Morelia Gil-Cubillo recognized for Leadership and Civic Engagement

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch High School junior Morelia Gil-Cubillo was recently chosen as one of the 2024 Contra Costa Youth Hall of Fame award recipients. She earned the Leadership and Civic Engagement title.

“It is an immense honor to receive this award. I’m grateful to have been recognized for my hard work and determination in the community,” she said. “I will continue to give my best through service and spirit.”

On Tuesday, Gil-Cubillo and five other high school and two middle school students in the county who make outstanding community contributions, were honored by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors during the 30th Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration. The event recognized his commitment to social justice and respect for human dignity.

“We honor César E. Chávez and recognize his legacy of fighting injustice and improving the lives of farmworkers, their families, and so many others. We are inspired to once again commit ourselves to service to others,” said Board Chair Supervisor Federal Glover. “We also recognize our 2024 Youth Hall of Fame awardees whose commitment to service and community are to be celebrated and are the force moving forward Cesar Chavez’s legacy.”

At Antioch High, Gil-Cubillo created a documentary trailer for her English class, on the topic of immigration. Her trailer was heartfelt, informative, and clearly personal. Her teacher now uses her trailer as the model for other students that are working on this assignment.

In addition, Morelia’s activities include Earth Team, Girl Power, BATS Scholars and is Vice President of the Key Club.

Always wanting to support her peers, Morelia is on the Board of Directors for an SAT Prep seminar for under-resourced students. Their goal is to open doors for students to selective colleges and prepare them to thrive once they are there.

Morelia has served as a Resource Recovery Ambassador for the City of Antioch, where she played a crucial role in educating her peers on adopting environmentally sustainable practices in waste management. This experience led Morelia to become an integral part of the City of Antioch’s leadership group, the Antioch Council of Teens. In this role, she actively participates in community service projects, engaging in civic initiatives, and coordinating enjoyable social activities for teens in the City of Antioch and East Contra Costa County.

Most recently, Morelia participated as a panelist during the interviews for the newly established Antioch Police Oversight Committee. Her ability to engage in meaningful dialogue, ask insightful questions, and contribute constructively to the selection process highlighted her dedication to fostering positive change within her community. In tribute to her grandfather, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, Morelia plans to pursue an education in pathology, where she can search for a cure to this tragic disease.

About Gil-Cubillo, District 3 Supervisor Diane Burgis said, “The newest recipient of the Leadership & Civic Engagement Youth Hall of Fame award is District 3’s Morelia Gil-Cubillo. I’m humbled by how young women like Morelia and so many Contra Costa County staff continue the legacy of Cesar Chavez every day. ¡Sí se puede!”

The theme for this year’s celebration César Chávez was Perseverance & Progress – Perseverancia y Progreso. The festival featured keynote speaker Contra Costa Community College District Trustee Fernando Sandoval who was raised in the City of Pittsburg where he also attended school. Fernando joined the U.S. Navy like Cesar Chavez. Fernando played an instrumental role aboard the USS Enterprise during the Vietnam War, where his expertise in data systems previewed the vital importance of STEM education, a field he continues to support passionately. Fernando’s book, “From Tortilla Chips to Computer Chips,” is a testament to his life’s work and an educational and motivational touchstone for students and educators alike. Fernando continues to embody the value of education, community, and family like Cesar Chavez.

The event also included live performances by Mariachi Monumental and Ballet Folklórico Netzahualcoyotl, spoken word performance by Jose Cordon, and celebratory remarks from members of the Board of Supervisors.

“Cesar Chavez was a tireless advocate for farmworker rights, and farmworkers are a crucial part of our East County community,” Burgis shared after the event. “We declared this week as National Farmworker Awareness Week in recognition to their huge contribution to our food supply and well-being, while also recognizing the unsafe work conditions they are sometimes subject to and the labor protections that farmworkers are not afforded.”

“The County and my District 3 office worked hand-in-hand with East County’s farmworker communities to make sure farmworkers were counted during the 2020 Census and kept healthy during the Covid-19 pandemic,” the supervisor continued. “Contra Costa Health has also started partnering with nonprofit Hijas del Campo to provide a weekly mobile health clinic.”

See video of the celebration on the Contra Costa County website (beginning at the 3:04:15 mark and the presentation of Gil-Cubillo at the 4:01:15 mark). To learn more about the César E. Chávez Ceremony, visit www.contracosta.ca.gov/6039 on the Contra Costa County website.

“…it’s important that people with average risk get screened starting at age 45” – Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center Gastroenterologist Arun Suryaprasad, MD

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

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women, and it’s the second most common cause of overall cancer deaths.

More young people are also getting diagnosed with the disease. In 2021, the recommended screening age for colorectal cancer was lowered to 45 by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

“With more young people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, it’s important that people with average risk get screened starting at age 45,” said Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center Gastroenterologist Arun Suryaprasad, MD. “Regular screening saves lives, and it can prevent cancer altogether by finding precancerous growths. At Kaiser Permanente, we encourage our members to keep up with their health screenings.”

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month, and a good time to remember the importance of routine screenings.

“Colon cancer rarely has symptoms,” Suryaprasad said. “Most patients with colon cancer have no symptoms at all. Early detection is key.”

Suryaprasad is a proponent of the highly effective FIT (fecal immunochemical) test. It is a simple test that is safely done in the comfort of patients’ homes.

“Since launching our Kaiser FIT outreach program, where more than 80% of Kaiser Permanente members are getting colon cancer screenings done every year, we have reduced colon cancer deaths by 52 percent and have prevented the incidence of colon cancer by 26 percent,” Suryaprasad noted.

As long as FIT tests remain negative, they can be repeated every year for screening. Another at-home stool test offered by Kaiser Permanente is Cologuard testing. This stool test can be done once every three years, as long as it remains negative. Cologuard measures various types of stool DNA.

“If a patient has a positive FIT test or a positive Cologuard test, we recommend a follow-up colonoscopy exam,” Suryaprasad explained. “Colonoscopies are usually done every 10 years, but they may be done sooner if precancerous growths called polyps are removed.”

Earlier and more frequent screening might be recommended for those with a family history of colorectal cancer, who have certain health conditions or hereditary syndromes and who are at increased risk for colorectal cancer. Suryaprasad said maintaining a healthy weight with diet and exercise is extremely important.

“Smoking increases your risk of colon cancer,” he said. “If you smoke, quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. In addition, high processed foods, red meat, and processed meats such as hotdogs and deli meat can also increase your risk for colon cancer. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and fiber keeps your colon healthy. Reducing alcohol also decreases your risk of colon cancer.” 

According to Suryaprasad, the death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping for several decades. A statistic he credits to people doing their routine screenings.

“Colorectal polyps are now being found more often by screening and removed before they can develop into cancers,” he said. “By encouraging colon cancer screening, we will continue to see this reduction in colon cancer. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives.”

Wanted by Pittsburg Police, has history of arrests

By Allen D. Payton

On Wednesday morning, March 27, 2024, the U.S. Marshals Service with the help of Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a wanted fugitive, Timothy Demetrius Jeffrey of Antioch, on Almondwood Drive in Antioch for escaping federal custody. According to a resident who lives in the neighborhood officers could be heard yelling through a loudspeaker, “You are surrounded. Come out with your hands up.”

According to Abigail Meyer of the United States Marshals Service Office of Public Affairs, “The Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force (PSWRFTF) arrested Timothy Jeffrey, 43, on both his federal Supervised Release Violation warrant and Pittsburg PD Failure to Appear (FTA) warrant, the original charges for both were distribution of dangerous drugs. In addition, his FTA included charges for felon in possession of a firearm, possession of large capacity magazine, and resisting arrest. 

The PSWRFTF requested assistance from local law enforcement and a Contra Costa Sheriff’s K9 officer assisted with the rear perimeter.”

According to localcrimenews.com, Jeffrey was arrested by Pittsburg Police on April 25, 2023 for the aforementioned charges. He had previously been arrested on Feb. 29, 2016, by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department for federal (21 U.S. Code Section 846) attempt  and conspiracy charges. Jeffrey was also arrested in Jan. 2010 by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department for vehicle theft.

According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, 11-inch, 200-pound suspect who is Black, (born 4/24/80) is being held in Santa Rita County Jail in Dublin on no bail.

Victim was 36 years old; police seek unknown suspect(s)

By Acting Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at approximately 5:22 AM, Antioch police officers responded to the 600 block of E.18th Street, near the Dairy Queen, at the request of Con Fire for a male who was found deceased with an apparent gunshot wound. (See video of police at scene)

When officers arrived, they located a 36-year-old male deceased inside a parked vehicle suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification to the next of kin. This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no immediate threat to the community.

UPDATE: According to Detective Becerra the crime scene included the area on the street in front of Opportunity Village (homeless hotel) and the Golden Hills Community Outreach Center where multiple bullet casings were located. The victim walked to the Dairy Queen.

Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Becerra at (925) 779-6937 or by emailing abecerra@antiochca.gov. Anonymous tips or information about this – or any other incident – can be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ANTIOCH.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Webinar April 17

By Lasherica Thornton, EdSource.org

Over 3.6 million school-aged children across the state qualify for at least $500 in savings with the California Kids Investment and Development Savings program (CalKIDS), a state initiative to help children from low income families save money for college or career. 

Just 8.3% of eligible students, or 300,000, have claimed their accounts as many families are unaware of CalKIDS or face challenges accessing the accounts once aware.  The money is automatically deposited into the savings account under a student’s name, but families must claim the accounts by registering online. 

Here is information you should know about the state-funded accounts: 

What is CalKIDS? 

The CalKIDS program was created to help students, especially those from underserved communities, gain access to higher education. It helps families save for post high school training by opening a savings account and depositing between $500 and $1,500 for eligible low-income students in the public school system. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who launched the program in August 2022, invested about $1.9 billion in the accounts.

Who qualifies? 

Low-income students and all newborns qualify. 

According to program details, low-income public school students are awarded $500 if they:

• Were in grades 1-12 during the 2021-22 school year 
• Were enrolled in first grade during the 2022-23 school year, or 
• Will be in first grade in subsequent school years. 

An additional $500 is deposited for students identified as foster youth and another $500 for students classified as homeless. 

For newborns, 

• Children born in California after June 2023, regardless of their parents’ income, are granted $100. 
• Those born in the state between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, were awarded $25 before the seed deposit increased to $100. 
• Newborns get an additional $25 when they claim the account and an additional $50 if parents link the CalKIDS account to a new or existing ScholarShare 529 college savings account. 

The California Department of Education determines eligibility based on students identified as low income under the state’s Local Control Funding Formula or English language learners. The California Department of Public Health provides information on newborns.

How can students use the money? 

The money can be used at eligible higher education institutions across the country, including community colleges, universities, vocational or technical schools and professional schools, according to CalKIDS. 

The funds can be used for: tuition and fees, books and supplies, on or off-campus room and board as well as computer or other required equipment, according to the CalKIDS program guide. 

Click hereto search for schools that qualify as an eligible higher ed institution. 

Does the CalKIDS account have restrictions similar to those for a 529 savings account? 

CalKIDS accounts are a part of the ScholarShare 529 program — California’s official tax-advantaged college savings plan — and administered by the state’s ScholarShare Investment Board. 

Transportation and travel costs are usually not considered qualified expenses for 529 savings accounts. 

According to the guide for CalKIDS, if a student has no account balance with their higher education institution — which receives the CalKIDS distribution check —  the institution can pay the funds directly to the student. 

Does the money in the CalKIDS accounts earn interest? 

The deposits grow over time because CalKIDS accounts are interest-bearing.

How aggressive that growth is depends on the age of the student, said Joe DeAnda, communications director with the California State Treasurer’s Office, which oversees the CalKIDS program. 

“If it’s a newborn, (the seed deposits are) invested in a fairly aggressive portfolio that assumes 18 years of investing time,” DeAnda said. “If they are school-aged, they’re invested in a more conservative portfolio that assumes a shorter investing timeline and is a more secure portfolio.”  

Even among students, the younger a child is, the more aggressive the savings portfolio will be. The investment provides “opportunity to grow savings while the child is younger and better safeguard savings against market fluctuations when the child nears college age,” according to the CalKIDS program guide.

Specifically, accounts for newborns, each new class of first graders and students in grades 1-5 during the 2021-22 school year are invested in a portfolio that corresponds to the year that they’re expected to enter a program after high school, or at age 18. The portfolio will become more conservative as the child gets older. 

For students in grades 6-12 during the 2021-22 school year, the accounts are invested with a guaranteed, or fixed, rate of return on the investment. 

Can I add to the account? 

No, you cannot add money to the CalKIDS account. Parents or guardians can open a ScholarShare 529 account, which can be linked to the CalKIDS account so they can view the accounts in one place. 

In fact, CalKIDS encourages families to open a ScholarShare 529 college savings account, which is a way for families to save even more money for their children, DeAnda said. 

What if my student already graduated? What happens to unclaimed money? 

The accounts remain active under a student’s name until the student turns 26 years old. Up until that age, students can claim the money. 

If the account is not claimed by age 26, the account closes, and the money is reallocated to others in the CalKIDS program, DeAnda said. 

What if I’m not sure if my child is considered low income? 

CalKIDS has sent notification letters of program enrollment to over 3.3 million eligible students and nearly 270,000 students in last school year’s class of first graders. 

Without the letters, to check student eligibility, families must enter students’ Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a 10-digit number that appears on student transcripts or report cards, according to the CalKIDS website. 

The California Department of Education provides CalKIDS with data on first graders in the late spring or early summer and asks parents to wait until then before checking for their child’s eligibility. 

How do I access that SSID number to check eligibility or to register the account? 

The SSID may be found on the parent’s or student’s school portal, transcript or report card. 

The CalKIDS website instructs families to contact their child’s school or school district if they’re unsure of how or unable to locate the number.

How do I access or ‘claim’ the account? 

The notification letter that CalKIDS sends families contains a unique CalKIDS Code that can be used to register the accounts. Even without the code, families can register the accounts. 

To claim the student account: 

1. Visit the CalKIDS registration page to claim the account. Click here to register. 
2. Enter the county where the student was enrolled (for a student in grades 1-12 in the 2021-22 school year; for a first grader, where the student was enrolled in 2022-23 or subsequent years)
3. Enter student’s date of birth
4. Enter the SSID or CalKIDS Code from the notification letter
5. Click Register
6. Set up the account, either as the child or as the parent/guardian, with a username and password

To claim the newborn account, which should be available about 90 days after birth: 

1. Visit the CalKIDS registration page to claim the account.
2. Enter the county where the child was born
3. Enter child’s date of birth 
4. Enter the Local Registration Number on the child’s birth certificate or CalKIDS Code from the notification letter 
5. Click Register
6. Set up the account, either as the child or as the parent/guardian, with a username and password

I still need help. How do I get additional support? 

Contact CalKIDS at (888) 445-2377 or https://calkids.org/contact-us/ 

The CalKIDS team is also hosting an April 17 webinar to outline the program, eligibility, account registration, fund distribution and benefits. To sign up for the webinar, click here. 

How does my high school graduate make a withdrawal to use the money?

According to the CalKIDS program guide, to request a distribution, log into the claimed CalKIDS account and request a distribution, which doesn’t have to be for the entire amount. The funds are tax-free for the qualified expenses of tuition, books, fees, computers and equipment. 

The student must be at least 17 years old and enrolled at an eligible institution. 

The CalKIDS money, which will be sent to the institution, is considered a scholarship from the state of California.

Instead of former Rivertown Resource Center after evicting 16 non-profit tenants two years ago

Will also discuss developing just-cause eviction ordinance to further protect renters, rally in support of ordinance to be held before the meeting

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting Tuesday, March 26, 2024, the Antioch City Council will consider spending $1.83 million to purchase the former PG&E building at 800 W. 2nd Street in downtown Rivertown, across from City Hall, for the new, Public Safety and Community Resources Department. In addition, the council will consider developing a just-cause eviction notice for renters.

Purchase of Former PG&E Building

According to the city staff report on agenda Item 5, if the council purchases the former PG&E building the City will use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to purchase the building. Staff is recommending the budgeted ARPA funds for the Public Safety and Community Resources Department building be used to complete purchase the property.

The department was originally planned to locate in the former Rivertown Resource Center on W. 10th Street which housed 16 non-profit organizations that were all evicted in 2022.

Questions were emailed to the mayor, council members, acting city manager and the city attorney asking why the city is purchasing the building instead of using the former Rivertown Resource Center, why take it off the tax rolls instead of allowing someone in the private sector to purchase it and use it for a business to attract more people to Rivertown, and will it only be used for the new department or will it also be used for city council members’ offices.

“I have no knowledge of it being used for city council offices. That would be news to me,” District 2 Councilmember Mike Barbanica stated. “If we obtain the building, no final decisions have been made about who is going in there.”

Asked why the city needs it he said, “Once we replace the 90-plus employees that we’re down, right now there isn’t office space for them inside City Hall. The room is definitely need it.”

No one else responded prior to publication time.

3/26/24 UPDATE: Acting City Manager Reed said the City has not sold the W. 10th Street building and Assistant Fire Chief Traci Dutter, Con Fire has expressed interest in purchasing it to expand Station 81 which is located next door. But they were waiting to hear back from the City.

Planned to Improve and Use Former Rivertown Resource Center Building

Last year, during their meeting on March 28th, the council gave direction to City staff to pursue a $9.7 million improvement plan for the building, including adding another floor. The 15,300 square-foot facility would have included a mini-plaza, event space, conference rooms and classrooms for residents to use.

Just-Cause Eviction Ordinance Discussion

Under Item 4, the council will receive a staff report on just cause eviction ordinances from other cities, provide feedback to staff and direct staff to either prepare a just cause eviction ordinance for the City of Antioch or take no further action.

The ordinance would be in addition to the tenant anti-retailiation, harrassment ordinance the council adopted last August.

Before the meeting a rally in support of an ordinance will be held at City Hall, organized by a variety of groups.

The regular meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 200 H Street in downtown Rivertown. The council will first hold a special meeting at 5:00 p.m. for a workshop on eminent domain entitled, “Property Acquisitions: The Condemnation Process” by an attorney from the law firm BBK. That will be followed by a Closed Session to discuss two lawsuits against the City and recruitment of a new city manager. See the complete meeting agenda.

The meeting can be viewed live on Comcast channel 24, AT&T U-verse channel 99, or live stream on the City’s website.

Cause of suspicious death unknown

By Acting Sgt. Kristian Palma #6286, Antioch Police Investigations Bureau

On Sunday March 24, 2024, at approximately 11:15 AM, Antioch Police officers responded to the rear of the 5700 block of Slatten Ranch Road for a reported body floating in the creek. When officers arrived, they located a 38-year-old male deceased and submerged in the water. The cause of death is unknown.

The Antioch Police Department’s Investigations Bureau, consisting of Crime Scene Investigators and detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. The cause of death is pending an autopsy from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Additional inquiries or information can be directed to Antioch Police Detective Gragg at (925) 779-6975 or by emailing rgragg@antiochca.gov. Anonymous tips or information about this – or any other incident – can be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) with the keyword ANTIOCH.

Part of National #SaveLunch initiative to help fight senior hunger, isolation in Antioch across Contra Costa County, and country

By Skylar Schaefer, Communications Specialist, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region

Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe joined Meals on Wheels Diablo Region for Community Champions Week 2024 to bring attention to the important work the nonprofit does for older adults in the Antioch community. The mayor participated in a Young at Heart Fall Prevention exercise class and encouraged the participation of nearly 20 seniors!

The mayor had an opportunity to see the impact Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has on Antioch’s older residents when he participated in a ‘Young at Heart’ Fall Prevention exercise class as part of the #SaveLunch initiative. Led by Meals on Wheels America, this nationwide initiative is designed to rally communities around our senior neighbors and protect the essential services that enable so many to remain healthy and independent at home. Across the country this week, Meals on Wheels programs have enlisted elected officials, community influencers and other prominent figures to deliver meals, speak out for seniors and raise awareness for the power of Meals on Wheels. Mayor Thorpe joined a class of roughly 20 seniors at the Antioch Senior Center and learned exercise techniques to improve strength and balance at any age!

“Last year, MOW Diablo Region delivered over 700,000 meals! That is 100% increase since before the pandemic and we are on track to deliver even more this year,” said Sherry Nadworny, MOW Diablo Region Director of Development & Community Relations. “This is an important time for our elected officials to see the impact of our work as federal Covid-stimulus funding will end in September. MOW Diablo Region is committed to keeping our seniors nourished and more connected to our community through this challenging time and beyond.”

As a full-service organization, we at Meals on Wheels Diablo Region are dedicated to addressing all the needs of the seniors we serve. In addition to meal delivery, we provide exercise and fall prevention classes, home safety modifications, elder abuse prevention, and much more. MOW Diablo Region is the only Meals on Wheels that delivers both meals and services to seniors in Contra Costa County.

National #SaveLunch efforts in March will commemorate the historic day in March of 1972 when the Older Americans Act was amended to include a nutrition program for Americans 60 years and older. More than 50 years later, 12 million older Americans are still threatened by or experience hunger, and one in three seniors feels lonely. That is why Meals on Wheels programs from across the country are joining forces to raise awareness and support to ensure we can continue to address food insecurity and malnutrition, combat social isolation, enable independence and improve health for decades to come.

“We commend all of our 2024 Community Champions for stepping up to ensure that Meals on Wheels is there for all of our senior neighbors in need,” said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “In the face of soaring demand and costs that surpass our current resources, we need to come together as communities to bridge the gaps. We can’t do it alone – it takes all of us to save lunch for our seniors.”

For more information on how you can volunteer, contribute, or speak out for the seniors in Antioch and around Contra Costa County this March, visit mowdiabloregion.org.

About Meals on Wheels Diablo Region:

For more than 50 years, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has improved the lives of vulnerable seniors in Contra Costa County by delivering nutritious meals and supportive services that allow seniors to remain in their homes safely and with dignity. Programs include home-delivered meals, Breakfast Bags, Grocery Bags, Fall Prevention, Cafés, Care Management, Friendly Visitors, Health and Wellness, and more.

About Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. By providing funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time.