Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Martinez World War II Army veteran celebrates 110th birthday

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World War II Army veteran Al Taubman is wheeled past staff of the VA’s Martinez Outpatient Clinic and Community Living Center and celebrated on the way to his 110th birthday party, June 2, 2026. Photo: Veterans Administration.

Served with General Patton

By Allen D. Payton

World War II Army veteran Al Taubman, a resident of the Martinez Outpatient Clinic and Community Living Center at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Martinez, celebrated his 110th birthday on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by fellow veterans, family, friends, residents and staff.

According to local veterans’ leader, J.R. Wilson, “Al served our nation in North Africa, Italy and across Europe during World War II as the Army advanced through history. A proud Brooklyn native with a true fighting spirit, he represents the very best of what we celebrate as Americans — duty, sacrifice, resilience and honor.”

World War II Army veteran Al Taubman celebrates with friends, family, fellow veterans and VA staff on his 110th birthday party June 2, 2026. Photo courtesy of J.R. Wilson.

According to Tom McNell who, along with Darlyn Phillips, helped organize the event, Taubman served with General George Patton.

A post on the VA Northern California Health Care System’s Facebook page reads, “VA Northern California was honored to celebrate a true American Hero—Al Taubman, US Army WWII Veteran—on his 110th birthday at the Martinez CLC Clinic. With gratitude and admiration, we recognized Al’s remarkable life and service. Thank you, Al, for your courage and dedication to our country. Happy 110th Birthday!”

Following a parade of military flags by fellow Martinez VA residents, a flyover was provided by the Coast Guard during the party. Photos courtesy of J.R. Wilson. Inset by Veterans Admin.

During the celebration, Taubman’s fellow Martinez VA residents held a parade of military flags, a big band performance by Alive Music Orchestra, the Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco provided a flyover of one of their helicopters during the event and the Martinez VA had speakers representing each branch of the U.S. military including:

Len Augustine, U.S. Air Force, Col Retired – 28 years of service. Pilot with 5,000 hours, 700 in Vietnam flying C 123 Provider Aircraft.  He was also a Squadron, Group and Wing Commander. Last job as 89th Military Airlift Wing Commander at Andrews AFB;

Derrick Sheldon, U.S. Marine Corps, SSgt.  Retired – Associate Chief of the East Bay. A super musician performing his art at exclusive venues;

Michael Mitchell (“Just Mitch works…” as he puts it.)  Chief Petty Officer, Retired. U.S. Navy – 22 years of active duty, 36 total years for USN, former Director of Law and Security/Chief of Police for Navy Region North West;

J.R. Wilson, U.S. Army Airborne Qualified soldier, 3rd Special Forces Group (A) – Served his country in North Carolina and Camp Hovey, South Korea, President Delta Veterans Group, Commander VFW Post 6435, National Interim Legislative Committee-Disabled American Veterans; and

Captain Kent Reinhold from the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.

Wilson shared about his and his son’s experience at the celebration. In a post on Facebook later that day he wrote, “Today was one of those moments as a father that I will never forget.

“My son, John Ryan Wilson, and I had the incredible honor of speaking at the 110th Birthday Celebration for WWII U.S. Army Veteran Al Taubman at the VA Martinez Outpatient Clinic.

Organizer Darlyn Phillips helps John Ryan Wilson as he speaks then stands with his father, JR Wilson, who also spoke and the Alive Music Orchestra performed big band sounds during the birthday celebration. Photos (L&C) courtesy of J.R. Wilson, (R) by Veterans Admin.

“As a fellow U.S. Army Veteran, it was deeply meaningful for me to stand before Al and recognize his lifetime of service. But what touched my heart the most was watching my 8-year-old son speak to him with such respect and admiration. John Ryan talked about the math of generations, the years between them, and how amazing it is that Al has lived through so much American history as our nation approaches its 250th birthday this July 4th.

“Seeing a young boy and a Greatest Generation hero sharing smiles and stories reminded me exactly why we must continue to preserve the legacy of our Veterans.

“Happy 110th Birthday, Al Taubman. Your service to this nation will never be forgotten.”

See more photos of his birthday celebration on the VA Northern California Health Care System’s Facebook page.

 

Coast-to-Coast relay to celebrate America 250

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Longest continuous, non-motorized relay in world history will have stops in Walnut Creek, Antioch July 6-8

Interested individuals or teams can participate

By Dave Whitson, ADT 250 Relay Director, American Discovery Trail Society

FRONT ROYAL, VA – In 2026, the American Discovery Trail Society (ADTS) celebrates the outdoors and 250 years of our independence with the American Discovery 250 Relay— a 6,800-mile (11,000 km) journey along the entire American Discovery Trail from California to Delaware, traversing through hundreds of cities, towns, villages and hamlets, starting in July and ending around Thanksgiving. This event will be the longest continuous, non-motorized relay in world history. The ADTS invites all to join in the celebration by participating for a day or more in a relay, attending one of over 100 local events, or sharing your story of personal growth and adventure. Together, we commemorate America’s past and unify our country.

Source: ADR250

Specialized Batons

Participants will carry a specialized baton displaying the header and carrying a copy of the Declaration of Independence. There will be three batons to choose from – each engraved with the three founding principles in the document: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. There will be three different colors assigned to each baton as well – red, gold and blue.

Source: ADR250

We have provided an informational webinar presenting an overview of the event which you can link to HERE.

Interested participants or teams are asked to register for free at discoverytrail.org/america-250-relay.  Runners, cyclists, hikers, wheelchair users and horseback riders are all encouraged to take part. We also encourage interest from those who wish to help with logistics, welcoming events or sponsorships.

The ADTS is making the turn-by-turn route instructions and GPS tracks free to the public during the 2026 year as part of the celebrations thanks to a generous donation from Indiana Trails.

Source: ADR250

DATES HAVE BEEN SET!

California dates are from July 1st-15th with stops in Walnut Creek and Antioch on July 6th and 7th, leaving on the 8th. The California segment will begin at Limantour Beach in Marin County where we’ll gather for the American Discovery 250 Relay kick-off, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, end with a final leg from Tahoe City on the Tahoe Rim Trail into Nevada on July 15th.

Contra Costa County Segments

  • Monday 07/06/2026 — UC Berkeley, CA at 8:00 a.m. run and walk to Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA — 28.3 miles We’ll meet on the corner of Bancroft and College Ave, right on the edge of the UC Berkeley campus. The Telegraph Channing Garage is a nearby parking option. Estimated arrival time: 5pm
  • Tuesday 07/07/2026 — Heather Farms Walnut Creek, CA at 8:30 a.m. run and walk to Antioch Community Park, CA — 36.6 miles The day begins with a special event–a breakfast hosted by the City of Walnut Creek, in collaboration with Save Mount Diablo. Free food! (We’re going to need it.) We’ll aim to hit the road around 9am. Lunch-time gathering in Clayton, hosted by the City of Clayton. Details to follow. Estimated arrival time: 7pm.
  • Wednesday 07/08/2026 — Antioch Community Park, CA at 8:30 a.m. bike to Sacramento – William Land Park, CA — 69.4 miles We depart from Antioch / Worth Shaw Community Park. The City of Oakley will offer a refreshment stop for participants at Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline around 9:30am. A support vehicle will be accessible in Oakley (7.5 miles), Isleton (30 miles), Locke (39.6 miles), and Clarksburg (55 miles), and also on-call for road-side support. Water will be available in the vehicle to top off bottles, and it will also be possible for participants to have some of their own supplies transported. Estimated arrival time: 4pm.

The entire relay calendar is now available to review here: discoverytrail.org/adt-relay-calendar.

Source: ADR250

Many Sections of the Trail are Multi-Modal and ADA Accessible

On many days we can have hikers, runners, bicyclers, and others. Thus, a 70-mile “bike” day will certainly include bicyclists who go the full distance, but there also can be people who meet up at the starting point in the morning and walk for a mile or more, or there may be walkers who gather at sites where the bikers stop for lunch or at the end of the day. Also some days listed as “hike” can include families or others who wish to ride their bikes.

There are some days when certain modes are not practical or allowed, such as no bicycles in wilderness areas. Thus, the sign-up form asks the date, the mode of transit, and the desired starting and ending points. Note that the relay will split in Denver, so in September and October we are running two relays at the same time, one through the south-central region and through the north-central region. We unite in late October in Cincinnati.

Source: ADR250

About the American Discovery Trail

The American Discovery Trail is the nation’s first non-motorized coast-to-coast trail established in the USA in 1990. Since then, hundreds have taken the challenge to walk, bike, wheelchair or horseback the entire trail (or sections thereof) with life-changing results.

It runs for 6,800 miles through 15 states and Washington, D.C. The route incorporates numerous local, state and national trails, with most of them designed for walking, hiking, and running and for bicycle and equestrian use. It connects scores of scenic and historic trails, backcountry roads, national parks and forests plus thousands of state and local properties of historic, cultural and natural significance. Users can experience their local environment, or the 23 ecosystems the trail passes through – deserts, mountains, forests, waterfronts, and plains. You can learn more about the ADT by visiting www.discoverytrail.org.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Celebrate John Muir’s 188th birthday and 56th Earth Day in Martinez April 18

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By John Muir Association

Come celebrate John Muir’s 188th birthday and Celebrating John Muir’s 188th birthday, the 56th Anniversary of Earth Day plus the 71st Anniversary of the John Muir Association Earth Day at the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, CA!

Here you will see “John Muir”, visit numerous exhibitors with children’s activities, an auction, live music, enjoy a tour of the home and even get to enjoy birthday cake. We can’t wait to see you.

The John Muir National Historic Site is located at 4202 Alhambra Avenue.

For more information about the event visit https://johnmuirassociation.org/birthday-earth-day.

City of Martinez to celebrate its Sesquicentennial April 1st

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150th Anniversary of Incorporation – “Past, Present, Future, Together”

By Eve Kearney, Martinez City Manager’s Office

Martinez, CA — The City of Martinez warmly invites residents, community partners, and members of the media to join in celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the City’s Incorporation on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Martinez City Hall. This milestone occasion honors a century and a half of community, history, and civic spirit under the Sesquicentennial theme, “Past, Present, Future, Together.”

Festivities begin at 6:00 PM with a community celebration featuring live music from the Martinez Junior High Jazz Band, a Flower Bouquet Bar where attendees can create their own bouquets, and a selection of appetizers and a celebratory dessert. At 7:00 PM, a commemorative City Council Meeting will include messages of congratulations and presentations highlighting the events and initiatives planned throughout the Sesquicentennial year.

The April 1 celebration is one of several major events planned for 2026, which also includes district‑based community sessions earlier in the year and the Sesquicentennial Festival on August 29, 2026. Additional commemorative initiatives, such as the Park System Master Plan Update and the Utility Box Art Program, are underway to honor the City’s past while investing in its future.

“I am honored to be part of this chapter in Martinez’s history,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “As we celebrate 150 years, we are taking the opportunity to express gratitude for all that has been built by those before us, and also look ahead with optimism and commitment to building a vibrant future for the next generations.”

The City looks forward to celebrating this once‑in‑a‑generation moment with community members and neighbors of the Bay Area. Interview opportunities with City officials will be available before and after the Council meeting.

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Martinez City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street, Martinez, CA

6:00 PM — Anniversary Celebration

  • Live music by the Martinez Junior High Jazz Band
  • Flower Bouquet Bar: Create your own bouquet
  • Appetizers and a celebratory dessert

7:00 PM — City Council Meeting

  • Congratulatory messages
  • Presentations highlighting the Sesquicentennial Year

*Henrietta Street will close to thru-traffic and parking at 4:30pm. Please use Jones and Mellus Streets as alternates.

The City looks forward to celebrating this once‑in‑a‑generation moment with community members and neighbors of the Bay Area.

For more information about the Sesquicentennial year, visit www.cityofmartinez.org/150.

East Bay Anza 250 Symposium at Los Medanos College April 11

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Learn about the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition in Contra Costa County and throughout California as the Declaration of Independence was being signed

By LeighAnn Davis, Executive Director, Contra Costa County Historical Society

As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, land managers, historians, educators and civic leaders across the East Bay formed the East Bay Anza 250 Symposium committee dedicated to exploring a parallel milestone: the 250th anniversary of the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition. This journey profoundly shaped California’s history and continues to influence our communities today.

Anza Expedition Map. Source: National Park Service

According to the National Park Service, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail covers over 1,200 miles through the homelands of 70+ Tribal communities including in Contra Costa County. It follows the historic route of the 1775-76 Spanish colonizing expedition from Sonora, Mexico to San Francisco, CA. Whether urban or rural, the trail offers adventure, diverse cultural perspectives and an opportunity to experience history.

Painting by David Rickman. Courtesy of U.S. National Park Service

On June 27, 1776, as the Declaration of Independence was being signed in Philadelphia, the colonists of the Anza expedition arrived at their destination in what would become San Francisco. Both of these events would dramatically shape the cultural and political landscapes of the United States. In 2025 and 2026, the Anza Trail invites communities along the historic path of the 1775-76 colonizing expedition to commemorate the complicated and evermore fascinating history of the paths and events that make up this National Historic Trail.

Third leg of the expedition from Mission San Gabriel to Monterey including campsites 99, 100 and 101 in Contra Costa County. Map created by Emanuel Delgado. Source: National Park Service

Campsites and Trail in Contra Costa County

A map of the Third Leg of the Anza Expedition shows three campsites in Contra Costa County with the Arroyo del Puerto Dulce campsite 99 in Rodeo, the Arroyo de Santa Ana del Flugino campsite 100 in Concord and the San Ricardo campsite 101 along the Antioch/Oakley border.

According to the Juan Bautista de Anza Historic Trail website, “On April 1st (1776) the group camped at a small stream. Today, the campsite is at the conjunction of Parker and San Pablo Avenues and Rodeo Creek. A commemorative marker from the 1976 reenactment is on Parker Road between 4th and 6th Streets in front of the post office in the town of Rodeo.”

The Anza Expedition campsite 99 historic marker in Rodeo, campsite 100 historic marker in Concord and campsite 101 historic marker at the Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline. Photos by Andrew Ruppenstein. Source: The Historical Marker Database HMdb.org

According to The Historical Marker Data Base, a marker designating campsite 100 in Concord is located on Grant Street south of Olivera Road. The marker designating campsite 101 is located in the Antioch/Oakley Regional Shoreline park at the end of Bridgehead Road.

The East Bay Park District’s Delta de Anza Regional Trail is named to commemorate the route taken during de Anza’s expedition into the Delta region of today’s East Contra Costa County. The paved, multi-use hiking, bicycling and equestrian trail currently spans over 15 miles of the planned 25-mile length. When completed, it will generally follow the East Bay Municipal Utility District’s corridor and the Contra Costa Water District’s canal.

This trail connects communities in central and eastern Contra Costa County and provides access to regional and community parks, many schools and Los Medanos College. It intersects Antioch’s Mokulumne Trail and the Marsh Creek Regional Trail in Oakley. It connects the cities and communities of Concord, Bay Point, Pittsburg, Antioch and Oakley and provides access to Contra Loma Regional Park and Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve through Antioch’s Worth Shaw Community Park. See driving map of Anza Historic Trail

Symposium

The East Bay Anza 250 Symposium will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, 9AM-4PM and is a collaborative gathering that explores the expedition’s impact on the East Bay, honors Indigenous legacies, and fosters dialogue about how this history informs our present.

The symposium will include:

  • Live Performances
  • Keynote Speakers
  • Panel Discussions that Dive into the History, Teaching, and Environmental Impacts of the Expedition.
  • An Exhibit Hall Filled with Cultural Exhibitions and Displays

Symposium registration is $30 for General Admission and $20 for students and seniors.

Lunch is included in your registration fee if reserved before April 1st, 2026.

To register, please visit the Eventbrite site for Grassroots Poetry using the QR code.

Keynote Speakers: Our speaker series brings together a vibrant tapestry of voices to explore the multifaceted legacy of the Anza Expedition. By pairing the scholarly insights of local historians and naturalists with the deeply personal narratives of expedition descendants, we aim to provide an inclusive history that honors the trail’s complex past.

Panel Discussions: Join our interdisciplinary panels, featuring local historians, expert naturalists, and descendants of the expedition, for a compelling look at the impact of Anza 250 years later. These sessions bring together diverse voices to explore the environmental, cultural, and personal history of the trail, offering a unique, in-depth, and engaging perspective on this historic journey.

Exhibit Hall: Our Exhibit Hall is a testament to the power of community partnership. The exhibit hall is a collaborative space showcasing exhibits and information from local historical societies and land management agencies. Connect with local experts in this dedicated space for a deeper, context-rich understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the Anza Trail.

Event Information:

The Event is Saturday, April 11th, 2026, from 9AM until 4PM with a lunch break at noon.

An optional walk will take place along the trail that intersects with the LMC campus at 8AM.

All members of the community are invited to join us and enjoy the speakers, poets, and music guests!

About our location:

The Los Medanos College Student Union is located on the campus at 2700 East Leland Road, Pittsburg.

We encourage all symposium attendees to consider alternate ways to get to campus. You can bike, walk, carpool or take public transportation. If you plan to arrive by car, parking is free on the day of the event. More information about how to get to campus here: LMC Transportation and Parking Information

Thank you to all our partners for your support:

  • Grassroots Poetry
  • Independent Arts and Media
  • Los Medanos College Honors Program
  • National Park Service
  • Anza Trail Foundation
  • Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy
  • Contra Costa County Historical Society
  • Museum of the San Ramon Valley

For more information contact Dwayne Eubanks, Chair East Bay Anza 250 Symposium at EastBayAnza@gmail.com.

This event is brought to you by Grassroots Poetry and Los Medanos Honors Program and fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts Media, a 501(c)3 organization.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

City of Martinez announces opportunity to revitalize historic Old Train Depot

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The Martinez Old Train Depot on Marina Street in downtown. Photo: City of Martinez

Proposals due April 26, 2026

By Eve Kearney, Executive Assistant, City Manager’s Office, City of Martinez

Martinez, CA — The City of Martinez is pleased to announce the release of a Request for Qualifications and Conceptual Proposals (RFQ/P) inviting experienced development teams to submit proposals for the revitalization of the Old Train Depot, located at 401 Marina Vista Avenue.

Constructed in 1877, the Old Train Depot served as Martinez’s first train station and remains a recognizable landmark within the community. Positioned between downtown Martinez and the Marina Waterfront, the building represents a unique opportunity to rehabilitate and reactivate an important historic structure while supporting the continued economic vitality of the downtown area.

The Old Train Depot occupies the most central, visible location in Downtown Martinez. The site has a rich history and it is envisioned that the building would be transformed into a destination – with some combination of food, retail, cultural, and/or activated uses – that will help increase tourism and visitors to the Downtown. In 2026, the City will be seeking a development team that has the appropriate expertise, financing, approach, and vision to successfully bring the property back to active use.

Martinz Old Train Depot location map. Source: City of Martinez

Over the past year, the City has taken several steps to prepare the site for redevelopment, including completing compliance with the State’s Surplus Land Act, conducting a Historic Resource Evaluation, obtaining a Preliminary Title Report, and advancing hazardous materials remediation.

The City is now seeking development teams with expertise in historic rehabilitation and adaptive reuse to restore the building and introduce a vibrant use that complements the downtown and enhances the visitor experience. Potential proposals should demonstrate a thoughtful approach to preserving the character of the structure while activating the site with a viable and engaging use.

“This building represents an important piece of Martinez’s history,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “Revitalizing the Old Train Depot gives us the opportunity to preserve a landmark while creating a new destination that supports our local businesses and strengthens connections between Downtown and the waterfront.”

Historic photo of the Martinez Old Train Depot. Source: City of Martinez

Site History

The Old Train Depot was built to provide passenger and freight service for the newly arrived Southern Pacific Railroad. In 1916, the building was enlarged to handle booming railway freight business. When the Martinez-Benicia Bridge opened in 1930, the Depot took on increased prominence as a major stop along national railway routes, and it saw an especially high volume of military traffic during World War II. In 1941 the building experienced a major remodel and modernization. In 1982, the building was remodeled one final time to adapt it to Amtrak service. In 2001 a new Amtrak station opened two blocks west of the Old Train Depot; and since 2001 the Old Train Depot has been vacant and periodically used for storage.

The RFQ/P process will allow the City to evaluate both the qualifications of development teams and their conceptual vision for rehabilitating and activating the building. Following review of proposals, the City may enter into negotiations with a selected development team to further advance plans for the property.

The RFQ/P will be available on the City of Martinez website beginning March 11, 2026, with proposals due April 26, 2026.

Interested parties can learn more about the opportunity by visiting: https://www.cityofmartinez.org/departments/planning/major-development-projects/old-train-depot

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Nominations now open for Los Medanos College 2026 César Chávez Awards

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Deadline: March 11th

By Juliet V. Casey Geary, Director of Marketing & Media Design, Los Medanos College

We are pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2026 César Chávez Awards is open. The awards celebrate the life of labor leader and human rights activist César Chávez and recognize East Contra Costa County community members who follow his example of service, activism and non-violent social change.

Nomination form and event details are available on the event web page. Nomination deadline is Wednesday, March 11. 

See our call-to-action video.

Save the date for the awards ceremony, which this year will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 3 in the Student Union at the LMC Pittsburg Campus, 2700 E. Leland Road. The event is free and open to the public, though space is limited.

Values of César Chávez:

  • Service to Others:  Empowering individuals by engendering self-determination, self-sufficiency and self-help, rather than charity.
  • Sacrifice:  Recognizing the obligation every individual has to contribute to their community, despite having to endure great hardship.
  • Help the Most Needy:  Supporting efforts to reach those in need, those dispossessed, and those most forgotten individuals.
  • Determination:  Instilling an attitude that through steadfast commitment, patience, and optimism, people can overcome great adversity.
  • Non-violence:  Achieving social and economic justice and equality through bold and courageous action.
  • Tolerance:  Promoting and supporting ethnic and cultural diversity as a means toward informing and strengthening communities.
  • Respect for Life:  Holding land, people, and all other forms of life in the highest regard.
  • Celebrating Community:  Sharing expressions of cultural identity through art, song and dance.
  • Knowledge:  Pursuing self-directed learning, the development of critical thinking, and constructive problem-solving.
  • Innovation:  Creating strategies and tactics to resolve problems and situations that often seem insurmountable.

Awards recognize recipients in the following categories:

César Chávez Award for Exemplary Community Service

The César Chávez Award for Exemplary Community Service recognizes a local resident who demonstrates a long-standing commitment to service and who best represents the core values modeled by César Chávez: Service to Others, Sacrifice, Help the Most Needy, Determination, Non-Violence, Acceptance of All People, Respect for Life and the Environment, Celebrating Community, Knowledge and Innovation.

East County Educator Award 

The César Chávez East County Educator Award recognizes a member of the educational community who demonstrates the qualities of César Chávez and a commitment to student success and equity, particularly for students of color and those from low-income families.

Chávez Spirit Award 

The César Chávez Spirit Award recognizes an emerging student leader who embodies the spirit of César Chávez and who within the past year affected change in the areas of advocacy and social justice.

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.

Four to be honored during LMC 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Celebration Feb. 26

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By Juliet Casey Geary, Director of Marketing and Media Design, Los Medanos College

Los Medanos College is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards, recognizing community civil rights and social justice champions, and students whose activism sets them apart as emerging leaders. The event is part of LMC’s yearlong acknowledgement of Black history (BHM 365) and raises support for the LMC Foundation African American Student Scholarship.

The Celebration luncheon begins at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Student Union Conference Center of the Pittsburg Campus, 2700 E. Leland Road.

This year’s honorees:

Emerging Leadership Awards

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Emerging Leadership Award recognizes an LMC student or alumnus who embodies the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and, who within the past year, has made a significant difference on the LMC campus or in the local community through advocacy and social justice. Emerging leaders in our community exemplify the principles of Dr. King and affect social change. Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

LMC student Mina Jobe

Mina Jobe. All photos: LMC

Mina Jobe is a student leader and youth activist passionate about social justice, especially women’s and Indigenous rights. Drawing from her Irish, Japanese, and Yaqui heritage, she uses writing, art, and advocacy to raise awareness and uplift her community.

Through school projects and outreach, Mina works to create positive change and hopes to pursue a future dedicated to helping others.

Jobe also is an IMS Alumni Artist in Residence, BNV Alumni, and former PHS SLAM Club President. She has poured love, leadership, and selfless service into the Pittsburg Community for over 2 years. Jobe has participated in countless community open mics, been a community spokesperson at the Prodigies Youth Arts Showcase in 2025.

She has been a featured performer at the LMC Umoja / IMS Say it With Youth Chest Open Mic, and most recently was crowned the Prodigies Grand Slam Champion for 2025. Mina’s greatest contributions are the advice, agape love, and presence she offers Pittsburg youth.

LMC student Chijioke Onyeagucha

Chijioke Onyeaguch

Chijioke Onyeaguch was born Antioch California, the fifth of five siblings. His parents both immigrated to the Bay Area from Nigeria and always taught their children to work hard to achieve their dreams. In 2007, Onyeagucha says he was, “raised in the LMC Child Study Center for a little while.”

He returned to LMC in 2023 after graduating high school and competed in track and field for Diablo Valley College. He joined the Honors Program his first year and has served as an officer with the club for three years. Through his involvement with the program, he had the opportunity to study abroad in Paris in 2024.

At LMC he discovered his passion for writing and worked for LMC’s student-run news outlet, LMC Experience. As a journalist, Onyeagucha aims to bridge narrative with strategy, producing ethical journalism while understanding how media institutions evolve and influence public discourse. As a black journalist, he is committed to reshaping narratives that have historically misrepresented and marginalized communities of color. He is completing two associate degrees for transfer in journalism and business administration, while finishing his Honors Scholar Badge.

He recently presented research on modern forms of colonialism in Nigeria at the statewide Honors research symposium at UC Berkeley, which his parents were able to attend. His career goal is to create spaces within the media industry where strategic innovation coexists to uplift and support culture, so future generations can see themselves represented with depth. He also plans on a career in law.

Beloved Community Award

Tianna Hicks

Tianna Hicks, Vice President, Da Bigger Picture Non-Profit Foundation

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Beloved Community Award is presented to a local resident who has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to service and who best represents the core values modeled by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Beloved Community Award is inspired by the term popularized by Dr. King – a global vision in which, as noted by The King Center: all people can share in the wealth of the earth; poverty, hunger, and homelessness will not be tolerated; racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry, and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood; and love and trust will triumph over fear and hatred. At the heart of the quest for the Beloved Community is agape love, which Dr. King described as “understanding, redeeming goodwill for all” – a love “seeking to preserve and create community.”

Tianna Hicks is a co-founder with her son, Najee Harris, and vice president of Da Bigger Picture Non-Profit Foundation, which aims to create access and opportunity for youth through community programs, school partnerships, and events that build confidence. The organization works to support families facing hunger and homelessness, provides resources to families in need with food giveaways, backpack and school supplies giveaways, toy drives, free youth camps, and a clothing closet to support the Antioch Unified School District students in need of interview, prom, graduation or special event attire.

Born in San Francisco, Hicks attended Philip and Sala Burton High School in San Francisco, and Fremont High School in Oakland. She graduated from P.I.M.A. Medical institute in Seattle, Wash., with a certificate of completion in medical assistance. Hicks then worked at Kaiser Permanent as a business representative from 2010 to 2016. She left Kaiser and moved to Birmingham, Alabama. to support her youngest son through college. She worked as a front desk medical receptionist for plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael S. Beckenstein, from 2016 to 2020. After her son graduated from college the pair moved back to California where she and her son formed Da Bigger Picture Non- Profit Foundation. The future goal for Da Bigger Picture is to expand services throughout the community, offering resources for families in need of mental health support groups for men and women.

Visionary Leadership Award

Dennisha Marsh, Executive Director, Parent of African American Achievement Collaborative Team

Dennisha Marsh

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Leadership Award recognizes a member of the East Contra Costa County community who demonstrates the qualities of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Visionary Leadership Award honors individuals who embody Dr. King’s strengths as a transformational, servant leader. Dr. King inspired others to shape the future articulated in his vision. He focused on the well-being, growth, and empowerment of others and the community he served. Dr. King said, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable…Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

Dennisha Marsh is the executive director of the Parental African American Achievement Collaborative Team (PAAACT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to aligning essential educational and economic resources with underserved families in Contra Costa County.

She serves on several city and county commissions and advisory committees. She is a member and past chair of the Pittsburg Community Advisory Commission, which advises the City Council on community services, including parks, recreation, and public safety issues. Marsh has chaired the Pittsburg Measure M Oversight Committee and the Pittsburg Community Block Grant. She has served as an advisor for the Youth Advisory Commission and Public Safety.

Marsh serves on Los Medanos Health Advisory Committee for Contra Costa County, following her tenure on Los Medanos Health District elected board prior to its transition to county oversight, Library Commission, Measure X, East Bay Regional Park District Advisory Committee and Educational Chair for East County NAACP.

In the Pittsburg Unified School District, Marsh participated as a member of the District Advisory Council, the Bond Oversight Committee, and the Student Attendance Review Board. She was a member of the Economic Opportunity Council and the Racial Justice Task Force.

Marsh has played a crucial role in fostering communication among community stakeholders, leading to the reconstruction of educational facilities and the development of community gardens throughout the Pittsburg Unified School District. She has worked on summer STEM programs for youth and secured new equipment and signage for local schools. Her advocacy has also spurred local road repairs and policies aimed at enhancing community safety, including the installation of street speed bumps and the development of a skateboard park in the City of Pittsburg.

Marsh participated in community advocacy for the name Thurgood Marshall Regional Park, home of the Port Chicago 50, and took part in the Contra Costa Bar Association’s Task Force for the exoneration of the Port Chicago 50.

Marsh and her husband live in the City of Pittsburg, where they have a son who is in college.

Keynote Speaker

Kolette Simonton

Kolette Simonton, Director, City of Pittsburg Department of Recreation

Lifelong Pittsburg resident Kolette Simonton is committed to her community. A product of Pittsburg High School (Class of ’96, Student Body President), she honed her communication skills at CSU Sacramento, graduating in 2001 with a degree in Communications/Public Relations. Her early career included roles with the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce, Contra Costa and San Jose Newspapers, KRON 4 News, and Changed Life Church, providing a strong foundation for her 18-year tenure with the City of Pittsburg. Today, she serves as the Director of Recreation.

Kolette’s leadership touches all aspects of Pittsburg’s recreational offerings. She oversees the Marina Community Center, Pittsburg Senior Center, and the city’s extensive park system, including Small World Park and Buchanan Swim Center. She spearheads popular events like the Old Town Car Shows, 1st Friday Music Series, and the Pittsburg Jazz, Blues & Funk Festival. Kolette is passionate about providing diverse programs, from youth and adult sports leagues to adaptive sports and fitness, the My Brothers Keeper Initiative, and the Pittsburg Youth Commission.

Kolette was honored as the 2025 recipient of the Los Medanos College Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Beloved Community Award and was added as a member of LMC Foundation Board.

Kolette’s commitment extends beyond her professional role. She serves on the board and coaches for Full Stride Track Club and is active in the Pittsburg Kiwanis. She is grateful for the support of her husband, Ken, and children, Nayelli and Kenneth IV, in her community endeavors. Kolette’s daily focus is on expanding accessible, engaging, and inclusive opportunities for Pittsburg residents to connect and thrive.

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.

Antioch co-op store vendor finds early, autographed Beyoncé poster

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Derek Baker with his valuable and rare Solano Swap Meet find of the Girls Tyme poster with Beyoncé’s autograph inside his space at Rivertown Treasure Chest in downtown Antioch. Photos courtesy of Derek Baker.

Local treasure hunter buys it at Concord drive-in swap meet, offers it for sale at $4 million

Oakley resident Derek Baker is a part time vintage treasure hunter who frequents garage sales, estate sales and flea markets looking for interesting items he can flip for profit.  He sells on eBay, through his own personal network and at a vintage co-op store in downtown Antioch called the Rivertown Treasure Chest.  Comic books are his focus, but he tries to keep his mind open to anything that comes his way.

One Sunday morning, Baker was at the West Wind Solano Swap Meet & Public Market at the drive-in in Concord, when he noticed a pile of concert posters on the ground.  The vender was the type of person who cleaned out homes or storage units and likely had no idea of what they really had.  Many of the posters had the kind of art that would be associated with The Grateful Dead or other similar bands, which can fetch a good price. Some of the posters had inscriptions and signatures on them.  So, he grabbed a stack, making sure to include all those with writing and got a bulk deal – 29 posters for $20.

Baker found his treasure at the Solano Swap Meet at the Westwind Drive-In in Concord.

They were almost all good posters that, in turn, can be sold for $10 to $30 each.  One poster was even related to the Grateful Dead as it appears to have a signature from Vince Welnick, who played for the band at one time.  However, the real gem was a pop culture piece of history from 1992.  A poster of “Girl’s Tyme” – later known as Destiny’s Child – from their performance on Star Search.

The poster was printed and displayed for the live studio audience of Star Search to view as they attended the performance.  It is unknown how many of these were actually printed for use inside the theater.  Being that they lost that night, it is likely almost all of them, if not all the rest of them, were thrown in the trash when the theater was being prepared for the next evening’s performances.  This particular copy appears to have been saved by one of the band’s managers at the time, Alonzo ‘Lonnie’ Jackson, who had several of the girls personalize it for him.

Beyoncé Knowles was 11 years old, and she already knew she was going to be a star.  Not only did she sign her name but also added her autograph. Only one other girl even thought to sign her name, Ashley Tamar Davis.  Two others inscribed notes but didn’t even put their names down. But Beyoncé already knew one day she would be the Queen B.

Baker’s poster appears to be the first signature and autograph of Beyoncé on any professional promotional material. Some baseball card collectors have told him that it’s like having the signature on a rookie card of one of the most popular players of all time.

The section of the poster with Beyoncé Knowles’ (now Carter) signature and autograph.

Baker purchased the poster in April 2025 and since then, he has had James Spence Authentication (JSA) certify that they believe it to be genuine. Star Search has since been rebooted on Netflix, making this a ‘Tymely’ treasure find.  Being a piece of pop culture history for both Star Search and Beyonce, it may be a museum-worthy artifact. Baker thinks the new Hip Hop museum opening in the Bronx this year would be a good home.

The poster may be a ‘unicorn’ with no other piece to compare it to.  How much is it worth?  Is it a $1,000 poster or a $10 million poster? One suggestion is that he travel to Las Vegas to have it valued by Pawn Stars from the famous TV show which Baker said he might do.

The value or rather price he can get for the poster – which is the only true value of such an item – is unknown, for now. But Baker will eventually find out as he has it up for sale, asking $4 million.  Maybe a super-fan from the BeyHive, as Beyoncé’s fanbase is known, or a museum benefactor will let him know.

Interested? Stop by and see Baker and more of his treasures for sale at the Rivertown Treasure Chest in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown at 306 G Street. Or make him an offer on ebay.

Good luck Derek!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Los Medanos College seeks nominations for annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards

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The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spent time in Contra Costa County. George Gordon (far left), then-President of the Community College District Board, and an unidentified man, welcomed Dr. King to Contra Costa College in San Pablo in February 1964 for an on-campus speech. Board President Gordon and Dr. King on stage before his speech. (Right) Photos courtesy of Scott Gordon

Deadline: Feb. 1; Awards Celebration: Feb. 26

By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, Los Medanos College

Los Medanos College (LMC) is pleased to announce its call for nominees, recognizing community civil rights and social justice champions, and students whose activism sets them apart as emerging leaders. Use this form (or visit www.losmedanos.edu/mlk) to submit a nomination. The nomination deadline is February 1, 2026.

Award recipients will be honored at LMC’s 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Celebration at 11 a.m. on Feb. 26, 2026, in the Student Union Conference Center of the Pittsburg Campus, 2700 E. Leland Road.

Award Categories:

Emerging Leadership Award

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Emerging Leadership Award recognizes an LMC student or alumnus who embodies the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and, who within the past year, has made a significant difference on the LMC campus or in the local community through advocacy and social justice. Emerging leaders in our community exemplify the principles of Dr. King and affect social change. Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Visionary Leadership Award

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Leadership Award recognizes a member of the East Contra Costa County community who demonstrates the qualities of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Visionary Leadership Award honors individuals who embody Dr. King’s strengths as a transformational, servant leader. Dr. King inspired others to shape the future articulated in his vision. He focused on the well-being, growth, and empowerment of others and the community he served. Dr. King said, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable … Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

Beloved Community Award

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Beloved Community Award is presented to a local resident who has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to service and who best represents the core values modeled by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Beloved Community Award is inspired by the term popularized by Dr. King – a global vision in which, as noted by The King Center: all people can share in the wealth of the earth; poverty, hunger, and homelessness will not be tolerated; racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry, and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood; and love and trust will triumph over fear and hatred. At the heart of the quest for the Beloved Community is agape love, which Dr. King described as “understanding, redeeming goodwill for all” – a love “seeking to preserve and create community.”

See video about the awards.

According to Martinez resident, Scott Gordon, whose father, George Gordon was President of the Contra Costa Community College Board in 1964, that February, Dr. King visited the county for a speech at Contra Costa College in San Pablo.

About 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.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.