Contra Costa Herald

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

2023 California Cooperative Conference in San Jose June 2 & 3

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For agricultural, arts and crafts, childcare, energy, housing, worker-owned cooperatives, etc.

By Alicia Sloper, Admin. and Communications Support Specialist, California Center for Cooperative Development

The Cooperative Movement is well positioned to play a critical role in the larger movement for social and ecological justice. The California Center for Cooperative Development (CCCD) will host its annual California Cooperative Conference at Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose on Friday, June 2, and Saturday, June 3, 2023. CCCD will be showcasing innovative leaders in the cooperative movement and promoting a commitment to local economic development and underserved communities. Statewide cooperators and changemakers will have the opportunity to network with leaders in the cooperative ecosystem, share insight from experience in cooperative development, and discover the cooperative difference.  

This year’s California Co-op Conference is honored to host Keynote speaker Gopal Dayaneni, who will be speaking on Cooperation for Collective Liberation. Dayaneni has been involved in working for social, economic, environmental, and racial justice through organizing, campaigning, teaching, writing, speaking, and direct action since the late 1980’s. Currently, Dayaneni supports movement building through his work with organizations including The Climate Justice Alliance, ETCgroup, NDN Collective, the Center for Story-based Strategy and People’s Solar Energy Fund, among others.  

The event will feature panels and workshops covering a wide range of topics surrounding the co-op movement, with opportunities to learn and take part in both English and Spanish. Some workshops of note include Herramientad de Comunicaion Efectiva para Nuestras Cooperativas with Claudia Arroyo and Ana Castano (Prospera Community Development), Legal workshops on Limited Equity Housing Cooperatives with Karen Tiedemann and Erin Lapeyrolerie of Goldfarb and Lippman LLP, and Cooperative Businessing with Elisabeth Barton (Echo Adventure Cooperative). 

In addition, the California Co-op Conference will provide opportunities to network, with hosted lunches and a Co-op Social. Conference participants be directly connected with statewide cooperators to share their resources, products, and services at exhibitor tables during the conference. Please join CCCD at the California Co-op Conference in San Jose as we build connections, strengthen our learning, and use co-ops to create a just economy.  

More information about the conference, including a full list of workshops, speakers, and links to registration are available via our QR code, at www.cccd.coop, by emailing info@cccd.coop or calling 530-297-1032. Individuals must be registered to attend.    

Please let me know if you are interested in covering this story. I can be contacted via email at asloper@cccd.coop or phone at 530-297-1032 to discuss the details further. I look forward to hearing from you.

“César Chávez: Honoring a Legacy” Awards ceremony at Los Medanos College Friday night

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College board president, Brentwood non-profit leader, Antioch and Brentwood educators to be honored

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

Los Medanos College (LMC) is proud to announce the return of its annual awards to honor the legacy of César Chávez. The event had been on hiatus to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and will be in person once again.

This community event celebrates the life of the labor leader and human rights activist. The celebration also recognizes East Contra Costa County community members who embody Chávez’s great tradition of voluntary service, civic activism, and non-violent social change.

The festivities, which are free and open to the public, will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 21 in the Student Union Conference Center, Pittsburg Campus, 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg.

This year’s honorees:

César Chávez Award for Exemplary Community Service Recipient

Fernando Sandoval, Contra Costa Community College District Governing Board president, for work as president of Latino Voices of East Contra Costa County Chapter; community activist and education advocate; author; veteran; and Pittsburg resident.

East County Educator Award Recipient

Violeta Orozco, Jack London Elementary school counselor, for her work as head counselor at Antioch High School (AHS); and leadership for Puente at Antioch High School.

Chávez Spirit Award Co-Recipients

Diana Hidalgo for volunteer work at One Day at a Time (ODAT) and as president of ODAT Leadership Council.

Norma Guadalupe Zamora Arreguin, a human trafficking case specialist and certified investigator, for work as a paraprofessional at Garin Elementary School special education program (Brentwood); her own afterschool program for children with special needs; and as a part-time student at LMC.

The César Chávez Award for Exemplary Community Service, established in 1995, is presented to local residents who represent the core values modeled by César Chávez: “Service to Others, Sacrifice, A Preference to Help the Most Needy, Determination, Non-Violence, Acceptance of All People, Respect for Life and the Environment, Celebrating Community, Knowledge, and Innovation.”

The East County Educator Award honors members of the educational community who demonstrate a commitment to student success and equity, particularly for students of color and those from low-income families.

The Chávez Spirit Award recognizes up-and-coming leaders who have made a difference in the local community through advocacy and social justice.

For more information about all of LMC’s activities celebrating César Chávez, visit www.losmedanos.edu/chavez/events.  Questions about the events or awards may be directed to Jennifer Adams at jadams@losmedanos.edu or (925) 473-7302.

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.

 

National Volunteer Week: These community heroes are the true heart of the American Red Cross

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Join us — become a Red Cross volunteer today

This year, National Volunteer Week is April 16-22, and the American Red Cross of the Bay Area is recognizing the work of the selfless individuals who generously give their valuable time to support people in need.

Across the country, more than 275,000 Red Cross volunteers serve their communities by responding to thousands of disasters of all sizes; supporting the collection of blood to help patients receive the critical care they need; supporting members of the military and their families; helping communities prepare for emergencies around the globe and much more.

Last year, Red Cross Bay Area Chapter volunteers provided food, shelter, comfort and hope to 968 local families who faced emergency situations. They trained 29,912 people in lifesaving skills and provided 1,740 services to military members, veterans and their families.

“National Volunteer Week is a time to honor these community heroes for their constant service and support,” said Jonathan Bernier, Regional Volunteer Services Officer. “They are the true heart of the Red Cross.”

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are more critical than ever as the climate crisis worsens and the need for shelter, hot meals, health services, and emotional support grows. The Red Cross launches nearly twice as many relief operations for major disasters today compared with a decade ago, and with the 2023 hurricane and wildfire seasons on the horizon, we have a critical need to fill vital volunteer positions.

  • Disaster Action Team Member: As a Disaster Action Team volunteer, you can be a source of refuge and support when it’s needed most. From home fires to storms, unexpected emergencies happen every day, but you can help as a Red Cross volunteer.
  • Shelter Services: Support the day-to-day activities within an emergency shelter by helping with reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information or other areas within a shelter. Free online training will be provided.
  • Disaster Health Services: These valuable volunteers use their professional skills as licensed healthcare providers to deliver hands-on care to people in shelters. There is also a need for Mental Health Services volunteers.

Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started today. Training is free but the hope you provide as a Red Cross volunteer to people in need is priceless. Join us at a virtual volunteer information session on Tuesday, April 18 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. PT, to learn more about our most-needed volunteer positions and talk with a Red Cross representative. Register today.

PLEASE GIVE BLOOD The Red Cross invites the public to sign up to become a volunteer blood or platelet donor. To schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets, people can download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

About the American Red Cross of the Bay Area

With local offices in San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; collects lifesaving blood and platelets; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/bayarea or call us at (415) 427-8000. You may also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Semana Nacional del Voluntario: Estos héroes comunitarios son el verdadero corazón de la Cruz Roja Americana

Por favor, ayude: conviértase en voluntario de la Cruz Roja hoy

Es la Semana Nacional del Voluntariado y la Cruz Roja Americana del Área de la Bahía está reconociendo el trabajo de las personas que generosamente dan su valioso tiempo para apoyar a las personas necesitadas.

En todo el país, más de 275.000 voluntarios de la Cruz Roja sirven a sus comunidades respondiendo a miles de desastres de todos los tamaños; colaboran con la recolección de sangre para ayudar a los pacientes a recibir la atención crítica que necesitan; apoyan a los miembros de las fuerzas armadas y sus familias; ayudan a las comunidades a prepararse para emergencias en todo el mundo y mucho más.

El año pasado, los voluntarios de la Cruz Roja del Área de la Bahía proporcionaron alimentos, refugio, consuelo y esperanza a 968 familias locales que enfrentaban situaciones de emergencia. Capacitaron a 29,912 personas en habilidades para salvar vidas y proporcionaron 1,749 servicios a miembros militares, veteranos y sus familias.

“La Semana Nacional del Voluntariado es un tiempo para honrar a estos héroes comunitarios por su constante servicio y apoyo”, dijo Jonathan Bernier, Oficial Regional de Servicios de Voluntarios. “Ellos son el verdadero corazón de la Cruz Roja”.

NECESIDAD DE VOLUNTARIOS Los voluntarios son más críticos que nunca a medida que la crisis climática empeora y crece la necesidad de refugio, comidas calientes, servicios de salud y apoyo emocional. La Cruz Roja lanza ahora casi el doble de operaciones de socorro para desastres mayores que hace una década, y con la temporada 2023 de huracanes e incendios forestales en el horizonte, tenemos una necesidad crítica de llenar puestos vitales de voluntarios.

  • Miembro del Equipo de Acción contra Desastres: Como voluntario del Equipo de Acción contra Desastres (en inglés), puede ser una fuente de refugio y apoyo cuando más se necesita. Desde incendios domésticos hasta tormentas, las emergencias inesperadas ocurren todos los días, pero usted puede ayudar como voluntario de la Cruz Roja.
  • Servicios de refugio: Apoye las actividades diarias dentro de un refugio de emergencia ayudando con la recepción, registro, alimentación, dormitorio, información u otras áreas dentro de un refugio. Se proporcionará capacitación gratuita en línea.
  • Servicios de salud por desastre: Estos valiosos voluntarios (en inglés) utilizan sus habilidades profesionales como proveedores de atención médica con licencia para brindar atención práctica a las personas en refugios. También hay una necesidad de voluntarios de Servicios de Salud Mental.

Visite redcross.org/volunteertoday (en inglés) para comenzar hoy. La capacitación es gratuita, pero la esperanza que brinda como voluntario de la Cruz Roja a las personas necesitadas no tiene precio. Únase a nosotros en una sesión informativa virtual de voluntarios el martes 18 de abril de 12.00 a 1:30 p.m. PT, para obtener más información sobre nuestros puestos de voluntariado más necesarios y hablar con un representante de la Cruz Roja. Regístrese hoy.

POR FAVOR DONE SANGRE La Cruz Roja invita al público a inscribirse para convertirse en donante voluntario de sangre o plaquetas. Para programar una cita para donar sangre o plaquetas, las personas pueden descargar la aplicación gratuita de donantes de sangre de la Cruz Roja, visitar redcrossblood.org o llamar al 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Sobre la Cruz Roja Americana:

La Cruz Roja Americana alberga, alimenta y ofrece Alivio a víctimas de desastres; suministra aproximadamente el 40% de la sangre que necesita el país; enseña habilidades que salvan vidas; distribuye asistencia humanitaria internacional; y brinda apoyo a veteranos, miembros de las fuerzas armadas y sus familias. La Cruz Roja Americana es una organización sin fines de lucro que depende de los voluntarios y de la generosidad del pueblo estadounidense para entregar su misión. Para más información, visite redcross.org o CruzRojaAmericana.org, o visítenos en Twitter en @RedCross.

Contra Costa Supervisors to honor 2023 Youth Hall of Fame during 29th annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration April 4

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By Kristi Jourdan, PIO, Contra Costa County Office of Communications & Media

Ballet Folklórico Netzahualcoyotl dancers will perform accompanied by Mariachi Monumental. Photo: Contra Costa County

The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will honor César E. Chávez in a celebration recognizing his commitment to social justice and respect for human dignity. The 29th Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 4, in Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar Street in Martinez. Community members can also join the event live on Contra Costa Television channels and the County’s website.

“We honor César E. Chávez and recognize his legacy of fighting injustice and improving the lives of farmworkers, their families, and their communities. We are inspired to commit ourselves to service to others,” said Board Chair Supervisor John Gioia. “We also recognize our 2023 Youth Hall of Fame awardees whose commitment to service and community are to be applauded and are the force moving forward Cesar Chavez’s legacy.”

The theme for this year’s celebration is Hope and Healing – Esperanza y Bienestar. The festival will feature keynote speaker Genoveva Garcia Calloway, community leader and former City of San Pablo Mayor and behavioral health professional, who will share her perspective on César E. Chávez’s legacy.

The event will include presentation of the 2023 Youth Hall of Fame Awards to students who make outstanding community contributions, live performances by Mariachi Monumental and Ballet Folklórico Netzahualcoyotl, and celebratory remarks from members of the Board of Supervisors.

Following are the County’s 2023 Youth Hall of Fame Awards winners:
High School Awardees:

Volunteerism: Frances Kellman-Lima, El Cerrito High School, 12th grade

Teamwork: Prisha Purohit, San Ramon Valley High School, 11th grade

Perseverance: Anayely Arreola Caldera, Liberty High School, 12th grade

Leadership & Civic Engagement: Anay Pant, Athenian School, 11th grade

Good Samaritan: Aria Capelli, Athenian School, 11th grade

Middle School Rising Stars:

Volunteerism Rising Star: Makenzie Lee-Foster, Visions in Education, 6th grade

Teamwork: Zihan Cherry Chou, Adams Middle School, 8th grade

Perseverance: Jered E. Clark, Black Diamond Middle School, 8th grade

Leadership & Civic Engagement Rising Star: Carter Considine, Head Royce, 9th grade

Good Samaritan: Gianna Baglieri, Rio Vista Elementary School, 3rd grade

The annual celebration honors the diversity and richness of our community. To learn more about the César E. Chávez Ceremony, visit https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/6039 on the Contra Costa County website. The community can also watch the event live online at www.contracosta.ca.gov/6086 or www.contracostatv.org. The celebration will broadcast live on Contra Costa Television channels: Comcast Cable 27, ATT/U-Verse 99, and Astound 32 and 1027.

East Bay: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin Sat. & Sun. March 18 & 19

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Photos: City of Dublin

Dublin’s 39th St. Patrick’s Day Celebration will be held Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19, 2023. The festival activities and entertainment will run 10am-5pm both days and is held rain or shine.

The 2023 St. Patrick’s Day Festival’s visitors will enjoy a variety of events such as:

  • Firefighters Pancake Breakfast.
  • St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
  • Shamrock 5K Fun Run & Walk.
  • Food and Drinks – International food stalls.
  • Shopping – More than 250 booths selling crafts, food, jewelry and more.
  • Carnival Rides & Games – Enjoyment for the whole family.
  • Music – Live concerts.
  • Entertainment – Irish Music and Dance.

Annual Firefighters Pancake Breakfast

Green pancakes anyone? Enjoy a delicious hot pancake and sausage breakfast served fresh off the griddle by the firefighters from Local 55.  The cost is only $5.00 per person and the funds are used to support charitable efforts funded by Local 55.  It’s a perfect way to start the morning before finding a seat for the parade or heading over to the festival!

  • Saturday, March 18, 2023
  • 7:00 a.m – 10:00 a.m.
  • Fire Station #16, 7494 Donohue Drive in Dublin
  • (At the corner of Donohue Drive and Amador Valley Blvd.)
  • $5 per person 

39th St. Patrick’s Day Parade

After a hearty breakfast at the Firefighters’ Local 55 Pancake Breakfast, residents and guests can find a spot in Downtown Dublin to watch the Dublin Lions Club St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which begins Saturday, March 18 at 9:30 a.m. The parade kicks-off at Dublin Boulevard and Amador Plaza Road, traveling east on Dublin Boulevard, north on Village Parkway, and west on Amador Valley Boulevard, ending near the Dublin Senior Center. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets to watch from along the parade route. The parade features more than 80 entries, including festive marching bands and floats, Irish bagpipes, local dance troupes, equestrians, and more.

This is a rain or shine event, so be prepared with rain gear in case of foul weather!

2023 Shamrock 5K Fun Run & Walk presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods

Join in the fun and festivities of the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration by participating in the Shamrock 5k Fun Run and Walk.  Lace up those running shores, put on your favorite green, and head out to run or walk.

  • Sunday, March 19, 2023
  • 8:30am race start time
  • 1 Mile 5K course.
  • Commemorative event t-shirt for all participants registered by March 3, 2023.
  • First three finishers in each age group in the Competitive Division will receive a medallion and a Dick’s Sporting Goods gift certificate.
  • Open to everyone! Run or walk our 5K route.
  • Enjoy a post-race celebration with refreshments, entertainment, and prize drawings!
  • Join the over 2,000 participants in this fun event!
  • This is a rain or shine event!

The Shamrock 5K Fun Run and Walk is part of the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration which features three stages of Irish music and dancing; over 250 festival booths; and plenty of Irish food and drink!

For more information on the Fun Run including route map, parking and directions, and how to register, please visit the Event Registration Page. For questions, please contact Anthony Calvo at anthony.calvo@dublin.ca.gov.

Other Things to Do at the Festival

Entertainment – Three Stages of Irish Music and Dance! (See schedule)

You’ll find everything from traditional Irish folk music to Celtic Rock and bagpipes performing throughout Saturday and Sunday on two stages. And don’t miss the Irish Dancers performing continuously on the Dance Stage.

Food and Drink – An International Food Court!

An expanded Irish menu will feature corned beef sliders; Irish bangers and mash; Guinness-marinated tri-tip on Irish soda bread; boxty; and, of course, fish and chips! Traditional festival favorites like kettle corn and corn dogs, along with international choices, such as teriyaki chicken and beef kabobs, will also be served.

Shopping – Over 250 Booths!

The Irish Marketplace will feature unique Celtic artwork, Irish tartans, hand knit wool sweaters, shawls, beautiful Celtic jewelry, and more! Other vendors will include arts and crafts booths, commercial vendors, non-profits groups, and sponsors.

Carnival Rides

Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Irish Tea Cottage

Enjoy lively Irish music along with a steaming cup of Irish tea, served with delicious shortbread and scones. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For the festival’s program, directions and parking, parade route and more details visit the festival’s website at www.DublinStPats.com.

 

St. Patrick’s Day Concert in San Ramon Friday night March 17

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The San Ramon Community Chorus is performing a free St. Patrick‘s Day Concert on Friday, March 17 start at 7:00pm at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center at 9300 Alcosta Blvd. This annual show will also feature performances by the McBride School of Irish Dance. We hope to see you there!

Source: YouTube video screenshot

Source: McBride School of Irish Dance

The Community Chorus is open to those who enjoy recreational singing in a friendly, stress-free atmosphere. We sing familiar tunes from Broadway classics and folk.  No experience or auditions are required. Sessions end with a performance (optional participation).

East County: Hold Your Horses evacuation and rescue group to hold new member orientation March 26

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By Chantel Tieman

Hold Your Horses Livestock Emergency Evacuation Response Team & Rescue is a local non-profit evacuation team and rescue based out of East Contra Costa County.

We are deployed by operations of emergency services, Calfire and local fire agencies and Animal Services. We not only rescue during disasters but whenever there are calls for neglect and abuse etc. For more information visit www.holdyourhorsesevac.com or our Facebook page.