22 from Contra Costa County, 52 total

Learn why the congressman honored the two women from Antioch

By Cameron Niven, Office of Congressman John Garamendi

BENICIA, CA – On Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at his 13th annual Women of the Year event, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08) honored 52 women from California’s 8th Congressional District, including 22 from Contra Costa County and two from Antioch, who are leaders and visionaries in their communities. Each honoree has made a real difference in our community through public service, business, education, and the local economy.

“Every year, I’m honored to recognize the remarkable women of California’s 8th District who serve as the backbone of our community,” said Rep. Garamendi. “They come from every corner of our district and from many different backgrounds, and they work in a wide range of fields. Each is united by the profound impact they have on the people around them.”

“Their commitment and passion for service deserve recognition, and through this award, their contributions will be preserved for generations in the official Congressional Record in Washington, D.C.”

The event was held in Benicia at the Clocktower and the women from Antioch who were honored are Laura Jacques and Lisa Lacy.

In a post on Facebook following the event the congressman also wrote, “Yesterday I had privilege of recognizing 52 women from California’s 8th Congressional District at my annual Women of the Year celebration. These women are leaders and visionaries who are making a real difference in our community through public service, business, education, and the local economy. Thank you to every honoree for all you do. Congratulations!”

When reached for comment about the honor, Antioch resident Laura Jacques said, “I was very honored. I was really humbled by some of the other women who were there and I was thinking, ‘do I really belong here?’ I was really surprised.”

“It was a really nice event,” she added.

The 2026 Women of the Year Honorees are:

Contra Costa County:

• Laura Jacques (Antioch)
• Lisa Lacy (Antioch)
• Champagne Brown (El Cerrito)
• Stacy Wayne (El Cerrito)
• Susan Duncan (El Cerrito)
• Christine Mathias (El Sobrante)
• Jamela Smith-Folds (Hercules)
• Christine Dean (Martinez)
• Rachel Shoemake (Martinez)
• Annisha Geran (Pittsburg)
• Kaitlin Clink (Pittsburg)
• Annie King-Meredith (Richmond)
• Elana Bolds (Richmond)
• Maria Del Rocio Martinez Luna (Richmond)
• Mary Ann Dawkins-Padigela (Richmond)
• Dr. Mayra Padilla (Richmond)
• Michelle Denise Milam (Richmond)
• Nwaeze Nmereole (Richmond)
• Shasa Curl (Richmond)
• Amanda Jenkins (San Pablo)
• Dr. Rocio Hernández (San Pablo)
• Yolanda Mendoza (San Pablo)

A photo and a bio about each woman were included in a program provided to each honoree at the event and a plaque showing their information entered into the Congressional Record was presented to them by the congressman. Lacy did not attend the event nor provide a photo for the program.

Laura Jacques – Antioch – Contra Costa County

Laura Jacques is a dedicated member of the Antioch Historical Society and the Woman’s Club of Antioch. In her role with the Historical Society, Laura is essential in organizing and running several community events, including the city’s 150th anniversary and the relocation of the Red Caboose. Laura continuously goes above and beyond, whether it is helping produce a commemorative coin, a book documenting Antioch’s history, or a celebratory barbecue.

As a part of Antioch’s Woman’s Club, Laura has worked tirelessly to transform her local community. She has dedicated her efforts to enhancing the Woman’s Club’s outdoor space, while also spearheading the early stages of a new mural on the building’s exterior that will celebrate local history and art. In addition to directly supervising the reconstruction of the space, Laura was instrumental in the project’s fundraising.

Across all her roles, Laura consistently drives positive change in her community through her leadership, sense of civic responsibility, and commitment to excellence. Her efforts have benefited Antioch community members of all ages and her dedication to supporting the community is truly worth celebrating.

Lisa Lacy – Antioch – Contra Costa

Lisa Lacy is a dedicated member of the Antioch community who works tirelessly to protect and care for the local feral feline population of Antioch. Starting her days in the early hours of the morning, Lisa works to trap, transport, house, and medicate feral felines across Antioch. She has worked tirelessly to prepare formerly feral cats for their new lives in loving homes through trap, neuter and return efforts. Lisa has helped to create a more humane environment for our feline friends and those who enjoy their company.

To educate and empower her fellow Antioch community members, Lisa created the Scruffy to Fluffy information page. Community members can find adoptable cats, as well as information on how best to deal with those that are feral. Many community members have turned to her after receiving litters that are too large for them to manage, and Lisa has helped to arrange adoptions and other methods of care.

Her work has benefited both 4-legged and human members of Antioch’s community, and her dedication does not go unnoticed. Lisa’s dedication to caring for Antioch’s feline population reflects the very best of community service and continues to make a meaningful difference for both animals and residents.

UPDATE: When reached for comment Lacy said, “I was not able to attend as we had transport to several different cities to have both friendly and community cats sterilized.”

As for her friend in the photo she said, “His name is Asher and he went to a wonderful home in Old Town Sacramento.”

A video of the event can be found here and see more photos here.

Congressman Garamendi represents California’s 8th District in the U.S. House of Representatives which currently includes portions of Contra Costa County along the northern waterfront from Richmond to Antioch. After the 2026 election, the new district will only include portions of West County.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

4.5-star rating reflects the expert medicine, seamless care, and outstanding service provided to more than 1.5 million Medicare Advantage members in CA

By Elissa Harrington, Senior Media Relations & PR Representative, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, Calif. October 27, 2026 — Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare Advantage health plan in California is among the highest rated plans in the state, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ 2027-star ratings.

Kaiser Permanente California earned 4.5 stars. The top rating is 5 stars.

Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare HMO health plan in California has been highly rated for 17 consecutive years (2011-2027) and is tied for the highest performing health plan in the state.

“Every day our Northern California care teams deliver personalized, compassionate care to our Medicare health plan members, helping them lead healthy and productive lives,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region, which serves more than 1.5 million Medicare health plan members. “We’re proud to be recognized nationally for the high-quality care and outstanding service we provide.”

This high rating reflects the expert medicine, seamless care and outstanding service Kaiser Permanente California and all Kaiser Permanente health plans provide to their Medicare health plan members. For the third year in a row, all Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plans are rated 4 stars or higher. 

“Our physicians, nurses, and care teams in Kaiser Permanente Northern California are committed to helping our Medicare health plan members achieve better health outcomes through coordinated, personalized, high-quality care,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “These ratings reflect the expertise of our teams and their dedication to supporting the health and well-being of our older adult populations.”

What CMS ratings measure

Every year, CMS publishes Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) ratings. Each year, CMS rates Medicare health and prescription drug plans using a 1-to-5-star scale. The ratings help consumers compare the quality of available plans.

CMS evaluates several key areas to determine star ratings:

• How well health plans help members stay healthy
• How well plans manage ongoing health conditions
• Member experiences
• Customer service
• Access to care
• Pharmacy services

Enrolling in a Kaiser Permanente Medicare health plan

Open enrollment for all 2027 Medicare health plans begins on October 15 and runs through December 7, 2026. Kaiser Permanente is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Kaiser Permanente depends on contract renewal.

Medicare beneficiaries can learn more about the CMS star ratings and Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare health plans by visiting kp.org/medicarestars.

About CMS

CMS is the federal agency that provides health coverage to more than 160 million through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Health Insurance Marketplace. 

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.

Student and Adult Humanitarians to be Recognized at Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony

Deadline: Nov. 6

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

(Martinez, CA) – Contra Costa County seeks nominations for Humanitarians of the Year to be recognized during the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ceremony.

The deadline to submit candidates for consideration is November 6, 2026.

The event will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 19.

The Board of Supervisors will recognize two individuals, one adult and one student leader, whose dedication to others embodies the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the January event.
Nominate a community member and/or student whose accomplishments and actions go above and beyond to positively impact Contra Costa County, its residents, and communities. Please nominate candidates who demonstrate leadership, commitment to the community, and personal integrity.
To submit online nominations and learn more about the County’s celebration, visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony website.

Antioch High hosts Parade, Street Percussion & Jazz Competitions but not eligible for awards

By Antioch Unified School District

It was a hot day but that didn’t stop 24 school music groups from giving great performances.

On Saturday, Oct 3, 2026, the 37th annual Delta Band Review started the day of competition with a parade in front of Antioch Middle School on D Street.

A total of 20 high school marching bands competed. The event also included a jazz contest, with four schools competing.

The Deer Valley High School Teal & Black Regiment marched away with the second place award in the Parade division 2A. The Parade and Jazz Competition awards were presented in Eels Stadium.

Antioch High School’s Pride of Antioch Marching Band and Color Guard kicked off the day but, as event host, wasn’t eligible for awards.

Thanks to the many who made this event so special.

Organized by Antioch Band Backers Association

The Delta Band Review is organized by the Antioch Band Backers Association.

In a letter to “Band Members, Directors, Coaches and Guests, AHS Band Director Brian Allen Hobbs and Association President Johnny Hackenkamp wrote, “On behalf of the Antioch Band Backers Association, it is our absolute pleasure to welcome you to the 37th Annual Delta Band Review!

“Today, we invite you to experience the spectacular sights, sounds, and magic of marching and jazz bands. From the vibrant performances on the streets of Antioch to the captivating sounds inside the Beede Auditorium, this event promises an unforgettable celebration of music and community. The Parade and Percussion competitions will take place at Antioch Middle School and the City Library, while the awards ceremony will be held at Eells Stadium on the AHS campus.

“The success of this event is a testament to the dedication, passion, and support of so many individuals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers, donors, band families, and community members whose hard work has made today possible. Be sure to check out our special thanks page, where we recognize these amazing contributors.

“Once again, welcome to Antioch High School. We are excited to have you here and wish the best of luck to all the bands competing today!

For more information visit www.deltabandreview.com and www.antiochbandbackers.com.

See more photos on the AUSD Facebook page post on Oct. 5th.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

LMC Latino students excel

Online celebration Oct. 22

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.”

LMC will be recognized during the Pathway Champions: Celebrating Colleges Building Seamless Paths to Student Success virtual celebration on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., during National Transfer Week.

“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.

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.

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.

“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.

“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.

(See presentation video)

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

System’s Medicare, Medicaid, commercial health plans also rated highest in CA for overall quality

Kaiser Permanente had more 5-star or 4.5-star plans than any other health care organization for 11th ratings cycle in a row

By Elissa Harrington, Sr. Media Relations & PR Rep and Kerri Leedy, Media and Public Relations Manager, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

OAKLAND, Calif., September 16, 2026 – Kaiser Permanente Northern California is one of only two health care systems in the nation to have its Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health plans receive 5 out of 5 stars for overall quality, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2026 Health Plan Ratings.

Only 18 plans in the nation, approximately 2%, received a 5-star rating. The only other health care system in the nation to have its Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health plans receive 5 out of 5 stars was Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States.

NCQA also rates Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plans as best in California for overall treatment, prevention, and patient experience. No other health plan in Northern California received a 5-star rating.

“Kaiser Permanente Northern California continues to deliver high-value care that improves health care outcomes and betters the lives of our members and patients every day,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our health plans are continuously rated the highest because of our unwavering commitment to providing coordinated care and exceptional service.”

For 2026, NCQA rated nearly 1,000 plans – commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid – for quality and service nationwide. All of Kaiser Permanente’s commercial and Medicare plans received the highest rating, or were tied for the highest rating, in all the geographic regions we serve. Kaiser Permanente had more 5-star or 4.5-star plans than any other health care organization for the 11th ratings cycle in a row.

“This recognition reflects the dedication and clinical excellence of our physicians, nurses, and care teams, who consistently deliver the highest-quality care to our patients and the communities we serve,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Kaiser Permanente Northern California is proud to be one of only two health care systems in the nation, alongside Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic States, to have its Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health plans all receive NCQA’s highest rating.”

NCQA is a national, private not-for-profit organization that surveys health plans for performance in a wide range of clinical service measures including consumer experience, prevention, population health and treatment.

NCQA primarily used the 2025 Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set, or HEDIS®, to establish its ratings. HEDIS is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care.

The 2026 ratings and methodology are posted on the NCQA’s website at https://reportcards.ncqa.org/health-plans. See Kaiser Permanente Northern California ratings at Health Plans – NCQA.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, the Antioch City Council approved the following proclamation on a 3-0 vote with two council members absent, honoring the 25th anniversary of 9-11, Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. It was presented to Antioch Police Captain Desmond Bittner.

Bittner said, “It’s my honor to receive this on behalf of the men and women of the Antioch Police Department and the men and women of the Contra Costa Fire Department who could not be here today and the veterans in both departments. I will share this with them tomorrow.” (See 1:30:20 mark of meeting video)

WHEREAS, September 11, 2026, marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, the events of September 11, 2001, forever changed our nation and continue to impact the families of those who were lost, survivors, first responders, recovery workers, service members, and communities throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, military personnel, and countless civilians demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness, risking their own lives to save and assist others; and

WHEREAS, in the days and weeks following September 11, Americans came together with compassion, unity, resilience, and a renewed commitment to helping one another, demonstrating the strength of communities in times of adversity; and

WHEREAS, 25 years later, a new generation has grown up without firsthand memories of September 11, making it our shared responsibility to preserve the stories of those who were lost, honor those who served, and ensure that the significance of that day is never forgotten; and

WHEREAS, September 11 is recognized as Patriot Day and a National Day of Service and Remembrance, providing an opportunity to honor those who lost their lives and those who answered the call through reflection, service, compassion, and commitment to our communities; and

WHEREAS, the City of Antioch joins communities throughout our nation in remembering the lives lost on September 11, honoring the heroes who responded, and recognizing the enduring values of courage, service, unity, and resilience;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2026, as “Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance – 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001” in the City of Antioch, and encourage all residents to pause, remember, honor, and serve in memory of those whose lives were forever changed.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2026

RON BERNAL, Mayor