Contra Costa Herald

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

Supervisors honor Contra Costa Humanitarians of the Year

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Contra Costa Board of Supervisors Chair Federal Glover with Humanitarians of the Year Willie Mims, Vedant Kathrani, Robi ToZulAhmad and Noor ToZulAhmad. Photo by Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.

Willie Mims of Pittsburg and three Dougherty Valley High students recognized during annual Martin Luther King, Jr. ceremony

By Allen D. Payton

During their 46th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. themed “Beloved Community” ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors honored Humanitarian of the Year, Willie Mims for his tireless commitment and Student Humanitarians of the Year, Vedant Kathrani, Robi ToZulAhmad, and Noor ToZulAhmad for improving the lives of Contra Costa County residents and all for reflecting the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mims has been a community activist since 1963 and helped found the East County NAACP and Pittsburg’s Black Political Association. He has been a constant presence in the community and in public meetings, where he has always been ready to weigh in with his perspective. A retired teacher, Mims has been an advocate for quality education, especially, making sure students know history, particularly the history of the African-American experience. See video of and about Mims.

The three honored students were recognized for founding PlatetoPeople, a non-profit committed to ending hunger, preventing food waste and positively impact the environment. They partnered with White Pony Express and RecycleSmart to distribute meals. See video of the three students.

“Our students are remarkable young people who do remarkable things,” said San Ramon Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dr. John Malloy. “These three students have followed a path of exemplary service to their community, and we are so proud.”

Noor and Robi Tozulah are brothers from Rohingya, Myanmar, and Dougherty Valley High School students. Hunger is personal for the Tozulahmad brothers; they were born and Myanmar and had to live parts of their childhood begging on the streets in Malaysia to get their next meal.

At six years old, the brothers took a harrowing 11-day boat journey to Malaysia, where they faced moments when they feared their fate. In 2016, the Tozul Ahmad brothers arrived in America and gained a deeper understanding of global issues, with one problem standing out prominently – food waste and its environmental impact.

Vedant Kathrani, a Dougherty Valley High School junior, is an aspiring computational environmentalist committed to community improvement through STEM, innovation, and environmental sustainability. He has been acknowledged locally and globally for his academic achievements and community service, and he is also a Global Youth Ambassador for the Gates Foundation. When he discovered that food from restaurants often went to waste at the end of the day rather than being given to those in need, he joined forces with Robi and Noor to make a difference.

PlateToPeople collects food from restaurants, schools, and other businesses to provide food for the homeless. Their mission is to fight hunger and provide food for those in need in their community and beyond. The organization believes that everyone deserves access to healthy and nutritious food.

“Through our journey from Rohingya to America, I’ve learned the value of food, resilience, compassion, and the potential for positive change in the face of adversity,” said Noor Tozul Ahmad, Co-Founder of PlateToPeople.

“Our initiative involves saving surplus food and serving it to the homeless, one plate at a time,” shared Robi Tozul Ahmad, Co-Founder of PlateToPeople.

Learn more about PlateToPeople at https://platetopeople.org/. 

Ilana Israel Samuels, Director of Communications, Family and Community Engagement, SRVUSD contributed to this report.

Richmond man sworn in as new CHP Officer

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DeAnza High grad, Carlos Ibarra will work in Marin Area office

New Officer Carlos Ibarra. Photo courtesy of the CHP

By CHP Media Relations

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Carlos Ibarra of Richmond, Calif., has successfully completed cadet training at the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy. He is assigned to duty at the CHP’s Marin Area office.

Officer Ibarra graduated from De Anza High School in 2017.  He also attended the University of California, Merced earning a bachelor’s degree in political science. Prior to attending the CHP Academy, he worked as a field technician for Technical Safety Service in Berkeley, Calif.

At the CHP Academy, cadet training starts with nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism and ethics, and cultural diversity. Training also includes mental illness response and crisis intervention techniques. Cadet instruction covers patrol operations, crash investigation, first aid, and the arrest of suspected violators, including those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The cadets also receive training in traffic control, report writing, recovery of stolen vehicles, assisting the motoring public, issuing citations, emergency scene management, and knowledge of various codes including the Vehicle Code, Penal Code, and Health and Safety Code.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

New East Bay parks Police Chief, Assistant GM of Public Safety announced

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Salinas Police Chief Roberto Filice

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

Police Chief Roberto Filice. Source: EBRPD

After a nationwide search, the East Bay Regional Park District announces the appointment of Salinas Police Chief Roberto Filice as its new Assistant General Manager of Public Safety and Police Chief at the public agency. The East Bay Regional Park District’s mission is to preserve a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources and provide open space, parks, trails, safe and healthful recreation and environmental education. An environmental ethic guides the District in all of its activities. Chief Filice will be sworn in and begin in the role on January 22, 2024.

As the largest regional park district in the country, the park system spans Alameda and Contra Costa counties and serves an estimated 30 million visitors a year through park and trail access, visitor centers, and programs. Its workforce provides services that encompass 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails. With an expansive area and diverse lands, the Park District’s Public Safety Division comprises Police, Fire, and Lifeguard Services. The Police Department includes the Air Support Unit, Marine Patrol, Equestrian Patrols, Investigations Unit, and a 24-hour per day 9-1-1 Communications Center.

“We are pleased to welcome Chief Roberto Filice, a highly seasoned leader and law enforcement executive with over 25 years of dedicated public service, to the East Bay Regional Park District,” said Sabrina Landreth, General Manager at the East Bay Regional Park District. “We look forward to his leadership and strong sense of community service in this important role that prioritizes public safety, quality of life, and exceptional park experiences.”

“I am excited to be part of an organization that cares about engaging with the public and providing positive experiences in nature and recreational opportunities with safety in mind,” said Chief Roberto Filice. “With a community-focused and team-oriented approach, I am ready to build partnerships, mentor and support career development opportunities, collaborate to enhance our work, and commit to serving the public in my role at the East Bay Regional Park District.”

The Assistant General Manager of Public Safety and Police Chief position will further enhance the vital work of Fire, Police and Lifeguard Services, knowing that public safety and quality of life are both personal and shared responsibilities for all community members.

With decades of experience, Chief Filice has served as the Chief of the Salinas Police Department since 2021, following his tenure there as Assistant Chief for four years. During his distinguished tenure, his strategic vision, in alignment with the principles of 21st Century Policing, was centered on crime reduction, fostering new opportunities for officer career development, enhancing organizational efficiency through technological advancements, and a steadfast commitment to refining and cultivating community relationships.

Chief Filice’s academic achievements include the successful completion of the FBI National Academy (Session 255), Senior Management Institute in Policing (SMIP), FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (LEEDS), Peace Officers Standards and Training Executive Certificate, a Master of Business Administration in Public Administration, and Master of Science degrees in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University. Additionally, Chief Filice holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Mountain State University and is currently attending the prestigious Executive Leaders Program at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey.

Chief Filice actively participates in various professional associations, reflecting his commitment to ongoing learning and collaboration. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), Salinas Faith-Based Organizations, California Police Chiefs Association, FBI National Academy Associates, serves as the Central California Representative on the CalChiefs Board of Directors, and is a Board Member of the Marina Police Activities League.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 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.

 

MTC’s Chief Deputy Executive Director appointed to state Transit Transformation Task Force

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MTC Chief Deputy Executive Director Alix Bockelman. Photo source: MTC. Credit: Karl Nielsen

Will join Tri Delta Transit’s Executive Director to grow ridership, improve experience

California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin last week appointed Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Chief Deputy Executive Director Alix Bockelman to the state’s Transit Transformation Task Force, which will be charged with developing policy recommendations to grow transit ridership, improve the transit experience for riders and address long-term operational funding needs throughout California.

The 25-member task force represents state government, local agencies, academic institutions and advocacy organizations. Bockelman will be joined by other Bay Area representatives, including the executive directors of Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority (ECCTA/Tri Delta Transit), Napa Valley Transportation (NVTA/Vine Transit), the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) and the San Francisco Bay Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA/SF Bay Ferry), as well as policy directors from Seamless Bay Area, SPUR and the Bay Area Council. Review the complete roster of task force appointees in the CalSTA news release.

Established by Senate Bill 125 and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in the transit recovery package as part of the 2023-24 state budget, the task force will kick off with a virtual meeting on Dec. 19 and then will meet in person every two months beginning in Feb. 2024. Agendas, meeting materials and other task force information will be available on the CalSTA website’s Senate Bill 125 Transit Program page.

CalSTA will prepare a report of findings and policy recommendations based on the task force’s efforts and submit it to the Legislature by October 2025.

Kensington Police announce passing of former Sergeant, Interim Chief Ricky Hull

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Former Kensington Police Sergeant and Interim Chief Ricky Hull. Source: Kensington PD

Services in Fairfield, Dixon Jan. 3, 2024

By Mike Gancasz, Chief of Police, Kensington

It is with deep regret and sadness that I inform you of the passing of former Kensington Police Sergeant Ricky Hull who passed away at his home in Fairfield this week.

Ricky Hull, a Fairfield native, joined the Kensington Police Force in October 1997 and served with dedication until his retirement in December 2020. Throughout his career, Ricky rose through the ranks, from Officer to Master Sergeant to Interim Chief.

His contributions to the Kensington Police Department were significant, and he will be remembered for his commitment to public service.

Ricky grew up in Fairfield and had an extended family in Richmond and West Oakland. His journey in law enforcement began in the city of Concord, where he initially worked as a civilian jailer. He attended the police academy in Pittsburg and eventually found a home in Kensington.

This news comes as a shock to all of us, and we extend our deepest condolences to Ricky’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We will keep you informed about any memorial arrangements or services.

Please join us in remembering Ricky Hull and the positive impact he had on our community.

Flowers and cards can be sent to:

C. Hull

561 E. Tennessee Street

Fairfield, CA 94533

Sincerely,
M. Gancasz
Chief of Police 

— feeling sad.

The Hull family requested donations in honor of Ricky can be sent to the Mount Calvary Baptist Church Scholarship Fund c/o Vallie Jean Hull. Flowers should be substituted for potted plants due to allergies.

The service information is:

Service: January 3, 2024, 10:00 AM, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 1735 Enterprise Drive, Bldg #3, Fairfield.

Viewing: 9 o’clock to 9:50 AM

Internment immediately following service: Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon.

The family thanks the community for all the love and support they have provided.

 

San Pablo Police ask public’s help to find two missing women

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Tho Ngoc Ly and Que Thi Tran. Source: San Pablo PD

Mother and daughter last seen Sept. 6, 2023

By San Pablo Police Department

The San Pablo Police Department is investigating a case involving two missing persons, and is requesting our community’s assistance regarding information on their whereabouts.

40-year-old Tho Ngoc Ly and her mother, 74-year-old Que Thi Tran, were last seen at their residence in the 1900 block of Sutter Avenue on September 6th, 2023. Ly and Tran had reportedly traveled to the Southern California region following a family argument however, detectives have been unable to establish contact to confirm their well-being.

Ly is described as an Asian female adult, approximately 5 feet tall and 115 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Tran is described as an Asian female adult, approximately 5 feet tall and 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts, or how to establish contact with Ly and/or Tran, is encouraged to call the SPPD Investigations Division at 510-215-3150.

 

Brentwood athlete earns spot on 2024 U.S. Olympic Taekwondo team

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80Kg Gold Medalist Carl CJ Nickolas’ first flag run after he won the Taekwondo competition at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games October 22, 2023 in Santiago, Chile. Photo by Mark Reis, USOPC.

Former Heritage High student ranked #2 in the world

By Allen D. Payton

Former Brentwood resident and Heritage High student, Carl “CJ” Nickolas, has earned one of two spots for men on the U.S. Taekwondo team for the 2024 Olympics in Paris next summer. It follows him earning several medals this year. In June he won silver at the 2023 World Taekwondo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan. It was the first U.S. male taekwondo medal at the World Championships since 2009.

In addition, CJ won gold at the Pan American Games 2023 in Santiago, Chile in October, gold at the President’s Cup Pan America in Rio de Janeiro in September, and this month won bronze at the World Taekwondo Grand Prix 2023 Final in Manchester, England. He competes in the -80 kg division and as of October, CJ was ranked #3 in the world in the sport but is now #2.

According to the World Taekwondo Federation during his competition at this year’s Grand Prix Final, “In the bronze medal match…CJ Nickolas of the USA won bronze after facing Jordan’s two-time Grand Prix gold medalist and (Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist) Saleh Elsharabaty. The American kicked off the scoring with two push kicks to the body and later extended his lead in the closing 15 seconds with a head kick to take round one 8-2. Before contesting the second round, Elsharabaty, who had been struggling physically in the first round, conceded the match to Nickolas.”

“It was the event that qualified me for the Olympics,” CJ shared.

The 22-year-old, 6-foot-3½-inch athlete was a student at Heritage High School in Brentwood where he competed in track. Until he turned 18, CJ was trained by his father, Ed Givans, who previously owned Givans Taekwondo in Antioch but relocated to Las Vegas a few years ago. Yet, CJ credits his mother, Denise Nickolas, as his biggest inspiration. She still lives in Brentwood while their son has been living and training in Colorado since 2019 where he was a member of the USATKD Academy team. CJ recently moved to North Carolina where he trains at the United States Performance Center.

CJ started taekwondo at age three with his whole family and began competing at age six but started to become serious about the sport around age 11. He has a history of experience and victories in his career which includes participation at the 2019 and 2022 World Championships, the 2022 Paris Grand Prix where he won bronze, and the 2021 and 2022 Pan American Championships in Cancún, Mexico and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, respectively, at which he won back-to-back gold medals. CJ also won gold at the 2021 Junior Pan American Games held in Cali, Colombia.

“I won three bronze medals at the Grand Prix, which is a series of four competitions, this year,” he shared. “We knew going into the finals, all I needed to do was to have a solid performance, to qualify for the Olympic team. I was already locked in, and number two in the world.”

“But me being me, I wanted to make a statement,” CJ said with a laugh. “I had lost in the semi-finals. It was repachage, which allowed me to fight again for the bronze medal. Elsharabaty and I had been in the same division for so long but that was the first time we fought.”

CJ Nickolas of Team USA took the Gold Medal in 80Kg Taekwondo competition bites his medal Rafael Nadal-style at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games October 22, 2023, in Santiago, Chile. Photo by Mark Reis, USOPC.

“At this point I think I’ve beaten all the top guys in the division,” he stated. Except the number one ranked athlete, Simone Alessio of Italy.

CJ lost to him at the World Championships. Asked if he expects to face him again at the Olympics, CJ said with a chuckle, “I’ll either catch him at the semi-finals or finals – if he makes it.”

He has an older sister who is supportive of him, just like his parents.

“And my coach, as well, Gareth Brown, who I’ve been with since 2019. He’s been imperative to my development as an athlete and as a man, from age 17 to now. He’s British and moved his entire family to America to serve the team. He was originally the coach for the British Olympic Taekwondo team and was at the forefront of the development of the academy program in Colorado.”

CJ on the medal stand at the World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan in May 2023. Photo by Jose Villalpando, U.S. Performance Center

Mom, Denise was asked if she’ll be attending the Olympic games next summer to watch her son in person.

“You bet. I wouldn’t miss it,” she replied. “His competition is Friday, August 9, 2024. Near the Champs-Elysées in the heart of Paris.”

“The whole experience has been surreal,” Denise stated. “Am I super surprised? No. CJ has always been the hardest working person I know. He’s always said this is where he’d end up. So, here we are.”

She referred to a 2020 Herald article (AH) which mentioned him preparing for the 2020, then the 2024 or 2028 Olympics.

2020 Herald article (CCH)

“It’s definitely not luck,” she continued. “He’s worked his butt off all these years. I’m pretty proud of him.”

“You know it’s always been a dream of his and his will is greater than anything,” Dad, Ed stated. “He was supposed to go to the Olympics in 2020 but he grew from 5’10” to over 6’3” and he couldn’t hold the weight for his division. Then they extended the Olympics for a year because of COVID and there was no way he was going to be able to hold that weight for a year.”

“Then they told him he was going to be too small for the -80 kg division and now he’s number two in the world,” Givans shared. “So, I made a movie about the two of us entitled ‘The Journey of Dreams’ about me overcoming PTSD and him making his way to the Olympics. We’re waiting for the outcome next summer before finishing the film.”

Asked if he’s going to the Olympics to watch his son Givans said simply, “I’m going.”

“I’m just proud of him. He’s worked so hard for it,” he continued. “Going to the Olympics is extremely hard. They only take two men and two women from each team except the host country’s team. In 2028 since we’re hosting the Olympics, we can take four each. But being in the top two in the U.S. is extremely hard.”

CJ takes it all in following his quarter final match at the World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan in May 2023. Photo by Jose Villalpando, U.S. Performance Center

CJ has his own Wikipedia page and athlete’s page on the Team USA website, where more photos can be viewed of the athlete in action. He has a rare anomaly in his C1 vertebrae called “os odontoideum” yet, it hasn’t stopped CJ from competing. His hobbies include film analysis, photography and singing.

CJ offered “A big thank you to my family and all those who supported me over the years. I could not be here without my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

“I feel like I’m watching my own journey roll out. I’m having so much fun,” he continued. “It’s so entertaining to see where God puts me with the people I meet.”

“I just want to be the best person I can be and keep working as hard as I can, so I can continue to be blessed with these opportunities,” CJ added.

Board of Supervisors appoints next Contra Costa Treasurer-Tax Collector

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Dan Mierzwa. Source: Contra Costa County

Yuba County Treasurer & Tax Collector Dan Mierzwa will replace Russell Watts who is retiring Dec. 31

By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County

(Martinez, CA) – On Tuesday, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors appointed Dan Mierzwa as the next Treasurer-Tax Collector effective Jan. 1, 2024.

Mierzwa’s appointment follows the announcement of Russell Watts’ retirement in December. He is currently Yuba County’s Treasurer & Tax Collector and must submit proof of residency and voter registration in Contra Costa County before he assumes the office.

Mierzwa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with Finance and Business Administration minors from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash. He also holds a Certified California Municipal Treasurer certification.

“I’m honored by the opportunity to help during this transition in leadership and am committed to maintaining the levels of transparency and accountability with sound financial practices that serve the best interests of the public,” Mierzwa said. “We will also continue improving our online payment and business license application services and explore ways to save and recover costs to deliver our services.”

The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office acts as the bank for the County, providing financial services to County departments, schools, and special districts and managing more than $4.9 billion in the County’s investment pool. The office also collects various taxes – including business taxes from those operating in the unincorporated areas, and property taxes. While the Treasurer-Tax Collector mostly provides services to the County and taxing districts, the office also invests public funds and collects business related taxes, namely business licenses and transient occupancy taxes, as well as short-term rental and cannabis taxes.

“The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office holds a key position of trust in the financial affairs of local government,” said Board Chair District I Supervisor John Gioia. “Dan’s experience and knowledge of both the treasury and tax collection functions will continue the County’s efforts to protect, invest, and disburse funds in a prudent and safe manner.”

The current term for the elected office expires on Jan. 4, 2027. Government Code section 25304 requires that the Board of Supervisors appoint someone to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. The annual salary for the position is $254,901.24.

Watts, who is leaving office to spend more time with family, has served as the elected-Treasurer-Tax Collector for 13 years.

East Bay Regional Park District announces new Equity Officer

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New EBRPD Equity Officer José G. González. Photo: EBRPD

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

After a nationwide search, the East Bay Regional Park District announces the appointment of José G. González as its new Equity Officer to lead diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at the public agency. The East Bay Regional Park District’s mission is to preserve a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources and provide open space, parks, trails, safe and healthful recreation and environmental education. An environmental ethic guides the District in all of its activities. González begins in the role on December 18, 2023.

As the largest regional park district in the country, the park system spans Alameda and Contra Costa counties and serves an estimated 30 million visitors a year through park and trail access, visitor centers, and programs. Its workforce provides services that encompass 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails.

“We are pleased to share news of this pivotal role and welcome José González to help lead the East Bay Regional Park District to further strengthen its mission and impact and build upon successes as we continue to prioritize a strong, systemic approach to equity both in our workplace and services to the public,” said Sabrina B. Landreth, General Manager at the East Bay Regional Park District.

The new role will work to improve access to and use of the parks’ services for all community members and support inclusive programs, services, and public processes that reflect the tremendous diversity of our community. The position will also lead on programs and activities to help diversify our workforce, eliminate any systemic barriers to employment and promotion, and ensure equitable policies and best practices to make the agency an employer of choice as the District continuously seeks to build and retain a topnotch workforce.

“I am excited to join the East Bay Regional Park District as its inaugural Equity Officer. I look forward to bringing my experience from the local to the national level around equity in the conservation field and community in a way that showcases the opportunity and leadership that the Park District has been developing in this space for all of our community,” said González.

“Equity and inclusion begin from within, so I am thrilled and ready to support and lead the work that the Park District has prioritized for the agency to represent and reflect the diversity of its community,” added González.

González is a professional educator with training in the fields of education and conservation. He is the Founder of Latino Outdoors as well as a consultant at large. As a Partner at the Avarna Group and through his own consulting, his work focuses on Equity & Inclusion frameworks and practices in the environmental, outdoor, and conservation fields. He is also an illustrator and science communicator.

He received his B.A. at the University of California, Davis with teaching coursework at the Bilingual, Multicultural, Education Department at Sacramento State University. He received his M.S. at the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources & Environment. He serves as a board member at Parks CA and Resource Media, and as a Commissioner for the California Boating & Waterways Commission, among other leadership volunteer roles.

According to his profile on parkscalifornia.org, González is the Founder and Director Emeritus of Latino Outdoors. He is an experienced educator as a K-12 public education teacher, environmental education advisor, outdoor education instructor and coordinator, and university adjunct faculty. As a Partner in the Avarna Group and through his own consulting, his work focuses on Equity & Inclusion frameworks and practices in the environmental, outdoor, and conservation fields.  He is also an illustrator and science communicator.

The East Bay Regional Park District is the largest regional park system in the nation, comprising 73 parks, 55 miles of shoreline, and over 1,300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and environmental education. The Park District receives more than 25 million visits annually throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area celebrates 10-year anniversary of Batkid wish

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Batkid Miles Scott with Batman, Mayor Ed Lee, police chief and fire chief in 2013 and with family, today. Source: Make-A-Wish

Miles Scott, whose transformational wish was granted in 2013, thrives today at age 15.

Ten years ago, the world watched in awe as a then-five-year-old Miles Scott transformed into Batkid and saved the city of San Francisco, thanks to Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area and the support and participation of many local partners and friends. Today, at age 15, Miles remains cancer free and enjoys teen life in his small town near the Oregon border.

After fighting his own heroic battle with leukemia since he was a year old, Miles visits his oncologist once a year, and has been in remission from leukemia for the past 10 years. Miles lives with his parents, Nick and Natalie; his younger brother Clayton (who was dressed as Robin on the day of his wish); and his youngest brother, Ben, who was born after his wish.

“To this day, Miles’ wish resonates in our collective consciousness as proof of the power of one child’s wish to transform an entire community and bring hope and joy that lasts a lifetime,” said Betsy Biern, CEO of Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area. “Additionally, Make-A-Wish saw a marked increase in referrals following this wish, meaning more children with critical illnesses received life-changing wishes thanks to Batkid. And that’s truly heroic!”

Having once suited up to save the city, Miles now suits up to play football at his high school, where he enjoys the comradery of his teammates and coaches. For his wish, he was driven around in the Batmobile, and he now drives a tractor when helping out on the family farm. Miles no longer fits in the Batkid costume, but his brother Ben wore it last Halloween.

When asked what he might want to say to his fans out there, Miles said: “I’m doing amazing. I would love to just say like ‘yeah, I’m fine.’” Reflecting on his battle with cancer and his wish experience, he said: “I feel normal, but every time I think about it, it’s like, ‘Wow, that actually happened.’”

In the past few years, Natalie has become a volunteer wish granter for Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area and helps grant wishes for children who need them in Siskiyou County. “For Miles’ wish, I feel like it was the ending of a chapter in our family, so that we could move on and continue,” said Natalie. “I just wanted to be able to help other kids and their families have some sort of positive ending to their story or to start their new beginning.”

Source: Make-A-Wish

About Miles’ Wish to be Batkid

On November 15, 2023, with the help of the late San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, the San Francisco Police and Fire Departments, the San Francisco Giants, and countless others, San Francisco transformed into Gotham for the day and thousands of people crowded the streets to cheer Miles on as he battled villains, thwarted crime, freed San Francisco Giants mascot Lou Seal and earned a key to the city. The San Francisco Chronicle produced a special edition of the newspaper that day, with a full front-page takeover dedicated to the wish and then-President Obama sent his very first Vine video message to Batkid with words of encouragement. The wish also inspired a full-length Warner Bros. documentary, Batkid Begins.

Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and volunteers, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. Since 1984, Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area has granted more than 9,000 wishes in its territory from Monterey County to the Oregon border, contributing to the more than 360,000 wishes granted throughout the United States and its territories. With 58 chapters nationwide, Make-A-Wish is the most trusted nonprofit operating locally across 50 states. For more information and to get involved, visit wish.org/greaterbay.