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Working smoke alarms reduce risk of home fire deaths in half

Daylight saving time begins on March 10 and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as theyturn their clocks forward to make sure the devices are working.

“Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to get out,” said Hanna Malak, Regional Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When you turn your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms too to help prevent a tragedy in your home.”

Since July 1, 2023, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help 2,645 people in the Northern California Coastal Region affected by 472 home fire events, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.

SMOKE ALARMS When turning your clocks forward this weekend, test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries if needed. Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including an escape plan to create and practice with your family, or download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
• Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.
• Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN SAVES LIVES Most of us don’t realize we have just two minutes to escape a home fire — which is the nation’s most frequent disaster. Since October 2014, the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working with community partners, has saved at least 2,030 lives by meeting one-on-one with families in at-risk communities to share home fire safety information, help families create escape plans, and install free smoke alarms. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. To request an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation or to get involved in an installation event, visit soundthealarm.org/nccr.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or follow us on social media. 

La Cruz Roja le pide que PRUEBE sus alarmas de humo mientras ADELANTA sus relojes este fin de semana

Las alarmas de humo en funcionamiento reducen a la mitad el riesgo de muertes por incendios domésticos

El horario de verano comienza el 10 de marzo y la Cruz Roja Americana alienta a todos a probar sus alarmas de humo mientras adelantan sus relojes para asegurarse que los dispositivos funcionen.

“Las alarmas de humo en funcionamiento reducen a la mitad el riesgo de morir en un incendio doméstico, ya que sólo se dispone de unos dos minutos para salir,” dijo Hanna Malak, CEO Regional de la Cruz Roja en la Región de la Costa Norte de California. “Cada segundo cuenta cuando hay un incendio doméstico y cuanto antes le avise una alarma de humo, antes podrá llegar a un lugar más seguro. Cuando adelante sus relojes este fin de semana, pruebe también sus alarmas de humo para ayudar a prevenir una tragedia en su hogar.”

Desde el 1 de Julio de 2023, los voluntarios locales de la Cruz Roja respondieron para ayudar a 2,645 personas en la Región de la Costa Norte de California, que fue afectada por 472 incendios domésticos, que representan la mayoría de los cerca de 65,000 desastres a los que la Cruz Roja responde anualmente en todo el país.

ALARMAS DE HUMO Cuando adelante los relojes este fin de semana, pruebe sus alarmas de humo y cambie las baterías si es necesario. Visite CruzRojaAmericana.org/incendios para más información, incluyendo un plan de escape para crear y practicar con su familia, o descargue la aplicación gratuita Emergencia de la Cruz Roja buscando “Cruz Roja Americana” en las tiendas de aplicaciones.

• Instale alarmas de humo en todos los niveles de su casa, incluidos los dormitorios interiores y exteriores y las áreas para dormir.
• Reemplace las alarmas de humo que tengan 10 años o más. Los componentes, como los sensores, pueden volverse menos sensibles con el tiempo. Siga las instrucciones del fabricante de la alarma.
• Practique su plan de escape en caso de incendio doméstico de dos minutos. Asegúrese de que todos los miembros de su hogar puedan salir en menos de dos minutos, la cantidad de tiempo que puede tener para escapar de una casa en llamas antes de que sea demasiado tarde.
• Incluya al menos dos formas de salir de cada habitación y seleccione un lugar de reunión a una distancia segura de su casa, como la casa de su vecino o un punto de referencia como un árbol específico en su patio delantero, donde todos puedan reunirse.

LA CAMPAÑA DE PREVENCIÓN DE INCENDIOS EN EL HOGAR SALVA VIDAS Desde octubre de 2014, la Campaña de Prevención de Incendios en el Hogar de la Cruz Roja, en colaboración con socios comunitarios, ha salvado al menos 2,030 vidas educando a las familias sobre la seguridad contra incendios, ayudándoles a crear planes de escape e instalando alarmas de humo gratuitas en zonas de alto riesgo de todo el país. Para obtener más información sobre la campaña y cómo puede participar, visite CruzRojaAmericana.org/incendiosdomesticos.

Sobre la Cruz Roja Americana:

La Cruz Roja Americana alberga, alimenta y ofrece alivio a las víctimas de desastres; suministra alrededor del 40% de la sangre en el país; enseña habilidades que salvan vidas; distribuye ayuda humanitaria internacional; y apoya a los veteranos, a los miembros de las fuerzas armadas y a sus familias. La Cruz Roja es una

organización sin fines de lucro que depende de los voluntarios y de la generosidad del público estadounidense para cumplir su misión. Para obtener más información, visite redcross.org o CruzRojaAmericana.org, o síganos en las redes sociales.

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At the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, 213 F Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. Hosted by the Contra Costa Health Department’s Violence Prevention Program and Gun Violence Prevention Coalition, and Bridge Builders to the New Generation.

According the CCHealth’s website, The Violence Prevention Program uses a public health approach to prevent and reduce gun violence in Contra Costa County by providing high-risk populations with social support and services informed by evidence-based practices and equity principles. The program, established in October 2022, was made possible through a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Justice Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative.

The Violence Prevention Program is partnering with community stakeholders to develop a Gun Violence Reduction Strategic Plan for the county. The plan will focus on developing social-emotional learning programs for at-risk youth, building workforce development opportunities and career paths, and working with communities to improve the physical environment, neighborhood appearance and community engagement.

Currently, the program is working with the nonprofit consultant on a landscape analysis of the county’s existing violence prevention efforts.

The Gun Violence Prevention Coalition is a diverse, community and multi-agency-driven collaborative supported by Contra Costa Health’s Violence Prevention Program. The Coalition seeks to increase collaboration among residents, community partners, and agencies who are interested in and are actively involved in reducing gun violence and advancing gun-violence prevention policies. The Coalition’s goal is to prevent and reduce the incidence of gun violence and its associated negative community and health impacts.

By Antioch Police Department

Please help us identify an unknown suspect who was recorded on video stealing a vehicle and later dumping it. The vehicle was recovered near East 6th Street and ‘A’ Street, and the suspect is seen on camera walking away from that area afterwards.

If you have any information on the identity of this suspect, please contact Community Service Officer Collazo at (925) 778-2441, or via email: jcollazo@antiochca.gov, and reference case #24-1991. Any individuals coming forth with information can remain anonymous.

Thanks for helping us keep our community safe!

Antioch School District’s bond Measure B barely passing

Incumbents lead in races for Congress, other Assembly districts

Berkeley Mayor, Oakland Councilman lead in West County State Senate race; former West Sacramento Mayor and Dixon Councilman lead in East County State Senate race

By Allen D. Payton

With the top two candidates heading to the November general election, the initial election results posted at 8:15 PM, 9:35 PM and 10:31 PM on the Contra Costa County Elections website for contested races with more than two candidates show the following:

In the 15th Assembly District race Democrat County School Board Trustee Anamarie Avila Farias and Republican Realtor Sonia Ledo are leading the other two Democrats in the race, Antioch Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson and former County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff who is in a distant fourth. As of the 10:31 PM update, Ledo had pulled within 99 votes of Avila Farias with  just 0.2 percent of the vote separating the two.

When reached for comment Ledo said, “I’m honored that the voters have placed their trust in me for positive change in California. I think this is proof the candidates can run on their merits and the two candidates who ran the most positive race came out on top. Congratulations to Anamarie. I’m hopeful that the numbers we see will hold as we are uncertain at this time how many precincts have been counted.”

11:31 PM UPDATE: Ledo moved into the lead ahead of Avila Farias following the latest update from the Contra Costa Elections office. Ledo had 17,303 votes or 32.98% and Avila Farias had 15,877 votes or 30.26% of the vote.

In the 5th Supervisorial District race Antioch Councilman Mike Barbanica and Pittsburg Councilwoman Shanelle Scales-Preston are leading Pittsburg Vice Mayor Jelani Killings, followed by Realtor Iztaccuauhtli “White Eagle” Hector M. Gonzalez.

In the 14th Assembly District race which includes West County communities, Democrat incumbent Buffy Wicks and Democrat challenger Margot Smith lead their Republican opponent and in the 11th Assembly District race which includes Far East County communities, Democrat incumbent Lori Wilson and Republican challenger Dave Ennis leader their opponents.

In the 10th Congressional District, Democrat incumbent Mark DeSaulnier and Republican challenger Katherine Piccinini lead their opponents and in the race for the 9th Congressional District, which includes Discovery Bay, Democrat incumbent Josh Harder and Republican Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln lead their opponents.

In the 3rd State Senate District race, which includes Far East County communities, Democrat former West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon and Republican Dixon City Councilman Thomas Bogue are in the lead over their rivals.

In the 7th State Senate District race, which includes West County communities, Democrat Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín and Democrat Oakland Councilman Dan Kalb lead their rivals.

All Local Measures Passing as of the 10:31 PM Update

Measure A in Martinez, which changes the City Clerk from an elected to appointed position was passing 67.08 to 32.92 percent of the vote. The measure requires a simple majority to pass.

The Antioch Unified School District’s Measure B bond measure for school improvements was passing 56.83 to 42.6 percent and requires a vote of at least 55% to pass.

Measure C in the Martinez Unified School District, which renews the $75 annual parcel tax for eight years and requires a 2/3rds vote to pass, had more than enough with 72.94 percent of the vote in favor and 27.06% of the vote opposed.

Finally, the Moraga School District Measure D bond, also requiring a 55% vote to pass, had 65.91% support and 34.09% of the vote opposing.

Please check back later for more election updates on this website.

Please check back later for more election updates on this website.

Wolverines’ student athlete Jaelyn Wilkins recognized by state, federal representatives

12 other students win essay, art contests; Dozier Libbey senior honored with Reggie Moore Memorial Community Service Award

Carmen Dragon students win all 3 for both Elementary School essay and art contests

By Allen D. Payton

(Publisher’s Note: Apologies for the delay in publishing this article, but the information was not provided to the Herald until last week.)

During this year’s Antioch Unified School District Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration held in January, awards and checks were presented to a variety of elementary, middle and high school students who won the contests for the best essay and art. The submission topic for this year was, “Shifting the Culture Climate through the Study and Practice of Dr. King’s Nonviolence.” Students were invited to submit either a written entry of a poem or essay, short story, etc. or a visual entry including a story told through video, photographs, music, drawings, paintings, collages, etc.

Deer Valley High School sophomore scholar athlete, Jaelyn Wilkins, won first place in the high school essay contest and received a check for $250.00, as well as certificates of recognition by Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and Assemblyman Tim Grayson.

Wilkins also runs on the cross country and track teams for the Wolverines. In 2022 she was honored to be part of the Cross Country Second Team All-League by the coaches of the Bay Valley Athlete. Wilkins was also honored as the 2022-23 Deer Valley cross country team’s Freshman Phenom and the track team’s Most Valuable Player with the Most Points.

Following is Jaelyn’s winning 2024 MLK contest essay:

“Dr. King’s incredible legacy has a profound impact on me, even at the age of 15. 

Embracing the 2024 theme, I am determined to make a difference in my own unique way. Through acts of kindness, understanding, and empathy, I strive to create a world where everyone is treated with respect and equality. 

Inspired by Dr. King’s unwavering dedication, I am committed to standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. 

Whether it’s advocating for social justice, promoting inclusivity in my school and community, or raising awareness about important issues, I believe that every action, no matter how small, can contribute to a brighter future. 

As a young person, I recognize the power of my voice and the impact I can have on those around me. By educating myself and others, fostering dialogue, and encouraging empathy, I hope to inspire my peers to join me in creating positive change. Together, we can break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and build a more equitable society. Dr. King’s dream of equality and justice serves as a guiding light for me and my generation. 

We carry his message in our hearts and are committed to continuing his work. With passion, determination, and a belief in the power of unity, we can make a lasting impact and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 

Let’s continue to honor Dr. King’s legacy and work towards a future filled with love, compassion, and equality.”

The following AUSD students were the winners in each contest category and the prize money amounts they received:

High School-Essay:

1st place: Jaelyn Wilkins, 10th grade, Deer Valley High School – $250.00

2nd place: Daniela Edeh, 10th grade, Dozier Libby High School – $150.00

3rd place: Jae’la Falls, 10th grade, Deer Valley High School – $100.00

Middle School-Essay:

1st place: Airabella Clark, 7th grade, Dallas Ranch – $150.00

Elementary School-Essay:

1st place: Annabella He, 5th grade, Carmen Dragon – $50.00

2nd place: Alijah Jones, 3rd grade, Carmen Dragon – $40.00

3rd place: Yesenia Gonzales, 3rd grade, Carmen Dragon – $25.00

High School-ART:

1st place: Andelia Melgar-Portillo, 9th grade, Dozier Libby – $250.00

2nd place: Iris Zhang, 10th grade, Deer Valley High School – $150.00

3rd place: Mckeyla Feliciano, 10th grade, Antioch High School – $100.00

Elementary School-ART:

1st place: Aviya Gaetos, 5th grade, Carmen Dragon – $50.00

2nd place: Milena Palumbo, 5th grade, Carmen Dragon – $40.00

3rd place: Ryuu Clarke, 5th grade, Carmen Dragon – $25.00

There were no winners in the Middle School Art contest, according to Velma Wilson, the district’s Parent & Student Engagement Liaison.

Reggie Moore Memorial Community Service Award: 

Matilda McCarthy, 12th grade, Dozier Libby Medical High School – $300.00

“Congratulations to this year’s winners of the Annual Dr. King Art & Essay Contest,” Wilson shared.

From Bay Area Election Officials

After Election Day, it takes time for County Elections Officials to count all the votes and make sure that all the votes have been counted. Counties have 28 days to complete the official canvass of an election.  There are many steps that must be completed to ensure the integrity of the election, and in its essence, the purpose of the canvass accomplishes the following critical tasks:

• Ensure every eligible ballot is counted
• Ensure voters only voted once
• Ensure proper procedures were followed on Election Day
• Ensure the vote tabulation system is properly counting ballots

Processing Vote by Mail ballots takes time.  Each signature is verified prior to preparing the ballot for counting. Vote by Mail ballots postmarked on or before Election Day and received up to seven days after Election Day must go through this process as well.

During the canvass, voting records are updated based on whether a registered voter voted by mail or in person. During this process, the number of voters is reconciled to the number of ballots cast for each voting location. This is a critical step in ensuring that all ballots are accounted for from each voting location. The statewide voter registration database linking up all 58 counties helps staff ensure voters only voted once.

During the canvass, counties are required to conduct audits of the ballot counting system, by performing the One Percent Manual Tally. This involves randomly selecting at least one percent of the precincts of ballots cast in person, as well as Vote by Mail ballots, and performing a manual hand count of each set of ballots, then comparing them to the machine count results.

“Canvassing votes involves more than just scanning ballots and tallying results,” said Kristin B. Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters. “There are many steps to ensure that ballots are counted properly, the equipment is counting correctly, and the integrity of the election is intact.”

As with all activities related to an election, the canvass is open to the public for observation.  Please contact your county elections office for more details on how to observe election activities. Information on this topic as well as direct links to local elections offices can be found on our website, BayAreaVotes.org, or our Facebook page, Bay Area Votes.

Over 400,000 have signed petitions to place the measure that will stop theft and fentanyl crimes onto the November 2024 ballot

Gains support of Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft, over 30 mayors & local leaders

Get petition to help gather signatures below

Over 400,000 California voters have signed the petition to place the Homeless, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act on the November 2024 ballot.

“We have seen a record number of voters seeking to sign the petition to place this measure on the ballot – sometimes waiting in line to do so,” said campaign chair Greg Totten who is also chief executive officer for the California District Attorneys Association. “This is consistent with polling that has shown that 70% of likely California voters support the Homeless, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act. The measure is commonsense and injects accountability back into our laws for repeat offenders of theft and for crimes involving fentanyl and other serious drug crimes.”

Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft endorses proposed initiative to reform Proposition 47

Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft (CARRT) announced last week its support for the proposed initiative called the Homeless, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act.

“Our current system puts Californians at risk as crime continues to rise without any real repercussions. That is why Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft is supporting the Homeless, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Initiative,” said Matt Ross, spokesman for Californians Against Retail and Residential Theft.

“The initiative focuses on repeat offenders of retail crime. It provides an opportunity for those with substance abuse and mental health problems to seek help through diversion programs. At the same time, it also ensures that there are real consequences for individuals who continue to break the law.”

“Moreover, this initiative is a significant step towards putting an end to retail and residential theft in both Main Street and neighborhood areas.”

According to data from the Public Policy Institute of California, there has been a significant increase in commercial shoplifting, with a 28.7% rise in 2022 alone. Commercial burglary and robbery have also seen an increase of 5.8% and 9%, respectively. Furthermore, a recent survey revealed that 88% of retailers are experiencing more aggressive and violent shoplifters compared to the previous year.

CARRT is a diverse coalition consisting of over 200 business associations, local groups, and victim organizations. Their main goal is to advocate for California officials to take action and equip law enforcement with the necessary tools to reduce theft. Prominent members of the coalition include local Chambers of Commerce, California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, California Business Roundtable, California Black Chamber of Commerce, California Grocers Association, California Peace Officers Association, Crime Victims United, Klaas Kids Foundation, and the National Federation of Independent Business.

CARRT has been engaging in discussions with local officials, law enforcement, and legislators to ensure that they comprehend the true impact of retail and residential crime. They aim to provide public safety officials with additional resources to effectively address this problem. For more information about CARRT, please visit their website at www.carrt.org.

Over 30 mayors and local elected leaders endorse Prop 47 reform initiative

Bipartisan support continues to grow with over 30 mayors and local elected officials from across the state have endorsed the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act. The measure will increase community safety by holding those who repeatedly steal or traffic hard drugs accountable. The measure has collected 75% of the needed signatures from California voters to place it on the November ballot.

“Our city has continued to prioritize safety for our residents, businesses and visitors. We realize that the laws must adapt to the circumstances we see on our streets today. Retail theft and drug offenders repeat their crimes without any accountability or consequence which is why I am supporting this ballot measure,” said Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock. “We need smart changes to Prop 47 so that we can stop crime and hold repeat offenders accountable. Consequences act as a deterrent while at the same time, this measure prioritizes effective drug treatment and rehabilitation programs. This ballot measure will provide the tools our city needs to improve community safety.”

Local mayors and elected officials from every region across the state continue to endorse a measure that balances accountability and rehabilitation programs.

Bay Area Elected Leaders

Mayor Matt Mahan, City of San Jose

Mayor London Breed, City and County of San Francisco

Mayor Lily Mei, City of Fremont

Mayor Carmen Montano, City of Milpitas

Vice Mayor Renee Golder, City of Santa Cruz

Councilmember Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, City of Santa Cruz

Former Mayor Ryan Coonerty, City of Santa Cruz

Vice Mayor Sherry Hu, City of Dublin

Councilmember Liang Chao, City of Cupertino (title for identification purposes only)

Councilmember Kitty Moore, City of Cupertino (title for identification purposes only)

Mayor Yan Zhao, City of Saratoga

Councilmember Rishi Kumar, City of Saratoga

Councilmember Javed Ellahie, City of Monte Sereno

Northern & Central CA Elected Leaders

Mayor Jerry Dyer, City of Fresno

Mayor Karen Goh, City of Bakersfield

Supervisor Rich Desmond, Sacramento County

Southern California Elected Leaders

Mayor Phil Brock, City of Santa Monica
Mayor Mark Arapostathis, City of La Mesa
Mayor Richard Bailey, City of Coronado
Mayor Keith Blackburn, City of Carlsbad

Mayor John Franklin, City of Vista
Mayor Lesa Heebner, City of Solana Beach
Mayor Rebecca Jones, City of San Marcos
Mayor Tony Kranz, City of Encinitas
Mayor John McCann, City of Chula Vista
Mayor John Minto, City of Santee

Mayor Ron Morrison, City of National City
Mayor Esther Sanchez, City of Oceanside
Mayor Steve Vaus, City of Poway
Mayor Bill Wells, City of El Cajon
Mayor Dane White, City of Escondido

A survey of likely California voters found that 70% of voters support the title and summary of the Homeless, Drug Addiction, Retail Theft Reduction Act. The overwhelming support was consistent across every demographic and geography including the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Furthermore, 89% of likely voters support amending Proposition 47 for stronger penalties for those engaged in repeated retail theft and trafficking hard drugs like fentanyl. The measure also includes incentives to complete drug and mental health treatment for people who are addicted to hard drugs. The survey was conducted online from November 8-November 13, 2023, with a margin of error of +/- 2.28%.

To qualify the measure for the November 2024 ballot, the law requires 546,651 valid signatures. The campaign is required to notify the Secretary of State after 25% of the signatures from California voters have been collected.

For more information, go to www.CASafeCommunities.com and to obtain a petition and help gather signatures visit https://blog.electkevinkiley.com/prop47/ .

In the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards; to be honored along with Businesses, Youth and Non-Profit of the Year during March 22 Gala

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of the annual awards, and local veterans leader Gerald “JR” Wilson was named the 2023 Citizen of the Year for Most Impact and Antioch School Board Trustee and former Mayor of Antioch Mary Rocha was named Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement.

In addition, Service Pros Plumbers was named Small Business of the Year, Drill Tech Drilling & Shoring was named Large Business of the Year and Soroptimist International of Antioch was named Non-Profit of the Year. As previously reported, Antioch High School junior, Fifita Grewe was named Youth of the Year.

Citizen of the year – Most Impact Gerald “JR” Wilson 

With a background in the US Army, Gerald “JR” Wilson has been a strong presence in Antioch, advocating for the well-being of local residents. His dedication shines through in his work with veterans, helping them access the benefits they deserve. Through his organization, DVG, he has made a significant impact on the community, improving the lives of many individuals. Stand Down on the Delta organized by JR Wilson’s unwavering commitment to serving others is truly commendable.

Citizen of the Year – Lifetime Achievement Mary Rocha

Mary, a resident of Antioch for many years, has dedicated over 50 years to serving the public. She made history as the first Latina Mayor of Antioch and currently serves on the school board. Mary is deeply committed to improving the lives of children and frequently volunteers to read to first graders. Additionally, she holds a special place in her heart for honoring veterans. She is one of the founding members for the Luminary Lighting project honoring members who have passed in active duty from East Contra Costa County. Friends describe Mary as Shakespeare quoted, “Some people are born great, some achieve great, and some have greatness thrust upon them”, this is Mary in all three situations. Mary has a deep wealth of political experience but at her core, she is all about serving our community. 

Each of the winners will be honored at the Chamber’s annual Gala on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center. Tickets are $80 each or $640 for a reserved table of eight, and can be purchased on the Chamber’s website at www.antiochchamber.com.