Last week, in response to new directions at the federal level under the Trump Administration, Kaiser Permanente issued the following statement on “Gender Affirming Care for Patients Under 19”:
Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to providing safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care to all our members, including adolescents. We are proud of the care and coverage we provide for transgender patients. Our work in this area and the inclusive care we provide for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families is recognized in the community.
Since January, there has been significant focus by the federal government on gender-affirming care, specifically for patients under the age of 19. This has included executive orders instructing federal agencies to take actions to curtail access and restrict funding for gender-affirming care, hospital inquiries by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and regulatory changes to coverage and broader federal agency review, including by the Federal Trade Commission. Most recently, the U.S. Department of Justice issued subpoenas to doctors and clinics providing gender-affirming care to transgender youth, as part of ongoing federal investigations.
In response to these federal actions, many health systems and clinicians across the country have paused or discontinued providing gender-affirming care for adolescents.
As the legal and regulatory environment for gender-affirming care continues to evolve, we must carefully consider the significant risks being created for health systems, clinicians, and patients under the age of 19 seeking this care.
After significant deliberation and consultation with internal and external experts including our physicians, we’ve made the difficult decision to pause surgical treatment for patients under the age of 19 in our hospitals and surgical centers. This pause is effective August 29, 2025. All other gender-affirming care treatment remains available. We continue to meet with regulators as well as our clinicians, patients, their families, and the community with the goal of identifying a responsible path forward.
We recognize that this is an extremely challenging and stressful time for our patients seeking care, as well as for our clinicians whose mission is to care for them. We will work closely with each patient to support their care journey.
We will remain a voice and advocate for safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care for transgender patients.
Elissa Harrington, Senior Media Relations and Public Relations Representative for Kaiser Permanente Northern California was asked:
“Were those surgeries offered at Antioch, Walnut Creek and/or Richmond Kaiser hospitals?
Also, why does Kaiser continue to participate in and support the delusion that someone can change their gender with the labeling of the surgeries as “gender-affirming care”?
Why would Kaiser allow its doctors to participate in mutilating children and scaring them for life based on the confusion and mental disorder of gender dysphoria? According to the Mayo Clinic, ‘A diagnosis for gender dysphoria is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)…published by the American Psychiatric Association.’
Furthermore, how can the doctors that performed such surgeries argue they were not violating the Hippocratic Oath, specifically to ‘do no harm’?
Is counseling offered instead to children and adults experiencing such confusion and a mental disorder?”
But Harrington did not respond. Please check back later for any updates to this report.
Former Deer Valley High standout and pro-ball player Kendall Smith will host his 5th Annual free Co-ed basketball camp for youth 7-17 years old on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Athletes and non-athletes welcome!
Participants in the 2022 Kendall Smith Basketball Camp. Photos by Allen D. Payton
We are prepared to have some great resources and services provided for our 13th Annual Stuff The Bus school supply giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. Join us at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) on W. 10th Street in Antioch.
Please REGISTER
If you have/know of a great (preferably FREE) resource or have beneficial info that you would love to share with the community!!
The QR code below will also give you access to information including a volunteer sign-up form as well as ways to donate to this event!! Please share
For families looking to register, registration is now open. You will see that information pop up via this link: https://linktr.ee/4evermefoundation
UPDATE: Claryssa Wilson, a dedicated Antioch High School alumna, community leader, and founder of the renowned annual event, is proud to announce the return of the 13th Annual Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway, an event that has become a cornerstone of community support and youth empowerment in East Contra Costa County. Since its inception when she was just in the 6th grade, Claryssa has been committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of socioeconomic background, has access to the essential tools needed for academic success.
This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will be held at the Contra Costa County Event Park (Fairgrounds), located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch, CA. Over the past twelve years, this inspiring initiative has provided backpacks filled with school supplies to over 40,000 students across Antioch, Pittsburg, and neighboring communities. It has grown into a collaborative effort with numerous local organizations and sponsors, including the Golden State Warriors, the Antioch Schools Education Foundation, Adonal Foyle’s Kerosene Lamp Foundation, and many others who share a common vision of fostering educational opportunity and community resilience.
“No student should face a new school year without the basic supplies they need to succeed,” said Claryssa Wilson, founder and host of the event. “Our mission is rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the chance to learn, grow, and excel. By providing these supplies, we’re helping to level the playing field and inspire hope for a brighter future.”
This year’s event is expected to reach and serve thousands of students, many of whom are vulnerable and face significant barriers such as foster care, homelessness, or economic hardship. The event will feature an array of family-friendly activities, vendor booths, and entertainment designed to bring joy and support to families. Children and parents will have the opportunity to enjoy performances by Jordan Orosco, known as The Mathemagician, whose engaging magic and math demonstrations foster a love of learning. The event will also include a Stepz Dance Fitness segment, interactive games, resource tables, and much more to create a festive, supportive atmosphere.
One of the new highlights this year is a full-service Hair Salon, offering FREE haircuts, braiding styles, washes, blow-drys, and silk presses. This service aims to boost confidence and help families prepare for the upcoming school year. Services will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration is required.
In addition to the giveaways and entertainment, the event provides a platform for community organizations, local businesses, and educational resources to connect with families, share information, and foster ongoing support. The event’s overarching goal is to create a sense of unity, hope, and empowerment for families, especially those most in need.
All media outlets and press representatives are warmly invited to cover the event. To coordinate interviews with Claryssa Wilson or for additional information, please contact:
The Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway is organized by the 4ever Me Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Claryssa Wilson in 2012. Over the past decade, the Foundation has dedicated itself to supporting foster children, unhoused youth, and children facing homelessness, providing vital supplies, mentorship, and community support. To date, the Foundation has served more than 40,000 students and continues to expand its outreach and impact.
All donations, sponsorships, and gifts to the 4ever Me Foundation and the Stuff the Bus School Supply Giveaway are tax-deductible and vital to maintaining and growing this impactful community effort. Contributions can be made through the Foundation’s website or by contacting the organization directly.
Join us this August in making a tangible difference—helping empower students to succeed academically and build a foundation for lifelong achievement. Your support ensures that no child is left behind because of a lack of basic school supplies. Together, we can create a stronger, more resilient community where every student has the tools to thrive.
The City of Antioch presents Resource Recovery Ambassadors: a fun training program for all who live, work or play in Antioch to become experts in sorting discards for recycling and composting to help combat climate change! Participants can receive $75 after completing the 2-part training.
Antioch teen Tyrell Devon Amir Washington in a photo on the GoFundMe page raising money to pay for his funeral expenses.
15-year-old Antioch High student Tyrell Washington, 4 others shot
By Allen D. Payton
According to the San Francisco Police Department, “On July 5th, 2025, at approximately 12:07 a.m., San Francisco Police officers from Bayview Station responded to the 100 block of Harbor Road regarding a shooting. Officers arrived on the scene and located several victims who were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Officers rendered aid and medics arrived on scene, who transported five victims – three minors and two adults – to the hospital, two with life-threatening injuries and three with non-life-threatening injuries. Despite the lifesaving efforts of the emergency responders and the medical staff, one of the victims succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced deceased.
When asked for the identity of the victim and additional details about the shooting, SFPD Public Information Officer Robert Rueca responded, “At this time we are not identifying the victim in this incident. We are not releasing further details regarding the incident due to the open and active investigation.”
A call and email sent to the San Francisco Chief Medical Examiner’s Office to identify the deceased were unsuccessful prior to publication time.
However, according to a July 9th KTVU FOX2 news report, the victim was 15-year-old Antioch resident Tyrell Washington who was in San Francisco visiting his relatives for the July 4th holiday. His birthday was this Friday, and he would have turned 16 years old.
“Relatives say the teen embraced his Christian faith and was baptized in April,” the KTVU report shared. “Family members described Tyrell as a good student at Antioch High School where he was set to start the 11th grade.”
The SFPD Homicide Detail responded to the scene and is leading the investigation.
In a post on the GoFundMe account set up by Latasha Johnson to help raise funds for Washington’s funeral expenses reads,” Help Us Honor the Life of Tyrell Devon Amir Washington
It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating loss of our beloved Tyrell Devon Amir Washington, who was tragically murdered in Bayview-Hunters Point, San Francisco—just seven days before his 16th birthday.
Tyrell was not involved in gangs in any way. He was a bright, loving, and intelligent young man with his whole life ahead of him. He had just received his driver’s permit and a brand new car—something he was so excited about. Tyrell had already earned all of his high school credits and didn’t need to attend summer school. He was focused, motivated, and full of potential.
Born and raised in Antioch, California since the age of three, Tyrell grew up surrounded by family and community. He was known for his affectionate nature and deep love for those around him. If you knew Tyrell, you knew how much he loved to laugh, connect with others, and simply enjoy life. Tyrell brought people together he was loving, caring, and so kind to everyone who he became in contact with.
On July 4th, Tyrell came to San Francisco to celebrate with family and friends. He was just trying to enjoy the holiday, like any kid would. But his life was senselessly taken from us.
We are asking for your support during this heartbreaking time to help in anyway possible with a donation, no matter the size, means the world to our family.
Tyrell deserved so much more. He was loved, he was cherished, and he will never be forgotten.
Thank you for your prayers, support, and love.
Show your support for this GoFundMe.”
The effort had raised $1,930 of a $50,000 goal by early Wednesday afternoon, July 9.
Get ready to set sail at our Box Boat Derby on Saturday, June 28th! Grab your cardboard, duct tape and creativity because it’s time to build the ultimate boat and race it down the lap pool.
Whether you’re a DIY pro or just in it for the fun, this event is for everyone. So, gather your crew, get crafty, and let’s make a splash together!
All ages welcome.
AWARDS for the most creative, fastest, and best-dressed boats!
Check In Begins: 11:15am.
Race Start Time: 12:30pm
Location: Antioch Water Park – Lap Pool
We hope to see you for a day full of fun, laughter, and friendly competition!
Virtuous Voices Singers (left to right) Ivan Stewart, Lydia Stewart, Elise Culberson, Roma Desilva and Mya King perform at the Brentwood Juneteenth Festival June 19, 2025. Academy Founder, Tiffany Stewart with her students. Photos by Virtuous Voices
The City of Brentwood joyfully celebrated its Second Annual Juneteenth Festival this past Thursday with a powerful showcase of culture, unity, and artistic expression. Opening the event with a moving performance was Antioch-based Virtuous Voices Music Academy, whose singers delivered a heartfelt tribute to freedom through song.
As the first act of the day, Virtuous Voices set an inspiring tone for the festival, reminding attendees of the power of music to uplift, connect, and reflect on our shared history. Their performance underscored the importance of celebrating freedom – especially in today’s world where unity and expression remain essential.
The Virtuous Voices Singers performing at the event were Ivan Stewart, Lydia Stewart, Elise Culberson, Roma Desilva, and Mya King.
Virtuous Voices Music Academy, known for cultivating confidence and creativity through vocal performance and music theory, was honored to be part of this meaningful community event.
“We are so proud of our young singers,” said Tiffany Stewart, founder of Virtuous Voices Music Academy, a vocal coach and Music Theory Teacher. “To open a celebration as important as Juneteenth is a true honor. Our students sang not only with skill, but with heart.”
The Juneteenth Festival in Brentwood continues to grow as a cherished local tradition, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrating Black culture, resilience, and excellence.
The 151 members of the Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Class of 2025 celebrate, some by tossing their caps into the air. All photos by Selena Cedano unless noted.
By Allen D. Payton
The 151 graduates of the Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Class of 2025 celebrated their commencement on Thursday evening, June 5, 2025, inside Wolverines Stadium at Deer Valley High School, along family, friends, faculty, staff and school board trustees. Entering to the traditional sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance” the class was led onto the field by Principal Blair Wilkins.
DLMHS Principal Blair Wilkins leads the processional onto the field at Wolverines Stadium and class members wait to be seated Thursday evening, June 5, 2025.
The Presentation of the Colors by the U.S. Navy Color Guard was followed by the singing of the National Anthem by three of the graduates, Gabriel Fuentes-Carrillo, Hannah Chung and Shari Bengco. ASB President Chloe Liang then led her classmates in the Pledge of Allegiance.
ASB President Chloe Liang leads in reciting the National Anthem as AUSD Director of Student Support Services Tim Cooper participates (left). Video screenshot. The U.S. Navy Color Guard presents the Colors and Hannah Chung, Shari Bengco and Gabriel Fuentes-Carrillo perform the National Anthem.
Wilkins welcomed all those in attendance and introduced Antioch Unified School District Board President Antonio Hernandez, Vice President Mary Rocha and Trustees Dee Brown and Olga Cobos-Smith, and district leadership. Hernandez then shared his thoughts about his own experience as a Dozier-Libbey graduate.
Principal Wilkins spoke to the graduates followed by School Board President, and Dozier-Libbey alumni, Antonio Hernandez, as teacher Lisa Godinez (left) and Trustees Dee Brown and Olga Cobos-Smith (right) listen.
Student Speakers
Saryah Tokhay and Valedictorians Johnross Rayos and Jessica Rodriguez spoke to the graduates.
Tokhay spoke of “Hope” quoting Emily Dickinson. “That bird, hope, has been with us all along. It sang when we were little first graders. It sang when our hands and knees shook during our first high school presentation.”
She then spoke of several teachers scheduling tests “all in the same week. It was like an academic ambush.”
“It sang quietly in the background reminding us that we’ve made it this far,” Tokhay continued speaking about hope.
Student speakers included Saryah Tokhay (left) and Valedictorians Jessica Rodriguez and Johnross Rayos.
She then mentioned preparing for her final school project and some inspiring words from her younger, 12-year-old sister. “She said that to remind me of this wild, emotional, in-between moment is something I’ll miss someday, that I’ll want to feel this moment again.”
“She said it to help me understand that instead of dreading an unknown future, I should live in this moment and let that little bird’s quiet and steady voice sing of hope,” Tokhay stated.
She then thanked the teachers, families and her friends.
“The bird still sings. Congratulations, Class of 2025,” Tokhay concluded.
The Class of 2025 listen to the speakers and graduates line up in the queue for their diplomas, guided by members of the Honor Guard from the Junior Class.
Together, Rodriguez and Rayos took to the podium and shared their thoughts, as well.
Rodriguez spoke of their time in school together saying, “Four years ago we were graduating middle school, not in person but behind a screen” referring to their experience during COVID. She compared that to “walking through our small campus in our scrubs.”
“Suddenly things got real,” she continued. “We became more thoughtful, culturally aware. Group projects redefined how we work together and communicate.”
“Then, junior year came crashing in more demanding than we expected with new AP classes and heavier workloads,” Rodriguez shared. “Then we began senior year, the year we assumed would drag on but actually went by in a blink.”
“We became involved in our community, discovering the impact we could have and realizing we were truly growing up,” she stated. “Along the path we made priceless friendships. High school taught us a final lesson. It’s in our hands to pave our own road, create our future. I hope all of us remember that we were forged into one family…the changes and contributions we make in the future will impact all of us. Perfection was never the goal, progress was.”
“Your strength is only limited by the boundaries your mind places on your heart. Break through them, We did it and now the next chapter of our lives is beginning,” Rodriguez concluded.
Rayos implored his classmates to remember the words, “Good enough. You are good enough.”
He encouraged the graduates to reflect on their time at Dozier-Libbey. “You are more than enough.”
“You are more than qualified to become a nurse, a doctor, an engineer or whatever you decide to pursue in your career,” Rayos stated. “Think of today’s ceremony as the beginning of another journey…that will mold you into something amazing and fulfilling; a journey worthy of infinite memories and a worthy story you can pass on to your future families.”
“And please remember, you will always be enough,” he concluded.
Many of the graduates decorated their caps with personal messages.
Wilkins offered his first graduation speech as principal saying, “I would like to thank you for welcoming me to our school community. Congratulations on earning your high school diploma, a major milestone that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. Each of you before me has a story and your next chapter is just about to start.”
“You are prepared to face life’s challenges because you are a graduate of Dozier-Libbey Medical High School,” he continued. “I would like to wish you luck.”
Wilkins then offered “key pieces of advice that I’ve learned since graduating 26 years ago from this very field,” referring to his own time at Deer Valley High School.
Video screenshots.
“Continue to advance yourself through education,” he stated. “Education is the key that will unlock doors and your growth as you continue. Surround yourself with good people. With good people, working as a team, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.”
“Don’t forget about the community that helped raise the person who you are,” Wilkinson encouraged the class. “Strong communities need strong leaders like you.”
“You are not just the future of America, you are the proof that all people, from all walks of life can come together and be stronger as one,” Wilkinson concluded.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne then offered the official Acceptance of the Class of 2025, informing them they had completed all the state and district requirements to graduate.
“Henceforth you are to be considered high school graduates and alumni of Dozier-Libbey Medical High School. Congratulations,” he stated to cheers from the class and audience.
The diplomas were then distributed by the school board trustees as the names were read by DLMHS teacher Lisa Godinez.
Senior Class President Talia Major leads her fellow graduates in the turning of their tassels. (Left – Video screenshot)
Senior Class President Talia Major then led her fellow classmates in the turning of the tassels saying, “The tassel turning is meant to signify the closing of one chapter and the opening of another. As we close our chapter at Dozier-Libbey one specific song comes to mind. One Direction once said, ‘Good-byes are bittersweet, but it’s not the end. I’ll see your face again.’ Since this is our last time together I have no doubt in my mind that we’ll all go on to success.”
That was followed by several of the graduates tossing their caps into the air to celebrate.
