Antioch Police Acting Lt. Gary Lowther is joined by Captains Matt Koch and Shane Bower for the SLI graduation on April 3, 2026. Photo: Antioch PD
Chosen by classmates to speak at graduation
By Allen D. Payton
Lt. Lowther speaks at the SLI graduation on April 3, 2026. Video screenshot courtesy of Antioch PD
In an April 7th, 2026 post on their Facebook page, the Antioch Police Department wrote, “We are proud to congratulate Acting Lieutenant Gary Lowther on his recent graduation from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SLI) after completing the program’s rigorous eight-month long course. This program continues to train new leaders while they learn and collaborate with some of the most experienced law enforcement innovators. Acting Lt. Lowther was honored to be chosen by his peers to be a speaker at the SLI graduation.
Congrats Gary on the accomplishment and we’re excited to watch your career continue to grow!”
California Law Enforcement Officers who hold the rank of Sergeant are the individuals who get to attend this program.
Antioch PD Captain Matt Koch said the graduation was held in Folsom on April 3rd and offered additional details about the program saying, “SLI is an eight-month leadership course, one week a month for eight months. It focuses on adaptive leadership and culture shifts.”
The institute is part of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards & Training, known as POST.
“According to POST’s website, The Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI) is a program designed to stimulate personal growth, leadership, and ethical decision-making in California law enforcement front-line supervisors. Designed and implemented in 1988 through the efforts of California law enforcement professionals and top educators and trainers, the SBSLI is an intense program based on experiential learning techniques. Students are challenged to learn new ways to resolve issues through group and individual work.
“The curriculum takes students through an analysis of management (planning, organizing, directing, etc.) and leadership (inspiring, challenging, developing, etc.) and how each discipline compliments the other. The course progresses from self-evaluation, to interpersonal evaluation, to organizational relationships.
Antioch Police Acting Lt. Lowther (sixth from left) with his SLI graduating class and instructors. Courtesy of Antioch PD
“During the program, a typical successful student develops the ability to:
Correlate the relationship between personal and organizational principles and values
Exercise greater leadership in personal and professional activities
Increase personal influence with individuals and groups to accomplish organizational goals
Analyze issues from multiple perspectives
Develop increased self-confidence and confidence in the ability of others
Provide support and development for peers and subordinates
Recognize and address areas for personal improvement
Effectively integrate management skills and leadership qualities
“A typical successful student is willing to learn, open to new ideas, and able to engage in deep self-examination of values and beliefs. The program is not a ‘how-to’ course and should not be viewed as a fix for problem individuals. The curriculum provides a forum for personal growth and development of qualities necessary for effective public safety leadership.”
The institute was named for Sherman Block, the 29th Sheriff of Los Angeles County. According to his Wikipedia page, he served from 1982 until his death in 1998, during his campaign for re-election, which he was expected to win, following a 42-year career.
Will discuss oversight of Special Education funding
“…we need to ensure everyone, including presenters, can attend.” – Trustee Dee Brown
By Allen D. Payton
Facing a $32 million deficit, the Antioch Unified School District Board of Trustees will hold a Budget Study Session during a special afternoon meeting on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
According to the agenda, “The purpose of the Budget Study Session is to strengthen Board–District oversight of Special Education funding by examining spending practices, ensuring alignment and compliance, discussing reductions, and identifying opportunities for improved monitoring, transparency, and accountability.”
However, there are no attachments to the agenda, including no staff presentation for the board members to study or discuss. They do have presentations from their Feb. 11th and March 11th meetings.
Questions for Board
Board President Jag Lathan and the other four members were asked why they are holding the Budget Study Session this Thursday at 4:00 p.m. when most residents they represent can’t attend and provide input especially when the District is facing a $32 million deficit and so many budget cuts are proposed.
They were also asked why not have it after the Closed Session at 5:30 p.m. and why have it on a Thursday instead of on a Wednesday night like when their regular meetings are held.
Lathan, who is also running for County Superintendent of Education, has an auto response from her official District email which reads, “Thank you for your message. Your experience and input are invaluable in helping us reach our goals. Due to the high volume of emails, I may not be able to respond to each one. However, I make every effort to read all messages and respond when possible.”
But neither she nor three of the other school board members responded on the record.
4/9/26 UPDATE: However, in a post on her official Facebook page and a message to the Herald, only Trustee Dee Brown responded. She wrote, “Hello AUSD community. There have been several messages asking why today’s meeting was scheduled for 4:00 pm.
When planning a meeting, we need to ensure everyone, including presenters, can attend. This day and time is best for everyone who will be a part of the meeting.
Understanding the time is not ideal, which is why those who would like to go back and watch the replay to take notes will have the opportunity to do so and can forward any questions over to us. I know this is probably not the best response for our community, but it is an honest response.”
A Budget Collaborative, consisting of principals, teachers, classified employees, parents and district staff leadership, will be meeting again on April 13th and 22nd.
At 5:30 p.m., the Board will adjourn to Closed Session for labor negotiations with four employee organizations. They include the Antioch Education Association made up of the District’s teachers, California School Employees Association, Chapter 85, also known as Classified staff; Antioch Management Association and Senior Management.
The Agency Negotiator will be Associate Superintendent Dr. Camille Johnson for the first two employee organizations, Superintendent Dr. Darnise Williams for the third, and Williams and Legal Counsel Scott Holbrook for the fourth negotiation.
The meeting will be held in the District Office Board Room at 510 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. It can also be viewed live on the District’s YouTube channel.
2025 Antioch Youth of the Year Amanda Brown is presented with a plaque by Chamber Chair Jim Becker (left) and with a scholarship check by Tom Jenkins of the Antioch Rotary Club and Tom Hartrick of the Rotary Club of the Delta-Antioch, who were joined by Mayor Ron Bernal during the Gala ceremony Friday, March 27, 2026. Photo by Allen D. Payton
Deer Valley High Senior Class President also presented with $1,500 scholarship by local Rotary Clubs
By Antioch Chamber of Commerce
During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, Friday night, March 27, 2026, Amanda Brown was honored as Antioch’s 2025 Youth of the Year.
She is an exceptional student whose dedication, leadership, and passion for service truly set her apart. As senior class president at Deer Valley High School, she plays a pivotal role in planning and executing student activities, earning a reputation as a dependable leader and trusted mentor among her peers.
Amanda has become the school’s premier Master of Ceremonies for large events. Last year during the Deer Valley High School Special Olympics, she emceed the event with remarkable compassion, high energy, making every participant feel valued and celebrated. Her skill, poise and heart for service have made her the go-to emcee, admired for bringing joy and professionalism to every occasion.
Beyond her leadership at school, Amanda actively contributes to the community. She teaches cooking classes and leads youth enrichment activities at the Antioch Recreation Center, inspiring younger students and fostering a positive, supportive environment. Her dedication to helping others, combined with her excellent attendance, academic achievement and strong work ethic, demonstrates a rare combination of character, talent and service-mindedness.
Amanda Brown is more than a student leader—she is a remarkable young person whose compassion, initiative, and integrity continue to impact everyone around her. She exemplifies the very best of youth leadership, and her contributions promise a bright future of meaningful service and community engagement.
During the Gala ceremony, Amanda was presented with a scholarship for $1,500 from $750 contributed by each the Antioch Rotary Club and Rotary Club of the Delta (Antioch).
Learn about the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition in Contra Costa County and throughout California as the Declaration of Independence was being signed
By LeighAnn Davis, Executive Director, Contra Costa County Historical Society
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, land managers, historians, educators and civic leaders across the East Bay formed the East Bay Anza 250 Symposium committee dedicated to exploring a parallel milestone: the 250th anniversary of the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition. This journey profoundly shaped California’s history and continues to influence our communities today.
Anza Expedition Map. Source: National Park Service
According to the National Park Service, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail covers over 1,200 miles through the homelands of 70+ Tribal communities including in Contra Costa County. It follows the historic route of the 1775-76 Spanish colonizing expedition from Sonora, Mexico to San Francisco, CA. Whether urban or rural, the trail offers adventure, diverse cultural perspectives and an opportunity to experience history.
Painting by David Rickman. Courtesy of U.S. National Park Service
On June 27, 1776, as the Declaration of Independence was being signed in Philadelphia, the colonists of the Anza expedition arrived at their destination in what would become San Francisco. Both of these events would dramatically shape the cultural and political landscapes of the United States. In 2025 and 2026, the Anza Trail invites communities along the historic path of the 1775-76 colonizing expedition to commemorate the complicated and evermore fascinating history of the paths and events that make up this National Historic Trail.
Third leg map of the Anza expedition shows campsites 99, 100 and 101 in Contra Costa County. Map created by Emanuel Delgado. Source: National Park Service
Campsites and Trail in Contra Costa County
A map of the Third Leg of the Anza Expedition shows three campsites in Contra Costa County with the Arroyo del Puerto Dulce campsite 99 in Rodeo, the Arroyo de Santa Ana del Flugino campsite 100 in Concord and the San Ricardo campsite 101 along the Antioch/Oakley border.
According to the Juan Bautista de Anza Historic Trail website, “On April 1st (1776) the group camped at a small stream. Today, the campsite is at the conjunction of Parker and San Pablo Avenues and Rodeo Creek. A commemorative marker from the 1976 reenactment is on Parker Road between 4th and 6th Streets in front of the post office in the town of Rodeo.”
The Anza Expedition campsite 99 historic marker in Rodeo, campsite 100 historic marker in Concord and campsite 101 historic marker at the Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline. Photos by Andrew Ruppenstein. Source: The Historical Marker Database HMdb.org
The East Bay Anza 250 Symposium will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9AM-4PM and is a collaborative gathering that explores the expedition’s impact on the East Bay, honors Indigenous legacies, and fosters dialogue about how this history informs our present.
The symposium will include:
Live Performances
Keynote Speakers
Panel Discussions that Dive into the History, Teaching, and Environmental Impacts of the Expedition.
An Exhibit Hall Filled with Cultural Exhibitions and Displays
Symposium registration is $30 for General Admission and $20 for students and seniors.
Lunch is included in your registration fee if reserved before April 1st, 2026.
To register, please visit the Eventbrite site for Grassroots Poetry using the QR code.
Keynote Speakers: Our speaker series brings together a vibrant tapestry of voices to explore the multifaceted legacy of the Anza Expedition. By pairing the scholarly insights of local historians and naturalists with the deeply personal narratives of expedition descendants, we aim to provide an inclusive history that honors the trail’s complex past.
Panel Discussions: Join our interdisciplinary panels, featuring local historians, expert naturalists, and descendants of the expedition, for a compelling look at the impact of Anza 250 years later. These sessions bring together diverse voices to explore the environmental, cultural, and personal history of the trail, offering a unique, in-depth, and engaging perspective on this historic journey.
Exhibit Hall: Our Exhibit Hall is a testament to the power of community partnership. The exhibit hall is a collaborative space showcasing exhibits and information from local historical societies and land management agencies. Connect with local experts in this dedicated space for a deeper, context-rich understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the Anza Trail.
Event Information:
The Event is Saturday, April 11th, 2026, from 9AM until 4PM with a lunch break at noon. An optional walk will take place along the trail that intersects with the LMC campus at 8AM. All members of the community are invited to join us and enjoy the speakers, poets and music guests!
We encourage all symposium attendees to consider alternate ways to get to campus. You can bike, walk, carpool or take public transportation. If you plan to arrive by car, parking is free on the day of the event. More information about how to get to campus here: LMC Transportation and Parking Information
Thank you to all our partners for your support:
Grassroots Poetry
Independent Arts and Media
Los Medanos College Honors Program
National Park Service
Anza Trail Foundation
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy
Contra Costa County Historical Society
Museum of the San Ramon Valley
For more information contact Dwayne Eubanks, Chair East Bay Anza 250 Symposium at EastBayAnza@gmail.com.
This event is brought to you by Grassroots Poetry and Los Medanos Honors Program and fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts Media, a 501(c)3 organization.
In response to allegations against the late farm workers’ union leader
By Juliet V. Casey Geary, Director of Marketing & Media Design, Los Medanos College
Greetings from Los Medanos College,
In light of recent news concerning César Chávez and allegations of abuse of women and minors, Los Medanos College (LMC) is reorienting the awards that honored his legacy to focus instead on the collective work and values that are being recognized to strengthen community, social justice, labor rights and leadership. Since 1995, LMC has honored generations of activists, service providers, educators, students and more. We are proud of that tradition and will continue to honor the leaders born out of East Contra Costa County’s agricultural community. This year we will offer La Fuerza del Pueblo: Farmworkers’ Movement Legacy Awards.
Honorees will receive recognition at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, in the Student Union Conference Center, 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. La Fuerza del Pueblo in English means the power of the people. This event recognizes community members who stand as models of service, activism and non-violent social change. This year’s award categories include:
Exemplary Community Service
For long-standing commitment to service to others, sacrifice, helping the most needy, determination, non-violence, acceptance of all people, respect for life and the environment, celebrating community, knowledge, and innovation.
East County Educator Award
For demonstrating a commitment to student success and equity, particularly for students of color and those from low-income families.
La Fuerza del Pueblo Spirit Award
For emerging/student leader(s) who embodies the spirit of the movement, and who within the past year, made a significant impact on the local community in the areas of advocacy and social justice.
Legacy Award Values
Service to Others: Empowering individuals by engendering self-determination, self-sufficiency and self-help, rather than charity.
Sacrifice: Recognizing the obligation every individual has to contribute to their community, despite having to endure great hardship.
Help the Most Needy: Supporting efforts to reach those in need, those dispossessed, and those most forgotten individuals.
Determination: Instilling an attitude that through steadfast commitment, patience, and optimism, people can overcome great adversity.
Non-violence: Achieving social and economic justice and equality through bold and courageous action.
Tolerance: Promoting and supporting ethnic and cultural diversity as a means toward informing and strengthening communities.
Respect for Life: Holding land, people, and all other forms of life in the highest regard.
Celebrating Community: Sharing expressions of cultural identity through art, song and dance.
Knowledge: Pursuing self-directed learning, the development of critical thinking, and constructive problem-solving.
Innovation: Creating strategies and tactics to resolve problems and situations that often seem insurmountable.
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.
2025 Antioch Youth of the Year and Deer Valley High School junior Amanda Brown. Photo: AUSD
Also, congratulates Citizen of the Year Allison Norris who works with students
By Antioch Unified School District
Big congrats to Amanda Brown, who has been named Antioch Youth of the Year.
The Deer Valley High student has a long list of titles and accomplishments, including Senior Class President, Leadership team member, and community volunteer – all while balancing a full course load at DV and dual-enrollment at Los Medanos College.
Amanda gained an even bigger group of admirers during last year’s Special Olympics, where as emcee she showcased her energy, compassion, and natural stage presence. She went on take the lead role of many district events, including the Day of Empowering Girls day-long workshop last fall.
Her influence and commitment to positive change led the DV administrative team to unanimously select her for the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council.
Said DV’s Mike Green: “Before becoming a vice principal, I had the privilege of teaching Amanda. Even then, it was clear she was a student who stood out. You know when a young person is truly different; someone destined to make an impact. Amanda has always been that student. She represents our school with honesty, insight, and a willingness to celebrate successes while addressing areas for improvement — qualities that embody true youth leadership.”
Also in the winners’ circle is Allison Norris, founder of Snug as a Bug foundation. She has partnered with many AUSD students, including Antioch High and Bidwell, to provide handmade items for youth in distress.
The annual Chamber Gala and Awards dinner is set for March 27 at Lone Tree Golf and Events Center. For ticket info, visit https://antiochchamber.com.
By Juliet V. Casey Geary, Director of Marketing & Media Design, Los Medanos College
We are pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2026 César Chávez Awards is open. The awards celebrate the life of labor leader and human rights activist César Chávez and recognize East Contra Costa County community members who follow his example of service, activism and non-violent social change.
Nomination form and event details are available on the event web page. Nomination deadline is Wednesday, March 11.
Save the date for the awards ceremony, which this year will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 3 in the Student Union at the LMC Pittsburg Campus, 2700 E. Leland Road. The event is free and open to the public, though space is limited.
Values of César Chávez:
Service to Others: Empowering individuals by engendering self-determination, self-sufficiency and self-help, rather than charity.
Sacrifice: Recognizing the obligation every individual has to contribute to their community, despite having to endure great hardship.
Help the Most Needy: Supporting efforts to reach those in need, those dispossessed, and those most forgotten individuals.
Determination: Instilling an attitude that through steadfast commitment, patience, and optimism, people can overcome great adversity.
Non-violence: Achieving social and economic justice and equality through bold and courageous action.
Tolerance: Promoting and supporting ethnic and cultural diversity as a means toward informing and strengthening communities.
Respect for Life: Holding land, people, and all other forms of life in the highest regard.
Celebrating Community: Sharing expressions of cultural identity through art, song and dance.
Knowledge: Pursuing self-directed learning, the development of critical thinking, and constructive problem-solving.
Innovation: Creating strategies and tactics to resolve problems and situations that often seem insurmountable.
Awards recognize recipients in the following categories:
César Chávez Award for Exemplary Community Service
The César Chávez Award for Exemplary Community Service recognizes a local resident who demonstrates a long-standing commitment to service and who best represents the core values modeled by César Chávez: Service to Others, Sacrifice, Help the Most Needy, Determination, Non-Violence, Acceptance of All People, Respect for Life and the Environment, Celebrating Community, Knowledge and Innovation.
East County Educator Award
The César Chávez East County Educator Award recognizes a member of the educational community who demonstrates the qualities of César Chávez and a commitment to student success and equity, particularly for students of color and those from low-income families.
Chávez Spirit Award
The César Chávez Spirit Award recognizes an emerging student leader who embodies the spirit of César Chávez and who within the past year affected change in the areas of advocacy and social justice.
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.
Including Najee Harris’ mother Tianna Hicks for her work through their Da Bigger Picture Foundation
By Juliet Casey Geary, Director of Marketing and Media Design, Los Medanos College
Los Medanos College is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards, recognizing community civil rights and social justice champions, and students whose activism sets them apart as emerging leaders. The event is part of LMC’s yearlong acknowledgement of Black history (BHM 365) and raises support for the LMC Foundation African American Student Scholarship.
The Celebration luncheon begins at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Student Union Conference Center of the Pittsburg Campus, 2700 E. Leland Road.
This year’s honorees:
Emerging Leadership Awards
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Emerging Leadership Award recognizes an LMC student or alumnus who embodies the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and, who within the past year, has made a significant difference on the LMC campus or in the local community through advocacy and social justice. Emerging leaders in our community exemplify the principles of Dr. King and affect social change. Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
LMC student Mina Jobe
Mina Jobe. All photos: LMC
Mina Jobe is a student leader and youth activist passionate about social justice, especially women’s and Indigenous rights. Drawing from her Irish, Japanese, and Yaqui heritage, she uses writing, art, and advocacy to raise awareness and uplift her community.
Through school projects and outreach, Mina works to create positive change and hopes to pursue a future dedicated to helping others.
Jobe also is an IMS Alumni Artist in Residence, BNV Alumni, and former PHS SLAM Club President. She has poured love, leadership, and selfless service into the Pittsburg Community for over 2 years. Jobe has participated in countless community open mics, been a community spokesperson at the Prodigies Youth Arts Showcase in 2025.
She has been a featured performer at the LMC Umoja / IMS Say it With Youth Chest Open Mic, and most recently was crowned the Prodigies Grand Slam Champion for 2025. Mina’s greatest contributions are the advice, agape love, and presence she offers Pittsburg youth.
LMC student Chijioke Onyeagucha
Chijioke Onyeaguch
Chijioke Onyeaguch was born Antioch California, the fifth of five siblings. His parents both immigrated to the Bay Area from Nigeria and always taught their children to work hard to achieve their dreams. In 2007, Onyeagucha says he was, “raised in the LMC Child Study Center for a little while.”
He returned to LMC in 2023 after graduating high school and competed in track and field for Diablo Valley College. He joined the Honors Program his first year and has served as an officer with the club for three years. Through his involvement with the program, he had the opportunity to study abroad in Paris in 2024.
At LMC he discovered his passion for writing and worked for LMC’s student-run news outlet, LMC Experience. As a journalist, Onyeagucha aims to bridge narrative with strategy, producing ethical journalism while understanding how media institutions evolve and influence public discourse. As a black journalist, he is committed to reshaping narratives that have historically misrepresented and marginalized communities of color. He is completing two associate degrees for transfer in journalism and business administration, while finishing his Honors Scholar Badge.
He recently presented research on modern forms of colonialism in Nigeria at the statewide Honors research symposium at UC Berkeley, which his parents were able to attend. His career goal is to create spaces within the media industry where strategic innovation coexists to uplift and support culture, so future generations can see themselves represented with depth. He also plans on a career in law.
Beloved Community Award
Tianna Hicks, Vice President, Da Bigger Picture Non-Profit Foundation
Tianna Hicks
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Beloved Community Award is presented to a local resident who has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to service and who best represents the core values modeled by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Beloved Community Award is inspired by the term popularized by Dr. King – a global vision in which, as noted by The King Center: all people can share in the wealth of the earth; poverty, hunger, and homelessness will not be tolerated; racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry, and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood; and love and trust will triumph over fear and hatred. At the heart of the quest for the Beloved Community is agape love, which Dr. King described as “understanding, redeeming goodwill for all” – a love “seeking to preserve and create community.”
Tianna Hicks is a co-founder with her son, Najee Harris, and vice president of Da Bigger Picture Non-Profit Foundation, which aims to create access and opportunity for youth through community programs, school partnerships, and events that build confidence. The organization works to support families facing hunger and homelessness, provides resources to families in need with food giveaways, backpack and school supplies giveaways, toy drives, free youth camps, and a clothing closet to support the Antioch Unified School District students in need of interview, prom, graduation or special event attire.
Born in San Francisco, Hicks attended Philip and Sala Burton High School in San Francisco, and Fremont High School in Oakland. She graduated from P.I.M.A. Medical institute in Seattle, Wash., with a certificate of completion in medical assistance. Hicks then worked at Kaiser Permanent as a business representative from 2010 to 2016. She left Kaiser and moved to Birmingham, Alabama. to support her youngest son through college. She worked as a front desk medical receptionist for plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael S. Beckenstein, from 2016 to 2020. After her son graduated from college the pair moved back to California where she and her son formed Da Bigger Picture Non- Profit Foundation. The future goal for Da Bigger Picture is to expand services throughout the community, offering resources for families in need of mental health support groups for men and women.
Visionary Leadership Award
Dennisha Marsh, Executive Director, Parent of African American Achievement Collaborative Team
Dennisha Marsh
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Leadership Award recognizes a member of the East Contra Costa County community who demonstrates the qualities of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Visionary Leadership Award honors individuals who embody Dr. King’s strengths as a transformational, servant leader. Dr. King inspired others to shape the future articulated in his vision. He focused on the well-being, growth, and empowerment of others and the community he served. Dr. King said, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable…Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
Dennisha Marsh is the executive director of the Parental African American Achievement Collaborative Team (PAAACT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to aligning essential educational and economic resources with underserved families in Contra Costa County.
She serves on several city and county commissions and advisory committees. She is a member and past chair of the Pittsburg Community Advisory Commission, which advises the City Council on community services, including parks, recreation, and public safety issues. Marsh has chaired the Pittsburg Measure M Oversight Committee and the Pittsburg Community Block Grant. She has served as an advisor for the Youth Advisory Commission and Public Safety.
Marsh serves on Los Medanos Health Advisory Committee for Contra Costa County, following her tenure on Los Medanos Health District elected board prior to its transition to county oversight, Library Commission, Measure X, East Bay Regional Park District Advisory Committee and Educational Chair for East County NAACP.
In the Pittsburg Unified School District, Marsh participated as a member of the District Advisory Council, the Bond Oversight Committee, and the Student Attendance Review Board. She was a member of the Economic Opportunity Council and the Racial Justice Task Force.
Marsh has played a crucial role in fostering communication among community stakeholders, leading to the reconstruction of educational facilities and the development of community gardens throughout the Pittsburg Unified School District. She has worked on summer STEM programs for youth and secured new equipment and signage for local schools. Her advocacy has also spurred local road repairs and policies aimed at enhancing community safety, including the installation of street speed bumps and the development of a skateboard park in the City of Pittsburg.
Marsh participated in community advocacy for the name Thurgood Marshall Regional Park, home of the Port Chicago 50, and took part in the Contra Costa Bar Association’s Task Force for the exoneration of the Port Chicago 50.
Marsh and her husband live in the City of Pittsburg, where they have a son who is in college.
Keynote Speaker
Kolette Simonton, Director, City of Pittsburg Department of Recreation
Kolette Simonton
Lifelong Pittsburg resident Kolette Simonton is committed to her community. A product of Pittsburg High School (Class of ’96, Student Body President), she honed her communication skills at CSU Sacramento, graduating in 2001 with a degree in Communications/Public Relations. Her early career included roles with the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce, Contra Costa and San Jose Newspapers, KRON 4 News, and Changed Life Church, providing a strong foundation for her 18-year tenure with the City of Pittsburg. Today, she serves as the Director of Recreation.
Kolette’s leadership touches all aspects of Pittsburg’s recreational offerings. She oversees the Marina Community Center, Pittsburg Senior Center, and the city’s extensive park system, including Small World Park and Buchanan Swim Center. She spearheads popular events like the Old Town Car Shows, 1st Friday Music Series, and the Pittsburg Jazz, Blues & Funk Festival. Kolette is passionate about providing diverse programs, from youth and adult sports leagues to adaptive sports and fitness, the My Brothers Keeper Initiative, and the Pittsburg Youth Commission.
Kolette was honored as the 2025 recipient of the Los Medanos College Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Beloved Community Award and was added as a member of LMC Foundation Board.
Kolette’s commitment extends beyond her professional role. She serves on the board and coaches for Full Stride Track Club and is active in the Pittsburg Kiwanis. She is grateful for the support of her husband, Ken, and children, Nayelli and Kenneth IV, in her community endeavors. Kolette’s daily focus is on expanding accessible, engaging, and inclusive opportunities for Pittsburg residents to connect and thrive.
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.
