The City of Antioch is offering an interactive orientation webinar where local, small business owners will learn how to access FREE one-on-one mentorship through Pacific Community Ventures’ Business Advising program.
We’ll walk you through a demo of the platform, highlight key features like the mobile app, and show you how these tools can support your mentorship journey and help grow your business.
Pacific Community Ventures’ BusinessAdvising.org platform connects small business owners across America with free and confidential expert business advising to help them seize opportunities and overcome challenges.
Pacific Community Ventures is a non-profit community investor that unlocks economic opportunity and climate resilience for small business owners and workers. Through access to affordable capital, pro bono business advising, ethical technology and AI, we partner with entrepreneurs to grow, hire, and prosper. For more information visit www.pacificcommunityventures.org.
Historic class-action victory permanently blocks gender secrecy, restores parental rights
“…the federal court found, no such right can constitutionally override the fundamental rights of parents or the protections afforded to teachers under the U.S. Constitution…School boards and administrators must revise their policies immediately to comply…” – California Family Council
By Thomas More Society
San Diego, CA- In a landmark class-action ruling, Thomas More Society achieved a historic victory in Mirabelli, et al. v. Olson, et al., ending California’s gender secrecy policies and restoring transparency and parental involvement in public education. The decision and federal court order issuing a class-wide permanent injunction—issued by U.S. District Court Judge Roger T. Benitez just days before Christmas—secures justice not only for teachers Elizabeth Mirabelli and Lori West who began the lawsuit, but for all parents and teachers harmed by these policies statewide.
Elizabeth and Lori, faithful Christians with decades of teaching experience, loved their jobs and dedicated themselves to helping children thrive in the classroom. Under California’s Parental Exclusion Policies, children had an unqualified right to engage in a social transition to the opposite gender at school—forcing all teachers to use opposite-sex pronouns and a new name—and teachers were required to conceal that gender transition from the child’s parents absent the child’s affirmative consent.
This placed Elizabeth and Lori in an impossible position: lie to parents in violation of their faith and ethics, or risk retaliation and ultimately, their jobs. Believing it violated their sacred duty to protect students’ health, safety, and trust, they turned to Thomas More Society and filed suit. Now, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California has agreed, noting that “California’s education policymakers may be experts on primary and secondary education but they would not receive top grades as students of Constitutional Law.”
“Today’s incredible victory finally, and permanently, ends California’s dangerous and unconstitutional regime of gender secrecy policies in schools,” said Paul M. Jonna, Special Counsel at Thomas More Society and Partner at LiMandri & Jonna LLP. “The Court’s comprehensive ruling—granting summary judgment on all claims—protects all California parents, students, and teachers, and it restores sanity and common sense. With this decisive ruling from Judge Benitez, all state and local school officials that mandate gender secrecy policies should cease all enforcement or face severe legal consequences.”
“Elizabeth, Lori, and the parents who stepped forward as class representatives to fight for families everywhere are true heroes,” Jonna added. “Whether facing professional retaliation or protecting their own children, they never wavered in their commitment to faith, family, and the truth. They challenged a system that forced deception and put children at risk. Thanks to their courage, truth and justice prevailed and these unconstitutional policies can now finally be placed in the dustbin of history.”
“We are profoundly grateful for today’s ruling,” said Elizabeth Mirabelli and Lori West in a joint statement. “This has been a long and difficult journey, and we are humbled by the support we’ve received along the way. We want to extend our deepest thanks to Thomas More Society and to everyone who stood by us, prayed for us, and encouraged us from the very beginning.”
“We loved our jobs, our students, and the school communities we served,” Mirabelli and West continued. “But we were forced into an impossible position when school officials demanded that we lie to parents—violating not only our faith, but also the trust that must exist between teachers and families. No educator should ever be placed in that situation. This victory is not just ours. It is a win for honesty, transparency, and the fundamental rights of teachers and parents. We are so thankful that this chapter is finally closed and that justice has prevailed.”
“The State knew this was a losing legal battle and tried to pull out every lawyer’s trick in the book to avoid responsibility,” added Jeffrey M. Trissell, Special Counsel at Thomas More Society and attorney at LiMandri & Jonna LLP. “The Court saw right through this blatant gamesmanship. It’s an absurdity that California elected officials went out of their way to deceive parents and punish honest and faithful educators who dared to challenge their twisted political agenda.”
As the case progressed, numerous parents who had been directly harmed by these policies approached Thomas More Society. One family who joined the lawsuit only learned that their child was being addressed by a different name at school after a tragic suicide attempt. Recognizing the sweeping nature of the constitutional violations, the Court certified the lawsuit as a class action, meaning that every California parent and teacher who objects to these policies now receives justice.
“This case exposed a troubling pattern of agenda-driven adults injecting political ideology into schools, undermining trust between educators and parents, and ultimately harming children,” said Peter Breen, Executive Vice President and Head of Litigation at Thomas More Society. “Most reasonable people agree: schools should be about teaching the basics—reading, writing, arithmetic—not confusing students about gender identity. This ruling restores focus to real education and honoring the centuries-long belief that parents alone have the right to direct their child’s moral and religious upbringing, as reaffirmed by the Supreme Court this year.”
The case also revealed the extreme lengths California education officials went to evade responsibility. They misled the court by claiming these policies were no longer enforced, only to be caught red-handed enforcing them in mandatory teacher training a week before the summary judgment hearing on November 17. As a result, the Court’s order specifically directs California to add the following statement “in a prominent place” in that training:
“Parents and guardians have a federal constitutional right to be informed if their public school student child expresses gender incongruence. Teachers and school staff have a federal constitutional right to accurately inform the parent or guardian of their student when the student expresses gender incongruence. These federal constitutional rights are superior to any state or local laws, state or local regulations, or state or local policies to the contrary.”
“Thomas More Society is proud to have represented Elizabeth, Lori, and the anonymous plaintiffs: Teacher Jane Roe, Teacher Jane Boe, the Poe Family and the Doe Family,” said Breen. “They never sought to be the face of this fight, yet their courage has transformed the lives of families and educators not only in California but perhaps the entire country. We will always defend the religious freedom of teachers and families and ensure that parents retain their constitutional right to raise their children in alignment with their families’ values.”
California Family Council Applauds Ruling
In response to the ruling, the California Family Council (CFC) wrote: State Officials Promoted Secrecy – For years, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other state leaders have insisted that schools must conceal information about a student’s gender identity or expression from their parents. On the Attorney General’s own website, the state asserts a sweeping individual “right” to conceal gender identity, including from parents:
“You have the right to disclose – or not disclose – your gender identity on your own terms, regardless of your age. Your school, whether public or private, doesn’t have the right to ‘out’ you as LGBTQ+ to anyone without your permission, including your parents.” California DOJ
This statement was widely disseminated and used to justify secrecy policies and trainings across districts.
Yet, as the federal court found, no such right can constitutionally override the fundamental rights of parents or the protections afforded to teachers under the U.S. Constitution.
Greg Burt, CFC Vice President, hailed the ruling as justice finally upheld in the face of longstanding statewide resistance: “This ruling vindicates what parents’ rights advocates have been saying all along. The state told schools they had to keep secrets from moms and dads, and that was never true. A federal judge has now made it unmistakably clear: children do not belong to the government, parents have the right to know what’s happening with their own kids, and teachers should never be forced to lie or stay silent to keep their jobs.”
The Constitutional Holding
Judge Benitez’s ruling is comprehensive and unequivocal. The court held that California’s gender-secrecy regime, as applied in public schools, violates:
Parents’ fundamental rights to direct the upbringing and education of their children
Teachers’ First Amendment rights to free speech and religious exercise
And core constitutional principles protecting family autonomy
According to the court, forcing teachers to actively hide critical information from parents is not a neutral policy but affirmative state interference in the parent-child relationship, something the Constitution forbids.
Impact on Schools and Parents
This decision forces a dramatic policy shift across California’s public education system:
District secrecy policies can no longer be enforced.
Parents and guardians have a federal constitutional right to be informed if their public school student child expresses gender incongruence.
Teachers may now freely disclose to parents when a student expresses gender incongruence or assumes a different gender identity at school.
State officials can no longer legally claim that schools are “required” to conceal such information.
School boards and administrators must revise their policies immediately to comply with the constitutional rights affirmed by the court or risk legal consequences.
According to the organization’s website, “Since 1998, Thomas More Society has steadfastly preserved the rich heritage of American liberty. Our distinguished track record showcases an unwavering commitment to defending your fundamental rights to life, family, and freedom. For decades, we’ve passionately championed the causes of everyday individuals confronting remarkable injustices, from the sidewalks and town squares to the Supreme Court.” For more information visit www.thomasmoresociety.org.
More than 60% of public-school students in grades 2-12 eligible for up to $1,500
By Vanessa Vizard, Vizard Marketing & PR
Sacramento, CA — As the year comes to a close and families begin setting goals for the year ahead, California is reaffirming its commitment to young people through CalKIDS, the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program. Backed by a $2 billion statewide investment for more than five million children, CalKIDS is the largest education-focused asset-building effort in the nation, providing automatic scholarship accounts to millions of California children and students to help pay for college or career training after high school.
As families think about meaningful gifts this holiday season and prepare for the opportunities a new year brings, claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship Account is a simple step with a lasting impact. Eligible children and students can receive between $175 and $1,500 in free scholarship funds, with no application, no essays, and no income verification required. These funds are already set aside for children and students and can be used for qualified higher education expenses, making CalKIDS one of the most accessible scholarships available to California families.
“CalKIDS has been an amazing success, with nearly 1 million scholarship accounts already claimed by California families,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, Chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board, which administers CalKIDS. “As we look ahead to the new year, families across the state still have a tremendous opportunity to claim scholarship dollars already set aside for their children and students, funds that can help lower the cost of college or career training and expand what’s possible for their future.”
More than 60% of public-school students in grades 2 through 12 are eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship Account worth up to $1,500. When CalKIDS launched in 2022, the program awarded scholarship accounts to students from elementary school to high school, meaning current college students may also be able to claim and use their CalKIDS Scholarship funds today. Awardees can use their funds until age 26.
Additionally, 100% of newborns born on or after July 1, 2022 in California automatically receive a CalKIDS Scholarship Account worth up to $175. This includes an initial scholarship awarded at birth, with additional incentives available when families claim the account and link it to a ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan where they can continue saving on their own.
CalKIDS Scholarships can be used for tuition and fees, required books and supplies, computer equipment, and other qualified education expenses at accredited institutions nationwide making CalKIDS one of the simplest and most flexible scholarships students can claim this holiday season and in the year ahead.
To date, CalKIDS scholarship funds have been used by nearly 150,000 students towards their academic success at a college or career training program. For one awardee, Bryan a student at California State University, Fullerton, CalKIDS was described as: “A financial ease into pursuing a degree.”
Photo: CalKIDS
How Students and Families Can Claim a CalKIDS Scholarship:
Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship takes only a few minutes at CalKIDS.org.
For public school students, including those who are now college-aged, families will need the Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a 10-digit number found on school portals, report cards, or by contacting the public school the student attended during the 2021–22, 2022–23, or 2023–24 academic years.
For children born in California on or after July 1, 2022, families will need the child’s date of birth and the Local Registration Number, a 13-digit number found on the birth certificate.
Once an account is claimed, families can log in at any time to view their scholarship balance, link it to a ScholarShare 529 account, learn how the funds can be used, and request a disbursement once the student is enrolled in higher education or career training.
CalKIDS reflects California’s long-term commitment to expanding opportunity, reducing education costs, and investing early in the success of its young people.
Families are encouraged to check if they have a CalKIDS Scholarship Account available to claim this holiday season by visiting CalKIDS.org.
Photo: CalKIDS
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.
It’s community building at its best. In partnership with Antioch High School and Rebuilding Together East Bay Network, the Big Skills Tiny Homes program is a hit.
Brandy Mazariegos, site manager, said the project (which started in the fall) is “going wonderfully! The students are doing an amazing job and showing off their new skills every day.”
Big Skills students build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as part of their hands-on learning experience, gaining real-world construction skills while contributing to affordable housing solutions. These student-built ADUs are then placed in local communities, showcasing the power of youth, craftsmanship and community impact.
The program provides students with “meaningful skills while also creating affordable housing for low-income community members,” she shared. The goal for Brandy and the 26 AHS woodshop students is to finish the two wee homes by June of 2026.
Brandy said “As site manager, I have the privilege of supporting the students on the job site, guiding them through hands-on learning, and keeping the project running smoothly. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see their growth — not just in technical abilities but also in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.”
We look forward to following this amazing construction project over the next few months and sharing the final product with everyone this summer.
About Rebuilding Together East Bay Network
Rebuilding Together East Bay Network is a non-profit organization based in Berkeley, California serving the San Francisco Bay Area. We coordinate donors and volunteers to meet critical needs for our neighbors to receive repairs, renovations, safety modifications, housing and workforce development.
By Mairead Glowacki, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier
Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10) announced that he will host a town hall in San Ramon to discuss improving transportation and education in the East Bay on Saturday, December 6th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT.
As a senior member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Education and Workforce, Congressman DeSaulnier will provide updates on his work to improve quality of life in the East Bay by reducing commute times and supporting families, students, and public education. He will also take questions from constituents.
“Two of the issues that impact people’s lives most are transportation and education,” DeSaulnier said. “I’ll highlight my work as a senior member of @EdWorkforceDems and @TransportDems and how I’m working to reduce commutes, make transportation safer, and invest in quality public education to make life better for our whole community.”
Town Hall on Improving Transportation and Education in the East Bay
The event is open to the public and press. To RSVP or request special accommodations, visit https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp or call (925) 933-2660. Please note that space is limited.
This will be Congressman DeSaulnier’s 253rd town hall and mobile district office hour since coming to Congress in January 2015. He represents portions of Antioch in the current 10th Congressional District.
In addition to forfeiting game against Liberty High School; includes “antibullying training…community service hours” for “entire team”
“…privacy and confidentiality prevent us from providing specific details regarding the disciplinary measures taken…” – Principal Jimno
By Allen D. Payton
In a recent letter to parents and the community, Antioch High School Principal John Jimno said the varsity team members who participated in a bullying incident and the coaching staff responsible for oversight at the time have been disciplined.
The “appropriate discipline” is in response to the incident, in what some in the community have claimed involved a special needs student, and was in addition to Jimno forfeiting the team’s game against the Liberty High School Lions on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, as previously reported.
Jimno did not share his letter with the media and wouldn’t respond to questions asking for details about the discipline he meted out to both the players and coaching staff. But he did share a list of who and how the discipline was administered and said that the “list is not exhaustive.”
The letter reads:
Dear Antioch Community,
As you know, two weeks ago the Antioch High School leadership team, in coordination with the Antioch District Office, made the difficult decision to cancel the football game against Liberty High School. This decision was made following a video that depicted numerous students on the team engaging in behavior in violation of the District’s Code of Conduct. Since that time, we understand that many in our community have sought answers regarding the nature of the violation and whether disciplinary action was taken.
At the time of the cancellation, the investigation into the incident, and those responsible, was just beginning. However, the video itself made clear that misconduct occurred. We determined that allowing the team to play the game against Liberty High School would not reflect the values of Antioch High School and the District expect from the program and their athletes. Our priority was to make certain that those involved, and the team as a whole, recognized the gravity of the actions captured in the video and their impact.
While the investigation remains ongoing, we can provide a brief update on where the matter stands today. Through cooperation with members of the Antioch High School football team, we have identified many of the students involved. We have also identified a coach who potentially had supervisory responsibility at the time of the incident, and the District is reviewing this matter with utmost seriousness.
Although privacy and confidentiality prevent us from providing specific details regarding the disciplinary measures taken, we can confirm the following measures are in place:
Appropriate discipline has been implemented for the players found to have violated District policy.
Appropriate discipline has been implemented for any coaching staff found to be responsible for oversight at the time of the incident.
The entire football team participated in a restorative circle to understand the impact of this incident and this type of conduct.
The entire Antioch High School football team has participated in antibullying training. Those players identified to have been involved have participated in additional antibullying training.
Each member of the Antioch High School football team has begun and will complete community service hours.
This list is not exhaustive, but it reflects the seriousness with which Antioch High School and District leadership have addressed this situation. We also want to acknowledge the commendable leadership demonstrated by some members of the football team. These students recognized the inappropriateness of the incident, and despite difficulty of speaking up, came forward and took responsibility. Their honesty and transparency about the incident is commendable.
Bullying is and will never be tolerated at Antioch High School or with the District. If you know of anyone being bullied, or anyone engaging in bullying, please reach out to me directly. I will act immediately to ensure that no student endures such behavior in our school community.
Antioch High School must always remain a safe environment where students can enjoy their teenage years, build lasting friendships, and prepare for future success.
Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this situation.
The Antioch High varsity football Panthers played two more games after the forfeit, including on the following Saturday, Nov. 8, against Pittsburg High in the annual Big Little Game. The Pirates won by a score of 56-3. According to MaxPreps, the Panthers played again on Friday, Nov. 14 against Ukiah in the 2025 North Coast Section Football Championships Division 3 game but lost to the Wildcats 26-15. Antioch High ended the season with a record of 7-4 overall and 3-2 in the Bay Valley League for a third place finish behind Pittsburg and Liberty, and ahead of the Deer Valley High Wolverines, Heritage Patriots and Freedom Falcons.
From strengthening California’s workforce to contributing billions in statewide industry activity, the CSU’s massive economic impact is undeniable
By Jason Maymon, Senior Director & Amy Bentley-Smith, Director of Strategic Communications, CSU Media Relations & Public Affairs
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the California State University (CSU) released its 2025 economic impact report, underscoring the system’s broad contributions to fueling nearly every aspect of California’s economy
The report, Moving California Forward: The Economic Power of the CSU, details the role the CSU plays in strengthening the state’s key industries and preparing a skilled workforce essential to driving economic vitality. The report finds that in 2023–24 alone, CSU-related spending contributed more than $20 billion directly to California’s economy, generating $31.6 billion in statewide industry activity, supporting 210,800 jobs, and producing $2.3 billion in state and local tax revenue.
“This comprehensive report clearly demonstrates that resources entrusted to the CSU should not be considered an expenditure, but rather an investment – and an investment with a powerful and tangible return,” said CSU Chancellor Mildred García. “Importantly, the report measures not only dollars, jobs and industry activity, but also the CSU’s impact on our students’ lives and families, our contributions as a research powerhouse, and the countless benefits our universities deliver to our workforce, to communities across California, and to our nation.”
“Education opens doors — and there is no greater or more prestigious educational system than California’s public universities,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “These schools are a lifeline for first-generation and working-class students and channel vital talent straight into our workforce. From classrooms to clinics, fields to film sets, CSU graduates power the services, industries, and innovation that make California dominate and thrive.”
“Across California, the CSU is moving California and the state’s workforce forward,” said Stewart Knox, secretary of the California Labor & Workforce Development Agency. “Nearly half of all bachelor’s degrees awarded in our state come from the CSU – preparing talent that meets California’s evolving workforce needs in every region and major industry.”
Source: CSU’s 2025 Economic Impact Report
A Strong Return on Investment for California
For every dollar California invests in the CSU, the system generates $7.69 in statewide industry activity, which increases to $35.53 when factoring in alumni earnings, the report finds. CSU alumni, whose incremental earnings totaled $97.8 billion in 2024, create a ripple effect across industries and communities statewide.
Beyond the financial return, CSU’s role in educating more than half a million students delivers transformative social value by expanding access to higher education and accelerating upward mobility for the nearly 125,000 graduates who walk the commencement stage every year prepared to contribute and lead in their fields.
Source: CSU’s 2025 Economic Impact Report
Powering California’s Workforce and Key Industries
As the producer of nearly half of California’s bachelor’s degrees, the CSU is providing the diverse, educated and skilled professionals required to meet workforce needs in the state’s top in-demand industries. Specifically, within the education and health services and professional and business services sectors, which together account for more than 1 million projected job openings by 2033, the CSU is producing over half of related bachelor’s degrees. CSU’s engineering and construction program also provides more than half of the state’s general engineering graduates, which supports infrastructure growth.
In the 2023-24 academic year, CSU campuses conferred:
29,000 degrees in health care (representing 46% of such degrees awarded in the state)
23,000 degrees in business and professional services (48%)
14,000 degrees in humanities and social sciences (56%)
The CSU also produces:
78% of the state’s agriculture graduates
46% of graduates in public policy and criminal justice
49% of graduates in media, culture and design
37% of new multiple subject credentialed teachers
Source: CSU’s 2025 Economic Impact Report
Regional Impact: Strengthening Communities Across California
Each of the CSU’s 22 universities serve as anchor institutions, fueling job creation, innovation, and opportunity in their local community. The Economic Impact Report highlights significant regional benefits:
Bay Area: $4.8 billion in industry activity and 31,000 jobs supported.
Central Coast: $3 billion in industry activity and 31,500 jobs supported.
Inland Empire: $1 billion in industry activity and 9,218 jobs supported.
Los Angeles: $10 billion in industry activity and 74,900 jobs supported
North Coast: $718 million in industry activity and 6,598 jobs supported.
Sacramento Valley: $2.8 billion in industry activity and 24,613 jobs supported.
San Diego: $3.9 billion in industry activity and 32,760 jobs supported.
San Joaquin Valley: $2.6 billion in industry activity and 25,300 jobs supported.
These impacts demonstrate how the CSU powers California’s regional economies, ensuring that every corner of the state benefits from higher education, innovation, and workforce development.
For more information, view CSU’s 2025 Economic Impact Report at calstate.edu/impact.
Source: CSU’s 2025 Economic Impact Report
Bay Area Regional Impact
CSU spending through campus operations, capital investment and student spending on and off campus stimulate the economy of the Bay Area region. As detailed in Appendix B of the report, the direct spending for each campus is estimated using CSU financial data, enrollment figures, average student budget estimates and an analysis of California-based alumni earnings over time.
CSUs in the Bay Area had a direct spend of over $3.6 billion during the 2023-24 academic year, comprising the following four categories:
$1.7 billion on operational expenditures
$279.6 million on capital expenditures (four-year average)
$206.2 million on auxiliary expenditures
$1.4 billion on student expenditures
Many CSU alumni from campuses in the Bay Area region remain in California, contributing to the local economy. In 2024, they earned $19.5 billion in incremental earnings due to their CSU degree. That money, when spent in the local economy, sparked secondary impacts.
Source: CSU’s 2025 Economic Impact Report
During the 2023-24 academic year, CSUs in the Bay Area region generated a substantial economic impact across the region, supporting over 31,000 jobs and contributing $2.2 billion in labor income. Campus operational activities were the largest driver, accounting for more than 20,000 jobs and $1.4 billion in wages. Student spending and auxiliary services supported more than 8,000 jobs and injected nearly $1.7 billion into industry activity. Capital expenditures, while smaller in scale, supported 2,300 jobs and over $230 million in wages. Altogether, these activities culminated in $4.8 billion in industry activity and $321 million in tax revenues, underscoring the campuses’ vital role in regional economic vitality and public finance. Table 3 provides a further breakdown of results.
About the California State University
The California State University is the nation’s largest four-year public university system, providing transformational opportunities for upward mobility to more than 470,000 students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. More than half of CSU students are from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, and more than one-quarter of undergraduates are first-generation college students. Because the CSU’s 22 universities* provide a high-quality education at an incredible value, they are rated among the best in the nation for promoting social mobility in national college rankings from U.S. News & World Report, the Wall Street Journal and Washington Monthly. The CSU powers California and the nation, sending nearly 125,000 career-ready graduates into the workforce each year. In fact, one in every 20 Americans holding a college degree earned it at the CSU. Connect with and learn more about the CSU in the CSU newsroom.
* Transition to 22 universities in progress (Cal Poly SLO and Cal Maritime integrating). The integration process is anticipated to be complete by fall 2026.
Mike Conklin, Chairman and CEO of Sentinels of Freedom presents the donation check to LMC President Pamela Ralston on Nov. 6, 2025. They were joined by Tara Sanders, LMC Foundation Director (left), Melissa Jackson, LMC Veterans Services Program Coordinator (right) and LMC student veterans affiliated with the Veterans Resource Center. Photos: LMC
Funding to support in-person math tutoring
By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, Calif. – Mike Conklin, chairman and CEO of Sentinels of Freedom, came to Los Medanos College Nov. 6, 2025, with words of wisdom and a hand-written check worth $5,000 for LMC’s Veterans Resource Center.
Just ahead of presenting the check, Conklin spoke to students attending LMC to gain the skills and education needed to transition from military service to civilian life.
“I’m here to tell you, people in this community want to see you succeed,” Conklin said, after sharing personal stories about the military service of his son whose combat injuries resulted in a stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. “They all respect your service and sacrifice for this country.”
Mike Conklin speaks with the LMC student veterans.
He noted that Sentinels of Freedom, a nonprofit organization of veterans, aims to help wounded and injured post-9/11 veterans transition into civilian life. Through personalized support, the group provides guidance to veterans pursuing higher education, establishing careers and working toward self-sufficiency. The donation, he said, would support in-person math tutoring for student veterans at LMC. The college has 168 student veterans enrolled this fall.
Conklin also led a workshop for the group on budgeting and financial planning.
“Many veterans return to college after years away from the classroom, often facing challenges in subjects like mathematics as they transition back into academic life,” said Rikki Hall, LMC director of Admissions and Records. “This grant provides essential, targeted support to help them build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and ultimately succeed in achieving their educational goals.”
Los Medanos College Veteran Services focuses on meeting the needs of military-affiliated students, while honoring their distinct experiences and contributions. LMC is approved for education and training under applicable federal and state laws administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the California Department of Veterans Affairs.
About Sentinels of Freedom
The San Ramon, CA-based Sentinels of Freedom are committed to empowering severely wounded and injured post-9/11 veterans during their transition into civilian life. Through personalized support, they provide guidance to each veteran in pursuing higher education and establishing fulfilling careers, facilitating their seamless integration into society and self-sufficiency.
The idea for Sentinels for Freedom began with our founder, Mike Conklin, whose son Kris was wounded in Iraq. While visiting Kris in the hospital, Mike spoke with others who were also wounded. It when then that he realized the tremendous physical and emotional hurdles these war–torn men and women faced when transitioning back to civilian life. Conklin established the organization as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2007. For more information visit https://sentinelsoffreedom.org.
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. For more information visit www.losmedanos.edu.
