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.

“They’re poets and now they know it!“

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on Facebook on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Antioch High School offered “Congrats to the winners of the Annual AHS Poetry Contest. They’re poets and now they know it!”

The AHS Poetry Contest was open to all AHS students, and there was no set theme.  Of course, the poems had to be unique and original, but beyond that, the students were encouraged to let their creative juices flow and write about whatever stirred their souls and moved their hearts. The results were fascinating. 

The top three entries from each grade level were awarded beautiful rosette ribbons, certificates and goody bags with gift cards to Starbucks, In-N-Out Burger, and lots of Easter candies.

Freshman Class

First: Navayah Thompson

Sophomore Class

First: Shadrack Gitan Nganga

Second: Mckeyla Feliciano

Third: Sydney Hill and Julianna Fraser (tie)

Junior Class

First: Jamall Burks

Second: Eimy Garcia

Third: Samantha Gonzalez-Guzman

Senior Class

First: Alex Valladares

Second: Mariah Worrell-Osborne and Zora Musawwir (tie)

Third: Tianna Kemokai

Pam Swicegood, Antioch High School English & Creative Writing Teacher, Coordinator of the AHS Poetry Contest and Advisor for The Pantheon, AHS’s Literary Magazine, provided the following information about the contest and winners:

The winning poem from the senior class was entitled Hateful Prometheus, by Alex Valladares. In Greek Mythology, Prometheus was one of the Titans, birthed from clay and given the strengths and abilities of the gods. Prometheus loved mankind, and when he saw they were struggling on earth, he stole fire from the Gods and gave it to man. This angered Zeus, who punished Prometheus and took his revenge on humans, giving them all the negative aspects of life. In Alex’s poem, Zeus’ punishment presents itself in the form of critical, manipulative parents who lack compassion, bark orders to their children, and fail to be a guiding light or nurture their children’s joys or success. Thus, making Prometheus hateful toward his creator.

The winning poem from the junior class was entitled The Unknown, by Jamall Burks.  This poem is a beautiful, poignant ballad dedicated to the late Malik El-Ameen, a former AHS student who was shot last year by his father. Jamall was Malik’s best friend. 

The winning poem from the sophomore class was entitled Navigating High School, from Shadrack Nganga, a new student who recently moved to Antioch from Kenya. In his poem, Shadrack writes about the struggles of feeling out of place in a new country surrounded by strangers and trying to fit in.  Though at first he felt judged and criticized, wanting to hide and keep himself small, he eventually found new friends who showed him kindness and acceptance. His poem encourages others to embrace their uniqueness and face their fears, because in time, they’ll “find their song.”

The winning poem from the freshman class was entitled Happy Black History!, by Navayah Thompson. In her poem, Navayah acknowledges the history of pain and injustice from slavery’s chains to civil rights, celebrating the triumphs and struggles of those who came before her and honoring their journey.

The subjects of other winning poems were varied and beautiful; about dewdrops and disco balls, romance and unrequited love, friendship and betrayal, and wanting to have it all. One was written from the point of view of a character in a book she read in her junior English class.  Another celebrated the experience of dancing the “Mama Candelaria” at a street carnival with all the beautiful costumes, the “Morenos”, and the lively rhythms and upbeat music in her home country of Peru.

All in all, the annual AHS Poetry Contest was a huge success and showcased some of the many outstanding students we are fortunate to have at Antioch High School.

By Marie West, Head Cheer Coach, Park Middle School

Congratulations to the Park Middle School Cheerleaders for winning first place at the Rockstar-Justice League National Cheer and Dance Competition in Sacramento on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Over 50 teams participated in the national competition. Over 50 teams participated in the competition, one of six different cheerleading and dance events held across the country.

This is the first official cheer team at Park Middle School and the first middle school in Antioch Unified School District history to compete at a national cheer competition.

Way to make your school and AUSD proud! Go Spartans!

Barbanica, Ogorchock want fines for spectators, greater penalties included

“This is doing really nothing. It is absolutely useless.” – Councilman Barbanica.

“I want this stronger. I’m not going to vote for it, this time.” – Councilwoman Ogorchock

“Yes, this is kind of a weak ordinance,” Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson

“You know how you get people? You hit them in the pocket…and hit hard.” – Police Oversight Commissioner Leslie May.

Public speaker says San Joaquin Co. Sheriff arrested 150 spectators, impounded 88 cars from sideshow.

By Allen D. Payton

During their meeting on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, the Antioch City Council failed to approve the second reading to adopt an ordinance banning organizing or advertising street racing, sideshows and reckless driving exhibitions. With Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe and District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker absent and Councilmembers Mike Barbanica and Lori Ogorchock changing positions on the matter, no motion was made by the three council members in attendance to adopt the new ordinance. The council had previously voted 5-0 to approve it at their Feb. 27, 2024, meeting, but the two councilmembers wanted a stronger ordinance with fines for those who attend sideshows and greater penalties. However, during the Nov. 14, 2023, meeting, the council majority opposed making it illegal to be a spectator at a sideshow.

District 2 Councilman Barbanica was the first member of the council to speak on the matter Tuesday night, under Item I on the Consent Calendar saying, “Yes, I voted for this when it came out initially. But it’s been no secret that I don’t think this goes nearly far enough. This is just a feel-good thing. The reality of it is, is our police department’s not truly going to be able to sit there and track down who organizes a side show. It could have been much more effective, a tool that was used much more effective if, in fact, we would have allowed our officers to cite. But unfortunately, there wasn’t an appetite for that. I think this is, it’s better than nothing but it’s pretty close to nothing. As we move forward with it, don’t expect to see a lot of citations issued for organizers, because the reality of it is determining who organizes something, how it’s put together is extremely difficult. So, it’s a tool on our books that we can all go, ‘woo, we did something’. We did almost nothing, here.”

District 3 Councilwoman Ogorchock agreed with her colleague saying, “I’m very frustrated with this ordinance, also. At our last council meeting when this was discussed I did vote for it because this is a beginning, it’s a start. But I was hoping the start would actually evolve into something.”

She then took City Attorney Thomas L. Smith to task stating, “I’m disappointed, right now, with the city attorney because I had a conversation with him, requesting that he reach out to other cities to find out what their ordinances were regarding the sideshows. Some of them have stricter ordinances than we have. I wanted it to go out across California to find out who else was doing different things within the state of California on this very specific issue.”

“Another part of the conversation was, we as a city, as we did with the rent control, we can make stricter ordinances of what the state makes,” Ogorchock continued. “This doesn’t mean anything, to me. This is just like a piece of paper saying we’ve got this ordinance. So, I want this stronger. I’m not going to vote for it, this time. It can’t pass, tonight. But if it comes back at another time it can pass at another time. But until we get some teeth behind this thing and make it to where these people are punished then I’m not going to vote for it just to have paper and say we have an ordinance. I’m not going to do it.”

During public comments, Leslie May, a member of the new Police Oversight Commission, said, “My goodness, I agree with Lori. This needs to have money. We need to put more money. You know how you get people? You hit them in the pocket…and hit hard.”

She also mentioned finding on Facebook “a link where these people are setting up sideshows. I called the mayor’s office. I think I got a call back from the police department and I told them where one big organizer was, located by Costco. They told me they couldn’t do anything about it.”

“The next time you rewrite this, you give the public a number directly into the police department to let them know and send a screenshot to let them know they’re planning this…so the police department can be prepared,” she added.

“Yes, this is kind of a weak ordinance,” Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson who chaired the meeting. “But I err on the side of I’d rather see something pass as a start. But this is probably going to be coming back.”

City Attorney Smith then said, “The discussion we had, previously was about misdemeanors and in fact, what we said was the misdemeanor was capped at $1,000 or six months in prison.” He then read from state law allowed either or both. “That’s what we have,” he added.

“What we did with the ordinance was, we found a gap,” Smith continued. “That was around the advertising as we noted in the ordinance, and we created a separate opportunity where we could apply that fine at the misdemeanor level. So, when we talked about the potential of what could happen to people who engage in sideshows, this ordinance provides an additional layer above and beyond what already exists. This is an additive tool. This is not something that is complete in terms of what the police officers have available to them when they encounter sideshows.”

Ogorchock responded saying, “Let’s talk about the misdemeanor. That’s the misdemeanor they get for driving. This is the misdemeanor for organizing. When we look…under remedies and penalties for rent control, we’ve added penalties to the rent control that the state had and we added more. We increased those fines. We’re not increasing anything, here.”

“It’s one of the things you and I talked about,” she said to Smith. “And I asked for another way to put more teeth behind this and to find out from other cities what other cities are doing.”

“We can put some teeth behind it and increase it. We can’t go lower than what the state says. We can increase it and that’s what I’m asking for,” Ogorchock reiterated.

Barbanica later said, “So, I actually had called…and hosted the meeting and Ms. May was in the meeting with me and she brought up the fact that we need to hit them in the pocketbook. While sitting in that meeting, I sent an email to the city manager and the mayor saying I want an ordinance brought in front of the council where we can actually cite people for attending these sideshows and there’s a financial penalty associated with that.”

“This has fallen way short of that,” he stated. “And each meeting I’ve pushed for let’s beef this up much more than it is. I can’t in good conscience just pass something just because, well, we want to say we did something. We want to hit the press tomorrow saying we did something. This is doing really nothing.”
“Having this in addition to an ordinance that we can hit folks in their pocketbook when they’re out there destroying city property, and so on, I would be all for that,” Barbanica continued. “But all this did was just weaken this thing down. It is absolutely useless. You’re not going to hear a motion or a second coming from me, tonight on this.”

Ogorchock offered her final comments on the matter stating, “At the last council meeting, it was talking about having to reimburse for services that have to go out and take from other areas of town. The instance that I brought up was there were two firetrucks that couldn’t get to calls, because of these sideshows. So, whoever organized the sideshow actually stopped our first responders. So, they need to be fined for the diminishing of our services or paying back for our services.”

Public Speaker Says San Joaquin Co. Sheriff Arrested 150 Spectators, Impounded 88 Cars from Sideshow

Wilson re-opened public comments on the item with both in favor of fines for spectators.

Resident Andrew Becker said, “I agree with the comments made. If you’re concerned about being fined at a sideshow don’t be at a sideshow.”

Another member of the public, Eddie Gomes with ACCE, spoke of what is done in San Joaquin County. “Sheriff Patrick Winthrop, and he arrested 150 people. It was on video. Had the buses. Took all their cars. 88 cars. They don’t get them back.”

“I mean, you want to hit them in the pocket, have them kids driving their mama’s car and get it taken,” he continued to applause from the audience. “Laws can have law enforcement and getting on the internet and finding out where it’s going to happen, beforehand. I wouldn’t say a word. I would just show up just like the sheriff with the buses, take them away.”

Following the final comments from the public, Wilson asked, “Is there a motion?” Barbanica responded, “No, there is not.”

Since none of the three council members made a motion to adopt the ordinance, Wilson stated, “So, it dies without a motion.”

Barbanica then said, “I apologize to the city staff for the work you put into this. I know this had to be a lot of work. But I was pretty clear along the way where I wanted to go but I understand your position.”

(See council meeting video beginning at the 1:16:00 mark)

Receive a free Kevon Looney Bobblehead!

The Warriors are hosting a day of fun, excitement and education focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (S.T.E.A.M.) in addition to cheering on the Santa Cruz Warriors, their G-league team as they take on the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The game is LIVE at the Chase Center this Sunday, March 10th, tipoff is 12:30pm.

Seats are in sections 126, 127, 128 starting at row 6. This is a great opportunity to engage your kids in S.T.E.A.M.-related activities throughout the Main concourse and enjoy an afternoon of some great basketball.

Everyone will receive a Kevon Looney Bobblehead.

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.

Deadline for submittals is April 5th

Walnut Creek, CA – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10) announced he will participate in the nationwide 2024 Congressional Art Competition. High school artists living in California’s 10th Congressional District may begin submitting original artwork to his office virtually from now through Friday, April 5th. The winning piece will be selected by a panel of local judges who will view all artwork electronically and announced at a reception to celebrate all participants following the submission deadline.

Participants may submit one photograph or scan of their artwork, taken in the highest possible resolution, to kaylee.deland@mail.house.gov. Submissions must include the Student Release Form. Artwork entered in the contest may be up to 26 inches by 26 inches, may be up to 4 inches in depth, and not weigh more than 15 pounds. If your artwork is selected as the winning piece, it must arrive framed and must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions.

• Paintings – including oil, acrylics, and watercolor
• Drawings – including pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, and markers (It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed.)
• Collages – must be two dimensional
• Prints – including lithographs, silkscreen, and block prints
• Mixed Media – use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
• Computer-generated art
• Photography

All entries must be original in concept, design and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image (including a painting, graphic, or advertisement) that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted. Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing).

The rules for the 2024 competition are available here or on House.gov.

“Every year I am so impressed by the talent of the students in our district who participate in the Congressional Art Competition,” said DeSaulnier. “I am pleased to again host this event as an opportunity for young artists to showcase and be recognized for their creativity.”

The competition is open to all high school students living in California’s 10th Congressional District. The winning piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and the winner will be invited to Washington D.C. to attend a national reception honoring winners from around the country. All submissions must be emailed to Kaylee.deland@mail.house.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. PT on April 5, 2024.

The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Complete contest guidelines and submissions forms are available on the Congressman’s website here. For more information or help submitting artwork, please contact DeSaulnier’s office at 925-933-2660.

Student Body President Fifita Grewe

By Allen D. Payton

In a post on the Antioch High School Facebook page on Friday, February 16, 2024, reads, “We’re excited and proud that Fifita Grewe has been named Youth of the Year for the City of Antioch. The junior is student body president and is a four-sport athlete. Fifita was chosen was for a long list of reasons but at the top is her drive to lead Antioch High, increase school spirit and help others on campus. Fifita will be celebrated, along with other city winners, on March 22 at Lone Tree Golf.”

UPDATE: Fifita is a junior at Antioch High and is the current student body president. Historically, this position is held by a senior but Fifita, showcasing her selflessness and determination, has been successful in receiving this position as a Junior.  She excels in four sports and with her standout quality lies in her ability to enhance any team she joins. Through her passion, hard work, and charisma, she stands out as a remarkable student. Her dream is to study kinesiology and build a career in sports medicine.

Each of the winners, including the Citizens, Businesses and Non-Profit of the Year, will be honored at the Chamber’s annual Gala on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center. For more information visit the Chamber’s website at www.antiochchamber.com.