One of seven Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s 459 semifinalists from Contra Costa County for highly competitive undergraduate transfer scholarships
Other college scholarship programs offered for middle, high school students
By Julia Florence
Lansdowne, Virginia – On March 9, 2023, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced 459 semifinalists for the highly competitive Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Brentwood resident Ryan Mattson, in his last semester at Sacramento City College, was selected as the only representative of the Los Rios Community College District to be named a semifinalist.
The native who grew up in Pittsburg, CA and is a 2006 graduate of Antioch High School is one of seven semifinalists in Contra Costa County. The six other community college students named semifinalists are Eliette Bustos Barocio and Hosna Ramzi from Los Medanos College and Ivan Hernandez, Jessica Kim, Karla Morales De Leon and Mayari Lanz Amezcua from Diablo Valley College.
The Foundation awards community college students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, leadership, service and a determination to complete their bachelor’s degrees at top four-year institutions.
“I was accepted into Columbia University in New York City and await confirmation or denial from Stanford, Yale and UC Berkeley,” Mattson shared.
He plans to study political science and history but has not finalized his major at Columbia.
Mattson has worked in the trades, specifically automotive repair and maintenance at Winter Chevrolet in Pittsburg and has a 15-year-old son who attends Liberty High in Brentwood.
“I believe the reason for my singularity comes from students not being informed of this scholarship opportunity,” he said. “If the community knew age did not matter and scholarships were available to the determined, I believe our community would garner not only the nation’s best minds but also the most driven individuals.”
This year’s semifinalists were chosen from a pool of more than 1,700 applicants and attend 215 community colleges in 38 states. Some of the latest research from the American Talent Initiative estimates that roughly 50,000 high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds could transfer to four-year colleges each year but don’t, often due to cost. The Cooke Transfer Scholarship is designed to create a clear pathway to a four-year degree by offering up to $55,000 per year along with academic advising and access to a network of peers.
“By lifting the financial burden of pursuing a four-year degree off their shoulders, our goal is to help students take full advantage of a four-year college experience without taking on student debt,” said Seppy Basili, Executive Director of the Cooke Foundation. “This year’s selected semifinalists reflect the deep bench of talent across our community colleges today, and we’re looking forward to getting to know them better in our final application review process.”
The Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship offers unparalleled support to community college students. In addition to the generous financial support, selected Cooke Transfer Scholars will receive educational advising from the Foundation’s Deans of Scholar Support to guide them through the process of transitioning to a four-year school and preparing for their future endeavors. They will also have access to opportunities for internships, study abroad, graduate school funding, and the incomparable connection to a robust network of more than 3,000 fellow Cooke Scholars and Alumni.
According to the foundation’s website, scholarship recipients earned a 3.92 average community college GPA, 70% participated in an honors program or pursued honors coursework and 67% held a leadership role in a club or activity. They will be announced in April.
A list of this year’s Cooke Transfer Scholar semifinalists, their respective community colleges, and hometowns can be viewed here. To learn more about the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, visit the website here.
Named for and Funded by Canadian-American Businessman
According to Wikipedia, “Jack Kent Cooke was a Canadian-American businessman in broadcasting and professional sports. Starting in sales, Cooke was very successful, eventually becoming a partner in a network of radio stations and newspapers in Canada. Cooke moved to the United States and built a business empire in broadcasting and professional sports franchises. Cooke was the owner of the Washington Redskins (NFL), the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), the Los Angeles Kings (NHL), the Los Angeles Wolves (United Soccer) and Toronto Maple Leafs (IL minor league baseball team). He also developed The Forum in Inglewood, California, and FedExField (named Jack Kent Cooke Stadium when it opened, months after his death) near Landover, Maryland.”
According to the foundation’s website, Cooke was born in Canada in 1912. “As a young man, he was an athlete and musician, with a love for ice hockey, the saxophone, and the clarinet. He dreamed of pursuing a formal education, but that dream was cut short when he left high school during the Great Depression to work full time to help support his family. Nonetheless, Mr. Cooke believed education was a life-long pursuit. He was a passionate student his entire life and was knowledgeable in fields as diverse as literature, music, sports, and architecture. When he died in 1997, Mr. Cooke left the bulk of his fortune to establish the Cooke Foundation and provide remarkable students with the chance to soar.”
More Scholarship Programs for Middle, High School Students
The foundation also offers three other scholarship opportunities. The Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is the largest undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities. The high school seniors will receive up to $55,000 per year for up to four years to complete a bachelor’s degree. They will also be eligible to apply for the Cooke Graduate Scholarship after graduating with their bachelor’s degree, which is worth up to $150,000.
The Cooke College Scholarship Program is available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities.
This year’s 45 recipients entered the Cooke Young Scholars Program as 8th graders in 2019. As a cohort, they have attended two residential summer programs together. During the summer before 8th grade, Young Scholars spent three weeks at the University of Pennsylvania exploring social and political issues through project-based service-learning and academic study. This past summer, Scholars took part in an inquiry‐based enrichment experience at the University of Connecticut, participating in experiential research projects.
The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for high-performing 7th grade students with financial need. It provides comprehensive academic and college advising, as well as financial support for school, Cooke-sponsored summer programs, internships, and other learning enrichment opportunities.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreDublin’s 39th St. Patrick’s Day Celebration will be held Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19, 2023. The festival activities and entertainment will run 10am-5pm both days and is held rain or shine.
The 2023 St. Patrick’s Day Festival’s visitors will enjoy a variety of events such as:
- Firefighters Pancake Breakfast.
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
- Shamrock 5K Fun Run & Walk.
- Food and Drinks – International food stalls.
- Shopping – More than 250 booths selling crafts, food, jewelry and more.
- Carnival Rides & Games – Enjoyment for the whole family.
- Music – Live concerts.
- Entertainment – Irish Music and Dance.
Annual Firefighters Pancake Breakfast
Green pancakes anyone? Enjoy a delicious hot pancake and sausage breakfast served fresh off the griddle by the firefighters from Local 55. The cost is only $5.00 per person and the funds are used to support charitable efforts funded by Local 55. It’s a perfect way to start the morning before finding a seat for the parade or heading over to the festival!
- Saturday, March 18, 2023
- 7:00 a.m – 10:00 a.m.
- Fire Station #16, 7494 Donohue Drive in Dublin
- (At the corner of Donohue Drive and Amador Valley Blvd.)
- $5 per person
39th St. Patrick’s Day Parade
After a hearty breakfast at the Firefighters’ Local 55 Pancake Breakfast, residents and guests can find a spot in Downtown Dublin to watch the Dublin Lions Club St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which begins Saturday, March 18 at 9:30 a.m. The parade kicks-off at Dublin Boulevard and Amador Plaza Road, traveling east on Dublin Boulevard, north on Village Parkway, and west on Amador Valley Boulevard, ending near the Dublin Senior Center. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets to watch from along the parade route. The parade features more than 80 entries, including festive marching bands and floats, Irish bagpipes, local dance troupes, equestrians, and more.
This is a rain or shine event, so be prepared with rain gear in case of foul weather!
2023 Shamrock 5K Fun Run & Walk presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Join in the fun and festivities of the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration by participating in the Shamrock 5k Fun Run and Walk. Lace up those running shores, put on your favorite green, and head out to run or walk.
- Sunday, March 19, 2023
- 8:30am race start time
- 1 Mile 5K course.
- Commemorative event t-shirt for all participants registered by March 3, 2023.
- First three finishers in each age group in the Competitive Division will receive a medallion and a Dick’s Sporting Goods gift certificate.
- Open to everyone! Run or walk our 5K route.
- Enjoy a post-race celebration with refreshments, entertainment, and prize drawings!
- Join the over 2,000 participants in this fun event!
- This is a rain or shine event!
The Shamrock 5K Fun Run and Walk is part of the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration which features three stages of Irish music and dancing; over 250 festival booths; and plenty of Irish food and drink!
For more information on the Fun Run including route map, parking and directions, and how to register, please visit the Event Registration Page. For questions, please contact Anthony Calvo at anthony.calvo@dublin.ca.gov.
Other Things to Do at the Festival
Entertainment – Three Stages of Irish Music and Dance! (See schedule)
You’ll find everything from traditional Irish folk music to Celtic Rock and bagpipes performing throughout Saturday and Sunday on two stages. And don’t miss the Irish Dancers performing continuously on the Dance Stage.
Food and Drink – An International Food Court!
An expanded Irish menu will feature corned beef sliders; Irish bangers and mash; Guinness-marinated tri-tip on Irish soda bread; boxty; and, of course, fish and chips! Traditional festival favorites like kettle corn and corn dogs, along with international choices, such as teriyaki chicken and beef kabobs, will also be served.
Shopping – Over 250 Booths!
The Irish Marketplace will feature unique Celtic artwork, Irish tartans, hand knit wool sweaters, shawls, beautiful Celtic jewelry, and more! Other vendors will include arts and crafts booths, commercial vendors, non-profits groups, and sponsors.
Carnival Rides
Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Irish Tea Cottage
Enjoy lively Irish music along with a steaming cup of Irish tea, served with delicious shortbread and scones. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For the festival’s program, directions and parking, parade route and more details visit the festival’s website at www.DublinStPats.com.
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The San Ramon Community Chorus is performing a free St. Patrick‘s Day Concert on Friday, March 17 start at 7:00pm at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center at 9300 Alcosta Blvd. This annual show will also feature performances by the McBride School of Irish Dance. We hope to see you there!
The Community Chorus is open to those who enjoy recreational singing in a friendly, stress-free atmosphere. We sing familiar tunes from Broadway classics and folk. No experience or auditions are required. Sessions end with a performance (optional participation).
Read MoreFollowing “illegal narcotics deal gone bad”
Police search for shooter
By Oakley Police Department
On March 15, 2023, at approximately 10:12PM, Oakley police officers responded to the 1000 block of Quail Valley Run for the report of three males fighting inside a vehicle and gunshots being heard. Oakley Officers started towards the area, and they were advised one person fled from the vehicle after the gunshots and the vehicle was driven away too. Oakley Police Officers found the vehicle at the intersection of Laurel Road and Teton Road. As the officers started making contact with the occupants, they learned the vehicle was stolen out of Oakley on March 11, 2023. Officers quickly contacted the occupants and found the driver was a young adult male and he was shot in the upper chest. Officers also contacted a juvenile male in the front passenger seat. Our officers provided medical care to the driver and had paramedics respond.
Our officers began their investigation and they found both the driver and the passenger to be completely uncooperative with them. The driver was transported to a local hospital for advanced care and our detectives were called in. the stolen vehicle was seized as evidence, along with many personal effects of the driver and the passenger. Our investigation led to the recovery of the firearm that was used in this shooting.
Our investigation has so far revealed this incident appears to be an illegal narcotics deal gone bad. We are still actively working on identifying the person who fled on foot, who at this point is only known to be a male wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt.
The driver of the stolen vehicle, and the person who was shot, is identified as Nickolas Durham (18, Pittsburg). Durham was released from the local hospital into the custody of the Oakley Police Department, and we have arrested and booked him for:
- Possession of a stolen vehicle
The juvenile passenger in the vehicle was arrested and booked for:
- Possession of a firearm
- Assault with a deadly weapon
“This is the second major incident that occurred on Quail Valley Run in the span of just one day. At this point there is no evidence to suggest the two incidents are related in any way. Even though my detectives are still trying to identify the third party in this incident we have recovered the gun that was used, and we have taken two suspects into custody. I do not believe this incident still represents a threat to public safety due to the recovery of the gun and the arrests,” said Police Chief Paul Beard. “I do however acknowledge the good and hardworking residents of the Quail Valley Run area may be uneasy due to all of the recent activity. I want all of those residents to know I have issued an expectation to my officers to bolster patrols in that area for the next few days. I am also imploring everybody to call us if they see anything suspicious or out of place. The Oakley Police Department will always work hard to ensure the safety of our residents and our business owners. The more we know, or find out about, only helps us to do the best job we can do.”
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Recognition honors organizations that demonstrate business integrity through best-in-class ethics, compliance, and governance practices
By Antonia Ehlers, PR and Media Relations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
Kaiser Permanente is again one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, according to Ethisphere Institute, an independent group that monitors business ethics.
Companies that receive the World’s Most Ethical Company designation work to improve their communities. They also foster and grow empowered employees while modeling a workplace where ethics and a strong sense of purpose lead the way.
“Kaiser Permanente is committed to improving access to care, having a diverse workforce reflective of our communities, and addressing the inequities, structural racism, and injustices that marginalize our most vulnerable populations,” said Diane Ott, vice president, ethics and compliance for Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California region. “This recognition highlights our on-going efforts to improve the health and well-being of our members, patients, and the communities we serve.”
Some of those efforts in Northern California include:
- Prioritizing communities that have endured decades of underinvestment. Kaiser Permanente is investing in programs that will close the racial wealth gap by creating economic opportunity for underrepresented communities and supporting programs that focus on addressing racism and trauma.
- In 2022, Kaiser Permanente awarded $1.6 million in grants to 20 Northern California agencies for child and family vaccination outreach in areas with lower vaccination rates and to ensure the equitable distribution of the vaccine across communities of color. It is part of a larger $12 million investment in vaccine equity the organization has made to date.
- We’ve invested in diverse small businesses and programs that provide quality jobs and prepare young people for college and careers. We also increased our purchase of goods and services from businesses owned by women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups.
- Kaiser Permanente is partnering with homeless service providers, affordable housing organizations, researchers, homeless advocates, and city and county officials, working together to build a more robust and coordinated homeless response system to improve the health of our communities.
- We have invested $30 million through the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Scholars Academy, to expand the pipeline for new, culturally diverse mental health clinicians across California. This includes offering eligible Kaiser Permanente employees the opportunity to pursue masters and doctorate degrees in mental health fields through our own and affiliated degree programs, with a focus on increasing diversity and representation in the mental health workforce. This will help impact communities where demand for services exceeds the availability of highly qualified mental health professionals.
Best-in-class practices
Kaiser Permanente is one of 135 honorees in 19 countries being recognized. In addition, Kaiser Permanente is one of only 2 organizations recognized in the Integrated Healthcare System category for 2023.
Honorees are scored based on an evaluation of their ethics and compliance program, culture of ethics, corporate citizenship and responsibility, governance, and leadership and reputation.
“Ethics matters. Organizations that commit to business integrity through robust programs and practices not only elevate standards and expectations for all, but also have better long-term performance,” said Ethisphere CEO, Erica Salmon Byrne. “We continue to be inspired by the World’s Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to making real impact for their stakeholders and displaying exemplary values-based leadership. Congratulations to Kaiser Permanente for earning a place in the World’s Most Ethical Companies community.”
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.
Read MoreMother also arrested as accomplice for Oakley crime
By Oakley Police Department
On February 19, 2023, at approximately 8:35PM, Oakley police officers responded to 4501 Main Street (AMPM – ARCO gas Station) for the report of a black male adult wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, shooting at a vehicle fleeing the location. Oakley Officers arrived on scene, contacted witnesses, and reviewed security footage. Based on the video footage, officers were able to identify a victim in the shooting and made contact. A bullet hole was located in the victim’s vehicle. No injuries were sustained or reported from this incident.
Information was obtained which suggested the incident occurred due to both victim and suspect looking at each other. An altercation took place, and the suspect pulled a firearm. The victim ran to their vehicle and tried to flee the scene. The suspect ran after the victim vehicle while firing several rounds from a handgun. The suspect entered a vehicle with other individuals and left the scene.
Oakley Detectives conducted follow up, reviewed surveillance video, and were able to identify the shooter as Jacari McKinney (18, Oakley). Additionally, Oakley Detectives were able to identify the driver of the suspect vehicle as Marika Brown (45, Oakley), who is also the mother of McKinney.
During the course of this investigation Oakley Detectives contacted Antioch Police Department Detectives to exchange information. Both agencies were able to confirm McKinney as a suspect in cases from both cities. On 03/15/2023, the Antioch Police Department SWAT team conducted a search warrant operation in the City of Oakley. This operation was the result of the joint investigation of both the Antioch Police Department and the Oakley Police Department and Oakley personnel assisted in the operation. As a result of this police action both McKinney and Brown were taken into custody without incident. They were formally booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.
The Oakley Police Department is charging McKinney with:
- Attempted murder- FELONY
- Assault with a deadly weapon, involving firearm- FELONY
- Shooting into an occupied vehicle- FELONY
The Oakley Police Department is charging Brown with:
- Accessory after the fact (of McKinney’s crimes)- FELONY
“The joint cooperation of my Department and the Antioch Police Department epitomizes what should be the spirit of police agencies across America. I can personally attest the investigative units of Oakley PD and Antioch PD worked cooperatively together during this investigation and shared the common goal of removing a dangerous person from free society to hold him accountable and to prevent him from committing additional acts of violence against innocent persons. They have succeeded in this goal. I am grateful the actions of our joint teams of officers have prevented further violence and I appreciate all of their efforts,” said Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard. “It has come to my attention McKinney was on juvenile probation for another firearms related offense and he was being monitored via an ankle monitor for a period of time. Just days before he committed his crimes in Oakley his ankle monitor was lawfully removed. Mr. McKinney has clearly established a pattern of very violent tendencies and I am calling for the maximum level of accountability to be applied against him for the sake of society as whole.”
If you have any information regarding the Oakley shooting on February 19, 2023, or any other incident involving the suspects in this case, please contact the Oakey Police Department (925) 229-2079
In addition, according to Antioch Police PIO Ashley Crandell, McKinney was wanted for another shooting and carjacking, last Saturday, in that city
On March 11, 2023, at 11:24 am, the Antioch Police Department Communications Center received multiple emergency calls reporting a person shot at the Twin Creeks Apartments a 1111 James Donlon Blvd. Responding officers located an adult male victim with at least one gunshot wound, who was transported to a local hospital in serious but stable condition. Officers learned the victim’s vehicle was carjacked by the suspect immediately after the shooting.
Detective Gragg and the other members of the Antioch Police Department’s Violent Crime Investigation’s Unit worked tirelessly on this case and through investigation learned the suspect was also the suspect in a shooting investigation in Oakley. The Antioch Police Department and Oakley Police Department worked in collaboration to identify the suspect and take him into custody.
On March 15, 2023, at approximately 5:00 am, the Antioch Police Department’s Investigation’s Bureau and SWAT team, with the assistance of the Oakley Police Department served a search and arrest warrant in the 1200 block of Quail Valley Run in Oakley, related to this case.
The suspect, 18-year-old, Oakley resident Jacari McKinney, was taken into custody and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility for carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon for our investigation. The members of the Antioch Police Department want to thank the Oakley Police Department for their assistance in this operation. We would also like to thank the residents on Quail Valley Run for their patience and assistance while this warrant was executed.
Antioch Police Chief Steven Ford issued the following statement regarding the joint arrest and SWAT operation with the Oakley Police Department this morning: “We are grateful for the close collaboration we have with our neighboring agencies in East County – including the Oakley Police Department. Oakley detectives immediately began working with ours to identify and solve these senseless crimes in our respective communities, which is a partnership we enjoy that transcends city borders. We came together to affect a swift arrest, which was conducted with the precision and skill of our tactical unit.
I would like to specifically thank the officers and detectives of the Oakley Police Department for their hard work and partnership with our team. To my officers and detectives – thank you for the many hours spent seeking justice for the victims of these horrific incidents. You are truly the best of the best and I am honored to have you on the team.”
Through this investigation, Detective Gragg worked with the Brentwood Police Department, Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, and Contra Costa County Probation as well. The members of the Antioch Police Department want to recognize these agencies for their assistance.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read More“The union’s accusations of patients not receiving meals, dangerous working conditions and lack of investment in our employees, are completely false.” – John Muir Health PIO Ben Drew
Healthcare workers are gathered at John Muir Health, Concord Medical Center today, Wednesday, March 15, beginning at 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., to protest unsafe staffing levels and their employer’s lack of investment in their workforce. Members of SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West are wearing their uniforms picketing, carrying signs and speaking about what they claim is the hospital’s failure to invest in its patients and caregivers.
According to a press release from the union, “John Muir Health, Concord Medical Center employees say conditions are dangerous for caregivers and patients as management ignores concerns about understaffing and working conditions. Workers are worried about patient and staff safety and say they’ve been pushed to the limit by their employer. They are calling on their employer to listen to and work with healthcare workers to address the staffing crisis through ongoing contract negotiations.”
“We care a lot for our patients, but management isn’t giving us the support we need. Staffing shortages are hitting all departments at our hospital,” said Brian Mynatt, a dietetic technician at John Muir Health, Concord Medical Center. “One of the best ways a patient can recover from an illness is through food and nutrition. But, when we don’t have the staff to get patients the meals they need, it puts their health at risk.”
However, spokesman for the healthcare provider, Ben Drew refutes the claims. In a response statement issued, yesterday he wrote, “The union’s accusations of patients not receiving meals, dangerous working conditions and lack of investment in our employees, are completely false.”
Located at 2540 East Street, John Muir Health, Concord Medical Center’s refusal to invest in its workforce comes in the midst of a healthcare staffing crisis across the state. California faces a massive shortage of allied healthcare workers — job classes that include medical assistants, respiratory therapists, emergency room workers, licensed vocational nurses, lab assistants, housekeepers, and many other frontline staff.
SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) is a healthcare justice union of more than 100,000 healthcare workers, patients, and healthcare activists united to ensure affordable, accessible, high-quality care for all Californians, provided by valued and respected healthcare workers. Learn more at www.seiu-uhw.org.
John Muir Health issues statement responding to SEIU-UHW informational picketing at Concord Medical Center
John Muir Health issued the following response to the protest: “SEIU-UHW and John Muir Health just began bargaining for a successor contract for the Concord Medical Center. The current agreement expires in mid-April and we’ve held one bargaining session to date.
The union’s accusations of patients not receiving meals, dangerous working conditions and lack of investment in our employees, are completely false. Notably, not a word was said at yesterday’s bargaining session about patients not receiving meals. At all times, the health and safety of our patients, staff and providers is our top priority.
Like all health systems, JMH has been facing staffing challenges. We have worked hard to address those challenges by hiring 1,125 new employees in 2022, and that hiring process continues.
We have a long history of constructive relationships with the unions that currently represent employees at our Concord Medical Center, including SEIU-UHW. We hope to continue this practice going forward and reach a fair agreement on a new contract. We will continue to bargain in good faith.”
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Freedom High grad Tia Barrett, a junior at Xavier University of Louisiana honored in competitive cheer Monday
NEW ORLEANS — The NAIA announced Monday its 2023 All-Americans in competitive cheer, and Xavier University of Louisiana was the only school with more than one on the 12-member first team.
XULA’s three first-team All-Americans are sophomores Gabrielle Brightmon, Syre Baker and Kelsey White. XULA’s Tia Barrett, a junior, was chosen to the second team, and freshman teammates Kendall Baggett and Laila Terry earned honorable mention.
Barrett is from Oakley, Calif., and a graduate of Freedom High School. Brightmon is from Katy, Texas, and a graduate of International Leadership of Texas High School. Baker is from Los Angeles and a graduate of Middle College High School. White is from Baton Rouge, La., and a graduate of Zachary High School. Baggett is from Allen, Texas, and a graduate of Allen High School. Terry is from Waldorf, Md., and a graduate of North Point High School.
Brightmon, Baker, White and Barrett are XULA’s first NAIA All-Americans in this sport.
The Gold placed sixth Saturday at NAIA nationals in Ypsilanti, Mich., and XULA, a fourth-year program, produced its third consecutive top-six finish in this event. XULA was the 2022 NAIA national champion. XULA entered 2023 nationals No. 1 in the NAIA in average points per competition for the third consecutive season — this time that the average was 95.90, an improvement from 94.86 in 2022 and 89.15 in 2021.
XULA produced the top two final scores in its history in February — 98.6 Feb. 9 in a dual against Concordia (Mich.) and 97.72 Feb. 11 in winning its NAIA unaffiliated group qualifier.
XULA has one more meet this season: the National Cheerleaders Association national meet April 5-9 at Daytona Beach, Fla.
Read MoreOn five non-consecutive weekends
BART’s next major track improvement project will focus on a portion of the Yellow Line. On five non-consecutive weekends in April, May, and June workers will replace an interlocking between Rockridge and Orinda stations. Interlockings allow BART to safely move trains from line to line and are an essential part of the system. Free buses will replace train service between Rockridge and Orinda stations on all five weekends.
The weekend dates for this project are April 1-2, April 15-16, May 13-14, May 27-29 (Memorial Day weekend), and June 10-11. Riders can expect delays of 30 minutes in the work area on shutdown weekends.
Yellow Line trains will run every 30 minutes on shutdown weekends. On each night of the weekend shutdowns the last scheduled departure from Antioch to Orinda that normally leaves at 11:44pm will be cancelled. Riders traveling westbound from Antioch must catch the earlier train at 11:14pm each night.
The equipment being replaced is decades old and has outlived its design life. Riders will enjoy a smoother, safer, more reliable, and quieter ride once the projects are complete. The Yellow Line is the busiest in the BART system.
This upcoming work is part of BART’s overall effort to improve the safety and reliability of the 131-mile, 50 station system. There are now more rebuilding projects happening across BART than at any point in its 50-year history. You can learn more about the progress of this work by reading the 2022 Measure RR Annual Report published by the independent Measure RR Bond Oversight Committee.
You can keep up with the latest updates for trackway repair projects that impact service by going to our Alerts and Advisories page. BART’s Trip Planner has been improved to show the full customer journey including bus bridges.
Learn more about the work happening between Rockridge and Orinda stations on our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page and Fact Sheet for the project.
Read MoreFemale victim held hostage by suspect
By Brentwood Police Department
On March 12, 2023 at around 9:00 p.m., Brentwood Officers were investigating an unrelated incident in the area of Brentwood Blvd. and Sycamore Ave. when they were approached by an individual reporting a possible hostage situation at the Brentwood Garden Apartments, located in the 160 block of Sycamore Avenue. This individual reported an adult female victim was being held against her will by a known male suspect armed with a handgun.
Several officers responded to the apartment complex and heard gunshots. As officers approached the suspect and victim situated in a breezeway between several apartments, the suspect fired multiple shots in the direction of the officers. Fearing for their lives and the safety of the victim, at least one officer returned fire striking the suspect, a 30-year-old from Long Beach. Both the suspect and victim were transported to area hospitals for treatment of injuries sustained as a result of the shooting, both are expected to survive. No officers or innocent bystanders were injured during the shooting, however, the suspects errant rounds struck unoccupied vehicles in the parking lot. A loaded firearm and expended shell casings were recovered from the scene.
Preliminary information suggests this was an isolated incident with no threat to public safety and there are no outstanding suspects. When the suspect is medically cleared from the hospital, he will be booked at the Martinez Detention Facility on several felonies, including attempted murder on a peace officer.
Contra Costa County District Attorney investigators are conducting a parallel investigation per county protocol.
Anyone with information related to this shooting, who has not already been interviewed by law enforcement is asked to contact Detective Agostinho at 925-809-7870.
This investigation is ongoing and no additional information is being released at this time.
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