lived in District 5 all his life. After attending San Francisco State University, he began working for local industries including POSCO and Dow Chemical. At Dow, where he worked 22 years, he served in several capacities centering on training and safety.
In 1996, following in the footsteps of his mentor and role model Taylor Davis and after serving on several city commissions, he won election to the Pittsburg City Council. From 1998 to 1999, Federal served as Mayor.
While on the Pittsburg City Council, Federal worked to improve the stability of the community. Under his leadership the City purchased its own Power Company and negotiations were completed for the construction of the new City Hall and a new fire station. He also voted to increase funding for citywide neighborhood revitalization and established ‘Mayor’s Forums’ where he encouraged open dialogue between residents and city staff.
Glover served District 5 residents on the Board of Supervisors from 2000 until 2024. “He was chairman of the board in 2004, 2008, 2013 and 2017. He began his sixth term in 2021.
“As a County Supervisor, Federal implemented several ordinances and beefed-up county services that helped improve the quality of life for residents in his district and the rest of the county.
Among those actions are:
He initiated the regional effort by East County cities and the county to secure funding for Highway 4 improvements and the eBART extension to Antioch and helped secure funding from regional, state and federal agencies for those improvements to the tune of $1-billion.
He consolidated three rural fire districts into the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District and help bring more local control of the district.
He created the Board of Supervisor’s Public Protection Committee for overseeing all issues pertaining to public safety and the justice system, including fire prevention, CERT training and realignment/reentry of state prisoners to be placed under county supervision.
He changed the manner in which the Keller Canyon Landfill Mitigation Fund is dispensed so that it helps improve the quality of life of East County residents.
Implemented safety improvements to Vasco Road.
Completed the final phases of the North Broadway Infrastructure Program in Bay Point.
The Vessel Ordinance allows the cleanup of our Delta waterways of derelict or abandoned vessels.
He strongly supports the Urban Limit Line, which intends to rein in suburban sprawl and to preserve open space.
Through the sponsorship of seminars and symposiums, he supports economic development efforts to improve the business climate and job opportunities in Contra Costa County.
He helped facilitate the coming together of Los Medanos College with local industries to update job training programs to increase the local workforce for 21st century needs.
He initiated County youth conferences which give young people a chance to air their views to community leaders and get valuable information about careers and education.
The AIDS/HIV Task Force initiates educational and informational events to help prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS in our community.
The Faith Initiative brings together clergy of all faiths to present a common front against some of the issues facing family life in East County.
The Gang Task Force is a holistic approach through prevention and intervention from the perspectives of law enforcement, education, faith and community groups to combat the influence of the “gang” lifestyle among the youth of East County.
As the District V representative on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, Federal is committed to reinforcing a sense of community by building bridges of trust, inclusion and cooperation among the diverse elements of District V.
He believes a strong community values the uniqueness of these different interest groups and diverse religious traditions. A strong community also recognizes their interdependency.
It takes many elements to foster a sense of community. “Besides shared values, rights and responsibility,” he says, “we also need an atmosphere of civility, trust and respect along with opportunities for networking and active participation.”
He has been married to Janis Glover for over forty-two years. They have been blessed with two children, Tederal and Carissa, as well as six grandchildren. The Glovers make their home in Pittsburg.”
Statement Following Final Re-election About His Previous Health Challenges
Following his re-election in 2020 for his final term on the Board, Glover wrote, “April 29, 2020: This morning I rose from my bed, placed my right hand across my heart, and gave thanks for the miracle of life. Even though our communities are faced with a daunting public health crisis, I cannot help but be thankful that I am here with both the passion and the power to face life’s challenges.
Exactly five years ago today, having suffered complete renal and cardiac failure, I was given a rebirth in a marathon 16-hour transplant surgery at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center. On that day as one sadly lost his life, I was reborn through the selfless act of giving me their heart and kidneys.
First and foremost, I am thankful to God, who in great mercy, granted me an extension on life. I am certain that I was a beneficiary of divine providence. From my heart, I “give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His mercies endure forever.”
The donor and the donor’s family have my eternal gratitude for making it possible for me to walk away from death’s door and face a new dawn. The remarkable surgeons at UCSF Medical Center, along with the talented supporting physicians, nurses, and technicians, are my heroes.
But there is one unsung hero for whom I am especially grateful. Throughout the difficult days before and after my surgery, my wife Janis was by my side. She was my advocate, asking questions and pressing for answers from the medical team. She has been a rock throughout the years of our marriage. A favorite passage of scripture says, “He who finds a wife, finds a good thing.” In Janis, I have thankfully found a “good thing.”
My wonderful children and my grandchildren also gave me hope. The joy of watching them fulfill their destinies in life boosted my desire to get better and to keep on getting better. I am especially delighted that my youngest grandchild, True, celebrates her 2nd birthday on the same date as my rebirth day.
Throughout the time of my illness and recovery, my distinguished colleagues on the Board of Supervisors, our esteemed county administrator, departmental staff, and my own staff, helped me find hope for renewal and helped me transition back to my role as a county supervisor.
To all my extended family, friends, neighbors, and constituents, I am thankful for your prayers, your well wishes, and your confidence in me. In the five years since that April day in 2015, you have been wonderful in your ongoing support. My rebirth led me to renew my commitment to serve with faithfulness and to live in hope.
