For Most Impact and Lifetime Achievement, respectively

By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

During the annual Gala on Friday, March 28, 2025, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce honored Deer Valley High School Vice Principal Mike Green as the 2024 Antioch Citizen of the Year for Most Impact and former Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock with the 2024 Antioch Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement award. The event was held at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center.

2024 Citizen of the Year for Most Impact – Mike Green

Mike is the kind of volunteer every community dreams of – dedicated, selfless and endlessly giving. His commitment to service extends both locally and internationally, having traveled alongside his father to Mexico and Zambia to assist with dental work for those in need. A natural leader from a young age, Mike achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at just 12 years old and has since continued his scouting journey as a Scoutmaster, tirelessly fundraising and mentoring young scouts.

Beyond scouting, Mike has devoted his career to shaping young minds, serving as an elementary school principal and now as the Vice Principal at Deer Valley High School. His passion for helping students reach their full potential extends to the athletic field, where he previously coached track at Deer Valley. His impact in Antioch runs deep – serving on the boards of Delta Advocacy, the Leo Fontana Foundation, and the Rotary Club of the Delta, where he has championed initiatives supporting low-income families, youth, and seniors.

Mike’s generosity does not stop there. He founded the Home Team program, which provides minor home repairs for local seniors, ensuring they can live safely and comfortably. His heart for service is also evident in the kitchen, where he volunteers as a sous chef, preparing meals for community dinners benefiting causes such as the Elderly Wish Foundation and Special Needs Christmas events. The list of Mike’s contributions could go on and on, but one thing is clear—his impact is profound, and his dedication to Antioch is unmatched. He is truly an incredible, selfless, and exemplary member of our community.

2024 Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement – Former Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock

Lori is the true definition of a servant leader, dedicating countless hours to understanding and uplifting her community. Her passion and commitment have driven numerous initiatives that have positively impacted Antioch and beyond.

From coaching youth sports to organizing fundraising efforts, Lori has always prioritized the well-being of children and families. She played a pivotal role in coordinating the first Women’s March in Antioch, raising awareness for women’s rights in East County. She also initiated the Veterans Banner Program, a heartfelt tribute that honors local veterans by displaying their images along the city’s main streets.

As a dedicated board member of PAL (Police Activities League), Lori works tirelessly to support fundraising efforts for youth programs, ensuring that children have access to positive activities and opportunities. Additionally, she serves as the Chair of the Elderly Wish Foundation, granting seniors their final wishes and bringing joy to their lives in their most precious moments. Lori’s impact extends even further as she was instrumental in the opening of Antioch’s Family Justice Center, providing essential resources and support for individuals and families in need.

Her efforts have not only strengthened community programs but have also inspired countless individuals to take action and give back. Whether advocating for women’s rights, honoring veterans, supporting youth, or fulfilling the wishes of seniors, Lori’s selfless contributions have touched lives in profound ways. Her lifelong commitment to service and advocacy is a testament to her character, making her a truly deserving recipient of this award.

Three awards to be presented during luncheon including “Visionary Leadership” Award to Contra Costa DA Diana Becton

By Jennifer Adams, Senior Executive Assistant, President’s Office, Los Medanos College

Los Medanos College will host its 2nd Annual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Three people will receive the 2025 Los Medanos College MLK Awards:
• “Visionary Leadership” Award – Diana Becton | District Attorney for Contra Costa County
• “Beloved Community” Award – Kolette Simonton | Director of Recreation for the City of Pittsburg
• “Emerging Leadership” Award – Annisha Geran | LMC Alumna, School Site Council Chairperson at MLK, Jr. Junior High School & School Site Council Vice Chairperson at Pittsburg High School
The awards will be presented during the luncheon that day.

The “Visionary Leadership” Award recognizes a member of the eastern Contra Costa County community who embodies 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.” This award recognizes local leaders who have demonstrated the courage to speak up when needed, to step up when no one else would, and to lift others whose efforts would serve the greater good.

The “Beloved Community” Award is inspired by the term popularized by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and is presented to a local resident who has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to service. As noted by The King Center, the “Beloved Community” is a global vision in which: 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.” Recipients of this award demonstrate agape love, which Dr. King described as “understanding, redeeming goodwill for all” – a love “seeking to preserve and create community.”

The “Emerging Leadership” Award is given to an LMC student or alumna/us who exemplifies the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and, within the last year, has made a significant impact on the LMC campus or in the local community in the areas of advocacy and social justice. Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” – and these emerging leaders are already demonstrating that commitment to service.

RSVPs for the luncheon are no longer being accepted.

About LMC
Los Medanos College 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.
• The Pittsburg Campus boasts 120 acres, a lake, advanced library, science, math and student union buildings.
• The Brentwood Center, which opened May 2022, is nestled on 17.5 acres along the rolling hills of the City of Brentwood.
• The college offers more than 90 transfer and career-technical programs of study to help students achieve a lifetime of higher earnings.
• Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution.
LMC is located at 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. The Brentwood Center is located at 1351 Pioneer Square.

Lori Ogorchock, Mike Green are 2024 Citizens of the Year

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of the annual awards for 2024.

• Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement – Former Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock
• Citizen of the Year for Most Impact- Mike Green
• Small Business of the Year- Mike’s Pastry
• Large Corporate Business of the Year – Travis Credit Union
• Non-Profit of the Year – RCF Connects
• Student of the Year – Mina Aljanaby, Dozier-Libbey Medical High School student

More details on each winner will be provided by the Chamber later.

An additional Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement will be posthumously to the late Jimmy Bean, a former business owner and community leader, who passed away in December. (See obituary, here)

All seven award winners will be honored at the Chamber’s Annual Gala at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center on Saturday, March 28. Tickets are $85 per person or $680 for a table of eight and are available on the Chamber’s website at www.AntiochChamber.com.

One of 74 out of 429 in California

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today that 74 schools throughout the state were recognized as Model Continuation High Schools (MCHS) for 2025. These schools provide comprehensive services to at-risk youth through exemplary instructional strategies, flexible scheduling, and guidance and counseling services. Continuation schools provide a high school diploma program for students who have not graduated from high school, are required to attend school, and are at risk of not completing their education.

Four of those schools are located in Contra Costa County:
• Antioch Unified School District, Bidwell High School in Antioch
• Mount Diablo Unified School District, Olympic High School in Concord
• San Ramon Valley Unified School District, Del Amigo High in San Ramon
• West Contra Costa School District, Sylvester Greenwood Academy in Richmond

“Today, we celebrate 74 commendable schools for their tremendous efforts as alternative campuses of learning,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “The priority of our Model Continuation High Schools is to give students more than a diploma. The teachers and administrators aim to provide students with a student-centered approach that meets their diverse academic, social, and emotional needs and opportunities to explore options beyond high school, preparing students for the future whether they choose to pursue further education or join the workforce.”

Currently, there are 429 continuation high schools who serve close to 49,000 students throughout the state. MCHSs excel and provide exceptional opportunities for their students to pursue academic and social success.

The Model Continuation High School Recognition Program is a collaborative partnership between the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Continuation Education Association Plus (CCEA Plus). Schools operate their own exemplary programs, but Model Continuation High School–recognized educators commit to supporting and mentoring their peers in other local educational agencies.

The 74 schools selected as Model Continuation High Schools retain their designation for three years. They will be recognized at the CCEA Plus 2025 State Conference in April. For more information on continuation education, please visit the CDE Continuation Education web page.

UPDATE: In a post on the Antioch Unified School District’s Facebook page on Thursday, Feb. 20, AUSD Director of Secondary Schools Lindsay Wisely was quoted as saying, “Bidwell High School has an array of programs that provide students with academic support, college/career exposure, and mental health resources. The educators and outstanding principal provide students with an exceptional small school experience. Students who attend there are proud of their campus.”

The post also included, “Big congrats to Principal LaTanya Williams and staff for continuing to serve their students so well.”

About Bidwell High School
Bidwell High School is one of two continuation high schools in the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD), serving students in grades 10 through 12, ages 16-18 years old. The purpose of Bidwell is to provide students who are deficient in credits with an alternative opportunity to improve their academic skills as they work toward graduating with their class.

Students typically have a four-period day, but more periods can be added based on a student’s proven commitment to quality work and a student’s particular graduation status. Grades and credits are issued on a quarterly basis. Almost all schoolwork is completed in small classes under the direction of the instructor. A high school diploma may be earned by meeting the Antioch Unified School District’s credit requirement of 180 credits for continuation schools.

Bidwell works continuously to develop programs that offer a unique and nurturing environment that includes a small community setting, an individualized graduation plan developed and monitored for each student, staff with a high level of experience, and a diverse student population. To learn more visit www.antiochschools.net/o/bhs.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Among 6 Kaiser Nor Cal hospitals ranked as nation’s Top Hospitals by The Leapfrog Group

By Antonia Ehlers, PR & Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Six Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals are among the top hospitals in the nation for providing safe, high-quality patient care, according to the Leapfrog Group’s 2024 Top Hospital award.

The highest-performing hospitals on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey are recognized annually with the prestigious Leapfrog Top Hospital award, considered one of the most elite and competitive honors a hospital can receive. In 2024, only 134 hospitals nationwide, or less than 6% of the nearly 2,400 eligible hospitals, were recognized.

The six Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals to receive the award include: Antioch, Manteca, Modesto, San Jose, San Rafael and South San Francisco. The Leapfrog Group also recently recognized 14 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals with an “A” rating for patient safety.

Kaiser Foundation Hospital Antioch was recognized as a Top Teaching Hospital.

View this hospital’s full score.

View this hospital’s Leapfrog Hospital Survey Results

“Our hospitals are recognized consistently as among the best in the nation for providing safe, equitable, high-quality patient care, which is a top priority for our care teams and the staff and employees who support them,” said Carrie Owen Plietz, FACHE, president of Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “Focusing on safety and quality enhances clinical outcomes and supports our patients’ journey toward improved health.”

Only 29 California hospitals received the Leapfrog Top Hospital award. Kaiser Permanente Northern California’s 6 hospitals represent more than 20% that were recognized.

The Leapfrog Top Hospital award is based on excellence in upholding quality standards across several areas of patient care including staffing, hand hygiene, infection rates, practices for safer surgery, maternity care, and error prevention. Hospitals must have also received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade in the most recent round of scoring to be eligible for the Top Hospital award. 

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our highly trained clinical teams who provide exceptional quality care with compassion,” said Maria Ansari, MD, FACC, chief executive officer and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group. “Kaiser Permanente continues to be ranked among the best for providing high-quality care, focusing on the overall health and well-being of those we serve.”

The annual Top Hospital award is given to both teaching and general medical centers. Kaiser Permanente Antioch, San Jose, and South San Francisco are named top teaching hospitals and Kaiser Permanente Manteca, Modesto, and San Rafael are named top general hospitals.

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health care benefits. It is an independent advocacy group working with a broad range of partners, including hospitals and insurers.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California

At the Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center, geriatric patients have an integrated team of health care providers who care for their physical, spiritual and emotional needs.

 The hospital recently received the Level 1 – Comprehensive Excellence Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) from the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The program uses evidence-based standards to help improve surgical care and outcomes for patients 75 years and older.

Kaiser Permanente Antioch is the 12th hospital in the United States to receive this verification.  Kaiser Permanente Northern California has four other hospitals that have achieved this designation: Richmond, Walnut Creek, Oakland and Fresno. The Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center was one of the nation’s first hospitals to achieve verification in 2021.

“The American College of Surgeons has a long history of encouraging the use of evidence-based best practices to improve care of patients who need surgery,” said Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center Physician in Chief Sharon Mowat, MD. “Our team has invested a tremendous amount of time and effort into improving our patients’ care before and after surgeries.”

Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) are living longer than any generation before them. By the year 2050, senior citizens will represent 22% of the U.S. population. Anita Chiu, MD, serves dual roles as Kaiser Permanente Antioch’s geriatric surgery director and one of three Northern California geriatric surgery physician leads.

“Frail, older individuals are more likely to have complications, and they may have a different outlook on what matters most to them after a surgery,” she said. “The Geriatric Surgery Verification Program was designed to make the communication between surgeons and patients more focused on the goals of the individual.”  

Geriatric-friendly patient rooms support elderly patients with their recovery. For example, special windows help them to tell the difference between day and night. Large clocks, non-slip floors, contrasting wall and floor colors, and handrails also help patients while they recover. Proper nutrition and hydration are extremely important, so the geriatric care team makes sure that patients are properly nourished before and after their surgeries.

A dedicated health care team

Chiu runs the hospital’s program with Geriatric Surgery Coordinator Ali Gratny, RN, and Regional Physician Lead Hemant Keny, MD.

“Older adults are a special population with unique and often complex needs – physiologically and socially,” Keny said. “Sometimes, the best advances in geriatric health care involve the warmth of human connection and interdisciplinary teamwork.”

Chiu was recognized as a national expert at implementing geriatric surgery quality programs, and she was asked by the ACS to join the GSV Education and Informatics Task Force. Keny was asked to join the GSV Leadership Committee.

For every surgery involving an elderly patient, a multi-disciplinary team discuss how the surgery will affect the patient’s overall quality of life. Patients undergoing elective surgeries are evaluated by geriatricians. High-risk patients are reviewed by a multi-specialty team of physicians who discuss vulnerabilities and make recommendations. Final decisions are made by patients and their families.

“The Senior Surgical Care Program at Kaiser Permanente is special because it breaks down some of the traditional silos of health care in order to provide our patients with the very best patient-centered care,” said Gratny, the hospital’s geriatric surgery coordinator. “We work together to identify the strengths of the patient and their support system, as well as their vulnerabilities. This holistic approach to health care is uniquely valuable.”

By Allen D. Payton

As one resident said, “it’s like Antioch’s version of Oprah during her TV show giving out items to her audience members saying, ‘you get a gift, you get a gift, you get a gift’,’ during a ceremony Monday morning, Dec. 9, 2024, departing Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe awarded a Key to the City to “several deserveing [sic] individuals” according to the announcement on his official Facebook page.

The keys mounted on plaques were bestowed upon one former resident, the late Barbara Sobalvarro, the founder of Antioch Friends of Animal Services, who passed away last month, and 10 City department heads.

The recipients also included Director of Finance Dawn Merchant, Director of Information Technology Alan Barton, Economic Development Director and former Acting City Manager Kwame Reed, Director of Parks & Recreation and former Acting Assistant City Manager Brad Helfenberger, Acting Director of Public Works and City Engineer Scott Buenting, Acting Director of Community Development Kevin Scudero, Director of Human Resources Ana Cortes, Director of Public Safety & Community Resources Tasha Johnson, Interim Police Chief Brian Addington, Principal Executive Assistant Susan Vasquez and City Attorney Thomas Smith.

The ceremony held at City Hall also included what Hernandez-Thorpe labeled his “Final Address” as tomorrow night, Tuesday, Dec. 10th, the new mayor, Ron Bernal will be given his oath of office.

To be presented during Board of Supervisors annual César E. Chávez Celebration in April

Deadline: Feb. 25, 2025

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

(Martinez, CA) – The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Contra Costa County Youth Hall of Fame Awards. These awards are presented annually to outstanding Contra Costa County residents between 12 and 18 years old. Students will be recognized at the 31st Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 11 am in Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar St. in Martinez. Community members can also join the event live on Contra Costa Television channels and the County’s website.

Únase a nosotros el martes 1 de abril de 2025 para la 31ª Celebración Conmemorativa Anual de César E. Chávez. Actualmente estamos aceptando formularios de nominación para los Premios del Salón de la Fama Juvenil 2025. Haga clic aquí para acceder al formulario de nominación y más información sobre los Premios del Salón de la Fama de la Juventud. 

Nominees should demonstrate exemplary behavior in one of six categories:

• Good Samaritan: Goes out of their way to do for others without seeking recognition
• Volunteerism: Lends a helping hand for the good of the community; Gives their time and energy to a worthy cause or organization
• Teamwork: Works unselfishly for the good of the team
• Leadership and Civic Engagement: A natural leader who inspires others and works to make a difference in school and the community
• Perseverance: Has worked hard to overcome obstacles and achieve success
• Innovation and Empowerment: Lifts others up and inspires change through creative solutions

For more information and the application form to nominate youth in our community, visit
https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/FormCenter/Contra-Costa-County-Cesar-E-Chavez-Youth-42/2025-Contra-Costa-County-Youth-Hall-of-F-380

We invite you to submit your nomination by completing the form and uploading it to the County website or emailing the application and your letter of recommendation to Lia Bristol at YouthNomination@dcd.cccounty.us.

Nominations must be received or postmarked by February 25, 2025. Recipients will be recognized at the April 1, 2025, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors’ César E. Chávez Celebration.

Buscando nominaciones para el Salón de la Fama de la Juventud del Condado de Contra Costa

La Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Contra Costa está aceptando nominaciones para los Premios del Salón de la Fama Juvenil del Condado de Contra Costa 2025. Estos premios se otorgan anualmente a los destacados residentes de este mismo condado, para los jóvenes entre los 12 y 18 años.

Los estudiantes serán reconocidos en la 31ª Celebración Conmemorativa Anual de César E. Chávez el martes 1 de abril de 2025 a las 11 am en el auditorio localizado en el 1025 Escobar Street, Martínez. Los miembros de la comunidad también pueden unirse al evento en vivo por medio de los canales de televisión y de Contra Costa en el sitio web del condado.

Los nominados deben demostrar un comportamiento ejemplar en una de las seis categorías:
•Buen Samaritano: Una persona o’ joven que se desvive por hacer por los demás sin buscar reconocimiento
•Voluntariado: Es aquella persona que da una mano amiga para el bien de la comunidad; Cede su tiempo y energía a una causa u organización digna
•Trabajo en equipo: Aquella persona que trabaja desinteresadamente por el bien del equipo
•Liderazgo y Compromiso Cívico: Un líder natural que inspira a otros y trabaja para marcar la diferencia en la escuela y la comunidad
•Perseverancia: Aquella persona que a trabajado duro para superar obstáculos y alcanzar el éxito
•Innovación y empoderamiento: Es una persona que anima a los demás e inspira el cambio a través de soluciones creativas

Para obtener más información y el formulario de solicitud para nominar a jóvenes en nuestra comunidad, visite https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/FormCenter/Contra-Costa-County-Cesar-E-Chavez-Youth- 42/2025-Contra-Costa-County-Youth-Hall-of-F-380

Lo invitamos a enviar su nominación completando el formulario y subiéndolo en el sitio web del Condado o enviándolo por correo electrónico, acompañado con la solicitud y su carta de recomendación a Lia Bristol en YouthNomination@dcd.cccounty.us.

Las nominaciones deben recibirse o tener matasellos antes del 25 de febrero de 2025. Los ganadores serán reconocidos en la Celebración César E. Chávez de la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Contra Costa el 1 de abril de 2025.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.