Contra Costa Herald

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

Brentwood: Presentation at Bristow Middle School following gun violence threats

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Opportunity for public to speak Wednesday, Nov. 29th

In the wake of a recent gun violence threat at Bristow Middle School in Brentwood, Digital4Good has taken a proactive stance to address the issue head-on by organizing an educational initiative aimed at raising awareness and promoting a safer environment for students.

On Wednesday, November 29th, Kim Karr, the visionary behind Digital4Good formerly #ICANHELP, will be speaking at Bristow to engage with students, faculty, and the community at

large. The focus of Karr’s presentation will be on fostering understanding, and open dialogue, and providing valuable information about recognizing and responding to potential threats.

Digital4Good has been a support to schools for 10 years in dealing with social media education and Bristow was one of the first rooted schools to use the #ICANHELP programs. Mental health plays a crucial role in the goals surrounding the non-profit and continues to be a topic of conversation at the upcoming forum.

This critical event aims to empower students and the community with knowledge and resources to prevent, identify, and report potential threats of gun violence. Digital4Good believes that education is a powerful tool in creating a safer and more secure environment for everyone.

The event will include 3 student presentations, staff training and a parent night by Kim Karr, followed by an open forum for questions and discussion. Digital4Good encourages parents, community members, and local media to attend and participate in this important conversation.

Details of the event:

Time: 6-7 pm

Location: Bristow Middle School, 855 Minnesota Avenue, Brentwood

Virtual option will be available

Digital4Good remains committed to fostering safer communities through education, awareness, and community engagement. For more information about the organization and its initiatives, please visit www.icanhelp.net or contact Kim Karr at kim@icanhelp.com.

About Digital4Good

Digital4Good is a non-profit dedicated to educating and empowering students and educators to promote good use of technology, make a positive impact within communities, and help them to become inspirational digital citizens to prevent cyberbullying and other types of abuse.

California State Park Adventure Pass expands to 54 participating parks

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Free admission for all California fourth graders and teachers through Aug. 31, 2024

Get your pass now and start exploring the outdoors for free!

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, California State Parks, in partnership with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California Natural Resources Agency, is expanding its popular California State Park Adventure Pass from 19 select state parks to 54. The pilot program, currently in its third year, allows California fourth graders and fourth-grade teachers free admission to participating parks until Aug. 31, 2024. The public can find a park near them at parks.ca.gov/AdventurePass.

The Adventure Pass is one part of the First Partner’s California for All Kids initiative, which seeks to put children and families on a path to a healthier future.

“We launched the California State Park Adventure Pass in 2021 to provide fourth graders and their families with more opportunities to reap the mental, physical, and social-emotional health benefits of time spent outdoors,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “Now, we’re expanding the Adventure Pass– nearly tripling the number of gorgeous California State Parks and historic sites fourth graders are able to visit and increasing their access to valuable hands-on, experiential learning opportunities in the process. By growing this program, we’re doubling down on our commitment to ensure California kids have access to the resources they need to get the best start in life.”

The California State Park Adventure Pass program, made possible by Assembly Bill 148, was signed by Governor Newsom in July 2021. The pass is valid for the one-year period during which the child is a fourth grader or fourth grade equivalent, from September 1 to August 31 of that year. Any fourth grader who lives in California is eligible for the California State Park Adventure Pass, no matter how they attend school or how old they are. If they are a fourth grader or fourth-grade equivalent, they qualify. For full terms and conditions, click here. To date, more than 50,000 passes have been provided to families.

“We are thrilled to expand the California State Park Adventure Pass from 19 to 54 participating state parks, including beaches and historic parks,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “The curriculum being taught in fourth grade about history, natural, and social sciences make providing fourth graders with free state park access a great supplement to the lessons being taught to them in school.”

Obtaining a free pass online is simple. Have a parent and/or guardian go to ReserveCalifornia.com or call (800) 444-7275 (Spanish-speaking customer service available). All they have to do is set up a profile by providing their name, address, phone number and email address, and a free pass will be sent to their email right away. Individuals who do not have access to a smartphone, computer or printer, and/or do not have an email address, can still request a pass by visiting a State Parks Pass Sales Office – click here for a list of locations –  or by calling (800) 444-7275. 

“Expanding this Adventure Pass is great news for families across the state and another way our State Parks are expanding outdoor access,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “As the parent of a fourth grader myself, I know how much kids love exploring new places. Now more kids and families will be able to experience a broader range of our natural places across California, helping us achieve the goal of building an Outdoors for All.”

The State of California champions the right of all Californians to have access to recreational opportunities and enjoy the cultural, historic, and natural resources found across the state. Too many Californians cannot access neither public outdoor spaces nor the state’s array of museums, and cultural and historical sites. The state is prioritizing efforts to expand all Californians’ access to parks, open space, nature and cultural amenities. This priority requires focusing funding and programs to expand opportunities to enjoy these places. Doing so advances Governor Gavin Newsom’s strong personal commitment to building a “California for All.”

Outdoors for All Pass Programs

In addition to the California State Park Adventure Pass, all Californians can check out a California State Parks Library Pass by using their library cards to access more than 200 participating state park units. The Library Pass program is also available to tribal libraries throughout the state.

Families receiving California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKs), individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and income-eligible Californians 62 and over can apply for the Golden Bear Pass with their smartphone or other web-based device in just minutes and have access to more than 200 California state park units. The Golden Bear Pass is also available to participants of California’s Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

For more information on all three State Park Pass programs, please visit parks.ca.gov/OutdoorsForAll.

To start exploring 54 state parks for free, visit parks.ca.gov/AdventurePass.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.

Contra Costa high school for gifted neurodivergent youth relocated to be closer to BART

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Students in class at Orion Academy near Concord Station. Photos by BART

BART’s Role in the Region

In 2022, Orion Academy moved from Moraga to Concord, largely to be closer to a BART station.

The academy is a private high school that provides a comprehensive program for gifted students who are neurodivergent. In addition to rigorous college preparatory classes, such as Latin and physics, the 24-year-old school requires students to pass transitions classes that emphasize social and executive functioning skills.

“I don’t care how good you are at math and science, if you can’t keep track of assignments and turn them in on time, you’re going to fail,” said Dr. Kathryn Stewart, the founder and Executive Director of the academy.

More than half of Orion Academy’s students take BART to school, located just a short walk from Concord Station. Moving the school near a station makes the academy’s resources accessible to a broader community and teaches students how to independently navigate urban environments, where many will live and work after graduation.

The Orion Academy campus near Concord Station.

“My kids are bright, but can you imagine working as a physicist at Lawrence Berkeley Lab and having mommy drop you off each day?” Stewart said.

Because many Orion Academy students have trouble with visual-spatial processing, driving a car can be overwhelming.

“So, what is your alternative? Taking public transportation!” said Stewart. She strongly encourages parents to teach their children how to navigate the BART system before the school year starts.

BART has also become crucial for field trips, transporting students to destinations like the Asian Art Museum, the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, and the Aquarium of the Bay. The school’s van was recently vandalized, so public transportation is the only way to take students off campus, Stewart said.

This past summer, Samantha Greenstone’s dad taught her how to take BART. She’d used the system only rarely before starting at Orion Academy this past fall, and when she did ride the train, it was always with her parents. Now, she takes BART to school every day by herself.

Students in class at Orion Academy near Concord Station.

Greenstone’s commute is slightly unconventional. She lives in Marin, and each day her mom, who works in San Francisco, drops her off at Embarcadero Station. From there, Greenstone catches a train to Concord Station then scooters the short distance to school.

Taking BART makes Greenstone “feel much more environmentally conscious,” she said. She appreciates its affordability and the fact that she never gets stuck in a traffic jam. Only once has she missed her stop.

“I think BART makes the world a better place,” she said. “It provides an economy of scale, is better for the environment, and allows for more urbanization in the region.”

It also makes her dad’s life easier, she said, “and I’ve learned I should be good to my dad.”

Greenstone intends to become an engineer or physicist. She says she’ll continue to take BART after she graduates, maybe even to travel to her future workplace.

About BART’s Role in the Region Study

This story is part of BART’s ongoing Role in the Region Study, which demonstrates BART’s importance to the Bay Area’s mobility, cultural diversity, environmental and economic sustainability.

In the fall, we conducted a call for stories to hear from our riders and understand what BART means to them. We publicized the call on our website, social media, email blasts, and flyering at stations. More than 300 riders responded. We conducted interviews with select respondents to tell their stories in greater depth.

These stories will be shared in the Role in the Region Study and on bart.gov/news in the coming months.

Learn more about the Role in the Region Study at bart.gov/roleintheregion.

Do you have a favorite BART memory or story to share? Email a short summary to BART Storyteller Michelle Robertson at michelle.robertson@bart.gov, and she may follow up to schedule an interview.

Contra Costa Community College Board selects Mojdeh Mehdizadeh as permanent Chancellor

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Mojdeh Mehdizadeh is expected to be voted in as the new chancellor on December 13, 2023. Source: 4CD

By Timothy Leong, Director of Communications & Community Relations, 4CD

The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) Governing Board announces their selection of Mojdeh Mehdizadeh as the 10th permanent Chancellor, pending contract negotiations and approval.  The 4CD Governing Board will vote to approve Ms. Mehdizadeh’s contract at their Wednesday, December 13, 2023, meeting.

“On behalf of the Governing Board, we are delighted that Ms. Mehdizadeh will continue leading 4CD as permanent Chancellor,” said Governing Board President Fernando Sandoval. “Her commitment to our mission of transforming the lives of all our students is unwavering, and she ensures that students are at the forefront of every discussion and decision. Her 36 years of leadership at 4CD has helped us maintain our legacy of higher education excellence.”

Ms. Mehdizadeh has been serving as Interim Chancellor for the Contra Costa Community College District since February 2022. Prior to this leadership role, she served as the Executive Vice Chancellor of Education and Technology.

“It is truly an honor to be selected as the next permanent Chancellor of the Contra Costa Community College District,” Mehdizadeh said. “I am grateful to the members of the Governing Board, our community, and employees for their trust in me to lead 4CD in transforming the lives of our students and the community. I will continue to focus on creating environments where every student feels a sense of belonging on our campuses, and that will allow us to contribute to their educational journey.”

Ms. Mehdizadeh holds an M.A. in Organizational and Intercultural Communications from California State University, East Bay, and a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from San Francisco State University, after having completed her general education requirements at Diablo Valley College.

The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The 4CD serves 1.2 million residents, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. 4CD is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College with campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, and Los Medanos College with campuses in Pittsburg and Brentwood. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez. Each college is individually accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. For more information visit www.4cd.edu.

 

Contra Costa County Library awarded $9.9M grant for new Bay Point library 

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Rendering of the planned Ambrose Village Development in Bay Point where the new library will be located. Source: CCC Library

Part of mixed use, high-density, transit-oriented development within the Pittsburg-Bay Point BART station area

Will be matched by Contra Costa for first library in county since 1961

By Brooke Converse, PIO, Contra Costa County Library

Ambrose Village Development Project Site Map near the Pittsburg-Bay Point BART station. Source: CCC Library

The Contra Costa County Library received $9.9 million in grant funding for the buildout of the new Bay Point Library. The grant money comes from the California State Library’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program.

The award requires a 50 percent match from the Library, which will come from a portion of the $10 million the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors designated for the Bay Point Library project in the 2023-24 budget. The grant also requires the money to be spent on specific parts of the project including interior construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire protection and conveying systems.

“Bay Point is the fastest growing unincorporated area in the county and these grant funds will help to build a library that really meets the needs of the community,” said District V Supervisor Federal Glover. “The residents of Bay Point are getting a modern, spacious library that can offer the technology and services they deserve.”

“This grant will help bring a state-of-the-art, standalone library and more open hours to a large, growing community,” said County Librarian Alison McKee. “The new Bay Point Library will be the first brand new library built in Contra Costa County since 1961 and there is no community in greater need.”

The Contra Costa County Library is one of 34 libraries, out of 148 who applied, receiving funds in this round of awards. More than $172 million in grant funds were awarded to address deferred maintenance, improve energy efficiency, and expand digital and physical access.

The new Bay Point Library will be built as part of a mixed use, high-density, transit-oriented development within the Pittsburg-Bay Point BART station area. It will include retail space and 340 low-income housing units. The 21,000 square foot library is expected to open in early 2027.

The $172 million awarded this year is part of $489 million set aside in 2022 by Governor Newsom and the Legislature to improve libraries in high poverty areas. Last year, $312 million was awarded by the State Library for 246 projects. The Contra Costa County Library received $2.5M for deferred maintenance on the Antioch and Pinole libraries. The grant funds will pay for several projects including replacing the HVAC systems, replacing both roofs, electrical services upgrades, lighting improvements and paint.

For more information on the grant program, please visit the State Library website.

BACKGROUND

The existing 4,000 square foot Bay Point Library is co-located at Riverview Middle School in a building built in 1956. It lacks the necessary power and data infrastructure to support the 21st century technological needs of a library. Limited electrical and telecommunications access means limited computer stations and reduced access to power receptacles for patron’s laptop and mobile devices.

Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources. For questions about Library services and programming or account information, contact the Library via online Chat, email ask@library.cccounty.us or text questions to (925) 290-7627.

For media inquiries, please contact Public Information Officer Brooke Converse at brooke.converse@library.cccounty.us or (925) 329-8414.

Los Medanos College to hold Investiture Ceremony for Pamela Ralston, Ph.D., its 7th president Oct. 19

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By Juliet V. Casey, Director of Marketing, LMC

Dr. Pamela Ralston, President, Los Medanos College. Photo: LMC

Pittsburg, Calif. – Los Medanos College officially welcomes Pamela Ralston, Ph.D., as its seventh president at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19 with a reception and Investiture Ceremony at the Pittsburg Campus Student Union, 2700 E. Leland Road. The event will feature speakers, including Pittsburg Mayor Shanelle Scales-Preston.

Ralston took the helm at LMC, overseeing its Pittsburg Campus and Brentwood Center, in January 2023 as interim president. She stepped in for President Bob Kratochvil, who retired. The Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board in July named her to the permanent position.

“Our East County community deserves the best, and we believe Dr. Ralston fits that description,” Interim Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh said. “She has the qualities of leadership, experience and commitment to serve all students, particularly for students of color, which makes her an excellent choice as president of Los Medanos College.”

Since joining LMC, Ralston has aggressively worked to increase student enrollment for transfer and for career and technical education. During her time at LMC, Ralston has emphasized the “serving” aspect of the college’s mission as a federally designated minority- and Hispanic-serving institution. Her work also has focused on outreach and inviting student and community voices to civic discussions on local and regional topics.

Before coming to LMC, Ralston was president of the Santiago Canyon College. Prior to joining SCC, she held numerous administrative and academic appointments at Santa Barbara Community College District, College of the Desert in Palm Desert, and Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. She was a faculty member and division chair of English and Written Communications at Tacoma Community College (TCC). Before joining TCC, she was an American Studies lecturer at the University of Washington.

Ralston received her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Oregon and her master’s and doctoral degrees in comparative literature from the University of Washington. She has earned excellence in teaching awards from Tacoma Community College and the University of Washington and was honored with a Fulbright fellowship for doctoral research at the Royal Library and University of Copenhagen in Denmark.

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.

Contra Costa College President Rogers honored by Garamendi at Annual Women of the Year Awards

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By Tim Leong, Director, Communications & Community Relations, 4CD

Dr. Kimberly Rogers. Photo: 4CD

The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is proud to announce that Contra Costa College (CCC) President Dr. Kimberly Rogers was among the 20 residents from Contra Costa County honored by Congressman John Garamendi at his 11th Annual Women of the Year Awards ceremony held on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.

Dr. Rogers was chosen for her tireless dedication in higher education as an administrator and teacher over the past 20 years. She has spearheaded efforts to greatly expand student services such as launching the Free Lunch program, increasing mental  health services, extending housing assistance, expending access to professional attire and increasing staffing. CCC is located in San Pablo, CA.

“The service and dedication each honoree has shown their community is deserving of recognition, and by receiving this award, their work will be commemorated and chronicled at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC,” Garamendi said.

Another 33 women from Solano County were also recognized this year, and all 53 women from throughout his 8th Congressional District were acknowledged for making significant contributions to society through public service, business, education and the local economy.

“We congratulate Dr. Rogers and Contra Costa College for this wonderful recognition,” says Interim Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh. “It is a team effort to successfully serve the thousands of students each of our colleges and centers help every year, and it is our passion to continue our 75-year legacy of making a positive difference in the lives of our students and our communities.”

For more details about the 10th annual Women of the Year Event, awards program, bios and photos of all the honorees, and a link to the live streaming video of the event, see related article.

About 4CD 

The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The 4CD serves 1.2 million residents, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. 4CD is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College with campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, and Los Medanos College with campuses in Pittsburg and Brentwood. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez.

Each college is individually accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. For more information visit www.4cd.edu.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Los Medanos College hires new athletic director

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Marty Storti joins LMC from Saint Mary’s College

Marty Storti is the new Los Medanos College Athletics Director. Source: LMC

Los Medanos College (LMC) is pleased to announce Marty Storti as Athletics Director, effective Oct. 2, 2023.

“Mr. Storti comes to us with a wealth of experience in intercollegiate athletics administration” Vice President of Student Services Tanisha Maxwell said. “We are confident he will help elevate our sports and help our student athletes achieve their highest potential.”

Storti, who joins LMC after a career of more than 20 years as a coach and athletic administrator at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, said he is eager to work with student athletes at the community college level.

“At Saint Mary’s, I designed the recruiting protocols for Club Athletics that included transfer students. We engaged and helped many community college athletes navigate the admissions and financial aid processes,” he said. “LMC, as a feeder school to UC Davis and Berkeley and other great universities, gives student athletes a unique opportunity with a unique set of support systems to help them win and graduate.”

Over the course of his tenure at Saint Mary’s College, Storti managed numerous areas within the athletic department, including human resources, strategic planning, and program assessment. In his role, Storti oversaw athletic camps, campus recreation, event management, facilities, sports medicine, and strength and conditioning. He also served as the sports supervisor for several teams, which included baseball, cross country, track, men’s golf, women’s rowing, men’s soccer, and softball.

“LMC is an attractive opportunity, given its potential for growth in the athletics, from increasing the number of sponsored sports to increasing the number of student athletes. We will demonstrate how important student-athletes can be to the institution and the broader community,” he said. “Sports at LMC can be that light that guides more students toward higher education and long-term success.”

As assistant vice president for Club Athletics, Storti spearheaded a departmental rebranding initiative for recruiting and revenue generation. Under his leadership, Storti introduced a student-athlete council and devised a comprehensive student leadership development program. His oversight resulted in a notable rise in student-athlete applications and enrollments. He led successful revenue-generating initiatives, which led to increases in facility rentals, camp revenue, ticket sales, and annual fundraising.

Under his administrative leadership, several of Saint Mary’s teams achieved national success. Storti was the men’s soccer sport administrator when they participated in the 2011 NCAA tournament, where they reached the elite eight. He served as the lead administrator for men’s rugby, contributing to their historic achievements by securing USA Rugby D1A (highest level) National Championships in 2014, 2015, 2016 (7s), and 2017.

Storti earned his master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Mary’s College.

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 Contra Costa students receive Eden Housing scholarship awards

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Scholarship recipient Monica Chicas of Antioch. Photo: Eden Housing

A total of $107,779 in funds given to 34 students throughout California

More than $1 million donated to students over the last 31 years through the Howard T. Collins Memorial Scholarship program

Eden Housing announced its 2023 Howard T. Collins Memorial Scholarship recipients today, awarding $107,779 to 34 students throughout California. The program awards scholarships to individuals of all ages who are current residents of properties managed by Eden Housing. Students must be currently enrolled in a course of study and pursuing their advanced educational, academic and/or career advancement and vocational goals at California colleges and universities.

The program launched in 1993 and is named in honor of former Eden housing board member Howard T. Collins. Collins was known for his passion for justice and tireless work to expand opportunity and access to higher education. To date, the program has provided over $1 million in scholarship funds to more than 620 California residents.

“For many scholarship recipients, they are the first in their families to attend college,” said Eden Housing CEO Linda Mandolini. “By investing in their education dreams, we help improve their long-term career prospects, earning potential, personal development and financial security for their families. These students become actively engaged in their communities, contributing to society in ways that will benefit us all for years to come. We can’t wait to learn about their future accomplishments.”

This year’s scholarship recipients are from the following counties: Contra Costa, Alameda, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Sonoma.

Monica Chicas, a recipient who resides in Antioch and is attending CSU East Bay, said the scholarship is a life-changing gift. She shared that she “Feels blessed and honored to be able to have that help,” and that the scholarship will “allow her to focus on completing her assignments and attending classes, while also boosting her self-esteem.” (See Chicas’ video interview)

Three other Contra Costa County students received scholarships:

  • Alicia Freeman pursuing an Associate Degree at Contra Costa College
  • Devon Gordon pursuing an AA in Sociology at the College of San Mateo
  • Ariel Brown pursuing a B.S. in Nursing at Arizona State University

Congratulating the scholarship recipients were members of Eden’s board of directors and scholarship committee; Eden’s president and CEO, Linda Mandolini; presenting sponsors US Bank and many of the elected officials that represent the recipients in their district. The latter include: Congressman Jimmy Panetta – CA 19, Assemblymember David Alvarez – CA 80, Assemblymember Damon Connolly – CA 12, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks – CA 14 and Mayor Juan Gonzalez – City San Leandro. The scholarship awards celebration video can be viewed here.

About Eden Housing

Eden Housing is a nonprofit organization with 55 years of experience providing safe and affordable housing that helps families stay secure, allows communities to thrive, and solves many of the most pressing housing challenges facing California cities. Since its inception, the Bay Area-based organization has developed more than 10,000 affordable homes and is a leader in making its residential communities environmentally sustainable and efficient through integrating energy conservation. Eden is also known as a champion of housing policy advocacy at the local, state, and national level, supporting practices that both create and preserve affordable housing for diverse communities. Learn more at www.edenhousing.org.

Contra Costa Community College District expands Free Tuition Program

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By Timothy Leong, Director of Communications and Community Relations, 4CD

The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) has announced changes to its Full-time Free Tuition Program for Contra Costa College (CCC), Diablo Valley College (DVC) and Los Medanos College (LMC) students beginning the fall 2023 semester. The expansion of this free tuition program, formerly known as FT3, removes the previous requirement that participants must be a first-time student, and opens the door to full-time students who have previously taken college courses or even completed a degree.

To receive free tuition for up to two academic years, CCC, DVC, and LMC students must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADA) for the current academic year;
  • Enroll in a minimum of 12 units; and
  • Be a California resident or otherwise exempt from paying non-resident tuition fees.

Students are not required to qualify for financial aid, demonstrate financial need or meet any income requirements. Although the Full-time Free Tuition Program waives the $46 per unit enrollment/tuition fees at 4CD colleges, participating students are still responsible to pay for other expenses such as books, supplies, and materials fees required by their classes.

“We are very excited to expand the Full-time Free Tuition Program to students who have previously attended college”, said Interim Chancellor Mojdeh Mehdizadeh. “This cost-saving option provides the financial incentive returning full-time students may need to achieve their higher education objectives with us.”

To learn more about 4CD’s Full-time Free Tuition Program, please visit: https://www.4cd.edu/insite/full-time-free-tuition-program/ 

The Contra Costa Community College District (4CD) is one of the largest multi-college community college districts in California. The 4CD serves 1.2 million residents, and its boundaries encompass all but 48 of the 734-square-mile land area of Contra Costa County. 4CD is home to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College with campuses in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, and Los Medanos College with campuses in Pittsburg and Brentwood. The District headquarters is located in downtown Martinez. Each college is individually accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. For more information visit www.4cd.edu.