By Allen D. Payton
Former Pittsburg resident, real estate broker, community leader and developer of a waterfront community in Belize, Mark Leonard, passed away on April 8, 2025. He was born on August 23, 1954. The following was shared in a Facebook post, that day:
“With broken hearts we announce the passing of Mark Christopher Leonard (Mr. Sweet Heat) who transitioned to the afterlife peacefully in the arms of his loving wife Elvina Leonard, on April 8th 2025, at the age of 70.
“Mark lived life to its fullest and had a profound impact everyone that got to know him.
“He was wonderful husband, dedicated father, a successful businessman and visionary developer but most importantly he was a good, kind and generous man who was a pillar within his community.
“Mark loved the sea where he spent a great deal of his time offshore boat racing in his younger years, deep sea fishing all over the world or simply sitting in his favourite chair at Blackbeard’s enjoying good music and a beer while looking over the bay of Chetumal.
“He will be remembered among many things by his sense of humour, his love of wearing t-shirts with out-of-pocket messages on them, his love of boats and his passion for Belize.
“Mark worked tirelessly to develop what is now Cerros Sands and successfully built a large and thriving community around this idea that he had when he came to Belize so many years ago, and even in death he made provisions that his legacy will continue.
“He will be missed by his family and friends as he speeds off into the sunset over open calm seas on his final victory lap, goodbye Mr. Sweet Heat, until we meet again My love.”
Mark previously lived in Yucca Valley and Walnut Creek, CA and Pasco, WA.
According to his profile on the Association of Real Estate Brokers of Belize website, Mark was the Owner/Broker of Paradise Found Belize, Ltd. and Cerros Sands with 35 years of experience, 21 years living in Belize. He had both Belizean and U.S. citizenship.
“He was a former Board Member of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce; Past President, Pittsburg Rotary Club 1999-2000; Chairman, Planning Commission, City of Pittsburg; Member, Power Plant Advisory Committee, City of Pittsburg; Member, Board of Directors, East County Boys and Girls Club, City of Pittsburg; Commodore, Pittsburg Yacht Club; President, New York Landing Business Association in Pittsburg; President, New York Landing Homeowners Association in Pittsburg; and Commodore of The Cerros Sands Yacht Club.
Mark shared in his AREBB profile that he was “phasing out of real estate sales, as my son Chris has come to Belize to take over my operations.”
A post on the Cerros Sands Facebook page on April 8th reads, “We are extremely saddened to announce the founder and developer of Cerros Sands passed away earlier this morning. Mark Leonard was one of a kind. The outpouring of love from across the world for him has been overwhelming for his wife and children. Cerros Sands will continue and see everything he envisioned is completed and the work continues today!”
A longtime, close friend, Cyndi Williams, shared the following about Mark on Facebook upon learning of his passing: “And there you have it….my best friend Marky Mark had to leave us…just like that he was gone. I have so much to say about this friendship and the unconditional love shared as friends for decades that I could honestly write an amazing book…the insane adventures of Mark and Cyndi. The absolute best adventures of my life include my Mark Leonard. Knowing he found his true love brings me peace…Elvina Leonard Garcia thank you for loving my big brother to his last breath and beyond and loving me like a sister. Chris Leonard I love you like my own son forever! Marky well you took a big chunk of my soul with you….heads up mi amor…I am expecting the most expensive steak dinner ever…when I find you in Heaven. Oh boy…I hope they are ready for you up there….time to get that party started. I love you until forever and am blessed to have been loved by you. Godspeed mi amigo major….may the lines be tight, the wind fill your sails and your boat forever be the fastest! Go sweet heat!”
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Photos by Dave Weinstein and David Abercrombie. Courtesy of El Cerrito Historical Society
A talk by Mary Barnsdale
Join the El Cerrito Historical Society and Mary Barnsdale for an engaging discussion about the history of Point Isabel!
From Ohlone settlement, to Mexican rancho, to dynamite manufactory, to frog farm: Point Isabel has a rich and fascinating history, largely undocumented until now. Join us for a talk by Mary Barnsdale, author of a forthcoming book about the history of Point Isabel, as she walks us through some of the most exciting moments in the last few centuries of human occupation here.
April 10, 7-9 p.m.
Hana Gardens Senior Center, 10870 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito
Light refreshments will be provided.
More info: www.elcerritohistoricalsociety.org/societyevents/pointisabel2025
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline is part of the East Bay Reginal Park District.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreBy Patrick McCarran, Real Estate Broker
A reverse mortgage can be a helpful tool for your retirement plan. There are generally two options. Options one is to refinance your existing home and receive a monthly payment to supplement your income. Option two is less well known and is to purchase another home with a reverse mortgage loan. In this scenario you either use equity from the sale of your home such as in a downsizing option or moving to a more affordable area. If you have the funds, you can also use those as a down payment, usually half the value.
You may not have planned on having a loan on your home in your senior years, but it may be a good option for you if you can get pass the misinformation. There is a great deal of misleading “facts” about reverse mortgages and a large population that believe what they hear. I will address some of the misinformation.
The government will NOT Own your property. The government involvement is limited to insuring your loan with the actual lender much the same a traditional purchase loan.
You can absolutely sell your property if your situation changes. Just like any other loan you can sell the property pay off the loan, take your equity, and move on.
Nobody will take your property form your or your heirs. If there is equity in the property, then your heirs can sell and take the equity or refinance the home to pay off the balance and keep the home. There are some timelines associated with the process but in my experience HUD is reasonable.
If the value drops, they cannot come after you for the difference. A reverse mortgage is a non-recourse loan. This means that house is the only collateral, and the lender or HUD cannot come after you or your heirs.
Your spouse will not have to move even if they are younger. A law was passed in 2014 that protects a non-borrowing spouse so they can stay in the home until they choose to move.
There are ways however instances in which you could be forced to sell. These include, if you do not occupy the property as your primary residence for 12 months, if you fail to maintain the property, if you do not pay necessary expenses such as property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, etc.
It can be confusing, but part of the application process is a mandatory counseling session with an approved non-partisan counselor. Their job is to answer any questions and get you more information. The fees can be higher than traditional mortgages and HELOCs. But often the benefits outweigh the costs. There are no loan payments, no stringent qualifications, and no required income level to qualify.
It is a fact that you are using your equity and therefore less money will be left to your heirs but that’s your choice to make and it may improve the quality of your golden years.
Be informed and know your options.
Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker DRE# 01325072. He can be contacted by phone or text at (925) 899-5536, pmccarran@yahoo.com or www.CallPatrick.com. An independently owned and operated office. In association with Realty One Group Elite DRE# 0193160. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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Entitled The New Economic & Social Realities of Immigration 2025
By Gayle Murray
Join a Community Conversation webinar on April 7, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. titled The New Economic and Social Realities of Immigration 2025. A panel of experts will put into perspective the economic benefits of immigrants and the cost economically, socially and culturally to our community when they are no longer part of our society. The panel will address legal hurdles immigrant neighbors face in Immigration Court and offer resource information on how attendees can offer their support.
Panelists include:
- Jon Haveman, the National Economics Education Delegation
- Ellen McDonnell, Contra Costa County Chief Public Defender
Doug Lezameta, President of Contra Costa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will moderate the discussion.
Register for the webinar here: https://tinyurl.com/lwv-immigration-2025
Information on how to access the Zoom webinar will be sent to your email address 24 hours before the program. Audience questions will be collected and answered through the Zoom chat.
The Contra Costa County Library will provide closed captioning and simultaneous Spanish translation for this event. The program will be recorded and posted on the following sites after the meeting:
Contra Costa County Library YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/LeagueofWomenVotersofDiabloValley.
Sponsors include the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, the League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa County Library and Contra Costa TV.
Contact programs@lwvdv.org for more information.
About LWVDV
The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley uses this group list for press release statements. If you no longer wish to receive our press releases, please send an email to press.release+unsubscribe@lwvdv.org with UNSUBSCRIBE in the object line of your email.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to press.release+unsubscribe@lwvdv.org.
LMC Experience staff and awards at the Associated Collegiate Press Spring Media Conference in Long Beach on March 8, 2025. Photos courtesy of the Experience.
Students win 17 awards
By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, Calif. – Los Medanos College student publication, Experience, won 17 awards in the 2025 Annual State Publication and On-the-Spot contests of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges.
Winners were announced March 8 at the annual Associated Collegiate Press Spring Media Conference held jointly with the Journalism Association of Community Colleges in Long Beach, Calif.
The Experience brought home the Pacesetter Award, the highest JACC state award for the print edition. As a staff, the Experience earned the meritorious prize for General Excellence. Additional awards included first place for front page layout, first place for news judgment, first place for audio and first place for feature photo.
Experience adviser Cindy McGrath praised the work of LMC student journalists who continue to pursue and achieve excellence as they work to fulfill the role of watch-dog journalists and provide relevant news to the college community and beyond.
“Our program is growing, and this year’s staff has worked tirelessly to inform and entertain the college community with important and interesting news,” McGrath said. “The student reporters and editors are passionate about journalism, and I am proud of the work they do to follow their dreams of working in a free-press that supports democracy in America.”
Competition Awards, complete list:
• General Excellence — Experience Staff
• Meritorious for enterprise news story/series – Aliyah Ramirez, Gabbie Munoz, Jordan Suisala, and Darcy Meadows
• First place for front page layout – Gabbie Munoz and Aliyah Ramirez
• First place for feature photo – Sarah Capperauld
• Second place for inside page layout – Aliyah Ramirez
• Second place for editorial – Chijioke Onyeagucha
• Fourth place for photo illustration – Alexis Ramirez
• Honorable mention for photo illustration – Alexis Ramirez
• Honorable mention for critical review – Sarah Capperauld
• Honorable mention for podcast/audio news – Ricky Montejo, Jordan Suisala and Malilitimari Suisala
• Honorable mention for photo essay – Juan Cebeiros
• Honorable mention for sports action photo – Juan Cebeiros
On-the-Spot Contest Awards, complete list:
• Pacesetter Award, print edition
• First place for news judgment and layout – Gabbie Munoz
• First place for audio news – Jordan Suisala
• Third place for critical review – Lesly Fisiiahi
• Honorable mention for news writing — Koen Steers
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.
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Brentwood City Manager Tim Ogden. Photo: City of Brentwood
Tim Ogden takes new position as General Manager for services district in Elk Grove
By Melissa Ballesteros, Executive Assistant, Brentwood City Manager
BRENTWOOD, CA – After five years of service to the City of Brentwood, City Manager Tim Ogden has announced that he is moving on to serve as General Manager of the Cosumnes Community Services District (CCSD) in Elk Grove, CA. CCSD provides emergency medical, fire protection, parks, and recreation services for over 210,000 Sacramento County residents. Ogden’s last official day with the City will be April 26, 2025, and an Interim City Manager will be appointed to temporarily fill the post.
“I am proud to say the Brentwood community is in very good hands at all levels of staff, and that the values-driven work in support of residents will be sustained throughout this leadership transition,” said Mayor Susannah Meyer. “We are fully committed to the continuation of all city services as we navigate the process to bring in a new City Manager. Our dedicated staff and team of directors have built an internal infrastructure that is prepared to withstand changes at any level, and we appreciate the community’s trust as we move forward together.”
“On behalf of the City Council, we thank Tim for his service to the community and wish him the best in his new endeavors,” she concluded.
Brentwood City Manager Tim Ogden speaks during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the new Sand Creek Road segment as the council members listen on Jan. 28, 2025. Photo: Allen D. Payton
Ogden has been City Manager since February 2020, and during his time, the City has realized numerous strategic initiatives that have served city residents and visitors well. Most recently, his efforts in support of the City Council have resulted in numerous community engagement forums, the expansion of Sand Creek Road, the opening of a new Costco, and the continued marketing and development of the Innovation Center @ Brentwood to attract even more job growth.
Reflecting on his time with the City, Ogden said, “I have loved serving the community of Brentwood that has been my home for the last five years. It has been an absolute honor to work with such amazing staff and to celebrate the accomplishments of the Council inspired visions for a better Brentwood.”
The City Council will be meeting soon to outline a plan for the recruitment and selection of a new City Manager and will prioritize stability and the continued delivery of excellent services throughout the process.
For more information, please contact Tim Ogden, City Manager, at togden@brentwoodca.gov.
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4 Pleasant Hill convenience store robbery suspects arrested in Antioch following police chase, crash
The suspects crashed their stolen getaway car into a fence. Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies and other emergency personnel with one of the suspects in the back of a Sheriff’s vehicle on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Photos by and courtesy of Mike Burkholder, ContraCosta.news
3 males, 1 female fled in stolen vehicle; police helicopter, Antioch & Pittsburg PD, CCC Sheriff’s Office assist
See 4/1/25 Update: Suspects identified; all four are from Antioch, one was arrested for similar charges in December and January
By Allen D. Payton
According to Pleasant Hill Police Lt. Jason Kleven, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, “The Pleasant Hill Police Department responded to a report of a possible robbery in progress at the 7-Eleven store parking lot located at 601 Patterson Blvd. Two delivery truck drivers were making a scheduled delivery when several suspects stole multiple cartons of cigarettes from the truck’s cargo area. No weapons or injuries were reported during the theft.
The suspects fled the scene in a stolen vehicle. Pleasant Hill Police Detectives later located the vehicle traveling on Highway 4 near Concord. With the help of a police helicopter, the vehicle led authorities to the city of Antioch, where the vehicle stopped near Fremont Elementary School. Four suspects then fled on foot from the vehicle.
With the support of Antioch Police, Pittsburg Police, the Sheriff’s Office, and the helicopter, officers set up a perimeter. All four adult suspects were apprehended and arrested.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are asking anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Investigations Bureau at (925) 288-4630.
According to a press release by Lt. Joe Njoroge of the Antioch Police Field Services Bureau, “At approximately 2:57 p.m., APD Dispatch received a report about a suspect vehicle involved in a previous incident in Pleasant Hill. APD was requested to assist in locating the vehicle, which was quickly found in the area.
While driving near the intersection of F Street and W. 13th, the suspect vehicle collided with a fence. The suspects then fled the scene on foot. Pleasant Hill PD arrived shortly after, and with the assistance of the Contra Costa Office of the Sheriff and APD, all suspects were apprehended.”
Njoroge later said the four suspects included three males and one female.
Antioch Police issued a Community Alert on Facebook Thursday afternoon that they were “working in the area of Antioch Middle School and the surrounding area of F Street from W. 13th to W. 18th. Expect heavy police presence in the area. If you see anything suspicious, please call 911 or (925) 778-2441 immediately.”
Later APD provided an update, writing, “We have now cleared the area. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. There is no danger to the community, and the subjects we were looking for have been arrested. Stay safe, and as always, report any suspicious activity to 911 or (925) 778-2441.
4/1/25 UPDATE: According to Pleasant Hill Police, the four suspects were 20-year-old Robert Lee Crawford (born 12/9/04), a six-foot tall, 165-pound Black male from Antioch, 19-year-old Robert Samule Garcia-Scrape of Antioch (born 7/22/05), a five-foot, 11-inch tall, 200-pound White male with blond hair, 21-year-old Jailen Emani Scales of Antioch (born 2/3/04), a six-foot tall, 200-pound Black male and 24-year-old Marieilacqua Bartholomew, a five-foot, one-inch tall, 130-pound Black female, also from Antioch.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Crawford is being held in the West County Detention Center on no bail; Garcia-Scrape is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail and his next court appearance is on April 15 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 03, Superior Court, Mt. Diablo; and Scales is also being held in the West County Detention Center on no bail.
According to localcrimenews.com, Scales was arrested last year, on Dec. 6th by San Francisco Police for burglary, conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, carrying a loaded firearm on a person or in a vehicle while in a public place, receiving or concealing stolen property, and resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer. He was arrested again on Jan. 15, this year by Fremont PD for robbery, carrying a loaded firearm and with intent to commit a felony, carrying a concealed weapon with a large capacity magazine, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, and elder or dependent adult abuse.
No additional information could be found through online searches for Bartholomew. However, according to Pleasant Hill Police Lt. Jason Kleven, she is also still in custody.
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We Are Twins cover and author Larena Baldazo. Photo by Railroad Book Depot
Larena Baldazo’s “We Are Twins” based on experience with own daughter
Sales benefit Pittsburg Arts & Community Foundation
Pittsburg resident and now local author, Larena Baldazo, has launched her first children’s book, We Are Twins.
The story recognizes differences while celebrating similarities, especially among children with unique learning styles and special needs. This simple story packs a big message for young readers, with a goal of bringing awareness to everyone’s needs and fostering inclusiveness.
This book aims to serve as a tool to start the conversation and lead with intentionality. We Are Twins focuses on two friends, Luli and Valentina, to explore the idea that it is our differences that make us special, and our similarities are what spark long-lasting friendships. At first glance, the girls are nearly complete opposites, how can they be twins? Do people have to be exactly alike to become and stay friends? Read it for yourself and find out!
We Are Twins is now available in-store and online at the Railroad Book Depot. Oh, and shipping is free! The book retails for $19.99 and 30% of each sale goes toward arts and literature programs through the Pittsburg Arts & Community Foundation.
Order here or buy it in-store at: 485 Railroad Avenue, Pittsburg, CA.
About the Author
With a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and Digital Media, and a plethora of blog posts as a writer for Baby Center’s Spanglish Mamis channel, Larena Baldazo’s passion has always been for storytelling. Over the years, her creativity led her down a path of marketing, creating content for social media, and web producing for brands and big names such as the San Francisco Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and then on to public service.
Behind the stories, the photography, and the Instagram lives, Larena’s first job is being a mom. She and her husband live in Pittsburg, and if you look at the illustrations in this book closely, you may see some familiar spots if you know the area well enough. Just after Larena’s daughter turned three years old, she was diagnosed with 100 percent hearing loss in her right ear and a learning disability. With little information, so many questions and a lack of guidance, Larena quickly learned that she needed to be her daughter’s advocate to get her the support services she needed. Whether that was in the doctor’s office or at school.
We Are Twins is inspired by her daughter, not only because of her journey, but because this was something she would often say when she felt a connection with someone or shared the same interest. Once again, Larena’s daughter had introduced her to a new way of thinking…that it is our differences that make us special, and our similarities are what spark long-lasting friendships.
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Two of the six students featured, Kadynce and Ebei at DVHS Cheer Practice in Antioch, CA. Source: Three Frame Media
Watch first episode tonight at 9 pm on KQED Channel 9
A six-part limited docuseries entitled, “The Class” following six students from Deer Valley High School in Antioch, CA as they pursue higher education dreams during a challenging pandemic year, begin airing tonight, Monday, March 24, 2025, on KQED Channel 9 at 9:00 p.m. It premiered on PBS stations beginning March 18, 2025.
The series arrives exactly five years after the COVID-19 Pandemic shut down schools across the U.S. in 2020. The Class is made available to PBS by KQED Presents, the national distribution service of KQED, the San Francisco-based PBS and NPR member station.
From Tony- and Grammy-winning Executive Producer Daveed Diggs (Blindspotting, Snowpiercer, Hamilton), Executive Producer Nicole Hurd (President, Lafayette College) and award-winning filmmakers Jaye and Adam Fenderson (First Generation, Unlikely), this dramatic six-part series was filmed over the course of the 2020-2021 school year and documents the remarkable challenges faced by these high school students during the pandemic and a particularly critical moment in their personal and academic development. With resilience and determination, they face obstacles head-on, inspired by their dedicated college adviser, known as “Mr. Cam.” His guidance empowers them to overcome barriers and unexpected challenges toward their dreams of a college degree.
“We hope these students’ stories restore faith in the promise of college and the opportunities it provides for those who came of age during the pandemic. It has been an incredible journey to make this series, and we’re so grateful to Daveed, Nicole, KQED, and the extended village that has come alongside to make it possible,” stated Jaye and Adam Fenderson of Three Frame Media.
The Fendersons connected with Nicole Hurd through College Advising Corps, the organization she founded, and were immediately drawn to its model of training recent college graduates to serve as advisers in public high schools. When planning the project during the early days of the pandemic, their vision was to capture an adviser guiding students who had missed the end of their junior year—along with crucial milestones like SATs—through the college application process. However, when production began during the summer of 2020, the pandemic was far from over, and the story evolved into something far more complex and powerful than they had originally imagined.
A wide virtual search for potential advisers across the country found Mr. Cam, with his charisma and passion for the work shining through, making him an essential subject for the series. With him and Deer Valley High School on board, the team met with many incredible students and selected six seniors – Ahmad, Ebei, Emily, Javonte, Kadynce, and Raven – as subjects who represent a wide range of voices and perspectives shared among their generation.
Set in the East Bay, the series captures the essence of the community—from the local crew to the musical artists featured—creating a deeply authentic reflection of the place the students call home. Hurd introduced longtime friend and Oakland native Daveed Diggs to the project and he signed on to Executive Produce, lending his song “Night Time” to the series’ main title theme.
“High school has always been a challenging time, but in the age of COVID, it took an extra dose of courage and perseverance to succeed. As an Oakland native and a fierce advocate for expanding opportunities in education, I am proud to be a part of ‘The Class, ’ which highlights the stories of six incredible Bay Area teens as they fight to achieve their dreams,” stated executive producer Daveed Diggs.
Throughout the launch of the series, the filmmakers will engage in a national impact campaign, encouraging audiences to discuss their experiences living through the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has affected their mental health and overall well-being as it pertains to their academic and social lives. The series and impact campaign is made possible with support in part from the John M. Belk Endowment, Lumina Foundation, Gates Foundation, Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, Ascendium Education Group, Ballmer Group, Uplifting Capital, Ellucian, and ECMC Foundation.
The Class debuted on PBS on March 18, 2025 (check local listings), with new episodes airing weekly and streaming on the PBS app. It airs on KQED channels as follows: Fridays at 8pm on KQED 9 starting 3/21, Saturdays at 6pm on KQED 9 starting 3/22, Mondays at 9pm on KQED 9 starting 3/24, and Sundays at 8pm on KQED Plus starting 3/23.
To learn more about the series, visit theclassdocumentary.com Episode 1 can be viewed here if you don’t catch an upcoming listing time. www.pbs.org/show/the-class/
The Class cast – Top Row (L-R): Mr. Cam, Ahmad, Ebei and Emily. Bottom Row (L-R): Javonte, Kadence and Raven. Photos: Three Frame Media.
ABOUT THE CAST Mr. Cam Originally hailing from Oakland, Cam has returned to his alma mater Deer Valley High School as a college adviser. A first-generation college graduate himself, Cam is the only college adviser on a campus with 2000+ students and works tirelessly to empower his students as they navigate the ups and downs of this unprecedented school year
Ahmad Basketball means everything to Ahmad who transferred to Deer Valley High School to play for their championship winning team. But with indoor sports on hold, this year’s season remains uncertain and Ahmad worries about his sports prospects.
Ebei A highly decorated track and field star, Ebei is the youngest of five siblings. On top of being a dedicated student, Ebei juggles a busy schedule as an ASB leader and cheerleader and strives to keep school spirit alive despite the unprecedented start to their senior year.
Emily Hailing from a close-knit family, Emily is the middle child of five sisters. While the pandemic sent students home to learn, Emily’s frontline job in food service remained in-person. Now she juggles working part-time while trying to keep up her grades to get into college.
Javonte Javonte has come into his own during high school emerging as an outgoing leader. He has the grades and accolades to go on to college, but with so much uncertainty in the world he starts to reconsider his options.
Kadynce As a cheerleader and member of the Mock Trial Team, Kadynce is quick to let her voice be heard. She dreams of attending a 4-year university, going on to law school, and fighting against issues of injustice but the COVID pandemic has made even her best laid plans feel uncertain.
Raven A self-taught musician, Raven picked up his first instrument at the age of 7 and enjoyed being part of the Deer Valley High School award-winning choir. Raven aspires to attend a 4-year university but with the challenges of remote learning, he worries about his grades and chances of getting in.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS: Adam Fenderson and Jaye Fenderson, Directors and Producers The Fendersons are an award-winning husband and wife filmmaking team and the founders of Three Frame Media, an independent production company focused on character-driven storytelling that engages audiences and drives impact. Together, they directed and produced the critically acclaimed documentary First Generation, which follows four high school students striving to become the first in their families to attend college. The film’s success led to Go College! Now, an educational initiative with Wells Fargo aimed at breaking down barriers to college access. Their follow-up documentary, Unlikely, investigated America’s college dropout crisis and featured influential voices, including LeBron James, Howard Schultz, and leading experts in higher education. The Class is the duo’s first original television series directed and produced through Three Frame Media.
ABOUT THREE FRAME MEDIA: Founded by award-winning husband and wife filmmaking team Adam and Jaye Fenderson, Three Frame Media produces original documentary content that entertains audiences, fosters dialogue, and inspires lasting change. Their award-winning debut film, First Generation, garnered international acclaim as it followed four high school students striving to be the first in their families to go to college. Through theatrical releases, film festivals, and credits spanning NBC, ABC, Lifetime, Discovery, CNBC, and more, their work continues to engage and impact people from across the globe, reinforcing the power of storytelling to connect and inspire.
ABOUT KQED: KQED serves the people of Northern California with a public-supported alternative to commercial media. An NPR and PBS affiliate based in San Francisco, KQED is home to one of the most-listened-to public radio stations in the nation, one of the highest-rated public television services and an award-winning education program helping students and educators thrive in 21st-century classrooms. A trusted news source and leader and innovator in interactive technology, KQED takes people of all ages on journeys of exploration — exposing them to new people, places and ideas. kqed.org
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Photo: Los Medanos College
By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, Calif. – Ten students from Los Medanos College (LMC) will present their work at the 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). This is the second time LMC research has risen to warrant national exposure in a field dominated by four-year universities.
The conference will be held April 7 in Pittsburgh, PA.
“Undergraduate research opportunities are incredibly important for students, and I am so proud that Los Medanos College intentionally provides research opportunities within our science courses,” LMC President Pamela Ralston said. “It’s wonderful to see so many of our students selected to present on a national stage.”
LMC was among the first community colleges to adopt STEM course-based research in 2014 and was one of the first members of the National Science Foundation-funded for the Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative in 2015.
Biology professor Briana McCarthy, who was among the faculty spearheading the initiative for LMC, said that when the grant cycle ended in 2018, the college sought another well-respected venue where students could present their research and found NCUR.
“This will be our second year to bring a group of students to NCUR,” McCarthy said. “This is our biggest group yet!” The college sent seven students to the conference last year, when LMC was one of only a handful of community colleges selected to participate.
The national conference, organized by the Council on Undergraduate Research, promotes high-quality, mentored undergraduate research, scholarship and creative inquiry.
Lindsay Currie, executive officer of the Council on Undergraduate Research, said the critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills that undergraduates attain through research are essential in today’s world.
“When colleges and universities actively involve undergraduates in research, they are not only shaping the next generation of scholars and leaders but also accelerating discovery and advancement across disciplines,” Currie said. “The earlier we invest in research experiences, the faster we can drive innovation and progress, while ensuring we have an equipped future workforce.”
Currie said abstract submissions for the conference are on the rise. The event drew 3,500 submissions in 2023 and 4,000 in 2024. The conference is set to surpass 4,000 submissions in 2025. The growth in submissions reflects the growing recognition of undergraduate research as a vital part of academic and professional development, she said.
“The increase in submissions demonstrates that students and institutions alike see the value in presenting research, engaging with peers and mentors, and contributing to the broader scholarly conversation,” Currie said.
LMC STEM Students Presenting at NCUR
Zarah Abatcha – Examining Effects of Indole-3-Acetic Acid and Phosphorus Deprivation On Root And Shoot Growth In Brachypodium Distachyon (Faculty advisor: Dr. Jill Bouchard)
Michaela Aquino – The Impact of Home-Cooked Shrimp Flavors on Chitin’s Effectiveness in Adsorbing Methylene Blue Dye from Wastewater (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Maddy Delauter – Owl pellets as bio-indicators for heavy metals (Faculty advisor: Professor Briana McCarthy)
Jonathan Mattes – Preparation of Banana Peel Effect on Adsorption of Anionic and Cationic Dyes (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Jazmyn Montes – Adsorption of Methylene Blue using Fish Scales and Fish Chitin (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Daniel Murillo – Adsorption of Methylene Blue using Fish Scales and Fish Chitin (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Carolina Padilla – Adsorption of Anionic and Cationic Dyes with Pumpkin Peels (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Jin Christian Rimando – Predictive Modelling of Wildfire Dynamics: Analyzing the Park and Borel Fires through Satellite Imagery to Enhance Fire Management in California (Faculty Advisor: Professor Julie von Bergen)
Jonathan Reed Ryan – Repurposing Grape Pomace as a Bioabsorbent for Removal of Methylene Blue (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Brianna Wolf – Abundance of Azolla filiculoides on Dissolved Oxygen Concentration (Faculty advisor: Professor Briana McCarthy)
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.
About NCUR 2025
The 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, this gathering of student scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all disciplines. Overall, this conference offers a unique environment for the celebration and promotion of undergraduate student achievement; provides models of exemplary research, scholarship, and creative activity; and offers student career readiness development. Find out more about the history of NCUR here.
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By Allen D. Payton
Former Pittsburg resident, real estate broker, community leader and developer of a waterfront community in Belize, Mark Leonard, passed away on April 8, 2025. He was born on August 23, 1954. The following was shared in a Facebook post, that day:
“With broken hearts we announce the passing of Mark Christopher Leonard (Mr. Sweet Heat) who transitioned to the afterlife peacefully in the arms of his loving wife Elvina Leonard, on April 8th 2025, at the age of 70.
“Mark lived life to its fullest and had a profound impact everyone that got to know him.
“He was wonderful husband, dedicated father, a successful businessman and visionary developer but most importantly he was a good, kind and generous man who was a pillar within his community.
“Mark loved the sea where he spent a great deal of his time offshore boat racing in his younger years, deep sea fishing all over the world or simply sitting in his favourite chair at Blackbeard’s enjoying good music and a beer while looking over the bay of Chetumal.
“He will be remembered among many things by his sense of humour, his love of wearing t-shirts with out-of-pocket messages on them, his love of boats and his passion for Belize.
“Mark worked tirelessly to develop what is now Cerros Sands and successfully built a large and thriving community around this idea that he had when he came to Belize so many years ago, and even in death he made provisions that his legacy will continue.
“He will be missed by his family and friends as he speeds off into the sunset over open calm seas on his final victory lap, goodbye Mr. Sweet Heat, until we meet again My love.”
Mark previously lived in Yucca Valley and Walnut Creek, CA and Pasco, WA.
According to his profile on the Association of Real Estate Brokers of Belize website, Mark was the Owner/Broker of Paradise Found Belize, Ltd. and Cerros Sands with 35 years of experience, 21 years living in Belize. He had both Belizean and U.S. citizenship.
“He was a former Board Member of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce; Past President, Pittsburg Rotary Club 1999-2000; Chairman, Planning Commission, City of Pittsburg; Member, Power Plant Advisory Committee, City of Pittsburg; Member, Board of Directors, East County Boys and Girls Club, City of Pittsburg; Commodore, Pittsburg Yacht Club; President, New York Landing Business Association in Pittsburg; President, New York Landing Homeowners Association in Pittsburg; and Commodore of The Cerros Sands Yacht Club.
Mark shared in his AREBB profile that he was “phasing out of real estate sales, as my son Chris has come to Belize to take over my operations.”
A post on the Cerros Sands Facebook page on April 8th reads, “We are extremely saddened to announce the founder and developer of Cerros Sands passed away earlier this morning. Mark Leonard was one of a kind. The outpouring of love from across the world for him has been overwhelming for his wife and children. Cerros Sands will continue and see everything he envisioned is completed and the work continues today!”
A longtime, close friend, Cyndi Williams, shared the following about Mark on Facebook upon learning of his passing: “And there you have it….my best friend Marky Mark had to leave us…just like that he was gone. I have so much to say about this friendship and the unconditional love shared as friends for decades that I could honestly write an amazing book…the insane adventures of Mark and Cyndi. The absolute best adventures of my life include my Mark Leonard. Knowing he found his true love brings me peace…Elvina Leonard Garcia thank you for loving my big brother to his last breath and beyond and loving me like a sister. Chris Leonard I love you like my own son forever! Marky well you took a big chunk of my soul with you….heads up mi amor…I am expecting the most expensive steak dinner ever…when I find you in Heaven. Oh boy…I hope they are ready for you up there….time to get that party started. I love you until forever and am blessed to have been loved by you. Godspeed mi amigo major….may the lines be tight, the wind fill your sails and your boat forever be the fastest! Go sweet heat!”
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Photos by Dave Weinstein and David Abercrombie. Courtesy of El Cerrito Historical Society
A talk by Mary Barnsdale
Join the El Cerrito Historical Society and Mary Barnsdale for an engaging discussion about the history of Point Isabel!
From Ohlone settlement, to Mexican rancho, to dynamite manufactory, to frog farm: Point Isabel has a rich and fascinating history, largely undocumented until now. Join us for a talk by Mary Barnsdale, author of a forthcoming book about the history of Point Isabel, as she walks us through some of the most exciting moments in the last few centuries of human occupation here.
April 10, 7-9 p.m.
Hana Gardens Senior Center, 10870 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito
Light refreshments will be provided.
More info: www.elcerritohistoricalsociety.org/societyevents/pointisabel2025
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline is part of the East Bay Reginal Park District.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
Read MoreBy Patrick McCarran, Real Estate Broker
A reverse mortgage can be a helpful tool for your retirement plan. There are generally two options. Options one is to refinance your existing home and receive a monthly payment to supplement your income. Option two is less well known and is to purchase another home with a reverse mortgage loan. In this scenario you either use equity from the sale of your home such as in a downsizing option or moving to a more affordable area. If you have the funds, you can also use those as a down payment, usually half the value.
You may not have planned on having a loan on your home in your senior years, but it may be a good option for you if you can get pass the misinformation. There is a great deal of misleading “facts” about reverse mortgages and a large population that believe what they hear. I will address some of the misinformation.
The government will NOT Own your property. The government involvement is limited to insuring your loan with the actual lender much the same a traditional purchase loan.
You can absolutely sell your property if your situation changes. Just like any other loan you can sell the property pay off the loan, take your equity, and move on.
Nobody will take your property form your or your heirs. If there is equity in the property, then your heirs can sell and take the equity or refinance the home to pay off the balance and keep the home. There are some timelines associated with the process but in my experience HUD is reasonable.
If the value drops, they cannot come after you for the difference. A reverse mortgage is a non-recourse loan. This means that house is the only collateral, and the lender or HUD cannot come after you or your heirs.
Your spouse will not have to move even if they are younger. A law was passed in 2014 that protects a non-borrowing spouse so they can stay in the home until they choose to move.
There are ways however instances in which you could be forced to sell. These include, if you do not occupy the property as your primary residence for 12 months, if you fail to maintain the property, if you do not pay necessary expenses such as property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, etc.
It can be confusing, but part of the application process is a mandatory counseling session with an approved non-partisan counselor. Their job is to answer any questions and get you more information. The fees can be higher than traditional mortgages and HELOCs. But often the benefits outweigh the costs. There are no loan payments, no stringent qualifications, and no required income level to qualify.
It is a fact that you are using your equity and therefore less money will be left to your heirs but that’s your choice to make and it may improve the quality of your golden years.
Be informed and know your options.
Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker DRE# 01325072. He can be contacted by phone or text at (925) 899-5536, pmccarran@yahoo.com or www.CallPatrick.com. An independently owned and operated office. In association with Realty One Group Elite DRE# 0193160. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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Entitled The New Economic & Social Realities of Immigration 2025
By Gayle Murray
Join a Community Conversation webinar on April 7, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. titled The New Economic and Social Realities of Immigration 2025. A panel of experts will put into perspective the economic benefits of immigrants and the cost economically, socially and culturally to our community when they are no longer part of our society. The panel will address legal hurdles immigrant neighbors face in Immigration Court and offer resource information on how attendees can offer their support.
Panelists include:
- Jon Haveman, the National Economics Education Delegation
- Ellen McDonnell, Contra Costa County Chief Public Defender
Doug Lezameta, President of Contra Costa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will moderate the discussion.
Register for the webinar here: https://tinyurl.com/lwv-immigration-2025
Information on how to access the Zoom webinar will be sent to your email address 24 hours before the program. Audience questions will be collected and answered through the Zoom chat.
The Contra Costa County Library will provide closed captioning and simultaneous Spanish translation for this event. The program will be recorded and posted on the following sites after the meeting:
Contra Costa County Library YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/LeagueofWomenVotersofDiabloValley.
Sponsors include the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, the League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa County Library and Contra Costa TV.
Contact programs@lwvdv.org for more information.
About LWVDV
The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley uses this group list for press release statements. If you no longer wish to receive our press releases, please send an email to press.release+unsubscribe@lwvdv.org with UNSUBSCRIBE in the object line of your email.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to press.release+unsubscribe@lwvdv.org.
LMC Experience staff and awards at the Associated Collegiate Press Spring Media Conference in Long Beach on March 8, 2025. Photos courtesy of the Experience.
Students win 17 awards
By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, Calif. – Los Medanos College student publication, Experience, won 17 awards in the 2025 Annual State Publication and On-the-Spot contests of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges.
Winners were announced March 8 at the annual Associated Collegiate Press Spring Media Conference held jointly with the Journalism Association of Community Colleges in Long Beach, Calif.
The Experience brought home the Pacesetter Award, the highest JACC state award for the print edition. As a staff, the Experience earned the meritorious prize for General Excellence. Additional awards included first place for front page layout, first place for news judgment, first place for audio and first place for feature photo.
Experience adviser Cindy McGrath praised the work of LMC student journalists who continue to pursue and achieve excellence as they work to fulfill the role of watch-dog journalists and provide relevant news to the college community and beyond.
“Our program is growing, and this year’s staff has worked tirelessly to inform and entertain the college community with important and interesting news,” McGrath said. “The student reporters and editors are passionate about journalism, and I am proud of the work they do to follow their dreams of working in a free-press that supports democracy in America.”
Competition Awards, complete list:
• General Excellence — Experience Staff
• Meritorious for enterprise news story/series – Aliyah Ramirez, Gabbie Munoz, Jordan Suisala, and Darcy Meadows
• First place for front page layout – Gabbie Munoz and Aliyah Ramirez
• First place for feature photo – Sarah Capperauld
• Second place for inside page layout – Aliyah Ramirez
• Second place for editorial – Chijioke Onyeagucha
• Fourth place for photo illustration – Alexis Ramirez
• Honorable mention for photo illustration – Alexis Ramirez
• Honorable mention for critical review – Sarah Capperauld
• Honorable mention for podcast/audio news – Ricky Montejo, Jordan Suisala and Malilitimari Suisala
• Honorable mention for photo essay – Juan Cebeiros
• Honorable mention for sports action photo – Juan Cebeiros
On-the-Spot Contest Awards, complete list:
• Pacesetter Award, print edition
• First place for news judgment and layout – Gabbie Munoz
• First place for audio news – Jordan Suisala
• Third place for critical review – Lesly Fisiiahi
• Honorable mention for news writing — Koen Steers
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.
Read MoreBrentwood City Manager Tim Ogden. Photo: City of Brentwood
Tim Ogden takes new position as General Manager for services district in Elk Grove
By Melissa Ballesteros, Executive Assistant, Brentwood City Manager
BRENTWOOD, CA – After five years of service to the City of Brentwood, City Manager Tim Ogden has announced that he is moving on to serve as General Manager of the Cosumnes Community Services District (CCSD) in Elk Grove, CA. CCSD provides emergency medical, fire protection, parks, and recreation services for over 210,000 Sacramento County residents. Ogden’s last official day with the City will be April 26, 2025, and an Interim City Manager will be appointed to temporarily fill the post.
“I am proud to say the Brentwood community is in very good hands at all levels of staff, and that the values-driven work in support of residents will be sustained throughout this leadership transition,” said Mayor Susannah Meyer. “We are fully committed to the continuation of all city services as we navigate the process to bring in a new City Manager. Our dedicated staff and team of directors have built an internal infrastructure that is prepared to withstand changes at any level, and we appreciate the community’s trust as we move forward together.”
“On behalf of the City Council, we thank Tim for his service to the community and wish him the best in his new endeavors,” she concluded.
Brentwood City Manager Tim Ogden speaks during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the new Sand Creek Road segment as the council members listen on Jan. 28, 2025. Photo: Allen D. Payton
Ogden has been City Manager since February 2020, and during his time, the City has realized numerous strategic initiatives that have served city residents and visitors well. Most recently, his efforts in support of the City Council have resulted in numerous community engagement forums, the expansion of Sand Creek Road, the opening of a new Costco, and the continued marketing and development of the Innovation Center @ Brentwood to attract even more job growth.
Reflecting on his time with the City, Ogden said, “I have loved serving the community of Brentwood that has been my home for the last five years. It has been an absolute honor to work with such amazing staff and to celebrate the accomplishments of the Council inspired visions for a better Brentwood.”
The City Council will be meeting soon to outline a plan for the recruitment and selection of a new City Manager and will prioritize stability and the continued delivery of excellent services throughout the process.
For more information, please contact Tim Ogden, City Manager, at togden@brentwoodca.gov.
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4 Pleasant Hill convenience store robbery suspects arrested in Antioch following police chase, crash
The suspects crashed their stolen getaway car into a fence. Contra Costa Sheriff’s Deputies and other emergency personnel with one of the suspects in the back of a Sheriff’s vehicle on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Photos by and courtesy of Mike Burkholder, ContraCosta.news
3 males, 1 female fled in stolen vehicle; police helicopter, Antioch & Pittsburg PD, CCC Sheriff’s Office assist
See 4/1/25 Update: Suspects identified; all four are from Antioch, one was arrested for similar charges in December and January
By Allen D. Payton
According to Pleasant Hill Police Lt. Jason Kleven, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, “The Pleasant Hill Police Department responded to a report of a possible robbery in progress at the 7-Eleven store parking lot located at 601 Patterson Blvd. Two delivery truck drivers were making a scheduled delivery when several suspects stole multiple cartons of cigarettes from the truck’s cargo area. No weapons or injuries were reported during the theft.
The suspects fled the scene in a stolen vehicle. Pleasant Hill Police Detectives later located the vehicle traveling on Highway 4 near Concord. With the help of a police helicopter, the vehicle led authorities to the city of Antioch, where the vehicle stopped near Fremont Elementary School. Four suspects then fled on foot from the vehicle.
With the support of Antioch Police, Pittsburg Police, the Sheriff’s Office, and the helicopter, officers set up a perimeter. All four adult suspects were apprehended and arrested.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are asking anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Investigations Bureau at (925) 288-4630.
According to a press release by Lt. Joe Njoroge of the Antioch Police Field Services Bureau, “At approximately 2:57 p.m., APD Dispatch received a report about a suspect vehicle involved in a previous incident in Pleasant Hill. APD was requested to assist in locating the vehicle, which was quickly found in the area.
While driving near the intersection of F Street and W. 13th, the suspect vehicle collided with a fence. The suspects then fled the scene on foot. Pleasant Hill PD arrived shortly after, and with the assistance of the Contra Costa Office of the Sheriff and APD, all suspects were apprehended.”
Njoroge later said the four suspects included three males and one female.
Antioch Police issued a Community Alert on Facebook Thursday afternoon that they were “working in the area of Antioch Middle School and the surrounding area of F Street from W. 13th to W. 18th. Expect heavy police presence in the area. If you see anything suspicious, please call 911 or (925) 778-2441 immediately.”
Later APD provided an update, writing, “We have now cleared the area. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. There is no danger to the community, and the subjects we were looking for have been arrested. Stay safe, and as always, report any suspicious activity to 911 or (925) 778-2441.
4/1/25 UPDATE: According to Pleasant Hill Police, the four suspects were 20-year-old Robert Lee Crawford (born 12/9/04), a six-foot tall, 165-pound Black male from Antioch, 19-year-old Robert Samule Garcia-Scrape of Antioch (born 7/22/05), a five-foot, 11-inch tall, 200-pound White male with blond hair, 21-year-old Jailen Emani Scales of Antioch (born 2/3/04), a six-foot tall, 200-pound Black male and 24-year-old Marieilacqua Bartholomew, a five-foot, one-inch tall, 130-pound Black female, also from Antioch.
According to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, Crawford is being held in the West County Detention Center on no bail; Garcia-Scrape is being held in the Martinez Detention Facility on no bail and his next court appearance is on April 15 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 03, Superior Court, Mt. Diablo; and Scales is also being held in the West County Detention Center on no bail.
According to localcrimenews.com, Scales was arrested last year, on Dec. 6th by San Francisco Police for burglary, conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, carrying a loaded firearm on a person or in a vehicle while in a public place, receiving or concealing stolen property, and resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer. He was arrested again on Jan. 15, this year by Fremont PD for robbery, carrying a loaded firearm and with intent to commit a felony, carrying a concealed weapon with a large capacity magazine, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, and elder or dependent adult abuse.
No additional information could be found through online searches for Bartholomew. However, according to Pleasant Hill Police Lt. Jason Kleven, she is also still in custody.
Read MoreWe Are Twins cover and author Larena Baldazo. Photo by Railroad Book Depot
Larena Baldazo’s “We Are Twins” based on experience with own daughter
Sales benefit Pittsburg Arts & Community Foundation
Pittsburg resident and now local author, Larena Baldazo, has launched her first children’s book, We Are Twins.
The story recognizes differences while celebrating similarities, especially among children with unique learning styles and special needs. This simple story packs a big message for young readers, with a goal of bringing awareness to everyone’s needs and fostering inclusiveness.
This book aims to serve as a tool to start the conversation and lead with intentionality. We Are Twins focuses on two friends, Luli and Valentina, to explore the idea that it is our differences that make us special, and our similarities are what spark long-lasting friendships. At first glance, the girls are nearly complete opposites, how can they be twins? Do people have to be exactly alike to become and stay friends? Read it for yourself and find out!
We Are Twins is now available in-store and online at the Railroad Book Depot. Oh, and shipping is free! The book retails for $19.99 and 30% of each sale goes toward arts and literature programs through the Pittsburg Arts & Community Foundation.
Order here or buy it in-store at: 485 Railroad Avenue, Pittsburg, CA.
About the Author
With a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and Digital Media, and a plethora of blog posts as a writer for Baby Center’s Spanglish Mamis channel, Larena Baldazo’s passion has always been for storytelling. Over the years, her creativity led her down a path of marketing, creating content for social media, and web producing for brands and big names such as the San Francisco Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and then on to public service.
Behind the stories, the photography, and the Instagram lives, Larena’s first job is being a mom. She and her husband live in Pittsburg, and if you look at the illustrations in this book closely, you may see some familiar spots if you know the area well enough. Just after Larena’s daughter turned three years old, she was diagnosed with 100 percent hearing loss in her right ear and a learning disability. With little information, so many questions and a lack of guidance, Larena quickly learned that she needed to be her daughter’s advocate to get her the support services she needed. Whether that was in the doctor’s office or at school.
We Are Twins is inspired by her daughter, not only because of her journey, but because this was something she would often say when she felt a connection with someone or shared the same interest. Once again, Larena’s daughter had introduced her to a new way of thinking…that it is our differences that make us special, and our similarities are what spark long-lasting friendships.
Read MoreTwo of the six students featured, Kadynce and Ebei at DVHS Cheer Practice in Antioch, CA. Source: Three Frame Media
Watch first episode tonight at 9 pm on KQED Channel 9
A six-part limited docuseries entitled, “The Class” following six students from Deer Valley High School in Antioch, CA as they pursue higher education dreams during a challenging pandemic year, begin airing tonight, Monday, March 24, 2025, on KQED Channel 9 at 9:00 p.m. It premiered on PBS stations beginning March 18, 2025.
The series arrives exactly five years after the COVID-19 Pandemic shut down schools across the U.S. in 2020. The Class is made available to PBS by KQED Presents, the national distribution service of KQED, the San Francisco-based PBS and NPR member station.
From Tony- and Grammy-winning Executive Producer Daveed Diggs (Blindspotting, Snowpiercer, Hamilton), Executive Producer Nicole Hurd (President, Lafayette College) and award-winning filmmakers Jaye and Adam Fenderson (First Generation, Unlikely), this dramatic six-part series was filmed over the course of the 2020-2021 school year and documents the remarkable challenges faced by these high school students during the pandemic and a particularly critical moment in their personal and academic development. With resilience and determination, they face obstacles head-on, inspired by their dedicated college adviser, known as “Mr. Cam.” His guidance empowers them to overcome barriers and unexpected challenges toward their dreams of a college degree.
“We hope these students’ stories restore faith in the promise of college and the opportunities it provides for those who came of age during the pandemic. It has been an incredible journey to make this series, and we’re so grateful to Daveed, Nicole, KQED, and the extended village that has come alongside to make it possible,” stated Jaye and Adam Fenderson of Three Frame Media.
The Fendersons connected with Nicole Hurd through College Advising Corps, the organization she founded, and were immediately drawn to its model of training recent college graduates to serve as advisers in public high schools. When planning the project during the early days of the pandemic, their vision was to capture an adviser guiding students who had missed the end of their junior year—along with crucial milestones like SATs—through the college application process. However, when production began during the summer of 2020, the pandemic was far from over, and the story evolved into something far more complex and powerful than they had originally imagined.
A wide virtual search for potential advisers across the country found Mr. Cam, with his charisma and passion for the work shining through, making him an essential subject for the series. With him and Deer Valley High School on board, the team met with many incredible students and selected six seniors – Ahmad, Ebei, Emily, Javonte, Kadynce, and Raven – as subjects who represent a wide range of voices and perspectives shared among their generation.
Set in the East Bay, the series captures the essence of the community—from the local crew to the musical artists featured—creating a deeply authentic reflection of the place the students call home. Hurd introduced longtime friend and Oakland native Daveed Diggs to the project and he signed on to Executive Produce, lending his song “Night Time” to the series’ main title theme.
“High school has always been a challenging time, but in the age of COVID, it took an extra dose of courage and perseverance to succeed. As an Oakland native and a fierce advocate for expanding opportunities in education, I am proud to be a part of ‘The Class, ’ which highlights the stories of six incredible Bay Area teens as they fight to achieve their dreams,” stated executive producer Daveed Diggs.
Throughout the launch of the series, the filmmakers will engage in a national impact campaign, encouraging audiences to discuss their experiences living through the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has affected their mental health and overall well-being as it pertains to their academic and social lives. The series and impact campaign is made possible with support in part from the John M. Belk Endowment, Lumina Foundation, Gates Foundation, Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, Ascendium Education Group, Ballmer Group, Uplifting Capital, Ellucian, and ECMC Foundation.
The Class debuted on PBS on March 18, 2025 (check local listings), with new episodes airing weekly and streaming on the PBS app. It airs on KQED channels as follows: Fridays at 8pm on KQED 9 starting 3/21, Saturdays at 6pm on KQED 9 starting 3/22, Mondays at 9pm on KQED 9 starting 3/24, and Sundays at 8pm on KQED Plus starting 3/23.
To learn more about the series, visit theclassdocumentary.com Episode 1 can be viewed here if you don’t catch an upcoming listing time. www.pbs.org/show/the-class/
The Class cast – Top Row (L-R): Mr. Cam, Ahmad, Ebei and Emily. Bottom Row (L-R): Javonte, Kadence and Raven. Photos: Three Frame Media.
ABOUT THE CAST Mr. Cam Originally hailing from Oakland, Cam has returned to his alma mater Deer Valley High School as a college adviser. A first-generation college graduate himself, Cam is the only college adviser on a campus with 2000+ students and works tirelessly to empower his students as they navigate the ups and downs of this unprecedented school year
Ahmad Basketball means everything to Ahmad who transferred to Deer Valley High School to play for their championship winning team. But with indoor sports on hold, this year’s season remains uncertain and Ahmad worries about his sports prospects.
Ebei A highly decorated track and field star, Ebei is the youngest of five siblings. On top of being a dedicated student, Ebei juggles a busy schedule as an ASB leader and cheerleader and strives to keep school spirit alive despite the unprecedented start to their senior year.
Emily Hailing from a close-knit family, Emily is the middle child of five sisters. While the pandemic sent students home to learn, Emily’s frontline job in food service remained in-person. Now she juggles working part-time while trying to keep up her grades to get into college.
Javonte Javonte has come into his own during high school emerging as an outgoing leader. He has the grades and accolades to go on to college, but with so much uncertainty in the world he starts to reconsider his options.
Kadynce As a cheerleader and member of the Mock Trial Team, Kadynce is quick to let her voice be heard. She dreams of attending a 4-year university, going on to law school, and fighting against issues of injustice but the COVID pandemic has made even her best laid plans feel uncertain.
Raven A self-taught musician, Raven picked up his first instrument at the age of 7 and enjoyed being part of the Deer Valley High School award-winning choir. Raven aspires to attend a 4-year university but with the challenges of remote learning, he worries about his grades and chances of getting in.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS: Adam Fenderson and Jaye Fenderson, Directors and Producers The Fendersons are an award-winning husband and wife filmmaking team and the founders of Three Frame Media, an independent production company focused on character-driven storytelling that engages audiences and drives impact. Together, they directed and produced the critically acclaimed documentary First Generation, which follows four high school students striving to become the first in their families to attend college. The film’s success led to Go College! Now, an educational initiative with Wells Fargo aimed at breaking down barriers to college access. Their follow-up documentary, Unlikely, investigated America’s college dropout crisis and featured influential voices, including LeBron James, Howard Schultz, and leading experts in higher education. The Class is the duo’s first original television series directed and produced through Three Frame Media.
ABOUT THREE FRAME MEDIA: Founded by award-winning husband and wife filmmaking team Adam and Jaye Fenderson, Three Frame Media produces original documentary content that entertains audiences, fosters dialogue, and inspires lasting change. Their award-winning debut film, First Generation, garnered international acclaim as it followed four high school students striving to be the first in their families to go to college. Through theatrical releases, film festivals, and credits spanning NBC, ABC, Lifetime, Discovery, CNBC, and more, their work continues to engage and impact people from across the globe, reinforcing the power of storytelling to connect and inspire.
ABOUT KQED: KQED serves the people of Northern California with a public-supported alternative to commercial media. An NPR and PBS affiliate based in San Francisco, KQED is home to one of the most-listened-to public radio stations in the nation, one of the highest-rated public television services and an award-winning education program helping students and educators thrive in 21st-century classrooms. A trusted news source and leader and innovator in interactive technology, KQED takes people of all ages on journeys of exploration — exposing them to new people, places and ideas. kqed.org
Read MorePhoto: Los Medanos College
By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, Calif. – Ten students from Los Medanos College (LMC) will present their work at the 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). This is the second time LMC research has risen to warrant national exposure in a field dominated by four-year universities.
The conference will be held April 7 in Pittsburgh, PA.
“Undergraduate research opportunities are incredibly important for students, and I am so proud that Los Medanos College intentionally provides research opportunities within our science courses,” LMC President Pamela Ralston said. “It’s wonderful to see so many of our students selected to present on a national stage.”
LMC was among the first community colleges to adopt STEM course-based research in 2014 and was one of the first members of the National Science Foundation-funded for the Community College Undergraduate Research Initiative in 2015.
Biology professor Briana McCarthy, who was among the faculty spearheading the initiative for LMC, said that when the grant cycle ended in 2018, the college sought another well-respected venue where students could present their research and found NCUR.
“This will be our second year to bring a group of students to NCUR,” McCarthy said. “This is our biggest group yet!” The college sent seven students to the conference last year, when LMC was one of only a handful of community colleges selected to participate.
The national conference, organized by the Council on Undergraduate Research, promotes high-quality, mentored undergraduate research, scholarship and creative inquiry.
Lindsay Currie, executive officer of the Council on Undergraduate Research, said the critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration skills that undergraduates attain through research are essential in today’s world.
“When colleges and universities actively involve undergraduates in research, they are not only shaping the next generation of scholars and leaders but also accelerating discovery and advancement across disciplines,” Currie said. “The earlier we invest in research experiences, the faster we can drive innovation and progress, while ensuring we have an equipped future workforce.”
Currie said abstract submissions for the conference are on the rise. The event drew 3,500 submissions in 2023 and 4,000 in 2024. The conference is set to surpass 4,000 submissions in 2025. The growth in submissions reflects the growing recognition of undergraduate research as a vital part of academic and professional development, she said.
“The increase in submissions demonstrates that students and institutions alike see the value in presenting research, engaging with peers and mentors, and contributing to the broader scholarly conversation,” Currie said.
LMC STEM Students Presenting at NCUR
Zarah Abatcha – Examining Effects of Indole-3-Acetic Acid and Phosphorus Deprivation On Root And Shoot Growth In Brachypodium Distachyon (Faculty advisor: Dr. Jill Bouchard)
Michaela Aquino – The Impact of Home-Cooked Shrimp Flavors on Chitin’s Effectiveness in Adsorbing Methylene Blue Dye from Wastewater (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Maddy Delauter – Owl pellets as bio-indicators for heavy metals (Faculty advisor: Professor Briana McCarthy)
Jonathan Mattes – Preparation of Banana Peel Effect on Adsorption of Anionic and Cationic Dyes (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Jazmyn Montes – Adsorption of Methylene Blue using Fish Scales and Fish Chitin (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Daniel Murillo – Adsorption of Methylene Blue using Fish Scales and Fish Chitin (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Carolina Padilla – Adsorption of Anionic and Cationic Dyes with Pumpkin Peels (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Jin Christian Rimando – Predictive Modelling of Wildfire Dynamics: Analyzing the Park and Borel Fires through Satellite Imagery to Enhance Fire Management in California (Faculty Advisor: Professor Julie von Bergen)
Jonathan Reed Ryan – Repurposing Grape Pomace as a Bioabsorbent for Removal of Methylene Blue (Faculty advisor: Dr. Mindy Capes)
Brianna Wolf – Abundance of Azolla filiculoides on Dissolved Oxygen Concentration (Faculty advisor: Professor Briana McCarthy)
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.
About NCUR 2025
The 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, this gathering of student scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all disciplines. Overall, this conference offers a unique environment for the celebration and promotion of undergraduate student achievement; provides models of exemplary research, scholarship, and creative activity; and offers student career readiness development. Find out more about the history of NCUR here.
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