Student and Adult Humanitarians to be Recognized at Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ceremony
Deadline: Nov. 6
ByKristi 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.
The Deer Valley High School Teal & Black Regiment marching band performs in the parade during the 37th Annual Delta Band Review on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. All photos: AUSD
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!
The Antioch High School Pride of Antioch Marching Band participated in the parade but as hosts, did not compete for the awards.
“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!
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Source: NCQA
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.”
Source: NCQA
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.
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.
Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal, joined by Councilmembers Monica Wilson (left) and Louie Rocha (right) presents the 9-11 25th Anniversary proclamation to Police Captain Desmond Bittner during the council meeting Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. Sources: (Left) Video screenshot (Top Right) U.S. Air Force
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.
11 Athletes, 1 Coach, 1 Team and a Community Leader to be honored Oct. 3
By Antioch Sports Legends
The Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2026 inductees, who will be honored Saturday, Oct. 3, during a gala dinner at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center beginning at 5 p.m.
11 Athletes, 1 Coach, 1 Team and a Community Leader Join Honorees of 100-Year Sports History of Athletes from Antioch. The gala dinner brings together more than 300 attendees, including inductees, alumni, guests, and volunteers, all united to honor our incredible athletes, coaches, and community members who’ve helped shape Antioch’s sports legacy.
“Since our inception in 2007, the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame (ASLHOF) has inducted the “Best of the Best” male and female athletes in Antioch. Our goal is to preserve the rich, historical achievements in all sports for present and future generations to enjoy,” Eddie Beaudin, one of the Sports Legends five founders said.
For more than 100 years, Antioch’s “Best of the Best” athletes have made history locally and nationally. This year is no different The Class of 2026 Inductees is highlighted by a 13-time collegiate All-American track standout; three legendary football players from years past, including one who starred in the 1971 Fiesta Bowl; a two-time state junior college champion wrestler and All-American; a hard-throwing pitcher who earned junior college All-American honors before a seven-year professional baseball career; and the first female athlete from Antioch to receive a full athletic scholarship to a major college.
The class also includes a longtime coach who guided his golf team to seven consecutive league titles and a remarkable 56-match winning streak, along with a trailblazing girl’s water polo team that captured an NCS championship.
This year’s 19th Hall of Fame class inductees include:
Vicki Gonzales All-Around Female Athlete Antioch High School (1983)
Vern Shure All-Around Male Athlete Antioch High School (1983)
Laura Clark Volleyball Antioch High School (1978)
Erin Jones Softball Antioch High School (2009)
Chizoba Okodogbe Track & Field Deer Valley High School (2010)
Anthony Cress Wrestling Antioch High School (2010)
Brett Cornelison Football Antioch High School (1984)
Roger Davis Football Antioch High School (1967)
Evan Grimes Track & Field Antioch High School (2010) Nick
Pasquale Baseball Antioch High School (2009)
Rob Patton Football Antioch High School (1985)
Girls Varsity Water Polo Outstanding Team Antioch High School (1993)
Brian Kofford Golf Outstanding Coach Deer Valley High School
Laura Jacques Outstanding Community Leader
Limited tickets are available for purchase. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Purchase your tickets now to support our outstanding athletes while they are available.
Or you can stop by our office any Wednesday or Saturday from 1pm – 4pm.during the hours the museum is open. Please call us at 925-382-0565 if you have any questions. (cash or checks are also accepted)
Tickets are $90 each.
The weekend celebration kicks off with the popular ASLHOF Alumni Golf Tournament on Fri. Oct. 2, which is already sold out.
At the museum on Sat., Oct. 3, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the new ASLHOF Class of 2026 displays will be unveiled. The displays are open to the public. Admission is always free.
That Saturday night the Sports Legends Hall of Fame induction dinner and ceremony takes place at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center at 5 p.m.
The Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that showcases and honors the achievements of 275 individual inductees and 19 teams (including players and coaches). It is located in the Antioch Historical Society Museum, 1500 West Fourth Street in Antioch. The museum is open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. free of charge. The Antioch Historical Museum resides within the 1910 Riverview High School, a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Please SHARE and LIKE on your social media accounts, help us announce the Class of 2026!
U.S. News & World Report’s annual study rates Kaiser hospitals among nation’s best for providing high-quality, specialized care
Antioch ranked Best Regional Hospital and among best in state
By Elissa Harrington, Senior Media Relations & Public Relations Representative, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
OAKLAND, CA – Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s hospitals are nationally recognized as “high performing” for treating complex medical conditions and procedures including congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and stroke.
U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Hospitals annual study rates Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals as among the top 30% of hospitals in the nation for at least one of the 37 measures evaluated.
Approximately 4,500 hospitals participated in the study, which analyzes performance in 14 specialty care areas and 23 procedures and conditions. The “high performing” designation honors those hospitals that deliver high-quality care when treating complex medical conditions, including congestive heart failure, pneumonia, colorectal cancer surgery, stroke, and diabetes.
Kaiser Permanente hospitals are consistently recognized as among the top hospitals in the nation for providing high-quality, safe patient care that leads to improved health outcomes.
“Kaiser Permanente continues to be a national leader in preventing disease, providing world-class treatment, and using evidence-based research to help our patients and members live longer and healthy lives,” said Mike Bowers, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Our clinicians and staff are delivering exceptional care to our patients every day getting them the right care when they need it.”
Top hospitals in California
Eight Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are designated by U.S. News & World Report as “Best Regional Hospitals” and are ranked among the best in the state: Antioch, Richmond, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara, Roseville and South Sacramento.
Three Kaiser Permanente hospitals are also ranked among the top 50 in the nation for providing high-quality specialty care:
San Francisco is ranked 34th for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery
Santa Clara is ranked 42nd for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery
Vallejo is ranked 45th for rehabilitation
Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa is also rated high-performing nationally for its geriatric care.
“Everything we do is centered around making sure our patients receive high-quality and high-value care,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “This recognition underscores the strength of our integrated model and the dedication of our physicians, nurses, and care teams, who provide compassionate, evidence-based care for our members and patients every day.”
In its hospital analysis, U.S. News & World Report uses publicly available data such as volume, mortality rates, infection rates, staffing levels, and patient satisfaction rates, among other factors.
The annual ratings and rankings are designed to help patients make informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.
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.
