Contra Costa Herald

Representative Josh Harder. Official photo

California leads nation in housing prices; Harder’s Bring Down Housing Costs Act would expand federal oversight of new state housing agency if housing costs continue to skyrocket

By Kevin Winslow, Communications Director, Office of Congressman Josh Harder 

WASHINGTON – Today, Monday, November 17, 2025, as California considers yet another housing agency, Rep. Josh Harder (D, CA-09) introduced new legislation to hold Sacramento bureaucracy accountable and stop housing costs from continuing to skyrocket. The Bring Down Housing Costs Act would establish a federal task force to investigate and conduct oversight of states failing to curb rising housing costs and develop emergency action plans to make housing more affordable.

Despite reforms, Sacramento’s housing bureaucracy is still an expensive mess: 

• Years of prioritizing process over outcomes has created a bureaucratic monster covering everything from horse racing and alcohol, while also in charge of housing reform.
• The state’s new housing agency, set to start in 2026, is already falling short of prioritizing the most basic housing reforms.
• Bureaucratic bloat has caused California to have the highest housing prices in the nation, making homebuying in the Valley entirely unaffordable.

“Our families are getting priced out of an affordable life in the Valley. We need real action, not another round of musical chairs by Sacramento bureaucrats,” said Rep. Harder. “My bill holds Sacramento’s feet to the fire and makes housing our #1 priority by bringing new federal oversight to yearslong chaos. If these out-of-touch bureaucrats continue to fail, they should be held accountable and fired.”

How the Bring Down Housing Costs Act cleans up Sacramento’s mess:

• New Oversight – Creates a new federal housing task force to investigate states with the highest rising housing costs.
• New Partnerships – Brings together representatives from across the federal government and housing experts for the first time to bring down housing costs in the worst markets.
• Emergency Plans – Issues emergency action plans and best-practice guidelines for states facing year-over-year median home price increases.

As a fifth-generation resident of the Valley, Harder is committed to restoring the affordable dream that brought so many families to our community in the first place. Harder is leading federal efforts to pass the biggest housing reform legislation in decades that would modernize outdated regulations, incentivize smarter land use, and build more homes.

Harder currently represents Discovery Bay in the Contra Costa County portion of the district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Based on the new district boundaries approved in Prop. 50, District 9 now includes Antioch, Pittsburg and portions of Oakley. The congressman plans to run for re-election in the new district.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

One of the two suspects arrested for carjacking and armed robberies. Photo source: Walnut Creek PD

Antioch, Pittsburg, Oakland PD’s, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office assist

Both of history of arrests: Julio Villalobos held on no bail, Britney Zuniga held on $850,000 bail

By Walnut Creek Police Department

On October 20, 2025, at approximately 2:20 pm, a victim called WCPD dispatch to report that his work vehicle had just been stolen. The victim described two suspects driving a grey Dodge Challenger. A short time later, an armed carjacking was reported at 1805 Ygnacio Valley Blvd. with the same vehicle and suspect description. At the time of the call, no suspects were taken into custody.

It was quickly learned that these suspects had committed three additional armed robberies in the City of Pittsburg, the City of Antioch, and the City of El Sobrante. With the collaborative help of Antioch PD, Pittsburg PD and Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, and the Oakland Police Department, Julio Angel Villalobos, a 21-year-old (born 11/4/2004) and Britney Ashanti Zuniga, a 23-year-old (born 9/6/2002), both residents of Oakland, were safely taken into custody. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s office filed 11 felony counts for Villalobos and seven felony counts for Zuniga.

Thanks to our partners in law enforcement for their assistance in the successful arrest and filing of charges against these violent criminals.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, nine-inch tall, 185-pound Villalobos is being held in the Matinez Detention Facility on no bail and has a court appearance on Dec. 9, at 8:30 a.m. in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, he was previously arrested six times, all in 2023, by Alameda County Sheriff’s Department and Oakland PD for crimes including burglary, vandalism of $5,000 or more and attempting to or escaping from jail, prison or an industrial road camp, court jurisdiction of child for parental neglect, receiving stolen property – motor vehicle, vehicle theft, possession of ammunition, carrying a loaded firearm on person or in vehicle while in a public place, carry a concealed pistol, revolver or other firearm on a person, possession or control of firearm before age 30 when person has been a ward of the juvenile court, trespassing, vehicle robbery and carjacking.

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, three-inch tall, 130-pound Zuniga is in the West County Detention Facility on $850,000 bail and has a court appearance on Nov. 21 at 8:30 a.m. in Superior Court in Martinez.

According to localcrimenews.com, Zuniga was previously arrested three times by San Jose and Oakland PD’s, for crimes including assault with a deadly weapon or assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm and threats of violence.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Mike Conklin, Chairman and CEO of Sentinels of Freedom presents the donation check to LMC President Pamela Ralston on Nov. 6, 2025. They were joined by Tara Sanders, LMC Foundation Director (left), Melissa Jackson, LMC Veterans Services Program Coordinator (right) and LMC student veterans affiliated with the Veterans Resource Center. Photos: LMC

Funding to support in-person math tutoring

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

Pittsburg, CA – Mike Conklin, chairman and CEO of Sentinels of Freedom, came to Los Medanos College Nov. 6, 2025, with words of wisdom and a hand-written check worth $5,000 for LMC’s Veterans Resource Center.

Just ahead of presenting the check, Conklin spoke to students attending LMC to gain the skills and education needed to transition from military service to civilian life.

“I’m here to tell you, people in this community want to see you succeed,” Conklin said, after sharing personal stories about the military service of his son whose combat injuries resulted in a stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.  “They all respect your service and sacrifice for this country.”

Mike Conklin speaks with the LMC student veterans.

He noted that Sentinels of Freedom, a nonprofit organization of veterans, aims to help wounded and injured post-9/11 veterans transition into civilian life. Through personalized support, the group provides guidance to veterans pursuing higher education, establishing careers and working toward self-sufficiency. The donation, he said, would support in-person math tutoring for student veterans at LMC. The college has 168 student veterans enrolled this fall.

Conklin also led a workshop for the group on budgeting and financial planning.

“Many veterans return to college after years away from the classroom, often facing challenges in subjects like mathematics as they transition back into academic life,” said Rikki Hall, LMC director of Admissions and Records. “This grant provides essential, targeted support to help them build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and ultimately succeed in achieving their educational goals.”

Los Medanos College Veteran Services focuses on meeting the needs of military-affiliated students, while honoring their distinct experiences and contributions. LMC is approved for education and training under applicable federal and state laws administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the California Department of Veterans Affairs.

About Sentinels of Freedom

The San Ramon, CA-based Sentinels of Freedom are committed to empowering severely wounded and injured post-9/11 veterans during their transition into civilian life. Through personalized support, they provide guidance to each veteran in pursuing higher education and establishing fulfilling careers, facilitating their seamless integration into society and self-sufficiency.

The idea for Sentinels for Freedom began with our founder, Mike Conklin, whose son Kris was wounded in Iraq. While visiting Kris in the hospital, Mike spoke with others who were also wounded. It was then that he realized the tremendous physical and emotional hurdles these war–torn men and women faced when transitioning back to civilian life.  Conklin established the organization as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2007. For more information visit https://sentinelsoffreedom.org.

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.

Marking new era for California passenger rail

By Ahdel Ahmed, Public Relations Manager, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority

Stockton, CA – The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) is proud to introduce a new chapter in the history of California’s intercity passenger rail services with the rebrand from Amtrak San Joaquins to Gold Runner, effective November 3, 2025.

Gold Runner signals a bold new era for intercity passenger rail and bus service in California’s heartland, an identity that honors the past while moving confidently toward the future.

One of the founding goals of the Joint Powers Authority was to ensure local, dedicated management of the service, including control over marketing and brand direction. With continued investment from the State of California, SJJPA has been able to develop and implement strategies that elevate the service’s profile, strengthen ridership, and align messaging more closely with the communities it serves. The Gold Runner brand marks an important milestone in this mission, giving SJJPA the ability to steward the brand, one that reflects the Authority’s vision, values, and regional identity.

SJJPA has been proud to partner with Amtrak in managing and growing the service since 2015. The transition to the Gold Runner brand builds on this strong collaboration and shared commitment to passengers. Amtrak remains a critical partner, and together both organizations will continue to pursue co-branding opportunities that enhance connectivity and ensure a seamless, unified experience for riders across California.

“Gold Runner represents more than a new name, it’s a symbol of our commitment to our passengers and California’s communities,” said David Lipari, Interim Executive Director of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority. “This new identity captures the energy and optimism of our region while positioning us for the future of passenger rail and intercity bus service. It reflects the spirit of partnership, innovation, and service that defines everything we do.”

The Gold Runner identity is designed to align with SJJPA’s long-term expansion plans and California’s broader rail strategy, while fostering stronger connections with neighboring rail services. Just as important, it highlights what makes the system unique: an expansive Thruway Bus network that connects more than half of all riders to destinations across the state.

By uniting rail and bus service under a single, cohesive identity, SJJPA can more effectively communicate the full scope of mobility it provides, support future expansion, and deliver a clearer, more consistent experience for passengers. The Gold Runner name reflects both the heritage and momentum of the Central Valley, representing speed, connection, and California pride.

To celebrate this milestone, SJJPA will host a launch event on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the ACE Rail Maintenance Facility, located at 1020 E Alpine Avenue, Stockton, CA. The event will feature the unveiling of Gold Runner-branded trains and Thruway buses, remarks from transportation leaders, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the beginning of this exciting new era for California’s passenger rail.

About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA)

Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Gold Runner, previously Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile Gold Runner Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com. Gold Runner is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Gold Runner is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Gold Runner Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno.

Issues statement calling it “reckless Republican funding bill” which passed 222-209

Reps. Garamendi, Harder, Senators Padilla & Schiff also vote “no”

Republicans called it a “damaging and unnecessary shutdown” and claim they “acted responsibly and stood with the nation from the start”

By Allen D. Payton

Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D, CA-10) released the following statement upon voting “no” on final passage of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026 (H.R. 5371) in the United States House of Representatives, which ended the longest government shutdown in the nation’s history.

“This Republican spending bill is an assault on the health care, wallets, and wellbeing of the constituents I represent and the American people. Since the start of the year, I have promised to stand up against Republican attacks and protect Americans’ health care. Rather than work with Democrats to negotiate a bipartisan spending bill that keeps care affordable, Republicans shut down the government. After playing politics with Americans’ lives and livelihoods for over a month, nothing in today’s so-called “deal” will make life better for working people than it was before the shutdown started. I continue to hear every day from people who are worried about how to get by and whether they will be able to afford quality health care for themselves and their families. My vote today was in support of and solidarity with these members of our community and millions more across the country whose livelihoods and health will suffer as a direct result of this cruel and reckless bill. Despite this outcome, I will continue to fight on to lower costs, protect health care, and preserve the rule of law.”

The bill, known as a Continuing Resolution, passed the Senate Monday on a 60-40 vote following 13 previous votes, with eight Democrats joining 52 of the 53 Republicans. Both California’s U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D) and Adam Schiff (D) voted “no”. The original bill which passed the House in September was amended and had to return to the House for final votes.

It passed the House on Wednesday on a vote of 222-209 with six Democrats crossing the aisle to back the bill.  Contra Costa County’s other Members of the House of Representatives, John Garamendi (D, CA-8) and Josh Harder (D, CA-9) also voted against the bill.

The House Appropriations Committee issued the following press release about the vote:

House Republicans Restore Order: Congress Passes Clean Funding Extension and Full-Year Appropriations Bills to Reopen Government

“The House of Representatives passed the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, with a vote of 222 to 209.

After a damaging and unnecessary shutdown that lasted 43 days, a funding extension that House Republicans called for and passed in September is finally headed to President Trump’s desk. Senate Democrats voted against this clean, nonpartisan measure 15 times over the course of the six weeks they held the government hostage.

In addition to the continuing resolution, Congress approved three full-year appropriations bills covering the Legislative Branch, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration.

Passage of this first tranche of bills is strong Article I progress for Appropriators, who have already advanced all twelve bills through the full committee. With the rest of the federal government now funded through January 30, 2026, the Appropriations Committee will continue working to move our remaining nine full-year bills across both chambers. This regular order momentum ends the era of backroom omnibus deals and puts taxpayers first.

While Democrat leadership and their progressive caucus determined that inflicting pain on the American people was their pathway forward, reason overturned their obstruction in the end. Republicans acted responsibly and stood with the nation from the start. Now, the Democrat shutdown is behind us, and Congress can refocus on the work the American people expect and deserve.”

Next, the bill will go to President Donald Trump, who plans to sign it tonight.

Source: Plan Bay Area

Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ Is Here
《灣區規劃2050+（草案）》現已發布
El borrador de Plan Bay Area 2050+ ya está disponible

“To help the region build more homes, reduce commute times, and create vibrant downtowns and natural areas for everyone to enjoy.”

By MTC & ABAG

After more than two years of public discussion, technical analysis and refinement, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) have released the Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ and the Plan Bay Area 2050+ Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for review and comment. The plan contains 35 strategies representing public policies and investments that can be implemented in the Bay Area by 2050 to help the region build more homes, reduce commute times, and create vibrant downtowns and natural areas for everyone to enjoy. The plan’s strategies also aim to keep people safe from natural hazards, support a strong economy and provide stable housing for those who need it most.

Unique to this plan cycle is the parallel Transit 2050+ planning effort, which culminated in the first-of-its-kind plan to re-envision the future of Bay Area public transit, in partnership with transit operators across the region.

The first in a series of public hearings for Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ will take place this Friday as part of the MTC Planning Committee and ABAG Administrative Committee.

The draft plan, along with the Draft EIR, the Draft Implementation Plan and accompanying supplemental reports, are all available for review and comment.

The schedule for public hearings on the draft plan and the Draft EIR is as follows:

Public Hearing #1 — MTC Planning Committee and ABAG Administrative Committee
Friday, November 14, 2025, at 9:40 a.m. or upon the conclusion of the Bay Area Infrastructure Financing Authority Network and Operations Committee, whichever is later.

Bay Area Metro Center
Board Room, 1st Floor
375 Beale Street, San Francisco
Instructions to join by Zoom

Public Hearing #2 — Fremont (hybrid)
Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 6 p.m.

Zoom link: https://bit.ly/drafthearing2
Webinar ID: 875 7625 3306
Passcode: 178983
888 788 0099 US Toll Free

In-person location:
Olive Hyde Art Center and Gallery
123 Washington Boulevard, Fremont

Public Hearing #3 — Novato (hybrid)
Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6 p.m.

Zoom link: https://bit.ly/drafthearing3
Webinar ID: 898 0347 9624
Passcode: 129009
888 788 0099 US Toll Free

In-person location:
Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn
215 Alameda del Prado, Novato

Each public hearing will begin with the Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ hearing followed by the Draft EIR hearing. Oral and written comments will be received at the hearings.

See below for additional public participation opportunities.

Read Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+ and its supplemental reports at planbayarea.org/draftplan, review the Draft EIR at https://planbayarea.org/2050/environmental-impact-report-eir, and submit your comments by December 18, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Tell Us What You Think

Submit Written Comments

Draft Plan Bay Area 2050+

• Use the online comment form at planbayarea.org/draftplan
• Email info@planbayarea.org (subject line: “Draft Plan”)
• Mail comments to:
  MTC Public Information Office
  Attn: Plan Bay Area
  375 Beale Street, Suite 800
  San Francisco, CA 94105

Plan Bay Area 2050+ Draft EIR

• Use the online comment form at planbayarea.org/2050/environmental-impact-report-eir
• Email eircomments@bayareametro.gov (subject line: “Draft EIR”)
• Mail comments to:
  MTC Public Information Office
  Attn: Draft EIR Comments
  375 Beale Street, Suite 800
  San Francisco, CA 94105

Leave a Voicemail

Call the Plan Bay Area public information line at (415) 778-2292 and record your comment.

All comments must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Request assistance! | ¡Solicita ayuda! | 請求幫助!

For translation, interpretation and any other assistance, call (415) 778.6757. Three working days’ notice is required.

Para traducción, interpretación u otra asistencia, llame al (415) 778.6757. Se requiere aviso con tres días hábiles de anticipación.

如需翻譯，口譯或其他協助，請提前三個工作日致電(415) 778.6757。

Former EBRPD GM Sabrina Landreth to seek counsel for possible legal action against the District’s Board. Photo: EBRPD

Controversy at EBRPD: General Manager didn’t jump, she was pushed out by Board, seeks legal action

Sabrina Landreth said she was “constructively terminated” and “could not perform…job under a Board of Directors which was not exercising appropriate governance and operates without adequate checks and balances.”

By Sam Singer, President, Singer Associates Public Relations

Oakland – Former East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) General Manager Sabrina Landreth on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, announced she is seeking legal counsel and evaluating potential legal action related to her departure from the district last week and the conduct of the EBRPD Board of Directors.

Landreth resigned from her position as EBRPD General Manager this week but said she was “constructively terminated” by the Board which demanded she take actions–which she refused—that would have violated open government and personnel laws, and harmed her professional and personal reputation.

Landreth said she “could not perform my job under a Board of Directors which was not exercising appropriate governance and operates without adequate checks and balances.”

“The Board was demanding that I compromise my integrity and values. I would not do that,’ she said. “I stand by my values and my reputation as a professional administrator for the past twenty-five years.”

“I am proud of my accomplishments during my EBRPD tenure,” Landreth added.  “There were many projects I had started and am disappointed not to complete because my time was cut short by the Board.”

Landreth was hired in March 2021 and has served for almost the past five years as General Manager of EBRPD, the largest regional park system in the country. Her contract was renewed in 2024 for an additional five years.  She was the first woman to serve as General Manager in the District’s 91-year history. Previously, she held top executive leadership positions managing the cities of Oakland and Emeryville.

Prior to the EBRPD, Landreth served as City Administrator in Oakland from 2015- 2020, where she is credited with strong fiscal management and developing a capital improvement program that included community equity goals and has become a model program for local governments around the country.

Previously, Landreth served as City Manager of Emeryville and as staff in the California State Assembly advancing state and local legislative initiatives.

She serves on the UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy Board of Advisors and a number of community organizations.

When reached for comment on Landreth’s claims, EBRPD Communications and Outreach Manager Kendra Strey responded, “The East Bay Regional Park District has not received a legal claim and cannot comment on pending or threatened litigation.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CHP Assistant Commissioner Robin Johnson presents Northern Division Officer Christopher Partlow with K-9 Judge the certificate of completion from POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training) meeting all the requirements, certifying the dog for law enforcement service during the recent graduation ceremony. Photo: CHP

Four K-9s have joined the ranks of the California Highway Patrol after completing rigorous training alongside their handlers and receiving official certification from the CHP

By Jaime Coffee, Director of Communications, Office of Media Relations, CHP

SACRAMENTO — The CHP has added four new K-9 teams to its ranks, furthering the Department’s mission to provide safety, service and security to the people of California.

The graduating class includes three Belgian Malinois and one Dutch Shepherd, each trained to apprehend offenders, detect illegal drugs and enhance officer and public safety.

“Police K-9s have proven their usefulness time and again in the situations officers face daily. They are hardworking, loyal partners who wake up each day ready to serve. Each of these specialized teams has dedicated time and effort to succeed on the streets, and we are excited to welcome them to our team,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.

Over the past 11 weeks, the four K-9 teams completed more than 400 hours of intensive training, meeting the standards set by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. The K-9s, trained in criminal apprehension and narcotics detection, also known as Patrol and Narcotics Detection Canines, received their official certification on November 7 during a graduation ceremony at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento.

Each K-9 handler is an experienced CHP officer with seven to 15 years of service. Handlers were carefully paired with their canine partners based on temperament, skill and personality. Throughout training, the teams built strong bonds of trust and communication that will support them throughout their careers.

Following this graduation, the new K-9 teams will report to their assigned CHP Area offices to assist with patrol duties and respond to calls for service in the Northern, Central and Inland Divisions.

BY THE NUMBERS

With this graduating class, the second of 2025, the CHP now deploys 53 K-9 teams statewide:

• 37 Patrol and Narcotics Detection Canine teams
• 9 Patrol and Explosives Detection Canine teams
• 5 Explosives Detection Canine teams
• 2 Narcotics Detection teams

From January through September 2025, CHP K-9 teams seized nearly 7,000 pounds of methamphetamine, 5,000 pounds of cocaine, 250 pounds of heroin, 750 pounds of fentanyl and 213 firearms, underscoring their critical role in combating drug trafficking and firearm-related crime.

To maintain peak performance, each team completes at least eight hours of ongoing training each week, ensuring readiness for the diverse situations they encounter in the field.

MEET THE CHP’S NEW K-9 TEAMS

Officer Christopher Partlow & K-9 Judge – Northern Division

Officer Christopher Keeler & K-9 Jag – Central Division

Officer Michael Galvez & K-9 Oso – Central Division

Officer Joshua Walker & K-9 Jury – Inland Division

Contra Costa County is located in the Golden Gate Division. Learn more about becoming a CHP K-9 handler or explore the many other rewarding career opportunities at www.CHPMadeForMore.com.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

News from the East Bay Regional Park District

Includes Green Friday Free Park Day the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28

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

Fall Walks & Strolls. Late fall is the perfect season to get outside and explore East Bay Regional Parks. Whether you’re up for a challenging hike or a gentle stroll, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the cool weather, crisp air, changing plant colors, and abundant wildlife on these fall walks and strolls. Let the natural beauty of the East Bay rejuvenate your spirit on these unforgettable fall adventures.

• Wednesday Walk (3.5 miles), Nov. 12, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve
• Wednesday Walk (3.75 miles), Nov. 26, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
• Saturday Stroll (4 miles), Nov. 29, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

For more information, visit ebparks.org/calendar and search for walks and strolls.

Anthony Chabot Regional Park (left). Credit: Kevin Fox. Tilden Regional Park Botanic Garden (right). Credit: Jacob Drueckhammer. Source: EBRPD.

Green Friday Free Park Day. Celebrate Green Friday — the day after Thanksgiving — with a free park day in East Bay Regional Parks! Fees are waived for parking, boat launching, and fishing — only state fishing licenses, watercraft inspections, and concession fees apply. Admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm is also waived for Green Friday! The East Bay Regional Park District celebrates Green Friday to encourage the public to spend time in nature. It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends the day after Thanksgiving.

Green Friday programs include:

• Green Friday Hike, 9 a.m. at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve (Drop-in)
• Green Friday Hike Amongst the Trees, 9 a.m. at Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (Drop-in)
• Green Friday Gratitude Hike, 10 a.m. at Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve (Drop-in)
• Green Friday Hike, 10:30 a.m. at Coyote Hills Regional Park (Drop-in)
• Turkey Talk, 12:30 p.m. at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve (Drop-in)
• Green Friday Volunteer Opportunities, 9 a.m. at Contra Loma Regional Park and Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area (Registration required)

Contra Loma Regional Park. Source: EBRPD. Credit: I.P. Jones

The Park District is also facilitating cleanup projects on Green Friday. Instead of (or after!) spending the day searching for special savings on holiday gifts, use the day off to give back to nature through a service project. The Park District is facilitating two clean-up events for all to join: At both Contra Loma Regional Park in Antioch and Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area in Fremont, volunteers will be removing invasive plants at designated worksites between 9 a.m. and noon. Registration required.

• Age Restrictions: Youth under the age of 18 must have a signed permission by parent or legal guardian. Youth under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
• What to Bring: Water bottle, gloves, and sun protection.
• What is Provided: Necessary tools.
• Weather Notes: Heavy rain or wildfire smoke cancels.

For more information, visit ebparks.org/we-celebrate/green-friday.

Native American Heritage Month. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by recognizing and honoring the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited this land since time immemorial. Indigenous peoples and tribal citizens in the East Bay continue to be closely connected to the land through distinct traditions, unique languages, and sophisticated knowledge systems.

Individuals from the Ohlone, Bay Miwok, Delta Yokut, and many others, continue to live on this land, practicing their culture and traditions to this day. Immense gratitude is extended to the many Native peoples who have contributed — and continue to contribute — their perspectives, voices, history, and culture to our programs.

Learn more about the Park District’s Native American Heritage Month activities, programs, and stories at ebparks.org/native-american-heritage-month.

Veterans Benefits:

In addition to honoring veterans, service members and retirees with free park entrance on Veterans Day, the Park District honors the Distinguished Veteran Pass, which is administered by California State Parks. Veterans with a Distinguished Veteran Pass receive free day-use parking and free entry to Ardenwood Historic Farm, not including special events.

Plus, the Regional Parks Foundation offers a discounted Special Access Membership for veterans.

Regional Park Membership — the Perfect Gift for Nature Lovers. This holiday season, give a gift that inspires adventure all year long — a Regional Parks Foundation Membership. Members enjoy a personalized Membership Card, free day-use parking, free swimming, camping discounts, free admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm on non-event days, free home delivery of the Park District’s Regional in Nature activity guide and the Foundation’s Compass magazine, and more. Consider the Angler level for free fishing and boat launch.

Purchase by Dec. 5. Visit RegionalParksFoundation.org/Join for details.

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.

La liberación de los beneficios de CalFresh en California para noviembre

All County offices will be closed for Veterans Day holiday, Tuesday, Nov. 11

By Tish Gallegos, PIO, Contra Costa County Employment & Human Services Department

(Martinez, Calif.) – California residents are seeing the restoration of their CalFresh benefits to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards as the federal government issues 100% of the funding following a court order. CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Food Assistance Program (SNAP), provides critical food assistance to households and County residents.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has confirmed the loading of CalFresh benefits to EBT cards for November-eligible recipients who should have received them from Nov. 1-6. CDSS expects the loading to continue for those who were regularly scheduled to receive them Nov. 7-10.

CalFresh recipients can check on their CalFresh benefits by visiting BenefitsCal.com, calling 1(866) 663-3225, or visiting an EHSD office (find office locations at ehsd.org). Note that all County offices will be closed for the Veterans Day holiday on Tuesday, November 11.

With the release of funding to load EBT cards, Contra Costa County is pausing its recently announced plan to distribute debit cards to CalFresh participants eligible for the benefit in November. The distribution was expected to fill the gap from the lapse of federal funding that threatened the food security of 107,020 individuals in Contra Costa County, more than half children and older adults.  Earlier this week, the Board of Supervisors’ unanimously approved up to $21 million from the County’s General Fund authorizing the Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD) to implement the debit card distribution plan.

“We are committed to supporting our community members and remain prepared to possibly distribute the debit cards at a later time if CalFresh (SNAP) funding is further disrupted,” said Board Chair Candace Andersen, District 2 Supervisor. “It is uncertain what will happen with CalFresh benefits for December, and we will hold the County funds in reserve as we watch for the federal government to reach a funding solution.”

The Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency this week due to the federal government shutdown disrupting CalFresh funding. The declaration stands for 60 days, and EHSD expects to report back to the Board about the need to continue the local emergency.

For residents who need food resources, the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano’s Find Food in My City page is available to search by city or zip code for food distribution sites. Community members can also call (855) 309-FOOD (3663).

Additional Resources

• Contra Costa Crisis Center- crisis-center.org; call 988 or (800) 273-8255; or text “HOPE” to 20121
• 211 Contra Costa Database – Contra Costa Crisis Center – comprehensive database of local health and social services for Contra Costa residents
• CAfoodbanks.org – California Food Banks’ website
• ehsd.org – CalFresh updates related to the federal government shutdown

En Español

(Martínez, California) – Los residentes de California están viendo la restauración de sus beneficios de CalFresh a las tarjetas de Transferencia Electrónica de Beneficios (EBT) ya que el gobierno federal emite el 100% de los fondos luego de una orden judicial. CalFresh, conocido federalmente como el Programa de Asistencia Alimentaria de Nutrición Suplementaria (SNAP por sus siglas en Inglés), brinda asistencia alimentaria crítica a los hogares y residentes del condado.

El Departamento de Servicios Sociales de California (CDSS por sus siglas en Inglés) ha confirmado la carga de los beneficios de CalFresh a las tarjetas EBT para los beneficiarios elegibles para noviembre que deberían haberlos recibido del 1 al 6 de noviembre. CDSS espera que la carga continúe para aquellos que están programados regularmente para recibirlos del 7 al 10 de noviembre.

Los beneficiarios de CalFresh pueden verificar sus beneficios de CalFresh visitando BenefitsCal.com, llamando al 1(866) 663-3225 o visitando una oficina de EHSD (encuentre las ubicaciones de las oficinas en ehsd.org). Tenga en cuenta que todas las oficinas del condado estarán cerradas por el feriado del Día de los Veteranos el martes 11 de noviembre.

La Junta de Supervisores sigue comprometida a apoyar a los hogares que no reciben beneficios de CalFresh debido al cierre del gobierno. Cualquier hogar que no haya recibido sus beneficios antes del lunes, puede llamar o venir a una ubicación de EHSD para obtener ayuda. Consulte ehsd.org para conocer las ubicaciones.

A principios de esta semana, la Junta de Supervisores aprobó por unanimidad hasta $21 millones del Fondo General del Condado que autoriza al Departamento de Empleo y Servicios Humanos (EHSD) a implementar el plan de distribución de tarjetas de débito.

“Estamos comprometidos a apoyar a los miembros de nuestra comunidad y seguimos preparados para posiblemente distribuir las tarjetas de débito si los fondos de CalFresh (SNAP) se interrumpen aún más”, dijo la presidenta de la junta, Candace Andersen, supervisora del Distrito 2. “No está claro qué sucederá con los beneficios de CalFresh para diciembre, y mantendremos los fondos del condado en reserva mientras esperamos que el gobierno federal llegue a una solución de financiamiento”.

La Junta de Supervisores declaró una emergencia local esta semana debido al gobierno federal interrupción de la financiación de CalFresh. La declaración tiene una duración de 60 días, y EHSD espera informar a la Junta sobre la necesidad de continuar con la emergencia local.

Para los residentes que necesitan recursos alimentarios, la página Find Food in My City del Banco de Alimentos de Contra Costa y Solano está disponible para buscar por ciudad o código postal los sitios de distribución de alimentos. Los miembros de la comunidad también pueden llamar al (855) 309-FOOD (3663).

Recursos adicionales

• Centro de Crisis de Contra Costa: crisis-center.org; llame al 988 o al (800) 273-8255; o envíe un mensaje de texto con la palabra “HOPE” al 20121
• Base de datos 211 de Contra Costa – Centro de crisis de Contra Costa – base de datos completa de servicios sociales y de salud locales para residentes de Contra Costa
• CAfoodbanks.org – Sitio web de los Bancos de Alimentos de California
• ehsd.org – Actualizaciones de CalFresh relacionadas con el cierre del gobierno federal