LMC Latino students excel
Online celebration Oct. 22
By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing and Media Design, Los Medanos College and Loni Swain, Director of Communications, Campaign for College Opportunity
Pittsburg, Calif. – The Campaign for College Opportunity named Los Medanos College a 2026 Pathway Champion of Placement for its Latino Student Success in English. This award recognizes colleges where Latino students are completing transfer-level English at the highest rates, with particular attention to closing racial equity gaps.
“We commend your institution’s commitment to advancing equitable student success and strengthening California’s transfer pathway,” said Jessie Ryan, president of The Campaign for College Opportunity. “This achievement underscores the extraordinary efforts of your faculty and staff to ensure all students, especially those historically underrepresented, have the opportunity to succeed.”
Ryan added that LMC is leading the way, showing what is possible “when equity and excellence go hand in hand.”
LMC will be recognized during the Pathway Champions: Celebrating Colleges Building Seamless Paths to Student Success virtual celebration on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., during National Transfer Week.
“Los Medanos College is a culturally rich institution, where more than 45% of the student population identifies as Latinx,” LMC President Ralston said. “We are honored and proud of this recognition.”
Ralston said that as a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, LMC prioritizes improving transfer-level English completion for this population but has not done so in isolation. The college’s Student Equity Plan includes strategies designed to address shared and intersecting barriers to completion of all students, she said.
Morgan Lynn, chair of LMC’s English Department, faculty members have been making student-centered, holistic, and innovative changes to our programming and pedagogy.
“This award is a testament to all of our committed faculty, who have dedicated themselves to truly putting students first,” she said.
LMC Vice President of Instruction A’kilah Smith applauded the English Department for their notable work.
“I’m especially proud of our English faculty and colleagues who have embraced the opportunity to rethink how we support students, remove barriers, and create pathways to early success in college-level English,” Smith said.
Marisa Johnson, director of policy impact for The Campaign for College Opportunity, said LMC’s approach stands out. During the 2023-2024 academic year, LMC’s overall transfer-level English completion rate within one year of initial enrollment was 69.4% and 65.1% among Latino students, below the threshold to qualify for the award. After implementing its equity plan, which includes targeted initiatives, services, guidance and resources, LMC’s completion rate overall and for Latino students both rose to 72%.
“So, this award really represents closing the equity gap for last year’s English gateway courses,” Johnson said.
Rachel Anicetti, LMC dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, said the award also reflects LMC’s commitment to equity.
“I am incredibly proud for our English faculty and their collaborative investment in professional development, learning communities, and equitable teaching practices,” she said.
Pathway Champion awards honor campuses advancing landmark reforms in equitable placement (AB 705 and 1705, Irwin), which maximize student success in transfer level-courses, and the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), which streamlines transfer between community colleges and CSUs. Since the passage of AB 705 and AB 1705 (Irwin), California Community Colleges have made historic progress in ensuring students are placed directly into transfer-level courses.
The Campaign for College Opportunity is recognizing 40 Pathway Champions this year. The 40 honorees include California Community Colleges and CSU campuses.
Source: The Campaign for College Opportunity
About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood. For more information visit www.losmedanos.edu.
About the Campaign for College Opportunity: The Campaign for College Opportunity is a coalition representing business, labor, civil rights, religious groups and civic organizations working to ensure that California keeps the promise of college opportunity to California’s next generation of students. The coalition is dedicated to ensuring every Californian can attend and succeed in college, building a stronger future for California’s communities and the students who power them.
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3- to 4-bedroom 2,000+ s.f. single family residences. Sale price $262,750 to $377,00 with up to $70,000 in additional homebuyer assistance financial subsidies
By Walter Zhovreboff, Administrative Director, Bay Area Affordable Home Ownership Alliance
The City of Walnut Creek is providing a very rare and highly beneficial opportunity for very low to low income first time homebuyers to secure home ownership of newly constructed three and four-bedroom single family homes. The price for these homes will range from $262,750 to $377,000. These newly constructed large two-level homes are part of the City of Walnut Creek’s Below Market Rate (BMR) home ownership program. The same market-rate residences in the premier communities are for sale at prices ranging from $1,100,000 to $1,300,000
State and City ordinances enable developers building new homes in Walnut Creek to secure advantageous density bonuses by designating a percentage of their newly built inventory for very low to moderate income households. Eligibility for these low-income BMR homes is restricted to first-time homebuyer households with a minimum household size of three to four persons. Furthermore, the household’s combined gross income may not exceed the maximum thresholds outlined in the schedule below.
| Household size | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Maximum income allowance | $122,200 | $135,750 | $146,650 | $157,500 | $168,350 | $179,200 |
*To qualify as a first-time homebuyer, no household member may have owned or held an ownership interest in a residential property within the past three years.
The City of Walnut Creeks Below Market Rate homebuyer program is administered by the Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance (BAAHA), a 501c3 non-profit organization. BAAHA and the City are also partnering with the Richmond Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC) to help provide access to essential first-time homebuyer education and counseling. Furthermore, this collaboration, alongside support from Mechanics Bank, provides access for up to $70,000 in additional down payment assistance subsidies for qualifying buyers. One of the loan subsidies provides up to $32,800 which is forgiven after five years of ownership.
To review the eligibility criteria, application process, and submission requirements for the currently available $262,750 four-bedroom very low-income home, please visit the BAAHA Abigail Place website at: https://myhomegateway.org/walnut-creek-bmr—abigail-place.html. Households interested in purchasing the Walnut Creek BMR will be required to submit an application to BAAHA to participate in a lottery. The two remaining affordable Below Market Rate (BMR) units are scheduled to be released to the market shortly.
The City of Walnut Creek, BAAHA, and CHCD invite interested households to attend a virtual BMR program informational workshop scheduled for 6:00PM on October 21, 2026. Topics covered at the workshop will focus on: BMR program purchase eligibility guidelines and requirements; gaining access to BMR Programs; required HUD education and valuable homebuyer counseling services; next steps households should take to apply to an upcoming BMR lottery. To get additional information and make a reservation for the virtual workshop please visit BAAHA’s website at https://myhomegateway.org/wc-bmrworkshop.html
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Comprehensive hospice services and admissions to proceed without interruption
By Rico Marcelli, Communications Director, Hospice East Bay
Pleasant Hill, CA — Hospice East Bay announced its comprehensive plan to support patients, families, and the community with exceptional hospice care and admission services throughout a planned seven-day strike of National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) employees that is scheduled for October 5 to October 12, 2026.
To maintain continuity of care during this period, the following plans are in place:
A contingency team of qualified, trained clinicians will be available to respond to needs and provide necessary care, including admissions and daily operations at the Bruns House.
Hospice physicians and administrative staff will remain on call and accessible by phone for any time-sensitive concerns.
Medication, equipment, and supplies will be closely monitored and proactively managed to minimize any risk of disruption.
Volunteer activities and social support services will continue without interruption.
“Our commitment to serve the East Bay community is unwavering and we will ensure the necessary support to create seamless care for those in our care,” said Tonya Lyons, Regional Clinical Director, Hospice East Bay. “As a nonprofit
hospice provider, we are deeply disappointed by the National Union of Healthcare Worker’s plan to strike. The Hospice East Bay team continues to bargain in good faith and remains committed to reaching a fair agreement that will lay the groundwork for long-term sustainability and growth into the future,”
Hospice East Bay has provided nonprofit, community-based hospice care and grief support to local families for nearly 50 years.
“Thanks to the incredible commitment of our outstanding team members, volunteers and community supporters, we are achieving our vision of creating an environment of collaboration, celebration, opportunity and growth.” said Lyons.
Hospice East Bay provides compassionate end-of-life care to terminally ill patients, while offering emotional, spiritual, and grief support for the entire family. As a not-for-profit organization, we accept all medically qualified patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Hospice East Bay has been caring for patients and their families since 1977. Proceeds from our thrift shoppes support the programs of Hospice East Bay. For more information visit Hospice East Bay – Palliative, Hospice & Grief Support.
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Caregivers at Hospice East Bay to protest new Florida-based owner imposing severe layoffs, service reductions
By Matthew Artz, Assistant Communications Director, National Union of Healthcare Workers
PLEASANT HILL, Calif. — Three years after becoming among the first Northern California hospice workers to form a union, caregivers at one of the Bay Area’s oldest hospice providers are launching a 7-day Unfair Labor Practice strike, starting at 6 a.m., Monday, Oct. 5.
“We’ve lost local control of the hospice, and now we’re about to lose caregivers who help people through some of the hardest moments of their lives,” said Claire Eustice, a chaplain at the hospice. “This is a critical moment, and we’re taking a stand to protect a program that has served generations of East Bay families.”
Dozens of hospice workers will be striking Hospice East Bay headquarters alongside elected leaders and community supporters from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 5 and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 to Sunday, Oct. 11, 3470 Buskirk Ave., Pleasant Hill.
The approximately 70 nurses, social workers, pharmacists, chaplains and bereavement counselors at Hospice East Bay made statewide headlines in November 2023 when they joined the National Union of Healthcare Workers. They are still seeking their first contract after nearly three years of negotiations. During that period, Hospice East Bay, which was founded in 1977 and remains the second-largest hospice provider serving Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties, surrendered local control and turned over operations to Chapters Health System, a national hospice chain based in Florida, whose CEO, Andrew Molosky, was paid over $2.5 million in 2024, the last year for which records are publicly available.
Since Chapters took over last October, contract bargaining has stagnated, and staffing has declined. After a smaller layoff last year, Chapters is now set to lay off the equivalent of 21 full-time workers effective Oct. 16, including top executives, non-union nurses and four union members: two chaplains, a psychosocial resource specialist and a bereavement counselor.
Following the layoffs, the hospice will have just two bereavement counselors for a census of 1,200 patients and immediate family members, precluding it from offering all its traditional services to help grieving family members, including peer support groups, one-on-one counseling sessions and in-home counseling for clients with mobility issues. The hospice already eliminated a program two years ago for school-aged children who lost a parent.
“We’re about to be down to only two counselors, which means we can’t offer all the services we know help those in grief,” said Dawn Torre, a bereavement counselor at the hospice. “It’s painful to know that we won’t have the capacity to help families cope with the loss of a loved one. It’s not fair to anyone, and there’s no excuse for it.”
Hospice unionization and consolidation are increasing throughout the Bay Area. Since 2022, more than 400 hospice workers in Northern California have joined NUHW, including at two hospices in Sonoma County whose operations were recently taken over by Compassus, a private equity-backed company.
Although Chapters is not a for-profit operator, it touts a reputation for helping its member hospices to “maximize administrative resources and minimize expenses.” Among those set to be laid off on Aug. 16 is Hospice East Bay Executive Director Chris Falley. Rather than replace Falley, Chapters is planning to appoint a new executive to oversee Hospice East Bay and four other Chapters hospice programs in the western United States.
The chain went months without holding any negotiating sessions with workers despite conditions placed by Attorney General Rob Bonta on Chapters’ acquisition of Hospice East Bay requiring that the national chain to “collectively bargain in good faith.” Chapters also laid off three workers last year and withheld merit raises until the National Labor Relations Board ordered it to provide the wage increases while negotiations continued.
In contract negotiations, the chain is insisting on being able to increase health care premiums at any time, while offering only a 2.5 percent raise over the next year. Chapters is also demanding that workers effectively waive the right to ever sue Chapters and accept employment arbitration to settle disputes.
“It’s clear to us that Chapters is trying to break our union and defund our services,” said Marie Yang, a chaplain at the hospice. “Their strategy seems to be to drag this out until we give up — but that won’t happen. We’re defending a community institution, and we are committed to being able to provide our patients with the compassion they deserve.”
Workers have filed several Unfair Labor Practice charges against Hospice East Bay. There are currently two outstanding charges citing Chapters for unilaterally changing employee health insurance and refusing to bargain over it, eliminating two union job titles, and then offering to rehire the union workers into non-union job titles, but still doing the same job.
The National Union of Healthcare Workers is a member-led movement that represents 19,000 healthcare workers in California and Hawaii, including more than 400 hospice workers.
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12-hour statewide effort focuses on identifying and arresting impaired drivers
By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications, Office of Media Relations, California Highway Patrol
SACRAMENTO — One impaired driver can change or end a life in an instant. To help prevent these tragedies, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is mobilizing uniformed personnel statewide for a targeted enforcement effort to keep impaired drivers off California roads. Drivers should plan ahead, arrange a sober ride and never get behind the wheel while impaired.
Beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, and continuing through 5:59 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, all uniformed CHP personnel will participate in a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP). During the MEP, officers will increase their presence on California roads and focus on identifying and stopping impaired drivers.
“The message is clear: Impaired driving will not be tolerated on California roads. It is preventable, dangerous and puts every person nearby at risk. If you plan to drink or may be impaired, arrange a sober ride home. During this statewide enforcement period, CHP personnel of every rank will make it their mission to identify and remove impaired drivers from our roads.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee
By the Numbers
From 2022 through 2024, data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System show that alcohol- or drug-impaired driving contributed to an average of nearly 800 fatal crashes each year and a total of more than 39,400 injury crashes on California roads.
During last October’s 12-hour MEP, held over the Halloween weekend, CHP officers arrested more than 500 impaired drivers. Officers also issued nearly 2,000 speeding citations, including 96 citations for drivers traveling faster than 100 mph.
Help Keep Impaired Drivers Off the Road
As California’s state police, the CHP remains committed to keeping California’s roads safe for everyone. The CHP asks the public to remain vigilant and report suspected impaired drivers. Driving unusually slowly, swerving between lanes or nearly colliding with obstacles are a few indicators that a driver may be operating a vehicle under the influence.
If you see a suspected impaired driver, call 9-1-1 and provide as much information as possible, including the vehicle’s make, model, license plate number and direction of travel.
Never drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver. Designate a sober driver, use public transportation or arrange for a rideshare service.
Together we can help keep California’s roads safe for everyone.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
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Stolen tools from Brentwood Fire Station recovered. Photo: Brentwood PD
License plate reader identifies suspect vehicle
By Brentwood Police Department
On September 27, 2026, at approximately 11:30 a.m., two suspects forced entry into the Fire Station construction site in downtown Brentwood on First Street and stole more than $10,000 worth of tools from a secured electrician’s toolbox.
A BPD patrol officer conducted a very thorough investigation, quickly obtained surveillance footage, and a detailed list of the stolen property. While construction site cameras captured the suspect vehicle, no license plate was visible.
Using License Plate Reader (LPR) technology, a BPD detective was able to identify the suspect vehicle. Within hours of the theft being reported, our partners at the Fremont Police Department located and stopped the suspect vehicle and contacted BPD Investigations.
BPD detectives continued the investigation and, within just two days of the reported theft, recovered the majority of the stolen tools and returned them to their rightful owner.
Screenshot of surveillance video of suspect’s car leaving the new downtown Brentwood fire station construction site and the car located with the help of Fremont Police. Photos: Brentwood PD
For the victim, a female engineer working here in our community, the recovery of her tools meant much more than simply getting back stolen property. These are essential tools that support her work and career, and returning them helps her continue pursuing her success while working on projects right here in our city. She expressed her overwhelming appreciation for the officers and detectives who worked quickly to recover what she had lost.
This case is a great example of how good police work, technology, and strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies can quickly make a difference for our community.
Thank you to our patrol officers, BPD Investigations team, and our friends at the Fremont Police Department for their assistance in getting these stolen items back where they belong.
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Rustom Bhagwager and Jennifer Powell were convicted by separate juries on this week. Photos: CCC Sheriff’s Office
Face maximum of 230 years to life in state prison
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – Separate juries in Contra Costa Superior Court convicted Rustom Bhagwagar and Jennifer Spitz Powell on all charges related to the repeated sexual abuse of a young girl.
A jury found 46-year-old Powell guilty on Monday, September 28th, and a second jury found 35-year-old Bhagwagar guilty on Tuesday, September 29th. Bhagwagar, a former commercial airline co-pilot from Florida, and Powell, from Walnut Creek, were each convicted of eight counts of oral copulation or sexual penetration with a child 10 years old or younger and 12 counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14.
Due to the victim’s age and the nature of the crimes, the victim will not be named by the District Attorney’s Office to protect her identity.
The case was heard in Martinez before Judge Danielle Douglas. In a rare dual-jury format, the court tried two defendants at once while making sure each jury heard only the evidence that applied to its assigned defendant. Evidence presented to both juries showed that the sexual abuse of the victim began when she was 7 years old and occurred from on or about October 17th, 2017, to October 16th, 2022. Powell, who was in a relationship with Bhagwagar, participated with him in numerous acts of abuse against the victim.
As previously reported, Bhagwagar, who worked as a co-pilot with a commercial airline, was arrested on July 26, 2025, at San Francisco International Airport by deputies with the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office – with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security. Three days later, Detectives arrested Powell. (See related article)
Bhagwagar and Powell each face a maximum sentence of 230 years to life in state prison. Both remain in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility and will be sentenced by the court at a future date.
Deputy District Attorney Haleigh Parkinson of the Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case with support from a trial team that included legal assistants, a victim advocate, and victim support staff.
District Attorney Diana Becton said, “This young survivor showed extraordinary courage by testifying in court and facing the people who used duress to harm her. These verdicts hold both defendants accountable. I am grateful to our entire team for their dedication in seeking, serving, and doing justice in this case.”
Case No. 01-25-02241 | The People of the State of California v. Rustom Bhagwagar R BHAGWAGAR Amended Info Filed
Case No. 01-25-02242 | The People of the State of California v. Jennifer Spitz Powell J S POWELL Amended Info Filed
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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SB 328 authored by Senator Grayson, co-authored by Assemblymembers Ávila Farías and Wicks provides CEQA exemptions, requires 25% of housing to be for lower-income
Base Reuse Project plan includes 12,272 new homes, 6 million SF of commercial space for up to 26,500 jobs, over 800 acres of parks & trails
By Colleen Awad, City of Concord Community Relations Manager
Concord, CA (September 30, 2026) – The City of Concord applauds Senator Tim Grayson for authoring Senate Bill 328, its principal coauthors, Assemblymembers Ávila Farías and Wicks, and thanks Governor Newsom for signing it into law.
Senate Bill 328 (SB 328), entitled, “California Environmental Quality Act (CEQ): exempt surplus land,” supports the City’s path to redevelop the former Concord Naval Weapons Station into a world-class neighborhood for current and future Concord residents after many years of planning and public input. It would exempt the property from certain requirements of CEQA and requires 25% of the housing be for lower-income renters and owners.
According to the Legislative Counsel’s Digest, “This bill would revise the definition of ‘exempt surplus land’ to remove the reference to buyers and instead mean 2 or more adjacent or nonadjacent parcels combined for disposition to one or more persons or entities, as specified.
Source: City of Concord
“The bill would also exempt surplus land that is a former military base that was conveyed by the federal government to a local agency or a local reuse authority, and that is all or any portion of the Concord Naval Weapons Station, if certain requirements are met, including that the former military base has an aggregate area greater than 5 acres and that before disposition of the land, the local agency or local reuse authority has entered into a disposition and development agreement that stipulates that at least 25% of the aggregate residential units permitted to be developed will be restricted to lower income households with an affordable housing cost or affordable rent for a minimum of 55 years for rental housing and 45 years for owner-occupied housing, as specified. The bill would regulate actions challenging the disposition and would prescribe penalties for violations of these provisions. The bill would also regulate the actions of the local agency or local reuse authority, including, among other things, requiring the local agency or local reuse authority to include in the annual report the status of development of residential units on the former military base, as specified.”
Furthermore, “This bill would provide that specified environmental review documents satisfy the requirements of CEQA for any project within the portion of the Concord Naval Weapons Station included within the boundaries of the area plan for the Concord Community Reuse Project, as provided, that has land use types that are consistent with the area plan land use types and locations for those land use types that are consistent with the area plan diagram and the project does not cause the aggregate development in the area plan to exceed the area plan maximum planning areawide total, as specified. The bill would further provide that a project that contains land use types that are consistent with the area plan land use types in locations that are not consistent with the area plan diagram would be subject to review pursuant to CEQA, and would be limited to review of the location of land use types that are not consistent with the area plan diagram, as provided.”
Thank you to Governor Newsom, Senator Grayson, and our state partners for your leadership, and to residents, community leaders, and stakeholders for supporting this legislation and this transformative neighborhood.
“Passage of SB 328 gives the City of Concord, Brookfield, and Concord residents certainty to move from vision to reality,” said Mayor Laura Nakamura. “Coming on the heels of the landmark agreement with the U.S. Navy, the legislation keeps this project moving forward to produce thousands of well-paying construction jobs and add many homes to our community.”
The vision for the project is to deliver a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive new community that reflects the values and aspirations of Concord. Among its elements are 12,272 new homes, 25 percent of them affordable to working families, seniors, and first-time buyers, along with approximately 6 million square feet of commercial space supporting up to 26,500 jobs, and more than 800 acres of local parks and trails.
In the months ahead, the City will continue working with Brookfield as they engage the community in the preparation of a Specific Plan. A Specific Plan serves as the detailed blueprint for future development by establishing land uses, neighborhood character, transportation networks, infrastructure, public amenities, parks and open space, and the design standards that will guide the community’s evolution.
With SB 328 now law, the Concord Naval Weapons Station Base Reuse Project continues its forward momentum.
For more information visit https://concordreuseproject.org.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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Image Source: X/ Techgig
Federal lawsuit alleges agency refused to refer American applicant for tech position in Silicon Valley
By Office of Communications & Legislative Affairs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
SAN FRANCISCO — Sibitalent Corp., a Texas-based employment agency specializing in information technology staffing and recruitment, violated federal law when it refused to refer an American applicant for a position in Mountain View, California because of the applicant’s national origin, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit announced today.
According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, in July 2025, a Sibitalent recruiter contacted an American database developer by e-mail for a business data analyst position in Mountain View, California, but included a notification “ONLY H-1B,” in large, highlighted text. When the American developer questioned the legality of such a visa requirement for the position, the Sibitalent recruiter ceased communicating and refused to refer him for the job. Sibitalent subsequently referred two candidates of Indian and Nepali origin for the same analyst position, according to the suit.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s website, the H-1B Visa program “applies to employers seeking to hire nonimmigrant aliens as workers in specialty occupations or as fashion models of distinguished merit and ability. A specialty occupation is one that requires the application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and the attainment of at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. The intent of the H-1B provisions is to help employers who cannot otherwise obtain needed business skills and abilities from the U.S. workforce by authorizing the temporary employment of qualified individuals who are not otherwise authorized to work in the United States.
“The law establishes certain standards in order to protect similarly employed U.S. workers from being adversely affected by the employment of the nonimmigrant workers, as well as to protect the H-1B nonimmigrant workers. Employers must attest to the Department of Labor that they will pay wages to the H-1B nonimmigrant workers that are at least equal to the actual wage paid by the employer to other workers with similar experience and qualifications for the job in question, or the prevailing wage for the occupation in the area of intended employment – whichever is greater.”
“The EEOC’s mission is to ensure equal opportunity for all, which includes Americans,” said EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas. “Employers and employment agencies cannot shut qualified Americans out of job opportunities by using unjustified visa requirements as a proxy for national origin discrimination. The EEOC will vigorously enforce federal law to protect American workers from unlawful discrimination.”
This alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination by employment agencies based on national origin. The EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Sibitalent Corp., Case No. 3:26-cv-11106) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, after first attempting to reach a pre‑litigation settlement through its administrative conciliation process.
EEOC San Francisco District Director Christopher Green said, “The EEOC will vigorously enforce Title VII to ensure that American applicants can compete for jobs on a level field where hiring decisions are based on qualifications and performance.”
The EEOC recently released information on anti-American discrimination and is partnering with the Department of Labor in Project Firewall. For more information on national origin discrimination, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/national-origin-discrimination.
The EEOC’s San Francisco District Office has jurisdiction over Northern Nevada, Northern California, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.
The EEOC is the sole federal agency authorized to investigate and litigate against businesses and other private sector employers for violations of federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. For public sector employers, the EEOC shares jurisdiction with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. The EEOC also is responsible for coordinating the federal government’s employment antidiscrimination effort. More information about the EEOC is available at www.eeoc.gov.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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World’s largest bounce house with over 50,000 square feet of fun offers action-packed, all-ages experience featuring live DJs, food trucks, gift shops & more — tickets on sale now!
By Greg Wiley, Public Relations Manager, The Big Bounce America
Contra Costa, CA (September 21, 2026) – The Big Bounce America, home to the world’s largest bounce house, extending its high-energy experience in the Bay Area for two weekends, October 17-18 and Oct 24-25. Featuring more than 50,000 square feet of inflatable attractions, the event transforms the Contra Costa Fair and Event Park into a fully immersive playground filled with live music, laughter, and unforgettable fun for ALL!
Designed for all ages, The Big Bounce America features dedicated sessions for younger children, bigger kids, and adults — so everyone can JUMP IN and join the fun.
“This isn’t just an event, it’s a full-blown, larger-than-life experience,” said David Taube, Tour Director of The Big Bounce America. “We’re talking about the biggest bounce house on the planet, live DJs, a 900-foot-long obstacle course, and nonstop energy from the moment you walk in. We’re bringing a festival-level atmosphere where kids, parents, teens, and adults can jump, dance, and lose themselves in the fun. It’s truly an unforgettable experience for everyone.”
The event features seven massive inflatable attractions, including:
The World’s Largest Bounce House
Covering over 24,000 square feet and standing 32 feet tall, this record-breaking inflatable is a full-blown party zone. Inside, guests will find giant slides, ball pits, climbing towers, basketball hoops, and colorful interactive elements. A live DJ keeps the energy high with music, games, and competitions tailored to each age group—turning every session into a dance party in the sky.
The Giant
At over 900 feet long, this epic obstacle course is built for thrill-seekers of all skill levels. With more than 50 challenges and a massive finale slide, it’s perfect for friendly competition—or just bouncing your way through a wildly fun adventure.
Sport Slam
Get ready to bring your A-game! Sport Slam is a high-energy, action-packed arena where bouncing meets friendly competition. Packed with hoops, goals, climbing challenges, and fast-paced games, this inflatable playground lets you dunk, kick, race, and battle your way to bragging rights. Challenge your friends, take on your family, or jump into the chaos with new competitors—every corner is built for non-stop movement and big-time fun. Whether you’re channeling your inner all-star or just looking to let loose, Sport Slam keeps the adrenaline pumping from start to finish.
airSPACE
Step into an immersive, space-themed world filled with aliens, moon craters, and intergalactic fun. Featuring a towering inflatable alien, multi-lane slides, and endless ball pits, airSPACE delivers an out-of-this-world experience for explorers of all ages.
Other on-site Activities
Additional on-site attractions include food trucks, shaded rest areas, and family-friendly entertainment. Guests can bring their own food and drinks or purchase from on-site vendors.
Note: Attractions subject to change.
TICKETS: All-Access tickets are available now and include a three-hour pass to the event, featuring a timed session in The World’s Largest Bounce House plus unlimited access to all other attractions. Advanced purchase is strongly encouraged, as sessions frequently sell out. Tickets start at $35. Buy tickets at https://TheBigBounceAmerica.com/Tour-Dates/.
LOCATION: Contra Costa Fair and Event Park (1201 W 10th St, Antioch, CA 94509)
DAYS/TIMES: Saturday, October 17th: 9a-9p; Sunday, October 18th: 9a-6p; Saturday, October 24 9a-9p; Sunday, October 25 9a-6p.
Follow the fun on social media:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheBigBounceAmerica/
Instagram: @TheBigBounceAmerica
Twitter: @TheBigBounceUSA
ABOUT THE BIG BOUNCE AMERICA:
The Big Bounce America is the world’s largest traveling bounce house experience, welcoming thousands of guests in countries around the world since 2007. Learn more at www.thebigbounceamerica.com.
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LMC Latino students excel
Online celebration Oct. 22
By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing and Media Design, Los Medanos College and Loni Swain, Director of Communications, Campaign for College Opportunity
Pittsburg, Calif. – The Campaign for College Opportunity named Los Medanos College a 2026 Pathway Champion of Placement for its Latino Student Success in English. This award recognizes colleges where Latino students are completing transfer-level English at the highest rates, with particular attention to closing racial equity gaps.
“We commend your institution’s commitment to advancing equitable student success and strengthening California’s transfer pathway,” said Jessie Ryan, president of The Campaign for College Opportunity. “This achievement underscores the extraordinary efforts of your faculty and staff to ensure all students, especially those historically underrepresented, have the opportunity to succeed.”
Ryan added that LMC is leading the way, showing what is possible “when equity and excellence go hand in hand.”
LMC will be recognized during the Pathway Champions: Celebrating Colleges Building Seamless Paths to Student Success virtual celebration on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., during National Transfer Week.
“Los Medanos College is a culturally rich institution, where more than 45% of the student population identifies as Latinx,” LMC President Ralston said. “We are honored and proud of this recognition.”
Ralston said that as a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, LMC prioritizes improving transfer-level English completion for this population but has not done so in isolation. The college’s Student Equity Plan includes strategies designed to address shared and intersecting barriers to completion of all students, she said.
Morgan Lynn, chair of LMC’s English Department, faculty members have been making student-centered, holistic, and innovative changes to our programming and pedagogy.
“This award is a testament to all of our committed faculty, who have dedicated themselves to truly putting students first,” she said.
LMC Vice President of Instruction A’kilah Smith applauded the English Department for their notable work.
“I’m especially proud of our English faculty and colleagues who have embraced the opportunity to rethink how we support students, remove barriers, and create pathways to early success in college-level English,” Smith said.
Marisa Johnson, director of policy impact for The Campaign for College Opportunity, said LMC’s approach stands out. During the 2023-2024 academic year, LMC’s overall transfer-level English completion rate within one year of initial enrollment was 69.4% and 65.1% among Latino students, below the threshold to qualify for the award. After implementing its equity plan, which includes targeted initiatives, services, guidance and resources, LMC’s completion rate overall and for Latino students both rose to 72%.
“So, this award really represents closing the equity gap for last year’s English gateway courses,” Johnson said.
Rachel Anicetti, LMC dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, said the award also reflects LMC’s commitment to equity.
“I am incredibly proud for our English faculty and their collaborative investment in professional development, learning communities, and equitable teaching practices,” she said.
Pathway Champion awards honor campuses advancing landmark reforms in equitable placement (AB 705 and 1705, Irwin), which maximize student success in transfer level-courses, and the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), which streamlines transfer between community colleges and CSUs. Since the passage of AB 705 and AB 1705 (Irwin), California Community Colleges have made historic progress in ensuring students are placed directly into transfer-level courses.
The Campaign for College Opportunity is recognizing 40 Pathway Champions this year. The 40 honorees include California Community Colleges and CSU campuses.
Source: The Campaign for College Opportunity
About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood. For more information visit www.losmedanos.edu.
About the Campaign for College Opportunity: The Campaign for College Opportunity is a coalition representing business, labor, civil rights, religious groups and civic organizations working to ensure that California keeps the promise of college opportunity to California’s next generation of students. The coalition is dedicated to ensuring every Californian can attend and succeed in college, building a stronger future for California’s communities and the students who power them.
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3- to 4-bedroom 2,000+ s.f. single family residences. Sale price $262,750 to $377,00 with up to $70,000 in additional homebuyer assistance financial subsidies
By Walter Zhovreboff, Administrative Director, Bay Area Affordable Home Ownership Alliance
The City of Walnut Creek is providing a very rare and highly beneficial opportunity for very low to low income first time homebuyers to secure home ownership of newly constructed three and four-bedroom single family homes. The price for these homes will range from $262,750 to $377,000. These newly constructed large two-level homes are part of the City of Walnut Creek’s Below Market Rate (BMR) home ownership program. The same market-rate residences in the premier communities are for sale at prices ranging from $1,100,000 to $1,300,000
State and City ordinances enable developers building new homes in Walnut Creek to secure advantageous density bonuses by designating a percentage of their newly built inventory for very low to moderate income households. Eligibility for these low-income BMR homes is restricted to first-time homebuyer households with a minimum household size of three to four persons. Furthermore, the household’s combined gross income may not exceed the maximum thresholds outlined in the schedule below.
| Household size | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Maximum income allowance | $122,200 | $135,750 | $146,650 | $157,500 | $168,350 | $179,200 |
*To qualify as a first-time homebuyer, no household member may have owned or held an ownership interest in a residential property within the past three years.
The City of Walnut Creeks Below Market Rate homebuyer program is administered by the Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance (BAAHA), a 501c3 non-profit organization. BAAHA and the City are also partnering with the Richmond Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC) to help provide access to essential first-time homebuyer education and counseling. Furthermore, this collaboration, alongside support from Mechanics Bank, provides access for up to $70,000 in additional down payment assistance subsidies for qualifying buyers. One of the loan subsidies provides up to $32,800 which is forgiven after five years of ownership.
To review the eligibility criteria, application process, and submission requirements for the currently available $262,750 four-bedroom very low-income home, please visit the BAAHA Abigail Place website at: https://myhomegateway.org/walnut-creek-bmr—abigail-place.html. Households interested in purchasing the Walnut Creek BMR will be required to submit an application to BAAHA to participate in a lottery. The two remaining affordable Below Market Rate (BMR) units are scheduled to be released to the market shortly.
The City of Walnut Creek, BAAHA, and CHCD invite interested households to attend a virtual BMR program informational workshop scheduled for 6:00PM on October 21, 2026. Topics covered at the workshop will focus on: BMR program purchase eligibility guidelines and requirements; gaining access to BMR Programs; required HUD education and valuable homebuyer counseling services; next steps households should take to apply to an upcoming BMR lottery. To get additional information and make a reservation for the virtual workshop please visit BAAHA’s website at https://myhomegateway.org/wc-bmrworkshop.html
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Comprehensive hospice services and admissions to proceed without interruption
By Rico Marcelli, Communications Director, Hospice East Bay
Pleasant Hill, CA — Hospice East Bay announced its comprehensive plan to support patients, families, and the community with exceptional hospice care and admission services throughout a planned seven-day strike of National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) employees that is scheduled for October 5 to October 12, 2026.
To maintain continuity of care during this period, the following plans are in place:
A contingency team of qualified, trained clinicians will be available to respond to needs and provide necessary care, including admissions and daily operations at the Bruns House.
Hospice physicians and administrative staff will remain on call and accessible by phone for any time-sensitive concerns.
Medication, equipment, and supplies will be closely monitored and proactively managed to minimize any risk of disruption.
Volunteer activities and social support services will continue without interruption.
“Our commitment to serve the East Bay community is unwavering and we will ensure the necessary support to create seamless care for those in our care,” said Tonya Lyons, Regional Clinical Director, Hospice East Bay. “As a nonprofit
hospice provider, we are deeply disappointed by the National Union of Healthcare Worker’s plan to strike. The Hospice East Bay team continues to bargain in good faith and remains committed to reaching a fair agreement that will lay the groundwork for long-term sustainability and growth into the future,”
Hospice East Bay has provided nonprofit, community-based hospice care and grief support to local families for nearly 50 years.
“Thanks to the incredible commitment of our outstanding team members, volunteers and community supporters, we are achieving our vision of creating an environment of collaboration, celebration, opportunity and growth.” said Lyons.
Hospice East Bay provides compassionate end-of-life care to terminally ill patients, while offering emotional, spiritual, and grief support for the entire family. As a not-for-profit organization, we accept all medically qualified patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Hospice East Bay has been caring for patients and their families since 1977. Proceeds from our thrift shoppes support the programs of Hospice East Bay. For more information visit Hospice East Bay – Palliative, Hospice & Grief Support.
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Caregivers at Hospice East Bay to protest new Florida-based owner imposing severe layoffs, service reductions
By Matthew Artz, Assistant Communications Director, National Union of Healthcare Workers
PLEASANT HILL, Calif. — Three years after becoming among the first Northern California hospice workers to form a union, caregivers at one of the Bay Area’s oldest hospice providers are launching a 7-day Unfair Labor Practice strike, starting at 6 a.m., Monday, Oct. 5.
“We’ve lost local control of the hospice, and now we’re about to lose caregivers who help people through some of the hardest moments of their lives,” said Claire Eustice, a chaplain at the hospice. “This is a critical moment, and we’re taking a stand to protect a program that has served generations of East Bay families.”
Dozens of hospice workers will be striking Hospice East Bay headquarters alongside elected leaders and community supporters from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 5 and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 to Sunday, Oct. 11, 3470 Buskirk Ave., Pleasant Hill.
The approximately 70 nurses, social workers, pharmacists, chaplains and bereavement counselors at Hospice East Bay made statewide headlines in November 2023 when they joined the National Union of Healthcare Workers. They are still seeking their first contract after nearly three years of negotiations. During that period, Hospice East Bay, which was founded in 1977 and remains the second-largest hospice provider serving Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties, surrendered local control and turned over operations to Chapters Health System, a national hospice chain based in Florida, whose CEO, Andrew Molosky, was paid over $2.5 million in 2024, the last year for which records are publicly available.
Since Chapters took over last October, contract bargaining has stagnated, and staffing has declined. After a smaller layoff last year, Chapters is now set to lay off the equivalent of 21 full-time workers effective Oct. 16, including top executives, non-union nurses and four union members: two chaplains, a psychosocial resource specialist and a bereavement counselor.
Following the layoffs, the hospice will have just two bereavement counselors for a census of 1,200 patients and immediate family members, precluding it from offering all its traditional services to help grieving family members, including peer support groups, one-on-one counseling sessions and in-home counseling for clients with mobility issues. The hospice already eliminated a program two years ago for school-aged children who lost a parent.
“We’re about to be down to only two counselors, which means we can’t offer all the services we know help those in grief,” said Dawn Torre, a bereavement counselor at the hospice. “It’s painful to know that we won’t have the capacity to help families cope with the loss of a loved one. It’s not fair to anyone, and there’s no excuse for it.”
Hospice unionization and consolidation are increasing throughout the Bay Area. Since 2022, more than 400 hospice workers in Northern California have joined NUHW, including at two hospices in Sonoma County whose operations were recently taken over by Compassus, a private equity-backed company.
Although Chapters is not a for-profit operator, it touts a reputation for helping its member hospices to “maximize administrative resources and minimize expenses.” Among those set to be laid off on Aug. 16 is Hospice East Bay Executive Director Chris Falley. Rather than replace Falley, Chapters is planning to appoint a new executive to oversee Hospice East Bay and four other Chapters hospice programs in the western United States.
The chain went months without holding any negotiating sessions with workers despite conditions placed by Attorney General Rob Bonta on Chapters’ acquisition of Hospice East Bay requiring that the national chain to “collectively bargain in good faith.” Chapters also laid off three workers last year and withheld merit raises until the National Labor Relations Board ordered it to provide the wage increases while negotiations continued.
In contract negotiations, the chain is insisting on being able to increase health care premiums at any time, while offering only a 2.5 percent raise over the next year. Chapters is also demanding that workers effectively waive the right to ever sue Chapters and accept employment arbitration to settle disputes.
“It’s clear to us that Chapters is trying to break our union and defund our services,” said Marie Yang, a chaplain at the hospice. “Their strategy seems to be to drag this out until we give up — but that won’t happen. We’re defending a community institution, and we are committed to being able to provide our patients with the compassion they deserve.”
Workers have filed several Unfair Labor Practice charges against Hospice East Bay. There are currently two outstanding charges citing Chapters for unilaterally changing employee health insurance and refusing to bargain over it, eliminating two union job titles, and then offering to rehire the union workers into non-union job titles, but still doing the same job.
The National Union of Healthcare Workers is a member-led movement that represents 19,000 healthcare workers in California and Hawaii, including more than 400 hospice workers.
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12-hour statewide effort focuses on identifying and arresting impaired drivers
By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications, Office of Media Relations, California Highway Patrol
SACRAMENTO — One impaired driver can change or end a life in an instant. To help prevent these tragedies, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is mobilizing uniformed personnel statewide for a targeted enforcement effort to keep impaired drivers off California roads. Drivers should plan ahead, arrange a sober ride and never get behind the wheel while impaired.
Beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, and continuing through 5:59 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, all uniformed CHP personnel will participate in a statewide Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP). During the MEP, officers will increase their presence on California roads and focus on identifying and stopping impaired drivers.
“The message is clear: Impaired driving will not be tolerated on California roads. It is preventable, dangerous and puts every person nearby at risk. If you plan to drink or may be impaired, arrange a sober ride home. During this statewide enforcement period, CHP personnel of every rank will make it their mission to identify and remove impaired drivers from our roads.” – CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee
By the Numbers
From 2022 through 2024, data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System show that alcohol- or drug-impaired driving contributed to an average of nearly 800 fatal crashes each year and a total of more than 39,400 injury crashes on California roads.
During last October’s 12-hour MEP, held over the Halloween weekend, CHP officers arrested more than 500 impaired drivers. Officers also issued nearly 2,000 speeding citations, including 96 citations for drivers traveling faster than 100 mph.
Help Keep Impaired Drivers Off the Road
As California’s state police, the CHP remains committed to keeping California’s roads safe for everyone. The CHP asks the public to remain vigilant and report suspected impaired drivers. Driving unusually slowly, swerving between lanes or nearly colliding with obstacles are a few indicators that a driver may be operating a vehicle under the influence.
If you see a suspected impaired driver, call 9-1-1 and provide as much information as possible, including the vehicle’s make, model, license plate number and direction of travel.
Never drive impaired or ride with an impaired driver. Designate a sober driver, use public transportation or arrange for a rideshare service.
Together we can help keep California’s roads safe for everyone.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
Read MoreStolen tools from Brentwood Fire Station recovered. Photo: Brentwood PD
License plate reader identifies suspect vehicle
By Brentwood Police Department
On September 27, 2026, at approximately 11:30 a.m., two suspects forced entry into the Fire Station construction site in downtown Brentwood on First Street and stole more than $10,000 worth of tools from a secured electrician’s toolbox.
A BPD patrol officer conducted a very thorough investigation, quickly obtained surveillance footage, and a detailed list of the stolen property. While construction site cameras captured the suspect vehicle, no license plate was visible.
Using License Plate Reader (LPR) technology, a BPD detective was able to identify the suspect vehicle. Within hours of the theft being reported, our partners at the Fremont Police Department located and stopped the suspect vehicle and contacted BPD Investigations.
BPD detectives continued the investigation and, within just two days of the reported theft, recovered the majority of the stolen tools and returned them to their rightful owner.
Screenshot of surveillance video of suspect’s car leaving the new downtown Brentwood fire station construction site and the car located with the help of Fremont Police. Photos: Brentwood PD
For the victim, a female engineer working here in our community, the recovery of her tools meant much more than simply getting back stolen property. These are essential tools that support her work and career, and returning them helps her continue pursuing her success while working on projects right here in our city. She expressed her overwhelming appreciation for the officers and detectives who worked quickly to recover what she had lost.
This case is a great example of how good police work, technology, and strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies can quickly make a difference for our community.
Thank you to our patrol officers, BPD Investigations team, and our friends at the Fremont Police Department for their assistance in getting these stolen items back where they belong.
Read MoreRustom Bhagwager and Jennifer Powell were convicted by separate juries on this week. Photos: CCC Sheriff’s Office
Face maximum of 230 years to life in state prison
By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office
Martinez, California – Separate juries in Contra Costa Superior Court convicted Rustom Bhagwagar and Jennifer Spitz Powell on all charges related to the repeated sexual abuse of a young girl.
A jury found 46-year-old Powell guilty on Monday, September 28th, and a second jury found 35-year-old Bhagwagar guilty on Tuesday, September 29th. Bhagwagar, a former commercial airline co-pilot from Florida, and Powell, from Walnut Creek, were each convicted of eight counts of oral copulation or sexual penetration with a child 10 years old or younger and 12 counts of forcible lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14.
Due to the victim’s age and the nature of the crimes, the victim will not be named by the District Attorney’s Office to protect her identity.
The case was heard in Martinez before Judge Danielle Douglas. In a rare dual-jury format, the court tried two defendants at once while making sure each jury heard only the evidence that applied to its assigned defendant. Evidence presented to both juries showed that the sexual abuse of the victim began when she was 7 years old and occurred from on or about October 17th, 2017, to October 16th, 2022. Powell, who was in a relationship with Bhagwagar, participated with him in numerous acts of abuse against the victim.
As previously reported, Bhagwagar, who worked as a co-pilot with a commercial airline, was arrested on July 26, 2025, at San Francisco International Airport by deputies with the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office – with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security. Three days later, Detectives arrested Powell. (See related article)
Bhagwagar and Powell each face a maximum sentence of 230 years to life in state prison. Both remain in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility and will be sentenced by the court at a future date.
Deputy District Attorney Haleigh Parkinson of the Sexual Assault Unit prosecuted the case with support from a trial team that included legal assistants, a victim advocate, and victim support staff.
District Attorney Diana Becton said, “This young survivor showed extraordinary courage by testifying in court and facing the people who used duress to harm her. These verdicts hold both defendants accountable. I am grateful to our entire team for their dedication in seeking, serving, and doing justice in this case.”
Case No. 01-25-02241 | The People of the State of California v. Rustom Bhagwagar R BHAGWAGAR Amended Info Filed
Case No. 01-25-02242 | The People of the State of California v. Jennifer Spitz Powell J S POWELL Amended Info Filed
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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SB 328 authored by Senator Grayson, co-authored by Assemblymembers Ávila Farías and Wicks provides CEQA exemptions, requires 25% of housing to be for lower-income
Base Reuse Project plan includes 12,272 new homes, 6 million SF of commercial space for up to 26,500 jobs, over 800 acres of parks & trails
By Colleen Awad, City of Concord Community Relations Manager
Concord, CA (September 30, 2026) – The City of Concord applauds Senator Tim Grayson for authoring Senate Bill 328, its principal coauthors, Assemblymembers Ávila Farías and Wicks, and thanks Governor Newsom for signing it into law.
Senate Bill 328 (SB 328), entitled, “California Environmental Quality Act (CEQ): exempt surplus land,” supports the City’s path to redevelop the former Concord Naval Weapons Station into a world-class neighborhood for current and future Concord residents after many years of planning and public input. It would exempt the property from certain requirements of CEQA and requires 25% of the housing be for lower-income renters and owners.
According to the Legislative Counsel’s Digest, “This bill would revise the definition of ‘exempt surplus land’ to remove the reference to buyers and instead mean 2 or more adjacent or nonadjacent parcels combined for disposition to one or more persons or entities, as specified.
Source: City of Concord
“The bill would also exempt surplus land that is a former military base that was conveyed by the federal government to a local agency or a local reuse authority, and that is all or any portion of the Concord Naval Weapons Station, if certain requirements are met, including that the former military base has an aggregate area greater than 5 acres and that before disposition of the land, the local agency or local reuse authority has entered into a disposition and development agreement that stipulates that at least 25% of the aggregate residential units permitted to be developed will be restricted to lower income households with an affordable housing cost or affordable rent for a minimum of 55 years for rental housing and 45 years for owner-occupied housing, as specified. The bill would regulate actions challenging the disposition and would prescribe penalties for violations of these provisions. The bill would also regulate the actions of the local agency or local reuse authority, including, among other things, requiring the local agency or local reuse authority to include in the annual report the status of development of residential units on the former military base, as specified.”
Furthermore, “This bill would provide that specified environmental review documents satisfy the requirements of CEQA for any project within the portion of the Concord Naval Weapons Station included within the boundaries of the area plan for the Concord Community Reuse Project, as provided, that has land use types that are consistent with the area plan land use types and locations for those land use types that are consistent with the area plan diagram and the project does not cause the aggregate development in the area plan to exceed the area plan maximum planning areawide total, as specified. The bill would further provide that a project that contains land use types that are consistent with the area plan land use types in locations that are not consistent with the area plan diagram would be subject to review pursuant to CEQA, and would be limited to review of the location of land use types that are not consistent with the area plan diagram, as provided.”
Thank you to Governor Newsom, Senator Grayson, and our state partners for your leadership, and to residents, community leaders, and stakeholders for supporting this legislation and this transformative neighborhood.
“Passage of SB 328 gives the City of Concord, Brookfield, and Concord residents certainty to move from vision to reality,” said Mayor Laura Nakamura. “Coming on the heels of the landmark agreement with the U.S. Navy, the legislation keeps this project moving forward to produce thousands of well-paying construction jobs and add many homes to our community.”
The vision for the project is to deliver a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive new community that reflects the values and aspirations of Concord. Among its elements are 12,272 new homes, 25 percent of them affordable to working families, seniors, and first-time buyers, along with approximately 6 million square feet of commercial space supporting up to 26,500 jobs, and more than 800 acres of local parks and trails.
In the months ahead, the City will continue working with Brookfield as they engage the community in the preparation of a Specific Plan. A Specific Plan serves as the detailed blueprint for future development by establishing land uses, neighborhood character, transportation networks, infrastructure, public amenities, parks and open space, and the design standards that will guide the community’s evolution.
With SB 328 now law, the Concord Naval Weapons Station Base Reuse Project continues its forward momentum.
For more information visit https://concordreuseproject.org.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreImage Source: X/ Techgig
Federal lawsuit alleges agency refused to refer American applicant for tech position in Silicon Valley
By Office of Communications & Legislative Affairs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
SAN FRANCISCO — Sibitalent Corp., a Texas-based employment agency specializing in information technology staffing and recruitment, violated federal law when it refused to refer an American applicant for a position in Mountain View, California because of the applicant’s national origin, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit announced today.
According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, in July 2025, a Sibitalent recruiter contacted an American database developer by e-mail for a business data analyst position in Mountain View, California, but included a notification “ONLY H-1B,” in large, highlighted text. When the American developer questioned the legality of such a visa requirement for the position, the Sibitalent recruiter ceased communicating and refused to refer him for the job. Sibitalent subsequently referred two candidates of Indian and Nepali origin for the same analyst position, according to the suit.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s website, the H-1B Visa program “applies to employers seeking to hire nonimmigrant aliens as workers in specialty occupations or as fashion models of distinguished merit and ability. A specialty occupation is one that requires the application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and the attainment of at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. The intent of the H-1B provisions is to help employers who cannot otherwise obtain needed business skills and abilities from the U.S. workforce by authorizing the temporary employment of qualified individuals who are not otherwise authorized to work in the United States.
“The law establishes certain standards in order to protect similarly employed U.S. workers from being adversely affected by the employment of the nonimmigrant workers, as well as to protect the H-1B nonimmigrant workers. Employers must attest to the Department of Labor that they will pay wages to the H-1B nonimmigrant workers that are at least equal to the actual wage paid by the employer to other workers with similar experience and qualifications for the job in question, or the prevailing wage for the occupation in the area of intended employment – whichever is greater.”
“The EEOC’s mission is to ensure equal opportunity for all, which includes Americans,” said EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas. “Employers and employment agencies cannot shut qualified Americans out of job opportunities by using unjustified visa requirements as a proxy for national origin discrimination. The EEOC will vigorously enforce federal law to protect American workers from unlawful discrimination.”
This alleged conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination by employment agencies based on national origin. The EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Sibitalent Corp., Case No. 3:26-cv-11106) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, after first attempting to reach a pre‑litigation settlement through its administrative conciliation process.
EEOC San Francisco District Director Christopher Green said, “The EEOC will vigorously enforce Title VII to ensure that American applicants can compete for jobs on a level field where hiring decisions are based on qualifications and performance.”
The EEOC recently released information on anti-American discrimination and is partnering with the Department of Labor in Project Firewall. For more information on national origin discrimination, please visit https://www.eeoc.gov/national-origin-discrimination.
The EEOC’s San Francisco District Office has jurisdiction over Northern Nevada, Northern California, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.
The EEOC is the sole federal agency authorized to investigate and litigate against businesses and other private sector employers for violations of federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. For public sector employers, the EEOC shares jurisdiction with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. The EEOC also is responsible for coordinating the federal government’s employment antidiscrimination effort. More information about the EEOC is available at www.eeoc.gov.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
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World’s largest bounce house with over 50,000 square feet of fun offers action-packed, all-ages experience featuring live DJs, food trucks, gift shops & more — tickets on sale now!
By Greg Wiley, Public Relations Manager, The Big Bounce America
Contra Costa, CA (September 21, 2026) – The Big Bounce America, home to the world’s largest bounce house, extending its high-energy experience in the Bay Area for two weekends, October 17-18 and Oct 24-25. Featuring more than 50,000 square feet of inflatable attractions, the event transforms the Contra Costa Fair and Event Park into a fully immersive playground filled with live music, laughter, and unforgettable fun for ALL!
Designed for all ages, The Big Bounce America features dedicated sessions for younger children, bigger kids, and adults — so everyone can JUMP IN and join the fun.
“This isn’t just an event, it’s a full-blown, larger-than-life experience,” said David Taube, Tour Director of The Big Bounce America. “We’re talking about the biggest bounce house on the planet, live DJs, a 900-foot-long obstacle course, and nonstop energy from the moment you walk in. We’re bringing a festival-level atmosphere where kids, parents, teens, and adults can jump, dance, and lose themselves in the fun. It’s truly an unforgettable experience for everyone.”
The event features seven massive inflatable attractions, including:
The World’s Largest Bounce House
Covering over 24,000 square feet and standing 32 feet tall, this record-breaking inflatable is a full-blown party zone. Inside, guests will find giant slides, ball pits, climbing towers, basketball hoops, and colorful interactive elements. A live DJ keeps the energy high with music, games, and competitions tailored to each age group—turning every session into a dance party in the sky.
The Giant
At over 900 feet long, this epic obstacle course is built for thrill-seekers of all skill levels. With more than 50 challenges and a massive finale slide, it’s perfect for friendly competition—or just bouncing your way through a wildly fun adventure.
Sport Slam
Get ready to bring your A-game! Sport Slam is a high-energy, action-packed arena where bouncing meets friendly competition. Packed with hoops, goals, climbing challenges, and fast-paced games, this inflatable playground lets you dunk, kick, race, and battle your way to bragging rights. Challenge your friends, take on your family, or jump into the chaos with new competitors—every corner is built for non-stop movement and big-time fun. Whether you’re channeling your inner all-star or just looking to let loose, Sport Slam keeps the adrenaline pumping from start to finish.
airSPACE
Step into an immersive, space-themed world filled with aliens, moon craters, and intergalactic fun. Featuring a towering inflatable alien, multi-lane slides, and endless ball pits, airSPACE delivers an out-of-this-world experience for explorers of all ages.
Other on-site Activities
Additional on-site attractions include food trucks, shaded rest areas, and family-friendly entertainment. Guests can bring their own food and drinks or purchase from on-site vendors.
Note: Attractions subject to change.
TICKETS: All-Access tickets are available now and include a three-hour pass to the event, featuring a timed session in The World’s Largest Bounce House plus unlimited access to all other attractions. Advanced purchase is strongly encouraged, as sessions frequently sell out. Tickets start at $35. Buy tickets at https://TheBigBounceAmerica.com/Tour-Dates/.
LOCATION: Contra Costa Fair and Event Park (1201 W 10th St, Antioch, CA 94509)
DAYS/TIMES: Saturday, October 17th: 9a-9p; Sunday, October 18th: 9a-6p; Saturday, October 24 9a-9p; Sunday, October 25 9a-6p.
Follow the fun on social media:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheBigBounceAmerica/
Instagram: @TheBigBounceAmerica
Twitter: @TheBigBounceUSA
ABOUT THE BIG BOUNCE AMERICA:
The Big Bounce America is the world’s largest traveling bounce house experience, welcoming thousands of guests in countries around the world since 2007. Learn more at www.thebigbounceamerica.com.
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