Contra Costa Herald

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

LMC refocuses César Chávez awards to La Fuerza del Pueblo: Farmworkers’ Movement Legacy Awards

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Artwork by The Herald.

In response to allegations against the late farm workers’ union leader

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

Greetings from Los Medanos College,

In light of recent news concerning César Chávez and allegations of abuse of women and minors, Los Medanos College (LMC) is reorienting the awards that honored his legacy to focus instead on the collective work and values that are being recognized to strengthen community, social justice, labor rights and leadership. Since 1995, LMC has honored generations of activists, service providers, educators, students and more. We are proud of that tradition and will continue to honor the leaders born out of East Contra Costa County’s agricultural community. This year we will offer La Fuerza del Pueblo: Farmworkers’ Movement Legacy Awards.

Honorees will receive recognition at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, in the Student Union Conference Center, 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. This event recognizes community members who stand as models of service, activism and non-violent social change. This year’s award categories include:

Exemplary Community Service

For long-standing commitment to service to others, sacrifice, helping 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

For demonstrating a commitment to student success and equity, particularly for students of color and those from low-income families.

La Fuerza del Pueblo Spirit Award

For emerging/student leader(s) who embodies the spirit of the movement, and who within the past year, made a significant impact on the local community in the areas of advocacy and social justice.

Legacy Award Values

  • 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.

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.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Eight public works projects in Contra Costa County, BART receive awards

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The Bollinger Canyon Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing Project received three awards. Source: ACEC California

Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing in San Ramon named 2026 APWA Project of the Year, two more awards

County Public Works receives three project awards

By Allen D. Payton

Eight public works projects in Contra Costa County and BART received awards from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Northern California Chapter and American Council of Engineering Companies of California (ACEC).

APWA Nor Cal Chapter Awards

The Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road was named the 2026 Project of the Year Winner by the APWA Northern California Chapter. Other winners honored at the 2026 Project Awards Luncheon in Vallejo on March 5th include:

BART for the Next Generation Faire Gates;

Central Contra Costa Sanitary District for the Phase 1 Stream and Aeration Blower Systems Renovations;

City of Antioch for its Brackish Water Desalination Plant (see below);

City of Pleasant Hill for the Contra Costa Blvd. Complete Streets Improvements Projects;

City of Richmond for the Ferry to Bridge to Greenway project;

Contra Costa County Public Works for three projects including the County Administration Building B, Saranap Trash Capture Installation and the Wildcat Canyon Road Slope Failure Repair.

A total of 25 projects were nominated and 15 received an award. All winners will be moving on to the APWA National at Public Works Expo 2026 in Houston, TX in August for consideration.

The APWA Northern California Chapter is a dynamic and engaged community of professionals dedicated to advancing the goals and mission of our association at the local level. The chapter is an integral part of the larger APWA network, representing a vibrant community of professionals in Northern California. We are committed to fostering professional growth, facilitating meaningful connections, and promoting excellence within the industry.

Source: City of San Ramon

Bollinger Canyon Road Overcrossing Project Also Wins League of California Cities Award

The Bollinger Canyon Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing Project also received the 2026 Outstanding Local Streets and Roads Project Award from the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), League of California Cities (Cal Cities), and County Engineers Association of California (CEAC). It is the highest award presented annually at the California League of Cities Public Works Officers Institute Spring Conference.

“Counties and cities across California lead in delivering sustainable and enduring transportation projects,” said Johannes Hoevertsz, President of CEAC and Sonoma County Public Infrastructure Director. “By applying innovative approaches, local governments are strengthening mobility while protecting the long-term performance of their streets and roads.”

Source: CA League of Cities

This year’s overall winner, the City of San Ramon, is recognized for its Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road, a transformative project that enhances safety and access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Overall Winner:
Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road, City of San Ramon

The $29M Iron Horse Trail Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road is a 340-foot, cable-stayed bridge that provides a safe, grade-separated crossing over one of San Ramon’s busiest corridors.  Anchored by 900 feet of MSE wall approaches, it eliminates a previously signaled crossing and completes a link in the 30-mile regional Iron Horse Trail system. The project integrated context-sensitive landscaping with over 7,000 native and drought-tolerant plants and 80 trees along with community gathering spaces enhanced by architectural lighting.

“This project represents years of thoughtful planning and hard work from our Engineering team to improve safety and accessibility across one of the city’s busiest roadways,” a Facebook post on Thursday, March 12th reads. “Congratulations to our Engineering team for their dedication and hard work in bringing this important project to life!”

The overcrossing officially opened to the public on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

During the ACEC California awards ceremony on Feb. 19, 2026. Photo: ACEC California

ACEC California Awards

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority and City of San Ramon received an Honor Award from ACEC California, one of eight in the San Francisco Region, for the Iron Horse Trail Overcrossing at Bollinger Canyon Road. The project was submitted by the Oakland office of COWI North America, Inc., of the ACEC California Bay Bridge Chapter.

According to ACEC California, COWI was contracted by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority for the overcrossing project — a striking new pedestrian and cyclist bridge that provides a safe crossing across the busiest arterial corridor in the city and uninterrupted connectivity along the Iron Horse Trail. The City of San Ramon is the owner.

As Prime Consultant and Engineer of Record, COWI led the design, engineering, and design support during construction for the $21.6 million project. The result is a 340-foot, six-span cable-stayed bridge with 570 feet of retaining wall approaches, a central V-shaped steel pylon, and architecturally integrated lighting and railing systems.

The overcrossing enhances safety and connectivity for tens of thousands of San Ramon residents and trail users along the region’s most popular trail. While the project utilized its full budget, COWI’s innovative design and accelerated construction strategies generated substantial indirect savings by minimizing traffic disruption, shortening construction duration, and reducing environmental and community impacts.

“This bridge is a celebration of safe, sustainable design and community placemaking,” said Matt Baughman, Associate Project Director at COWI. “From concept to completion, COWI’s team worked closely with our client and stakeholders to deliver a truly iconic project.”

Source: City of Antioch

There were two other local ACEC California winners including the City of Antioch which received a Merit Award for its Brackish Water Desalination Plant, submitted for consideration by Carollo Engineers’ Walnut Creek office of the East Bay Chapter. The plant was inaugurated on September 15, 2025. According to the City of Antioch, this facility strengthens Antioch’s water supply by using a combination of existing and new infrastructure to increase reliability and provide greater operational flexibility. This facility is a landmark investment in the City’s future, ensuring a more resilient water supply for the community.

The City of Martinez received a Commendation Award from ACEC California for the Alhambra Avenue Downtown Improvements, submitted by LCC Engineering & Surveying, Inc. of Martinez, also of the ACEC California East Bay Chapter.

According to LCC, the company was hired by the City of Martinez in Winter of 2022 to provide land survey and civil design services for this Complete Street Improvement Project which included one mile of mill and fills, base-failure repairs, crack-sealing and micro-surfacing, re-striping to include Class 2 buffered bike lanes, new ADA compliant curb ramps and crosswalks.  The project was a federally funded project which triggered extensive environmental studies due to the proximity to significant historical buildings.  LCC teamed with HDR for the extensive environmental studies required.  However, LCC performed all of the right of way and utility coordination to obtain the Right of Way Certification for the Project. Construction was completed in spring 2025.

LCC has provided civil engineering and land surveying services to the City of Martinez since the firm was established in 1954.

The ACEC California’s annual Engineering Excellence Awards competition recognizes outstanding achievements in engineering and land surveying projects completed by California firms. Entries are accepted into one of 12 project categories: studies, research and consulting engineering services; building/technology systems; structural systems; surveying and mapping technology; environmental; waste and storm water; water resources; transportation; special projects; small projects; energy; and industrial and manufacturing processes and facilities.

Projects were recognized for demonstrating an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity, achievement, and value. Twenty projects earned the prestigious Honor Award distinction, twenty-seven were recognized with Merit Awards, and fifteen Commendation Awards were granted.

“We are proud to recognize these ACEC California firms for delivering an exceptional degree of value and technical excellence to our communities,” said Tyler Munzing, Executive Director of ACEC California. “Quality infrastructure—from dependable drinking water to safe, efficient roadways and structurally sound public spaces—is essential to our state’s success. These award-winning projects showcase how our engineering and land surveying firms are passionately building a more resilient and connected California.”

The awards were announced at the Engineering Excellence Awards Banquet at the Disneyland Hotel on February 19, 2026. Themed “Dream Builders: Engineering the Magic of Tomorrow”, the conference highlighted how engineers and land surveyors can influence the future through innovation, imagination and impact. The annual celebration was also a fundraiser for the ACEC California Scholarship Foundation 501(c)3, which provides scholarship awards to graduate and undergraduate students who are recognized for their notable and outstanding academic achievements.

Learn more about the awards:

2026 Projects of the Year Award – APWA Northern California Chapter

2026 Engineering Excellence Award Winners – American Council of Engineering Companies of California

13 schools in Contra Costa County named 2026 California Distinguished Schools

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SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced Tuesday that 408 middle schools and high schools have been selected for the prestigious 2026 California Distinguished Schools Program, California’s school recognition program that recognizes exceptional schools that distinguish themselves on the basis of exemplary student outcomes.

Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students. The 2026 California Distinguished Schools, along with 2025 California Blue Ribbon Schools, 2026 Green Achievers, 2026 Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award Schools, and 2025 Civic Learning Awards of Excellence will be recognized at the California School Recognition Program Awards Conference & Celebration at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on April 24, 2026.

“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 408 schools for their efforts to move the needle for student achievement, no matter what,” Superintendent Thurmond said. “An excellent public education has the power to transform lives, and I commend the educators and school communities who have dedicated themselves to producing exemplary results. This year’s California Distinguished Schools represent the hard work of our middle and high school educators and school staff, who provide our secondary students with life-changing educational opportunities.”

The 2026 California Distinguished Schools recognition program aims to recognize exemplary instructional programs throughout California public schools, the largest public school system in the United States.

This year’s award categories build on long-standing recognition of the following two categories:

1) Exemplary High Achievers: Schools that are among the highest in the state in academic achievement for all students, which have also ensured that historically underserved student groups are maintaining or increasing academic progress.

2) Achievement Gap Closers: Schools that are accelerating academic progress for two or more groups that have been historically underserved, while also demonstrating achievement for all students that is above the state median and maintaining or increasing academic performance for all students.

This year, California Distinguished Schools added a third category of recognition:

3) Beacons of Opportunity: Schools serving rural and Title 1 school communities that distinguish themselves through multiple student outcomes at very high performance levels.

For years in which middle schools and high schools are eligible, the outcomes considered include graduation rates as well as rates of college and career readiness.

Eligibility for all categories is determined by metrics generated through the California statewide accountability system for public schools, the California School Dashboard. The 2026 California Distinguished Schools were determined using data from the 2025 California School Dashboard.

In keeping with statewide standards for accountability, schools must have at least 95 percent participation in statewide assessments to qualify for Distinguished School recognition. Schools may not earn recognition as a California Distinguished School if they have concerning school climate indicators, such as very high suspension or chronic absenteeism.

Schools need not apply for California Distinguished Schools, as every school’s data is automatically considered in alternating years. To further clarify, elementary schools and kindergarten through eighth-grade schools were considered in 2025 and will next be considered in 2027. Middle schools and high schools are being considered in 2026 and will next be considered in 2028. Schools motivated to achieve this statewide distinction are encouraged to set annual schoolwide goals aligned to their progress and areas of growth on the Dashboard.

Information regarding the 2025 Dashboard is provided on the CDE California School Dashboard and System of Support web page.

2026 California Distinguished Schools – Contra Costa

Acalanes Union High – Miramonte High School

Liberty Union High – Liberty High School

Martinez Unified – Martinez Junior High School

Mt. Diablo Unified – Diablo View Middle School

Mt. Diablo Unified – Pleasant Hill Middle School

San Ramon Valley Unified – Charlotte Wood Middle School

San Ramon Valley Unified – Diablo Vista Middle School

San Ramon Valley Unified – Iron Horse Middle School

San Ramon Valley Unified – Los Cerros Middle School

San Ramon Valley Unified – Pine Valley Middle School

San Ramon Valley Unified – San Ramon Valley High School

San Ramon Valley Unified – Stone Valley Middle School

West Contra Costa Unified – Middle College High School

Sponsors

We are thankful for our California School Recognition Program Sponsors who help to make the California Distinguished Schools Program a success! The CSRP would not be successful without the generous support they provide. We appreciate their willingness to support our efforts to recognize California’s exemplary schools, teachers, and classified school employees, for achievement and for advancing excellence in education.

A sponsorship in the CSRP is a commitment to an ongoing partnership with public education by helping ensure that the dream of a world-class public education lives on in California.

For more information about the program, please visit the CDE California Distinguished Schools Program web page.

For more information about the California Department of Education please visit the California Department of Education’s website or follow the department on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Supervisor Gioia to be honored at NAACP Richmond Branch annual banquet March 7

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By Allen D. Payton

Join the NAACP Richmond, CA Branch for its annual Community Engagement Recognition Banquet at Contra Costa College this Saturday, March 7th. Refreshments at 3:30 p.m., Program at 4:30 p.m.

Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia will be among those  honored during the event.

“I’m honored to be one of the individuals to be recognized for my work in advancing equity and justice,” he wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday.

The Richmond NAACP has been fighting discrimination and working for equity and justice since 1944. For more information visit NAACP – RICHMOND BRANCH.

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.

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.

Sutter Hospitals honored by Leapfrog for Safe Patient Care

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Photo: Sutter Health

Sutter Delta Medical Center in Antioch earns an “A” – the only hospital in Contra Costa County to do so

By Monique Binkley Smith, Manager, Media Relations, Sutter Health 

Fifteen Sutter hospitals earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit focused on patient safety. This recognition is awarded to hospitals for their exceptional performance in patient safety and quality of care.

“This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to patient safety and quality care,” said Dr. William Isenberg, chief medical and quality officer at Sutter Health. “Earning an ‘A’ grade is a testament to the dedication of our teams and their focus on delivering the safest possible care for our communities. This recognition reflects the trust our patients place in us and our shared commitment to creating safer, healthier neighborhoods across California.”

Hospitals that did not receive an “A” grade have established workplans to improve performance in the next evaluation cycle, drawing on best practices from Sutter hospitals that have consistently earned “A” grades.

Locally, Sutter Delta Medical Center in Antioch earned an “A” grade for safe patient care –the only hospital in Contra Costa County to do so.

“Earning an ‘A’ from The Leapfrog Group is a tremendous honor for Sutter Delta Medical Center — and even more meaningful because we are the only hospital in Contra Costa County to achieve this distinction for Fall 2025,” said Trevor Brand, CEO. “This recognition reflects the relentless dedication of our entire team to put patient safety at the heart of every decision and every interaction. Our community trusts us with their health, and we embrace that responsibility with a commitment to excellence today and a vision for even safer, higher-quality care tomorrow.”

Commitment to Safety

As a high-reliability organization, Sutter promotes a culture of safety in which everyone is empowered to speak up about potential safety concerns. Being high-reliability is more than a process — it’s a promise to make care safer and more consistent for every patient, every time. Efforts around this work include:

  • The launch of Sutter Safe Care in 2018. The program kicked off Sutter’s journey to becoming a high-reliability organization, with comprehensive training of over 65,000 leaders, physicians, advanced practice clinicians and staff.
  • Targeted training to onboard new leaders, employees and physicians, to ensure everyone adopts Sutter Safe Care’s high-reliability behaviors and key practices.
  • A reliability coach program empowering frontline staff to support their peers with high-reliability behaviors. Currently, there are over 1,100 frontline reliability coaches across Sutter Health, and participation in the program continues to grow, year over year.

Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on more than 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries. The program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

To explore full grade details, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Sutter hospital campuses earning an “A” grade include:

  • Sutter Delta Medical Center (improved from “B” in Spring)
  • Sutter’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center – Summit Campus
  • Sutter Amador Hospital
  • Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital
  • Sutter’s CPMC – Mission Bernal Campus
  • Sutter Davis Hospital
  • Sutter’s Eden Medical Center
  • Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
  • Sutter’s Memorial Hospital Los Banos
  • Sutter’s Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
  • Sutter’s Novato Community Hospital
  • Sutter Roseville Medical Center
  • Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital
  • Sutter Solano Medical Center
  • Sutter Tracy Community Hospital

Sutter hospital campuses earning a “B” grade include:

  • Sutter’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center – Alta Bates Campus
  • Sutter’s CPMC – Van Ness Campus
  • Sutter Coast Hospital
  • Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center

Sutter hospital campuses earning a “C” grade include:

  • Sutter’s CPMC – Davies Campus

 

Off-duty Contra Costa AMR paramedic saves life at high school football game, earns national recognition 

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AMR Paramedic Brannen Zilk will be honored with the Star of Life Award next week. Photo: AMR

Brannen Zilka to be honored as a Star of Life Award recipient in Washington, D.C. 

October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

By Amy Link, Senior Public Relations Specialist

CONCORD, CA — Seconds matter during a sudden cardiac arrest emergency, and for one spectator at a local high school football game last fall, seconds were all it took for off-duty American Medical Response (AMR) paramedic Brannen Zilka to come to their aid. Zilka witnessed this life-threatening emergency and, recognizing the severity of the situation, he immediately began CPR, retrieved an automated external defibrillator (AED) and delivered a life-saving shock. With Zilka’s quick action, the individual survived and was later discharged from the hospital without any lasting disabilities.

This year, Zilka, who lives in Benicia, stands among a select group of just 32 outstanding professionals—representing Global Medical Response’s 34,000 prehospital clinicians, dispatchers and support personnel—who have earned the distinguished Stars of Life award. Presented by the American Ambulance Association (AAA), this honor shines a light on individuals whose exceptional achievements exemplify the very best of the emergency medical services (EMS) profession and reflect the dedication and excellence shared throughout the entire workforce.

The Stars of Life program, founded by the AAA in 1996, shines a national spotlight on EMS professionals who demonstrate unwavering commitment and extraordinary impact. This year’s recipients will join peers from across the country at the AAA’s national celebration, November 2–5 in Washington, D.C.— an event dedicated to honoring the essential role of EMS in public health and safety.

“These individuals represent the highest standards of EMS, consistently exceeding expectations under pressure and making a profound difference where it matters most,” said Nick Loporcaro, president and CEO of GMR. “It’s an incredible honor to recognize these 32 caregivers for their heroic service.”

Each honoree is recognized for lifesaving interventions, innovative public health leadership, and heartfelt engagement with their communities. As part of the celebration, Stars of Life honorees will also meet with members of Congress to share the challenges and triumphs shaping today’s EMS landscape, advocating for continued support and investment in the field.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive the Stars of Life award,” said Zilka. “When I saw the cardiac arrest unfold at the football game, I didn’t hesitate—training and instinct kicked in. But it’s the strength of our EMS community and the support of my team that make moments like that possible. I’m proud to represent the lifesaving work we do every day, especially when every second counts.”

Zilka has been a dedicated team member with AMR, a Global Medical Response solution, since 2003, serving currently as a paramedic, field training officer and union shop steward. His commitment to both his team and community is evident through his involvement in specialized units, training programs and support for new hires. Outside of work, Zilka volunteers as a coach with Northern California Special Olympics and advocates for inclusive education, while also teaching lifesaving skills like CPR, Narcan administration, and Stop the Bleed to high school students—extending his impact well beyond his work as a first responder.

“Brannen’s quick thinking and decisive action during that emergency reflect the kind of leadership and compassion he brings to our team every day,” said Scott Newlin, operations manager at AMR. “His recognition as a Stars of Life honoree is well deserved, and we’re proud to have him representing our team.”

About American Ambulance Association

The American Ambulance Association represents ambulance services across the United States that participate in serving more than 75% of the U.S. population with emergency and non-emergency care and medical transportation. The AAA was formed in response to the need for improvements in medical transportation and emergency medical services. AAA views pre-hospital care not only as a public service, but also as an essential part of the total public health care system.

About American Medical Response (AMR) 

American Medical Response, Inc., America’s leading provider of emergency medical services, provides mobile healthcare in 40 states and the District of Columbia. More than 28,000 AMR paramedics, EMTs, RNs and other professionals work together to care for more than 4.8 million patients nationwide each year in critical, emergency and non-emergency situations. For more information about AMR, visit www.amr.net or on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMR is part of Global Medical Response, the largest air and ground emergency medical service provider in the United States. With nearly 33,000 team members, the organization reaches 60% of the U.S. population, providing emergency medical care to 5.5 million patients annually and performing a critical intervention every 93 seconds. Its family of solutions includes ambulance EMS provider American Medical Response (AMR), as well as multiple air EMS organizations including Air Evac Lifeteam, REACH Air Medical Services, Guardian Flight, Med-Trans Corporation, and AirMed International. For additional information, visit GMR at www.globalmedicalresponse.com, or on Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month

October is National Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Month. It’s a call to action by the American Red Cross meant to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest signs and symptoms and illuminate how it affects people and what to do to help save lives. For more information visit Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month | Red Cross.

East Bay Regional Park District celebrates Assemblymember Lori Wilson as 2025 Radke Championing Advocacy Award recipient

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Assemblymember Lori Wilson accepted the 2025 Radke Championing Advocacy Award on the State Capitol lawn from members of the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors and General Manager Sabrina Landreth on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. Photo: EBRPD

By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor, East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District recognized State Assemblymember Lori Wilson (11th District, D-Suisun City) on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, with the 2025 Radke Championing Advocacy Award.

The award honors Assemblymember Wilson’s leadership and work as a member of the California State Assembly, where she has championed policies that promote active transportation improvements and authored legislation on behalf of the Park District. Wilson also strongly supported Proposition 4, known as the Climate Bond, which was passed by California voters in November 2024. She was one of four members of the working group that advanced the legislation in the Assembly to place the proposition on the ballot and championed important investments on behalf of the Park District and the East Bay region.

“During her tenure in the Assembly, Lori Wilson has been a great supporter of the East Bay Regional Park District,” said Park District Board President John Mercurio. “The 2025 Radke Championing Advocacy Award recognizes her commitment to expanding equitable access to open space and protecting essential natural habitats from the growing impacts of extreme weather throughout the East Bay.”

Wilson serves as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Transportation and represents portions of Eastern Contra Costa county including Oakley, Discovery Bay, Bethel Island, Knightsen and Byron. She authored language to support funding for prescribed grazing as a vegetation management strategy for wildfire resilience. She was also appointed to the Delta Protection Commission earlier this year.

“Assemblymember Wilson’s commitment to collaboration shows her dedication to Regional Parks and to the community,” said General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “We are so grateful for her leadership and support.”

“I am proud to work with the East Bay Regional Park District on behalf of my constituents on matters that are important to them and impact this Assembly District,” said Wilson. “Regional Parks are essential for community health, climate resilience, and equitable access to nature. I look forward to continuing to bring support to people and parks. I am honored to receive the Radke Award today.”

The Park District gives the annual Radke Championing Advocacy Award to an individual who advances state or federal support for the Park District. It is named for the late Ted Radke, a member of the Park District Board of Directors who, at 36 years of service, was the longest-serving board member in the Park District’s 91-year history. Director Radke established the Legislative Committee of the Board and was doggedly committed to strengthening the Park District’s ties to Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,330 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives an estimated 30 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.