Mattresses inside the DVHS gym, the Marching Teal & Black Regiment and First Trumpet Ramiyah Kidd in Mattress Costume in the band room. Photos courtesy of Kathy Barlow
To pay for competitions and equipment
By Deer Valley High School Band Boosters
The Deer Valley High School Instrumental Music Program, an award-winning group of local musicians, invites the community to its second annual Mattress Sale on Saturday, October 10, from 10 am to 4 pm, as the DVHS North Gym is transformed into a professional mattress showroom. Supporters can test and purchase 25+ top brand-name mattresses, adjustable bases, bedding and pillows, while providing funds for the Marching Band – Teal & Black Regiment and Orchestra, to travel and perform throughout California.
“One in four families will buy a mattress each year, and we are thrilled that people can find one at a great price, while supporting music in our school,” said Band Director (and Deer Valley alumnus) Brian Poole. “Through this fundraiser, we hope to make a significant dent in our travel and competition costs and be able to upgrade and repair instruments for our talented musicians,” continued Poole.
Deer Valley High School Marching Teal & Black Regiment.
The sale is backed by a fundraising firm that fills the gym with brand new top mattress brands including Purple, Helix and Beautyrest. The company offers a lowest price guarantee, since it doesn’t maintain a retail store and instead helps local organizations raise money. A full 50% of the profits goes to the music program.
“Young people will love the beanbag chair that transforms into a mattress,” said Band Boosters President Kathy Barlow. “Come support your back with a new mattress and support our kids.”
Financing, delivery, setup and removal of one’s old mattress are offered. And delivery is available throughout the U.S., so that family and friends elsewhere can support the music program.
Photo source: DVHS
Event visitors will enjoy live entertainment provided by The Teal Tones, Deer Valley’s Jazz Band, and its orchestral Chamber Ensembles.
The Deer Valley Music Program has a long history of entertaining the community in local parades and performances and participates in competitions and throughout California.
The Deer Valley HS Music Mattress Sale will take place Saturday, October 10 from 10 am to 4 pm, at the North Gym on its campus at 4700 Lone Tree Way, in Antioch. Just show up at the sale, or RSVP here for a 10% discount coupon: https://sanjose.cfsbeds.com/events/deer-valley-high-school
By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing and Media Design, Los Medanos College and Loni Swain, Director of Communications, Campaign for College Opportunity
Pittsburg, Calif. – The Campaign for College Opportunity named Los Medanos College a 2026 Pathway Champion of Placement for its Latino Student Success in English. This award recognizes colleges where Latino students are completing transfer-level English at the highest rates, with particular attention to closing racial equity gaps.
“We commend your institution’s commitment to advancing equitable student success and strengthening California’s transfer pathway,” said Jessie Ryan, president of The Campaign for College Opportunity. “This achievement underscores the extraordinary efforts of your faculty and staff to ensure all students, especially those historically underrepresented, have the opportunity to succeed.”
Ryan added that LMC is leading the way, showing what is possible “when equity and excellence go hand in hand.”
“Los Medanos College is a culturally rich institution, where more than 45% of the student population identifies as Latinx,” LMC President Ralston said. “We are honored and proud of this recognition.”
Ralston said that as a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, LMC prioritizes improving transfer-level English completion for this population but has not done so in isolation. The college’s Student Equity Plan includes strategies designed to address shared and intersecting barriers to completion of all students, she said.
Morgan Lynn, chair of LMC’s English Department, faculty members have been making student-centered, holistic, and innovative changes to our programming and pedagogy.
“This award is a testament to all of our committed faculty, who have dedicated themselves to truly putting students first,” she said.
LMC Vice President of Instruction A’kilah Smith applauded the English Department for their notable work.
“I’m especially proud of our English faculty and colleagues who have embraced the opportunity to rethink how we support students, remove barriers, and create pathways to early success in college-level English,” Smith said.
Marisa Johnson, director of policy impact for The Campaign for College Opportunity, said LMC’s approach stands out. During the 2023-2024 academic year, LMC’s overall transfer-level English completion rate within one year of initial enrollment was 69.4% and 65.1% among Latino students, below the threshold to qualify for the award. After implementing its equity plan, which includes targeted initiatives, services, guidance and resources, LMC’s completion rate overall and for Latino students both rose to 72%.
“So, this award really represents closing the equity gap for last year’s English gateway courses,” Johnson said.
Rachel Anicetti, LMC dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, said the award also reflects LMC’s commitment to equity.
“I am incredibly proud for our English faculty and their collaborative investment in professional development, learning communities, and equitable teaching practices,” she said.
Pathway Champion awards honor campuses advancing landmark reforms in equitable placement (AB 705 and 1705, Irwin), which maximize student success in transfer level-courses, and the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), which streamlines transfer between community colleges and CSUs. Since the passage of AB 705 and AB 1705 (Irwin), California Community Colleges have made historic progress in ensuring students are placed directly into transfer-level courses.
The Campaign for College Opportunity is recognizing 40 Pathway Champions this year. The 40 honorees include California Community Colleges and CSU campuses.
Source: The Campaign for College Opportunity
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.
About the Campaign for College Opportunity: The Campaign for College Opportunity is a coalition representing business, labor, civil rights, religious groups and civic organizations working to ensure that California keeps the promise of college opportunity to California’s next generation of students. The coalition is dedicated to ensuring every Californian can attend and succeed in college, building a stronger future for California’s communities and the students who power them.
Joined by the council members, Professor Bradley Strawser, Founder and CEO of EthiCards presents Chief Vigil and leaders of the Antioch Police Department, with the “Compass Leader in Ethical Culture” certificate. Photo: Antioch PD
“Developed by military experts, proven in combat zones, adapted for law enforcement.”
“Antioch is a true leader, here, in this space.” – Founder & CEO of EthiCards
By Antioch Police Department
Integrity in policing is built through continuous practice, open dialogue and a commitment to doing what is right every single day.
On Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, Lt. Franco Cesar delivered a presentation to the Antioch City Council introducing EthiCards – an innovative, scenario-based ethics training program designed to engage officers across all ranks in regular, real-world ethical problem-solving. (See 1:57:00 mark of meeting video)
EthiCards moves beyond traditional classroom lectures, putting structured ethical dilemmas directly into daily briefings and roll calls to sharpen critical thinking, promote active bystandership, and reinforce procedural justice in the field.
Following the presentation, Founder and CEO of EthiCards, Bradley Strawser, a Professor of Military Ethics and Chair of the Defense Analysis Department at the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, honored Chief Vigil and the Antioch Police Department with the “Compass Leader in Ethical Culture” certificate. This award recognizes APD’s outstanding leadership in going above and beyond to prioritize ethics, accountability, and continuous professional development for our personnel.
Strawser told the City Council, “We started this program based on over a decade of research. Most ethics approaches within law enforcement just don’t do much. It’s just sort of a check the box exercise. We’re in about 150 departments across the country, right now which sounds like a lot but it’s not. There are thousands of police departments across the country. So, really Antioch is a true leader, here, in this space.”
EthiCards app example. Video screenshot source: EthiCards.
According to the Compass EthiCards website, they were “Developed by military experts, proven in combat zones, adapted for law enforcement” and “grounded in behavioral science and organizational psychology—research that reveals what actually drives ethical behavior.”
They are “52 expertly crafted cards with real-world policing scenarios, organized into 4 suits with ethical insights from our experts” and offer “Personalized features like marking cards as completed and saving favorites for each team member.” The company also offers access to “Access to the EthiCards app and website for your entire department—not just sworn officers,” and “Annual Deck Updates” with “a brand new set of 52 fresh scenarios to keep discussions current and relevant.”
The company claims the cards have “Reduced Misconduct, Improved Retention,” they “Lower Liability” and are “Proven Globally” and “The result: a healthier, ethical culture built from the inside out.”
Thank you to the City Council and our Antioch community for your continued support as we invest in proactive, high-standard training for our officers!
Community invited to anniversary celebration and ribbon cutting October 3
By Martha Goralka, Executive Director
ANTIOCH, Calif. — Delta Learning Center invites the community to celebrate its 50th anniversary on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Antioch. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m.
Established in 1976, Delta Learning Center has provided five decades of educational support to learners in East Contra Costa County. The nonprofit offers personalized, one-on-one tutoring by credentialed teachers, helping students strengthen academic skills and build confidence. The anniversary celebration will recognize the students, families, educators, volunteers and community supporters who have contributed to the center’s history while looking ahead to its continued service.
Current and former students, families, neighbors, local businesses and community partners are invited to attend and help celebrate this milestone. Members of the media are welcome to cover the celebration and ribbon cutting.
About Delta Learning Center Founded in 1976, Delta Learning Center is a nonprofit tutoring organization serving East Contra Costa County. The center provides individualized educational support for prekindergarten, K–12 and adult learners. For more information, visit http://www.deltalearningcenter.org or call 925-757-1310
Cops will be on, provide extra patrols in and around campus today
By Antioch Police Department
The Antioch Police Department is aware of messages and rumors circulating regarding a possible act of violence at Antioch High School today.
We are working closely with Antioch High School administrators and school security and are actively investigating the information that has been reported. At this time, we have no information that supports the rumor.
As a precaution, Antioch Police officers will be present at the school today, and officers will conduct additional patrols in and around the campus. We will remain in close communication with school officials throughout the day.
We understand that messages like these can be concerning for students, families, and staff. We ask everyone to rely on information from official school and Antioch Police Department sources and to avoid sharing unverified rumors or screenshots on social media.
See something, say something. If you have firsthand information, screenshots, messages, or other specific information that may assist the investigation, please contact the Antioch Police Department at (925) 778-2441. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
Please call 9-1-1 for an immediate threat or emergency.
Our Dispatch Center is receiving a high volume of calls regarding this situation. If you do not have new information to report or need police assistance, please monitor official school and Antioch Police Department channels for updates rather than calling Dispatch for a status update.
We will provide additional information if there are significant developments.
Antioch’s Dozier-Libbey Medical High School ranked in top 10 in county, #229 in state, in top 8% nationally
By Contra Costa County Office of Education
PLEASANT HILL, Calif.— Several high schools across Contra Costa County earned top statewide and national rankings in the newly released 2026-27 U.S. News Best High Schools Rankings. The report recognized the schools for strong academic performance and college readiness. U.S. News reviewed more than 27,000 public high schools nationwide and ranked nearly 18,000 schools based on student outcomes, state assessment performance, college readiness and graduation rates.
Leading the county was Dougherty Valley High School in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, which ranked No. 25 in California and No. 190 nationally. Miramonte High School in the Acalanes Union High School District followed at No. 29 in California and No. 205 nationally, and Campolindo High School, also in the Acalanes Union High School District, received a ranking of No. 34 in California and No. 243 nationally.
“These rankings reflect school communities that have the resources, rigor and strategic support in place to foster student achievement,” Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey said. “Their performance among the top schools in the state is truly something to celebrate. My hope is that schools throughout our county can learn from these examples and help even more students thrive academically while preparing the next generation for success.”
Five Contra Costa County schools ranked among the top 100 public high schools in California:
· Dougherty Valley High School (San Ramon Valley Unified School District) — No. 25
· Miramonte High School (Acalanes Union High School District) — No. 29
· Campolindo High School (Acalanes Union High School District) — No. 34
· Acalanes High School (Acalanes Union High School District) — No. 87
· Monte Vista High School (San Ramon Valley Unified School District) — No. 92
According to U.S. News, the rankings are based on six factors, including college readiness, state assessment proficiency and performance, graduation rates, curriculum breadth and the performance of underserved students.
Top 10 Contra Costa County High Schools
· Dougherty Valley High School (San Ramon Valley Unified School District) — No. 25 California, No. 190 National
· Miramonte High School (Acalanes Union High School District) — No. 29 California, No. 205 National
· Campolindo High School (Acalanes Union High School District) — No. 34 California, No. 243 National
· Acalanes High School (Acalanes Union High School District) — No. 87 California, No. 594 National
· Monte Vista High School (San Ramon Valley Unified School District) — No. 92 California, No. 622 National
· Las Lomas High School (Acalanes Union High School District)— No. 147 California, No. 913 National
· Northgate High School (Mt. Diablo Unified School District) — No. 166 California, No. 995 National
· California High School (San Ramon Valley Unified School District)) — No. 222 California, No. 1,353 National
· Dozier-Libbey Medical High School (Antioch Unified School District) — No. 229 California, No. 1,396 National
· Making Waves Academy (Charter School in Richmond, CA) — No. 240 California, No. 1,489 National
One of 58 counties in California, Contra Costa County has the 11th largest public-school student population in the state (approximately 169,225 students). Officially established in 1932, CCCOE has a long history of providing direct services to some of the county’s most vulnerable students, including young people who are incarcerated, homeless, or in foster care, as well as students who have severe physical or emotional challenges.
CCCOE also provides support services to schools and school districts in Contra Costa County; services that can be handled most effectively and economically on a regional basis rather than by each of the county’s 286 schools or 18 school districts. These services range from budget approval and fiscal support to technology infrastructure, communication support, and high-level professional development opportunities for educators. CCCOE maintains a website at www.cocoschools.org.
AUSD 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Arielle Foley receives a hug from Dr. Evelyn Baffico, then-principal of Black Diamond Middle School and Foley with Superintendent Dr. Darnise R. Williams during the awards dinner on April 23, 2026. All photos: AUSD
Black Diamond Middle School math teacher; Mno Grant teacher Jennifer Bannerman is runner-up
By Antioch Unified School District
Publisher’s Note: Apologies for missing this earlier in the year.
The Antioch Unified School District honored their Teacher of the Year Arielle Foley and nominees during a dinner on April 23, 2026, at the Antioch Community Center.
A post on the AUSD Facebook page following the event reads, “A packed house celebrated our wonderful Teachers of the Year on Thursday night.
The AUSD 2026-27 Teacher of the Year Arielle Foley and fellow nominees, including Jennifer Bannerman, (right in dress with flowers) are joined by Tim Cooper the District’s Director of Student Support Services, as they are honored during the April 23rd dinner.
“Held at the Antioch Community Center, our nominees were recognized. The amazing group included Antioch High, Christine Hester; Belshaw, Scott Dalander; Carmen Dragon, Julie Eaton; Dallas Ranch, Max Bridges; Deer Valley, Mark Libbey; Diablo Vista, Natalie Montoya; Dozier-Libbey Kevin Landski; Encore, Penella Goulding; Kimball, Geannine Fernandez; London, Nicole O’Brien; Lone Tree, Dawn McElroy; Marsh, Melissa Valdivia-Agurto; Mission, Diana McCauley; Muir, Christina MacAlvey; Orchard Park, Barb King; Park, Erich Bartel; Prospects, Jason Fithian; Sutter, Kim Tran; Thomas Gaines Virtual Academy, Samantha Franceschi; and Turner, Sarah Nichols.
2026-27 AUSD TOY Arielle Foley (center) with some of her colleagues during the dinner.
“Also in the spotlight was runner-up Jennifer Bannerman from Mno Grant Elementary.
“Arielle Foley, who received the top honor, thanked everyone and applauded her fellow educators. She is a math teacher at Black Diamond Middle.
“Thanks to the Antioch Schools Education Foundation for once hosting the annual event and cheers to all the fabulous educators!”
Foley moved on to the county level in the Contra Costa County Education Office’s Teacher of the Year competition.
Hear from U.S. Constitutional scholars on Constitution Dayin-person or online
By Gail Murray, League of Women Voters Diablo Valley
On Constitution Day, September 17, two eminent U.S. Constitutional scholars will discuss the challenges of maintaining effective presidential leadership while preventing abuse of power. Their conversation will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.at St. Mary’s College in Moraga in the Claeys Room of the Soda Center and will be available simultaneously on Zoom.
Speakers will be:
Vikram Amar, the Daniel J. Dykstra Distinguished Professor of Law at UC Davis Law School. Amar is one of the most eminent and frequently cited authorities in constitutional law.
Dan Farber, the Sho Sato Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Edley Center on Law & Democracy at UC Berkeley Law School. Farber is the author of Contested Ground: How to Understand the Limits on Presidential Power.
Recent public debates have renewed longstanding constitutional questions about the proper scope of executive power. The speakers will engage in a discussion about perennial questions:
How should we balance the need for effective leadership with the need to prevent abuse of power?
Have we achieved that balance?
What would the founders think about the powers of the modern presidency?
Professor Barbara McGraw, Director of the Center for Engaged Religious Pluralism and professor of Social Ethics, Law, and Public Life at Saint Mary’s College will moderate the discussion.
Professor Steve Woolpert of St. Mary’s College, an organizer of the event, is available for interviews. Contact woolpert@stmarys-ca.edu He can speak about this panel and other activities around the 250th anniversary of the U.S. and the Declaration of Independence.
The Contra Costa County Library will provide closed captioning for this event, and the Library and the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley (LWVDV) are underwriting simultaneous Spanish translation. This program will be recorded and uploaded to the Library and LWVDV YouTube channels after the event.
For more information, contact Diane Bianchi of the LWVDV at programs@lwvdv.org
Sponsors of the event are St. Mary’s College, The Disney Forum, the League of Women Voters Diablo Valley, the League of Women Voters West Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa County Library and CCTV.
