Bob Franchetto, Antioch Lifetime Veteran of the Year and Ricky Diaz, Antioch Veteran of the Year

By Allen D. Payton

During their special meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Antioch City Council honored the 2025-26 Veterans of the Year, Bob Franchetto and Ricky Diaz, by approving proclamations for each recipient. The awards were announced during last week’s annual Antioch Veterans Day Ceremonies and both U.S. Army veterans were presented with plaques and jackets with their names embroidered. (See related article)

Both Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha and District 4 Councilwoman Monica Wilson were absent from the meeting.

Proclamations

IN HONOR OF

BOB FRANCHETTO

Antioch Lifetime Veteran of the Year 2025-2026

WHEREAS, Bob Franchetto was born on June 23rd, 1938, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and relocated with his family to the City of Antioch in 1947. He attended Antioch High School, where he contributed to the Panther newspaper, before graduating in the spring of 1956;

WHEREAS, In 1961, Bob Franchetto enlisted in the United States Army as a 717 – Clerk with Crypto Clearance and was stationed at Fort Baker, Sausalito where he served for three years;

WHEREAS, after completing his service, in 1964, he returned home to Antioch with his beloved wife, Mary, whom he met while serving in the Army, together, they continued the legacy of his family business, Cottage Florist, established in 1947 and purchased by Bob in 1959, carrying forward the family tradition that had been maintained by his parents during his time in the military;

WHEREAS, for decades, Bob and Mary’s commitment to family and community has been evident in all they have done. Married for 61 years, they raised three children – Bob, Tony, and Paula – each carrying forward the spirit of service and family pride. Their daughter Paula has continued the family’s legacy, owning and operating Paula’s Family Florist, formerly known as Cottage Florist, preserving the Franchetto name as a cherished part of Antioch’s history;

WHEREAS, Bob’s lifetime of giving back to Antioch exemplifies the true spirit of this award. His enduring dedication, quiet leadership, and steadfast love for his community remind us all that service does not end when the uniform comes off – it simply takes on new meaning;

WHEREAS, for his lifetime of service to his community and country, the Delta Veterans Group and the City of Antioch proudly recognize U.S. Army Veteran Bob Franchetto as the Antioch Lifetime Veteran of the year for 2025-2026;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch, do hereby salute, commend and honor Bob Franchetto for his dedication, commitment, and positive influence to our community and the Veterans in the City of Antioch.

NOVEMBER 20, 2025

RON BERNAL, Mayor

—————-

IN HONOR OF

Ricky Diaz

Antioch Veteran of the Year 2025-2026

WHEREAS, Ricky Diaz was born on September 29, 1961, in East Contra Costa County; WHEREAS, In 1979, Ricky enlisted in the United States Army, where he served with the 1^st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery at the Fort Richardson duty station in Anchorage, Alaska, until 1982. Ricky continued to live and work in Alaska for four more years before returning to his hometown of Antioch;

WHEREAS, Ricky has given countless volunteer hours to local organizations, including the Antioch VFW, the Antioch Historical Society, and the Antioch Bedford Center – quietly making a difference without ever seeking recognition. His humility, commitment, and heart for service truly reflect the values of our Veteran community;

WHEREAS, Ricky met his wife, Gerri, in 2007, and the two were married in 2013, at the Antioch Historical Society Museum – a fitting place for a man whose life and service are woven into the very history of our city;

WHEREAS, U.S. Army Veteran Ricky Diaz has been proudly honored as the Antioch Veteran of the Year 2025-2026, a man who continues to serve his community with honor, humility, and heart;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON BERNAL, Mayor of the City of Antioch,

do hereby salute, commend and honor Ricky Diaz for his dedication, commitment, and positive influence to our community and the Veterans in the City of Antioch.

NOVEMBER 20, 2025

RON BERNAL, Mayor

Funding to support in-person math tutoring

By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College

Pittsburg, Calif. – Mike Conklin, chairman and CEO of Sentinels of Freedom, came to Los Medanos College Nov. 6, 2025, with words of wisdom and a hand-written check worth $5,000 for LMC’s Veterans Resource Center.

Just ahead of presenting the check, Conklin spoke to students attending LMC to gain the skills and education needed to transition from military service to civilian life.

“I’m here to tell you, people in this community want to see you succeed,” Conklin said, after sharing personal stories about the military service of his son whose combat injuries resulted in a stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.  “They all respect your service and sacrifice for this country.”

He noted that Sentinels of Freedom, a nonprofit organization of veterans, aims to help wounded and injured post-9/11 veterans transition into civilian life. Through personalized support, the group provides guidance to veterans pursuing higher education, establishing careers and working toward self-sufficiency. The donation, he said, would support in-person math tutoring for student veterans at LMC. The college has 168 student veterans enrolled this fall.

Conklin also led a workshop for the group on budgeting and financial planning.

“Many veterans return to college after years away from the classroom, often facing challenges in subjects like mathematics as they transition back into academic life,” said Rikki Hall, LMC director of Admissions and Records. “This grant provides essential, targeted support to help them build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and ultimately succeed in achieving their educational goals.”

Los Medanos College Veteran Services focuses on meeting the needs of military-affiliated students, while honoring their distinct experiences and contributions. LMC is approved for education and training under applicable federal and state laws administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the California Department of Veterans Affairs.  

About Sentinels of Freedom

The San Ramon, CA-based Sentinels of Freedom are committed to empowering severely wounded and injured post-9/11 veterans during their transition into civilian life. Through personalized support, they provide guidance to each veteran in pursuing higher education and establishing fulfilling careers, facilitating their seamless integration into society and self-sufficiency.

The idea for Sentinels for Freedom began with our founder, Mike Conklin, whose son Kris was wounded in Iraq. While visiting Kris in the hospital, Mike spoke with others who were also wounded. It when then that he realized the tremendous physical and emotional hurdles these war–torn men and women faced when transitioning back to civilian life.  Conklin established the organization as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2007. For more information visit https://sentinelsoffreedom.org.

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.

By Allen D. Payton

During Antioch’s annual Veterans Day ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, Veterans of the Year honors were bestowed on Bob Franchetto and Rick Diaz.  Having both served in the U.S. Army, Franchetto was honored as the 2025-26 Veteran of the Year for Lifetime Achievement and Diaz as the 2025-26 Veteran of the Year. They were each presented with plaques and jackets with their names and titles embroidered on, provided by Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill.

Community Awards for Veteran Supports were presented to Favalora Trucking in the Business category, GFWC Antioch Woman’s Club in the Club category and Snug as a Bug in the Non-Profit category, who presented each honoree with a hand-made quilt.

The day began with a Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Antioch Rivertown Veterans Lions Club followed by the ceremony, led by organizer J.R. Wilson, President of the Delta Veterans Group and held near the Antioch Veterans Memorial at the Marina. U.S. Army Veteran Bill Swenson offered the Opening Prayer.

The Deer Valley High School Junior ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) presented the Colors, Raising of the Flag was conducted by the Antioch Police Department Honor Guard and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Rocko Jeremy of the U.S. Coast Guard.

The National Anthem was sung by Bella Rose of the DVHS Jr. ROTC and the Antioch High and Deer Valley High School Marching Bands performed the Armed Forces Medley.

Retired U.S. Army SFC Ronnie McGee was the keynote speaker, followed by Youth Speaker Armando Morales, Executive Officer of the Deer Valley High School Jr. ROTC.

Congressman Josh Harder (D-CA9) also spoke during the ceremony. He hopes to represent Antioch if re-elected next year in the newly redrawn congressional district approved by the recent passage of Prop. 50.

Other elected officials in attendance included Antioch Mayor Pro Tem and District 2 Councilman Louie Rocha and District 5 Contra Costa County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston who both spoke, as well as District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, City Clerk Michael Mandy and Antioch School Board Vice President and Area 5 Trustee Mary Rocha.

The ceremony was followed by the Veterans Day Parade on W. 2nd Street which paused in front of El Campanil Theatre at 11:11 a.m. as its historic bell rang 11 times in honor of Armistice Day, later renamed Veterans day, and the end of World War I at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.

“El Campanil did great, again with the ringing of the bell,” Wilson said later.

The parade was followed by a lunch hosted by and at the Antioch Veterans of Foreign Wars John McMullen Post 6435.

News from the East Bay Regional Park District

Includes Green Friday Free Park Day at Black Diamond Mines and Contra Loma, Nov. 28

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, Public Affairs, East Bay Regional Park District

Fall Walks & Strolls. Late fall is the perfect season to get outside and explore East Bay Regional Parks. Whether you’re up for a challenging hike or a gentle stroll, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the cool weather, crisp air, changing plant colors, and abundant wildlife on these fall walks and strolls. Let the natural beauty of the East Bay rejuvenate your spirit on these unforgettable fall adventures.

• Wednesday Walk (3.5 miles), Nov. 12, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve
• Wednesday Walk (3.75 miles), Nov. 26, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
• Saturday Stroll (4 miles), Nov. 29, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

For more information, visit ebparks.org/calendar and search for walks and strolls.

Green Friday Free Park Day. Celebrate Green Friday — the day after Thanksgiving — with a free park day in East Bay Regional Parks! Fees are waived for parking, boat launching, and fishing — only state fishing licenses, watercraft inspections, and concession fees apply. Admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm is also waived for Green Friday! The East Bay Regional Park District celebrates Green Friday to encourage the public to spend time in nature. It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends the day after Thanksgiving.

Green Friday programs include:

• Green Friday Hike, 9 a.m. at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve (Drop-in)
• Green Friday Hike Amongst the Trees, 9 a.m. at Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (Drop-in)
• Green Friday Gratitude Hike, 10 a.m. at Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve (Drop-in)
• Green Friday Hike, 10:30 a.m. at Coyote Hills Regional Park (Drop-in)
• Turkey Talk, 12:30 p.m. at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve (Drop-in)
• Green Friday Volunteer Opportunities, 9 a.m. at Contra Loma Regional Park and Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area (Registration required)

The Park District is also facilitating cleanup projects on Green Friday. Instead of (or after!) spending the day searching for special savings on holiday gifts, use the day off to give back to nature through a service project. The Park District is facilitating two clean-up events for all to join: At both Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch and Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area in Fremont, volunteers will be removing invasive plants at designated worksites between 9 a.m. and noon. Registration required.

• Age Restrictions: Youth under the age of 18 must have a signed permission by parent or legal guardian. Youth under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
• What to Bring: Water bottle, gloves, and sun protection.
• What is Provided: Necessary tools.
• Weather Notes: Heavy rain or wildfire smoke cancels.

For more information, visit ebparks.org/we-celebrate/green-friday.

Native American Heritage Month. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by recognizing and honoring the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited this land since time immemorial. Indigenous peoples and tribal citizens in the East Bay continue to be closely connected to the land through distinct traditions, unique languages, and sophisticated knowledge systems.

Individuals from the Ohlone, Bay Miwok, Delta Yokut, and many others, continue to live on this land, practicing their culture and traditions to this day. Immense gratitude is extended to the many Native peoples who have contributed — and continue to contribute — their perspectives, voices, history, and culture to our programs.

Learn more about the Park District’s Native American Heritage Month activities, programs, and stories at ebparks.org/native-american-heritage-month.

Veterans Benefits:

In addition to honoring veterans, service members and retirees with free park entrance on Veterans Day, the Park District honors the Distinguished Veteran Pass, which is administered by California State Parks. Veterans with a Distinguished Veteran Pass receive free day-use parking and free entry to Ardenwood Historic Farm, not including special events.

Plus, the Regional Parks Foundation offers a discounted Special Access Membership for veterans.

Regional Park Membership — the Perfect Gift for Nature Lovers. This holiday season, give a gift that inspires adventure all year long — a Regional Parks Foundation Membership. Members enjoy a personalized Membership Card, free day-use parking, free swimming, camping discounts, free admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm on non-event days, free home delivery of the Park District’s Regional in Nature activity guide and the Foundation’s Compass magazine, and more. Consider the Angler level for free fishing and boat launch.

Purchase by Dec. 5. Visit RegionalParksFoundation.org/Join for details.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Proceeds to benefit Delta Veterans Group

Veteran’s Appreciation Night next Monday, November 10, 2025, from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.

Enjoy great food and drinks with Smash Burgers from Chef Jeff. Help us give back to our local heroes. 10% of all proceeds will be donated to the Delta Veterans Group.

The event will be held at HOPS AND GRAPES, 24 W. 10th Street, Antioch on the corner of B Street.

For more information about Delta Veterans Group visit https://deltaveteransgroup.org.

To participate in the parade and for more information visit https://deltaveteransgroup.org.

Tours of Coast Guard ship at the Smith’s Landing dock Sunday, Sept. 14

Local high school students to perform, volunteer

By Allen D. Payton

A unit from Beale Air Force Base near Sacramento has volunteered to support this year’s Stand Down on the Delta with a flyover of two T-38 fighter jets from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron on Saturday, September 13. Pilots who fly the U-2 jets at the base train on the T-38’s.

The flyover will occur during Opening Ceremonies Saturday morning beginning at 10:00 A.M. at which the Deer Valley High Divine Voices will perform the National Anthem.

The four pilots from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron participating in the flyover will be Lt. Colonel “Mako” Willard, Major “Dice” Dodds, Major “Merle” Paegelow and Captain “Blitz” Alexander.

On Friday, as veterans arrive to the Contra Costa Event Center (fairgrounds) the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West will perform.

Then on Sunday from 10:00 AM to Noon, tours will be offered on a Coast Guard ship at the Smith’s Landing dock at the foot of L Street.

Local High School Students Volunteer

This year members from the Heritage High School Air Force Junior ROTC and Antioch High Army Junior ROTC members will be volunteering during the weekend events.

De La Salle High School students are participating in a competition in which they’re working on a sock drive for veterans. That’s one of the items So far, they have collected 1,900 pairs but the effort continues until Thursday. The school has also donated 150 sweatshirts to be distributed during the weekend.

Stand Down on the Delta, presented by Delta Veterans Group, will again be held at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds), located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. For more information click, here.

#AFFlyover

Veterans Served Their Country — Now They Serve Their Communities

Join us for Stand Down on the Delta 2025, September 12–15, 2025 at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) in Antioch, presented by Delta Veterans Group.

Launched in 2023, our “Veterans Served Their Country — Veterans Serve Their Communities” program gives these honorable individuals a New Mission of Service — and you’re invited to join them.

These brave women and men served our nation. Now, they’re answering a new call — to serve the neighborhoods and communities they call home.

Saturday, September 13, 2025, is Community Service Day, when Veterans will serve every corner of Contra Costa County, helping everyone, not just fellow Veterans. ervices are open to everyone regardless if you are a veteran or not.

Veterans: Pre-register or walk in daily

Everyone else: Come volunteer, get connected, or lend support.

Over four days, we provide life-changing services to hundreds of Veterans:

• Medical & Dental Care
• Housing, Job Placement & Legal Support
• Mental Health & Recovery Services
• Meals, Clothing, Gear & More

Over 1,754 Veterans and families helped so far — and we’re just getting started.

Help us make 2025 the most impactful Stand Down yet.

The Fairgrounds are located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch.

Delta Veterans Group – “A Hand Up, Not a Handout”. For more information visit www.deltaveteransgroup.org/stand-down-on-the-delta.